1. Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry launches innovative online platform for industry collaboration and progress
Online C.O.M.E platform enables the shipping industry to share views on current maritime affairs and emerging issues Following the launch of SEA Change 2030, a long-term strategic vision for Cyprus shipping, the Shipping Deputy Ministry is currently working on the implementation of the relevant actions presented in the Strategy and towards this direction, it has launched the new online platform: C.O.M.E. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/01/14/cyprus-shipping-deputy-ministry-launches-innovative-online-platform-for-industry-collaboration-and-progress/
2. European Commission adopts a decision prohibiting the HHI-DSME merger that would combine two leading global shipbuilding companies
The European Commission has adopted a decision prohibiting a merger that would combine two leading global shipbuilding companies. The European Commission website has published remarks of Executive Vice-President Vestager. “The merger concerns the acquisition by Hyundai Heavy Industries Holding of Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/01/14/european-commission-adopts-a-decision-prohibiting-the-hhi-dsme-merger-that-would-combine-two-leading-global-shipbuilding-companies/
3. New X-Press Feeders feeder service connects Hamburg with Södertälje and Ahus in Sweden
In the second week of January, the new “GSX” service departed Hamburg for the first time. The “ANNA G” with a slot capacity of 509 TEU calls weekly at the ports of Södertälje and Ahus. The container ship, chartered by X-PRESS Feeders, serves the four major container terminals in Hamburg: HHLA CTA, HHLA CTB, HHLA CTT and EUROGATE. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/01/14/new-x-press-feeders-feeder-service-connects-hamburg-with-sodertalje-and-ahus-in-sweden/
4. Port Scholarships aim to help local students pay for College
Applications are available for the Port of Long Beach’s Scholarship Program for Long Beach-area high school students. Program details, eligibility information and online application are available on the Port’s website.
The scholarships are open to high school seniors attending Long Beach Unified School District service area high schools and pursuing careers in international trade, logistics and other port-related industries. The 2022 scholarship program will now include trade programs and students enrolling part-time. The Port will award a total of $200,000 for high school and college scholarships in 2022 and amounts will range from $500 to $5,000. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/01/14/port-scholarships-aim-to-help-local-students-pay-for-college/
5. NYK orders LNG-fuelled cape quartet
Japan’s Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) has signed up for a total of four LNG-fuelled capesize bulk carrier newbuildings at shipyards in Japan and China. The Tokyo-headquartered shipping major has divided orders between Nihon Shipyard, who will build two ships, while one vessel each will be constructed at fellow Namura Shipbuilding and CSSC-affiliated Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding. https://splash247.com/nyk-orders-lng-fuelled-cape-quartet/
6. Offshore in 2022
Leaving behind an overall better year for the offshore sector, Splash investigates if growing optimism and market confidence can push the trend towards a busier market in 2022. When it comes to offshore in 2021, it is fair to say that owners have enjoyed better fortunes than they did in 2020, with more and more players believing that the worst is behind the sector rather than ahead. https://splash247.com/offshore-in-2022/
7. Port of Antwerp Sees A Rise In Container Ship Traffic In January
Port congestion was rising in Western Europe early Friday as the combined anchorage areas for Antwerp-Zeebrugge saw the highest container vessel count in about nine months, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. There were at least 50 container carriers in Belgian waters, with most either loading or waiting to enter Europe’s second-largest container hub, according to marine traffic data that Bloomberg has compiled since April. The median count for Antwerp-Zeebrugge was 36 from April to January. https://gcaptain.com/port-of-antwerp-sees-a-rise-in-container-ship-traffic-in-january/
8. Energy transition offers second chance at life for drillship
When Petrobras first put the 2010-built drillship Vitoria on the auction block in September 2019, it drew no opening bids at US$47M. Determined to sell the sixth generation ultra-deepwater drillship, the Brazilian oil company lowered its expectations, setting opening minimum bids at US$5M at a second auction in October 2019. Hong Kong-based cash ship buyer Best Oasis Ltd emerged with a winning bid of US$15.05M. It looked like the Samsung 10000 design vessel was destined for the scrapyard. https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/energy-transition-offers-second-chance-at-life-for-drillship-69220
9. Baltic Index Extends Losses As Vessel Demand Wanes
The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk sea freight index fell for a sixth straight session on Friday, weighed down by weaker rates across vessel segments. The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels, fell 109 points, or 5.8%, to 1,764, its lowest since early March 2021. The index has lost nearly 23% this week. The capesize index dropped 250 points, or 14.3%, to 1,496, its lowest since late Feb. 2021. The index is down 38% this week. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Baltic+index+extends+losses+as+vessel+demand+wanes
10. Panama Canal LNG Transits Fall 30% In December Amid Diversions To Atlantic: Operator Data
LNG transits via the Panama Canal plunged 30% in December as Pacific-bound cargoes diverted to the Atlantic to feed strong demand and capture better netbacks in Europe, data provided Jan. 12 to S&P Global Platts by the canal operator showed. The shift in trade flows reversed the consistently upward trend in recent years of LNG transits via the shortest passageway from the Gulf Coast to the East Asia import market, amid sharp growth in US exports. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Panama+Canal+LNG+transits+fall+30%25+in+December+amid+diversions+to+Atlantic%3A+operator+data
