In a move that is unlikely to gain implementation, US unions have petitioned for a fee to be imposed on vessels constructed in China that dock at US ports. The move is a tit-for-tat response to what the unions say are unfair shipbuilding practices in China. The funds generated from these fees would...
Political Risk, Credit & Finance
US issues new advisory to shipping in Middle East
The US Maritime Administration (MARAD) has issued a new advisory to shipping that extends previous guidelines for US-flagged commercial ships that are navigating through high-risk areas. It replaces a previously issued advisory. The high-risk areas include the Southern Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandab...
Opportunities lost in Africa from Red Sea traffic diversions
Inefficient and aging ports in South Africa and some other African nations have meant that what could have been a golden opportunity as a result of a large number of ships diverting away from Suez and around the Cape of Good Hope, could be squandered, reports Bloomberg. The number of vessels...
US compliance note details obligations of non-US persons re sanctions
The US Department of Commerce, Department of the Treasury and Department of Justice has issued a Tri-Seal Compliance Note highlighting the need for foreign-based (non-US) persons to abide by the US sanctions and export control laws, reports American Club. It encouraged members to review the Compliance Note, which is at: https://ofac.treasury.gov/media/932746/download?inline The Compliance Note, released…
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Zara owner warns of one-week delays due to Red Sea crisis
Inditex, the owner of Zara, has said that average shipping times had been delayed by about a week because of the current situation in the Red Sea, with container ships carrying its products diverting via the Cape of Good Hope. Inditex said in its annual report, published on Thursday March 14th,...
EU ombudsman criticizes handling of 2023 migrant boat tragedy
The European Union’s Ombudsman has criticized the handling of the 2023 migrant boat tragedy in the Mediterranean, during which more than 600 people are thought to have drowned. In a just-published report it has also questioned fundamental issues related to the operations of Frontex, the EU’s Border...
Guinea: new threat for vessels loading bauxite
Budd Guinea, part of the international marine services and Correspondent group Budd, has said that in recent months it had observed a hardening in the attitude of the Ministry of Mines and Geology (MMG) personnel, who carry out mandatory draft surveys on board vessels loading bauxite. Budd noted...
https://insurancemarinenews.com/insurance-marine-news/guinea-new-threat-for-vessels-loading-bauxite/
NorthStandard partners with Orca AI
NorthStandard and Orca AI have entered an exclusive partnership which will see NorthStandard encourage its members to adopt Orca AI’s market-leading automated situational awareness solution. After successful testing, insurer NorthStandard has decided to subsidize the use of AI-driven collision...
https://insurancemarinenews.com/insurance-marine-news/northstandard-partners-with-orca-ai/
West African internet hit by damage to subsea communication cables
Marine industry service provider and P&I correspondent Budd Group has reported that, beginning Thursday March 14th, large swathes of West Africa had been experiencing a major internet outage. Damage was reported to four out of five critical submarine cables. The disruption hit Ivory Coast, Liberia,...
The Ruen could be the new Somalian mother ship
Hi-jacked Navibulgar bulk carrier Ruen (IMO 9754903), seized by Somalis in December in the Indian Ocean and sailed back to Somalia, could be the pirates’ new mothership. UK maritime security consultants Ambrey warned on March 14th that the 45,000 dwt Ruen had reportedly been sighted sailing...