1. BSM launches digital payment platform for seafarers
Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) has launched BSM NiumPay, a digital payment platform for its seafarers and their families to manage finances easily and efficiently. The new payment platform provides seafarers with a multi-currency eWallet and a complimentary VISA card. In addition, a supplementary VISA card is available for the seafarerâs family.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/05/18/bsm-launches-digital-payment-platform-for-seafarers/
2. Shipping industry launch the Gulf of Guinea declaration on suppression of piracy
In 2020, 135 crew were kidnapped from their ships globally, with the Gulf of Guinea accounting for over 95% of the crew numbers kidnapped. This has happened in international waters in an area less than 20% of the size of the sea area dominated by Somali pirates a few years ago. The pirates launch their attacks from the Niger Delta, where they also subsequently hold their hostages. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/05/18/shipping-industry-launch-the-gulf-of-guinea-declaration-on-suppression-of-piracy/
3. Women at sea still face gender discrimination
How can shipping companies support women seafarersâ mental wellbeing and eradicate gender discrimination â and are they doing enough? These were some of the topics that Sophia Onken, Partner and Clinical Psychologist at Mental Health Support Solutions (MHSS), discussed during the âWellbeing For Women In Shippingâ webinar on 14 May. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/05/18/women-at-sea-still-face-gender-discrimination-2/
4. Oil product tanker demolition on track to break 11-year record
In the first four months of 2021, the amount of oil product tanker capacity that has been sent for demolition has already reached the total amount of demolished capacity in each of 2019 and 2020 due to unfavourable freight rates. If that pace continues for the rest of the year, an 11-year record is set to be broken. So far this year, 10 crude oil and 38 oil product tankers have left the active trading fleet and the development in crude oil tanker demolition and that of oil product tankers continues to head in different directions.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/05/18/oil-product-tanker-demolition-on-track-to-break-11-year-record/
5. Contractor Killed in Accident at Gulf of Mexico Offshore Facility -Operator
Houston-based offshore oil and gas producer Fieldwood Energy has confirmed the death of a contractor at one of its Eugene Island offshore facilities in the Gulf of Mexico. As reported by the company, the accident occurred May 15, 2021, during a non-emergency casing pressure test on a shut-in well. No other personnel were injured in the accident and thereâs no threat to the environment. https://gcaptain.com/contractor-killed-in-accident-at-gulf-of-mexico-offshore-facility-operator/
6. EU Directive Will Turbocharge Maritime Venture Capital While US Falls Far Behind
The European Union and the European Investment Bank Group, today said they will increase their cooperation and investment in the maritime âblueâ economy. The institutions will work jointly with European countries to unlock financing needed to reduce pollution in European seas and pay for venture capital investment in maritime innovation. https://gcaptain.com/eu-directive-will-turbocharge-maritime-venture-capital-while-us-falls-far-behind/
7. Philippines bans international crew change for vessels arriving from seven countries
From 15 â 31 May vessels that have called in India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, United Arab Emirates and Oman in the previous 14 day are barred from disembarking their international seafarers in the Philippines, according to ship agents GAC. âFilipino and foreign seafarers with no immigration admission in the above countries within the last 14 days preceding arrival in the Philippines shall be allowed to disembark subject to existing health and safety protocols of the established One-Shop Stops (OSS) for Seafarers,â GAC quoted. https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/regulation/philippines-bans-international-crew-change-vessels-arriving-seven-countries
8. Remotely Operated Locks: Progress, But Still Under Study
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is evaluating remote operation of locks within the U.S. inland waterways system. Timetables are hazy, but the Corps plans to include remote operations capabilities during rehabilitations or new construction, in the work planned, for example, in the Upper Ohio Navigation Project, part of the USACEâs Pittsburgh District. https://www.marinelink.com/news/remotely-operated-locks-progress-study-487696
9. Baltic Index Extends Falls On Lower Capesize, Panamax Rates
The Baltic exchangeâs main sea freight index fell for a fourth consecutive session on Monday, dragged lower by a dip in rates for capesize and panamax vessel segments. The Baltic dry index, which tracks rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels ferrying dry bulk commodities, fell 83 points, or 2.8%, to 2,856, the lowest level since April 26. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Baltic+index+extends+falls+on+lower+capesize%2C+panamax+rates
10. Taiwan Navigation Selects Inmarsatâs Fleet Connect To Enable New Smart Ship Bridge Solution Application
Inmarsat, the world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, has announced that JRC (Japan Radio Company Co. Ltd.) has joined its fast-expanding group of Certified Application Providers (CAP) offering applications via Inmarsatâs dedicated Fleet Connect bandwidth. The announcement follows the successful trial of JRCâs Smart Ship Viewer (SSV) bridge solution onboard Taiwan Navigationâs Handymax bulk carrier Tai Splendor. As a result of the successful trial Taiwan Navigation has now contracted to use Fleet Connect and JRCâs Smart Ship Viewer across its eight newbuildings and eight existing vessels. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Taiwan+Navigation+Selects+Inmarsatâs+Fleet+Connect+To+Enable+New+Smart+Ship+Bridge+Solution+Application