InterManager Daily News 15.12.2021.

1. WISTA Cyprus held its 9th AGM

WISTA Cyprus held its 9th Annual General Meeting and elections on the 24th of November, 2021, at Columbia Plaza Venue, Limassol. The Agenda of the AGM included an address by the Permanent Secretary of the Shipping Deputy Ministry, Eliana Charalambous Tanos, an address by the President of WISTA Cyprus, Anna Vourgos, coverage of other AGM matters, and of course the elections for the positions of Treasurer, Young Board Affiliate and Nominations Committee. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/12/13/wista-cyprus-holds-9th-agm-looking-ahead-into-the-future-with-optimism-as-the-association-prepares-to-celebrate-its-10th-anniversary-in-2022/

2. Nor-Shipping to postpone January 2022 event

In the face of increasing coronavirus infection rates, driven by the omikron mutation, Nor-Shipping has taken the decision to postpone its upcoming exhibition and event programme. The management team is currently working with stakeholders to decide on the optimal way forward, with an announcement on the timing of the next Nor-Shipping expected before the end of this week. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/12/13/tomorrows-leaders-shortlisted-today-at-nor-shipping-with-young-entrepreneur-award/

3. Industry group reveals initial results from research into maritime deaths in enclosed spaces

In response to these findings, eighteen months ago the Human Element Industry Group (HEIG) set up the Enclosed Space Project. The project involves the HEIG members and some 50-100 maritime sector individuals examining a number of areas with a view to influencing changes in regulations, industry practice, and training, as well as improving awareness of the problems faced by seafarers. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/12/13/industry-group-reveals-initial-results-from-research-into-maritime-deaths-in-enclosed-spaces/

4. Piracy and armed robbery at sea

Although much emphasis has been on the severity of piracy activity in Gulf of Guinea, the Southeast Asian and Western Indian Ocean regions have been exposed to acts of piracy and armed robbery on vessels – demonstrating that such incidents are not restricted only to known “high risk area” regions.

https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/12/13/piracy-and-armed-robbery-at-sea/

5. US Northwest ports adopt plans to phase out maritime emissions

The Northwest Ports Clean Air Strategy covers six sectors of port activity: oceangoing vessels, cargo-handling equipment, trucks, harbour vessels, rail, and port administration and tenant facilities. The implementation plans direct changes in equipment, fuels and infrastructure to fulfill the ports’ voluntary commitment to the Clean Air Strategy’s vision of phasing out seaport-related emissions by 2050 to support cleaner air for local communities . https://splash247.com/us-northwest-ports-adopt-plans-to-phase-out-maritime-emissions/

6. Wan Hai sets aside $320m for acquisitions and seals Yokohama terminal deal

Wan Hai Lines has set out to expand further with a new war chest and a lease deal for a terminal in Yokohama, Japan’s container port, crowned as the world’s most efficient box facility in this year’s study by the World Bank and data firm IHS Markit. The Taiwanese containerline has earmarked $320m more for secondhand ship acquisitions, adding to last month’s war chest of $200m, with three boxships already purchased and $360m from last year, which helped expand the fleet with 12 ships. https://splash247.com/wan-hai-sets-aside-320m-for-acquisitions-and-seals-yokohama-terminal-deal/

7. Pirates Attack Containership, Kidnap Crew in Gulf of Guinea

Crew members of a containership have reportedly been kidnapped in pirate attack reported off the coast of Bioko Island in the Gulf of Guinea.

Maritime security firm Dryad Global reported Monday that reporting indicates that a containership was attacked approximately 48 nautical miles southwest of Luba, located on Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea, in location 03 11 N -007 49 E. Early reporting indicates six have been crew members kidnapped. https://gcaptain.com/pirates-attack-containership-kidnap-crew-gulf-of-guinea/

8. WHO and ILO Form ‘Action Group’ to Help Protect Transport Workers’ Right to Travel as Omicron Spread Threatens Restrictions

The World Health Organization (WHO) and International Labour Organization (ILO) have agreed to form an Action Group with major international transport organizations aimed at protecting workers’ rights amid the spread of the omicron variant. Director-General of the World Health Organisation Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus and ILO Director-General Guy Ryder said the action group is being formed “as a matter of urgency” to ensure freedom of movement for international transport workers. https://gcaptain.com/who-and-ilo-form-action-group-to-help-protect-transport-workers-rights-to-travel-as-omicron-spread-threatens-restrictions/

9. China, India Solve Local Coal Supply, But Seaborne Prices Stay High

China and India appear to have largely resolved their domestic coal supply issues, but their success in boosting output has yet to be fully reflected in the price of seaborne supplies in Asia. The two Asian countries are the world’s largest producers, consumers and importers of coal and their domestic dynamics tend to drive the seaborne market for the polluting fuel . https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/China%2C+India+solve+local+coal+supply%2C+but+seaborne+prices+stay+high

10. North P&I Club Defines Sustainability Strategy In Inaugural Impact Report

The first North Group Impact Report highlights the Club’s extensive commitments to sustainability and “ambitious but achievable” targets for the years ahead. To provide insight into its initiatives and future priorities for sustainability, North P&I Club has launched its first North Group Impact Report. The 22-page document details the Club’s progress in three key areas – planet, people and performance – and sets out its sustainability targets for 2030. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/North+P%26I+Club+defines+sustainability+strategy+in+inaugural+Impact+Report