1. Seafaring champion, Natalie Shaw, awarded MBE in Queen’s New Year’s Honours list
“On behalf of the Board of the ICS I would like to warmly congratulate our Director of Employment Affairs, Natalie Shaw, on being awarded the MBE in The Queen’s 2022 New Year’s Honours List ‘For services to seafarers during the Covid-19 Pandemic’. Natalie’s tireless efforts in championing the welfare of our seafarers over many years is well known, and this richly deserved award reflects these efforts. Well done Natalie – we are proud of you!” said Esben Poulsson, Chairman of International Chamber of Shipping. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/01/03/seafaring-champion-natalie-shaw-awarded-mbe-in-queens-new-years-honours-list/
2. UK Port Investment roars past pre-pandemic levels as many cargo sectors return to growth
New research published by the British Ports Association today reveals that UK port investment topped £1bn in 2021 despite continuing pandemic volatility. The figures are being published alongside BPA analysis of new trade data that shows how continued depressed demand for fuel is masking a strong recovery across multiple cargo segments. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/01/03/uk-port-investment-roars-past-pre-pandemic-levels-as-many-cargo-sectors-return-to-growth/
3. The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index breaks through 5,000 points for the first time
The Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI), a bellwether of the box spot markets, broke through the 5,000 mark for the first time in its history on Friday, ushering in 2022 with ever greater fortunes for liner operators. The index climbed 91 points to 5,047, roughly five times higher than its historical average. It broke through the 4,000 barrier in July last year for the first time ever, hitting a brief plateau at the start of autumn before rising again over the past six weeks. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/01/03/the-shanghai-containerized-freight-index-breaks-through-5000-points-for-the-first-time/
4. UK ports braced for next stage of Brexit borders arrangements although the main changes will be next summer
Ahead of the implementation of the enforcement of customs controls at our borders from 1st January, the British Ports Association is hopeful that traders will be ready for the new arrangements. The UK Government’s phased approach to the UK’s departure from the EU’s Customs Union and Single Market reaches its latest significant stage as importers will no longer be able to delay customs procedures. Goods coming from Europe will now need to be approved by the HM Revenue & Customs. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/01/03/uk-ports-braced-for-next-stage-of-brexit-borders-arrangements-although-the-main-changes-will-be-next-summer/
5. Shanghai extends its lead at the top of the boxport rankings
Shanghai has extended its lead as the world’s largest container port with state media reporting the eastern Chinese metropolis handled just over 47m teu in 2021, an 8% increase over 2020. Shanghai has been the world’s largest container port for the past 12 years. Singapore in second place has yet to publish its full year figures, with Splash estimating the numbers will likely come in at approximately 37.5m teu, up 2.5% year-on-year. https://splash247.com/shanghai-extends-its-lead-at-the-top-of-the-boxport-rankings/
6. Port of Oakland ramps up efforts to expedite agricultural exports
The Port of Oakland is set to launch an interagency effort to improve the flow of agricultural exports at the port. The initiative involves the use of additional yard space and equipment, restored export ship calls and assistance to export users. The goal is to provide relief to agricultural exporters who are facing shortages of export capacity and skyrocketing logistics costs. https://splash247.com/port-of-oakland-ramps-up-efforts-to-expedite-agricultural-exports/
7. New Joint Venture Stevedoring Company Promises Streamlined Services at Port of Savannah
The Port of Savannah on Monday marked the first cargo handled under a new joint venture stevedoring company that will streamline cargo activities at the port. Known as Gateway Terminals, the company combines Ports America, Ceres Marine Terminals, and SSA Atlantic into a single joint venture entity, consolidating container terminal, truck gate and stevedoring services at the port. https://gcaptain.com/new-joint-venture-stevedoring-company-promises-streamlined-services-at-port-of-savannah/
8. U.S. Navy Relieves Top Officers On Littoral Combat Ship USS Montgomery
The two top U.S. Navy officers onboard the littoral combat ship USS Montgomery (LCS 8) have been relieved of their command due to a “loss of confidence,” the Navy said in statement. Capt. Marc Crawford, Commander for Surface Division Eleven, relieved Commander Richard J. Zamberlan as Montgomery’s commanding officer, along with his second in command, Commander Phillip Lundberg as executive officer, on December 30. https://gcaptain.com/u-s-navy-relieves-top-officers-on-littoral-combat-ship-uss-montgomery/
9. Indonesia’s Coal Export Halt Throws Dry Bulk Shipping Into Disarray
Supramax and Panamax markets in the Pacific region are expected to face disruption with Indonesia, one of the world’s largest thermal coal exporters, banning exports in January to ensure sufficient supply for its state-owned electricity companies, according to shipping industry executives. Bulkers, which were partially or even fully loaded with coal for exports, have not been able to sail out of Indonesian ports, market sources said Jan. 3, while adding that there could be a further evaluation on Jan. 5. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Indonesia%E2%80%99s+coal+export+halt+throws+dry+bulk+shipping+into+disarray
10. Korean Shipyards Rank No. 2 In Global Orders ’21, But Profit Improves On High-Value Demand
South Korean shipyards have failed to defend annual leadership in the number of vessel orders, although profit surged as orders were mainly in high-performance and green-fuel transportation, boding well for the stocks and outlook amid faster green migration at sea. According to British shipbuilding and marine industry tracker Clarkson Research Services on Sunday, Korean shipbuilders bagged combined 403 orders in 17.35 million CGT in 2021, accounting for 38 percent of the total 1,846 orders in 45.73 million CGT placed in the world last year. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Korean+shipyards+rank+No.+2+in+global+orders+%E2%80%9921%2C+but+profit+improves+on+high-value+demand
