port-and-ship
Apr 07, 2025
Hellenic Shipping News
in International Shipping News
07/04/2025
The maritime landscape has transformed dramatically over the past decade. With the global fleet expanding from approximately 1.7 billion deadweight tonnage in 2014 to roughly 2.4 billion today â a remarkable 40 per cent increase â helicopter-ship operations have similarly escalated in both frequency and complexity.
This growth, coupled with evolving operational procedures and safety protocols, has necessitated fresh guidance for maritime professionals. Itâs why we recently updated the International Chamber of Shippingâs Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations, ensuring it continues to serve the industry well into the future. The growing trend of ports utilising helicopter pilot transfers due to increasing vessel sizes exemplifies how operational realities continue to evolve at sea.
While no shipowner wants to contemplate medical evacuations, as they indicate a crew member in distress, these operations remain an unavoidable reality of maritime life. Addressing these challenging scenarios requires protocols built on real-world experience and continuous improvement.
Through our involvement in marine investigations and best practice development, one truth consistently emerges: communication excellence during critical operations is non-negotiable. This principle has driven the development of improved toolbox talk templates and communication frameworks designed to prevent potentially hazardous information gaps.
This focus on communication isnât merely theoretical â weâve witnessed numerous incidents where miscommunication created unnecessary risk. Enhanced procedures aim to mitigate these dangers before they materialize.
The importance of coordination becomes particularly evident in crisis situations. Recent events in the Red Sea have demonstrated how precise coordination between vessels and helicopters can facilitate the safe evacuation of crew members following vessel attacks. In these time-critical scenarios, clear communication protocols literally save lives.
What makes maritime aviation safety truly effective is a cross-domain perspective. By bringing together expertise from both worlds, we create more robust safety frameworks. Our work benefits tremendously from collaborative input from authorities including the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the International Maritime Pilotsâ Association.
This collaborative approach has yielded comprehensive risk assessment frameworks, detailed toolbox talk guidance, and improved checklists for both ship and helicopter crews â all calibrated to modern operational realities.
Gregor Stevens, Nautical Director, ICS
Perhaps the most compelling testament to the effectiveness of established protocols is found in the statistics and despite thousands of helicopter-ship interactions annually, incidents and fatalities remain extraordinarily rare â approaching zero. This remarkable safety record speaks to the value of industry-wide standards and best practices.
As we look toward the next decade of maritime development, with continued fleet expansion and technological advancement on the horizon, the industry must build upon this safety legacy while preparing for emerging challenges. The latest edition of our Helicopter and Ship Operations Guide, carried on over 30,000 merchant vessels worldwide, represents our commitment to supporting this critical aspect of maritime operations.
The maritime sector faces numerous uncertainties, but with proper preparation and adherence to established best practices, helicopter-ship operations can maintain their exemplary safety record even as operational volume increases. At the International Chamber of Shipping, we remain committed to supporting this critical aspect of maritime operations through practical guidance based on collective expertise.
ICS offers a âHelicopter Operation Procedures for Ships courseâ which complements the Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations and provides crews with the latest guidance on standardised procedures and encourages safe and efficient performance in the field. The course reflects the most up-to-date advice from industry experts in both the maritime and aviation sectors.
Source: By Gregor Stevens, Nautical Director, International Chamber of Shipping
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Hellenic Shipping News
Oh, Was Payrolls This Morning? A Jobs Report Deep Divein World Economy News
07/04/2025
Markets were perhaps the least interested theyâve ever been in a monthly employment report on Friday, with world stock markets plunging in the wake of President Trumpâs massive tariff announcement on Wednesday and Chinaâs hardball retaliation.
The U.S. economy added 228,000 jobs in March (USNFAR=ECI), 94.9% improvement over Februaryâs downwardly revised 117,000 gain and 93,000 more than analysts expected.
This marks the fifth upside surprise in the past 12 months, and the fourth reading north of 200,000 over the past year.
Digging beneath the headline, service-providing jobs accounted for 94.3% of the 209,000 private sector job adds. The retail sector rebounded, adding 23,700 jobs, while government payrolls â which include state and local agencies unaffected by the mass DOGE-related firings â increased by 19,000, a steep acceleration from Februaryâs gain of 1,000, revised sharply lower.
âWhile the data is now especially stale in light of this weekâs sweeping tariff actions, the strong beat on U.S. jobs should help investor sentiment heading into the weekend,â writes Natalia Lojevsky, managing director at CIFC Asset Management.
âThe number confirms that the US economy, lead by the seemingly indefatigable US consumer, has kept trucking along despite pervasive uncertainty which has roiled risk assets,â Lojevsky adds.
The report also gave markets their first glimpse at March inflation, showing average hourly wages rose by 0.3%, slightly warmer than the prior monthâs 0.2% print and inline with analyst expectations.
Year-over-year, however, wage growth cooled down, rising to 3.8% from 4.0%, and landing a hair below the 3.9% consensus.
Itâs a move in the right direction, but 3.8% remains well north of the Powell & Coâs 2% annual inflation goal.
âThe Fedâs job got a lot more complex as inflation is not yet under control,â writes Jeffrey Roach, chief economist at LPL Financial.
The jobless rate (USUNR=ECI) unexpectedly rose to 4.2% â analysts expected it to stand pat at 4.1% â while at the same time the labor market participation rate improved by just a smidgeon, rising 10 basis points to 62.5%, bouncing off a two-year low.
When more Americans leave the sidelines and dive into the labor pool, that tends to put upward pressure on the unemployment rate; itâs not until someone starts looking for a job that theyâre counted among the jobless.
âThe headline unemployment rate moved higher ⌠but for âgood reasonsâ: the labor force participation rate rose,â says Chris Zaccarelli, chief investment officer at Northlight Asset Management.
Average unemployment duration jumped last month to 23.6 weeks, from an even 21.0, the second-longest this metric has been since April 2022.
This corresponds well with souring labor market confidence and the general downward hiring trend as expressed by the Labor Departmentâs JOLTS data:
Finally, breaking down joblessness by race and ethnicity, unemployment among White Americans eased to 3.7% from 3.8%, while Black joblessness worsened, rising to 6.2% from 6.0%.
That pushed the White/Black unemployment gap 0.3 percentage points wider to 2.5 ppts.
Source: Reutersport-and-ship
07 April 2025
Bunker Port News Worldwide
Port Pro Of The Month: Ann Doherty (Irl)Our port pro of the month is Ann Doherty, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Port of Cork in Ireland. In what follows, you will read more about investment and environmental priorities in this Irish Port, as well as the importance of energy in the port sector. Discover below some other interesting topics addressed by our port professional of the month!
Can you briefly tell us about the Port of Cork? What are its main characteristics and challenges?
Ideally located in the South of Ireland, the Port of Cork is one of Ireland's most significant and versatile ports, serving as a vital gateway for trade and commerce. The Port of Cork is home to the world's second-largest natural harbour and plays a crucial role in Ireland's import and export industries, handling everything from consumer goods to pharmaceuticals and agriproducts. It is one of only two Irish ports that can accommodate all six shipping modes: lift-on/lift-off, roll-on/roll-off, liquid bulk, dry bulk, break bulk, and cruise.
One of the key challenges the port faces is adapting to evolving global trade demands while maintaining efficiency and sustainability. As container traffic and offshore renewable energy (ORE) projects expand, infrastructure development is essential to ensure long-term competitiveness. Additionally, balancing environmental sustainability with economic growth is a key priority, particularly as we look to integrate more green energy solutions into port operations and position Cork as a leader in the renewable energy industry.
What is your long-term vision for the Port of Cork? What are the main investment projects for the coming years? Could you briefly describe the importance of these investment projects for the port and the city?
Ann Doherty, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Port of Cork.
Our vision is to establish the Port of Cork as a world-class, future-ready port that sustainably supports economic growth and Ireland's transition to renewable energy. Recent major investments include the âŹ94 million Cork Container Terminal (CTT) in Ringaskiddy, which officially launched in 2022 and has expanded our capacity and improved supply chain efficiency.
A further investment in excess of âŹ100 million, co-funded by the European Union as part of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Transport programme and by Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) brings certainty to the construction of additional facilities at the Cork Container Terminal (CCT).
When complete, Cork will become the first port in the state capable of hosting the large-scale storage and assembly requirements of offshore wind projects. In addition, the investment will also help realise the ambitious plans of the Port of Cork's Masterplan 2050 to develop multi-purpose berths in Ringaskiddy to accommodate a larger volume of vessels, while increasing throughput efficiency and ability to serve a broader range of international customers.
On your website, you mention that you are on a âRiver to Sea Port' journey, aiming to move port operations downstream and consolidate all activities in the lower harbour by 2050. Could you please elaborate further on this project? What is its main focus?
This project, as part of our Port Masterplan to 2050, is a once-in-a-generation move that is essential for us to facilitate increasing global vessel sizes, provide consolidated, efficient, and sustainable operations for our customers, and ensure the global connectivity of the southern region.
By 2050, our focus will be to consolidate all activities in the lower harbour, but the Port of Cork will also play a key role in facilitating Ireland's future energy needs too. Construction has already begun on the new 200-meter-deep water quay. All the necessary facilities will be ready in good time for ORE projects, which are expected to require use of the facility when they receive their own planning consents, expected to be from around 2027.
Cobh Cruise Terminal ŠPort of Cork
We read that you received EU funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme for the construction of two quay berths at its deepwater site in Ringaskiddy. Please, could you further explain us about this project? What are the benefits for the port?
The âŹ38.4 million funding will enable the port to accommodate a larger volume of vessels, while increasing throughput efficiency and ability to serve a broader range of international customers, reinforcing the Port of Cork's position as a key player in European and international maritime trade.
The development consists of two berth expansions: Ringaskiddy East (200m container berth extension) and Ringaskiddy West (182-meter deepwater berth extension). Both projects include dredging to -13-meter piling, quay construction, utilities, and onshore power supply infrastructure.
The partnership between the Port of Cork and the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund, is aimed at supporting the development of new port infrastructure in Cork Harbour, reinforcing Ireland's future as a key renewable energy hub. Could you further elaborate on this project?
The ISIF investment brought certainty to the construction of port infrastructure that will facilitate the deployment of Ireland's first offshore wind projects off the coast of Ireland, from 2027 and beyond. It also secures Port of Cork Company's (PoCC's) position as a leading global multi-purpose port into the next century.
Of the total funding requirement of âŹ100 million, âŹ88 million is provided by ISIF's commercial funding, which will reduce to âŹ70 million when the initial CEF funding of âŹ18 million is drawn down on achievement of construction milestones. The balance of funding, âŹ30 million will be a combination of the grant funding and from PoCC's own fund.
Cork Container Terminal (CCT) ŠPort of Cork
How has Brexit changed the business and the role of the Port of Cork?
Brexit has led to increased customs procedures such as checks and paperwork for goods moving between the UK and the EU, which can cause greater complexity in operations.
However, Brexit has also presented opportunities for the Port of Cork such as new trade routes to continental Europe, particularly as companies look for alternative routes to ensure smooth access to the EU market.
An example of this would be our twice-weekly CLdN short sea service between Cork and Zeebruges. The service was launched post-Brexit's full implementation as a once-a-week route and demand has subsequently led to the introduction of a second weekly call.
The greening of a port requires the help of all port stakeholders. What can the Port of Cork do to encourage all stakeholders to make their operations more sustainable?
We are adapting to the rapidly changing customer expectations which are pressuring the shipping industry to deliver goods in a faster, more flexible, and sustainable manner, at low delivery cost. To do this, we strive to work with and provide our customers with reliable, safe, high-performing facilities and services.
We will also play our part in tackling the climate crisis. In line with the Government's Climate Action Plan, our ambition is to achieve at least a 51% reduction in overall greenhouse-gas emissions by 2030 and to set ourselves on a path to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Would you call yourself an energy port? If so, how do you anticipate the projected changing energy landscape in Europe? Within this changing energy landscape, what are the business opportunities for your port? What will be the main challenge?
Yes, the Port of Cork has historically been an energy hub for the region, facilitating the import of fuels such as coal, oil, timber, and land-based wind turbines.
As Ireland and Europe move away from fossil fuel consumption to tackle climate change, the Port of Cork will continue to play a key role as a hub for renewable fuels, transition fuels, and offshore energy streams to help ensure Ireland's energy security in the short and long-term.
The resilience of our electrical network as we have seen with the recent storms, as well as the security of our liquid and gas energy sources is a real concern for our island and an area where the ports currently play a key role which will be even more pronounced in the future.
ICL Vessel docked at CCT ŠPort of Cork
How did you get into maritime transport? How did your career path lead to this position?
Prior to joining the Port of Cork Company as CEO in November 2024, I worked for over 30 years in leadership and operations management roles.
This includes a decade-long tenure as Chief Executive of Cork City Council, where I led several initiatives central to the city's expansion and development such as overseeing Ireland's largest boundary extension, significantly increasing Cork City's jurisdiction, and establishing the groundwork for sustainable urban growth.
As the Port of Cork aims to move port operations downstream and consolidate all activities in the lower harbour by 2050, I will utilise my previous experience and expertise to progress this move which is essential for us to provide efficient and sustainable operations for our customers, and ensure the global connectivity of the southern region.
Finally, if you had to bring us to your favourite spot in the Port of Cork, where would you take us?
Great question! I'd take you to the top of one of our towering cranes at the Cork Container Terminal in Ringaksiddy, which has an incredible view of Cork Harbour. From here, you can see the entire harbour, ships unloading cargo, Cobh and Spike Island in the distance, and the port's operations in full swing. It's also a great place to visualise all of the exciting developments yet to come at the Port of Cork.
Source: ESPOport-and-ship
07 April 2025
Splash247
Eneos Drilling Seals Jackup Deal In VietnamJapanese offshore contractor Eneos Drilling has secured employment for one of its jackup rigs in Vietnam.
The Tokyo-based subsidiary of Eneos Xplora has fixed the 2018-built Hakuryu-14 to Japan Vietnam Petroleum Company for work on two wells in Block 15-2 offshore Vung Tau.
The contract is set to start between the end of May and the middle of June this year and last for about 110 days.
Dayrates have not been disclosed.
Eneos Drilling was established in May 2024, building upon the track record of the group company, Japan Drilling. The company counts a fleet of three jackups and a pair of semisubs.port-and-ship
07 April 2025
Hellenic Shipping News
Safety At The Intersection Of Sea And Sky - The Evolution Of Helicopter-Ship Operationsin International Shipping News
07/04/2025
The maritime landscape has transformed dramatically over the past decade. With the global fleet expanding from approximately 1.7 billion deadweight tonnage in 2014 to roughly 2.4 billion today â a remarkable 40 per cent increase â helicopter-ship operations have similarly escalated in both frequency and complexity.
This growth, coupled with evolving operational procedures and safety protocols, has necessitated fresh guidance for maritime professionals. Itâs why we recently updated the International Chamber of Shippingâs Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations, ensuring it continues to serve the industry well into the future. The growing trend of ports utilising helicopter pilot transfers due to increasing vessel sizes exemplifies how operational realities continue to evolve at sea.
While no shipowner wants to contemplate medical evacuations, as they indicate a crew member in distress, these operations remain an unavoidable reality of maritime life. Addressing these challenging scenarios requires protocols built on real-world experience and continuous improvement.
Through our involvement in marine investigations and best practice development, one truth consistently emerges: communication excellence during critical operations is non-negotiable. This principle has driven the development of improved toolbox talk templates and communication frameworks designed to prevent potentially hazardous information gaps.
This focus on communication isnât merely theoretical â weâve witnessed numerous incidents where miscommunication created unnecessary risk. Enhanced procedures aim to mitigate these dangers before they materialize.
The importance of coordination becomes particularly evident in crisis situations. Recent events in the Red Sea have demonstrated how precise coordination between vessels and helicopters can facilitate the safe evacuation of crew members following vessel attacks. In these time-critical scenarios, clear communication protocols literally save lives.
What makes maritime aviation safety truly effective is a cross-domain perspective. By bringing together expertise from both worlds, we create more robust safety frameworks. Our work benefits tremendously from collaborative input from authorities including the UK Civil Aviation Authority and the International Maritime Pilotsâ Association.
This collaborative approach has yielded comprehensive risk assessment frameworks, detailed toolbox talk guidance, and improved checklists for both ship and helicopter crews â all calibrated to modern operational realities.
Gregor Stevens, Nautical Director, ICS
Perhaps the most compelling testament to the effectiveness of established protocols is found in the statistics and despite thousands of helicopter-ship interactions annually, incidents and fatalities remain extraordinarily rare â approaching zero. This remarkable safety record speaks to the value of industry-wide standards and best practices.
As we look toward the next decade of maritime development, with continued fleet expansion and technological advancement on the horizon, the industry must build upon this safety legacy while preparing for emerging challenges. The latest edition of our Helicopter and Ship Operations Guide, carried on over 30,000 merchant vessels worldwide, represents our commitment to supporting this critical aspect of maritime operations.
The maritime sector faces numerous uncertainties, but with proper preparation and adherence to established best practices, helicopter-ship operations can maintain their exemplary safety record even as operational volume increases. At the International Chamber of Shipping, we remain committed to supporting this critical aspect of maritime operations through practical guidance based on collective expertise.
ICS offers a âHelicopter Operation Procedures for Ships courseâ which complements the Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations and provides crews with the latest guidance on standardised procedures and encourages safe and efficient performance in the field. The course reflects the most up-to-date advice from industry experts in both the maritime and aviation sectors.
Source: By Gregor Stevens, Nautical Director, International Chamber of Shippingport-and-ship
07 April 2025
Hellenic Shipping News
The Panama Canal Authorizes The Start Of An Open Bidding Process For The Transportation Of Energy Productsin International Shipping News
07/04/2025
The Panama Canal Board of Directors has authorized to open a bidding process for the development of a new pipeline for the transfer of energy products which will complement operations in the interoceanic waterway.
This complementary activity will be incorporated into the sustainable development of the Panama Canalâs West Bank route, which includes activities and alternatives to transporting products by sea.
The development of this pipeline will strengthen Panamaâs strategic position and help keep the Canal competitive by increasing its capacity and providing quality service to the world.
The Administration submitted its request for authorization to proceed with the bidding process, supported by a private sector proposal, which was evaluated by the ACP and its external advisors to determine its viability.
Based on this proposal, the canal will conduct a transparent bidding process that will promote the highest level of competition, while seeking the participation of companies that are technically and commercially qualified to execute the development of, and eventual, operation of the pipeline.
This decision was reached to strengthen the canal and to ensure its long-term competitiveness and sustainability. All of this will help to facilitate international maritime trade and, above all, contribute to social investment in Panama.
Source: Panama Canal Authorityport-and-ship
07 April 2025
Hellenic Shipping News
Us Sanctions May Cut Iranian Crude Imports By China'S Independent Refineries In Aprilin Freight News
07/04/2025
Chinaâs independent refineriesâ imports of Iranian crude could fall from the record levels registered in March due to the intense sanction threats from the US, affecting trade and refinery operations, sources said on April 3.
The Iranian crude imports by the countryâs independent refineries reached an all-time high of 8.07 million mt (1.91 million b/d) in March, according to Platts data. This marks an 11.9% increase from the previous high of 1.71 million b/d in August 2024 and a 19.5% surge from Februaryâs six-month peak of 1.6 million b/d, the data showed.
The rebound was driven by improved logistics, including a drawdown of floating storage off Malaysia, as well as competitive pricing compared to alternative feedstocks, according to sources.
However, market analysts said the momentum could slow in April due to renewed US sanctions on Iranâs energy sector in recent weeks.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with 16 global banks and federal law enforcement agencies in Washington on April 2 to discuss US sanctions policy on Iran, including efforts to cut its oil exports, according to a news report from Jerusalem Post.
While some independent refiners are adopting a wait-and-see approach amid the enhanced geopolitical risks, traders expect imports to remain elevated â around 7 million mt (1.71 million b/d) in April â as long as Iranian crude remains competitively priced.
âIndependent refiners will keep buying these cargoes if they offer better economics than other options,â said a trade source. âBut the latest US measures could tighten supply chains.â
Floating storage declines
Floating storage off Malaysia â a key transshipment hub for Iranian oil â has decreased as more volumes were transferred to China, sources said.
âThe floating storage had been accumulating at the beginning of the year due to intensive sanctions, but bit by bit those cargoes have been moved to China throughout February-March,â said a trade source.
Traders noted that stocks averaged just 426,000 b/d in March, down 44% from January-February levels, according to data from Kpler, as shipments accelerated to Shandongâs independent refineries.
Those sanctioned vessels which continued to shuttle between China and Malaysia also helped bring more cargoes to buyers from independent refineries.
Traders noted that at least 1 million mt of March imports arrived via 10 sanctioned tankers, some of which were previously carrying Russian crude.
A total of 239 ships have been identified as facilitating Iranian crude oil exports since 2023. Of these, 166 tankers are currently sanctioned by the US Department of the Treasuryâs Office of Foreign Assets Control, according to S&P Global Commodities at Sea(opens in a new tab).
Despite enforcement risks, private Chinese terminals continue to receive shipments from sanctioned ships, which have also helped to smooth the flow of cargo from Malaysia to China.
Weaker margins
With more Iranian cargoes entering the market, prices have softened over the past few days, sources said. Iranian Light crude was offered at a $1.5-$1.6/b discount against the ICE Brent Futures on a DES Shandong basis in early April, down slightly from a $1-$1.2/b discount in late March, according to market sources.
The decline coincides with shrinking refining margins, refinery sources said.
âThe margins have been weak, so the buying interest was weakened,â said a refinery source.
Data from JLC showed that cracking margins for imported crudes among Shandong independent refiners fell by Yuan 112/mt ($2/b) in late March to just Yuan 52/mt ($1/b) as of March 26, while the average weekly refinery utilization rates edged up slightly to 54.8% at the end of March.
Iranâs resilient output faces sanction risks
Iranâs crude output remains resilient, averaging 3.23 million b/d in February, slightly up from January and consistently above 3 million b/d since September 2023, according to the Platts OPEC+ survey by S&P Global Commodity Insights.
However, analysts caution that the expanded US sanctions under the Trump administrationâs âmaximum pressureâ campaign could disrupt future production.
Analysts are divided on how much production would be shut in if the US further intensifies sanctions, given that vessels shipping Iranian crude have become much more sophisticated at evading detection.
Analysts with Platts forecast that Iranian production could fall by about 500,000 b/d year over year by the third quarter of 2025 while citing high uncertainty.
Source: Plattsport-and-ship
07 April 2025
Hellenic Shipping News
Shipping Levy Remains On Table At Imo Climate Talksin International Shipping News,Shipping: Emission Possible
07/04/2025
A growing group of African, Caribbean, Latin America and Pacific Island (ACP+) climate negotiators kept universal pricing of shipping emissions on the table at International Maritime Organisation (IMO) technical talks in London on Monday and Tuesday this week. However, there are serious concerns about the fairness and transparency of the negotiation process.
More than half of member state interventions at the meeting backed a universal Greenhouse Gas (GHG) levy. Even so, the Working Group chair sidelined their views by refusing to recognise the majority in support of this critical mechanism, and chose to work on the basis of his own bridging proposal.
Undeterred, the ACP+ countries came together and in the spirit of collaboration put forward their own compromise proposal for emissions pricing, now reframed as the âZero and Near-Zero (ZNZ) contributionâ. This mechanism would generate stable and predictable revenues that we know are necessary to incentivise an equitable green energy transition in the industry, and will continue to form our basis for the way forward.
As the 83rd session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 83) is set to reconvene next week, the ACP+ alliance maintains its firm position. Delegations continue to advocate for a Just and Equitable transition, emphasizing the need for an energy shift that aligns with the 2023 IMO GHG Strategy while ensuring no country is left behind. The Group of ACP+ will continue to build on its proposed text to ensure the Chairâs proposed framing of the mid-term measures can deliver on the 2023 Strategy in full. Negotiations formally resume on Monday April 7th.
Ambassador Albon Ishoda of the Marshall Islands, a lead voice for the 6PAC+ alliance, emphasized the stakes:
âThe universal levy remains on the table, and thatâs essential. Thereâs a growing bloc â especially partners from Africa, the Caribbean, Central America and the Pacific â that are closely united and focused on delivering ambition and equity for the Global South. But on equity, our voices are still being ignored, and I have real concerns that the current proposal being developed raises serious concerns â it risks failing the most vulnerable and leaving people behind.â
Minister Simon Kofe added:
âTuvalu is here to be heard. The GHG levy is how the IMO lives up to its promise of leaving no one behind while phasing out fossil fuels in time to hold the line on 1.5°C.â Minister Ralph Regenvanu of Vanuatu echoed this commitment:
âWe have never been silent observers. Vanuatu is here to push for a global levy that hases out fossil fuels and empowers all nations to transitionâfairly, urgently, and together.â
The session closed without consensus. While some developed countries, including the EU and Canada, expressed interest in compromise, others such as Brazil, China, and the UAE voiced concern over the Marshall Islandsâ draft. The UK indicated openness to parts of the Pacific-backed text. The United States remained largely silent until the end, expressing concern about fairness and scope.
Source: Micronesian Center for Sustainable Transport (MCST)port-and-ship
07 April 2025
Hellenic Shipping News
Japan'S Thermal Coal Importers Look To Alternative Markets Amid Environmental Pressure, Sanctionsin Dry Bulk Market,Freight News
07/04/2025
Japanese thermal coal importers have been turning away from key traditional supplier Australia toward low-sulfur Indonesian coal in recent years, as well as exploring alternative markets such as South Africa and Colombia, as they seek to diversify supply sources amid a lack of liquidity in high calorific value grades, stricter environmental norms and price pressure.
According to shipping data from S&P Global Commodities at Sea, Japanâs coal imports from Australia dropped to 74 million mt in 2024, down from 82.6 million mt in 2021, with imports from Indonesia rising to 25.8 million mt in 2024, up from 20.6 million mt. Meanwhile, Japanese coal imports from Russia have plummeted to just 800,000 mt last year, from 10.5 million mt in 2021, before the imposition of international sanctions on Russia, in the wake of the latterâs invasion of Ukraine in 2022, according to the CAS data.
âIn addition to the invasion of Ukraine, Japan has long relied on high-grade coal from Australia, but upstream investment in high-grade coal in Australia is declining, and an increasing number of companies are downsizing or withdrawing from the coal business, as well as tighter environmental regulations and increased coal exports from Australia to China and other factors are expected to make it difficult to secure stable supplies of high-grade coal in the medium to long term,â according to Michiyo Miyamoto, an energy finance specialist covering the Japan region for the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.
She added that the Japanese government is therefore pushing companies to develop other sources of procurement, such as South Africa and Colombia.
One Japanese coal trader also said that, as power plants aim to meet environmental regulations, the buying trend in Japan has shifted toward low-ash Indonesian coal instead of the usual high-ash Australian coal. This change comes as Japanese exporters find it increasingly difficult to sell the leftover coal ash to the domestic cement sector or the South Korea market, which has historically been a reliable outlet, as industrial activities have dropped in both nations.
The trader added that, for the domestic real-estate sector, imported cement remains much more economically attractive than domestic cement, amid its competitive pricing, leading to lower utilization of coal ash.
âJapanese buyers who readily pay premiums for seaborne cargoes are seeking heavy discounts for high CV Indonesian coal,â said one Indonesia-based producer.
Alternative markets
In addition to its more recent focus on Indonesian coal, Japan is also actively seeking alternative markets to diversify its coal supply sources, market sources said.
An India-based trader specializing in South African coal said that Japan has made some inquiries about high-CV thermal coal from the latter country.
It is currently exploring the logistics and technical aspects of utilizing South African coal before making long-term commitments, as its specifications differ from those of Australian coal, the source said.
A mining source based in Australia added that South African coal, due to its cost-effectiveness, is emerging as an attractive option for buyers seeking to minimize energy costs. As a result, Japanese buyers are now evaluating the cost benefits alongside quality considerations.
The CAS data showed that thermal coal imports from South Africa have risen from 200,000 mt in 2021 to 3.1 million mt in 2024.
The Australia-based miner confirmed the shift in Japanese buying patterns, adding that Asian consumers were seeking discounts of approximately $6/mt FOB for Australian high CV coal.
The source said that this demand for discounts is likely to intensify as alternative fuel markets open up and as the falling value of the yen makes imports more expensive amid rising freight costs.
According to Platts data, Australia-origin 5,500 kcal/kg NAR fell to $70.25/mt FOB on April 3, the lowest since June 1, 2021, when it was assessed at $68.05/mt FOB.
Indonesia-origin 5,900 kcal/kg GAR averaged $92.52/mt FOB in 2024, compared with $105.98/mt FOB in 2023.
Platts last assessed Indonesia-origin 5,900 kcal/kg GAR at $83.50/mt FOB on April 3.
Nonetheless, some market sources suggested that Indonesiaâs coal reserves may not be adequate to meet Japanâs high demand levels in the longer term. Moreover, traditional boilers are primarily designed to operate with Australia-origin coal, with only newly commissioned coal-fired power plants able to adapt to accommodate coal from alternative sources.
Japanâs future power mix
According to Japanâs 7th Strategic Energy Plan, which was approved on Feb. 18, the share of thermal power in the countryâs proposed power generation mix will plunge to 30-40% in fiscal year 2040-41, from 68.6% in 2023-24.
Market sources also said that the countryâs expansion in renewable energy sources like solar and wind has not been as promising as expected, while the governmentâs persistent fossil fuel subsidies make coal-based power generation cheaper despite the depreciation of its currency.
The IEEFAâs Miyamoto highlighted that, although coal-fired power currently accounts for about 30% of Japanâs supply mix, the 7th Strategic Energy Plan does not set a power supply mix target for coal-fired power because of the uncertainty of implementing new technology.
âIn order to prepare for the forecast increase in electricity demand, coal-fired power is being secured as a backup power source while ammonia co-firing and CCUS are being introduced,â she said. âHowever, if this reliance continues and decarbonization technologies are not realized, it is expected to be difficult to achieve the greenhouse gas reduction targets of the SEP and the target to increase the share of renewable energy.â
Source: Plattsport-and-ship
07 April 2025
Hellenic Shipping News
Middle East Lpg Exports Hit Record High In March, But IndiaâS Retreating Appetite To Pose Headwindsin Freight News
07/04/2025
Middle East LPG (excluding Iran) exports hit an all-time high of 1.49 mbd in March according to Vortexa data, up by nearly 200 kbd y-o-y, ahead of the expected start of OPEC+âs unwinding of its crude production cuts in April. The increases were led by UAE (+132 kb/d m-o-m) and non-OPEC member Qatar (+62 kbd m-o-m)
We had previously estimated the resulting impact of the unwound cuts on regional LPG sendout would be minimalâan additional VLGC per month from April onwardsâand expect that April exports might struggle to match the highwater mark set in March.
For one, the seasonal demand slump in April is likely to quell overall import appetite; our conversations with buyers indicate that H1 April requirements were quite thin. The second half may only fare slightly better given several major players will only return to their desks later this week after their Ramadan breaks and face a narrow window in which to peg down fixtures. Additionally, Saudi Aramcoâs April LPG programme looked tighter, given the cut in tolerances to two of its major buyers.
Conversely, the sequential uptick from UAE likely came from the increased utilisation of its Al-Hosn gas plant, while Qatar will likely be keen to keep up the competition with UAE for market share to the Far East.
Lack of LPG subsidy in India from April to quell import appetite
Headwinds to increased sendout by the Middle East could well come from its largest buyer, India. The nation received 59% of the regionâs exports in Q1 2025, up from 57% on average last year and 52% in 2023, according to Vortexa data. Overall, India LPG demand saw a whopping uptick of 986 kbd y-o-y (+6.4%) on average in 2024, as per official Petroleum Planning and Analysis Cell (PPAC) data, compared to a 2023 growth rate of 926 kbd y-o-y (+1.5%).
It is unlikely that the 2024 increase will be repeated this year. Federal elections in India last year saw a barrage of LPG subsidies and free cylinders being given out to voters; residential usage of LPG constitutes 92% of overall LPG consumption in India. Moreover, the government hit its target of adding 7.5 million to its Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) subsidy scheme several months ahead of schedule last year.
Subsidies for residential cylinders are crucial to supporting LPG consumption growth in the country. Indiaâs 2025-26 budget, which kicks in this month (April), will see a reduction of these subsidies to low-income households by 36 billion rupees ($421 million, or 28%) and to overall households by 26 billion rupees ($304 million or 18%).
State-owned oil companies have been caught between a rock and a hard place with subsidies, effectively having to sell the product well below international prices, resulting in cumulative net losses of about $4.7 billion, according to Indiaâs budget data for the 2024 fiscal year.
Without a federal election in sight for the next five years, it will be up to the individual states to provide some sort of relief to its constituents, although this is expected to be nowhere near the more extensive compensation provided under the federal scheme. Indeed, the southern state of Andhra Pradesh has already voted to provide a free LPG cylinder every four months, beginning in November 2024. That said, while monthly residential cylinder prices have remained unchanged since March 2024, we find it difficult to see how this dynamic could persist given the reduction in residential subsidies.
Ultimately, while the Middle East will continue to prioritise exports to India, slowing demand growth from that country could well see regional suppliers diversifying their sendout into Northeast and Southeast Asia.
Source: Vortexaport-and-ship
07 April 2025
Hellenic Shipping News
By The Numbers: The Erosion Of Us Grain Export Dominancein Dry Bulk Market,Freight News
07/04/2025
The United States was once the worldâs breadbasket, commanding global grain and oilseed trade by a wide margin.
The country still leads in corn exports. That title, however, has recently been threatened by Brazil, the same party that demoted U.S. soybean exporters to the No. 2 spot.
But the United Statesâ grip on global corn, soybean and wheat exports is as loose as itâs ever been.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday announced sweeping reciprocal tariffs on all trade partners, a risk U.S. farmers accepted when largely backing him in last yearâs election.
Trade barriers, whether real or perceived, could certainly chip away at U.S. export relevance in a space it once overwhelmingly controlled.
Rival grain suppliers have padded both their crops and export capabilities over the decades, sometimes capitalizing on U.S. misfortunes along the way.
EXPORT SHARE SQUEEZE
On average over the last five years, the United States accounted for a record-low 31% of annual global corn exports. Twenty years ago, the U.S. portion was 61%, though it had topped out at 80% in the late 1970s.
The biggest drop-off was seen between the late 2000s and early 2010s, when the share went from 59% to 35%. This period included the global financial crisis and a prominent string of U.S. crop failures.
No. 2 corn supplier Brazil accounted for only 5% of exports some 20 years ago, though its share is now up to 22%.
The U.S. portion of world soybean exports has plunged significantly, recently averaging a record-low 27%. That was above 80% through the 1970s, falling to 50% by the turn of the century.
Brazil became the leading soy supplier in 2012-13, and its share has climbed. Brazil now accounts for 55% of global soybean exports versus 39% a decade ago, a period including the first U.S. trade war with China, when Beijing reduced reliance on U.S. beans.
The United States was the top wheat exporter until about 10 years ago, and today it is the No. 4 supplier.
But U.S. wheat export dominance was at its peak in January 1980 when then-President Jimmy Carter on live television cancelled 17 million metric tons of U.S. grain export contracts with the Soviet Union due to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
This became known as the U.S. grain embargo.
At that time, the United States accounted for 44% of global wheat exports. That share now sits at a record-low 11%, down from 26% some twenty years ago.
Carterâs speech echoed sentiments recently shared by Trump, including the desire to minimize harm to the American farmer and massively increase the volume of agricultural products used domestically.
U.S. intelligence concluded in 1981 that the U.S. embargo was substantially less harmful to Moscowâs grain stocks than intended because the Soviets were able to source more grain from other suppliers than the Americans had anticipated.
That should sound familiar to the soybean market, as Brazil in recent years has shipped more soybeans than traders and analysts previously thought possible.
In the early 1980s, the Soviet Union was the top wheat importer, accounting for more than 20% of annual imports. Today, Russia is the top wheat exporter, supplying more than 20% of annual shipments.
PRODUCTION TRENDS
The United States is the leading producer of corn, No. 2 in soybeans and No. 4 in wheat. Similar to exports, the recent U.S. production shares are also all-time lows.
The United States accounts for 31% of global corn production, down from about 41% some 20 years ago. The country accounted for more than half of global soybean production until about 1990, though the share now sits at 28%.
U.S. wheat accounted for about 15% of global production in 1980, though today it accounts for 6%. Unlike corn and soybeans, the U.S. wheat crop is now generally smaller than it was decades ago.
But Russia has expanded its wheat crop by more than 70% over the last decade, accounting for 11% of world output. That compares with 7% a decade ago.
Brazil has increased its soybean production by about 85% over the last decade and corn by around 55%, taking advantage of market opportunities and upbeat profitability. Brazil grows 39% and 10% of global soy and corn output, respectively, up from 30% and 8% a decade ago.
Not all global crops can infinitely expand from here, but the lesson should be clear. Significantly more grain is produced outside the United States versus decades ago, and those suppliers may be ready to act if Washingtonâs latest move backfires.
Source: Reutersport-and-ship
07 April 2025Bunker Port News Worldwide
Us Natgas Prices Drop 7% On Reduced Flows To Lng Export Plants, Lower Demand ForecastsU.S. natural gas futures dropped about 7% to a five-week low on Friday on a decline in daily liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports and forecasts for mild weather and lower demand over the next two weeks than previously expected.
That price drop occurred despite a decline in output so far this month.
Gas futures for May delivery on the New York Mercantile Exchange fell 30.1 cents, or 7.3%, to settle at $3.837 per million British thermal units, their lowest since February 28.
For the week, the contract lost about 6% after gaining about 2% last week.
Energy traders said mild weather and low demand last month likely allowed utilities to add gas to storage in March for the first time since 2012 and only the second time in history.
Gas stockpiles, however, were still about 3% below normal levels for this time of year after cold weather in January and February forced energy firms to pull large amounts of gas out of storage, including record amounts in January.
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
Financial firm LSEG said average gas output in the Lower 48 U.S. states fell to 105.7 billion cubic feet per day so far in April, down from a monthly record 106.2 bcfd in March.
Looking forward, analysts noted the 10% drop in U.S. crude futures this week could result in less oil drilling in shale basins like the Permian in Texas and New Mexico and Bakken in North Dakota, which could result in lower amounts of gas associated with that oil production.
Oil prices dropped this week on worries U.S. President Donald Trumpâs tariffs could result in lower global economic growth and oil demand, while the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and their allies, including Russia, a group known as OPEC+, announced plans to keep boosting oil supplies.
Meteorologists projected temperatures in the Lower 48 states would remain mostly near normal through April 19.
LSEG forecast average gas demand in the Lower 48, including exports, will rise from 104.0 bcfd this week to 105.9 bcfd next week before dropping to 97.2 bcfd in two weeks. The forecast for next week was lower than LSEGâs outlook on Thursday.
The average amount of gas flowing to the eight big operating U.S. LNG export plants fell to 15.6 bcfd so far in April, down from a monthly record 15.8 bcfd in March.
The U.S. became the worldâs biggest LNG supplier in 2023, surpassing Australia and Qatar, as surging global prices fed demand for more exports due in part to supply disruptions and sanctions linked to Russiaâs 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Gas was trading around a six-month low of $12 per mmBtu at the Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF) (TRNLTTFMc1) benchmark in Europe and held near a three-month low of around $13 at the Japan Korea Marker (JKM) (JKMc1) benchmark in Asia.
Source: Reutersport-and-ship
07 April 2025Bunker Port News Worldwide
Commitment To Sustainable Development In The Port Of SaguntoThe port of Sagunto is consolidating its activity with the promotion of a new terminal project. Specifically, the Board of Directors of the Port Authority of Valencia (PAV), at its meeting today, approved the specifications for the public tender which will lead to the granting of an administrative concession for the occupation of the port public domain for the construction and operation of a solid bulk terminal (excluding clinker and cement), with the granting of the concession at Muelle Centro 2 also pending.
The aim of the Port Authority of València is to boost local and regional economic activity by attracting new investments and operators in the field of bulk solids compatible with current port operations.
The dynamization of bulk traffic will not only strengthen the competitiveness of the port, but will also generate direct and indirect employment, favouring the growth of strategic sectors such as agro-industry, metallurgy and construction.
The port of Sagunto has significant potential to recover and strengthen this traffic, consolidating itself as a strategic node in the Mediterranean. Its proximity to industrial and logistics hubs, together with its infrastructure and land and rail connectivity, make this port an ideal location to attract new operators and diversify freight traffic.
Commitment to decarbonisation and the environment
In this tender to promote a new bulk terminal, equal weight has been given to both the qualitative evaluation (technical proposal) and the quantitative evaluation (economic proposal), with 50% of the total score being assigned to each of these blocks. This distribution reflects the commitment to sustainable development, respect for the environment and compliance with best environmental practices.
The high score given specifically to the environmental criterion in the qualitative section shows the importance that the PAV attaches to protecting the environment and promoting responsible and sustainable initiatives. The aim is to select the best offer which involves the development of a modern and efficient infrastructure which guarantees compliance with operational and environmental standards.
Also, in the port of Sagunto, todayâs meeting of the Board of Directors approved the substantial modification of the concession held by Intersagunto Terminales, by modification of the concessionary object, incorporating the activity of handling agri-foodstuffs bulk cargo.
Other: Promotion of inter-administrative collaboration
The PAV Board of Directors has also approved two inter-administrative cooperation agreements with the Tax Agency and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise.
Agreement for the start-up of new border facilities at the Port of València and the Port of Gandia
In this sense, the councillors have approved the agreement between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise and the PAV, for the occupation of public domain with the aim of making available to the Ministry certain border facilities for the control of goods necessary for the development of the inspection service of its competence in the ports of València and Gandia.
The agreement of a demanial nature establishes the general conditions of use by the SOIVRE inspection service, a service dependent on the Ministry. This agreement does not involve the transfer of the port public domain and the expiry date is set at four years.
Maritime base for the customs surveillance vessel in the Port of València
At todayâs meeting, the councillors also approved the agreement between the State Tax Administration Agency and the Port Authority of València for the occupation of the public domain for the installation of a maritime base for the customs surveillance vessel in the Port of València.
The agreement establishes the general conditions for the use by the Tax Agency of a building area that includes: an accessory land area of 820 m2 and 712 m2 of water surface. Its use will be exclusive and private, and its purpose is the establishment of a maritime base for customs surveillance.
The term of the agreement is set at 15 years, provided that the occupation of the spaces included in the agreement is necessary for the effective development of the activities of its purpose.
Extension of the agreement between the University of València and PAV
The meeting approved the extension of the agreement between the University of València and the Port Authority of València to continue with the development of the Valencia Port Chair of Port Economics.
Source: The Port Authority of Valenciaport-and-ship
07 April 2025Bunker Port News Worldwide
Urals Diffs Unchanged, Russian Court Rules Not To Suspend Berths At Cpc TerminalUrals crude differentials were stable on Friday, while a Russian court allowed Caspian pipeline consortium to continue loadings from all of three berths at its Black Sea terminal.
The consortium said on Friday that a Russian court ruled that its Black Sea export terminal facilities should not be suspended.
The decision looked set to avert a potential fall in Kazakhstanâs oil production and supplies via the Caspian pipeline consortium, which accounts for around 80% of the countryâs oil exports.
Oil exports via the pipeline were set for April at 1.7 million barrels per day, or approximately 6.5 million metric tons.
Traders awaited the revised version of CPC Blend oil loadings in April in coming days.
PLATTS WINDOW
No bids or offers were shown for Urals, CPC Blend and Azeri BTC in the Platts window on Friday.
NEWS
Oil prices plunged on Friday to the lowest level since 2021 and commodities including natural gas and soybeans also dived as China retaliated against U.S. President Donald Trumpâs aggressive tariffs.
Russiaâs seaborne diesel and gasoil exports fell in March after unplanned maintenance on local refineries, LSEG and market sources data showed.
Source: Reutersport-and-ship
07 April 2025Splash247
Cma Cgm Signs Five-Year $110M Ai DealFrench liner giant CMA CGM has teamed with compatriot tech firm Mistral AI, spending EUR100m ($110m) over the next five years to deploy bespoke AI solutions for the groupâs shipping, logistics, and media activities.
As part of the agreement, a dedicated team of Mistral AIâs specialists will be based at CMA CGMâs headquarters in Marseille, as well as at Grand Centralâthe headquarters of CMA Media.Â
For the shipping and logistics businesses, the focus will be on streamlining and personalising the customer experience through solutions such as automated claims processing, intelligent e-commerce tools, and advanced document management systems.
Rodolphe SaadĂŠ, chairman and CEO of CMA CGM, said: âThis partnership with Mistral AI marks a decisive step in the transformation of CMA CGM through artificial intelligence. Together, we will develop tailored solutions to reinvent our businesses, from maritime transport to logistics and media, with tangible benefits for our customers and our employees. With Mistral AI, we are choosing a French technology leader that combines excellence, digital sovereignty, and a strong sense of responsibility, to build an artificial intelligence that serves both our performance and our values.â
CMA CGM and Mistral AI said they are committed to accelerating the adoption of generative AI (GenAI) across the group.Â
âBuilding on the rise of the first large language models (LLMs), the emergence of more autonomous agents paves the way for new forms of automation and more natural, context-aware interactions. This breakthrough technology is set to fundamentally reshape how teams operateâautomating repetitive tasks, boosting productivity, and freeing up time for higher-value, strategic work,â CMA CGM stated in a release.Â
CMA CGM has committed EUR500m to AI, forging strategic partnershipsânotably with Google and Perplexityâand investing in companies such as PoolSide and Dataiku. The 2023 launch of Kyutai, a nonprofit research lab co-founded by SaadĂŠ, further reflects the groupâs commitment to advancing AI.port-and-ship
07 April 2025Port Calls
Portcalls April 7, 2025Our latest stories (April 7, 2025). Stories include:port-and-ship
07 April 2025Marine Link
Meyer Turku Reports 2024 Financial TurnaroundFinland's Meyer Turku Group's financial result for 2024 has been published, with the company reporting a turnover of 1.80 billion euros ($2 billion) which marks a growth of 28% compared to the previous year.
The net profit for the financial year 2024 was 68.9 million euros ($76 million) 3.8% of the turnover.
âWe have now seen the anticipated turnaround and today have a healthy order backlog. Reaching this result also supports us in our ongoing negotiations for future financing,â says Lari Niemi, CFO of Meyer Turku.
âMeyer Turku has a leading position as the builder of the world's most advanced cruise ships. The demand for our products is growing along with the strengthening cruise market and the increasing interest in more sustainable and energy-efficient products. Even in the more challenging years, we have consistently invested in the green transition and in driving change across the whole maritime industry,â adds Tim Meyer, CEO of Meyer Turku
The latest delivery from the Meyer Turku shipyard was Mein Schiff 7 in June 2024. It was the first methanol-ready ship built at the Turku shipyard.Under construction at the shipyard is the second ship in the Icon series, Star of the Seas, to be delivered in summer 2025, as well as the third, Legend of the Seas, that will be completed in 2026, followed by Icon 4 in 2027. The shipyard also has options for Icon 5 and Icon 6.
In addition to cruise ships, Meyer Turku is capable of offering products of strategic national importance: the company will be delivering two multi-purpose offshore patrol vessels to the Finnish Border Guard.port-and-ship
07 April 2025Maritime Gateway
Sarbananda Sonowal To Move Coastal Shipping Bill In Lok SabhaUnion Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal will move the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024, in Lok Sabha. The bill aims to promote coasting trade and encourage domestic participation.
The bill will be moved to consolidate and amend the law relating to regulation of coastal shipping to encourage the trade and ensure that the country is equipped with a coastal fleet, owned and operated by its citizen for its national security and commercial needs.
Additionally, Congressâs Shashi Tharoor and BJPâs Mitesh Patel Bakabhai are also set to present sixth report of the Standing Committee on External Affairs on the topic of âIndian Diaspora Overseas including NRIs, PIOs, OCIs and Migrant Workersâ
The report of the Standing Committee, led by Shashi Tharoor, will cover all aspects of Indian diasporaâs conditions and welfare, including the status of the Emigration Bill,â according to the list of businesses.
Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan will also make a statement on regarding the status of implementation of the recommendations contained in the 2nd Report of the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Food Processing on Demands for Grants pertaining to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
Ganesh Singh and Ramvir Singh Bhiduri will also present the multiple report of Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes, according to list of busines
These reports will focus on the measures and schemes implemented by the government for the welfare of OBCs. The seventh report of the committee will focus on formulation and implementation of reservation policy for OBCs and measures taken to secure representation of OBCs in employment and for their welfare in various departments. Additionally, the meeting of the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) of Lok Sabha will be chaired on Tuesday.port-and-ship
07 April 2025Maritime Gateway
Kandla Port To Get âš57,000 Crore Infrastructure Upgrade: DpaThe Deendayal Port Authority (DPA) plans major infrastructure development, including expanding cargo capacity and establishing a cutting-edge shipbuilding ecosystem at Gujaratâs Kandla, with an investment exceeding âš57,000 crore, DPA chairman Sushil Kumar Singh said.
Speaking at an event held in Gandhidham to commemorate the portâs historic achievement of handling 150.16 million metric tonnes (MMT) of cargo in the financial year 2024-25âa record in DPAâs historyâSingh said the port was entering a transformative phase that would not only strengthen its logistical muscle but also position it as a global centre for shipbuilding and green fuel innovation.
Aiming to reach 170 MMT by next year, Singh said, âThis achievement is not just a numberâit reflects the strength of our partnerships, the dedication of our people, and the limitless potential of DPA. Together, we are shaping the future of Indiaâs maritime growth.â
The DPA has achieved a 13% year-on-year growth rate, the highest among all major ports in the country, Singh said, adding that this was higher than the national average of 4.34% growth.
The centrepiece of the investment plan is a âš30,000 crore mega shipbuilding complex designed to construct large vessels, including Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs), he said.
âSpread over more than 6,000 acres, the facility will include a marina, fishing harbour, integrated townships, and a marine industrial cluster, making it one of the most comprehensive shipbuilding hubs in Asia. The facility will have the capacity to produce 32 new ships and repair 50 old ships every year,â Singh said.
The new port outside the Kandla Creek is part of efforts to restructure the port and will be developed using the 6 km available waterfront. The new port will handle all existing cargo jetties handling dry bulk cargo, with modern cargo handling equipment and more efficient evacuation systems, according to Singh. âThis will allow Kandla to be converted into liquid jetties, improving the waiting time of liquid tanker vessels and enhancing the turnaround time of liquid vessels,â he added
Three new oil jetties will be constructed, which will add 10 MTPA capacity. One Single Buoy Mooring and two product jetties are also being constructed at Vadinar. This will further enhance the liquid cargo handling capacity by about 25 MTPA.
âThese initiatives reflect DPAâs commitment to the âViksit Bharat 2047â vision of our Honâble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and reinforce its role as a crucial pillar in Indiaâs maritime and economic growth,â Singh said.
Deendayal Port Authority has set its sights on a transformative goal of System Improvement, with a strategic focus on enhancing operational efficiency across the board. It has set the ambitious target of achieving âBerthing on Arrival,â ensuring that vessels face no waiting time upon reaching the port, he said. This seamless berthing strategy is expected to significantly boost productivity, reduce vessel turnaround time, and accelerate cargo evacuation processes. With these efforts, DPA is not just modernising its systems but also aligning with the vision of a future-ready maritime India, according to the chairman.
In line with the Government of Indiaâs Green Hydrogen Mission, Minister for ports, shipping and waterways Sarbananda Sonowal recently flagged off Indiaâs first indigenous electrolysers for setting up a 1-MegaWatt Green Hydrogen Plant at Kandla, marking a major leap in sustainable port operations. Singh said that the 1-Megawatt (MW) electrolyser has been manufactured by L&T for this project, which will subsequently be scaled up to a 10 MW capacity.port-and-ship
07 April 2025Maritime Gateway
Hutchison Ports Best Welcomes Vessel One FrontierHutchison Ports BEST received the ONE Frontier, the first Premier Alliance ship to call at the Catalan terminal. The vessel, operated by Ocean Network Express (ONE), and with a capacity of 15,258 TEUs, is 366 meters long and 51 meters wide. This ship is intended for the Mediterranean Pacific South 2 service (MS2) and covers the Asia-Mediterranean route, following this rotation: Pusan, Shanghai, Ningbo, Kaohsiung, Shekou, Singapore, Tangier, Valencia, Barcelona, Genoa, Fos, Singapore, Leam Chabang, Cai Mep, Shanghai, Pusan.
Guillermo Belcastro, CEO of Hutchison Ports BEST has highlighted that this stopover marks an important milestone in the strengthening of commercial relations between BEST and the alliance formed by Ocean Network Express, Yang Ming and HMM.
During this stopover, a metope was given to the shipâs captain, Theresh Colonne. Representatives of the Port Authority of Barcelona (Carles Mayol and Eduard MoyĂ ), of Ocean Network Express (Albert SariĂąena and Joan Cantarell) and Hutchison Ports BEST (Guillermo Belcastro and Jorge Moreno) participated in this event.
Hutchison Ports BEST is a cutting-edge container terminal in the Port of Barcelona, renowned for its operational excellence and commitment to innovation and sustainability. âWith the arrival of this new alliance, we reaffirm our dedication to not only offer high-quality services to our customers, but also to increase BESTâs connectivity by making exporters and importers who use our terminal more competitive,â said Belcastro.
Since September 2024, the terminal has been expanding its yard with the goal of increasing storage capacity by 25%. Currently, BEST operates with 32 semi-automated blocks, and by the end of April, this expansion phase will be completed with the operation of block 34. This capacity increase reflects BESTâs commitment to strengthening its already high service quality standards, both in maritime and land operations.port-and-ship
07 April 2025Maritime Gateway
Ms Norwegian Sky Marks Maiden Call At New Mangalore PortNew Mangalore Port Authority welcomed the fifth cruise vessel of the season, MS Norwegian Sky, a majestic cruise liner operated by Norwegian Cruise Lines, on its maiden voyage to the port on Saturday. Sailing under the Bahamas flag, the luxury vessel arrived with a remarkable complement of 1,876 passengers and 861 crew members, the highest passenger footfall at the port since the resumption of the cruise season after the pandemic. Berthing at Berth 4, the 258.6m-long cruise ship is part of an international itinerary that includes ports of Galle, Kochi, Mangaluru, Goa, Mumbai, and Abu Dhabi. The cruise ship came from Cochin port before arriving at NMPA.In honour of welcoming the majestic cruise vessel on its maiden call to the port, a plaque exchange ceremony was held as a gesture of goodwill and international camaraderie. S Shanthi, deputy chairperson, NMPA, warmly welcomed the ship master with a memento, while M Shyamprasad Kamath, managing director of MRPL, extended a similar token of appreciation to the general manager of the vessel. In a respectful exchange, both the ship master and GM presented mementos in return, marking a memorable beginning to stronger maritime ties.NMPA arranged a grand traditional welcome for the cruise passengers, with Yakshagana and Bharatanatyam performances at the cruise lounge. A dedicated meditation centre and tourist assistance booths were set up to enhance the visitor experience.A total 977 passengers disembarked to explore the coastal and cultural charm of Dakshina Kannada, including visits to Karkala Gomateshwara, Moodabidriâs 1,000 Pillar Basadi, Soans Farm, Kadri and Gokarnanatha Temples, and local markets. Over 40 coaches, multiple Tempo Travellers, shuttle buses, and cars facilitated seamless transportation.port-and-ship
07 April 2025