Ningbo-Zhoushan Port in east China’s Zhejiang Province saw its container throughput total 9.14 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the first quarter of 2024, up 11.7 percent year on year, according to the provincial port shipping management center on Tuesday, reports English News. Port Logistics The port handled a cargo throughput of 353 million tonnes in the first quarter, an increase of 6.8 percent from the same period in 2023. Smooth and orderly port logistics have been maintained since the beginning of this year, according to a staffer at Ningbo Zhoushan Port Co., Ltd. And cont ..read more

The mental and physical well-being of seafarers is paramount to ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime operations. Dr. William Moore emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive work environment for seafarers, both onboard and onshore, to address mental health challenges effectively. The American P&I Club, in collaboration with the Seamen’s Church Institute (SCI), has released comprehensive guidance on addressing and managing seafarer mental health challenges. Recognizing the unique stressors faced by seafarers, the initiative aims to equip ship operators and crew members ..read more

MEG-to-East Asia VLCC voyages displayed a rebound in March, indicating a bounce back of enquiries from the East. LR2 utilisation for MEG/India CPP exports to the West of Suez have climbed to multi-year highs in March. Russian CPP volumes at sea have seen a surge recently, mostly propelled by diesel or gasoil volumes, with a couple of factors likely at play. This week, in the East, Braemar discusses the reasons behind the muted activity on TD3C and divergent MR and LR2 behaviour on the East/West routes. Over in the West, Braemar focuses on the role that a prospective sanctioning of Venezuela ..read more

The Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) bids farewell to its long-serving President, John McLaurin, marking the end of an era spanning nearly three decades. McLaurin’s tenure has been characterized by remarkable achievements in fostering growth, modernization, and environmental stewardship within the maritime industry along the US West Coast. Legacy of Leadership and Accomplishments McLaurin’s 29-year journey at PMSA epitomizes a legacy of steadfast leadership and notable accomplishments. His tenure witnessed substantial investments in port infrastructure, facilitating the enhancement ..read more

The 81st session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC 81) concluded with significant advancements in addressing key ballast water challenges. MEPC 81, which took place 18-22 March 2024, saw the adoption of crucial amendments regarding the use of electronic water record books, reports Riviera. MEPC 81 Regulation A-1 Definitions were updated to define electronic record books as approved systems by the Administration. Regulation B-2 Ballast Water Record Book was also amended to permit electronic record-keeping, subject to approval by the Administration. This move stre ..read more

NYK and JMU are mutually formulating a method for estimating a ship’s performance in actual seas before construction is completed. The two companies aim to know a vessel’s performance in actual seas before the conclusion of a shipbuilding contract. NYK and Japan Marine United Corporation are mutually formulating a method for estimating a ship’s performance in actual seas before construction is completed and recently completed verification of a vessel’s propulsive performance in wind and wave conditions in actual seas, according to NYK’s release. The two companies aim to know a vessel’s perf ..read more

ABB, a pioneering technology company, is set to install a plug-and-play shore power system at the Vlissingen port for DEME’s fleet by the end of the year. Shore power, increasingly available in ports worldwide, offers ships the ability to connect to electrical power while docked, leading to reduced emissions in port areas. Advancing Sustainability in Ports: ABB’s Shore Power Installation at Vlissingen ABB’s installation of a shore power system at Vlissingen port marks a significant step in advancing sustainability initiatives in ports. This project, supported by the Dutch government, aligns wi ..read more

Crew are facing physical threats from geopolitical conflict that are impacting their wellbeing. Shipping charities and unions have aired concerns that seafarer safety and well-being is being overlooked as they get caught in the crosshairs of geopolitical conflict in the Gulf of Aden, Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Missile attack  The missile attack on True Confidence on 6th March, which resulted in the tragic loss of three crew, realised the worst fears of many in the industry. However, while attacks on ships in these regions continue to disrupt the supply chain and threaten crew welfa ..read more

German shipbuilder Meyer Werft recently marked a significant milestone with the keel-laying ceremony for Disney Cruise Line’s third liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled cruise ship, Disney Destiny. This event signifies another step forward in the partnership between Meyer Werft and Disney Cruise Line, showcasing advancements in environmentally sustainable marine technology. Keel-Laying Ceremony Details The keel-laying ceremony for Disney Destiny took place at Meyer Werft’s yard on March 20, with Philip Gennotte from Walt Disney Imagineering Germany placing a coin under the keel—a longstanding ma ..read more

RightShip, a leading maritime due diligence platform, is dedicated to enhancing the safety, security, and overall well-being of seafarers. Recognizing seafarers as the lifeblood of the maritime industry, RightShip has launched the ‘Voice of the Crew’ survey to gather direct insights from seafarers themselves. This unique initiative aims to understand seafarers’ concerns, priorities, and experiences while at sea, ultimately shaping the future of the maritime industry. RightShip’s commitment to seafarer well-being is deeply embedded in its core values and operations. Through initiatives like ..read more