1. WISTA International president Despina Panayiotou Theodosiou among the 100 most influential people in shipping
The Seafarer is listed as no.1 in Lloyd’s List Top 100 most influential people in shipping, for being in the front line during the pandemic. According to Lloyd’s List “The pandemic has highlighted the extent of adversity faced by those who work at sea, but also drawn attention to the vital role they play in keeping global supply lines functioning during such difficult times”.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/15/wista-international-president-despina-panayiotou-theodosiou-among-the-100-most-influential-people-in-shipping/
2. World Shipping Council assesses the COVID cargo crunch
To say that current trade conditions are challenging would be an understatement, particularly in North America, which is experiencing an unprecedented surge in imports from Asia. This COVID-19 related cargo surge was not expected, it is not clear how long it will last, and we must manage our way through it in the short term. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/15/world-shipping-council-assesses-the-covid-cargo-crunch/
3. Human Rights at Sea: driving change in 2020 and beyond
In 2020, seafarers have faced more difficulties than ever before. Covid-19 created new repatriation challenges and crew changes were problematic. Human Rights at Sea (HRAS) continued its important work. Today, on World Human Rights Day, David Hammond reflects on the year and looks to 2021. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/15/human-rights-at-sea-driving-change-in-2020-and-beyond/
4. Mediterranean and Black Sea fisheries are turning the corner on overexploitation
New report shows that while most fish stocks remain overexploited, the number of stocks subject to overfishing has decreased for the first time in decades
After decades of increasing human pressures on the Mediterranean and Black Sea marine ecosystems and fisheries resources, the latest data suggest that a corner is finally being turned on overexploitation of the region’s vital fish stocks. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/15/mediterranean-and-black-sea-fisheries-are-turning-the-corner-on-overexploitation/
5. British Ports Association statement on Global Container Congestion
We are seeing a big increase in traffic which is now cascading across the wider ports industry. However, in general the sector is managing. This is the result of a perfect storm of a global surge in container movements, the traditionally busy pre-Christmas period and some people moving more goods before the end of the UK’s Brexit transition ends. This is putting pressure on the logistics and storage sectors both in the UK abs abroad. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/15/british-ports-association-statement-on-global-container-congestion/
6. Qatar Condemns Tanker Attack in Saudi Arabia
Qatar, the world’s biggest liquefied natural gas exporter, condemned the attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Jeddah in Saudi Arabia and warned of the impact it could have on international energy markets.
Doha considers the incident “an act of sabotage that violates all international norms and laws,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. The announcement comes as Qatar and Saudi Arabia make progress on mending a diplomatic spat that’s divided the Gulf since 2017.
https://gcaptain.com/qatar-condemns-tanker-attack-in-saudi-arabia/
7. Japan Plans Major Offshore Wind Push to Hit Climate Goals
The government will seek to lift offshore wind capacity to as much as 45 gigawatts in 2040 from 10 gigawatts in 2030, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said Tuesday in a statement. Reaching that goal will require a vast expansion of a sector that has current capacity of about 20 megawatts. https://gcaptain.com/japan-plans-major-offshore-wind-push-to-hit-climate-goals/
8. Incoming Biden Administration Faces Early Test with Cruise Shipping’s Return
The Norwegian cruise line Hurtigruten Group was ready to show the world that ships could be made safe from Covid-19. It outfitted its newest vessel, the MS Roald Amundsen, with a suite of prevention measures for cruises among the glaciers, fjords and polar bear breeding grounds of Svalbard Island, far above the Arctic Circle.
https://gcaptain.com/incoming-biden-administration-faces-early-test-with-cruise-shippings-return/
9. GRSE BUILT STEALTH FRIGATE SHIP “HIMGIRI” LAUNCHED
The Launch symbolises the birth of the ship as she makes her first contact with water and is floated out. The ceremony was conducted in true maritime traditions with the application of vermillion, breaking of coconut on the ship’s bow and chanting of vedic mantras. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/GRSE+BUILT+STEALTH+FRIGATE+SHIP+“HIMGIRI”+LAUNCHED
10. Intelligent shipping to power nation
New infrastructure development will strengthen the shipping industry by increasing communication efficiency and lowering the labor and management costs, Xu Zuyuan, former vice-minister of transport, said in his address to the Intelligent Shipping & New Infrastructure Conference in Shanghai’s Lingang Special Area, the newly included part of the China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone.
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/intelligent-shipping-to-power-nation/
