1. Ardent to Wind Down Salvage Activities
After five years in business, global salvage firm Ardent says it will no longer be entering into new contracts from May 2020 onward.
Ardent, a leading emergency management and wreck removal company, was formed in 2015 with the merger of Svitzer Salvage, then part of the Maersk Group, and Titan Salvage, part of U.S.-based Crowley Group. https://gcaptain.com/ardent-to-wind-down-salvage-activities/
2. Oil Rises to Two-Month High Amid Demand Recovery
Futures in New York climbed 8.1% Monday, the highest level since mid-March. Chinese oil use is at 13 million barrels a day, just shy of the levels of a year earlier, traders and executives said. Moderna Inc. reported promising early results from an experimental vaccine, tempering fears of a virus resurgence and offering hope that economies can safely reopen.
https://gcaptain.com/oil-rises-to-two-month-high-amid-demand-recovery/
3. Bulk Shipping âAt The Very Bottomâ as Carrier Earnings Plunge
Vessels carrying dry bulk commodities are struggling to make a profit because of the double hit of lower seasonal demand for cargoes and the Covid-19 pandemic thatâs wrecking trade and industrial activity worldwide.
âWeâre really at the very bottom for dry bulk,â William Fairclough, managing director of Wah Kwong Maritime Transport Holdings Ltd., one of Hong Kongâs largest independent ship owners, said in an interview. https://gcaptain.com/bulk-shipping-at-the-very-bottom-as-carrier-earnings-plunge/
4. Cargo ship contacted lock gate, both damaged, Kiel Canal. General cargo ship RIMINI contacted Lockâs gate while entering Kiel Canal in Brunsbuettel, in the evening May 17. Ship and gate were damaged, RIMINI was berthed after exiting lock in Brunsbuettel, Canal side. As of 0700 UTC May 19, the ship was still at Brunsbuettel. Gate reportedly, sustained serious damages and became inoperable. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/05/19/cargo-ship-contacted-lock-gate-both-damaged-kiel-canal/
5. Iran Warns U.S. Over Venezuela-Bound Tankers
On Sunday Iranâs Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Swiss envoy Markus Leitner, who represents U.S. interests in the Islamic Republic, to warn that any measures taken against Iranian fuel tankers will be âmet with a swift and decisive response,â IRNA reported, citing the foreign ministry. https://gcaptain.com/iran-warns-u-s-over-venezuela-bound-tankers/
6. Maersk Latin America chiefâ Expect more volumes H2 if the region re-opens
In an exclusive interview, Maersk Latin America ceo Lars Oestergaard Nielsen, talks about volumes, routes and the impact of COVID-19 in the region.
Speaking to Seatrade Maritime News Nielsen explains the impact has been seen on container shipping in Latin America in Q1. âWhile we donât share specific numbers the overall view we have is that exports during Q1 from Latin America has been affected only to a small effect whereas towards the end of Q1 we have started seeing a clearer impact on the import volumes. https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/containers/maersk-latin-america-chief-expect-more-volumes-h2-if-region-re-opens
7. ATPI teams up with IMEC for crew change charter flights
Marine travel experts ATPI Marine & Energy are teaming up with the International Maritime Employersâ Council (IMEC) on crew changes and joint charter flights.
ATPI Marine & Energy work alongside IMEC members, industry bodies and regulators in a move to identify the most efficient options to transport seafarers to and from ports for crew changes through both scheduled passenger flights and charter flights. https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/ship-operations/atpi-teams-imec-crew-change-charter-flights
8. Drydocks World cuts steel on Boskalis conversion job
The Dubai shipyard held a steel cutting ceremony for the project on Monday 18 May that will see the drillship Yan converted to an offshore installation vessel to be called Bokalift 2.
The conversion involves over 10,000 tonnes of steel and will see the installation of a 10,000 tonne crane with the vessel designed to carry out offshore windfarm installations off Taiwan.
https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/shipbuilding/drydocks-world-cuts-steel-boskalis-conversion-job
9. Survey Report Shows Severe Economic Impact Of The COVID-19 Pandemic On European Shipping
European shipping is facing a critical moment in the face of the current COVID-19 pandemic. Shipping companies, charterers, operators, shipowners, crew as well as onshore staff are all dealing with mounting difficulties in continuing their operations. To better understand the economic impact of the pandemic on the industry and to assess the impact of EU and national measures put in place to alleviate the situation, ECSA conducted a survey in April 2020 among its membersâ companies. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Survey+report+shows+severe+economic+impact+of+the+COVID-19+pandemic+on+European+shipping
10. UK Ports Now Face Greater Uncertainty Due To COVID-19 Than They Did Brexit
Just 36% of UK ports feel confident about their business outlook over the next 12 months and 86% reported either substantial or severe impacts on shipping and customer activities, according to new data published by the British Ports Association (BPA) today.
Data also shows that while most ports have not taken advantage of Government support measures, over half (55%) are not satisfied with the mechanisms and funding available. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/UK+Ports+now+face+greater+uncertainty+due+to+COVID-19+than+they+did+Brexit
