1. Bulk carrier grounding, Brazil
Bulk carrier AEOLIAN GRACE aground at Sao Francisco do Sul, Brazil, since late Mar 3 local time, understood ran aground shortly after unmooring. As of 0630 UTC Mar 4, still aground, two Svitzer tugs at her side, probably about to be refloated. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/03/04/bulk-carrier-grounding-brazil-update-photo/
2. Thailand includes Germany, Italy, France in high-risk zones list
Shipping wasn’t specified or even mentioned, as being embraced by this latest ”hot zones” list and looming “control measures”, authorities are apparently, more concerned with people arriving by commercial flights. But it may well be the case, with all ensuing, very negative, implications for cargo ships, shipping and logistics chains. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/03/04/thailand-includes-germany-italy-france-in-high-risk-zones-list/
3. Three groundings
Panamax bulk carrier ran aground in Inner Japan sea on Mar 1, was refloated same day, resumed sailing on Mar 3 after survey.
Panamax bulk carrier ran aground leaving port in Brazil on Mar 3, in the morning Mar 4 was still aground.
General cargo ship ran aground in Gulf of Tonkin while approaching port, probably as early as Feb 28, as of morning Mar 4 was still aground. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/03/04/three-groundings/
4. Explosion on Korean Navy patrol boat, 7 wounded
A grenade exploded on a Korean Navy patrol boat during firing drills on Mar 3, in Geoje Island waters, Korea, Korea Strait, East China sea. Seven seamen were injured, two of them seriously, all taken to military hospital. The cause of explosion yet unknown, under investigation.
Republic of Korea Navy Chamsuri-class patrol boat, displacement 170 tons, speed 37 knots, complement 24, armament guns. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/03/04/explosion-on-korean-navy-patrol-boat-7-wounded/
5. S. Korea expands support for maritime firms as woes over coronavirus escalate
South Korea said it has decided to take additional steps to support local shipping firms and passenger ferry operators amid growing concerns over economic fallout from the global spread of the new coronavirus. Last month, South Korea announced a set of measures to support the firms, including distributing 60 billion won (US$49.7 million) for passenger line operators and port cargo handling firms. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/s-korea-expands-support-for-maritime-firms-as-woes-over-coronavirus-escalate/
6. Ships’ Values Retreating
Values for older VLCC and Aframax tonnage, as well as for Panamax bulkers have taken a downturn over the course of the past week. In a note this week, ships’ valuations expert, VesselsValue said that in the tanker segment, “older VLCC and Aframax values have softened. VLCC Mediterranean Glory https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/ships-values-retreating/
7. International container volume, shipping rates highlight weakness in imports from China
Following one of the worst weeks in the stock market, questions about the impact of the coronavirus on supply chains abound. Will there be shortages of imported goods as a result of extended Chinese factory shutdowns? Will Chinese factories reopen following Chinese New Year closures only to find labor shortages from workers who elect not to return? Will there be shortages of products manufactured outside of Asia because of missing Chinese-made components? https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/international-container-volume-shipping-rates-highlight-weakness-in-imports-from-china/
8. China’s PMI contracted to 35.7 index points in February – what does it mean for shipping?
The latest PMI (Purchasing Manager’s Index) reading from the National Bureau of Statistics confirms what we all had expected: the coronavirus has dealt a merciless blow to Chinese manufacturing. The official Chinese PMI, which tracks larger businesses, slumped to 35.7 index points from the 50 points reported in January. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/chinas-pmi-contracted-to-35-7-index-points-in-february-what-does-it-mean-for-shipping/
9. Safe operation of on-shore power supply to ships
In addition to choosing cleaner, greener fuels, utilizing onshore power supply service (also known as “cold ironing”, “alternative maritime power” and “shore-side electricity), is another solution to reduce air pollution and emissions from ships, as well as limiting local noise. IMO is addressing the need for global standards for the process of providing shoreside electrical power to a ship at berth, while its main and auxiliary engines are turned off. Draft guidelines on safe operation of on-shore power supply to ships are set to be finalized by the Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment (SSE), which meets this week (2-6 March). https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/safe-operation-of-on-shore-power-supply-to-ships/
10. Iraq’s February crude exports jump 5.6% on higher Kurdish output
Iraq’s February crude exports jumped 5.6% from a month earlier as the semi-autonomous Kurdish region’s exports rose by more than a third to the highest level since October 2017, according to shipping and official data obtained by S&P Global Platts. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/iraqs-february-crude-exports-jump-5-6-on-higher-kurdish-output/
