1. HD Hyundai presents 1st design of SMR-powered vessel since partnering with Bill Gates
Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE), an intermediate shipbuilding holding company of HD Hyundai Group, unveiled a specific design concept of a small modular reactor (SMR)-powered ship for the first time among Korean companies. KSOE announced that it is promoting the basic design of a 240 megawatt (MW) SMR-powered vessel in the SMR industry fostering and development debate held at the National Assembly in Seoul on March 10. KOSE said that the design concept has four sets of 60 megawatt SMRs. This was the first time that the company’s blueprint for an SMR-powered ship was disclosed in detail. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/03/15/hd-hyundai-presents-1st-design-of-smr-powered-vessel-since-partnering-with-bill-gates/
2. Update of EU Maritime Security Strategy key to address evolving maritime threats
The European shipping industry warmly welcomes the updated EU Maritime Security Strategy and its Action Plan on “An enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy for evolving maritime threats”. The updated Strategy solidifies the commitment of the EU to enhance its role as a global maritime security provider in a rapidly evolving geopolitical context. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/03/15/update-of-eu-maritime-security-strategy-key-to-address-evolving-maritime-threats-2/
3. Inmarsat and RBC signals complete successful live testing of dynamic spectrum leasing solution
Inmarsat, a world leader in global, mobile satellite communications, has announced that RBC Signals will be the first partner to resell its innovative IoT Connectivity Leasing solution.
The agreement follows the successful testing of the solution, which enables the dynamic provision of satellite connectivity depending on changing customer needs. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/03/15/inmarsat-and-rbc-signals-complete-successful-live-testing-of-dynamic-spectrum-leasing-solution/
4. NYK certifies Ship Recycling Facility in Bangladesh for Meeting Environmental Safety and Human Rights Standards
NYK has certified PHP Ship Recycling Facility in Bangladesh for meeting NYK’s standards for ship-recycling measures pertaining to the environment, safety, occupational health, and respect for human rights. PHP Ship Recycling Facility, which is a ship-recycling facility operated by PHP Ship Breaking and Recycling Industries , has become the first yard in Bangladesh to be certified by NYK. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/03/15/nyk-certifies-ship-recycling-facility-in-bangladesh-for-meeting-environmental-safety-and-human-rights-standards/
5. Rotterdam Reef successfully installed for nature and shoreline protection
Rijkswaterstaat, the Municipality of Rotterdam, Boskalis and Reefy are testing the Reefy artificial reef system to support nature restoration and conservation efforts in the tidal area of the river Meuse, as part of the “Groene Poort” or “Green Gate” project. After careful preparation and in close collaboration with all the partners, 17 Reefy modules were assembled underwater by Boskalis in under 3 days. The artificial reef is approximately 25 meters long and 3 meters high which makes it possible to see its top layer during low tide. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/03/15/rotterdam-reef-successfully-installed-for-nature-and-shoreline-protection/
6. ONE orders 10 more boxships
Japanese containerline Ocean Network Express (ONE) has ordered ten 13,700 teu boxships to be delivered in 2025 and 2026, the company announced today without revealing prices and at which yard. This new order follows the 10 vessels ordered in May last year. The 10 new vessels will be ready for methanol and ammonia and equipped with a bow shield and other energy saving technologies. https://splash247.com/one-orders-10-more-boxships/
7. Amazon becomes a founding member of the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance
Amazon, clothing firm Patagonia and German coffee chain Tchibo have founded the Zero Emission Maritime Buyers Alliance (ZEMBA) along with non-profit organisation the Aspen Institute, and are seeking other freight buyers to come onboard. The alliance is part of the Cargo Owners for Zero Emissions Vessels (coZEV) initiative and aims to enable companies to access zero-emission shipping solutions that are not currently available. https://splash247.com/amazon-becomes-a-founding-member-of-the-zero-emission-maritime-buyers-alliance/
8. ACBL to Build High-Powered Towboat
U.S.-based American Commercial Barge Line (ACBL) has announced plans for an 11,000 horsepower (HP) class inland towboat. ACBL has signed a contract with C&C Marine and Repair of Belle Chasse, Louisiana, where construction is expected to begin this year. Delivery is planned for the third quarter of 2024. https://gcaptain.com/acbl-to-build-high-powered-towboat/
9. Slow Trade Continues at Port of Long Beach
The Port of Long Beach is reporting another soft month in February amid to full warehouses, reduced consumer spending and the closure of east Asian factories during the Lunar New Year holiday. Dockworkers and terminal operators at the port moved 543,675 TEUs last month, down 31.7% from February 2022’s monthly record when efforts were underway to clear long-dwelling cargo from terminals. https://gcaptain.com/slow-trade-continues-at-port-of-long-beach/
10. Tanker sales surge as Ukraine war divides maritime fleet over Russian cargoes
The war in Ukraine has spurred a flurry of sales and purchases of oil tankers over the past year as some shipping companies press ahead with moving Russian cargoes while others act to avoid any hint of exposure to sanctions, market participants said March 14. Many of these deals involve undisclosed buyers as the investors involved want to keep their purchases private due to the ever-looming threat of more stringent sanctions, the sources said. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Tanker+sales+surge+as+Ukraine+war+divides+maritime+fleet+over+Russian+cargoes
