InterManager Daily News 18.05.2020.

1. Today marks a ship management special in the ongoing Maritime CEO Leader Series powered by Ocean Technologies Group, featuring five of the most respected names within the shipping industry. The interview shows contrasting views with how international bodies have handled the current pandemic, and a revisit of crew benefits.
The video starts with InterManager’s own Capt. Kuba Szymanski setting the scene by explaining how the current pandemic compares to previous crises faced by the ship management industry over the past 20 years.
The full article and video can be found on the Splash Maritime and Offshore News page here: https://bit.ly/2WyYd9R
2. One bulk carrier refloated, another ran aground, Parana river
Bulk carrier MARS HARMONY ran aground at 387 kilometer mark, Parana river downstream from Rosarion, at around 1000 UTC May 15, while proceeding downstream with cargo of maize and soy beans, according to Alpemar Agency. Bulk carrier ANTWERPIA reported aground at 375 kilometer mark, Parana river, in Villa Constitucion area, Argentina. The ship ran aground in the evening May 16 while sailing downstream after completing cargo operation at Arroyo Seco, her next port of call being Bahia Blanca, probably for a top off.
http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/05/17/one-bulk-carrier-refloated-another-ran-aground-parana-river/

3. LEXA MAERSK turning ghost
Hapless container ship LEXA MAERSK is to arrive at Rotterdam on May 18, to be berthed at APM Terminal Rotterdam and treated for virus infected crew – well, probably infected. LEXA MAERSK interrupted her voyage to medevac one crew, who was taken to hospital at Charlotte Amalie, US Virgin Islands, see previous news below. Now MAERSK, reportedly, asked APMTR to allow vessel to dock, with 6 other crew, including Captain, being probably, virus infected. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/05/16/lexa-maersk-turning-ghost/

4. Something exploded and caught fire at Lome. Maybe tanker, maybe boxship, maybe both.
Explosion followed by fire occurred on board of Nigerian cargo ship GOD’S LOVE at Lome port, Togo, on May 15. One crew died, several were injured, was reportedly, extinguished. It is not clear what this GOD’S LOVE ship is. According to IMO number (looking still valid, with operational AIS), it’s a container ship broken up long time ago, and simultaneously, it’s a tanker, positioned at Lome. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/05/15/something-exploded-and-caught-fire-at-lome-maybe-tanker-maybe-boxship-maybe-both/

5. 3 container ships under quarantine in Santos Brazil. Something wrong with Santos?
14 crew of container ship LOG IN JATOBA were found virus test positive in Santos port, Brazil, according to The National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) official statement issued on May 14. The ship – understood after completing cargo operations – was taken on Santos outer Anchorage, and put under quarantine, which will last until May 26. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/05/15/3-container-ships-under-quarantine-in-santos-brazil-something-wrong-with-santos/

6. Korean fishing vessel abandoned deep in South Atlantic, 40 crew understood rescued
Fishing vessel KOSTAR is reported on May 15 abandoned, adrift deep in South Atlantic, 575 nm WSW of Tristan da Cunha Island. No news on crew, which should consist of some 43 people (according to ship’s particulars), but most likely, crew were rescued by another Korean fishing vessel KINGSTAR (IMO 8916009). As of 0500 UTC May 15, AIS was still on. Whatever accident befell KOSTAR, it took place sometime during May 12-14. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/05/15/korean-fishing-vessel-abandoned-deep-in-south-atlantic-40-crew-understood-rescued/

7. New BIMCO Law & Arbitration Clause Under Way
BIMCO has started work to develop a new Law & Arbitration Clause. The new clause will provide a short and “one size fits all” approach to dispute resolution, while adding Hong Kong as the fourth named arbitration venue. The addition of Hong Kong reflects its increased popularity as a centre for dispute resolution and that it is currently ranked among the top maritime arbitration centres in the world. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/New+BIMCO+Law+%26+Arbitration+Clause+Under+Way

8. Dry Bulk ‘Very Close’ To Supply-Demand Balance
Dry bulk shipping is “very close” to seeing a supply and demand balance and an improved outlook is expected in the second half of this year and into 2021.
Khalid Hashim, ceo of Precious Shipping, observed that the supply side is getting a “dividend” by the recycling of very old ships, slow steaming by owners using low sulphur fuel oil (LSFO), and forced downtime in drydocks for owners retrofitting scrubbers, allowing the market to benefit from tightening of available tonnage. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Dry+bulk+‘very+close’+to+supply-demand+balance

9. Hapag Lloyd Gets 2020 Off To A Decent Start Despite Coronavirus Pandemic, Uncertainties Remain For The Year
For the first quarter of 2020, Hapag-Lloyd recorded earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) of USD 176 million (EUR 160 million), which is below the corresponding prior-year figure of USD 243 million (EUR 214 million). The Group net result declined to approximately USD 27 million (EUR 25 million). Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) decreased slightly to USD 517 million (EUR 469 million). https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Hapag+Lloyd+gets+2020+off+to+a+decent+start+despite+coronavirus+pandemic%2C+uncertainties+remain+for+the+year

10. Stranded Crew Crisis Is Ticking Time Bomb For Global Trade
You may have read those Kafkaesque stories about seafarers marooned on cargo ships month after month, unable to go home at the end of their work contracts due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. You may have thought, “How unfortunate,” then turned your attention back to your own pressing business problems amid the pandemic. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Stranded+crew+crisis+is+ticking+time+bomb+for+global+trade