1. Lloyd’s Register awards Approval in Principle to Jiangnan Shipyard Co. Ltd for its Very Large Gas Carrier digital ship design
Shipyard Co. Ltd has received Approval in Principle (AiP) from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for its Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) digital ship design, the first AiP for a digital VLGC design in China. The design has been granted LR descriptive notes ‘Digital SAFE (AL2)’, ‘Digital MAINTAIN (AL2)’, ‘Digital PERFORM (AL3)’ and ‘Cyber SECURITY’, confirming its compliance with LR’s digital ShipRight procedures. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/11/lloyds-register-awards-approval-in-principle-to-jiangnan-shipyard-co-ltd-for-its-very-large-gas-carrier-digital-ship-design/
2. Inchcape – Solving the crew change challenge
Seafarers are invisible victims of COVID-19. Thanks to local restrictions and logistical challenges, hundreds of thousands have been stranded at sea – marooned on vessels for, in some cases, months beyond agreed contracts. Here Inchcape Shipping Services explains how it combines a physical network with virtual transparency to solve problems, unite families and safely switch seafarers worldwide. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/11/inchcape-solving-the-crew-change-challenge/
3. MOL appoints new Chairman and President
MOL announced the new appointment of Chairman and President has been resolved by the Board of Directors Meeting held on December 11, 2020, with effective date April 1, 2021. In accordance with the president / CEO’s successor plan, the plan was consulted by the Nomination Advisory Committee, and resolved at the Board of Directors Meeting. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/11/mol-appoints-new-chairman-and-president/
4. New guidance aims to help companies devise and implement mental health policies for seafarers
An essential new guide Mentally Healthy Ships has been launched by ISWAN to provide shipping companies and ship operators with information to help devise and implement mental health policies and practices to promote and protect seafarers’ mental health.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/11/new-guidance-aims-to-help-companies-devise-and-implement-mental-health-policies-for-seafarers/
5. China Merchants forms strategic partnership with China Minmetals
China Merchants Group has signed a framework agreement to form a strategic partnership with China Minmetals Corporation to start a series of collaborations. Under the agreement, the two parties will cooperate in the areas of shipping and logistics, port trade, subsea mine exploration and other financial and investment areas. https://splash247.com/china-merchants-forms-strategic-partnership-with-china-minmetals/
6. Asia-Europe rates climb to new highs
Spot rates published this afternoon by the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI) show prices to move goods from Asia to Europe are soaring even further, with one container shipping expert suggesting the all-in rate for forty foot boxes on the trade lane may have breached the $10,000 mark this week.
https://splash247.com/asia-europe-rates-climb-top-new-highs/
7. The year ahead in ship finance
As is customary at this time of the year the editor asks me for my take on key themes in ship finance that readers ought to be aware of in 2021. By and large, I see the trends that have been coalescing through ship finance over the past five years or so continuing next year. https://splash247.com/the-year-ahead-in-ship-finance/
8. Lebanon’s prime minister charged in connection with deadly port blast
Lebanon’s lead investigator into the massive port explosion that rocked Beirut on August 4has charged outgoing prime minister Hassan Diab and three ex-ministers with negligence. The four were charged with “negligence and causing death to hundreds and injuries to thousands more” in the first such official indictment against a prime minister in office in Lebanese history. https://splash247.com/lebanons-prime-minister-charged-in-connection-with-deadly-port-blast/
9. Scorpio Bulkers Inc. Announces The Sale Of A Kamsarmax Vessel
Scorpio Bulkers Inc. (NYSE: SALT) (the “Company”) announced today that the Company has entered into an agreement with an unaffiliated third party to sell the SBI Zumba, a Kamsarmax bulk carrier built in 2016, for approximately $20 million. Delivery of the vessel is expected to take place in the first quarter of 2021. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Scorpio+Bulkers+Inc.+Announces+the+Sale+of+a+Kamsarmax+Vessel
10. Gulf Oil Inks Agreement To Buy Ocean Tankers’ Lubricants Plant In Singapore
Gulf Oil International Ltd, part of the Hinduja group, said it has reached an agreement to acquire the lubricant blending plant and associated facilities from Singapore’s Ocean Tankers Pte Ltd. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Gulf+Oil+inks+agreement+to+buy+Ocean+Tankers’+lubricants+plant+in+Singapore
