1. IMO moves ahead on GHG emissions, black carbon and marine litter
The International Maritime Organization in view of the urgency for all sectors to accelerate their efforts to reduce GHG emissions as emphasized in the recent IPCC reports 1 and the Glasgow Climate Pact, recognized the need to strengthen the ambition of the Initial IMO GHG Strategy during its revision process and has it agreed to initiate the revision of its GHG strategy. IMO’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), meeting virtually for its 77th session, 22-26 November 2021, also adopted a resolution on voluntary use of cleaner fuels in the Arctic, to reduce black carbon emissions. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/12/01/imo-moves-ahead-on-ghg-emissions-black-carbon-and-marine-litter/
2. Belgian shipowners fully support Belgium’s candidacy for IMO Council
As a shipping nation, Belgium is the beating heart of Europe’s biggest maritime logistical hub with world-class ports such as Antwerp, Zeebrugge, Ghent and Ostend, servicing Belgian and other international shipping companies as they deliver 90% of goods to consumers in and outside of Europe. Therefore, Belgium understands the strategic importance of maritime transport, the maritime sector and equal opportunities for all working around seas and oceans. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/12/01/belgian-shipowners-fully-support-belgiums-candidacy-for-imo-council/
3. CMA CGM implements incentive program to ease congestion at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach
The CMA CGM Group, a world leader in shipping and logistics, will implement an Early Container Pickup Incentive Program at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. It will be effective on December 1st and continue for 90 days, in an effort to improve the fluidity of the largest import gateway in the United States. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/12/01/cma-cgm-implements-incentive-program-to-ease-congestion-at-the-ports-of-los-angeles-and-long-beach/
4. ICS urges WTO director general to prioritise maritime transport in multilateral trade negotiations
The International Chamber of Shipping has called for maritime transport to be prioritised in multilateral trade negotiations ahead of high-level WTO meetings to take place this week. While the 12th Ministerial Conference, where talks were to take place, has been indefinitely postponed due to the Omicron variant, a pared down schedule of meetings of WTO Ministers and governments will go ahead. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/12/01/ics-urges-wto-director-general-to-prioritise-maritime-transport-in-multilateral-trade-negotiations/
5. New ship queueing process at LA and Long Beach has improved safety and air quality
The new ship queuing process at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach that went into effect on November 16 has been successful in creating a safer and more environmentally sound system, says Captain Kip Louttit, executive director of the Marine Exchange of Southern California. https://splash247.com/new-ship-queueing-process-at-la-and-long-beach-has-improved-safety-and-air-quality/
6. Colombia looks to offshore wind as it moves to diversify energy sources
At the 17th ASOCODIS Colombian power distribution conference this week, Colombia’s energy minister Diego Mesa said the country is advancing its plans for offshore wind development, with draft regulations almost ready for public comment. “We hope to publish draft regulations for comment in the coming weeks and implement them next year,” said Mesa. “We see great potential in the Caribbean and have important support from the World Bank,” he added.
https://splash247.com/colombia-looks-to-offshore-wind-as-it-moves-to-diversify-energy-sources/
7. Kirby to Pay $15.3 Million in Damages Over 2014 Oil Spill in Houston Ship Channel
Houston, Texas-based Kirby Inland Marine agreed to pay $15.3 million in damages and assessment costs to resolve federal and state claims for harm to natural resources resulting from a 2014 oil spill from a Kirby barge in the Houston Ship Channel, the U.S. Justice Department said. https://gcaptain.com/kirby-to-pay-15-3-million-in-damages-over-2014-oil-spill-in-houston-ship-channel/
8. Biden Sees Progress in Supply Crisis Amid Faster Inflation
President Joe Biden said his administration’s work has begun to alleviate supply-chain disruptions and that higher inflation is a “natural byproduct” of the global economy’s recovery from the pandemic. The president, who’s been assailed by his political opponents over rising prices, again sought to reassure Americans that store shelves will be full for the holiday season and persuade them that his policies would build on the economy’s strong rebound. https://gcaptain.com/biden-sees-progress-in-supply-crisis-amid-faster-inflation/
9. Baltic Index Gains For Fifth Day As Rates For Smaller Vessels Rise
The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk sea freight index on Wednesday rose for a fifth straight session to its highest in a month, as gains in panamax and supramax vessels offset a dip in the larger capesize segment. The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels, added 29 points, or 1% to 3,047, a peak since Nov. 2. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Baltic+index+gains+for+fifth+day+as+rates+for+smaller+vessels+rise
10. Omicron Threatens Tankers But Could Extend Container Shipping Boom
The latest twist in ocean shipping’s COVID saga: The new global threat from the omicron variant is being layered on top of existing fallout from delta-variant outbreaks in Europe and Asia. Assuming omicron is not a false alarm, it’s more bad news for crude and product tanker rates, another positive for container shipping rates (with some downside risk also in the mix) and relatively neutral for dry bulk shipping, at least for now. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Omicron+threatens+tankers+but+could+extend+container+shipping+boom
