1. Genting Cruise Lines launches world’s first post-COVID-19 cruise service
Genting Cruise Lines will launch the world’s first post-COVID-19 cruise route around Taiwan, beginning 26 July 2020.Taiwan, described as having the best COVID-19 response in Asia, with one of the region’s lowest infection and fatality rates, is keen to re-open its tourism industry. Governments worldwide have shut their ports to cruise ships to stem the spread of COVID-19. https://safetyatsea.net/news/2020/genting-cruises-launches-worlds-first-post-covid-19-cruise-service/
2. COVID-19 staff shortages slow down Cape Town port operations
The city is at the epicentre of South Africa’s pandemic with a cumulative number of 61,445 cases, as of 29 June 2020. There has been a large percentage of cases among container terminal workers, leading to a reduction in the number of gangs working vessels and causing berthing delays of up to a week. This also increases the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for ships’ crew. https://safetyatsea.net/news/2020/covid-19-staff-shortages-slow-cape-town-port-operations/
3. Why algorithms beat experts (even in shipping)
Though many of us like to think we know a bit about wine, there are only a few hundred true experts in the world. For those who want to earn the right to use the title Master Sommelier, it takes years of study followed by a notoriously difficult exam that includes a blind tasting test. It stands to reason therefore, that when it comes to predicting a future star vintage, we should listen to the noses of those experts who are masters of their craft. https://splash247.com/why-algorithms-beat-experts-even-in-shipping/
4. CSSC Shipping secures refinancing for seven vessels
CSSC Shipping, the financial leasing unit of China State Shipbuilding Corporation, has secured a ten-year term loan facility of $123.46m to refinance the acquisition of seven vessels. In May, CSSC Shipping also secured $116.8m loan facility to finance the acquisition of four vessels. https://splash247.com/cssc-shipping-secures-refinancing-for-seven-vessels/
5. COSL charters another two abandoned PSVs from Waigaoqiao
COSL, the offshore service unit of CNOOC, has fixed charter contracts for two newbuild PSVs at Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding. The Guo Hai Min Fu and Guo Hai Min Qiang, originally ordered by Singapore’s Pacific Radiance, will support COSL’s operations at Bohai Sea. https://splash247.com/cosl-charters-another-two-abandoned-psvs-from-waigaoqiao/
6. DOF further defers debt payment
Norway’s DOF and DOF Subsea have each entered into suspension agreement with secured lenders to further defer the company’s loan payment. The lenders represents 91% and 88% of DOF and DOF Subsea’s secured debt respectively.
https://splash247.com/dof-further-defers-debt-payment/
7. Cosco orders LNG carrier trio at Hudong Zhonghua
China Cosco Shipping has placed an order at CSSC-affiliated Hudong Zhonghua Shipbuilding for the construction of three 174,000 cu m LNG carriers. The vessels will adopt Hudong Zhonghua’s “Chang Xing” LNG carrier design and are expected to be delivered in 2022. The total value of the contract is RMB3.9bn ($552m), and the vessels will be used for a LNG shipping project with PetroChina. https://splash247.com/cosco-orders-lng-carrier-trio-at-hudong-zhonghua/
8. Korean Shipbuilders Rush To Develop Eco-Friendly Ships Amid Regulations
Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. and other major shipbuilders are scurrying to develop eco-friendly power systems for ships in order to clinch more deals amid toughened emission regulations. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has adopted mandatory steps under which carriers are required to operate a fleet of vessels designed to cut emissions by more than 30 percent by 2025 compared with 2008.
https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Korean+Shipbuilders+Rush+to+Develop+Eco-friendly+Ships+amid+Regulations
9. ZIM And Maersk Container Industry Grow Their Business Collaboration
ZIM Integrated Shipping Services has expanded its reefer fleet with an additional 500 Star Cool reefers, this time upgraded with Controlled Atmosphere (CA), supporting ZIM’s growth in new markets for perishable cargo. This is the fourth consecutive order from ZIM for Maersk Container Industry and it showcases the ongoing collaboration and partnership between the two companies. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/ZIM+and+Maersk+Container+Industry+grow+their+business+collaboration
10. Russian Share Of Europe Oil Market Under Threat As Exports Hit 20-Year Lows
Russian oil exports to Europe are set to hit their lowest levels in two decades in July, with an output cut deal prompting other suppliers to fill the gap left by Moscow, data from traders and Refinitiv Eikon shows. Russia is set to slash seaborne Urals supplies to Europe to 3.8 million tonnes (900,000 barrels per day) next month, its lowest since 1999, when President Vladimir Putin first came to power as prime minister. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Russian+share+of+Europe+oil+market+under+threat+as+exports+hit+20-year+lows
