1 . Russia begins building world’s most powerful icebreaker
Russia’s Zvezda shipyard has begun construction of the first ‘Leader’-class nuclear icebreaker named Russia, one of the first of a fleet that Russia plans to build by 2035 in a bid to improve ship safety in the Arctic. The Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom said the vessel is slated to become operational in 2027 to escort merchant vessels on the Northern Sea Route (NSR).
https://safetyatsea.net/news/2020/russia-begins-build-of-worlds-most-powerful-icebreaker/
2. Violent piracy crime continues with attacks in Batangas
Two cases of armed robbery happened on ships anchored in Batangas, Philippines, within a week, indicating a growing sign of violence in piracy and sea robberies in the region. In both cases, the perpetrators threatened the crew with knives. The ship names were not disclosed. https://safetyatsea.net/news/2020/violent-piracy-crime-continues-with-attacks-in-batangas/
3. Island-wide protest planned as Mauritius PM feels the heat from the Wakashio disaster
A protest march is planned across the island of Mauritius tomorrow at midday as locals react with anger to the government’s slow handling of the oil spill from the Japanese-owned Wakashio bulk carrier. Protests are also being planned at the same time on Saturday in front of the Mauritian embassies in capital cities around the world. https://splash247.com/island-wide-protest-planned-as-mauritius-pm-feels-the-heat-from-the-wakashio-disaster/
4. H&W Group: Reviving British shipbuilding
On Tuesday the British prime minister, Boris Johnson, headed to Devon in the southwest of the country to visit a historic shipyard, which has just been saved. UK firm InfraStrata has paid $9.2m to buy Appledore Shipyard, a niche shipbuilder that has been churning out ships for more than 150 years.
https://splash247.com/hw-group-reviving-british-shipbuilding/
5. Shipping’s crew change crisis: global problem, local actions
At ports around the world, Covid-19 has prompted the most instantaneous and staggering reordering of crew change best practice in the modern globalised era. With daily changes in government instructions and medical advice becoming the norm, the shipping industry faces a genuine challenge in delivering clear information and advice that ensures the safe transition of crews, while also maintaining the businesses of shi owners and operators as far as is practically possible.
https://splash247.com/shippings-crew-change-crisis-global-problem-local-actions/
6. Outrage as Dead Dolphins Wash Ashore in Mauritius Near Wakashio Wreck
At least 40 dolphins have mysteriously died in an area of Mauritius affected by an oil spill from a Japanese ship, officials and witnesses said on Friday, as witnesses described the deaths of one mother dolphin and her baby. https://gcaptain.com/outrage-as-dead-dolphins-wash-ashore-in-mauritius-near-wakashio-wreck/
7. EU Set to Sanction Turkey Over Ships in Disputed East Med Exploration Area
The European Union is preparing sanctions against Turkey that could be discussed at the bloc’s next summit on Sept. 24 in response to the eastern Mediterranean dispute with Greece, the EU’s top diplomat said on Friday. https://gcaptain.com/eu-set-to-sanction-turkey-over-ships-in-disputed-east-med-exploration-area/
8. Talking repatriation and international cooperation during the pandemic
Successful seafarer repatriation procedures have been highlighted as part of an in-depth webinar run by the Embassy of Indonesia in London (26 August). The event, which gathered representatives from governments and international organizations, provided a platform for countries to learn from effective measures and to discuss ways forward.
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/talking-repatriation-and-international-cooperation-during-the-pandemic/
9. Iranian Vessel Loads With Venezuelan Alumina, Amid Closer Ties -Sources
An Iranian-flagged vessel loaded a cargo of alumina in Venezuela this month after delivering supplies for an Iranian supermarket in the South American nation, three sources familiar with the shipment said, in the latest sign of closer ties between the U.S.-sanctioned nations.
https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Iranian+vessel+loads+with+Venezuelan+alumina%2C+amid+closer+ties+-sources
10. Asia LNG Price Hovers Above $4/MmBtu As Hurricane Disrupts U.S. Exports
Asian spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices hovered above $4 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) this week as cargo loadings from the United States were delayed due to a powerful hurricane. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Asia+LNG+price+hovers+above+%244%2FmmBtu+as+hurricane+disrupts+U.S.+exports
