InterManager Daily News 18.08.2023.

1. Pavilion Energy and CNOOC complete first ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation to Maran Tankers Management’s New Built VLCC Maran Dione in China. Pavilion Energy and CNOOC Gas and Power Group have successfully concluded their inaugural Ship-to-Ship (STS) LNG bunkering operation to Maran Dione, Maran Tankers Management (MTM)’s new-built dual-fuel (DF) very large crude carrier (VLCC), in China. MTM, the oil tanker shipping arm of the Angelicoussis Group, recently welcomed this vessel as the fourth and newest DF VLCC in its fleet. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/08/17/pavilion-energy-and-cnooc-complete-first-ship-to-ship-lng-bunkering-operation-to-maran-tankers-managements-new-built-vlcc-maran-dione-in-china/
2. TDI-Brooks increases its vessel capacity by adding a 75-meter DP2 vessel R/V NAUTILUS. TDI-Brooks increases its vessel capacity by adding a 75-meter DP2 vessel, R/V NAUTILUS (formerly Nautical Geo), to its fleet. The market for subsea services remains strong, coupled with increased demand from clients and the need for increased capabilities. The vessel can potentially offer a variety of offshore assistance with subsea services, construction aid, exploration, production, ROV and diving support, and scientific marine research and survey mapping, along with military support. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/08/17/tdi-brooks-increases-its-vessel-capacity-by-adding-a-75-meter-dp2-vessel-r-v-nautilus/
3. Delivery of M.V. Bloemgracht to Spliethoff Group. M.v. Bloemgracht has been delivered from Fuzhou Mawei shipyard to Spliethoff Group today, 11 August 2023 at 14:15 (CHN time). The series of two identical DP2 B-type vessels is now complete. The Spliethoff DP2 B-type vessels are the next generation offshore supply vessels with a number of versatile characteristics that make them unique in the market. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/08/17/delivery-of-m-v-bloemgracht-to-spliethoff-group/
4. Russia to export 55 mln T of grain this year -Interfax, quoting minister. Russia’s agriculture minister Dmitry Patrushev on Thursday said that the country will export 55 million metric tons of grain in 2023, Interfax reported. “This year we plan to export, taking into account our plans for the harvest, about 55 million tonnes. This figure can be adjusted upwards. If we see that our forecasts for grain volumes are growing, we will adjust the figure for export volumes,” Patrushev was quoted as saying to journalists in Russia’s Omsk region. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/08/17/russia-to-export-55-mln-t-of-grain-this-year-interfax-quoting-minister/
5. This is going to get worse before it gets better’: Panama Canal pileup due to drought reaches 154 vessels. The number of vessels waiting to cross the Panama Canal has reached 154, and slots for carriers to book passage are being reduced in an effort to manage congestion caused by ongoing drought conditions that have roiled the major shipping gateway since the spring. The current wait time to cross the canal is now around 21 days. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/08/17/this-is-going-to-get-worse-before-it-gets-better-panama-canal-pileup-due-to-drought-reaches-154-vessels/
6. More stranded ships set to leave Ukraine. As the Joseph Schulte nears its safe harbour destination in Turkey, other ships in Ukraine are readying their voyage plans to exit the war-torn country having been stranded for more than 530 days. Meanwhile, in the opposite direction a number of vessels are bound for Ukrainian ports suggesting Russia has either eased or lost its grip on the western edges of the Black Sea, battered by a recent series of naval drone attacks.https://splash247.com/more-stranded-ships-set-to-leave-ukraine/
7. New South Korean shipping firm launches. South Korea has a new shipping company, albeit one with a familiar name. Trading company STX has decided to spinoff a new shipping and logistics arm called STX Green Logis. After the spinoff, STX will focus on trading raw materials, including secondary battery materials like nickel, while the new entity will deal with shipping and logistics businesses, according to STX. https://splash247.com/new-south-korean-shipping-firm-launches/
8. Ex-SIPG president faces graft investigation. Yan Jun has become the latest high-profile name in Chinese shipping to be investigated for corruption. Yan, who suddenly stepped down as president of Shanghai International Port Group (SIPG) at the end of last month after nine years in charge, is being investigated by Shanghai’s anti-corruption watchdog according to Chinese financial newswire Caixin. Yan is “suspected of serious violations of discipline and law”, local authorities said in a case that is reportedly linked to the investigation into Chen Xuyuan, Yan’s predecessor at SIPG, operator of the world’s largest container terminal. https://splash247.com/ex-sipg-president-faces-graft-investigation/
9. Biden Administration Identifies Potential Offshore Wind Areas in Oregon’s Deep Waters. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) has identified two draft Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) off the coast of Oregon for the potential development of floating offshore wind farms capable of producing up to 2.6 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy. The draft WEAs cover approximately 219,568 acres offshore southern Oregon, located approximately 18 and 32 miles off the coast at their closest points. https://gcaptain.com/biden-administration-identifies-potential-offshore-wind-areas-in-oregons-deep-waters/
10. MARAD Designates New Marine Highway Routes. The U.S. Maritime Administration has announced the designation of two new Marine Highway Routes as part of the United States Marine Highway Program (MHP), adding 6,500 miles in Alaska and nearly 250 miles on the Ohio River to the system.Known as the M-11 and the M-79 routes, they will help speed up the movement of goods, strengthen supply chains, and support local economies in Alaska, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Eligible applicants on the routes can apply for future U.S. Marine Highway Program grants. https://gcaptain.com/marad-designates-new-marine-highway-routes/