1. Thai tanker detained in Vietnamese waters for illegal fuel trading
Vietnamese Coast Guard stated on May 25, that CG ship detained tanker SIAM VARICH with some 1,700 tons of fuel on board, in South China sea some 90 nm off Con Dao island, southernmost Vietnam. The ship didn’t carry flag, cargo on board didn’t have respective documents, all 11 crew (understood all Thai nationals) didn’t have certificates and other documents proving their qualification and rank. Master of tanker admitted, that he was engaged in illegal fuel trade in the area, understood selling fuel to fishing vessels. Tanker AIS is off for undefined period of time, years maybe. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/05/25/thai-tanker-detained-in-vietnamese-waters-for-illegal-fuel-trading/
2. Container ship APL ENGLAND lost 40 containers in rough seas, Australia
Container ship APL ENGLAND reported cargo loss early in the morning May 24 some 40 nm SE of Sydney, after temporary power loss, in rough weather. At least 40 containers went overboard, 74 were damaged. The ship was en route from Shanghai to Melbourne, ETA May 25. After the accident, she turned back and headed for Brisbane, ETA May 25. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/05/24/container-ship-apl-england-lost-40-containers-in-rough-seas-australia/
3. Ferry grounding, Italy, Adriatic sea
Ferry ISOLA DI CAPRAIA with 7 passengers on board ran onto breakwater in San Nicola harbor, Tremiti Islands, Italy, Adriatic sea, in the morning May 24, on arrival from Termoli, Italian mainland. Ferry was refloated, probably by own means, and left San Nicola in the afternoon same day, destination Termoli. Damages reportedly are slight or none, mechanical malfunction is believed to be the cause of the accident. http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/05/24/ferry-grounding-italy-adriatic-sea/
4. Thailand ports counting “pandemic” damages
Port Authority of Thailand issued press-release with ports operations statistics during Oct 2019 – Mar 2020 period, which embraces ships calls and containers handling in ports of Bangkok (TOT), Laem Chabang (LCP), Ranong Port (Andaman sea), Chiang Saen and Chiang Khong Ports (Mekong river). http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/05/24/thailand-ports-counting-pandemic-damages/
5. Better be criminal than seaman
On May 22 14 Tunisian migrants on board of passenger ferry MOBY ZAZA, serving as migrants quarantine ship at Porto Empedocle, Sicily, rioted, and demanded immediate landing. Their demand was satisfied, all were taken ashore to a “reception center”, so the only question still unanswered is the question of Italian authorities – did they plea for forgiveness, for being as cruel as that, and confine illegal migrants on board of a luxury Mediterranean passenger ferry? http://www.maritimebulletin.net/2020/05/23/better-be-criminal-than-seaman/
6. Iranian fuel heads toward Venezuelan port, more tankers to come -data
The lead vessel of a five-tanker flotilla carrying fuel supplied by Iran to gasoline-thirsty Venezuela was set to arrive at one of state-run PDVSA’s ports on Sunday, escorted by the military, according to Refinitiv Eikon data and Venezuelan officials. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/iranian-fuel-heads-toward-venezuelan-port-more-tankers-to-come-data/
7. Hyundai Heavy grapples with series of worker deaths
A subcontracted worker hired by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) died while working at a shipyard in Ulsan Metropolitan City, according to Korea’s biggest shipbuilder.
The 34-year-old man, surnamed Kim, was found unconscious at around 11:20 a.m. Thursday in an LNG carrying vessel where he was working on welding operations. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/hyundai-heavy-grapples-with-series-of-worker-deaths/
8. China’s extension of port construction levy relief could boost seaborne trading
China’s extension of port construction levy relief for all import and export goods, including thermal coal, till end of 2020 could stimulate coal trading activities and reduce costs for end-users, sources said last week.
State Council premier Li Keqiang announced the moves May 22 while chairing the third session of the 13th National People’s Congress. The policy could reduce cost of production faced by utilities in electricity generation so as to safeguard livelihoods, he said. https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/chinas-extension-of-port-construction-levy-relief-could-boost-seaborne-trading/
9. BIMCO Offers Detailed Overview Of Covid-19 Implementations
BIMCO continues to utilise publicly available sources to provide the shipping industry with a complete and updated overview of the impact from Covid-19.
There is little doubt the major topic making headlines during the current phase of the pandemic is the challenges related to crew change. For several months, seafarers have been marooned on board ships due to border closures, lock-downs and other preventive measures imposed by port states and governments. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/BIMCO+Offers+Detailed+Overview+Of+Covid-19+Implementations
10. Low Bunker Fuel Prices Bittersweet For Shipowners As Global Trade Volumes Fall
The shipping industry, skating on razor-thin margins, is drawing solace from cheaper bunker fuel prices caused by the coronavirus pandemic. But the jury is still out on whether this will offset weaker shipping demand, which has infected key routes globally after decimating those in Asia. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Low+bunker+fuel+prices+bittersweet+for+shipowners+as+global+trade+volumes+fall
