1. BIMCO – Maritime Labour Convention 2018 Amendments – EIF on 26.12.20 World December 18, 2020
The 2018 amendments to the MLC, 2006 will bring about a change to a seafarer’s employment agreement (SEA) where it shall continue to have effect and wages shall continue to be paid while a seafarer is held captive on or off the ship as a result of acts of piracy or armed robbery against ships. This is regardless of whether the date fixed for the SEA’s expiry has passed or any notice to terminate it has been issued. The amendments will enter into force on 26 December 2020. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/18/bimco-maritime-labour-convention-2018-amendments-eif-on-26-12-20/
2. Preventing COVID-19 outbreaks onboard the ships of OSM
2020 has been a year of overcoming challenges for many due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Maritime industry has been trying it’s best to hurdle each wave that crashes in. A particular challenge that has been getting attention lately is the rise of COVID-19 outbreaks on the ships. This is detrimental to the health and well-being of the Crew, impact ship operations, and pose a huge problem to solve for ship and crew managers. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/18/preventing-covid-19-outbreaks-onboard-the-ships-of-osm/
3. Star Bulk agrees to acquire three dry bulk vessels from E.R. Capital Holding
Star Bulk Carriers a global shipping company focusing on the transportation of dry bulk cargoes announced today that it has entered into a definitive agreement with entities affiliated with E.R. Capital Holding GmbH & Cie. KG (“E.R.” or “Sellers” ) pursuant to which the Company will acquire three (3) cape size dry bulk vessels , namely E.R. BAYONNE, E.R. BUENOS AIRES and E.R. BORNEO (the “Vessels”). https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/18/star-bulk-agrees-to-acquire-three-dry-bulk-vessels-from-e-r-capital-holding/
4. Diana Shipping announces direct continuation of Time Charter Contract for m/v Baltimore with Koch
Diana Shipping, a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels, today announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with Koch Shipping Pte. Ltd., Singapore, for one of its Capesize dry bulk vessels, the m/v Baltimore. The gross charter rate is US$13,000 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period until minimum July 20, 2021 up to maximum October 5, 2021. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/18/diana-shipping-announces-direct-continuation-of-time-charter-contract-for-m-v-baltimore-with-koch/
5. Landmark ammonia fuel cell project moves ahead
The ShipFC project will equip the offshore supply vessel Viking Energy, owned and operated by Eidesvik and on contract to energy major Equinor, with a 2MW ammonia fuel cell after it was granted funding from the European Union. The fuel cell will allow the vessel to operate for at least 3,000 hours annually on clean fuel, backers of the project claim. https://splash247.com/landmark-ammonia-fuel-cell-project-moves-ahead/
6. MOL comes clean on how this year’s most high profile shipping accident occurred
Japanese shipping major Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) today came clean on what most in the industry already knew – the reason for this year’s most high profile shipping casualty. Japan’s largest shipping line also warned in the unveiling of new safety measures that from now on it would become far more involved in the selection of all senior crew on ships it charters. https://splash247.com/mol-comes-clean-on-how-this-years-most-high-profile-shipping-accident-occurred/
7. UN agency finds governments in breach of international law, urges quick fix to the crew change crisis
In a landmark ruling the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has found that governments have breached seafarers’ rights and failed to comply with several provisions of the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 during the Covid-19 pandemic, including Article I(2) on the duty to cooperate.
https://splash247.com/un-agency-finds-governments-in-breach-of-international-law-urges-quick-fix-to-the-crew-change-crisis/
8. Baltic Index Gains For Second Straight Week As Capesize Rates Jump
The Baltic Exchange’s main sea freight index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, rose on Friday to log its second straight weekly gain as capesize rates climbed to over six-week high. The Baltic dry index, which tracks rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels, was up 24 points, or 1.8%, at 1,325, its highest level since late-October. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Baltic+index+gains+for+second+straight+week+as+capesize+rates+jump
9. Container Ports Are Booming — And Not Just On West Coast
The spotlight is squarely on the avalanche of containerized imports at America’s largest gateway ports: Los Angeles and Long Beach. But it’s not just California. Volumes are also surging at Gulf Coast and East Coast ports.
https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Container+ports+are+booming+—+and+not+just+on+West+Coast
10. Global Coal Demand To Rise 2.6% In 2021 After Record Decline This Year
There has been a steady fall in demand due to pandemic and countries shifting to cleaner sources of energy.
Global demand for coal is set to jump 2.6% next year after a record pandemic-led drop this year, as recovering economic activity will lift use for electricity, and industrial output, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said on Friday.
https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Global+coal+demand+to+rise+2.6%25+in+2021+after+record+decline+this+year