InterManager Daily News 16.05.2023.

1. Iran and the risks to commercial shipping. Friday saw a product tanker called Purity seized by Iran, a third ship in quick succession, putting commercial shipping on high alert. On May 3 this year, the Panama-flagged, Greek-owned tanker Niovi was seized in the Strait of Hormuz. This seizure came after Iran captured the Marshall Islands-flagged suezmax crude tanker, Advantage Sweet, six days earlier which has increased tensions in and around the Persian Gulf. https://splash247.com/iran-and-the-risks-to-commercial-shipping/
2. Noble scores $500m drillship contract with Petrobras. New York and Copenhagen-listed offshore driller Noble has won a $500m contract from Brazil’s Petrobras for the ultra-deepwater drillship Noble Faye Kozack.The 2013-built rig, formerly Pacific Khamsin, has been fixed for two-and-a-half years for drilling operations at the BM-S-11 and Tupi fields offshore Brazil starting in the fourth quarter of 2023. https://splash247.com/noble-scores-500m-drillship-contract-with-petrobras/
3. Uncertainty still reigns as Greek ship lending portfolio shifts to UBS. Switzerland’s largest bank UBS told the market earlier this week about its way forward, including the appointment of a new finance head, Todd Tuckner, and the retention of Credit Suisse CEO Ulrich Koerner as part of a new leadership team after the takeover. Once the transaction is completed in the coming weeks, a new operating model will be implemented. https://splash247.com/uncertainty-still-reigns-as-greek-ship-lending-portfolio-shifts-to-ubs/
4. Minna Kivimäki: What I would do as the next IMO secretary-general. In less than 10 weeks shipping will find out who its next chief regulator will be with voting for the next secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) scheduled for July 18, and the winner set to take the reins from incumbent Kitack Lim from January 1 next year.Seven people from four continents have thrown their hats in the ring for the role at the London-based United Nations body including Minna Kivimäki, the permanent secretary at Finland’s Ministry of Transport and Communications. https://splash247.com/minna-kivimaki-what-i-would-do-as-the-next-imo-secretary-general/
5. US Unlikely To Sanction South Africa In Russia Weapons Dispute. South African Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said his country had resolved a dispute with the U.S. over allegations that Pretoria supplied weapons to Russia, and South Africa is unlikely to face U.S. repercussions, Bloomberg News reported Godongwana said in an interview on Sunday. “A number of actions were taken in order to ensure that our relationship with the US remains and that relationship should be normal and cordial,” the minister told Bloomberg in an interview in Cape Town on Sunday. “The Americans are not likely to respond with any anger tomorrow.” https://gcaptain.com/us-unlikely-to-sanction-south-africa-in-russia-weapons-dispute/
6. Philippines Places Buoys In Parts Of S.China Sea To Assert Sovereignty. The Philippines has placed navigational buoys within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to assert sovereignty over the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, a coast guard spokesperson said on Sunday.The step comes amid China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea as Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr pursues warmer ties with treaty ally the United States. https://gcaptain.com/philippines-places-buoys-in-parts-of-s-china-sea-to-assert-sovereignty/
7. Could A 4-Star Industry Envoy Fix US Shipbuilding? In the grand tapestry of American history, the narrative of industry and manufacturing has often been the undercurrent that propelled the nation to the forefront of global power. However, that undercurrent has seen a steady ebb. Today, the United States finds itself in the valley of an alarming industrial decline. Our shipyards, once the envy of the world, struggle to remain profitable. Naval shipbuilding, a cornerstone of American defense, has been beleaguered by failures and delays, and – as War in Ukraine highlights – our military’s munitions stockpile and industrial capacity have dwindled dangerously. https://gcaptain.com/could-a-4-star-industry-envoy-fix-us-shipbuilding/
8. Courtroom drama – Ship Arrests for unpaid Bunkers : Mr. Ashwin Shanker. The Shipping Tribune is pleased to announce “Asia Dry Bulk Cargo Summit 2023” is being organised on 16th June 2023 at Holiday Inn, Mumbai. The organisers are delighted to announce that Mr. Ashwin Shanker, Advocate & Arbitrator, LLM (Maritime Law) London, will be addressing the business leaders and stakeholders at the Summit. He will be delivering a presentation and talk on Courtroom drama- Ship Arrests for unpaid Bunkers . Mr. Ashwin Shanker has been a regular speaker in various National & International conferences and is a very well-known name in the maritime trade. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Courtroom+drama+-+Ship+Arrests+for+unpaid+Bunkers+%3A+Mr.+Ashwin+Shanker
9. New cranes to enhance APM Terminals Mumbai operations. The Zhen Hua 15 vessel travelled 5,300 nautical miles over a period of 20 days, reaching APM Terminals Mumbai in India on 28 April.The vessel was carrying two ship-to-shore cranes and three rail-mounted gantry cranes.The new cranes, with a 23-row outreach, will help load and discharge larger vessels in a shorter time, thereby increasing operational efficiencies at the Indian terminal, according to APM Terminals.https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/New+cranes+to+enhance+APM+Terminals+Mumbai+operations
10. Centre invites proposals for research in coal sector. The coal ministry on Friday invited proposals for research and development (R&D) in coal sector, aimed at improving production, productivity, safety, quality, and environmental protection.The ministry has invited proposals from academic institutions and research organizations, with the submission deadline set for 15 July.According to a statement released from the ministry, the focus areas for R&D include advanced technology for mining, waste-to-wealth initiatives, and clean coal technologies. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Centre+invites+proposals+for+research+in+coal+sector