InterManager Daily News 01.05.2024.

1. Digitalisation’s role in improving vessel and crew optimisation comes under debate at Columbia Shipmanagement conference in Oslo The lack of a common IT backbone within the maritime sector, coupled with the need for stakeholders to invest in digital solutions to resolve increasingly more complicated operational issues onboard ships, dominated discussions at a Columbia Shipmanagement conference held in front of the Norwegian shipping market in Oslo. Digitalisation’s role in improving vessel and crew optimisation comes under debate at Columbia Shipmanagement conference in Oslo – Cyprus Shipping News
2. V Group opens office in Oman V.Group (V.), the global ship management and marine services company, has opened an office in Oman as it expands its presence in the Middle East.Located in Muscat, the office will primarily focus on crew management. It will also allow V. to offer technical and crew services to customers in the region. V Group opens office in Oman – Cyprus Shipping News
3. Global LNG freight rates stable despite recent vessel availability fluctuation At the start of the year the number of available spot vessels in the Atlantic basin stood at five ships, before dipping to around three to four in March. In April, the number of available vessels soared to the highest recorded — between 2022 to 2024 — of around 13 to 14 vessels. In the past week, the number of available vessels has declined to around 12 to 13. Global LNG freight rates stable despite recent vessel availability fluctuation – Cyprus Shipping News
4. Stranded ships exit Baltimore port via temporary channel Large ship traffic to and from the port, the busiest in the U.S. for auto shipments, has been severely restricted since the hulking Dali container ship lost power and smashed into the bridge on March 26, bringing it down and blocking the channel. The FBI has launched a criminal probe into the incident, which killed six bridge workers. Stranded ships exit Baltimore port via temporary channel – Cyprus Shipping News
5. Port of Antwerp-Bruges close cooperation between the chemical industry and energy transformation in Europe The Port of Antwerp-Bruges will be organising the second “Chemistry & Energy Summit” in Burghausen in order to explain the essential relationship between the chemical industry and the energy sector and to initiate a fundamental process of dialogue. This summit will emphasise the significance of adopting an all-embracing approach to current challenges and opportunities as well as the need for close cooperation between both key industries to enable a future that is emission-free. Port of Antwerp-Bruges close cooperation between the chemical industry and energy transformation in Europe – Cyprus Shipping News
6. COSCO’s battle to open Peruvian megaport could go to international arbitration It is the largest port under construction in South America, something the Chinese ambassador in Lima has claimed will transform a former fishing village 70 km north of the capital into Peru’s Shanghai. However, the construction of Chancay port, set to be opened by president Xi Jinping in November, has not been without controversy. COSCO’s battle to open Peruvian megaport could go to international arbitration – Splash247
7. Eastern Pacific books up to eight product tankers at Fujian Mawei Idan Ofer’s Eastern Pacific Shipping (EPS) has added to its massive orderbook with a fresh deal for MR product tanker newbuilds in China.The Singapore-based diversified shipowner, with more than 70 newbuilding projects, has contracted for up to eight 50,000 dwt product carriers at Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding.Eastern Pacific books up to eight product tankers at Fujian Mawei – Splash247
8. Red Sea Diversions Spew Carbon Emissions Equal to 9 Million Cars Ships seeking to avoid ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea area are emitting millions of additional tons of carbon, making it tougher for companies using ocean freight to reduce pollution across their supply chains. Instead of passing through Egypt’s Suez Canal, hundreds of vessels since mid-December are sailing around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope — a detour that adds at least a week to the journey between South Asia and northern Europe. Red Sea Diversions Spew Carbon Emissions Equal to 9 Million Cars
9. Ship Reportedly Damaged in Latest Red Sea Missile Attack A vessel that reported on Monday an explosion in its proximity, 54 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s Mokha, has sustained damage but the ship and crew are safe and proceeding to next port of call, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said. Ship Reportedly Damaged in Latest Red Sea Missile Attack
10. Why the electric freight and sustainable shipping sector is turning to the Middle EastSustainable shipping and autonomous electric freight technology has been underestimated in terms of the impact it can make on reducing climate emissions, but the scope for the industry is booming in the Middle East, according to industry executives. Shipping Tribune