InterManager Daily News 30.08.2023.

1. The import of grain from Ukraine to the Port of Valencia suffers the impact of the war. The Ukrainian war generated by Russia’s invasion put many countries in check on a crucial food issue: cereals. The ‘breadbasket of Europe’ was invaded and its grain exports were put on standby. According to the World Factbook, an annual publication of the US Central Intelligence Agency, Ukraine is the largest country in Europe in terms of arable land, accounting for 56.1 per cent of its land area. A key region for supplying grain to Europe, but also to other countries outside the European Union that are highly dependent on Ukrainian grain. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/08/28/the-import-of-grain-from-ukraine-to-the-port-of-valencia-suffers-the-impact-of-the-war/
2. Shipping ‘traffic jam’ at Panama Canal: Why it’s not a crisis (yet). The widespread headlines on Panama’s drought and the traffic jam of ships at the canal sound ominous. Authorities at the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) have called this year’s water shortages an “unprecedented challenge.” Media coverage on the canal begets more coverage. Shipping journalists’ inboxes are now filling up with public-relations pitches offering clients’ expert opinions on “the historic drought set to disrupt global supply chains,” the “Panama Canal gridlock impacting the global supply chain” and “looming potential shortages as the Panama Canal restrictions impact holiday stocks.” https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/08/28/shipping-traffic-jam-at-panama-canal-why-its-not-a-crisis-yet/
3. Waning vessel demand drags Baltic index lower. The Baltic Exchange’s main sea freight index recorded its lowest level in more than eight weeks on Thursday, as demand fell across vessel segments. The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels carrying dry bulk commodities, fell 41 points, or 3.6%, to 1,110. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/08/28/waning-vessel-demand-drags-baltic-index-lower-3/
4. Asia Fuel Oil-HSFO crashes as earlier rally fizzles out. Asia’s high sulphur fuel oil (HSFO) weakened sharply on Thursday, a sign that the rally in early August had lost steam. The cash differential for 380-cst HSFO FO380-SIN-DIF fell to a premium of $9 a metric ton to Singapore quotes as the product traded lower. Both bids and offers have retreated. Meanwhile, the 380-cst HSFO September crack FO380DUBCKMc1 declined to a discount of $6.40 a barrel at 0830 GMT. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/08/28/asia-fuel-oil-hsfo-crashes-as-earlier-rally-fizzles-out/
5. India diesel exports to Singapore set for highs in Aug, drop for Europe. India’s diesel exports to Singapore are set to hit a 19-month high in August and exceed 330,000 metric tons, boosted by cheaper freight costs and low inventories in the Asian oil hub, traders and analysts said. The country’s exports of the fuel for August to Europe, on the other hand, are poised to fall to their lowest this year, according to one shiptracker, as shipments to the east are more profitable, but that situation may not last. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2023/08/28/india-diesel-exports-to-singapore-set-for-highs-in-aug-drop-for-europe/
6. South Korea takes the next step forward in autonomous shipping. The shipping industry has taken another important step towards the era of unmanned ships with the delivery of an LNG-powered capesize bulk carrier in South Korea fitted with artificial intelligence (AI)-based machinery monitoring and safety systems. The 180,000 dwt HL Nambu 2, built by Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries for compatriot shipowner H-Line, is claimed to be the first ship that sports the so-called AI engineers – HiCBM, an integrated ship status monitoring solution, and HiCAMS, an integrated safety control solution. https://splash247.com/south-korea-takes-the-next-step-forward-in-autonomous-shipping/
7. Modern ultramaxes in demand. August has been an active month for brokers with close connections to cash-rich accounts. A handful of modern ships have been sold. The latest deal involves Singapore-based Grindrod Shipping selling two Japanese-built 60,400 dwt ultramaxes, the IVS Hayakita, built in 2016, and IVS Bosch Hoek, built in 2015. The ships fetched $46.5m en bloc with some brokers tying Eastern Mediterranean to this deal. https://splash247.com/modern-ultramaxes-in-demand/
8. Kirby Christens Nation’s First Plug-In Hybrid Electric Towing Vessel. Kirby Inland Marine, part of Houston-based Kirby Corporation (NYSE: KEX), has christened the first plug-in hybrid electric inland towing vessel in the U.S. A christening ceremony for the Green Diamond was held for the vessel on Friday in Houston, Texas. The vessel will be time chartered by Shell Trading (US) Company, which will use the boat to push barges throughout the port of Houston area. https://gcaptain.com/kirby-christens-nations-first-plug-in-hybrid-electric-towing-vessel/
9. Newbuild Bulk Carrier Features World’s First AI-Based Engine Automation System. The use of artificial intelligence in shipping has taken its latest step forward with South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries delivering the world’s first ship equipped with an AI-based engine automation system. The vessel is a 180,000-ton, LNG-powered bulk carrier delivered to H-Line. https://gcaptain.com/newbuild-bulk-carrier-features-worlds-first-ai-based-engine-automation-system/
10. Call for Proposal to Carry Out Pilot Trials of Charging Points for Electric Harbour Craft at Selected Locations. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has issued a call for proposal (CFP) to develop, commission, maintain, and operate electric harbour craft (e-HC) charging points at Jurong Port, Marina South Pier, Pasir Panjang Ferry Terminal, PSA Marine – West Coast Base, and Sebarok Terminal together with the existing licensees and operators of these sites. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/Call+for+Proposal+to+Carry+Out+Pilot+Trials+of+Charging+Points+for+Electric+Harbour+Craft+at+Selected+Locations