1. Container line blank sailings increase to 435
The number of blanked sailings by container lines has increased to 435 as carriers manage capacity in the face significantly lower demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Analyst Sea Intelligence said that the 435 cancelled sailings indicated a drop in demand equivalent to 7m teu in 2020. https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/containers/container-line-blank-sailings-increase-435
2. Tankers pile up off Europe’s coast as onshore storage sites hit limit
Dozens of tankers holding jet fuel and gasoline are at anchor in sea lanes around Europe’s main storage hubs, unable to discharge their cargoes as onshore tanks are full to capacity following the collapse in demand linked to the coronavirus crisis. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/tankers-pile-up-off-europes-coast-as-onshore-storage-sites-hit-limit/
3. Brazilian soya bean exports reach all-time Q1 high of 17.9m tonnes
Brazilian soya bean exports reached an all-time high for a first quarter, jumping to nearly 18 million tonnes in sharp contrast to the slow start of the year. While year on year soya bean exports fell 14% in the first two months, 11.6 million tonnes were exported in March, sending total exports for the quarter into record breaking territory with volumes now up 13.7% compared to Q1 2019. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/brazilian-soya-bean-exports-reach-all-time-q1-high-of-17-9m-tonnes/
4. Port of Antwerp fighting corona infections with a smart bracelet
The Port of Antwerp is teaming up with the tech company Rombit to prevent corona infections by using a digital bracelet that ensures social distancing.
The digital solution is being revealed as the port remains fully operational during the pandemic, with freight handling and industrial production continuing as usual.
https://www.offshore-energy.biz/port-of-antwerp-fighting-corona-infections-with-a-smart-bracelet/
5. OPEC+ production cuts have dire implications for oil tankers
The agreement of the members of OPEC and its allies to cut oil production by 9.7 million barrels of crude per day is not believed to be enough to offset the massive demand drop and will certainly have dire implications for the oil tanker shipping market. https://www.offshore-energy.biz/opec-production-cuts-have-dire-implications-for-oil-tankers/
6. MAN two-stroke engines to power Finnlines’ RoRo newbuilds
Germany’s engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions has won the order to supply two-stroke engines for Finnlines’ new hybrid roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessels intended for operation in the Baltic Sea. As informed, six MAN B&W 9S50ME-C9.6 Tier II-compliant main engines will power three green newbuilds ordered by the Finland-based shipping company which part of the Italian Grimaldi Group. https://www.offshore-energy.biz/man-two-stroke-engines-to-power-finnlines-roro-newbuilds/
7. Key threats that cause cargo claims
UK P&I Club recently published a guide concerning the controls and the key points that the UK Club’s Risk Assessors look for when inspecting a vessel. Specifically, the guide allows ship operators to carry out a similar check on the Threats and Controls, ensuring that the ship has a good risk profile. https://safety4sea.com/key-threats-that-cause-cargo-claims/
8. Iran briefly detains Hong Kong chemical tanker
According to Reuters, the SC Taipei chemical tanker was sailing in international waters on April 14, when it was stopped by Iran. In addition, sources report that the ship was briefly detained in Iran before receiving permission to sail.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) had also reported on the incident, saying that armed men had boarded an unnamed vessel at anchor in the Gulf of Oman but the ship was later released. https://safety4sea.com/iran-briefly-detains-hong-kong-chemical-tanker/
9. US Navy updates guidelines for COVID-19 cases
According to the US Navy the goal is a COVID free workplace, but adds that asymptomatic personnel will be present. For this reason, day-to-day actions must assume COVID is present and crew must wear face coverings, wash their hands, and conduct routine ship dis-infecting. Actions prior to deployed/underway operations Firstly, the US Navy recommended screening for existing medical conditions to take place for personnel at higher risk for COVID morbidity and mortality. While, those crew should also be considered left ashore. https://safety4sea.com/us-navy-updates-guidelines-for-covid-19-cases/
10. Mooring Incidents: Assessing common pitfalls and key challenges
Mooring is a key operation onboard, hindering many challenges for crew members involved. In particular, many accidents involving mooring equipment have reported in the last years, resulting to injuries and expensive claims. https://safety4sea.com/cm-mooring-incidents-assessing-common-pitfalls-and-key-challenges/
