1. Cyprus Shipping Videocast – Andreas Ioannou – Chairman at EPSCO
We are pleased to announce a new promotional feature of Cyprus Shipping News by inviting key players of the Cyprus Shipping Industry to address our readers with a 1-2 minutes video on latest developments, new regulations, news from their own company affecting the Industry, even a quote of the day or anything of general interest. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/04/03/cyprus-shipping-videocast-andreas-ioannou-chairman-at-epsco/?amp=1
2. Associated British Ports becomes first ports group in Europe to use digital Master Pilot Exchange, eMPX
Associated British Ports (ABP) is the first ports group in Europe to use a new digital Master Pilot Exchange programme developed by Ports of Auckland, eMPX, simplifying the current process. Already in use at ports in New Zealand and Australia, ABP’s 21 ports will become the first European-based ports to roll out and use the software. After a successful trial completed in 2021, eMPX will assist all ABP marine pilots in helping to guide ships of all shapes and sizes into safe harbours. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/04/03/associated-british-ports-becomes-first-ports-group-in-europe-to-use-digital-master-pilot-exchange-empx/?amp=1
3. HSFO contamination cases in Singapore
For the past two weeks we have seen an increased number of P&I and Hull claims related to High Sulphur Fuel Oil stemmed at Singapore and which were found to be contaminated with chlorinated compounds.
We are seeing damage to fuel injection pumps, injectors, and filter elements and some have an issue with purifier systems. Organic Chlorides are not naturally present in crude sources and their presence in marine fuels is a cause of concern. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/04/03/hsfo-contamination-cases-in-singapore/?amp=1
4. Rolls-Royce shows State Minister Stegmann hydrogen solutions for secure and climate-neutral energy supply
Dr Florian Stegmann, Minister of State in the portfolio of the Minister President of Baden-Württemberg and Head of the State Chancellery, has visited Rolls-Royce Power Systems in Friedrichshafen to find out about future climate-neutral solutions. Rolls-Royce is increasingly focusing on the goals of its ‘Net Zero at Power Systems’ sustainability program, which has become even more relevant as a result of the current debate on future energy supply. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/04/03/rolls-royce-shows-state-minister-stegmann-hydrogen-solutions-for-secure-and-climate-neutral-energy-supply/?amp=1
5. Newbuild prices see sharpest increase for almost two decades
According to Clarksons newbuild prices are experiencing the sharpest increase for almost two decades thanks largely to the extremely high number of containerships and LNG carriers ordered over the past 15 months.
Vessel newbuilding prices have been rising for over a year, and the overall Clarkson Newbuilding Price Index now stands at 156 points, up 25% since the November 2020 low, indicating the highest prices – in nominal terms – since 2009. https://splash247.com/newbuild-prices-see-sharpest-increase-for-almost-two-decades/
6. Bulk carrier boarded in Gulf of Guinea
After months of comparative calm, a ship has been boarded in the Gulf of Guinea.
The Marshall Islands-flagged Arch Gabriel ultramax bulk carrier, which belongs to Greece’s Tri Bulk Shipping, was boarded yesterday in international waters, 309 miles southwest of the Niger Delta, and 277 miles south of Lome, Togo. The ship had been drifting in the area since arriving from Houston two weeks ago presumably waiting for work. https://splash247.com/bulk-carrier-boarded-in-gulf-of-guinea/
7. Missiles Hit Ukrainian Refinery, Near Key Port City Of Odesa
Russian forces have attacked Odesa, the main base for Ukraine’s navy, alongside other Ukrainian Black Sea ports such as Mariupol and Mykolaiv. If taken, it would give Russia a land corridor from Crimea to Transniestria, a Russian-speaking breakaway province of Moldova that hosts Russian troops. Oil facilities have been a focus of attacks.
Kremenchuk, 250 km (150 miles) southeast of Kyiv along the Dnipro river, had Ukraine’s only fully functioning oil refinery. https://gcaptain.com/missiles-hit-ukrainian-refinery-near-key-port-city-of-odesa/
8. Russian Ships Switch Flags At Record Rate On Sanctions Scrutiny
Many more Russian-flagged vessels than usual switched their flags to other countries in March, possibly to conceal their ties to Moscow and avoid being caught up in sanctions over the invasion of Ukraine, according to maritime consultancy Windward Ltd.
A total of 18 ships, including 11 cargo vessels from the same fleet, changed to non-Russian flags last month, Tel Aviv-based Windward said. That’s more than three times the monthly average for Russian vessels. It’s also the first time the figure has hit doubledigits, based on data going back to January 2020. https://gcaptain.com/russian-ships-switch-flags-at-record-rate-on-sanctions-scrutiny/
9. Offshore contracts: Solstad ties up long-term Conoco deal, Eidesvik and Shearwater awarded Equinor contracts
A new round of offshore vessels have secured employment
Solstad’s platform supply vessels (PSVs) Normand Server, Normand Supporter and Normand Fortune will go on long-term contracts to ConocoPhillips Skandinavia. All three vessels are equipped with battery-hybrid systems in addition to shore power and have been on contract for ConocoPhillips since 2018. https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/offshore-contracts-solstad-ties-up-long-term-conoco-deal-eidesvik-and-shearwater-awarded-contracts-by-equinor-70507
10. Bunker Markets Avoid Russia As Supply Tightens Across Black Sea: Expert
As Russia’s war in Ukraine deepens, bunkering activity has moved away from Russia as shipowners avoid Russian-origin cargoes and Russian companies are unable to secure letters of credit. With bunker prices reaching record highs, and volatility increasing across global oil markets in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, there is a major shortage of 0.5%S and marine gasoil cargoes in the Black Sea region. This has been driven by companies self-sectioning to avoid reputational damage from taking Russian-origin products. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Bunker+markets+avoid+Russia+as+supply+tightens+across+Black+Sea%3A+expert
