Egypt's Suez Canal Shipping Unaffected by Coronavirus
Traffic in Egypt's Suez Canal has so far been unaffected by the spread of the coronavirus, the chief of its authority said on Wednesday, citing a 4.6% increase year-on-year in the number of ships passing through.The canal is the fastest shipping route between Europe and Asia and one of the Egyptian government's main sources of foreign currency.The container shipping industry, a bellwether for international trade…
Australia Cruise Ship Evictions Tread Diplomacy Tightrope
Australia is pushing foreign-flagged cruise ships to leave its territorial waters amid the coronavirus pandemic, walking a diplomatic tightrope as it also tries to bring home citizens trapped on ships abroad.Western Australia state Premier Mark McGowan on Wednesday called on the federal government to kick out the German-owned MV Artania after the crew was reported to have asked the Australian Border…
Crabber Vessel M/V Zenith Delivered
A new crabber vessel has been delivered to JSC Arcticservice and departed Tersan Shipyard in Turkey for its journey up to Kirkenes in Norway.The newbuild M/V Zenith will be used for catching, processing and freezing king crab and snow crab in the Barents Sea. The vessel has main dimensions of 62 x 15m (L x B) and will be operated by a crew of 38 persons, enabling a production capacity of up to 60 tons crabs/24h.
China's Ports Brace for Second Hit as Virus Spread Wipes Out Exports
China's ports and shipping firms are bracing for a second wave of supply chain disruptions that may be deeper and more prolonged than during the country's coronavirus lockdown as the global spread of the virus chokes off international demand.With Beijing reporting only sporadic domestic transmission of the coronavirus since March, workers have been allowed to return to posts, factories are restarting…
South African Ports Remain Open Despite Lockdown
South Africa's ports remain open to all types of cargo despite a nationwide 21-day lockdown though essential goods should be prioritized, the Department of Transport said in a notice."(The) government has now decided that in the interest of ensuring a functional supply chain across all ports, that all cargoes will be accepted for loading and off-loading," said the notice, which was dated March 31.That…
FMC Investigating COVID-19's Suply Chain Impacts
The Federal Maritime Commission issued an order authorizing Commissioner Rebecca Dye to identify operational solutions to cargo delivery system challenges related to Coronavirus-19.The Order notes that “Recent global events have only highlighted the economic urgency of responsive port and terminal operations to the effectiveness of the United States international freight delivery system. Given the Commission’s mandate to ensure an efficient and economic transportation system for ocean commerce…
Trump Urges Florida to Welcome Coronavirus-hit Cruise Ship
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Florida officials to open an Atlantic Coast port to a Dutch cruise ship stuck at sea with a deadly coronavirus outbreak onboard, urging the governor to drop his opposition.Weighing in on the fate of Holland America Line’s MS Zaandam during a White House briefing, Trump said he would call Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who has declared the vessel unwelcome to prevent its sick passengers from being “dumped” on his state.“They’re dying on the ship…
Siem Offshore Gets Breathing Room
Norway-based offshore vessel owner Siem Offshore has received some breathing room after reaching an agreement with its banks.The company last week warned that the…