1. Australia bans coal ship for unpaid crew wages
An AMSA inspector boarded the Liberian-flagged vessel at the Hay Point Coal Terminal in Mackay, Australia, on 25 July after a tip off from the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF). During the inspection, AMSA uncovered some crew had not been paid their wages in full for one year. https://safetyatsea.net/news/2020/australia-bans-coal-ship-for-usd-32274-crew-wages-unpaid/
2. Salvage starts on grounded Wakashio
A salvage operation is under way to remove bulk carrier MV Wakashio, which grounded on a reef off Pointe d’Esny, southeast Mauritius.
Minister of the Environment Kavi Ramano reported to the Mauritian parliament on 28 July 2020 that the vessel’s hull was intact, which would make it easier to re-float, but that a ruptured hose had flooded the engine room. https://safetyatsea.net/news/2020/salvage-starts-on-grounded-wakashio/
3. Long read: Shipping takes steps to improve seafarer mental health training
Haughton is the author of a good practice guide, The Seafarers’ Mental Health Awareness and Wellbeing Training Standard, for The Maritime Charities Group (MCG) and the Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB). Launched on 10 July 2020, the guide was designed with seafarer training courses on mental health and well-being in mind. https://safetyatsea.net/news/2020/long-read-shipping-takes-steps-to-improve-mental-health-training-for-seafarers/
4. Polarcus awarded 3D project
Dubai-based seismic service provider Polarcus has secured a letter of intent for 3D seismic data acquisition services in Asia Pacific. The project has an expected duration of one month and is scheduled to commence in the third quarter. https://splash247.com/polarcus-awarded-3d-project/
5. Liners wary as rates come under pressure with tonnage being reintroduced fast
The inactive containership fleet fell to 313 ships – equivalent to around 1,555,959 teu as of 20 July, representing 6.6% of the total containership fleet capacity, according to the latest numbers from Alphaliner. Liners have reactivated around 1m teu of capacity in the space of just one month.
https://splash247.com/liners-wary-as-rates-come-under-pressure-with-tonnage-being-reintroduced-fast/
6. India and China cut coal shipments drastically
For only the second time this century shipments of thermal coal are on course to slip this year. Alphabulk is predicting shipping will lose up to 100m tons of thermal coal cargo this year with the world’s two most populous nations – India and China – responsible for the biggest drops. https://splash247.com/india-and-china-cut-coal-shipments-drastically/
7. Shipowning: A sunny place for shady people
“A sunny place for shady people”. That was how the English novelist Somerset Maugham brilliantly summed up the principality of Monaco back in the 1950s. The same could hold true for shipowning. As an industry that has thrived on its ability to not pay tax it is has always had a rather lackadaisical approach to engaging with authorities. Lobbying has been haphazard and without much joined-up thinking – too many vested interests getting in the way of the greater good. https://splash247.com/shipowning-a-sunny-place-for-shady-people/
8. Ship Recycling In Bangladesh Leaps Forward With Third Phase Of Key Project Signed
The third phase of an IMO-implemented project to enhance safe and environmentally sound ship recycling in Bangladesh has been given the go-ahead, with Norway committing approximately US$1.5 million (14 million Norwegian Kroner) to support improved ship recycling in Bangladesh. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Ship+recycling+in+Bangladesh+leaps+forward+with+third+phase+of+key+project+signed
9. Record U.S. LNG Output Jump Lifts Exports In Weak Market
A sharp increase in U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) output in the past year has protected the country’s status as the world’s third largest exporter of the chilled fuel, despite multiple cargo cancellations this summer. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Record+U.S.+LNG+output+jump+lifts+exports+in+weak+market
10. JAPAN DATA: Crude Imports Hit 54-Year Low On Pandemic, Non-Mideast Oil Squeezed Out
Japan’s crude imports plunged 31% year on year to 1.91 million b/d in June, the lowest for the month in 54 years, as refiners slashed their crude throughput because of the plunge in domestic oil-product demand caused by the coronavirus pandemic. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/JAPAN+DATA%3A+Crude+imports+hit+54-year+low+on+pandemic%2C+non-Mideast+oil+squeezed+out
