1. RightShip’s latest position on the Russia / Ukraine conflict
Since the last update of the 1st of April 2022, the geopolitical situation surrounding the Russia / Ukraine conflict has worsened considerably.
After an internal review which included legal guidance, RightShip has decided that they can no longer process vetting requests for which the intended loading and/or discharging ports are in Russia until further notice. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/04/18/rightships-latest-position-on-the-russia-ukraine-conflict/?amp=1
2. Extended validity for Ukrainian certificates for seafarers
The Russian attack on Ukraine has created major challenges for Ukrainian seafarers. One of the challenges is the issuing of personal certificates and certificates of identity.
Ukrainian authorities have therefore chosen to grant a general extension of the validity of Ukrainian certificates issued to seafarers with an original date of expiry after 1 March 2022.
Ukrainian authorities have now extended the validity of these certificates and identity documents until 31 December 2022. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/04/18/extended-validity-for-ukrainian-certificates-for-seafarers/?amp=1
3. Impact of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine on Port of Antwerp
Port of Antwerp expresses its support and empathy for all the human suffering caused by the conflict in Ukraine. As a world port, the port of Antwerp is regularly confronted with the consequences of geopolitical movements. This conflict has led to a number of European sanctions against Russia. In order to monitor the impact of the crisis in the port as well as beyond, Port of Antwerp remains in close contact with customers and the competent authorities. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/04/18/impact-of-the-conflict-between-russia-and-ukraine-on-port-of-antwerp/?amp=1
4. Cargo traffic at North Sea Port increases in Q1 2022 as well
The sea freight cargo traffic at North Sea Port increased by more than 6% during Q1 2022. The consequences of the pandemic are being steadily rolled back. The EU sanctions against Russia are also not yet being reflected in cargo traffic. Trade with Ukraine is also still being maintained. In the first quarter of 2022, the companies in North Sea Port recorded 17.7 million tons of goods traffic via sea freight. This is an increase of 6.2% compared to the same period in 2021, during the pandemic. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/04/18/cargo-traffic-at-north-sea-port-increases-in-q1-2022-as-well/?amp=1
5. Maryland seeks $100m from Evergreen to cover costs related to Ever Forward grounding
The State of Maryland has asked Evergreen to establish a so-called responsibility fund to pay for costs related to the month-long grounding of its Ever Forward vessel in the state’s Chesapeake Bay. In a letter to Benjamin Tsai, president of Evergreen Shipping Agency (America) Corporation, Maryland comptroller Peter Franchot said, “While we do not know the full scope of the environmental impact thus far, a 131,420-ton ship, carrying tons of cargo and fuel, getting stuck in our waters undoubtedly has resulted in disruptions to the Bay’s fragile ecosystem.” https://splash247.com/maryland-seeks-100m-from-evergreen-to-cover-costs-related-to-ever-forward-grounding/
6. NYK returns to Kawasaki Heavy for another LPG/ammonia carrier
Japan’s Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) has signed up for an additional 86,700 cu m liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and liquefied ammonia gas (NH3) carrier at fellow shipbuilder Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI). The 230 m long LPG-powered vessel will be delivered from KHI’s Sakaide Works in 2024 and, just like the previous pair announced in December last year, will be equipped with separate cargo tanks designed to carry LPG and liquefied ammonia at the same time. https://splash247.com/nyk-returns-to-kawasaki-heavy-for-another-lpg-ammonia-carrier/
7. China’s Economy Expands More Than Forecasted in Q1, But Risks to Outlook Abound
China’s economy grew at a faster than expected clip in the first quarter, official data showed on Monday, expanding 4.8% year-on-year, but the risk of a sharp slowdown over coming months has risen as sweeping COVID-19 curbs and the Ukraine war take a toll. Gross domestic product (GDP) had been forecast to expand 4.4% from a year earlier, according to a Reuters poll of analysts, picking up from 4.0% in the fourth quarter last year. https://gcaptain.com/chinas-economy-expands-more-than-forecasted-in-q1-but-risks-to-outlook-abound/
8. Crew Member Killed in Containership Fire Off the Philippines
The Philippine Coast Guard responded to a fatal containership fire off the Philippines on Sunday after a pipe allegedly exploded on board.
The first was reported on board the M/V General Romula, with 20 crew members, on April 17 off of Talisay City in the province of Cebu. https://gcaptain.com/crew-member-killed-in-containership-fire-off-the-philippines/
9. Dalian Shipbuilding awarded AiP for ammonia-powered bulk carrier design
Classification society Lloyd’s Register (LR) has awarded an approval in principle (AiP) to China’s Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC) for the first ammonia-powered Chinese Newcastlemax bulk carrier concept
As the classification society selected for the project, LR’s role was to review the suitability and risks of the design, applying its expertise in designs for ships powered by alternative fuels. https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/dalian-shipbuilding-awarded-aip-for-ammonia-powered-bulk-carrier-design-70704
10. Sri Lankan Economic Crisis Could Divert Shipping Activities Toward India
Fuel shortages in crisis-hit Sri Lanka could result in the diversion of shipping activities towards India from Colombo – a major transhipment hub for South Asia, rating agency Crisil said on Monday.
Amid a severe shortage of essentials such as food and fuel in Sri Lanka, India last week sent two fuel consignments carrying 36,000 tonnes of petrol and 40,000 tonnes of diesel, taking the total fuel shipments to the neighbouring country to 270,000 tonnes. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Sri+Lankan+economic+crisis+could+divert+shipping+activities+toward+India
