1. New research highlights benefits of regular social interaction on board and common obstacles to overcome
ISWAN’s research findings from Phase One of the Social Interaction Matters (SIM) Project have been published today with the support of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and Red Ensign Group who sponsor the project. The SIM Project was initiated with the primary objective of encouraging social interaction on board. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/01/05/new-research-highlights-benefits-of-regular-social-interaction-on-board-and-common-obstacles-to-overcome/
2. Industry update following incident in the Persian Gulf
A Tanker conducting STS Operations in International waters in the Persian Gulf reported a limpet mine attached to the hull of the vessel. Industry organisations are relieved no seafarers have been injured or damage sustained. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/01/05/industry-update-following-incident-in-the-persian-gulf/
3. British Ports Association: Port growth back on the agenda for 2021
The British Ports Association (BPA), which represents 86% of UK port freight activities around the UK, sees the UK’s new trading relationship with the EUbedding in and the mass roll-out of the coronavirus vaccine beginning. However UK ports might well be looking at a different policy agenda by the end of the year. A sustainable growth agenda and promoting the value of ports and their varied activities will be at the heart of the Association’s work over the next 12 months.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/01/05/british-ports-association-port-growth-back-on-the-agenda-for-2021/
4. MSC enhances connection between India and West Africa
To enhance our services to customers shipping goods between India and Africa, MSC is announcing a new direct service from India to West Africa, the MSC India Africa Service (IAS), effective from week 3, 2021. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/01/05/msc-enhances-connection-between-india-and-west-africa/
5. Sudden megamax buying binge sees boxship orderbook to fleet ratio nudge past 10%
The 673,500 teu Q4 ordering rally was the highest intake of new containership orders for five years. Of the 673,500 teu ordered, 591,000 teu were for megamaxes in the 23,000 to 24,200 teu range. Between October 1 and December 31 orders were placed by OOCL, Hapag-Lloyd, Chinese banks for MSC and Shoei Kisen for Ocean Network Express (ONE).
https://splash247.com/sudden-megamax-buying-binge-sees-boxship-orderbook-to-fleet-ratio-nudge-past-10/
6. Wallenius Wilhelmsen takes car carriers out of cold layup
Oslo-listed Wallenius Wilhelmsen has decided to reactivate up to nine of its 16 vessels that are currently in cold layup. Reactivation will take place during Q1 2021, and the reactivated vessels will replace capacity currently sourced through short term charters. https://splash247.com/wallenius-wilhelmsen-takes-car-carriers-out-of-cold-layup/
7. Second Section Removed in Golden Ray Wreck Removal
The heavy lift vessel VB-10000 has lifted the stern section of the Golden Ray onto a barge after completing the second of seven cuts in massive wreck removal operation. The incident command said the removal of the section, known as Section Eight, was completed Monday onto the deck of the barge 455-8, which remained in the area to for ballasting and sea-fastening operations. https://gcaptain.com/second-section-removed-in-golden-ray-wreck-removal/
8. U.S. Navy Names First Female Commanding Officer of a Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier
The Navy announced last Friday that Captain Amy Bauernschmidt will assume the role of commanding officer aboard the Nimitz-class USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) beginning next summer after completing the nuclear power, aviation, and leadership training required of all aircraft carrier commanding officers. https://gcaptain.com/u-s-navy-names-first-female-commanding-officer-of-a-nuclear-powered-aircraft-carrier/
9. Shipping Corporation Employees Plan A Bid To Buy Government Stake In The Carrier
Some 400 serving and 200 former employees with the support of three Indian investors are considering a bid for Shipping Corporation of India Ltd, which has been lined up for privatisation by the government. “It was decided on Monday that employees will participate in the expression of interest issued by the government,” a person briefed on the matter said, asking not to be named. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Shipping+Corporation+employees+plan+a+bid+to+buy+government+stake+in+the+carrier
10. World Bank Commits USD 105 Mn Loan To Improve Waterways In West Bengal
The World Bank has committed a USD 105 million loan for a project to improve the inland water transport infrastructure in West Bengal, the finance ministry said. The Centre, West Bengal government and the World Bank signed an agreement to this effect on Tuesday. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/World+Bank+commits+USD+105+mn+loan+to+improve+waterways+in+West+Bengal