1. Suspension of Soyuz launches operated by Arianespace & Starsem
As part of the mandate given by the ESA Member States to Arianespace, the operation of the Soyuz launcher from Europe’s Spaceport and from Baikonur through Starsem are governed by France/Russia inter-governmental agreement and ESA – Roscosmos space agencies agreement. This operation began after the end of the Soviet Union and has been very successful up to now. However, it is now challenged by Roscosmos’ unilateral decision to withdraw from CSG and suspend all Soyuz launches from Europe’s Spaceport.
2. VesselsValue Trade Half Year Review H2 2021
Using VesselsValue data, Plamen Natzkoff, Senior Trade Expert, has explored the impacts of commodity pricing, problems in the chain supply and associated port bottlenecks on the Trade markets, resulting in unprecedented volatility in 2021. This article looks at the effects of these factors on ton mile demand and fleet capacity across the various ship types. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/03/04/vesselsvalue-trade-half-year-review-h2-2021/
3. Conflict in Ukraine sparks rise in maritime comms use, at a time when satcom systems are in short supply
Demand for maritime connectivity has escalated over the past week as seafarers clamour to call home, reports digital communications specialist IEC Telecom. The company advises that its usage figures for the past month show maritime comms traffic has risen by 30%, most of it over the previous seven days and attributable to extra calls to Ukraine. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/03/04/conflict-in-ukraine-sparks-rise-in-maritime-comms-use-at-a-time-when-satcom-systems-are-in-short-supply/
4. Tokyo Gas starts Niihama LNG Terminal
Japanese utility Tokyo Gas has started operations at the Niihama LNG terminal on Shikoku island, the company said on March 2. The project was announced in February 2018. The terminal has begun supplying gas to Sumitomo Chemical’s plant in Ehime. It will also start supplying gas to industries in neighboring areas later this month, Tokyo Gas said. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/03/04/tokyo-gas-starts-niihama-lng-terminal/
5. Bunker prices top $900 in Singapore and Fujairah
Bunker prices at the two of the world’s largest bunkering hubs have shot past the $900 per tonne mark for the first time ever. Prices in Fujairah, the world’s third largest bunkering port, hit $918 today, while they stood at $904.50 in Singapore, the top bunkering hub in the world, with Ship&Bunker’s overall global average price at a record high of $885.50. https://splash247.com/bunker-prices-top-900-in-singapore-and-fujairah/
6. Cargo vessel sinks off Ukraine after explosion, all crewmembers rescued
Estonian-owned general cargo vessel Helt has been sunk in the Black Sea off the coast of Ukraine following an explosion, the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority reported. All six crewmembers were able to abandon ship and Ukrainian officials said they were later rescued. https://splash247.com/cargo-vessel-sinks-off-ukraine-after-explosion-multiple-crewmembers-missing/
7. Russian Oil Ports Shutdown
Crude oil loadings in Russia’s Pacific port of Kozmino have been halted because of a storm that started Friday night, according to crude-pipeline operator Transneft PJSC. Other ports stopped due to overstocking. The storm is set to continue until Sunday evening, the operator said in its daily statement. Kozmino sends cargoes of the Russian ESPO oil blend to Asia-Pacific markets. https://gcaptain.com/russian-oil-ports-shutdown/
8. Design sustainability drive for cruise interiors
Sustainability is an ever-expanding theme in cruise interiors, with several new products launched. Sustainability is and will continue to be a huge topic in cruise interior spaces. This was the consensus of the first session to kick off Cruise Ship Interiors Expo Europe’s (CSIE) conference. https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/design-sustainability-drive-for-cruise-interiors-70076
9. Phillipines partners with MAN for LNG feasibility study
The Phillipines Department of Energy (DOE) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with German firm MAN Energy Solutions (MAN ES) on 22 February, to help develop the country’s downstream natural gas industry.Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi signed the MoU on behalf of the DOE, while MAN ES chief sales officer Wayne Jones signed for the German energy company at a virtual signing ceremony witnessed by key DOE and MAN ES officials. https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/phillipines-partners-with-germanys-man-for-lng-feasibility-study-70073
10. Baltic Index Rises On Gains In Smaller Vessels
The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk sea freight index rose on Friday on gains in the panamax and supramax vessel rates that also countered a small dip in the capesize segment. The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax, supramax and handysize shipping vessels, rose 44 points to 2,148 points.The index rose for a second straight week, gaining 3.5%. The capesize index dropped 4 points to 1,635 points and fell about 3.3% this week. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Baltic+index+rises+on+gains+in+smaller+vessels
