1. Thai bulk carrier crew died having respiratory problems, Brazil
Brazilian Navy on Feb 25 confirmed death of a crew member of Thai bulk carrier CHAMCHURI NAREE, caused by ârespiratory problemsâ. The ship is anchored north of Belem, lower Amazon, arriving there on Feb 2 from Paramaribo Suriname. Coronavirus wasnât mentioned in the statement, as well as any other details of probable causes, accident was reported to National Health Agency and to police. Seaman died while on the way to hospital, in ambulance. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/26/thai-bulk-carrier-crew-died-having-respiratory-problems-brazil/
2. Largest drug bust in Aruba history, ship crew arrested, Russian trace
Aruba, Caribbean, made probably, the biggest narcotics bust in islandâs history, seizing general cargo ship ARESSA in the morning Feb 25, and taking her to Oranjestad. The ship was en route from Guaranao Port, Venezuela, to Thessaloniki Greece, it is said that at least one ton of narcotics, most probably cocaine, was found. She sailed from Suriname early February, called GuaranaĂł in Punto Fijo, and then set sail for Greece. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/26/largest-drug-bust-in-aruba-history-ship-crew-arrested-russian-trace/
3. Fast ferry near-sink, Rio de La Plata
Fast cat ferry ATLANTIC EXPRESS, connecting Buenos Aires with Uruguay port of Colonia del Sacramento, across Rio de La Plata, was reportedly, heavily damaged on Feb 25 while docking at Colonia, with passengers on board. Ferry suffered breakdown and understood, collided with pier, sustaining hull damages and water ingress. Extra pumps were delivered and deployed to take water ingress under control and avoid ferry sinking. All passengers were safely disembarked. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/26/fast-ferry-near-sink-rio-de-la-plata/
4. Coronavirus fears latest victims: cruise ship in Caribbean and container ship in Med.
Cruise ship MSC MERAVIGLIA (IMO 9760512, GT 171598) with over 4,500 passengers and over 1,600 crew members was denied disembarkation of either passengers or crew at Ocho Rios, Jamaica, after she docked in port on Feb 25, in accordance with cruise itinerary. Port Health Officials discovered that a crew member was placed in isolation on board, with a cough, fever and associated muscle pains, with a travel history to a country related to coronavirus. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/26/coronavirus-fears-latest-victims-cruise-ship-in-caribbean-and-container-ship-in-med/
5. Latvian freighter disabled, on tow, Baltic sea
General cargo ship RIX LAGOON encountered mechanical problem in Baltic sea in Fehmarn Belt, NE of Kiel, shortly after midday Feb 25, while en route from Kiel to Kaliningrad, Russia. Tug BUELK was deployed. As of 1730 UTC, RIX LAGOON seemed to be taken on tow, caravan started moving towards Bay of Kiel. Weather said to be stormy. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/25/latvian-freighter-disabled-on-tow-baltic-sea/
6. Coronavirus: Ships arriving from Korea and Japan equated to arriving from China
Hai Phong City and Port authorities on Feb 25 made important decisions which will negatively impact international shipping. They designated quarantine zone berths in port, to handle ships while theyâre not yet fully cleared. It means generally, that the crew wonât be able to go ashore, and will have to remain on board. Whatâs more important, is the decision to include in the list of potentially dangerous from virus ships all the ships which arrive not only from China, but also, from South Korea and Japan. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/25/coronavirus-ships-arriving-from-korea-and-japan-equated-to-arriving-from-china/
7. Is Masterâs arrest in Greek port justified?
Master of cargo ship MALAGA was according to Greek media reports, arrested, after PSC inspector spotted loading line being under water, overload of some 9 centimeter, after loading cargo of marble. The ship was detained, some other detainable deficiencies were found. MALAGA arrived at Kavala on Feb 19, as of Feb 25 she was still in port. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/25/is-masters-arrest-in-greek-port-justified/
8. Tanker attacked, Master killed, Venezuela
Tanker SAN RAMON (SEABOARD I) according to local media report was attacked by 6 armed pirates early in the morning Feb 24 in Boraccha island waters, north of Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela, Caribbean. Master was shot in the face and died, trying to resist. One other crew was injured, one crew jumped overboard and went missing. Pirates looted the ship and crew, and fled. Tanker is anchored during last 7 months ot Court order, as suspect in oil smuggling. She was renamed and re-flagged in Oct last year. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/02/25/tanker-attacked-master-killed-venezuela/
9. BIMCO, ICS, Intercargo And Intertanko Launch Survey To Identify Fuel Oil Issues
The four organisations have launched an online survey with the aim to get a greater understanding of the quality of the new fuel oils and possible safety implications of the IMO 2020 sulphur regulation, and encourage shipowners to participate. Participants are encouraged to provide short answers to 13 questions about their experiences with fuel oil quality since the change to 0.50% sulphur compliant fuel oils. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/BIMCO%2C+ICS%2C+Intercargo+And+Intertanko+Launch+Survey+To+Identify+Fuel+Oil+Issues
10. Coronavirus Impact Masking Post-IMO 2020 Risks For Marine Fuels
Potential risks from the fallout of IMO 2020 are lying dormant as the industry stares down the immediate challenge of a sharp downturn in global seaborne trade. A combination of weaker demand due to the coronavirus and warm winter, strategic buying of clean marine fuels ahead of the deadline and a greater supply of middle distillates from refiners has overshadowed concerns around fuel quality and availability. But rougher waters may lie ahead. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Coronavirus+impact+masking+post-IMO+2020+risks+for+marine+fuels
