1. It is in Shipping People’s DNA to sail in uncharted waters
The COVID-19 outbreak has been causing a huge impact on people’s lives, families, and communities. For UMAR-WSR was not an exception. It is though in shipping people DNA to sail in uncharted water, to adapt fast and react with stamina in situations like today’s. As the international response continues to develop critical information on the development of the virus, and its impact on the global shipping business activity continuing to change; flexibility and adaptability are imperative. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/05/12/it-is-in-shipping-peoples-dna-to-sail-in-uncharted-waters/
2. Shipping Deputy Minister Vassilis Demetriades is optimistic about the Cyprus-Piraeus ferry connection
Shipping Deputy Minister Vasilis Demetriades appeared optimistic on Monday that a new tender documentation for the ferry connection between Piraeus port and Limassol will be given the green light soon by the European Commission. He said that Cyprus authorities have submitted a number of documents for more attractive conditions and added that he is optimistic that the next few days they will be able to make announcements for the final tender documents. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/05/12/shipping-deputy-minister-vassilis-demetriades-is-optimistic-about-the-cyprus-piraeus-ferry-connection/
3. Ocean Network Express expands its refrigerated container fleet
Ocean Network Express (ONE) continues to expand its current refrigerated container (reefer) fleet by adding another 27,500 new units (including 850 units equipped with advanced Controlled Atmosphere (CA) technology) to meet the growing demand for refrigerated cargo around the world. This new investment comes on the heels of 5000 units (all 40’HC) invested by ONE in early 2020, which demonstrates its strong commitment to meet the demand for containerized reefer trade. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/05/12/ocean-network-express-expands-its-refrigerated-container-fleet/
4. Gil Ofer: For maritime start-ups, there really is no better place than Singapore to be
There is no better time than now to be a maritime start-up in Singapore, says Gil Ofer, Eastern Pacific Shipping’s special advisor for innovation. “Singapore is ambitious in wanting to be one of the leaders in maritime innovation, and so far, they have been doing all the right things to make their vision a reality,” he tells TradeWinds. Ofer says part of the city state’s ‘Smart Nation’ initiative is to create a culture of innovation and experimentation. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/05/12/gil-ofer-for-maritime-start-ups-there-really-is-no-better-place-than-singapore-to-be/
5. Hurtigruten Reveals CO2 Savings Plans for Norwegian Coastal Fleet
As part of the investment, all seven ships in Hurtigruten Norwegian Coastal Express’ fleet will undergo significant environmental upgrades by 2023. All seven of the ships are already installed with shore-power connectivity to eliminate emissions while in port. With the upgrades, three ships – MS Richard With, MS Nordlys, and MS Kong Harald – will undergo a full-fledged transformation to battery-hybrid power with the installation of new low-emission engines and large battery packs. https://gcaptain.com/hurtigruten-reveals-co2-savings-plans-for-norwegian-coastal-fleet/
6. Pandemic Propels Makeover at Shipping Giant Maersk
Maersk is accelerating its plan to transform itself from a container shipping giant into an integrated logistics company following its strong performance during the pandemic, Chief Executive Soren Skou said on Tuesday. Maersk, which handles one in five containers shipped worldwide, aims to expand its land-based logistics services, hoping to gain a larger share of the supply chain from existing shipping clients such as Puma and Walmart. https://gcaptain.com/pandemic-propels-makeover-at-shipping-giant-maersk/
7. Rollover rates for container ports, lines continue rising in April
As congestion and delays continue to plague ports and container shipping project44 said some major ports and carriers were posting rollover rates above 50% in April. The average rollover rates for all ports and lines surveyed stood at 39%. https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/ports-logistics/rollover-rates-container-ports-lines-continue-rising-april
8. Baltic Index Edges Higher As Panamax, Supramax Rates Increase
The Baltic exchange’s main sea freight index extended gains for a second straight session on Tuesday, helped by firmer rates for the panamax and supramax segments. The Baltic dry index, which tracks rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels ferrying dry bulk commodities, increased by 14 points, or 0.4%, to 3,254. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Baltic+index+edges+higher+as+panamax%2C+supramax+rates+increase
9. Sri Lanka Port Authority Upgrades Terminal Management System (TMS) At JCT/ECT To N4
The Navis Sparcs / Express version 3.7 being used as the TMS at JCT/ECT of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) at present, has been upgraded to N4 from 29.04.2021 in order to compete with National competitors as well as International competitors keep in line with the latest developments in the Port industry. The state owned JCT that competitively operates with SAGT and CICT at the Port of Colombo is one of the pioneers and oldest container operating terminals in the region. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Sri+Lanka+Port+Authority+upgrades+Terminal+Management+System+%28TMS%29+at+JCT%2FECT+to+N4
10. Indian Oil Refiners Cut Output, Imports As Pandemic Hits Demand
India’s top oil refiners are reducing processing runs and crude imports as the surging COVID-19 pandemic has cut fuel consumption, leading to higher product stockpiles at the plants, company officials told Reuters on Tuesday. Indian Oil Corp, the country’s biggest refiner, has reduced runs to an average of between 85% and 88% of processing capacity, a company official said, adding runs could be cut further as some plants are facing problems storing refined oil products. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Indian+oil+refiners+cut+output%2C+imports+as+pandemic+hits+demand