1. MIEEK organised a panel discussion on “Blue Growth: A Challenge for the Environment”
A panel discussion on “Blue Growth: A Challenge for the Environment” was organized by the Program of Studies “Supply Chain Management and Maritime Studies” on Wednesday, 15 March 2023. The program is offered by the Higher School of Vocational Education and Training of the Ministry of Education, Sport and Youth, MIEEK. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/03/22/mieek-organised-a-panel-discussion-on-blue-growth-a-challenge-for-the-environment/
2. UK Government should invest in maritime tech, cleaner fuels and workforce, Transport Committee says
The Transport Committee publishes a report on the Government’s
Maritime 2050 strategy, and calls for investment in new technology, cleaner fuels and workforce training so that the UK’s sector can compete with the world. This sometimes-overlooked “Cinderella” sector is vital to the UK economy. Approximately 95 per cent of goods by weight come to the UK by ship, and the Department for Business and Trade predicts maritime cargo volumes will triple by 2050. The UK’s sector employs 185,000 people throughout the four nations and contributes £40 billion a year to the economy. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/03/22/uk-government-should-invest-in-maritime-tech-cleaner-fuels-and-workforce-transport-committee-says/
3. 100 audits completed under IMO Member State Audit Scheme
One hundred of IMO’s 175 Member States and three associated Members have now been audited under IMO’s Member State Audit Scheme. The milestone was reached in March 2023. The audits continue to be rolled out, with 23 audits scheduled to be completed during 2023 and 25 in 2024. The first audit cycle is set to be completed by 2025. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/03/22/100-audits-completed-under-imo-member-state-audit-scheme/
4. VLCC market eased during the past week says Baltic Exchange
In the Middle East Gulf this week freight levels have suffered as enquiry seemingly dropped off. TC1 is currently marked at WS182.5 (-14.06) and WS180 is reported on subjects. Similarly, for a run West on TC20, the index has come off $42,859 to $4,728,571. Much like their larger counterparts the LR1s have felt weakening sentiments this week but not to the same extent. TC5 dipped a meagre 1.08 points to WS195.71 and TC8 similarly shed $66,000 from $3,825,000 to $3,758,000. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/03/22/vlcc-market-eased-during-the-past-week-says-baltic-exchange/
5. China’s uneven economic recovery to be mirrored in commodity imports
China’s economic recovery appears to be on track, but is unevenly spread across sectors, which is likely to result in a similar pattern for its imports of major commodities. A slew of data from the world’s second-biggest economy showed some encouraging signs of a recovery in industrial production, retail sales and fixed-asset investment. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/03/22/chinas-uneven-economic-recovery-to-be-mirrored-in-commodity-imports/
6. New Tufton-backed shipowner Stainless Tankers set to list in Oslo
A new player in the chemical tanker arena will be listed on the Norwegian over-the-counter market following an initial public offering backed by UK-based Tufton Investment Management. The Oslo-based Stainless Tankers has raised around $67m to buy a fleet of seven 20,000 dwt stainless steel chemical tankers. https://splash247.com/new-tufton-backed-shipowner-stainless-tankers-set-to-list-in-oslo/
7. Shipping braces for reputation hammering as dark fleet accidents proliferate
Shipping is braced for a reputation hammering in the event of a major dark fleet “oil on feathers” incident. Authorities around the world are trying to keep tabs on the fast-growing shadow fleet of tankers hauling Iranian, Venezuelan, and Russian oil in often substandard, elderly tonnage. https://splash247.com/shipping-braces-for-reputation-hammering-as-dark-fleet-accidents-proliferate/
8. Tanker Fire Off Portugal Sparks Pollution Concern
A tanker carrying diesel and jet fuel is on fire in the Atlantic Ocean just off the coast of Portugal, prompting concern of a potential pollution incident. The Portuguese Navy is reporting that the Lisbon Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) received a distress call at approximately 3:30 PM Tuesday concerning a fire aboard the Malta-flagged tanker Greta K. The vessel was situated about 1.5 miles off the coast, roughly 3 kilometers from Ingleses Beach in Foz do Douro, Portugal, the Navy said. https://gcaptain.com/tanker-fire-off-portugal-sparks-pollution-concern/
9. McCown Report: Record Drop for U.S. Container Imports in February
The top ten container ports in the U.S. had a their biggest monthly decline on record in February, reflecting the dramatic boom-to-bust cycle caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Inbound container volumes to the U.S. declined a “staggering” 28% last month, a “major deterioration” compared to January’s 17% drop and the fifth straight month of double-digit percentage declines, liner industry veteran John McCown says in his latest U.S. ports report. https://gcaptain.com/mccown-report-record-drop-for-u-s-container-imports-in-february/
10. Labor Tensions Rise in Stalled West Coast Port Contract Talks
Tensions in long-running contract talks at West Coast ports are worsening, with employers accusing unionized dockworkers of slowing cargo handling at the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the nation’s busiest gateway for imported consumer goods. The sharp rhetoric marks a shift from a longstanding agreement to maintain public silence on issues around the negotiations, which began last spring. The two sides appear to be no closer to bridging the gap on their disagreements, pointing to the possibility of deeper disruptions to U.S. trade flows. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Labor+Tensions+Rise+in+Stalled+West+Coast+Port+Contract+Talks
