1. Blue Limassol Forum: The transition to sustainability requires coordination and long-term planning
A research study presented during the 2nd Blue Limassol Forum on March 30th highlights the need to effectively monitor the growing risks to the coastal, marine and maritime environment of Limassol. The study, which was conducted by Frederick University on behalf of Limassol Municipality, is the first environmental risk assessment study to examine holistically and simultaneously all the developmental and operational activities in the coastal Limassol area that may pose risks to the city’s environment. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/03/31/blue-limassol-forum-the-transition-to-sustainability-requires-coordination-and-long-term-planning/?amp=1
2. Initiation of a public consultation for the Marine Spatial Plan of the Republic of Cyprus
The Cyprus Shipping Deputy Ministry announces the start of public consultation with all stakeholders, authorities and the public on the content of the Maritime Spatial Plan of the Republic, through Notification of the Maritime Spatial Planning Committee in the Official Gazette of the Republic March 22. The public consultation will last 60 days, until May 31, 2022. The Marine Spatial Plan is posted in the Greek version of the website of the Ministry of Shipping, at www.shipping.gov.cy. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/03/31/initiation-of-a-public-consultation-for-the-marine-spatial-plan-of-the-republic-of-cyprus/?amp=1
3. Lidl opens the first logistics platform in Europe to use renewable green hydrogen, thanks to its partners Lhyfe and Plug Power
As part of its energy transition, the grocery store chain Lidl has inaugurated its new logistics platform in Carquefou . Working in association with expert firms such as Lhyfe and Plug Power, Lidl has introduced a fleet of warehouse trucks running on renewable green hydrogen
4. EBRD sees war on Ukraine causing major growth slowdown
The war on Ukraine will have a severe effect on economies far beyond the immediate area of the conflict, according to new research from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). In its first economic forecast since the war began, the EBRD has cut its growth forecast for 2022 for the regions where it operates by more than half – to 1.7 per cent, down by 2.5 per cent on its previous forecast. https://cyprusshippingnews.com/2022/03/31/ebrd-sees-war-on-ukraine-causing-major-growth-slowdown/?amp=1
5. Westgarth takes over from Denholm at UK Chamber of Shipping
Graham Westgarth, the chairman of shipmanagement and services giant V.Group, has become the new president of the UK Chamber of Shipping.
The maritime industry veteran is taking over from John Denholm CBE, the chairman of family shipping business J. & J. Denholm. “It has been a great honour to lead the Chamber during the last two years. They have been unprecedented years, like no other we have ever faced, but the UK Chamber of Shipping has risen to the challenge and worked incredibly hard with government and industry to protect the UK shipping sector,” outgoing president Denholm said. https://splash247.com/westgarth-takes-over-from-denholm-at-uk-chamber-of-shipping/
6. World’s first carbon-free ammonia fuel bunker network launches
Norwegian ammonia and fertilizer manufacturer Yara International has struck a deal with compatriot technology company Azane Fuel Solutions to establish a green ammonia fuel bunker network in Scandinavia by 2024.
Yara has pre-ordered 15 ammonia bunker terminals to cover the Scandinavian market in a multi-year contract with Azane Fuel Solutions, who will design and build the units that will be either barge-based or land-based. https://splash247.com/worlds-first-carbon-free-ammonia-fuel-bunker-network-launches/
7. Vessel Carrying Essential Supplies To Sri Lanka Is Forced To Depart Due To Inability To Pay
Sri Lanka’s government imposed a weekend curfew on Saturday, even as hundreds of lawyers urged President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to revoke a state of emergency introduced following unrest over fuel and other shortages in a deep economic crisis.
The government’s information department said a countrywide curfew would run from 6 p.m. (1230 GMT) on Saturday to 6 a.m. (0030 GMT) on Monday. https://gcaptain.com/vessel-carrying-essential-supplies-to-sri-lanka-is-forced-to-depart-due-to-inability-to-pay/
8. Biden, First Lady Commissions USS Delaware, A Nuclear Attack Sub
First Lady Jill Biden ceremonially commissioned a nuclear-powered submarine on Saturday, presiding over a display of U.S. naval power with tension between Washington and Moscow at the highest levels since the depths of the Cold War.
The U.S.S. Delaware, commissioned two years ago as the nation’s 18th Virginia-class attack submarine, made a port call in President Joe Biden’s hometown of Wilmington, Delaware, this weekend for a ceremony that was delayed by the pandemic. https://gcaptain.com/biden-first-lady-commissions-uss-delaware-a-nuclear-attack-sub/
9. UK launches investigations into P&O Ferries’ mass firings
“Following its enquiries, the Insolvency Service has commenced formal criminal and civil investigations into the circumstances surrounding the recent redundancies made by P&O Ferries. As these are ongoing investigations, no further comment or information can be provided at this time,” a statement released by the UK Insolvency Service said. https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/po-probably-broke-the-law-uk-seafarers-to-receive-living-wage-70344
10. The Panama Canal Issues Proposal For Simplified Toll Structure
As part of its commitment to improve customer experience and reflect the growing value of the waterway, today the Panama Canal issued a proposal for a new simplified toll structure that will provide price stability for customers in years to come. The proposed changes will offer customers predictability, establishing tariffs well in advance allowing them to plan their business decisions accordingly. https://www.shippingtribune.com/news/shipping/The+Panama+Canal+Issues+Proposal+for+Simplified+Toll+Structure
