InterManager Daily News 21.01.2021.

1. Tonnage Tax Reductions of up to 30% with new Cyprus Green Incentives Programme
The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry (SDM) has announced a new range of green incentives to reward vessels that demonstrate effective emissions reductions. From fiscal year 2021, annual tonnage tax will be reduced by up to 30% for each vessel that demonstrates proactive measures to reduce its environmental impact, ensuring shipowners are rewarded for sustainable shipping efforts. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/01/19/tonnage-tax-reductions-of-up-to-30-with-new-cyprus-green-incentives-programme/

2. Brookes Bell grows international reach with the addition of 3D Marine
The addition of 3D Marine is part of Brookes Bells’ long term strategy to service clients across the globe, giving the company an additional presence in Houston and Miami alongside its current offices in Liverpool, London, Glasgow, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore.
https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/01/19/brookes-bell-grows-international-reach-with-the-addition-of-3d-marine/

3. The dynamism of the Asian market and the rise in fuel prices increase freight rates in Valenciaport
The Valencia Containerised Freight Index (VCFI) of December experienced a growth of 4.19% with respect to the previous month, confirming the trend of the last five months of the year of increased freight rates. The high demand for traffic with China and the rise in fuel prices have played a major role in this increase. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/01/19/the-dynamism-of-the-asian-market-and-the-rise-in-fuel-prices-increase-freight-rates-in-valenciaport/

4. British Ports Association: Vaccine prioritisation needed for the unsung heroes of the UK ports sector
The British Ports Association has called for essential port workers to be given priority during the rollout of the Coronavirus vaccine amid rising infection levels so as to protect vital supply chains. The UK ports industry is the second largest in Europe, handling almost 500 million tonnes of freight each year and facilitating 95% of the UK’s trade. Over 115,000 people are directly employed in the UK ports industry. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2021/01/19/british-ports-association-vaccine-prioritisation-needed-for-the-unsung-heroes-of-the-uk-ports-sector/

5. 37% of all boxes are rolled over
Ocean Insights’ latest cargo delay statistics published today show how the container bull run is wreaking havoc on the market, with surging rollover rates across major ports during December and most major carriers seeing increases in delays. https://splash247.com/37-of-all-boxes-are-rolled-over/

6. Singapore to vaccinate over 10,000 frontline maritime workers by end of month
Singapore will deliver Covid-19 vaccinations to over 10,000 maritime personnel by the end of January under its Sea – Air Vaccination Exercise (SAVE). The exercise is part of the country’s national Covid-19 vaccination strategy to protect frontline personnel and their family members, as well as residents living in Singapore. https://splash247.com/singapore-to-vaccinate-over-10000-frontline-maritime-by-end-of-month/

7. Seven capes change hands in opening days of 2021
Cape sales continue to dominate the opening days of 2021. While cape freight rates have cooled slightly this week, they are still in profitable territory, something that was not the case for much of last year. So far this year, seven cape sales have been registered, a brisk start to 2021. By comparison, 49 capes were sold throughout the whole of 2020. https://splash247.com/seven-capes-change-hands-in-opening-days-of-2021/

8. Shipping Group Says Seafarers Should Receive Vaccine Priority
New variants of Covid-19 in Brazil, South Africa and the U.K. have contributed to more stringent port and travel restrictions, limiting the ability of shipowners to repatriate hundreds of thousands of seafarers still stuck working on vessels past their contracts, according to the ICS, a trade association that represents more than 80% of the world’s merchant fleet. https://gcaptain.com/shipping-group-says-seafarers-should-receive-vaccine-priority/

9. MOL Rejects ‘Seriously Flawed’ Forbes Report on Wakashio Grounding
The Forbes article, titled “Special Report: Explosive Documents Reveal BP Behind Toxic Mauritius Oil Spill“, attempts to connect the Very Low Sulphur Fuel Oil being used by ship to its July 25 grounding in Mauritius. It also accuses MOL of knowingly using “experimental” faulty fuel, supplied by BP, that had potential to cause engine failure.
https://gcaptain.com/mol-rejects-seriously-flawed-forbes-report-on-wakashio-grounding/

10. With 2 Big Ports, Gujarat Sets Off Race For Tesla Plant
Jostling has started to host the assembling or production plant of Tesla Inc, after the Elon Musk-led electric car-maker opened a research and development unit in Bengaluru ahead of hitting the road in India. With India’s biggest ports — Kandla and Mundra — in Gujarat, the State is pitching for the Tesla unit. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/With+2+big+ports%2C+Gujarat+sets+off+race+for+Tesla+plant