The migrant crisis continues in the Mediterranean with volunteer organizations again calling on the world community to develop a better solution for handling the growing number of people attempting to flee the Libyan coast to reach the countries of southern Europe. The level of crisis is once again being highlighted by NGO SOS Mediterranee in partnership with the International Federation of Red Cross Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) calling on the European Union to allow 466 survivors to disembark from the Ocean Viking, an offshore support vessel that the NGO uses for its search and rescue missions.

The NGO reports that within just 60 hours on its most recent mission, the Ocean Viking faced more distress cases than ever before and the medical situations are growing more serve. During the most recent mission, four unseaworthy and overcrowded boats in distress were spotted from the bridge of the ship. The distress alerts of six other boats were also relayed by other NGOs to the Ocean Viking. Some of those that have been rescued have been aboard the vessel for up to eight days and it is now overcrowded with a total of 459 people remaining aboard, including women, children, and babies.

The NGOs said they are facing an overwhelming number of medical cases, including exhaustion, dehydration, and untreated skin infections and wounds, while other survivors are facing chronic medical conditions. Two nine-month-pregnant women were evacuated late last week from the vessel, but the ship remains stranded at sea waiting for the survivors’ disembarkation.

Migrants rescued from the Mediterranean waiting on the decks of the Ocean Viking (SOS Mediterranee)

“We have never experienced such levels of severe medical cases on board Ocean Viking before,” said Xavier Lauth, SOS Mediterranee Director of Operations. ”The survivors were found in the middle of high seas in unimaginable situations. In a desperate attempt to find safety, they were near death at sea, either by drowning or by dehydration. Per maritime law, their rescues will only be completed when they have reached a place of safety. The current blockade for their disembarkation must find an end without further delay.”

SOS Mediterranee and IFRC called on European members and associated states to show solidarity, observe maritime law and guarantee fundamental human rights by ending the wait and suffering of the survivors immediately. The Italian authorities on September 2 assigned the vessel to Taranto as a Place of Safety for the 459 survivors remaining aboard the Ocean Viking. However, as of September 4, the vessel remains offshore awaiting the authority to dock.

Europe continues to grapple with grappling with a worsening migrant crisis in the Mediterranean Sea that is being fueled by Libyan smugglers. In June, the UN reported that for the migrants, who are risking their lives to cross the Mediterranean to Europe on flimsy boats, the crossing has become more deadly. Their figures cited 3,231 deaths reported in 2021, up from 1,881 in 2020. Since the beginning of its operations in 2016, SOS Mediterranee reports it has rescued about 37,000 migrants, with over 7,000 rescued by the Ocean Viking since she started operating in August 2019. Built in 1986 and measuring 227 feet in length, she is a 2,000 gross ton vessel that the organization charters for its mission.

Viking launched its new Mississippi cruise operation, its first in the United States, on Saturday, September 3, after seven years of planning. The new river cruise ship Viking Mississippi embarked its first passengers at Lambert’s Landing in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota for an 8-day cruise south on the Mississippi to St. Louis, Missouri.

It marked the latest expansion for the company best known for its European river cruises. Viking also recently launched its new river cruise ship operating on the Nile in Egypt and expanded its ocean cruises with its first exploration cruise ship that is currently operating cruises on the Great Lakes.

The entry into service of the 450-foot long river cruise ship however had been delayed several times and had to overcome opposition to the company based in Switzerland operating an American flag vessel. Opponents had repeatedly cited the planned operation as a violation of the Jones Act. U.S.-based partner Edison Chouest Offshore built the new vessel and it is owned by an American LLC corporation chartered to Viking for eight years. The U.S. Maritime Administration has repeatedly ruled that the charter arrangement meets U.S. regulations.

Transiting the lock and dam sailing to St. Paul (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Paul District)

Viking first announced its plans to expand its operations to the Mississippi in 2015. At the time they said they planned to order two vessels to be owned by Tennenbaum Capital Partners, an investment firm, later acquired by BlackRock and now operating as BlackRock TCP Capital Corp. Viking’s original announcement said that they planned to build a total of six vessels to operate on the Mississippi. The company was to be homeported in New Orleans. Viking, however, spent years making presentations to cities along the Mississippi to win docking rights while searching for partners and perfecting the design for the vessels to meet the challenges of operating the length of the Mississippi.

Local media reports suggested that as many as 300 people were boarding the delayed maiden voyage for a trip that will take them to ports in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa, before arriving in Missouri. After repeating this itinerary, the vessel will reposition to operate cruises between Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana as well as round trips from New Orleans.

The vessel was specifically designed for the Mississippi drawing on the features of the company’s river and ocean cruise ship while adding features unique to its operations on the Mississippi. It has five passenger decks and a total of 198 passenger cabins accommodating 386 passengers. The crew numbers 148 and are Americans to meet U.S. requirements.

Passenger amenities include a two-story lounge near the bow of the vessel surrounded by glass and an outdoor seating area. In addition to a main lounge and dining room, there will be alternative dining, including indoor-outdoor casual spaces. There is also a sun terrace with an infinity plunge pool and a 360-degree promenade deck.

The vessel was floated out in March 2022 from the shipyard in Houma, Louisiana with plans to enter service in June. Viking, however later reported that due to circumstances beyond its control, the maiden voyage was delayed. Reports indicated that they experienced supply chain challenges and the vessel required finishing touches to be ready for this week’s first cruise.

The departure from St. Paul yesterday also marked the first time in possibly a decade or longer that a large cruise vessel called in the city, with the tourism board telling reporters it was “huge for us.” The tourism board however told the Pioneer Press newspaper that they had opted for “a low-key arrival,” on Saturday, telling the newspaper “Let’s just get this first one under our belt.”

The cruise line has released itineraries for the Viking Mississippi through 2024 and reports strong interest. Some trips already show as sold out on the website. The company has not yet announced plans for additional Mississippi river cruise ships and if it still plans to ultimately build six vessels for the river.

Source: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/viking-mississippi-sails-on-delayed-maiden-voyage-from-minnesota

Sea Watch, an organisation that conducts search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean, had multiple ships detained and inspected by Sicilian port authorities over the past months. The organisation decided to issue a legal challenge and Italian judges asked the European Court of Justice for guidance, resulting in the ruling that port authorities do not have the right to search or detain ships solely because they are carrying rescued people. However, the court gave a mixed ruling as it also said that regularly running search and rescue operations with ships certified for cargo does provide ground for port authority controls, according to  Reuters.

Sea Watch saw this ruling as a defense of its case, stating that it was “a victory for sea rescue.” It also said that “the fact that port state controls can continue to take place on N.G.O. ships is a good thing. They are intended to ensure ship safety, which is important to us. Arbitrary controls, on the other hand, must finally come to an end.” According to AP News, the E.C.J. said that people rescued at sea “must not be taken into account when verifying whether the rules on safety at sea have been complied with. The number of persons on board, even if greater than that which is authorised, therefore, in itself cannot constitute a ground for a control.” The guidance also stated that “the port State may adopt detention measures only in the event of a clear risk to safety, health or the environment, which it is for that State to demonstrate,” according to Jurist.

This ruling does indeed support the actions of ships attempting to rescue anyone in danger at sea, including migrants trying to reach Europe by crossing the Mediterranean. Allowing searches and detainment based solely on the increased number of passengers would dissuade ships from attempting rescues. With this ruling, ships are able to abide by international law to respond to distress calls, a requirement highlighted by Reuters.

The allowance for authorities to inspect ships with reasonable suspicion is also important, as it ensures that there is still enforcement of safety measures for the prevention of issues such as trafficking and smuggling. Furthermore, the requirement that the state performing these inspections must be responsible for proving this suspicion is vital, as state authorities already have the resources to do this, while ship personnel would require additional resources they may not be able to provide.

Migrants have been attempting to cross the Mediterranean for years, with many perishing during the dangerous journey due to a lack of appropriate crafts or supplies. According to U.N.H.C.R., the number of migrants who went missing or died at sea has been steadily increasing since 2019, reaching 3,231 last year. Many of these migrants are from the East and the Horn of Africa as well as the Middle East, places that the U.N.H.C.R. says have been “affected by years of conflict and displacement” and “where human rights abuses are not uncommon.” In the past years, the E.U. has responded to the migrant crisis by attempting to discourage crossings, which Human Rights Watch argues ignores the reasons people attempt the crossing and will likely fail.

The E.C.J.’s ruling, while not guaranteeing any changes in the current refuge policies in the E.U., does demonstrate that the group is committed to maintaining and enforcing current laws that support the rights of those seeking refuge. This decision allows ships to rescue anyone in danger at sea without fearing retribution while allowing authorities to ensure the safety of everyone onboard and on land. The guidance means that those making the perilous trip across the Mediterranean will have some additional support, making it safer for those who will inevitably try to cross regardless of how dangerous it is because their circumstances at home are even worse.

Source: https://theowp.org/e-u-court-guidance-supports-safety-on-the-mediterranean/

The Coast Guard’s program of record (POR), which dates to 2004, calls for procuring 8 National Security Cutters (NSCs), 25 Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPCs), and 64 Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) as replacements for 90 aging Coast Guard high-endurance cutters, medium-endurance cutters, and patrol craft. The total of 64 FRCs includes 58 for domestic use and 6 for use by the Coast Guard in the Persian Gulf.

NSCs are the Coast Guard’s largest and most capable general-purpose cutters; they are replacing the Coast Guard’s 12 Hamilton-class high-endurance cutters. NSCs have an estimated average procurement cost of about $670 million per ship. Congress has fully funded the procurement of 11 NSCs—three more than the 8 in the Coast Guard’s POR—including the 10th and 11th in FY2018, which (like the 9th NSC) were not requested by the Coast Guard. In FY2020, Congress provided $100.5 million for procurement of long lead time materials (LLTM) for a 12th NSC, so as to preserve the option of procuring a 12th NSC while the Coast Guard evaluates its future needs. The Coast Guard’s proposed FY2023 budget requests $60.0 million in procurement funding for the NSC program. This request does not include further funding for a 12th NSC; it does include funding for closing out NSC procurement activities and transitioning to sustainment of in-service NSCs. Nine NSCs have entered service; the ninth was commissioned into service on March 19, 2021. The 10th is scheduled for delivery in 2023.

OPCs are to be less expensive and in some respects less capable than NSCs; they are intended to replace the Coast Guard’s 29 aged medium-endurance cutters. Coast Guard officials describe the OPC program and the Polar Security Cutter (PSC) program as the service’s highest acquisition priorities. (The PSC program is covered in another CRS report.) The Coast Guard’s FY2020 budget submission estimated the total acquisition cost of the 25 ships at $10.270 billion, or an average of about $411 million per ship. The first OPC was funded in FY2018. The first four OPCs are being built by Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) of Panama City, FL. The Coast Guard held a full and open competition for a new contract to build the next 11 OPCs (numbers 5 through 15). On June 30, 2022, the Coast Guard announced that it had awarded a fixed-price incentive (firm target) contract to Austal USA of Mobile, AL, to produce up to 11 offshore patrol cutters (OPCs). The initial award is valued at $208.3 million and supports detail design and procurement of LLTM for the fifth OPC, with options for production of up to 11 OPCs in total. The contract has a potential value of up to $3.33 billion if all options are exercised. The Coast Guard’s proposed FY2023 budget requests $650.0 million in procurement funding for the 5th OPC, LLTM for the 6th, and other program costs.

FRCs are considerably smaller and less expensive than OPCs; they are intended to replace the Coast Guard’s 49 aging Island-class patrol boats. The Coast Guard’s FY2020 budget submission estimated the total acquisition cost of the 58 cutters intended for domestic use at $3.748.1 billion, or an average of about $65 million per cutter. A total of 64 FRCs were funded through FY2021. The Coast Guard’s proposed FY2022 budget did not request funding for the procurement of additional FRCs. In acting on the Coast Guard’s proposed FY2022 budget, Congress added $130 million in FRC procurement funding for the construction of up to two additional FRCs and associated class-wide activities. On August 9, 2022, the Coast Guard exercised a contract option with the FRC builder (Bollinger Shipyards of Lockport, LA) for $55.5 million of the $130 million for production of one FRC plus associated deliverables; this FRC will be the 65th. As of July 22, 2022, 48 FRCs have been commissioned into service. The Coast Guard’s proposed FY2023 budget requests $16.0 million in procurement funding for the FRC program; this request does not include funding for any additional FRCs.

Source: https://news.usni.org/2022/09/02/report-to-congress-on-coast-guard-cutter-procurement-17

The Baltic Exchange’s main sea freight index, tracking rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, rose on Thursday after rates for bigger vessel segments snapped their losing streaks, with capesize seeing its best day in over two years.

The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax, supramax shipping vessels, was up 37 points, or 3.8%, at 1,002 points. It was the index’s best day in 1-1/2 months.

The capesize index snapped a five-session decline, gaining 167 points, or 55.3 %, at 469 points, on its best day since June 2020.

Meanwhile, Dalian iron ore surrendered its gains from an earlier rebound on Thursday, pressured by worries over fresh COVID-19 restrictions and property sector troubles in China squeezing demand for ferrous metals.

Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 150,000-tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, rose$1,382 to $3,887.

The panamax index snapped an over a month-long losing streak, gaining 13 points, or about 1.1%, at 1,230 points.

Average daily earnings for panamaxes, which usually carry coal or grain cargoes of about 60,000 to 70,000 tonnes, rose $113 to $11,069.

Earlier on Thursday, Baltic Exchange and Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange inked a memorandum of understanding to work together on research and development of a futures contract settling against the Baltic Panamax Index in China.

Among smaller vessels, the supramax index fell 67 points to 1,559 points, its lowest in over 18 months.

Source: https://www.marinelink.com/news/capesize-bulker-rates-best-day-two-years-499181

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services Ltd. on Wednesday announced it has signed a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering deal valued at more than $1 billion with Shell NA LNG, LLC as the Israeli container shipping seeks to reduce emissions from its operations.

Under the 10-year sales and purchase agreement, Shell will supply 10 LNG-fueled vessels that will be deployed on ZIM’s flagship ZIM Container Service Pacific (ZCP), on the Asia to USEC trade. The 15,000 TEU vessels are expected to enter into service during 2023-2024 and will be transporting goods from China and South Korea to U.S. East Coast and the Caribbean. The agreement with may also cover other trades where ZIM LNG vessels could be deployed, the company said.

About 23% of total shipping emissions are from the container segment alone, and with increasing global trade of goods. LNG is the lowest carbon fuel available at scale today and it provides approximately 20% less greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions when compared to conventional marine fuels. In addition to GHG emissions reduction, LNG emits virtually no Sulphur oxides (SOx) and particulate matter (PM), while significantly reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

Eli Glickman, ZIM President & CEO, said, “With the addition of significant LNG-powered capacity to our fleet, beginning in 2023, we have positioned ZIM as a leader in carbon intensity reduction among global liners. We are pleased to execute this long-term supply agreement with Shell to secure LNG at competitive terms and look forward to partnering with a global industry leader such as Shell as we take an important step to ensure our fuel sourcing is well planned and of the highest quality. Our growing LNG-powered fleet will enable ZIM to be more carbon and cost efficient, while improving our competitive position, particularly on the strategic Asia to USEC trade, and allowing customers to reduce their carbon footprint.”

Steve Hill, Executive Vice President, Energy Marketing at Shell, said, “We would like to congratulate ZIM for introducing the world’s first LNG fueled very large containership (VLCS) fleet to operate on the Asia-North America shipping route. We are delighted to collaborate with them on their impressive efforts to reduce emissions in their maritime supply chain. Decarbonization of the shipping industry must begin today, and LNG is a lower emission fuel choice currently available in meaningful volumes, and via liquefied biomethane and liquified e-methane, offers a credible pathway to net zero GHG emissions.”

Source: https://www.marinelink.com/news/zim-inks-billion-lng-bunkering-deal-shell-499136

Italian yacht manufacturer Azimut has appointed Wally Castro Marine as its dealer for the Puerto Rican market.

Wally Castro Marine has been among the leading boat retailers in Puerto Rico since it was founded 15 years ago. Azimut says this new strategic partnership is a ‘result of Azimut’s ongoing initiative to provide customers across the globe with the best possible experience.’

It’s said the first fibreglass boat in Puerto Rico was sold by the Castro family. Wally Castro Marine, named after the firm’s president Wally Castro, now represents major and exclusive boat and yachts in Puerto Rico. It also has a previously-owned department and offers brokerage services for all boat brands, as well as offering service, repairs and maintenance.

“We are extremely excited about this new collaboration in Puerto Rico,” says Federico Ferrante, President of Azimut-Benetti Americas. “Wally Castro Marine and Azimut-Benetti Group share the same DNA: both family businesses, driven by passion, and focused solely on the experience for their customers. Through these strong values, both companies are leaders in their respective fields, already.”

The Puerto Rican market hosts a lively nautical industry and rich boating culture naturally, as a tropical paradise with marinas on every coast and accessible neighbouring islands.

“We feel beyond excited and proud to welcome Azimut to our family,” says Wally Castro, president of Wally Castro Marine. “The brand shares our values and commitment to quality, luxury, and excellence. We now feel complete as we can offer our customers an exclusive line of mega yachts up to over 100ft, so the Caribbean can be enjoyed with the Italian splendour.”

Source: https://marineindustrynews.co.uk/azimut-appoints-new-dealer-for-puerto-rico/