1. Scorpio Bulkers announced the Sale of an Ultramax Vessel
Scorpio Bulkers announced that the Company has entered into an agreement with Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (“Eagle Bulk”) to sell SBI Virgo, an Ultramax bulk carrier built in 2017, for $15 million of cash and a warrant for 212,315 common shares of Eagle Bulk. Delivery of the vessel is expected to take place in the second quarter of 2021. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/01/29/scorpio-bulkers-announced-the-sale-of-an-ultramax-vessel-2/
2. UK Chamber of Shipping signs Neptune Declaration
Hundreds of thousands of seafarers from across the globe have been left stranded working aboard ships beyond the expiry of their initial contracts and are unable to be relieved since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic. Fatigue after long periods at sea has significant consequences on the physical and mental wellbeing of seafarers. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/01/29/uk-chamber-of-shipping-signs-neptune-declaration/
3. IMO2020 fuel oil sulphur limit – cleaner air, healthier planet
On 1 January 2020, new reduced limits on sulphur in fuel oil brought about a 70% cut in total sulphur oxide emissions from shipping, ushering in a new era of cleaner air in ports and coastal areas by using less polluting fuels.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/01/29/imo2020-fuel-oil-sulphur-limit-cleaner-air-healthier-planet-2/
4. BIMCO push for more cross-industry collaboration
BIMCO has joined the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Well-being and Crew Change, and was encouraged to see the first publication from the Together in Safety initiative. The initiatives signal the need for increased collaboration in the face of great challenges. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/01/29/bimco-push-for-more-cross-industry-collaboration/
5. Crumbs of comfort for crew
It is a good sign for seafarers and the industry that there is so much rallying around behind the Neptune Declaration and pressure is being applied to ensure the messages about the importance of seafarers are being heard. It is vital seafarers get back home, that those stuck at home can return to work, and that crews globally can be treated and recognised as key workers. https://splash247.com/crumbs-of-comfort-for-crew/
6. Fuel price spread back in the spotlight
With the fuel price spread between low and high sulphur fuel oil now firmly back in triple digit territory in Singapore, the world’s top bunkering hub, for most of this month, shipping lines – and scrubber manufacturers – are looking ahead to assess whether the gap will widen or stay at levels reached in January. https://splash247.com/fuel-price-spread-back-in-the-spotlight/
7. Vietnam probes sky-high box rates
Vietnam has become the latest country to take liners to task for the current sky high container freight rate scene. The Vietnam Maritime Administration (VMA) has vowed to probe prices on the transpacific and Asia-Europe tradelanes, where costs to ship boxes have shot up to record levels in recent months. https://splash247.com/vietnam-probes-sky-high-box-rates/
8. North Atlantic Storm Forecasted to Produce Massive 60-Foot Seas
The NOAA Ocean Prediction Center is predicting seas in excess of 60 feet associated with a low pressure system that has rapidly intensified in the North Atlantic off the northeast coast of the U.S. “Low pressure rapidly intensified yesterday and overnight, and continues to produce #hurricaneforce winds to 75 kt today,” the Ocean Prediction Center said in an update posted to Facebook. https://gcaptain.com/north-atlantic-storm-forecasted-to-produce-massive-60-foot-seas/
9. West African Countries Seek Power Ships as Virus Stalls Land Projects
One of the world’s largest operators of floating power plants is in talks to bring power to two West African countries, as onshore plans to expand access to electricity have been hit by virus-related restrictions. https://gcaptain.com/west-african-countries-seek-power-ships-as-virus-stalls-land-projects/
10. Trump’s Trade Deal with China Under Review, White House Says
The Biden administration has former President Donald Trump’s so-called phase-one trade deal with China “under review” along with the rest of the U.S. posture toward Beijing, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said Friday. “Everything that the past administration has put in place is under review,” Psaki said in response to questions about whether President Joe Biden considers Trump’s agreement to still be in effect. https://gcaptain.com/trumps-trade-deal-with-china-under-review-white-house-says/
