30. september 

Three seafarers die from carbon dioxide leak on car carrier  | Trade Winds
Two other crew members being treated after incident on South Korean-controlled Sang Shinhttps://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/three-seafarers-die-from-carbon-dioxide-leak-on-car-carrier/2-1-1074948

Global Transport Chiefs urge UN to end humanitarian crisis for supply chain workers | ITF Seafarers
Global road, air and sea organisations and unions have today called on the world’s heads of government gathering at this week’s UN General Assembly to end a ‘global humanitarian and supply chain crisis.’https://www.itfseafarers.org/en/news/global-transport-chiefs-urge-un-end-humanitarian-crisis-supply-chain-workers

The director of one of the largest ports in the US warns the shipping industry is in 'crisis mode' as 66 cargo ships float off the California shore | Insider
A historic backlog of cargo ships in Southern California has left the supply chain and shipping industry in a crisis, Mario Cordero, the executive director of the Port of Long Beach, warned this week.https://www.businessinsider.com/port-director-warns-shipping-industry-is-in-crisis-mode-2021-9?r=US&IR=T

The Push for ESG Data is Coming to the Maritime Industry | Maritime Executive
The corporate world is increasingly linking profitability and sustainability to environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) criteria, and the shipping industry can expect both challenges and benefits.https://www.maritime-executive.com/editorials/the-push-for-esg-data-is-coming-to-the-maritime-industry

Op-Ed: Will We Kick the Can Down the Road on World Maritime Day? | Maritime Executive 
World Maritime Day is celebrated annually on September 30, and each year has a new theme. This year it is framed as "Seafarers: at the core of shipping's future.”https://www.maritime-executive.com/editorials/op-ed-will-we-kick-the-can-down-the-road-on-world-maritime-day

World maritime Day highlights contribution by wharfies and seafarers | Mirage
Today, the Maritime Union of Australia joins with maritime workers, seafarers and stevedores across the globe in marking World Maritime Day, an annual event organised by the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization, to raise awareness about the economic and social importance of maritime workers.https://www.miragenews.com/world-maritime-day-highlights-contribution-by-642215/

On Lagos inland waterways, competition for space getting messier, deadlier | Nigerian Tribune
The Lagos inland waterways have been an easy means of escape for many workers who try to avoid the chaotic traffic scenes along Lagos roads during rush-hour periods in the evenings. However, many of such boat rides seem to be coming at a cost due to activities of other waterways users.https://tribuneonlineng.com/on-lagos-inland-waterways-competition-for-space-getting-messier-deadlier/ 

95% of port workers vaccinated | Otago Daily Times
A turnaround in the number of port workers vaccinated is being attributed to success in tackling misinformation and making it mandatory for those on the border's frontline.https://www.odt.co.nz/business/95-port-workers-vaccinated

French fishermen could block British ports over Brexit dispute with Jersey, politician warns | Independent
Minister accuses UK of not abiding by new agreementhttps://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/france-jersey-fishermen-brexit-dispute-b1929383.html

MUA calls on Patrick to sign secure job agreement | Green Left
Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) members at Patrick Stevedores in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle will take protected industrial action in October. This follows more than 18 months of negotiations for a new enterprise agreement (EA). https://www.greenleft.org.au/content/mua-calls-patrick-sign-secure-job-agreement

29. september 

ITF general secretary Stephen Cotton emphasises workers' rights at launch of the Ocean Stewardship Coalition | Nautilus
The Ocean Stewardship Coalition is part of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) renewed 2021-2023 strategy to accelerate the collective global impact of business. The Coalition convenes leading governments, companies, NGOs, academic institutions and UN partners to drive action and determine how the ocean and ocean industries can deliver on the Paris Agreement and the UN Global Goals.https://www.nautilusint.org/en/news-insight/news/itf-general-secretary-stephen-cotton-emphasises-workers-rights-at-launch-of-the-ocean-stewardship-coalition/

Seafarers’ voices heard via ITF Seafarers’ Trust this World Maritime Day | Hellenic Shipping News
The ITF Seafarers’ Trust is calling for greater recognition for the hidden global workforce today, on World Maritime Day.https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/seafarers-voices-heard-via-itf-seafarers-trust-this-world-maritime-day/

Maersk Says Port Congestion and Supply Chain Bottlenecks to Persist Through Year-End | G Captain
China’s October Golden Week, Christmas and Chinese New Year will bolster strong demand for container shipping for the last quarter of 2021. But port congestion, especially in the US and Europe, and service delays are expected to create headwinds for service schedules, Maersk said in a market update Monday.https://gcaptain.com/maersk-says-port-congestion-and-supply-chain-bottlenecks-to-persist-through-year-end/

Maersk sells reefer business to CIMC for $1bn | Lloyd’s List
Chinese company said deal will boost its refrigeration technology of marine refrigerators and enhance capabilities in the field of cold-chain equipment
The deal `provides the group with the possibility of extending the refrigeration technology of marine cold equipment to other logistics equipment of the Group, such as refrigerated cars and mobile cold storage,' CIMC said
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1138331/Maersk-sells-reefer-business-to-CIMC-for-$1bn

20. september 

Culture of care needed to improve crew welfare | Lloyd’s List
Caring culture was identified as an area for action, along with contract length and timely relief, according to initial findings in a report to be published later this year
New study by Seafarers Hospital Society, Lloyd’s Register Foundation and Yale University identified several areas for improvement when it comes to crew health and wellbeinghttps://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1138240/Culture-of-care-needed-to-improve-crew-welfare

Stuck on Board for a Year, Syrian Crew Alleges Threats and Abandonment | Maritime Executive
A plague of crew abandonment has swept through the lower end of the maritime industry over the past year, with dozens of small shipowners allegedly walking away from their financially-distressed vessels and leaving the crews behind - often without pay.https://maritime-executive.com/article/stuck-on-board-for-a-year-syrian-crew-alleges-threats-and-abandonment

29 Filipino seafarers stranded in China | Phil Star
MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-nine Filipino seafarers are stranded off the coast of China after their vessels ceased operations last May, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) revealed yesterday.https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2021/09/18/2127873/29-filipino-seafarers-stranded-china

Training – someone else’s problem | Seatrade Maritime News
It shouldn’t be terribly surprising that the poor treatment of seafarers by too many governments and their agencies during the pandemic has made their career markedly less attractive.https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/opinions-analysis/training-someone-elses-problem

Lessons Learned | Maritime Executive
The pandemic has reinforced the importance of seafarer well-being, generating new healthcare protocols and technologies.https://www.maritime-executive.com/magazine/lessons-learned

Top Ship Manager Blasts Port States for Blocking Crew Change | Maritime Executive
While the shipping industry is putting increasing attention and focus on decarbonization, the crew change crisis has not ended, and vessel operations are still heavily dependent on thousands of dedicated seafarers. Their efforts are particularly visible at congested container ports: as of Sunday, 71 container ships were waiting to berth at busy terminals in Long Beach and Los Angeles, with 71 crews tending to their engines and equipment.https://maritime-executive.com/article/top-ship-manager-blasts-port-states-for-blocking-crew-change

Bjørn Højgaard goes on the offensive in ongoing crew change crisis, calls for ports boycott | Splash 247
Bjørn Højgaard, CEO of Hong Kong shipmanagement giant Anglo-Eastern Univan Group, has gone on the attack, determined to highlight who he sees as the real cause of the ongoing crew change crisis, namely port states.https://splash247.com/bjorn-hojgaard-goes-on-the-offensive-in-ongoing-crew-change-crisis-calls-for-ports-boycott/

Seafarers declared 'key workers' | Business Recorder
ISLAMABAD: The Federal Government has declared seafarers as 'key workers' to fulfil international obligation in line with the resolution of International Maritime Organization (IMO), official sources told Business Recorder.https://www.brecorder.com/news/40120963/seafarers-declared-key-workers

US ports plan 24/7 supply chain operations to cut delays | Lloyd’s List
Long Beach and Los Angeles plan to accelerate throughput and reduce congestion by increasing the operating hours at marine terminals, giving more opportunity for drayage drivers to collect and return containers
The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association said dwell times were up in August with the increased throughput at the two west coast portshttps://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1138250/US-ports-plan-247-supply-chain-operations-to-cut-delays

CMA CGM confirms data leak after cyber attack | Lloyd’s List
French carrier said the leak involves ‘limited customer information’, including their names, employers, positions, emails and phone numbers The hackers said they have exposed part of CMA CGM's customer data via a link to the Google Drive and threatened to ‘lay out the entire database’ in a weekhttps://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1138249/CMA-CGM-confirms-data-leak-after-cyber-attack

Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) – the first fully automated terminal in Australia– has completed its automation upgrade of Navis’ N4 TOS. | Digital Ship
VICT is located at Webb Dock in the Port of Melbourne, the largest container port in Australia. The terminal’s owner, International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), implemented N4 at its greenfield project to help power its planned, fully automated container terminal. Since becoming operational, the terminal has continued to set benchmarks handling the largest vessel in capacity, highest exchange in a single call and the longest vessel to call at the port.https://thedigitalship.com/news/maritime-software/item/7510-victoria-terminal-automates-processes-with-navis-n4-upgrade

Supply Chain Chaos Spreads To Inland Waterways | Forbes
The U.S. inland waterways system includes roughly 12,000 miles of commercially navigable channels, moving industrial and agricultural products to and from 38 states. The primary inland waterways system–the upper and lower Mississippi River, Arkansas River, Illinois and Ohio Rivers, Tennessee River, and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway–moves about half of all tonnage. https://www.forbes.com/sites/garthfriesen/2021/09/17/supply-chain-chaos-spreads-to-inland-waterways/?sh=459c28e22c7b

Ports are a mess but shipping company profits are at record highs | Quartz
Ports are backlogged. Record numbers of ocean liners are waiting offshore for berths to unload their cargo. Shipping containers are nowhere to be found. Captains are rerouting their ships to avoid ports shut down by coronavirus outbreaks.https://qz.com/2060904/ports-are-a-mess-but-shipping-company-profits-are-at-record-highs/

Compliance Guardians | Maritime Executive
Flag States have upped their game through innovative technologies and a renewed focus on safety and sustainability.
https://www.maritime-executive.com/magazine/compliance-guardians

16. september 2021

LGBTI+ transport workers can benefit from new inclusivity resource  | ITF Seafarers
Transport workers who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI+) stand to benefit from a new resource Fighting for equality: Trade Unions and LGBTI rights, but only if their unions use it. Global Unions launched the set of practical guides recently, a coalition of the world’s union federations that represents hundreds of millions of workers, across every industry.https://www.itfglobal.org/en/news/lgbti-transport-workers-can-benefit-new-inclusivity-resource

Two Crew On Euronav VLCC Killed By Large Wave Rounding Cape Horn | G Captain
Two crew members on board a Euronav-owned Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCC) have died after apparently being struck by a large wave as the ship rounded Cape Horn on Saturday, September 11th.https://gcaptain.com/two-crew-on-euronav-vlcc-killed-by-large-wave-rounding-cape-horn/

Shipping must stop thinking of seafarers as a problem | Lloyd’s List
Seafaring will lose much of its expertise if the industry focuses on shoreside control centres rather than offering operational support. Loss of responsibility will likely diminish the appeal of seafaring
Shipping should regard the human element — at sea and shore — as a resource to be used throughout the industry. That resource needs upskilling; the initiative for that must come from seafarers themselveshttps://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1138206/Shipping-must-stop-thinking-of-seafarers-as-a-problem

While US mandates vaccines, seafarers who want a jab still can't get it | Trade Winds
Forcing vaccines on workers will do nothing to resolve the gross imbalance in deliveryhttps://www.tradewindsnews.com/opinion/while-us-mandates-vaccines-seafarers-who-want-a-jab-still-cant-get-it/2-1-1066734

Trained crew best defence against hackers of shipboard system | Lloyd’s List
Business functions of ship IT systems most easily accessed, International Union of Marine Insurance conference told
‘It’s people, people, people — 95% of cyber incidents are on account of people not doing the right thing, not following the correct procedure’https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1138202/Trained-crew-best-defence-against-hackers-of-shipboard-system

Greater gender diversity would boost maritime companies | Lloyd’s List
Research studies have found that having a diverse work force can lead to above-average profitability and client retention, a Wista session at London International Shipping week heard
The gender pay gap may also widen this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, with job losses in support or administrative roles predominantly served by women, after a year of improvementhttps://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1138185/Greater-gender-diversity-would-boost-maritime-companies

Flagship Founders’ latest start-up Tilla automates cargo ship crew changes | Private Equity Wire
Tilla Systems, a new start-up founded by company builder Flagship Founders, has developed a smart platform for the automated planning and execution of cargo ship crew changes.https://www.privateequitywire.co.uk/2021/09/14/306129/flagship-founders-latest-start-tilla-automates-cargo-ship-crew-changes

Bermello Ajamil urges cruise ports to view pandemic changes as long-term | Seatrade Cruise News
Assessing the resumption of US cruise operations, planning experts Bermello Ajamil & Partners urged ports to focus on how they'll process large numbers of people in the months to come.https://www.seatrade-cruise.com/ports-destinations/bermello-ajamil-urges-cruise-ports-view-pandemic-changes-long-term

North America’s First All-Electric Car Ferries Depart Damen Shipyards | Maritime Executive
The first, fully-electric road ferries to sail in North America are now on their way from Damen Shipyards Galati to Lake Ontario, Canada, to begin operations. Ordered by the Ministry of Transportation, Ontario, Canada, the Amherst Islander II and Wolfe Islander IV, 68 and 98 metres in length respectively, represent a new generation of zero-emission large ferries. The vessels departed the yard on 26 August to be loaded on the semi-submersible transport vessel Super Servant 4 and will arrive in Lake Ontario in mid-September.https://maritime-executive.com/corporate/north-america-s-first-all-electric-car-ferries-depart-damen-shipyards

Brittany Ferries secures €25m Covid recovery investment | Travel Weekly
The cash injection is being made by shipping and logistics firm CMA CGM Group and includes €10 million in ‘quasi-equity’.https://travelweekly.co.uk/news/tourism/brittany-ferries-secures-e25m-covid-recovery-investment

UK Union Calls for Stronger Link Between Offshore Wind Projects and Local Jobs | Offshore Engineer
As the UK on Monday launched its biggest renewable scheme - Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme - aimed at encouraging offshore wind investments, offshore workers' union RMT has called for a stronger link between offshore wind projects and local jobs and businesses.https://www.oedigital.com/news/490555-uk-union-calls-for-stronger-link-between-offshore-wind-projects-and-local-jobs

Container Shipping Market will generate massive revenue by 2025 | Murphy’s Hockey Law 
Exhaustive survey of the global Container Shipping Market delivers comprehensive research analysis focusing on the growth and development factors of the industry. the market report is fully inclusive of vital information of the global Container Shipping Market trends and growth patterns coupled with an in-depth statistical evaluation of the varying market size, volume and share represented with the help of graphs, figures and pie charts. Qualitative aspects assessed are structurally organized tracing through the crucial elements and growth derivatives of the global Container Shipping Market essential in constructing the forecast. The market forecast provides predictions of the estimated growth and projected growth rates.https://murphyshockeylaw.net/uncategorized/4168717/container-shipping-market-will-generate-massive-revenue-by-2025-hanjin-chicompaniesocean-shipping-company-hapag-lloyd-mediterranean-shipping-company-maersk/

9. september 2021

Safety regulations not suited to large boxship fires | Lloyd’s List
Firefighting techniques and training have not changed to accommodate large containerships
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping have changed little since the 1970s. Crew on containerships require only basic level firefighting training

Crews need more awareness on how to fight battery fires | Lloyd’s List
DNV says battery fires seem to be less likely than conventional fires, but it was unable to compare the severity in detail. It wants better data on the matter
Ships are using increasingly powerful batteries for auxiliary power, and carrying electric cars as cargo creates new safety risks

Box-carrying bulker returns to port after stow collapse | Lloyd’s List
Revelation could reignite controversy over increasing trend to make vessel type undertake job for which it was not designed
Coronavirus impact may have been ultimate cause of last winter’s series of containers overboard incidents in the Pacific, WK Webster director argues

'Auckland port workers call for worker representation on board' - Maritime Union | Voxy
Maritime Union of New Zealand Auckland Branch Local 13 Secretary Russell Mayn says there are "1.7 million reasons" why this should happen immediately, following revelations on a payout made to former CEO Tony Gibson, who resigned in May.

Seafarers to receive 10% fare discount on board domestic ships | Manila Times
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) and the domestic shipping operators have granted a 10 percent fare discount to seafarers onboard vessels owned by local shipping lines.

Pirate attack in Gabon: 2 Indian seafarers suffer injusry; another feared to be kidnapped | Business Line
The St Kitts and Navis flagged ship M V Tampen was attacked. Two Indian seafarers were injured while a third was reportedly kidnapped by pirates during attack on an offshore supply vessel at Owendo Anchorage in Gabon on September 6.
 

 

25.08.2021

Carnival Vista Passenger Dies from COVID-19 | G Captain
A passenger from the Carnival Vista has died from COVID-19 after several cases – mostly among crew members – were reported on the cruise ship earlier this month.

Local maritime ministries provide vaccines to foreign seafarers in port | Boston Globe
When a cargo ship pulls into the Port of Boston, crew members are often in need of toiletries or electronics, or maybe someone to talk to after a long stretch at sea.
These days, however, many of the foreign workers onboard also need something even more urgent: a COVID-19 vaccine.
About 20 percent of the 1.6 million seafarers around the world have been vaccinated, according to the International Chamber of Shipping. The majority of them come from countries with low inoculation rates and may be out at sea longer than usual — sometimes for more than a year — due to pandemic-related border restrictions, giving them even less of a chance to roll up their sleeves for a shot. And with infection rates rising, the shipping industry is warning that sick or stranded crew members may lead to worldwide staffing shortages that could disrupt trade and further damage already battered global supply chains.

HMM Seafarers Threaten Pay Strike, Mass Resignation | G Captain
More than 90% of HMM’s seafaring union members voted to strike on Sunday and, if a resolution is not reached, the 453 union members are threatening to resign en masse tomorrow and apply to join Swiss-Italian rival MSC.
https://gcaptain.com/hmm-seafarers-threaten-pay-strike-mass-resignation/
See also: Lloyds list 

Local jobs threatened as new Abbot Point tug operator seeks to replace permanent workers with interstate crews | Mirage
The newly-appointed towage contractor at the Port of Abbot Point has walked away from a commitment to continue the employment of local crews, instead revealing plans to replace the 19 workers with interstate workers, according to the Maritime Union of Australia.

Minor oil spill on Dutch river after barge and tanker collide | Lloyd’s List
Netherlands-flagged tanker Vacando and German barge Ursula Valentin blocked the Oude Maas for four hours
Two inland tankers collided in a river in the Netherlands on Monday, with each vessel sustaining damage. Both were carrying hazardous goods

WA Government urged to suspend Qube’s stevedoring licence after major COVID breaches | Mirage
The WA Government is being urged to immediately suspend the license of stevedore Qube while a thorough investigation is undertaken into how major COVID safety breaches occurred at the company’s operations at the Port of Fremantle Inner Harbour over the weekend.

MOL in MoU to bring robots to shipping industry | Ship Insight
Japanese operator Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and robot specialist MELTIN MMI have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for installation of remotely controlled robots in ocean shipping operations, including vessels, associated businesses, and offshore businesses.

Notice of recent cyber threats to the Marine Transportation System | Coast Guard
The Marine Transportation System (MTS) should be on heightened alert as a result of two recent developments. The first is a cyber-attack impacting port operations at container terminals in several South African ports due to “an act of cyber-attack, security intrusion and sabotage.”[1][2] The impacted terminals use a popular Terminal Operating System (OS) widely used throughout the U.S., and certain processes handled by the Terminal OS were suspended as a result of the cyber-attack. The attack is believed to be related to the “Death Kitty” ransomware, although full details are still not available.

Mass Maritime trains cadets as pile drivers, divers for off-shore wind industry | Barnstable Patriot
BUZZARDS BAY – The Massachusetts Maritime Academy (MMA) is helping prepare the workforce for clean energy opportunities, delivering key training for building windfarms to help power the Northeast.

Lessons learned from maritime accidents detailed in NTSB’s Safer Seas Digest | National Fisherman
The National Transportation Safety Board on Tuesday released the Safer Seas Digest 2020, a compendium of the NTSB’s maritime accident investigations involving loss of life, injuries and significant property damage completed in 2020.

One in 20 bulk carriers caught in China port congestion | Lloyd’s List
Lloyd’s List Intelligence data shows some 5.7% of global fleet of 11,850 bulk carriers is at anchor, underpinning soaring rates
Unwinding of logistics logjam to determine the direction of rates in the coming months. Port congestion at this scale has not been seen in China since the halcyon days of the 2000s

Maersk spends $1.4 billion on ships that can run on ‘carbon neutral’ methanol | CNBC
Maersk says vessels will be built by South Korea’s Hyundai Heavy Industries and have capacity to carry around 16,000 containers.
According to the International Energy Agency, in 2019 international shipping was responsible for approximately 2% of “global energy-related CO2 emissions.”
 

11.08.2021

UAE launches initiative to protect seafarers’ rights and welfare | Seatrade Maritime News
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched the ‘Supporting our Blue Army’ initiative to protect seafarers’ rights and welfare. The initiative to improve the quality of life of seafarers in the UAE follows a recent Resolution on marine wrecks and non-compliant ships passed the Council of Ministers designed to put a stop to unpaid crews and vessels abandonments in its waters.

Seafarers are the scapegoats for safety snafus | Lloyd’s List
Every accident and incident at sea seems to be the fault of a seafarer failing to do their duty. Why? There are plenty of examples of management and leadership errors not brought into the spotlight
The 2021 Future of Maritime Safety Report includes some excellent opinions from industry heavyweights. However, safer shipping will only come when the industry stops blaming seafarers

Obsolete tech is clogging up global trade. Here's how to unblock it | World Economic Forum
Even as the world starts to dig out from the economic impact of COVID-19, the outdated technologies that power supply chains are holding back international trade and undermining recovery from one of the worst recessions in modern history.

Allianz: Crew change crisis could have long-term consequences | Safety 4 Sea
In its most recent report, Allianz notes that the crew change crisis continues to have a major impact on the health and wellbeing of seafarers, with potentially long-term implications for safety.

BC Ferries struggles to attract qualified mariners amid global shortage, employee poaching | CBC
Travellers on BC Ferries are feeling the impacts of a global shortage of experienced mariners, as the corporation struggles to hire more than 100 new staff members.

Ocean shipping industry has repeatedly demonstrated anti-COVID measures | Hellenic Shipping News
Global ocean-going shipping companies have repeatedly demonstrated to the authorities in general that the shipping industry is taking a great number of measures to keep its crews and shore side communities safe from COVID.

Authorities monitor anchored ship in Batangas after 28 seafarers contract COVID-19 | CNN Philippines
Dozens of crew members of a ship currently docked in Batangas have tested positive for COVID-19, the Philippine Coast Guard said on Monday.

Still thousands of border workers unvaccinated and overdue for Covid test | NZ Herald
Almost 1500 border workers remain without a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine, while a similar number are overdue for their legally required regular test for Covid-19.

Maritime Union: Tauranga Port workers ‘frustrated’ over Rio De La Plata ‘incident’ | The Global Herald
Victor Billot says a series of decisions led to 98 port staff encountering Covid-positive crew on the container ship.

Union alerts on fake maritime security certificates | Vanguard
The Nigeria Merchant Navy Officers & Water Transport Senior Staff Association (NMNO&WTSSA) has called on the federal government to urgently nip the illegal operations of some people in the maritime industry posing as merchant navy officers.

Union: Tauranga Port staff 'frustrated' over Covid contact | TV NZ
The Maritime Union says Tauranga Port workers are “frustrated” about a series of decisions that led to staff encountering Covid-19-positive crew of the Rio De La Plata container ship.

Offer vaccines to seafarers, Mersey charity urges Government | Liverpool Business News
Based at the Port of Liverpool, Liverpool Seafarers Centre offers support for ships crews from all over the world and is now urging the Government to offer COVID vaccines to seafarers. 

Preventable death of seafarer during crew change off QLD coast highlights need for national approach | Mirage
The Australian Government must urgently implement a nationally-consistent best-practice plan for crew changes on international trading vessels following the preventable death of a seafarer during a high-risk transfer off Queensland’s Sunshine Coast this week.

Navy Sea Base Arrives In Nigeria For Anti-Piracy Push | G Captain
USS Hershel “Woody” Williams, the first ship permanently assigned to Africa, arrived in Nigeria’s commercial capital city of Lagos on Saturday as part of the U.S. government’s support to combat piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

Infected crew on Grand Progress rescued | Lloyd’s List
Out of the 20 seafarers on board, 16 tested positive for coronavirus. Most of them have been sent to hospitals, while few are being medically examined on the ship, pending relief crew
The vessel had been stranded in Zhoushan waters for more than a week before the rescue operation started 

Spain once again forced to deal with controversial livestock carrier | Lloyd’s List
All 18 crew members were evacuated from the 54-year-old vessel, which had no livestock on board at the time of the fire  
Five months after the Spanish authorities were forced to cull 1,600 cattle on board the ageing Lebanese livestock carrier Elbeik, the vessel was back in Spain and caught fire during the weekend. It required a two-day operation to extinguish the flames

Ports face the greatest crisis since the start of container shipping | Eminetra
Ports have always faced delays due to waves, fog and storms, but the pandemic has caused the greatest disruption since the start of container shipping 65 years ago.
https://eminetra.co.uk/ports-face-the-greatest-crisis-since-the-start-of-container-shipping/637667/

Human contact more vital than ever in Covid year, says Stella Maris | Lloyd’s List
The seafarer charity reports that caring for seafarer mental health after the death of a colleague came top of issues addressed. Getting paid and receiving medical care were also key issues
The pandemic has exacerbated pressures faced by seafarers. Although wellbeing apps and initiatives have a role to play, human connection at the point of need is critical, says the Stella Maris chief executive
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1137827/Human-contact-more-vital-than-ever-in-Covid-year-says-Stella-Maris

Indian dockworkers threaten strike to block port reform | Journal of Commerce
India’s major ports, which together account for roughly 70 percent of the country’s total container trade, face a fresh threat of labor stoppages next month after the government cleared new legislation reforming the public port system.
https://www.joc.com/port-news/asian-ports/indian-dockworkers-threaten-strike-block-port-reform_20170324.html

Strike at Argentina port suspended | World Grain
Argentina’s Bahia Blanca grain port returned to normal operations on Aug. 5 after five days of disruptions due to a truckers’ protest that included roadblocks, Reuters reported.
https://www.world-grain.com/articles/15662-strike-at-argentina-port-suspended

One-on-one the way to break port worker vaccine fears – Union | RNZ
As New Zealand's vaccination campaign ramps up speed, closer attention is being paid to those who are hesitant, with low rates among port workers in the spotlight.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/448513/one-on-one-the-way-to-break-port-worker-vaccine-fears-union

Cyprus: The Seafarers' Vaccination Programme Of Cyprus Flag | Mondaq
Cyprus was one of the first countries that recognised seafarers as key workers and implemented a formal crew change process. These measures resulted in more than 20,000 seafarers being repatriated or able to return to work since May 2020. Cyprus continues to prioritise seafarer welfare and is keen to support a practical and coordinated solution to the global crew change crisis.
https://www.mondaq.com/cyprus/operational-impacts-and-strategy/1100150/the-seafarers39-vaccination-programme-of-cyprus-flag

Bacolod tugboat crews get vaccinated | Manila Times
BACOLOD City's tugboat crews, who make a vital but often overlooked contribution to the local economy, were vaccinated against Covid-19 in mid-July.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2021/08/09/public-square/bacolod-tugboat-crews-get-vaccinated/1810176

40 years after, Nigeria rekindles hope for seafarers with new ‘mission’ | The Guardian NG
Barely 40 years after the Mission to Seafarers (MTS) went into extinction in Nigeria, stakeholders in the maritime sector have mobilised mercenaries to revive the lost glory of the seamen.
https://guardian.ng/business-services/maritime/40-years-after-nigeria-rekindles-hope-for-seafarers-with-new-mission/

Fire seen on Iran-linked tanker berthed at Syria’s Latakia port | Lloyd’s List
Rising hostility between Iran and Israel quickly triggered speculation about the cause, which Syrian media said began when fire broke out in the hold
Iranian media pointed out the blast coincided with a meeting between Israel’s incoming national security adviser and their counterparts in Russia. Syrian media said two workers were injured when a fire broke out in one of the ship’s hold, citing the fire brigade commander
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1137848/Fire-seen-on-Iran-linked-tanker-berthed-at-Syrias-Latakia-port

Opinion: X-Press Pearl Disaster & Imperative for Regional Maritime Cooperation | Lanka Business Online
On 20 May 2021, Sri Lanka’s worst-ever marine disaster occurred when a fire erupted on the Singapore-registered MV X-Press Pearl container ship just 18 km Northwest of Colombo. While the long-term cost is yet to be determined, the negative impact on industries such as fisheries and tourism, and people who rely on the coastal resources of Sri Lanka is already apparent. This article examines the key consequences of this disaster on Sri Lanka’s coastal economy and highlights the need to enhance regional maritime cooperation to prevent the recurrence of such disasters. 
https://www.lankabusinessonline.com/opinion-x-press-pearl-disaster-imperative-for-regional-maritime-cooperation/

Governments condemn Iran as tanker attack evidence is presented | Lloyd’s List
A co-ordinated series of international statements from governments have stressed that vessels must be allowed to navigate freely as the US presents evidence that Iran was behind the attack on Mercer Street tanker
Maritime security back on the UN Security Council agenda on Monday as the UK leads a chorus of statements condemning Iran’s threat to maritime trade
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1137823/Governments-condemn-Iran-as-tanker-attack-evidence-is-presented

Maritime operations limp on inside Beirut’s unrepaired blast zone | Lloyd’s List
The port of Beirut remains largely unchanged since the explosion on August 4, 2020, which left more than 200 dead. Infrastructure remains unrepaired and unreplaced while the bureaucratic logjams and inefficiencies that stymied progress long before the blast have only exacerbated existing problems with port operations
In the wake of the economic and political meltdown that has left Lebanon effectively operating as a bankrupt state, the devastation inside Beirut’s port one year on from the explosion that ripped it apart has registered as a mere blip in the country’s long downward spiral
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1137843/Maritime-operations-limp-on-inside-Beiruts-unrepaired-blast-zone

Shipping community steps up again in wake of Greek wildfires | Lloyd’s List
Devastating wildfires during the past week are the latest in a long line of disasters of one kind and another that have plagued modern Greek history but have highlighted the conscience of the country’s maritime community in extending a helping hand to the homeland and their compatriots
Prominent shipowners Panos Laskaridis and Evangelos Marinakis among the first from the industry to respond to the plight of thousands affected by fires ravaging swathes of Greece, but donations from shipping usually take into account longer-term needs, too
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1137842/Shipping-community-steps-up-again-in-wake-of-Greek-wildfires

Opposing sides line up over US shipping regulation reform | Lloyd’s List
Introduction of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act 2021 could see a dramatic change in US regulation
Export organisations have welcomed moves to bring carriers to heel. But the lines warn of unintended consequences if the law is passed as proposed
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1137845/Opposing-sides-line-up-over-US-shipping-regulation-reform

Putin to join Modi led initiative on maritime security at UNSC on Monday | Economic Times
"V.V. Putin will participate in a video conference within the framework of the UN Security Council on the subject of ‘Enhancing Maritime Security: A Case for International Cooperation.’ The event is held at the initiative of Narendra Modi, the prime minister of the Republic of India which chairs the UN Security Council in August of this year," the Kremlin statement said.
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/putin-to-join-modi-led-initiative-on-maritime-security-at-unsc-on-monday/articleshow/85154953.cms
See also: https://www.laprensalatina.com/global-powers-look-to-combat-maritime-security-threats/

North American ports under gun to modernize | Journal of Commerce
North American ports face the dual challenge of modernizing their terminals and connecting infrastructure to meet the immediate needs of beneficial cargo owners (BCOs), while engaging in long-term planning for even larger cargo volumes and bigger ships as the maritime industry consolidates.
https://www.joc.com/maritime-news/container-lines/north-american-ports-delicate-balance_20180101.html

US ports receive nearly $30m in security grants | Seatrade Cruise News
US port authorities received almost $30m in funding from the US Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency's Port Security Grant Program, part of the total $100m awarded.

When Will the Shipping Crisis End? | Modern Tire Dealer
You would be hard-pressed to find a tire dealership that has not been impacted in some way or another by the ongoing shipping crisis.
https://www.moderntiredealer.com/articles/32298-when-will-the-shipping-crisis-end

Brazilian owner starts building new escort tugs | Riviera
Starnav Servicos Maritimos is investing in its harbour tug fleet again in Brazil in reaction to rising demand for port and terminal support
https://www.rivieramm.com/news-content-hub/brazilian-owner-starts-building-new-escort-tugs-66920

Tugboat company to fly drones to improve speed, safety of sea towing | Drone DJ
A Dutch company specializing in maritime vessel services has taken to the air in its effort to work faster and more safely at sea. In doing so, it has patented a system in which drones establish the physical connection between tugboats and the ships they’ll tow, reducing the dangers to humans when that is done manually at close proximity.
https://dronedj.com/2021/08/06/tugboat-company-to-fly-drones-to-improve-speed-safety-of-sea-towing/

USS Cod eyes return to Cleveland this weekend; tugboat problems add complications | Cleveland 19
The USS Cod is hoping to come home this weekend. A busy tugboat may derail those plans. The National Historic Landmark ship has spent more than seven weeks in Erie for repairs, including hull sandblasting, wasted metal removal, and a new paint job.
https://www.cleveland19.com/2021/08/09/uss-cod-eyes-return-cleveland-this-weekend/

Fisheries policy should be guided by the existing bodies, not back-door lobbying | The National
IN Tuesday’s paper you referred to a number of organisations supporting Open Seas demands for an inshore trawl ban and their intent to lobby Scottish government on the matter.
https://www.thenational.scot/news/19498928.fisheries-policy-guided-existing-bodies-not-back-door-lobbying/

European shippers launch global review of mega-alliances | Journal of Commerce
European shippers are stepping up their scrutiny of shipping alliances, launching their own review of the massive vessel-sharing agreements. Sixteen of the world’s 20 largest container carriers are members of the four so-called “mega-alliances”: 2M, Ocean Three, G6 and CKYHE. And although the alliances received the go-ahead from global regulators, the European Shippers’ Council maintains “there are growing concerns among manufacturers, retailers and wholesalers about the long-term threats of a concentrated container liner shipping industry through alliances.”

Shipping Industry Set to Debate ‘Code Red’ Climate Change Issues Ahead of COP26 | G Captain
Maritime industry leaders are set to discuss “code red” climate issues and how the shipping industry can play its part in meeting global targets ahead of November’s UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow, Scotland.

E-commerce fulfilment takes Maersk further down the supply chain | Lloyd’s List
New acquisitions extend Maersk’s reach in an omni-channel retail world
Maersk’s latest acquisitions add a new feature for Ocean customers. The company believes the move will enable more partnerships with its largest customers