1. U.S. Senators Propose Expanding Nord Stream 2 Sanctions
U.S. senators will announce a bill this week expanding sanctions on Russia’s Nord Stream 2, a natural gas pipeline to Germany opposed by many in Washington who say it would tighten Moscow’s political and economic grip on Europe, Senate aides said on Wednesday. https://gcaptain.com/u-s-senators-propose-expanding-nord-stream-2-sanctions/
2. World’s Largest Megaship Arrives in Europe
The 24,000 TEU-class HMM Algeciras arrived in Rotterdam today setting a new record as the largest ship to enter a European port.
The ship arrived at Rotterdam’s Amaliahaven to transfer containers at the Rotterdam World Gateway (RWG) terminal after traveling from the Chinese port of Yantian on its maiden voyage. https://gcaptain.com/worlds-largest-megaship-arrives-in-europe/
3. 86 Test Positive for COVID-19 on American Fishing Trawler in Seattle
American Seafoods Company previously reported that one crew member from its American Dynasty tested positive for COVID-19 on May 30. As a result, the company has now tested the entire crew, confirming an additional 85 crew members have been infected with the virus. Currently the vessel is docked at the Port of Seattle and all crew are in quarantine in facilities in Seattle. https://gcaptain.com/86-test-positive-for-covid-19-on-american-fishing-trawler-in-seattle/
4. Scrapyards Set for New Wave of Containership Demolition as Idle Fleet Grows
Demolition markets in the Indian subcontinent have now largely reopened and are preparing for a new wave of containerships for scrapping.
According to London-based shipbroker Braemar ACM, just 14 have been demolished so far this year, compared with 58 ships by the same time in 2019. https://gcaptain.com/scrapyards-set-for-new-wave-of-containership-demolition-as-idle-fleet-grows/
5. Vietnam’s Quy Nhon Port opens route to Northeast Asia
Quy Nhon Port is located on Vietnam Southcentral Coast. Executives from Vietnam National Shipping Lines (Vinalines), which manages Quy Nhon Port, said the opening of the new route will create new developments for the central and Central Highlands regions, including Binh Dinh province, as it will help facilitate trade with Northeast Asia by cutting transport time and cost and improving the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods compared to regional rivals. https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/ports-logistics/vietnams-quy-nhon-port-opens-route-northeast-asia
6. Yantian develops first international offshore LNG refuelling project in China
Yantian district government, PetroChina, Shenzhen Gas and Yantian Port Group inked the cooperation agreement to jointly develop the project. It will be the first international offshore LNG refuelling centre in China. https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/bunkering/yantian-develops-first-international-offshore-lng-refuelling-project-china
7. Top Ship Managers’ Groups Work Out Crew Rotation Plan For Indians At Foreign Ports
Two prominent ship managers’ groups are attempting to put in place a crew rotation system to bring back Indian seafarers to and from foreign ports as shipping companies continue to struggle in carrying out proper crew changes at overseas locations. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Top+ship+managers’+groups+work+out+crew+rotation+plan+for+Indians+at+foreign+ports+
8. Cosco Shipping To Merge With Shanghai Tanker
The board of directors (the “Board”) of COSCO SHIPPING Energy Transportation Co., Ltd. resolved to approve the proposed merger by absorption (the “Proposed Merger by Absorption”) by the Company of COSCO SHIPPING Tanker (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.* (“Shanghai Tanker”), a company established in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”) with limited liability and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Cosco+Shipping+To+Merge+With+Shanghai+Tanker
9. UK Club: Financial Strength Maintained Due To Exceptional Investment Returns
The Club’s financial position remains strong as free reserves increased by $54 million to $559 million as at 20 February 2020. This was driven by exceptional investment returns of 9.6% for the year. The Club continues to meet all its regulatory capital requirements and Standard & Poor’s reaffirmed the Club’s A (Stable) rating in December 2019. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/UK+Club%3A+Financial+Strength+Maintained+Due+to+Exceptional+Investment+Returns
10. Maersk Ramps Up Rail Service To Keep Exports On Track
The Indian logistics ecosystem came under tremendous pressure due to the nationwide lockdown implemented to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Supply chains started slowing down despite logistics and shipping being deemed as ‘essential services’ which were exempt from all lockdown measures. One of the key factors affecting the supply chains was the severely impacted trucking ecosystem. Trucks were abandoned by their drivers who rushed back to their home towns; dwindling away the movement of cargo. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Maersk+ramps+up+rail+service+to+keep+exports+on+track
