1. Meeting of the Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister with the new Ambassador of Japan in Cyprus
The Shipping Deputy Minister Vassilis Demetriades met today with the new Ambassador of Japan to Cyprus, Mr. Yoshio Yamawaki. Welcoming the Ambassador of Japan, Demetriades once again expressed his satisfaction for the continuous strengthening of bilateral cooperation between Cyprus and Japan, especially in the shipping sector. He also underlined the important role that the operation of the Maritime Office of the Republic of Cyprus in Tokyo will play in the further deepening of these relations in the coming months. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/02/06/meeting-of-the-cyprus-shipping-deputy-minister-with-the-new-ambassador-of-japan-in-cyprus/
2. “Windea Leibniz” is ready to boost offshore wind power expansion in the Baltic and North Sea
BSM managed Service Operation Vessel “Windea Leibniz” finished an extensive upgrade at Ulstein Shipyard in Norway. With an increase of cabins from 60 to over 80, the vessel has transitioned from an SOV to a Commissioning Service Operation Vessel . Additionally, the ship received one extra pedestal on the stern for Baltic Sea operations to complement the existing pedestal for North Sea use. The upgrade expands the operational range of “Windea Leibniz” and makes her even more attractive for the offshore market. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/02/06/windea-leibniz-is-ready-to-boost-offshore-wind-power-expansion-in-the-baltic-and-north-sea/
3. India signals change through vessel age limits
India is taking further steps to lower the footprint that their Shipping trade leaves. It is understood that a number of measures will be introduced, including the ban of Tankers and Bulkers older than 25 years, and Gas and Container vessels older than 30 years, from making port calls in India. Furthermore, secondhand vessels purchased that are older than 20 years will be refused Indian flag registration. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/02/06/india-signals-change-through-vessel-age-limits/
4. Domestic renewable diesel capacity could more than double through 2025
U.S. production capacity for renewable diesel could more than double from current levels by the end of 2025, based on several announcements for projects that are either under construction or could start development soon. Two factors behind growing U.S. renewable diesel capacity are rising targets for state and federal renewable fuel programs and biomass-based diesel tax credits. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 extended the biomass-based diesel tax credits through 2024. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/02/06/domestic-renewable-diesel-capacity-could-more-than-double-through-2025/
5. Drydocks World and Aker Solutions form joint venture to upgrade production at UK’s Rosebank oil and gas field
Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World„
Drydocks World, a DP World Company, and Aker Solutions formed a joint venture to upgrade a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel for the Rosebank oil and gas field in the UK.
The new joint venture combines the complementary strengths, resources, and experience of Drydocks World’s leading marine and offshore services with Aker Solutions’ integrated solutions, products and services, to cater for the needs of the global energy industry. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/02/06/drydocks-world-and-aker-solutions-form-joint-venture-to-upgrade-production-at-uks-rosebank-oil-and-gas-field/
6. Coast Guard Establishes Safety Zone for Balloon Recovery Efforts
The U.S. Coast Guard said Monday it is imposing a temporary security zone in the waters off Surfside Beach, South Carolina in the area where the U.S. military on Saturday shot down a suspected Chinese spy balloon. The 10 nautical mile area security zone blocks vessels from entering without permission of the Coast Guard and is intended to protect the public “from potential hazards associated with physical objects. https://gcaptain.com/coast-guard-establishes-safety-zone-for-balloon-recovery-efforts/
7. Ukraine Grain Deal Misses Target as Russia Slow-Walks Ship Checks
From his post at the mouth of the Black Sea, Ukrainian ship inspector Ruslan Sakhautdinov has seen his Russian counterparts repeatedly slow the flow of his country’s grain abroad — from scrutinizing fuel gauges to crews’ personal belongings. Last year’s landmark deal to reopen some Ukrainian ports for vital food exports included a requirement that joint teams from Ukraine, Russia, the United Nations and Turkey inspect each ship. The idea is to prevent unauthorized cargo or passengers from moving in and out. https://gcaptain.com/ukraine-grain-deal-misses-target-as-russia-slow-walks-ship-checks/
8. Car Carrier Suffers Fire Off Vietnam
A Panama-flagged vehicle carrier carrying more than 4,500 cars and 1,300 tons of oil from South Korea to Singapore caught fire and is now drifting in the waters off Vung Tau, Vietnam.The fire is believed to have started on Friday, February 3, on board the AH SHIN before spreading across multiple decks of 21,000-ton vessel. There were 21 Russian crew members on board and all of them are reported safe. https://gcaptain.com/car-carrier-suffers-fire-off-vietnam/
9. Meeting EEXI requirements with proven fuel efficiency solutions
Accurate measurement and recording of fuel consumption data is becoming increasingly important for ship operators. As of 1 January, revised MRV regulations from IMO and the EU came into force, requiring ships to precisely monitor, report and verify their CO2 emissions, fuel consumption, transport work and average energy efficiency. These reporting and tracking requirements are in addition to those mandated by other regulatory requirements outlined under IMO’s Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), Energy Efficiency Existing Ship Index (EEXI), Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP), Energy Efficiency Operational Index (EEOI) and Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII). https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/meeting-eexi-requirements-with-proven-fuel-efficiency-solutions-74859
10. Baleà ria fast ferry to feature Wärtsilä propulsion
Margarita Salas is being built at the Astilleros Armon Gijon yard in Spain. It will have the same dimensions as sister vessel Eleanor Roosevelt, which at 123 m is currently the longest high-speed ferry in the world in operation. While the dimensions of the two ships will be the same, the new vessel’s Wärtsilä engines will have 10% greater power and increased efficiency. Wärtsilä added the latest-generation WXJ Wärtsilä waterjets will deliver even better performance. Overall, Margarita Salas will feature optimised speed and capacity and, like the previous vessel, will operate on LNG fuel. https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/new-baleria-fast-ferry-will-feature-wrtsil-propulsion-solutions-74855
