1. Critical situation, knife fight on board of container ship with dozens of migrants
Situation on board of container ship MARINA has become critical. 13-crew including Ukrainians, is encountering shortages of food and fresh water, and has to recycle aircon water for washing and toilet purposes. 78 migrants on board, with the majority claiming to be Bangladeshi, the rest being allegedly from Morocco, Chad, Libya and Sudan, are on the verge of explosion ā revolt or mutiny or just chaotic violence. There was already a knife fight among them, which thankfully, didnāt involve crew. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/05/06/critical-situation-knife-fight-on-board-of-container-ship-with-dozens-of-migrants/
2. Container ship broke off her moorings, Chittagong
Container ship MAERSK SIHANOUKVILLE broke off her moorings at Chittagong port, Bangladesh, in the morning May 6. She drifted to the middle of the river, where finally, she was taken under control by port tug. The ship was taken back to berth, though understood, not without problems. No damages reported, no containers loss. Strong wind and current are believed to be the cause of an accident. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/05/06/container-ship-broke-off-her-moorings-chittagong/
3. Seafarers Happiness Index report reveals how seafarers are affected by Covid-19
The latest Seafarers Happiness Index report, published today by The Mission to Seafarers, has revealed real insight into the lives of seafarers during the global Covid-19 pandemic. The report has revealed that seafarer happiness is lower, with clear concerns about current safety and welfare provision for those serving at sea. Seafarers are urgently calling for improved connectivity between shore and sea and the need for greater support across the industry during this unprecedented time. https://www.seanews.com.tr/seafarers-happiness-index-report-reveals-how-seafarers-are-affected-by-covid-19/186576/
4. IMO postpones further meetings due to COVID-19 but begins rescheduling plans
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has announced that meetings which were scheduled to be held in July, including the next regular session of the IMO Council, have now been postponed, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, work has begun to prepare for a revised meeting programme for the remainder of 2020.
5. Port of Los Angeles Volumes Shrink as Coronavirus Saps Demand
Cargo volume at the Port of Los Angeles is down 15.5% so far this year as the novel coronavirus upends economies around the globe, Gene Seroka, executive director of the busiest U.S. seaport, said on a webcast on Wednesday. https://gcaptain.com/port-of-los-angeles-volumes-shrink-as-coronavirus-saps-demand/
6. Eastern Shipbuilding Lays Keel for First Offshore Patrol Patrol Cutter
Florida-based Eastern Shipbuilding Group has laid the keel for the U.S. Coast Guardās first-of-class Offshore Patrol Cutter.
A virtual keel laying ceremony for the future USCGC Argus was held April 28 at Easternās main facility in Panama City, Florida. https://gcaptain.com/eastern-shipbuilding-lays-keel-for-first-offshore-patrol-patrol-cutter/
7. Metal Shark Delivers First Steel-Hulled Inland Towing Vessel
Louisiana-based aluminum boat builder Metal Shark has delivered its first steel-hulled inland towboat from the companyās shipyard in Bayou La Batre, Alabama. The four-decked, welded-steel, USCG Subchapter āMā-compliant towboat, named Stephanie Pasentine, was delivered to Florida Marine Transporters of Mandeville, Louisiana. The 120ā x 35ā vessel was designed by by John W. Gilbert Associates, Inc. https://gcaptain.com/metal-shark-delivers-first-steel-hulled-inland-towing-vessel/
8. Oil Snaps 5-Day Rally With Supply Glut Eclipsing Demand Recovery
Futures in New York fell 2.3% Wednesday, after doubling in value from a week ago. American gasoline consumption on a four-week basis rebounded at its strongest rate on record last week but remained far below the seasonal average, according to the Energy Information Administration. At the same time, crude stockpiles increased by 4.59 million barrels, and total petroleum inventories rose to the highest level ever, sustaining concerns about storage capacity. https://gcaptain.com/oil-slides-with-glut-concerns-eclipsing-demand-recovery/
9. Maersk App Sees Record Use Amid COVID-19
The demand is driven by customers relying on eCommerce to navigate in a business environment which has seen record numbers of employees working from home for safety reasons while performing day-to-day operations. Record demand for online business transactions has increased the Maersk shipments app usage by nearly 90% in 2020. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Maersk+app+sees+record+use+amid+COVID-19
10. Cyprus Supports Seafarers With Formal Crew Changeover Process
The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM) formally announces a new process to facilitate crew changes during the Covid-19 pandemic. Crew changes for vessels are possible in Cyprus provided certain conditions are met. The relevant decrees issued by the Ministry of Health also permit the long-term stay in anchorage of vessels, including cruise ships (warm lay-up).
