InterManager Daily News 04.04.2023.

1. ECSA and ICS warmly welcome EU decision to recognise training and certification of Filipino seafarers. ECSA (European Community Shipowners’ Associations) and ICS (International Chamber of Shipping) warmly welcome the decision of the European Commission to continue to recognise the certificates of Filipino seafarers, confirming the compliance of the Philippines with the requirements of the STWC Convention. The decision follows the response by authorities of the Philippines to a report by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) that explored the deficiencies in the country’s standards of training and certification. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/04/03/ecsa-and-ics-warmly-welcome-eu-decision-to-recognise-training-and-certification-of-filipino-seafarers/
2. French strikes snarl ports, leaving millions of barrels of oil stranded on tankers. Strikes in France have brought the country’s oil refineries close to a halt, driving a backlog of tankers stuck in limbo off the French coast, but high stockpiles have softened the impact on European diesel prices. The strikes, which entered their fourth week on Monday, have helped close four of France’s six refineries, while port closures are crimping the flow of crude to the remaining two. The strikes are in opposition to pension reforms and have affected the transport, aviation, and energy sectors. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/04/03/french-strikes-snarl-ports-leaving-millions-of-barrels-of-oil-stranded-on-tankers/
3. EU agrees stronger legislation to accelerate the rollout of renewable energy. The Commission welcomes the provisional agreement reached today between the European Parliament and the Council to reinforce the EU Renewable Energy Directive. This deal brings the EU one step closer to completing the “Fit for 55” legislation to deliver the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU objectives. The agreement raises the EU’s binding renewable target for 2030 to a minimum of 42.5%, up from the current 32% target and almost doubling the existing share of renewable energy in the EU. Negotiators also agreed that the EU would aim to reach 45% of renewables by 2030. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/04/03/eu-agrees-stronger-legislation-to-accelerate-the-rollout-of-renewable-energy/
4. NORDEN partner with Spar Shipping on use of biofuel. Together with shipowner Spar Shipping AS, NORDEN recently bunkered approximately 1100 tonnes of biofuel at GoodFuels in Rotterdam used on two voyages bound for Asia and Africa respectively.The bunkering of 1100 tonnes of biofuel is the first biofuel bunkering by NORDEN on chartered vessels, marking an important milestone in our commitment to offer greener shipping solutions to our customers. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/04/03/norden-partner-with-spar-shipping-on-use-of-biofuel/
5. EU carbon pricing brings new pressures and new plays to maritime. The EU Emissions Trading Scheme and FuelEU Maritime can offer significant competitive advantage to owners and charterers that understand the incentives.Exposure to carbon pricing may seem like a threat to some ship owners and charterers. The aim, after all, is to encourage a switch to green fuels that will likely be more expensive than fossil fuels, accompanied by costly changes to operations. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/04/03/eu-carbon-pricing-brings-new-pressures-and-new-plays-to-maritime/
6. Seven states enter race for IMO secretary general spot. Seven people from four continents have thrown their hats in the ring to become the next International Maritime Organization secretary general. Since launching the process to elect a successor to Kitack Lim last December, Panama’s Arsenio Dominguez, Nancy Karigithu from Kenya, Turkey’s Suat Hayri Aka, Dominica’s Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry and Moin Uddin Ahmed from Bangladesh have announced candidacies for the IMO’s top spot. https://splash247.com/seven-states-enter-race-for-imo-secretary-general-spot/
7. Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers eyes nearly $510m raise for fleet growth. Cosco Shipping Specialized Carriers is looking to raise up to RMB3.5bn ($509m) to fund fleet expansion.A unit of Cosco Shipping Group said it plans to use the proceeds for the leasing of 29 multipurpose pulp carriers between 62,000 dwt and 70,000 dwt.The funds would also be directed towards a 65,000 dwt semi-submersible heavy lift unit at Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) worth $121.8m. https://splash247.com/cosco-shipping-specialized-carriers-eyes-nearly-510m-raise-for-fleet-growth/
8. $22.5 Million Recovery For Mariner Injured In Barge Accident. In a unique case involving complex issues of both admiralty law and state law, Carolyn Latti and David Anderson of Latti & Anderson LLP succeeded in recovering $22.5 million for a mate who suffered the loss of both of his lower legs in a barge accident. Because of the intricate issues and number of potential parties at fault, litigation in the case continued for four years until a resolution was reached which enabled our client to receive compensation for the years of pain and suffering and to meet the challenges of life ahead. https://gcaptain.com/22-5-million-recovery-for-mariner-injured-in-barge-accident/
9. 3rd Mate Exam Pass Rates Plummet. The Consortium of State Maritime Academies, which represents the nation’s six state maritime academies, has asked Commandant of the US Coast Guard Linda Fagan to review the current Chart Plot module of the U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate exams. The request comes after the majority of cadets taking the exam failed a test required for them to become Merchant Marine officers. The Consortium also questioned the need for a paper exams during the age of digital charts. https://gcaptain.com/3rd-mate-exam-pass-rates-plummet/
10. Baltic index marks worst week in 6 on lower capesize, supramax demand. The Baltic exchange’s main sea freight index, tracking rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, posted its biggest fall in six weeks, pressured by lower shipping rates for capesize and supramax segments. The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, fell 14 points, or 1.0%, to its lowest since March 9 at 1,389. It was down 6.7% for the week – its biggest dip since the week ended Feb. 17. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Baltic+index+marks+worst+week+in+6+on+lower+capesize%2C+supramax+demand