1. Thome uses consolidated data for Safe and Smart Navigation
Collaborative navigation planning is a key focus on vessels managed by Thome. It is achieved by consolidating data such as port, tidal, and weather in one easy-to-use interface and providing a shared view to create an efficient workflow. This leads to smarter situational awareness, enabling Thome navigators to optimise voyage planning and mitigate risk. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/08/11/thome-uses-consolidated-data-for-safe-and-smart-navigation/
2. V.Group shortlisted for SAFETY4SEA Training Award 2021
V.Group has been nominated for the 2021 Training Award, which aims to reward any organisation that provided a significant achievement or breakthrough or significant contribution in any aspect of maritime training. At V.Group, training and development of crew and colleagues is at the heart of all operations. Initiatives launched over the past 18 months show the Group’s commitment to achieving the highest standards. Pre COVID-19, V.Group recognised that the future of training and assessment was in cloud simulation and innovated the way training was delivered. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/08/11/v-group-shortlisted-for-safety4sea-training-award-2021/
3. COLUMBIA Cruise Services steers into British waters with new UK operation
COLUMBIA Cruise Services (CCS) is proud to announce it is heading into British waters by launching CCS UK, a Southampton-based ship management and recruiting operation. The cruise vessel management business will continue running fleets for its existing UK shipping operators while aiming to attract new clients. CCS recently purchased premises in Southampton, England, which will serve as the company’s UK office. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/08/11/ccs-steers-into-british-waters-with-new-uk-operation/
4. Clarkson reports impressive first half performance, as shipping markets recover
Clarksons is the world’s leading provider of integrated shipping services. From offices in 23 countries on six continents, we play a vital intermediary role in the movement of the majority of commodities around the world. Clarkson PLC announces unaudited Interim results for the six months ended 30 June 2021. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/08/11/clarkson-reports-impressive-first-half-performance-as-shipping-markets-recover/
5. Court orders EPA to update regulations related to use of dispersants on oil spills
A coalition of environmental groups and individuals has won a lawsuit in federal district court that will require the US Environmental Protection Agency to update its decades-old regulations on the use of toxic chemical dispersants in oil spill responses. In June 2020, as part of this case, US District Court Judge William Orrick ruled that the Clean Water Act imposes on the EPA a duty to maintain an up-to-date plan for oil-spill response that reflects current science and technology. https://splash247.com/court-orders-epa-to-update-regulations-related-to-use-of-dispersants-on-oil-spills/
6. UK regulator launches another licence breach probe
The UK Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) has opened another investigation into a possible breach of field production consents, contrary to the requirements of the licences. The investigation follows an enquiry which concluded that there was sufficient initial evidence to merit a full investigation into a potential failure to comply with such consents. This marks OGA’s third sanctions investigation against North Sea operators this year. https://splash247.com/uk-regulator-launches-another-licence-breach-probe/
7. U.S. Congressmen Introduce Legislation Targeting Foreign Ocean Carriers’ Business Practices
Congressmen in the U.S. House of Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) have introduced legislation requiring foreign-based ocean carriers adhere to minimum service standards and other actions meant to help American exporters. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 2021 would be the first major update of federal regulations for the global ocean shipping industry in over two decades, when the Ocean Shipping Reform Act of 1998 granted the People’s Republic of China permanent normal trade relations with the United States, or so-called “most-favored nation” status, under the World Trade Organization in 2001. https://gcaptain.com/u-s-congressmen-introduce-legislation-targeting-foreign-ocean-carriers-business-practices/
8. Workforce Development: Apprenticeship Programs Help Build the Fleet
General Dynamics Electric Boat will invest $1.7 billion to modernize and upgrade its Quonset, R.I. and Groton, Conn., facilities over the next ten years,” said Sean Davies , vice president for EB’s Quonset Point Operations. “Here at Quonset, we are investing $700 million that will increase our outfitting space by 13 acres, to support work on the Virginia and Columbia class of submarines. When we are complete, we will be adding 600,000 square feet of submarine module outfitting space here on our Rhode Island campus, which represents one of the largest construction projects undertaken in the state in recent years.” https://www.marinelink.com/news/workforce-development-apprenticeship-489764
9. Smaller Vessel Gains Buoy Baltic Index
The Baltic Exchange’s main sea freight index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, edged up on Tuesday, supported by gains in rates of panamax and smaller vessel segments. The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax, supramax and handysize shipping vessels, was up four points at 3,375, the highest since Aug. 5. The capesize index dropped 14 points, or 0.3%, to 4,328. Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 150,000-tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, were down by $114 to $35,895.
https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Smaller+vessel+gains+buoy+Baltic+index
10. IMO Legal Committee Agrees Unified Interpretation On Limitation Of Liability
At its meeting held from 26 to 30 July 2021, the Legal Committee (LEG) of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) agreed on a unified interpretation of the test for breaking a shipowner’s right to limit liability under certain IMO conventions. The committee also considered several other issues relating to the abandonment of seafarers, to Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and to the committee’s future work programme. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/IMO+Legal+Committee+Agrees+Unified+Interpretation+On+Limitation+Of+Liability
