Singapore has held onto its status as the world’s top maritime hub for the ninth consecutive year, according to a recent index report.

The Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report, jointly published annually by Chinese state news agency, Xinhua, and global maritime data provider, the Baltic Exchange, has ranked Singapore as the global leading maritime center every year since the report’s inception.

The city state scored 94.88 out of a possible 100 points, while second on the list was maritime professional services stronghold, London, with 83.04 points. Meanwhile, Shanghai, home to the world’s largest port, takes third place with 82.79 points.

Singapore has earned its longstanding spot at the top of this index due to its wide and established ecosystem of professional global maritime services, good governance, ease of doing business and large and strategically situated port.

Further down the top 10, there was little movement as Hong Kong, Dubai, Rotterdam and Hamburg take fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh place respectively.

This year, however, New York/New Jersey overtook Athens/Piraeus to take the eighth place on the list, due to its port’s exceptionally strong TEU uptick in 2021, as logistics companies moved goods through the U.S. east coast port to avoid congestion on the U.S. west coast.

Like last year, the Chinese port of Ningbo-Zhoushan comes in 10th. Its place in this list is almost entirely due to it being the third busiest port in the world in terms of cargo handling, following Singapore and Shanghai.

A total of 43 maritime locations were rated as part of this report, which considers port factors including cargo throughput, number of cranes, length of container berths and port draught; number of players in professional maritime support businesses such as shipbroking, ship management, ship financing, insurance and law as well as hull underwriting premiums; and general business environment factors such as customs tariffs, extent of electronic government services and logistics performance.

The average score amongst the top 10 ports is 76.98 out of 100, with the average across the entire 43 rankings standing at 58.70.

Baltic Exchange Chief Executive Mark Jackson said, “This report serves as a valuable reminder of how intrinsic shipping is to global trade and prosperity. It also illustrates that shipping does not exist in silos. The success of the maritime hubs included in the top 10 list has for the most part been borne out of collaboration and synergies across different sectors of the shipping industry. The Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index shows that a successful shipping center provides everything that the international shipowner might need, and a successful shipping center is ultimately also a successful global city.”

Xu Yuchang of China Economic Information Service, a subsidiary of Xinhua, said, “The China Economic Information Service is delighted to present the 2022 Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report. This is the ninth report that we have produced alongside the Baltic Exchange, which offers a window into the shipping industry, its drivers and its challenges and plans going forward. The 2022 report highlights that innovation and digitalization will be essential for maritime success over the next decade. It also shows how flexible and resilient global supply chains can be when confronted with challenges. Importantly, it underscores how central shipping is to the global economy.”

Chief Executive of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, Ms Quah Ley Hoon, said, “We are very honored that Singapore is ranked top for the ninth consecutive year by the highly regarded Xinhua-Baltic International Shipping Centre Development Index Report. It is a reflection of the strong tripartite partnership with our partners, industry players, and unions in Maritime Singapore.  During the pandemic, we are also reminded of the global nature of shipping and the need for close collaborations to address global challenges such as crew change. As the maritime sector continues to build up resilience and future-ready capability, we will continue to work with our maritime colleagues around the world to drive transformation, particularly in the areas of decarbonization, digitalization, and talent development.”

Source: https://www.marinelink.com/news/singapore-maintains-rank-worlds-top-497997


The first modern Russian cruise ship operation is scheduled to start service on July 16 cruising from the Black Sea port of Sochi.  The Astoria Grande is scheduled to operate a total of 16 weekly cruises in cooperation with a Turkish company as they seek to build the Russian tourism industry.

Launched in 1996 as the first AIDA cruise ship, the 38,500 gross ton ship was acquired by Russian investors in 2021 from Carnival Corporation. She had been idle since 2020 due to the pandemic when Carnival decided to sell the ship as part of its accelerated efforts at fleet modernization. The unique cruise ship had sailed for the German AIDA cruise brand helping to establish one of the fastest-growing brands in the corporation.

The cruise ship was built by what is today Meyer Turku in Finland for a former East German tour company as a new concept in cruising based on the popular German holiday camp clubs. Aboard the cruise ship has a very relaxed atmosphere and playful décor along with a focus on fitness and entertainment. Foodservice is mostly at two casual buffet restaurants with large communal tables. Keeping with German-style there were beer taps in each restaurant with the beer and soft drinks included in the price of the cruise. Marketing was limited to German-speaking travelers.

 

AIDA, later AIDAcara, sailed with AIDA for 25 years before being sold (AIDA)

 

At 634 feet in length, the ship also became distinctive for its unusual hull art at a time when few cruise ships featured any illustrations on their hulls. Rostock-based graphic designer Feliks Büttner created the design for the distinctive lips, eyes, and waves on the hull inspired by the classic opera AIDA, for which the ship and brand were named. Know as the “kiss” the art remains a central feature on the hull of all of AIDA’s cruise ships.

After briefly being owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, AIDA was acquired by Britain’s P&O in 2001 and later became part of Carnival Corporation through the merger with P&O. The original ship, which sailed as AIDA till 2001, served as the model for newer cruise ships that began the expansion of the brand. From 2001 to 2020 the first ship operated as AIDAcara and was later used to develop new itineraries that focused on exploration and longer lengths.

After being acquired in July 2021 by Russian investors, the cruise ship was refitted and recently arrived in Sochi to prepare for its introduction as Astoria Grande. “Now all the port services of the city of Sochi and the liner’s personnel are undergoing final training before leaving for the first cruise,” explained Orkan Kayarkh, general manager of Astoria Grande.

The Russian company is partnering with Miray Cruises of Turkey to launch the new cruise program. Miray also operates a cruise ship based in Turkey for the domestic market. Cruises aboard the Astoria Grande will depart through the end of October 2022.

 

Astoria Grande will be sailing from Sochi to ports in Turkey (Astoria Grande)

 

The Russian cruise ship will operate week-long cruises and because of safety concerns, they are emphasizing that the ship will only be sailing in the southern and eastern parts of the Black Sea. They point out that more than 100 ships a day are passing through the areas where they will be sailing. All the ports will be in Turkey, with the itineraries including calls in Istanbul, Sinop, Cesme, and Trabzon as well as the resort island of Bocaada. Passengers can choose between two similar itineraries or combine them into a two-week cruise.

In the Soviet era, there were many cruise ships built in the east and used to provide vacations or transportation. The operations, however, did not survive the end of the Soviet Union with most of the ships sold and only a few attempts to establish a Russian cruise operation. Currently, there are no plans to market the Astoria Grande outside of Russia.
Source: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/russia-s-first-modern-cruises-launch-sailing-on-black-sea


A gas leak aboard the destroyer USS Mustin injured two sailors in San Diego last week, according to the U.S. Navy.

USS Mustin is undergoing a depot maintenance availability at the BAE Systems yard in Barrio Logan. The scope includes hull work, reconditioning the engineering spaces, upgrading the ship’s command and control equipment, and refurbishing the living spaces. The $95 million work package began in May and is scheduled to continue through November 2023.

On Thursday morning at about 10 AM, a release of “hazardous fumes” was reported aboard the destroyer. San Diego Fire-Rescue responded to the scene, and two sailors were provided medical care. One of them was transported to a nearby hospital, according to local media. A Navy spokesperson did not provide further information about the nature of the leak or the extent of the injuries.

USS Mustin is the 39th vessel in the Arleigh Burke-class series and the second vessel named for the Mustins, a family with longstanding Navy ties. The warship is known best for a widely-circulated photo of her CO and XO on the bridge wing with China’s first-in-class carrier Liaoning under way in plain view.

Fatality aboard carrier USS Carl Vinson

On Sunday, a sailor was found unresponsive aboard the carrier USS Carl Vinson, which was moored at a pier in Coronado, San Diego. Fed Fire responded and pronounced the sailor dead at the scene, according to Navy Times.

There are “no indications of suicide or foul play,” the Navy said in a statement, and the service is investigating the circumstances of the death. The sailor has been identified as Information Systems Technician 2nd Class Darren Collins, 22.

“My deepest condolences go out to the Collins family in this time of tragic loss,” said Vinson CO Capt. P. Scott Miller in a statement. “As shipmates we grieve the untimely passing of a talented young man. We will continue to provide support to the Vinson crew and the Collins family.”

USS Vinson has had a challenging year. In January, an inbound F-35C fighter suffered a ramp strike and slid off the deck, injuring seven crewmembers. A salvage operation was launched to recover the plane’s sensitive wreckage.

Source: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/two-injured-in-gas-leak-aboard-destroyer-uss-mustin


The U.S. Supreme Court may have undercut the federal government’s ability to regulate carbon dioxide emissions, but a new bill from Reps. Alan Lowenthal and Nanette Barragán (D-CA) would restore its authority – for one industry.

The proposed Clean Shipping Act of 2022 is the first purpose-built legislation to target shipping’s greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and it is modeled on the European Union’s Fit for 55 regulatory framework for shipping. If enacted as written, it would be among the few clear authorities the EPA could draw upon to regulate carbon emissions from any industry.

“We no longer have the luxury of waiting to act,” Congressman Lowenthal said in a statement. “We must face the fact that we are at a tipping point in the climate crisis; we must move beyond fossil fuels, and that includes air, land and sea transportation sources.”

The bill would require the EPA to enforce new fuel carbon-intensity standards for commercial voyages, international and domestic, involving any “U.S. ports of call.” The greenhouse gas intensity reduction would ratchet quickly down: 20 percent less in 2027, 45 percent less in 2030, 80 percent less in 2035 and 100 percent less in 2040, matching Maersk’s ambitious zero-by-2040 target.

The low-carbon fuel requirement would only apply to ships that spend 30 days a year or more on voyages to and from U.S. ports. This would cover the domestic Jones Act fleet, most of the U.S.-flag fleet and foreign-flag ships on liner routes. However, some foreign-flag owners could attain compliance by keeping a hull’s annual “covered voyage” under 29 days, or by using a legitimate cargo stop in Mexico or Canada to “shorten” the length of each overseas voyage to the United States. Similar itineraries have long been used in both the cargo and passenger-vessel sectors for cabotage compliance.

Vessels under 400 GT, like most tugs, towboats, and ATB pusher tugs, would not be regulated. This would allow towing operators to continue using fossil fuels, even for tows with greater capacity than a coastal freighter or a small product tanker.

As they are not covered by the regulation, trucking operators, rail lines and air cargo companies – which compete with shipping and emit more per ton-mile – could continue to operate using fossil fuels.

The bill’s language would also add a layer to U.S. maritime regulation by targeting only voyages to and from “U.S. ports of call,” leaving out other places where commercial vessels often go. The exemption or inclusion of other U.S. destinations – rigs, platforms, offshore wind towers, anchorages, ship-to-ship transfer areas, fishing grounds – could have significant and complex implications for vessel operators.

Source: https://www.maritime-executive.com/features/new-bill-would-empower-epa-to-regulate-co2-but-only-from-ships


This year, Taiwan’s Maritime Port Bureau, Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC) and Taiwan Design Research Institute (TDRI) cooperated to invite professional design teams, UPGA WA-Archi., Bohan Design, and Benzhi Design Consultant, to jointly carry out a makeover for Penghu South Sea Transportation & Tourism Waiting Room.

One of the bright spots in the entire space are Taiwanese brand NakNak’s ocean waste seats. The seats are made from over 70,000 PET bottles collected from Taiwan’s surrounding seas, which are mixed with materials like oyster shell powder and Styrofoam to make the circular material, showing that ocean sustainability has always been an issue of concern of Taiwanese design.

The Magong Ferry Terminal, Public Transportation Office at Magong Third Fishing Harbor (South Sea Transportation & Tourism Waiting Room) is an important transportation hub of Taiwan’s outlying islands, as well as the transfer station for natives and tourists visiting Qimei and Wangan.

Built in 2009, Penghu South Sea Transportation & Tourism Waiting Room had never gone through any renovations in the past 13 years. However, problems like unclear signage system, scattered ticket information, and conflicting queues, had made this outdated waiting room incapable of handling the increasing number of passengers.

The design teams targeted ticketing service procedures, architectural space, and onboard experience for survey and research, identifying 11 pain points.

Moreover, through analyzing user behaviors and combing through information of ships, ticketing, and public announcements, the design teams proposed several key makeover plans: for ticketing service, enhanced electronic displays and bulletin boards are used to bring together randomly posted information that resembled patches; color blocks on the floor will offer queuing citizens directions, enabling them to intuitively find their way when purchasing tickets, and minimizing conflicting traffics.

For the exterior of the building, design by subtraction is adopted. The old detention pond is removed to make way for a new recreational platform, and the color tone of the façade has been changed to white, making the building more eye-catching and the entrance much brighter.

For the interior, original features of elevated ceiling and central axis are preserved, and the new design also features the white color tone of the exterior, removing the gloomy colors of the old waiting room and making the entire space brighter and warmer.

The ticketing service counter is inspired by Penghu’s local material, basalt, and are painted grey, so the ticket counter stands out in the white space. Also, in terms of universal design, in addition to adjusting the height of service buzzer and adding Braille labels, luggage locks have also been added in washrooms for the convenience of passengers with large pieces of luggage.

Source: https://maritimefairtrade.org/taiwan-uses-70000-pet-bottles-salvaged-from-ocean-to-make-seats/


Korean Register (KR) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with KLCSM and Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) to jointly research and approve the application of autonomous navigation systems for mid- to large-sized vessels.

The agreement, which was signed on 23 June at this year’s Korea Ocean Expo in Incheon, Korea, will accelerate the commercialization and international competitiveness of domestic autonomous ship equipment and technology by establishing an actual ship-based autonomous operating system that is jointly developed between domestic shipping companies, shipyards and KR.

The announcement comes as an increasing number of shipowners integrate artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things, Big Data and sensor systems into their vessels in order to assist vessel crews.

According to the MOU, SHI’s autonomous navigation system, known as the Samsung Autonomous Ship (SAS), will be applied to KLCSM’s fleet of operating ships to perform risk assessments, develop and certify cyber-security systems, and review the conformity of various agreements and standards for future domestic approval.

In addition, SHI will conduct a comprehensive collaboration for the commercialization of autonomous navigation systems through the certification of ship equipment and Marine Equipment Directive (MED) for Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) modules.

“KR will provide technical support for this project in order to further the development and operation autonomous navigation systems,” said YEON Kyujin, Head of Plan Approval Center at KR.

“With this latest joint cooperation, more autonomous navigation systems will be successfully applied to ships, which will further increase the efficiency of ship management,” said KWON Ohgil, Managing Director of KLCSM.

“We also expect to improve vessel safety and improve the environment of ship operations amid a current shortage of sailors.”

KIM Hyunjo, Director of the Marine Shipbuilding Research Center of SHI, said: “SHI is focusing its capabilities on the research and development for the commercialization of autonomous navigation technologies for ocean and coastal navigation, including conducting practical ship operations based on the maritime demonstration of our own SAS autonomous navigation system.”

In addition to this MOU, KR has been building up its related classification certification performance and autonomous navigation ship technology by applying its rules, cyber-security certification and risk-based approval in accordance with its ‘Guidance for Autonomous Ships’ which was published in 2019.

Source: https://maritimefairtrade.org/korean-register-in-joint-research-commercialization-of-autonomous-navigation-systems/


Photo taken on July 11, 2022 shows the launching ceremony of China Maritime Week in Dalian, northeast China’s Liaoning Province. July 11 marks the Maritime Day of China. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Pupils visit the patrol ship “Haixun 0301” during a Maritime Day theme activity in Dalian, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, July 11, 2022. July 11 marks the Maritime Day of China. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Pupils learn about maritime knowledge at the exam center of the maritime safety administration of Liaoning during a Maritime Day theme activity in Dalian, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, July 11, 2022. July 11 marks the Maritime Day of China. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Pupils visit the patrol ship “Haixun 0301” during a Maritime Day theme activity in Dalian, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, July 11, 2022. July 11 marks the Maritime Day of China. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Pupils learn about maritime knowledge at the exam center of the maritime safety administration of Liaoning during a Maritime Day theme activity in Dalian, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, July 11, 2022. July 11 marks the Maritime Day of China. (Xinhua/Pan Yulong)

Source: Xinhua


Blue Visby solution can reduce shipping emissions by around 15% by eradicating the practice of “Sail Fast, then Wait” through an innovative contractual framework, supported by cutting-edge digital technology
Helsinki, Finland – 07 July 2022- NAPA, a leading digital technology provider for the maritime industry, has become one of the founding and coordinating members of the Blue Visby Consortium, which is aimed at helping the shipping industry eliminate the wasteful practice of “Sail Fast, then Wait” (SFTW) through a collaborative platform.

Combining an innovative contractual framework and state-of-the-art digital technology, the Blue Visby Solution optimizes arrivals, enabling vessels to reduce their speed – and emissions – without impacting their commercial performance.

By tackling SFTW, which sees ships sailing at speed across oceans only to wait at anchorage outside ports, the Blue Visby Solution will help reduce emissions for maritime journeys by 15% on average. If applied globally, the solution has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint of the global shipping fleet by more than 60 million tonnes of CO2 per year – which is larger than the total emissions of an entire country like Norway.

NAPA joins the Blue Visby Consortium as a technology provider, contributing its digital and voyage expertise to help optimize and stagger arrival times for groups of vessels traveling to the same port. Taking into consideration parameters such as the performance and characteristics of each vessel, port congestion at destination, and weather conditions, the Blue Visby algorithm provides an optimal target arrival time for each vessel, while keeping their order of arrival as if they had sailed independently without the solution. This enables vessels to slow down, cutting their fuel consumption and emissions, but still “keep their place in the queue” and arrive one after the other, which reduces unnecessary waiting times outside ports.

Crucially, the Blue Visby Solution includes an innovative contractual framework to address the problem of so-called “split incentives”. It introduces a sharing mechanism that enables stakeholders on each voyage (shipowners, charterers and cargo interests) to share the costs and benefits of the implementation of the Blue Visby Solution, including fuel savings, the costs of a lengthier journey, and the financial value of emissions reductions where applicable. This contractual architecture is designed to be compatible with the standard terms of maritime contracts and does not require any new legislation or regulations.

Based on extensive analysis of 2019 shipping data from 150,000 voyages by 13,000 cargo ships in the 150 most visited ports, NAPA estimates that the Blue Visby Solution will enable vessels to reduce their speed by about 1 knot on average, which is well within the operational parameters of the existing commercial fleet. Speed could be reduced on 87% of the voyages, leading to shorter idle times and an average emissions savings potential of 16%.

Pekka Pakkanen, Executive Vice President at NAPA Shipping Solutions, said: “We are proud to see NAPA’s proven expertise on digital technology power this major project, which will help ships sails more efficiently, reduce waiting times at anchorage, and deliver immediate and tangible emissions reductions. At NAPA, we are committed to breaking the barriers for more energy-efficient and sustainable operations, and we are excited to contribute to this unique solution, which brings most of the benefits of “just-in-time” arrivals, without most of the problems. Blue Visby complements voyage planning and weather routing software by providing a target arrival time, and enables users to optimize routes and speed to save fuel without worrying about losing a competitive advantage. And the best part of it is that all this can be done now and with very small upfront investment, as Blue Visby requires no additional on-board systems.”

Mikko Kuosa, Chief Executive Officer at NAPA, said: “Given the urgency of the climate crisis, the world needs solutions that will make a difference today. From our experience at NAPA, we see the benefits of digital solutions, which are already unlocking tangible fuel and emissions savings through voyage optimization and weather routing. However, solving one of the biggest operational efficiency issues in maritime – “the Sail Fast, then Wait” phenomenon – is not something that a tech company alone can do. Today, we are proud to collaborate with fellow industry pioneers on this groundbreaking solution, which is committed to remaining neutral, independent, inclusive and transparent to reduce emissions for the benefit of the entire industry.”

The Blue Visby Consoritum is coordinated jointly by NAPA and maritime law experts from the international law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP. Haris Zografakis, Partner at Stephenson Harwood LLP, said:  “It has been fantastic to work with NAPA on this project. Not only are their systems and software best-in-class, but also their people combine deep maritime knowledge, a vision for the future of the industry, and the dedication to build that future. And in a time-honoured Finnish fashion, they do so calmly, quietly, methodically and with supreme professionalism”.

The Blue Visby Consortium presently includes 11 other maritime leaders from the shipping industry, government, classification societies, consultancies, financing, and environmental organizations: Anglo-American, Carbon Trust, ClassNK, CMB, Drewry, Ocean Conservancy, Lloyd’s, the UK Hydrographic Office, the University of Manchester, Tankers International, and Vertis.

Source: https://www.seanews.co.uk/maritime-events/new-collaboration-focuses-on-sea-fast-then-wait-to-reduce-shippings-emissions-with-napas-digital-expertise/


Thursday, July 7 – Birmingham, UK: MIS Marine, the maritime industry’s leading Marine Assurance technology company, has launched its new entry-level product, Mainstay Core. In addition to providing consolidated vetting data that enables faster and more efficient decision-making, Mainstay Core provides a comprehensive snapshot view of sanction data to support compliance for ship charterers, and minimise the risks for ports and terminals.

Previously only available as a premium subscription platform, MIS Marine has broadened accessibility to its Mainstay product suite with a comprehensive entry-level option at a time when the maritime industry is facing more than 2,000 sanctions due to the Ukraine crisis.

Through standardised but configurable risk policies, Mainstay Core provides full access to Marine Assurance data sources, enabling effective and simple screening processes and streamlined third party communication. With an intuitive Review screen, one-click decision making and colour coded document status indicators, vetting operations are streamlined and time efficient – helping charterers, ports and terminals to make the right decision, faster.

Providing a complete data view, responsive compliance tracking and ultimately streamlining vetting operations, Mainstay Core underpins vetting processes for tankers, barges and offshore vessels and their related companies, providing berth-to-berth assurance of an entire journey, contract, or project.

Dominic McKnight Hardy, Managing Director at MIS Marine, said: “Today, Marine Assurance is more than vetting. It’s about understanding your complete risk profile. Those risks come in many forms, from compliance and regulatory failings to indirect business with a sanctioned entity. Through its sanctioned data tracking, Mainstay Core automatically alerts you to any sanctions and compliance threats, helping you stay informed of every detail that could affect a vessel’s suitability and jeopardise your reputation.”

Mainstay Core collects and presents multiple sources of up-to-date industry data – OCIMF (SIRE, BIRE and OVID), IHS, USCG, AIS Tracking and sanctions.

Since 2009, MIS Marine has developed advanced Marine Assurance solutions to support the drive for better standards and ensure compliance with regulatory targets is achieved across the maritime industry. The company also developed and delivers the cutting-edge solution Mainstay Pro – which formed the foundation for Mainstay Core – that includes more advanced features and in-depth capabilities to support Marine Assurance operations.

Source: https://www.seanews.co.uk/maritime-events/launch-of-cutting-age-mainstay-core-product/


The Global Maritime Safety market exhibits comprehensive information that is a valuable source of insightful data for business strategists during the decade 2020-2030. On the basis of historical data, Maritime Safety market report provides key segments and their sub-segments, revenue and demand & supply data. Considering technological breakthroughs of the market Maritime Safety industry is likely to appear as a commendable platform for emerging Maritime Safety market investors.

The complete value chain and downstream and upstream essentials are scrutinized in this report. Essential trends like globalization, growth progress boost fragmentation regulation & ecological concerns. This Market report covers technical data, manufacturing plants analysis, and raw material sources analysis of Maritime Safety Industry as well as explains which product has the highest penetration, their profit margins, and R & D status. The report makes future projections based on the analysis of the subdivision of the market which includes the global market size by product category, end-user application, and various regions.

Source: https://traveladventurecinema.com/news/502/us-maritime-safety-market-2022-comprehensive-strategic-report-with-leonardo-finmeccanica-northrop-grumman-corporation-bae-systems-plc-harris-corporation/


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