1. New Cyprus operational centre boosts Danica’s crewing network
Danica Crewing Specialists continues to expand and we are pleased to announce the opening of our new operational centre in Limassol Cyprus. Danica continues to expand its network of recruitment offices in new countries and the new Cyprus regional centre will provide a central operations coordination centre to strengthen the company’s one-contact-point service policy, giving our clients access to an exceptional number of seafarers. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/08/15/new-cyprus-operational-centre-boosts-danicas-crewing-network/
2. Welfare survey on Ukraine conflict reveals priorities for seafarers
Survey from Seafarers International Relief Fund and Ukraine Charity Co-ordination Group highlights need for action to help Ukrainian seafarers travel internationally. Ongoing need for hardship grants, accommodation support, communications support and mental health services also identified as priorities. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/08/15/welfare-survey-on-ukraine-conflict-reveals-priorities-for-seafarers/
3. EU sanctions – clarification published on the carriage of certain Russian cargoes including coal and fertilisers
On 10 August 2022 the European Union (EU) published updated FAQs clarifying the application of provisions relating to the carriage of certain cargoes from Russia, including coal and other solid fossil fuels as well as certain types of fertilizer. As this Circular sets out, these clarifications will have a significant impact on the carriage of these commodities by EU entities and the provision of insurance for carriage to any entity regardless of their domicile. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/08/15/eu-sanctions-clarification-published-on-the-carriage-of-certain-russian-cargoes-including-coal-and-fertilisers/
4. Klaipeda looks to position itself as the Blue Economy capital of the Baltics
Dynamic Lithuanian port city gears up to showcase what it can offer as an ideal business-friendly destination for Nordic investors and maritime solutions providers looking to expand their sphere of operations. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/08/15/klaipeda-looks-to-position-itself-as-the-blue-economy-capital-of-the-baltics/
5. UK introduces new five-year maritime security strategy
The UK has launched a new five-year maritime security strategy that sets out the guiding principles for the country’s approach to managing threats and risks at home and around the world, including leveraging its seabed mapping community and tackling illegal fishing and polluting activities at sea. https://splash247.com/uk-introduces-new-five-year-maritime-security-strategy/
6. Tax contributions from liner billionaires questioned
The issue of liner shipping and taxation is once again in the news during a record Q2 earnings season for global carriers. This month has seen Maersk post profits of $8.6bn and Hapag-Lloyd report a EUR8.7bn ($8.94bn) profit amid a host of spectacular results that are seeing some politicians question whether carriers ought to be contributing more to state coffers. https://splash247.com/tax-contributions-from-liner-billionaires-questioned/
7. Keppel Lands $2.9 Billion Contract to Construct One of the World’s Largest FPSOs
Singaporean shipbuilder Keppel Offshore & Marine has won a $2.9 billion contract to construct one of the world’s largest FPSOs for Brazil’s national oil company Petrobras. The contract covers the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) of P-80, a Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel that will go to work in the Buzios field in Brazil planned in the first half of 2026. https://gcaptain.com/keppel-lands-2-9-billion-contract-to-construct-one-of-the-worlds-largest-fpsos/
8. Blue Origin’s Rocket Landing Ship Named After Jeff Bezos’ Mom Sent to Scrapyard
Following an extended shipyard stay, the ship that was supposed to catch space rockets for one of the world’s richest men is now headed to a scrapyard. Jeff Bezos’ space venture Blue Origin purchased the ship from European ferry operator Stena Line in 2018 and planned to convert it from a roll-on/roll-off cargo vessel into a “rocket landing ship” for Blue Origin’s reusable New Glenn rocket. https://gcaptain.com/blue-origins-rocket-landing-ship-named-after-jeff-bezos-mom-sent-to-scrapyard/
9. Excelerate Energy signs FSRU newbuild deal with HHI
Excelerate announced the LoI during its quarterly earnings call, along with information regarding charters of its existing FSRUs. “Just this week, we signed a letter of intent with Hyundai Heavy Industries for a new, 170,000-m3FSRU to be delivered in 2026,” Excelerate Energy president and chief executive Steven Kobos said. https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/excelerate-energy-signs-fsru-newbuild-deal-with-hhi-72430
10. Indian companies swapping dollar for Asian currencies to buy Russian coal
Indian companies are using Asian currencies more often to pay for Russian coal imports, according to customs documents and industry sources, avoiding the U.S. dollar and cutting the risk of breaching Western sanctions against Moscow.
Reuters previously reported on a large Indian coal deal involving the Chinese yuan, but the customs data underline how non-dollar settlements are becoming commonplace. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Indian+companies+swapping+dollar+for+Asian+currencies+to+buy+Russian+coal
