1. China’s 15m tonnes oil products export quota could boost tonne miles to EU
On 30 September 2022, China added 15 million tonnes to its 2022 export quota for oil products. The quota includes 13.25 million tonnes for gasoline, diesel and jet fuel as well as 1.75 million for low-sulphur marine fuel. If headed for the EU, it could be a welcome addition to the block seeking to replace on average 2 million tonnes of diesel imports from Russia when sanctions take effect from February 2023 and demand for heating increases in the winter months. It could also add some attractive tonne miles for product tankers. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/10/10/chinas-15m-tonnes-oil-products-export-quota-could-boost-tonne-miles-to-eu/
2. Future-proofing efficiency
The pathway to decarbonisation has numerous hurdles including shifting environmental targets, economic recessions, and increased geopolitical uncertainty which affect the availability of fuels. However, from an environmental, cost and logistics perspective, energy efficiency remains the clearest way to progress decarbonisation. I believe that a focus on reducing fuel consumption is not a temporary interim measure, but a fundamental element of making decarbonisation affordable and practical. https://splash247.com/future-proofing-efficiency/
3. South Africa’s exporters brace for major hit as Transnet strike gains momentum
Industrial action at South Africa’s ports and freight-rail operator Transnet is set to worsen as the second-largest labor union, the South African Transport and Allied Workers Union (SATAWU), downed tools in a dispute over pay. SATAWU and the largest labour group, the United National Transport Union (UNTU), together representing around 80% of Transnet workers, confirmed that their members would be on strike for an indefinite period, which could affect all the country’s ports . https://splash247.com/south-africas-exporters-brace-for-major-hit-as-transnet-strike-gains-momentum/
4. MMA Offshore scores vessel contract with Beach Energy
Australian OSV operator and services provider MMA Offshore has secured a vessel contract with fellow operator Beach Energy.The company’s 2011-built MMA Coral will provide vessel support to Beach Energy’s two production platforms located in the Bass Strait, and also carry out subsea inspection and survey services as well as drilling support. https://splash247.com/mma-offshore-scores-vessel-contract-with-beach-energy/
5. Shipping traffic halted following Crimea bridge attack
Shipping from the Sea of Azov to international markets came to a standstill over the weekend in the wake of the attack that took out part of the bridge linking the Crimean peninsula with mainland Russia. The 19 km bridge, the longest in Europe, straddles the Kerch Strait, which links the Sea of Azov with the Black Sea. It was attacked on Saturday in a dramatic raid that hit both the road and rail elements of the huge construction, with much debris ending in the sea below. https://splash247.com/shipping-traffic-halted-following-crimea-bridge-attack/
6. Japan’s First Commercial Offshore Wind Farm Takes Shape
All 33 offshore wind turbines have now been installed at Japan’s first commercial-scale offshore wind farm. The installation was carried out by Seajacks International’s Seajacks Zaratan jackup vessel at the Akita and Noshiro offshore wind farm situated off the Japanese Akita Prefecture. https://gcaptain.com/japans-first-commercial-offshore-wind-farm-takes-shape/
7. Coast Guard Gives Austal USA Green Light for Offshore Patrol Cutter Design
The Coast Guard announced last week it has given notice to the Mobile, Alabama-based shipbuilder that it can proceed with the design work following the withdrawal of a protest filed by Eastern Shipbuilding in July with the Government Accountability Office contesting the Coast Guard’s selection of Austal USA as the stage 2 contractor. https://gcaptain.com/coast-guard-gives-austal-usa-green-light-for-offshore-patrol-cutter-design/
8. Germany awards EPC contract for LNG regasification terminal
The regasification terminal, once completed, will be the first in Germany, and a statement from Sener and Cobra said the project was being fast-tracked for completion. “Under current conditions, it is realistic to expect completion in 2026. However, all parties involved are working to further accelerate the project in compliance with all licensing and state aid requirements,” the statement said. https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/germany-awards-epc-contract-for-lng-regasification-terminal-73245
9. Cruise and ferry training: focus on recruitment and stability knowledge
The ferry industry is struggling to recruit people – but innovative training schemes could help conquer this problem. Interferry’s latest annual conference took two topics as its main themes: ‘power and people’. The people theme focused on the trouble the industry has with recruitment, a problem made worse by the pandemic. The conference unveiled training schemes that help boost recruitment and retention. https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/cruise-and-ferry-training-focus-on-recruitment-and-stability-knowledge-73241
10. Shippers focus on LNG, biofuels, methanol to meet emissions targets
Shipping and commodities firms will commission more ships partly powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) next year while ramping up trials for biofuel bunkering as they seek to cut emissions from ship operations, senior executives said this week.The shipping industry is seeking to reduce its reliance on oil as it tries to meet carbon emission reduction targets set out by the U.N.’s International Maritime Organization.
