1. Crew hiring gathers pace in Bangladesh
During the last few weeks, scores of vessels have begun recruiting many Bangladeshi seafarers through the Government Shipping Office (GSO) and by private manning agents, although official crew figures have not been revealed.
https://safetyatsea.net/news/2020/crew-hiring-gathers-pace-in-bangladesh/
2. Castor Maritime strikes for its fifth panamax bulker
Fast growing Nasdaq-listed bulker owner Castor Maritime has entered into an agreement to acquire a 2010-built Japanese panamax dry bulk carrier. Castor paid $12.75m for the vessel, although did not reveal the name of the vessel or seller. Brokers have identified the vessel as the 76,600 dwt Faye, owned by Greece’s Soloi Inc. https://splash247.com/castor-maritime-strikes-for-its-fifth-panamax-bulker/
3. Ardmore Shipping brings in pair of MR tankers
The company confirmed that it has entered into an agreement to acquire a 2010-built 50,093 dwt Japanese-built MR tanker for a price of $16.7m. Shipbroking sources reported that the vessel is Maersk Murotsu, sold by Japanese owner Fuyo Kaiun. https://splash247.com/ardmore-shipping-acquires-a-tanker-charters-in-another/
4. Chinese general cargo ship capsizes near Taiwan, four dead
Chinese cargo ship Hong Xiang 819 capsized while sailing near Penghu Islands of Taiwan on Tuesday, resulting in the death of four crewmembers and four others missing. Maritime rescue teams from Fujian, Guandong and Taiwan all joined the search and rescue operations after the incident occurred. 15 fishing vessels in the nearby area also joined the search.
https://splash247.com/chinese-general-cargo-ship-capsizes-near-taiwan-four-dead/
5. Maritime CEO Forums to return next year
The Maritime CEO Forums have been rescheduled for the second half of 2021 and will take place at their regular venues. This year’s events have been cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic. The exclusive by-invite-only shipowner gatherings are organised by Asia Shipping Media (ASM), Splash’s parent company.
https://splash247.com/maritime-ceo-forums-to-return-next-year/
6. Australia Bans Another Ship Over Wages Owed to Crew
For the second time in less than a week, Australian maritime officials have banned a foreign-flagged bulk carrier from its ports over underpaid wages to crew. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) announced overnight that the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier TW Hamburg has been banned from Australian ports for 12 months.
https://gcaptain.com/australia-bans-another-ship-over-wages-owed-to-crew/
7. Coast Guard Rescues Fisherman as Vessel Sinks Near Columbia River Entrance
At 1:30 a.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Columbia River received a VHF-FM radio mayday call from a man aboard a commercial fishing vessel taking on water near Cape Disappointment. A Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment 47-foot Motor Lifeboat crew and a Sector Columbia River MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew responded. https://gcaptain.com/coast-guard-rescues-fisherman-as-vessel-sinks-near-columbia-river-entrance/
8. Clean Tanker Demand Showing Signs Of Strength For Winter: Ardmore
A drop in clean tanker demand from an early second quarter peak looks to have bottomed out, with signs emerging of a strong upcoming winter market, Ardmore Shipping said July 28.
https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Clean+tanker+demand+showing+signs+of+strength+for+winter%3A+Ardmore
9. Latest Seafarers Happiness Index Report Reveals Seafarer Welfare Crisis At Tipping Point
The report makes it clear that the seafarer community is in the midst of a mental health crisis. The report shows the continuing decline of happiness at sea, largely due to the inability of seafarers to sign off and return home. Heavy workloads, virus fears and a perceived lack of COVID-19 precautions on board vessels are exacerbating the decline in satisfaction. Without immediate action, there are significant risks for the mental and physical wellbeing of crew and a growing risk to safety. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Latest+Seafarers+Happiness+Index+Report+Reveals+Seafarer+Welfare+Crisis+At+Tipping+Point
10. Baltic Index Snaps 7-Day Losing Streak As Rates For Larger Vessels Rebound
The Baltic Exchange’s main sea freight index rose on Wednesday, after declining for seven consecutive sessions, as rates for larger capesize and panamax vessels bounced back after a series of declines. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Baltic+index+snaps+7-day+losing+streak+as+rates+for+larger+vessels+rebound
