InterManager Daily News 24.07.2023.

1. Hellenic-American Shipping Gala recognises 27 shipping companies of Greek Interests for Excellence and Financial Attractiveness. Twenty-seven shipping companies of Greek interests listed in the US capital markets were honored for their exceptional quality, transparency, and attractiveness to global financial and service providers during the inaugural Annual Hellenic-American Shipping Gala. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/07/21/hellenic-american-shipping-gala-recognises-27-shipping-companies-of-greek-interests-for-excellence-and-financial-attractiveness/
2. Insurers reviewing Black Sea ship cover after Russia suspension. Insurers are reviewing whether to freeze cover for any ships willing to sail to Ukraine after Russia said on Monday it will suspend participation in a UN-backed deal that allows the export of grain through a Black Sea safe corridor, sources said. The agreement, brokered by Turkey last July, aimed to alleviate a global food crisis by allowing Ukrainian grain blocked by the Russia-Ukraine conflict to be exported safely. It will expire at the end of the day on Monday. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/07/21/insurers-reviewing-black-sea-ship-cover-after-russia-suspension/
3. Anneliese Jost to be handed IMO International Maritime Prize. Anneliese Jost is to receive the International Maritime Prize for her contributions to the objectives and work of IMO. Anneliese Jost has been selected as the recipient of the prestigious International Maritime Prize for 2022. The decision was made by the IMO Council at its 129th session (17-21 July). Anneliese Jost was nominated for the award by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/07/21/anneliese-jost-to-be-handed-imo-international-maritime-prize/
4. Asia Fuel Oil-VLSFO slides into deeper discount. Asia’s cash differential for very-low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) slumped into a deeper discount to Singapore quotes on Tuesday, as sellers continued to lower offers for early August. The 0.5% VLSFO cash differential was pegged at a discount of 94 cents a metric ton to Singapore quotes, though front-month crack rebounded day-on-day to a premium of $7.28 a barrel. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/07/21/asia-fuel-oil-vlsfo-slides-into-deeper-discount/
5. Baltic index extends decline on weak demand for larger vessels. The Baltic Exchange’s main sea freight index, tracking rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, fell for a third straight day on Tuesday, pressured by lower demand across larger vessel segments. The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, fell by 36 points, or 3.4%, to 1,037, its lowest in a week. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/07/21/baltic-index-extends-decline-on-weak-demand-for-larger-vessels/
6. DNV and UAE establishing maritime decarbonisation centre. Classification society DNV signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for establishing a new UAE Decarbonisation Centre The new UAE Maritime Decarbonisation Centre will connect stakeholders from across the maritime industry and beyond, to become a driving force for reducing GHG emissions globally. https://splash247.com/dnv-and-uae-establishing-maritime-decarbonisation-centre/
7. Low-carbon fuel production initiative adopted at global summit. The Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) has today adopted the Clean Energy Marine Hubs Initiative (CEM-Hubs) at a summit in Goa, India. The first-of-its-kind platform brings together the private sector and governments across the energy-maritime value chain to transform maritime transportation and production hubs for future low-carbon fuels. https://splash247.com/low-carbon-fuel-production-initiative-adopted-at-global-summit/
8. Wildfire On Greek Island Forces Mass Evacuations. A wildfire which has been raging on the Greek island of Rhodes for five days forced hundreds of people to flee affected villages and beaches by land and sea on Saturday, authorities said. Coast guard vessels and more than 30 private boats evacuated at least 2,000 people, including tourists, from beaches close to the areas of Kiotari and Lardos in the southeastern part of the island, coast guard spokesman Nikos Alexiou told Skai television. https://gcaptain.com/wildfire-on-greek-island-forces-mass-evacuations/
9. Peru Calls Out Repsol For Paying Tiny Fraction Of Oil Spill Fines. Peru’s Environment Minister Albina Ruiz called out Spanish oil firm Repsol SA Thursday for only paying a small fraction of fines tied to the country’s worst oil spill on record. Speaking to reporters, Ruiz said Repsol had paid just 2.8 million soles ($780,000), or about 3% of the 97 million soles imposed after 10,000 barrels were spilled into the Pacific Ocean early last year. Repsol said in a text response that it had actually paid 9.8 million soles, or 10% of the overall figure given by the ministry. https://gcaptain.com/peru-calls-out-repsol-for-paying-tiny-fraction-of-oil-spill-fines/
10. Black Sea shipping traffic slowing after Russia, Ukraine warnings. The number of ships looking to pick up grain cargoes from the Black Sea area has fallen 35% this week versus the previous week with growing uncertainty over whether commercial traffic could be hit as Russia continues to pound food facilities in Ukraine. Moscow’s direct attacks on Ukraine’s grain for four days running followed a vow by Kyiv to defy Russia’s naval blockade on its export ports following Moscow’s withdrawal earlier this week from a UN-brokered safe sea corridor agreement. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Black+Sea+shipping+traffic+slowing+after+Russia%2C+Ukraine+warnings