1. Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister thanks seafarers in person ahead of Christmas
Cyprus has always ensured that safety remains a top priority for all shipping operations and is committed to protecting and supporting seafarers, the international key worker of the maritime industry. In recognition of all the hard work and commitment from seafarers over the past year, the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister, Vassilios Demetriades, visited Limassol Port on 23rd December 2020 to thank seafarers in person. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/23/cyprus-shipping-deputy-minister-thanks-seafarers-in-person-ahead-of-christmas/
2. “K” LINE Held Safety Campaign Meetings 2020-2021
On December 23, we held an online meeting for information and opinion exchanges as a part of our Safety Campaign, as well as Season’s greeting together with the four vessels on voyage, which were; “YAMATOGAWA”, a tanker vessel, “SUMMIT RIVER”, an LPG vessel, together with “OCEANIC BREEZE” and “BISHU MARU”, LNG vessels. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/23/k-line-held-safety-campaign-meetings-2020-2021/
3. Hapag-Lloyd orders six ultra large container vessels of 23,500+ TEU
Hapag-Lloyd has signed an order for six ultra large container vessels. The Korean ship yard Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering will build the 23,500+ TEU vessels and deliver them to Hapag-Lloyd between April and December 2023. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/23/hapag-lloyd-orders-six-ultra-large-container-vessels-of-23500-teu/
4. Maritime UK partners with Carbon13 to support entrepreneurs reaching for Net Zero
The appetite for green maritime technology is truly a global opportunity for the British economy, and 2021 will see demand for carbon neutral solutions increase exponentially. Real progress towards maritime decarbonisation is therefore essential – and happily – already tangible. But while there’s been huge progress made, there is still much more that needs to be done to reduce emissions and create carbon neutral solutions. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2020/12/23/maritime-uk-partners-with-carbon13-to-support-entrepreneurs-reaching-for-net-zero/
5. China approves Hyundai Heavy’s merger with DSME
China’s anti-trust authority has given the greenlight to the merger between two major South Korean shipbuilders Hyundai Heavy Industries Holdings (HHI) and Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME). China’s State Administration for Market Regulation has reached a consensus that the potential merger will not hurt fair market competition and issued unconditional approval for the merger. https://splash247.com/china-approves-hyundai-heavys-merger-with-dsme/
6. Diana Shipping secures capesize charter with SwissMarine
Greek dry bulk owner Diana Shipping has entered into a time charter contract with SwissMarine for its 2007-built 174,261 dwt capesize Semirio. The gross charter rate is $13,500 per day for a period until October 5, 2021 minimum up to December 20, 2021 maximum. https://splash247.com/diana-shipping-secures-capesize-charter-with-swissmarine/
7. ONE to Charter World’s Largest Containerships at 24,000+ TEU
Japan-based shipping line Ocean Network Express has announced plans for the long-term charter of the world’s largest containerships. The company has signed a Letter of Intent with shipowner Shoei Kisen Kaisha to charter six Ultra Large Container Ships newbuilds with capacity of more than 24,000 TEU, each for a period of 15 years. https://gcaptain.com/one-to-charter-worlds-largest-containerships-at-24000-teu/
8. EU and UK Clinch Narrow Brexit Trade Deal
Britain clinched a narrow Brexit trade deal with the European Union on Thursday, just seven days before it exits one of the world’s biggest trading blocs in its most significant global shift since the loss of empire. https://gcaptain.com/eu-and-uk-clinch-narrow-brexit-trade-deal/
9. Panama Canal Wait Times Rise For Asia-Bound LNG Cargoes Without Reservations
Average Panama Canal passage wait times for Asia-bound LNG tankers from the US Gulf Coast without reservations are up to 13 days, the Panama Canal Authority has reported. The wait times for Asia-bound cargoes have increased since the delays began in earnest in late October, while they have decreased for cargoes headed in the other direction. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Panama+Canal+wait+times+rise+for+Asia-bound+LNG+cargoes+without+reservations
10. Iraq Aims To Boost Southern Ports Crude Export Capacity
Iraq aims to increase crude oil export capacity from its southern ports to 6 million barrels per day from the current 3.5 million barrels a day capacity, Karim Hattab, deputy oil minister for distribution affairs said in a statement. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Iraq+aims+to+boost+southern+ports+crude+export+capacity