InterManager Daily News 09.01.2024.

1. Karin Orsel takes the helm as ECSA President, with Mikki Koskinen appointed Vice-President Karin Orsel has been appointed the first female President ever in the history of ECSA, starting on 1 January 2024 for a two-year term, with Mikki Koskinen joining as the new Vice-President. She succeeds Philippos Philis, who has held the position since January 2022. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2024/01/08/karin-orsel-takes-the-helm-as-ecsa-president-with-mikki-koskinen-appointed-vice-president/
2. Venezuela’s 2023 oil exports rose, aided by US sanctions easing Venezuela’s oil exports increased 12% last year to almost 700,000 barrels per day (bpd) as the United States eased sanctions imposed since 2019 on the OPEC country’s energy sector, according to data and documents viewed by Reuters. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2024/01/08/venezuelas-2023-oil-exports-rose-aided-by-us-sanctions-easing/
3. Ocean cargo rates climb after new Red Sea ship attacks Ocean freight rates are surging after a missile attack and attempted hijacking of a Maersk ship this weekend prompted carriers to suspend plans to restart transits through the Red Sea, a key artery to the vital Suez Canal trade route. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2024/01/08/ocean-cargo-rates-climb-after-new-red-sea-ship-attacks/
4. Baltic index ticks down as smaller vessel rates dip The Baltic Exchange’s dry bulk sea freight index declined on Thursday, as lower rates for panamax and supramax vessels outweighed strength in the capesize segment. The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, fell 5 points, or 0.2%, at 2,086, its lowest since late November. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2024/01/08/baltic-index-ticks-down-as-smaller-vessel-rates-dip/
5. AD Ports Group makes waves with SailGP at Mubadala Abu Dhabi Grand Prix AD Ports Group, one of the leading facilitators of global trade, logistics, and industry, announced their role as an Official Port Partner of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2024/01/08/ad-ports-group-makes-waves-with-sailgp-at-mubadala-abu-dhabi-grand-prix/
6. India to create local P&I club India is to establish its own protection and indemnity (P&l) club, the latest part of the maritime jigsaw the Narendra Modi administration is creating in driving the country’s shipping ambitions. https://splash247.com/india-to-create-local-pi-club/
7. What I’d like to see happening in shipping in 2024 As I am sure you know, ‘May you live in interesting times”’ isn’t a real Chinese curse. It’s a 1920s Chicago newspaper’s invention. Now it looks as if we may be about to live in interesting times for real. The editor (he, who must be obeyed) asked me to make a list of what I want to see in 2024, and a list of what I think we will see. https://splash247.com/what-id-like-to-see-happening-in-shipping-in-2024/
8. Somalia strikes back at Ethiopia’s bid for Red Sea access Landlocked Ethiopia’s bid to gain access to the Red Sea via the port of Berbera has created a predictable diplomatic storm. Splashreported a week ago that Abiy Ahmed, Ethiopia’s prime minister, had signed a memorandum of understanding with Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland to lease 20 km around the Red Sea port of Berbera. https://splash247.com/somalia-strikes-back-at-ethiopias-bid-for-red-sea-access/
9. Indian Navy To Escort Indian Merchant Ships In Red Sea India’s defense ministry is providing protective escorts to Indian container ships in the high seas around the Red Sea as the security situation there continues to simmer, a government source said on Friday. https://gcaptain.com/indian-navy-escorts-red-sea/
10. E-fuels ramp-up to provide competitive alternative fuel for aviation, shipping as supply scales: IEA A wave of new renewable electricity capacity could propel lower prices for sustainable ‘e-fuels’ in the transport sector, mitigating the price impact for end-consumers, the International Energy Agency said in its December report. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/E-fuels+ramp-up+to+provide+competitive+alternative+fuel+for+aviation%2C+shipping+as+supply+scales%3A+IEA