1. The Cyprus Shipping Chamber signs the “Neptune Declaration” on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change
The Cyprus Shipping Chamber, as the trade association of the Shipping Industry in Cyprus, signed the Neptune Declaration on Seafarer Wellbeing and Crew Change, together with a number of its Member-Companies and joined the worldwide call to action to end the unprecedented crew change crisis caused by Covid-19. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/02/05/the-cyprus-shipping-chamber-signs-the-neptune-declaration-on-seafarer-wellbeing-and-crew-change/
2. Brazil closes Operation Car Wash investigation
Brazil has officially put an end to Operation Car Wash, one of the largest anti-corruption investigations in history. The operation, which started from a routine money-laundering investigation into a car wash in Brasilia in 2014, has brought down politicians including former presidents from across Latin America and business leaders from large scale enterprises including Petrobras.
https://splash247.com/brazil-closes-operation-car-wash-investigation/
3. South Korea to build $43bn offshore wind farm
South Korea has announced a $43bn plan to develop the world’s largest offshore wind farm by 2030 as part of its efforts to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The project, which was announced by South Korean president Moon Jae-In, includes the construction of a wind farm off Sinan on the country’s southwestern coast. It is expected to have a maximum capacity of 8.2 gw. https://splash247.com/south-korea-to-build-43bn-offshore-wind-farm/
4. Maersk Drilling awarded two-well jackup contract by Aker BP
The rig will finishing a contract with OWM, and then head to Aker BP’s Ivar Aasen with commencement scheduled for the third quarter of 2021. Estimated duration is 73 days and contract value is around $19.5m excluding integrated services provided and potential performance bonuses. https://splash247.com/maersk-drilling-awarded-two-well-jackup-contract-by-aker-bp/
5. China finally grants crew change for MSC bulker, coal carrier queue reducing
The Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC)-owned vessel, Anastasia has been anchored at Tangshan’s Caofeidian Port since September 20 with 16 Indian seafarers onboard, one of more than 50 ships that have been stranded as trade ties between Canberra and Beijing have worsened in recent months.
https://splash247.com/china-finally-grants-crew-change-for-msc-bulker-coal-carrier-queue-reducing/
6. Dockworkers at Nation’s Busiest Port Complex May Get Better Vaccine Access
Dockworkers at the busiest U.S. gateway for trade with Asia may soon have better access to coronavirus vaccines, as officials on the West Coast battle congestion blamed on shortages of labor and equipment needed to handle a record influx of cargo. https://gcaptain.com/dockworkers-at-nations-busiest-port-complex-may-get-better-vaccine-access/
7. CMA CGM to Expand U.S. Headquarters and Launch Start-Up Incubator in Virginia
French shipping group CMA CGM has announced plans to expand its U.S. headquarters in Norfolk, Virginia and launch a new startup incubator that will focus on developing technologies within the transportation and logistics sectors. The world’s second largest shipping company said it chose Virginia following a competitive site-selection selection search that included participation from other states. https://gcaptain.com/cma-cgm-to-expand-u-s-headquarters-and-launch-start-up-incubator-in-virginia/
8. Australia Fines Wallenius Wilhelmsen $24 Million for Criminal Cartel Conduct
Australia has convicted Norway-based shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen with criminal cartel conduct and fined the company $24 million. The conviction brings to a close a wide-ranging investigation by the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) into the international cartel involving several international shipping companies related to shipping of vehicles to Australia from Asia, Europe and the United States on behalf of major car manufacturers. https://gcaptain.com/australia-fines-wallenius-wilhelmsen-24-million-for-criminal-cartel-conduct/
9. Exports From UK To EU Down 68% Since Brexit Trade Deal, Say Hauliers
Exports from Britain to theEuropean Union fell by 68% in January as trade was disruptedafter the end of a transition period following Britain’sdeparture from the European Union, according to a trade bodyrepresenting hauliers. The government did not confirm the data and said disruptionat the border had been minimal since Britain completed itsjourney out of the EU’s orbit at the of 2020 following anagreement on trading arrangements. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Exports+from+UK+to+EU+down+68%25+since+Brexit+trade+deal%2C+say+hauliers
10. Funding Woes Of Flagging Ships
The Government has taken some key initiatives in a bid to promote a self-reliant India in shipping, but the financing of ships registered under the Indian flag remains a challenge. Nothing exemplifies this challenge better than a recent time charter deal involving the Aditya Birla Group company UltraTech Cement and Global United Shipping India Pvt Ltd for transporting cement from Pipavav in Gujarat to Sri Lanka for 15 years using a newly built, India-flagged and Indian-owned ship. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Funding+woes+of+flagging+ships
