1. MarTrust launches new e-wallet and card to enhance seafarers’ welfare
Global maritime payment solutions company MarTrust, a subsidiary of Marcura, has announced the launch of a new ‘e-wallet’ and card, a next-generation payment solution for the maritime industry that optimises the payroll process for ship owners. It enables crews to be paid quicker, compared to the traditional banking routes, and provides them with complete control of their funds and online purchases with reduced risks and lower transaction costs. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/10/14/martrust-launches-new-e-wallet-and-card-to-enhance-seafarers-welfare/
2. Crew from ‘Esvagt Cantana’ donates seafaring prize to the Danish Heart Association
The ‘Esvagt Cantana’ crew was awarded 25,000 kroner for providing relentless first aid to a colleague who suffered a cardiac arrest. Now, the crew has donated the award to the Danish Heart Association. It took 104 minutes of uninterrupted CPR, before the crew on board ‘Esvagt Cantana’ were finally able to get their 19-year-old colleague Asbjørn Morell back to life, after the young sailor had suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of the North Sea. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/10/14/crew-from-esvagt-cantana-donates-seafaring-prize-to-the-danish-heart-association/
3. Nickel demand to outstrip supply by 2024, causing headaches for EV manufacturers
Global demand for high-grade nickel, an essential component in electric vehicle (EV) batteries, will outweigh supply by 2024. An analysis by Rystad Energy indicates that although global supply will continue its steady year-on-year climb, rising demand spurred in part by the energy transition will lead to a shortage in less than two years. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/10/14/nickel-demand-to-outstrip-supply-by-2024-causing-headaches-for-ev-manufacturers/
4. Asian Gypsy Moth Certification – what can you do when you cannot get the certification?
BIMCO advises on measures to be taken for cases where ships are unable to have an Asian Gypsy moth (AGM) inspection and certification due to COVID-19 restrictions. A member who called at Shanghai, a high risk area for Asian gypsy moths could not obtain an AGM inspection and certification due to COVID-19 restrictions imposed that would not allow for inspections to be performed. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/10/14/asian-gypsy-moth-certification-what-can-you-do-when-you-cannot-get-the-certification/
5. Maersk suspends five crew members as it investigates alleged sexual assault
The world’s largest shipping firm A.P. Moller-Maersk MAERSKb.CO has suspended five employees as part of an investigation into an alleged sexual assault on one of its ships run by a U.S. subsidiary, and said it was working closely with American authorities. “We do everything we can to ensure that all of our workplace environments, including vessels, are a safe and welcoming workplace and we’ve launched a top to bottom investigation,” said chief executive officer Bill Woodhour of Maersk Line, Limited in an emailed statement. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/10/14/maersk-suspends-five-crew-members-as-it-investigates-alleged-sexual-assault/
6. Fincantieri tipped to build the largest shipyard in Latin America
Fincantieri has committed to investing in the construction of the largest shipyard in Latin America as part of the expansion of Progreso port in Yucatán, Mexico, according to an official state announcement. The Italian shipbuilding giant and Yucatán governor, Mauricio Vila (pictured right), confirmed that Fincantieri will initially invest $220m in the shipyard project, instead of $150m as originally planned. The deal was first announced in November last year, which committed to allocating up to $550m in three stages. https://splash247.com/fincantieri-tipped-to-build-the-largest-shipyard-in-latin-america/
7. Shipowners brace for big hike in insurance costs
Shipping, facing the rare prospect of solid returns for 2022, will see its bottom line take a hit as insurers come in demanding far higher rates. The shipping industry has been spooked by twin announcements this week from two British P&I Clubs, giving a strong hint that insurance costs are set to go through the roof. https://splash247.com/shipowners-brace-for-big-hike-in-insurance-costs/
8. South African Port Declares Force Majeure
South Africa’s monopoly port operator Transnet late Friday declared a force majeure at its Richards Bay Bulk Terminal, it said in a statement, following a fire that broke out at the port on Wednesday. Richards Bay Bulk Terminal, Africa’s largest coal export facility, is located off the Richards Bay port – one of seven commercial ports that Transnet operates along South Africa’s coastline. Transnet did not say whether or to what extent exports of commodities such as coal, steel and other minerals would be impacted. https://gcaptain.com/south-african-port-declares-force-majeure/
9. Iranian Navy Fends Off Pirate Attack On Oil Tanker
An Iranian warship foiled a pirate attack against one of the country’s oil vessels in the Gulf of Aden following a “heavy exchange of fire” early Saturday, state TV reported. Iranian navy destroyer Alborz warded off “scores of pirates equipped with five speedboats and advanced equipment” that aimed to attack an unidentified Iranian oil vessel. There were no details of possible damage or casualties. https://gcaptain.com/iranian-navy-fends-off-pirate-attack-on-oil-tanker/
10. Baltic Index Logs Worst Week In Over 8 Months As Capesize Rates Fall
The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk sea freight index declined on Friday to log its worst week since late January, dragged down by capesize rates. The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax, supramax and handysize vessels, fell 208 points, or 4.1%, to 4,854. The main index logged a weekly loss of 12.2%, its worst since the week ending Jan. 29. The capesize index fell 695 points, or 8.2%, to 7,767, its lowest since Sept. 27. The index recorded a weekly loss of 23.2%, also its worst week since Jan. 29.
