CAB 267 February 2019
CAB 267 February 2019
FEBRUARY 2019
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Maritime Knowledge Centre (MKC)
The aim of the MKC Current Awareness Bulletin (CAB) is to provide a digest of news and
publications focusing on key subjects and themes related to the work of IMO. Each CAB issue presents
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Table of Contents
IMO NEWS & EVENTS ............................................................................................................................ 2
UNITED NATIONS ................................................................................................................................... 3
CASUALTIES............................................................................................................................................ 3
ENVIRONMENT ....................................................................................................................................... 7
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ............................................................................................................. 9
HEALTH & SAFETY ............................................................................................................................... 10
IMO ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
LAW & POLICY....................................................................................................................................... 14
MARINE TECHNOLOGY........................................................................................................................ 20
MARITIME EDUCATION & TRAINING .................................................................................................. 22
MARITIME SAFETY ............................................................................................................................... 23
MARITIME SECURITY ........................................................................................................................... 24
MIGRANTS ............................................................................................................................................. 26
NAVIGATION & COMMUNICATIONS.................................................................................................... 28
PORT STATE CONTROL....................................................................................................................... 29
PORTS & HARBOURS ........................................................................................................................... 29
REGULATIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 31
SALVAGE ............................................................................................................................................... 34
SEAFARERS .......................................................................................................................................... 34
SEARCH & RESCUE ............................................................................................................................. 36
SHIP RECYCLING ................................................................................................................................. 37
SHIPBUILDING & SHIPREPAIR ............................................................................................................ 39
SHIPPING ............................................................................................................................................... 40
RESEARCH ............................................................................................................................................ 48
WHAT’S NEW
IMO’s gender programme: new logo to increase visibility for women in maritime
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a new logo for its Women in Maritime
programme, as part of its mission to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5:
Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Programme lead Helen Buni said: "The IMO Women in Maritime programme supports the
participation of women in both shore-based and sea-going posts, under the slogan Training-
Visibility-Recognition’, through a wide range of gender-specific activities. The new logo is just one
visible part of the programme and will help women in maritime gain more visibility and exposure
throughout the maritime sector and beyond." More…
"Empowering Women in the Maritime Community" has been selected as the World Maritime Day
theme for 2019. This video from the IMO Secretary-General, Kitack Lim, raises awareness of the
importance of gender equality, in line with the SDGs, and highlights the important contribution of
women all over the world to the maritime sector. Video…
Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC), 6th session 4-8 February 2019
Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR), 6th session 18-22 February 2019
Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR), 6th session 18-22 February 2019
(Opening Address)
Sub-Committee on Ship Design and Construction (SDC), 6th session 4-8 February 2019
(Opening and Closing Address)
9th Edition of the e-Navigation Underway International Conference - “Paving the Way for a Digital
Maritime World” Copenhagen, Denmark, 6 February 2019
UNITED NATIONS
Neither side stands to benefit in US-China trade spat, UN says. UN News. 4 February 2019.
Available from: https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/02/1031921 Of the $250 billion in Chinese
exports that are subject to US tariffs, only about six per cent will be picked up by firms in the United
States, according to a report by the UN Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
Guterres underlines climate action urgency, as UN weather agency confirms record global
warming. UN News. 6 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2EJhbQY His reaction on
Wednesday came after WMO issued a report confirming that 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 were
the four warmest years recorded to date.
African continent 'an example of solidarity' towards migrants and refugees: UN chief.
UN News. 9 February 2019. Available from: https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/02/1032351
The UN chief is in the Ethiopian capital to attend the annual African Union summit, which brings
together Heads of State from across the continent.
UN announces roadmap to Climate Summit in 2019, a 'critical year' for climate action.
UN News. 14 February 2019. Available from: https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/02/1032801
2019 is a critical year, the "last chance" for the international community to take effective action on
climate change, General Assembly President Maria Espinosa said on Thursday, during a briefing
to announce the UN's roadmap to the Climate Summit in September.
Slow gender equality progress 'almost a joke': UN business chief. UN News. 27 February 2019.
Available from: https://news.un.org/en/audio/2019/02/1033662 The slow progress of achieving
gender equality in the workplace is "almost a joke," Lise Kingo, head of the UN Global Compact,
the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative, said in an interview with UN News.
CASUALTIES
MMEA saves 12 after oil tanker sinks off Tanjung Penyusop in Johor waters. By Ben Tan.
Malay Mail (Malaysia). 31 January 2019. Available from:
https://www.malaymail.com/news/malaysia/2019/01/31/mmea-saves-12-after-oil-tanker-sinks-off-
tanjung-penyusop-in-johor-waters/1718474 The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA)
today rescued 12 crew members after their vessel sank near Tanjung Penyusop here last night.
Blaze breaks out in cargo holds of APL boxship. By Gary Dixon. TradeWinds. 1 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/1690653/blaze-breaks-out-in-cargo-
holds-of-apl-boxship Container line APL has said a fire has broken out in the cargo holds
of a boxship en passage from Shekou to Singapore.
Two crew killed by fumes on woodchip carrier. By Gary Dixon. TradeWinds. 1 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/1690731/two-crew-killed-by-fumes-on-
woodchip-carrier Two seafarers have died on a woodchip carrier in Indonesia.
Blaze on 9,200 teu APL ship continues for fourth day. By Sam Chambers. Splash 247.com.
4 February 2019. Available from: https://splash247.com/blaze-on-9200-teu-apl-ship-continues-for-
fourth-day/ A fire on the 9,200 teu APL Vancouver off Vietnam has yet to be contained four days
after it erupted.
General average 'likely' as another blaze breaks out on a containership. By Mike Wackett.
The Loadstar. 4 February 2019. Available from: https://theloadstar.co.uk/general-average-likely-as-
another-blaze-breaks-out-on-a-containership/ Yet another container vessel has caught
fire - the latest casualty is the 9,200 teu APL Vancouver, off the Vietnamese coast en route from
China to Singapore.
Scorpio stunned by stabbing of vessel master. By Joe Brady. TradeWinds. 5 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/1694459/scorpio-stunned-by-stabbing-
of-vessel-master The Scorpio Group is expressing shock and outrage over a stabbing aboard one
of its vessels in the Indian Ocean that has resulted in the hospitalisation of the ship's master.
U.S. Navy cruiser involved in replenishment collision. Maritime Executive. 5 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/u-s-navy-cruiser-involved-in-
replenishment-collision A U.S. Navy guided-missile cruiser and dry cargo ship made contact during
an underway replenishment off the southeastern coast of the U.S. on Tuesday.
Seafarers rescued after falling over board in lifeboat. By Dale Wainwright. TradeWinds.
7 February 2019. Available from: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/1696180/seafarers-
rescued-after-falling-over-board-in-lifeboat Two seafarers have been rescued by the US Coast
Guard (USCG) after the lifeboat they were working on was accidently released into the sea.
More boxes lost from MSC Zoe than first thought. By Holly Birkett. TradeWinds.
7 February 2019. Available from: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/liner/1696429/more-boxes-lost-
from-msc-zoe-than-first-thought At least 345 containers were lost from a Mediterranean Shipping
Company (MSC) boxship in January, much more than the initial estimate of 291.
Collision between Malaysia vessel and Greece-registered bulk carrier in Singapore Port
Limits off Tuas. Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA). 9 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/media-centre/news-releases/detail/eed97d1c-d594-4213-
9a24-113ac207a703 At 1428hrs today (9 February 2019), there was a collision between
Greece-registered bulk carrier PIREAS and Malaysia vessel POLARIS in Singapore Territorial
Waters within Singapore Port Limits off Tuas.
Update 1 - Collision between Malaysia Government vessel and Greece-registered bulk carrier
in Singapore Port Limits off Tuas. Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA).
10 February 2019. Available from: https://www.mpa.gov.sg/web/portal/home/media-centre/news-
releases/detail/7700ec6a-4559-4794-b8c0-fc05cb4d9861 In response to media queries on
the collision between Greece-registered bulk carrier PIREAS and Malaysian Government vessel
(Marine Department Malaysia) POLARIS in Singapore Territorial Waters off Tuas on
9 February 2019, MPA updated that: After refuelling at Singapore's eastern bunkering anchorage
south of Bedok, PIREAS declared to MPA that its next port of call was to be Tanjung Pelepas.
Hunt for sunken VLOC Stellar Daisy gets underway. By Dale Wainwright. TradeWinds.
11 February 2019. Available from: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/1698379/hunt-for-
sunken-vloc-stellar-daisy-gets-underway The hunt for the wreck of the sunken VLOC Stellar Daisy
has stepped up a gear with the sailing of a sophisticated OSV from Cape Town over the weekend.
2018: A bad year for ferry fatalities. By Neil Baird. Baird Maritime. 12 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.bairdmaritime.com/work-boat-world/passenger-vessel-world/4608
After a couple of good years in 2016 and 2017, 2018 saw a significant increase in ferry fatalities
worldwide.
Ship runs aground off Solomons coast. Radio New Zealand. 13 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/382373/ship-runs-aground-off-solomons-coast
A ship has run aground off the southern coast of the Solomon Islands and officials say bad weather
is hampering efforts to salvage the vessel.
Fears for marine protected area after ship grounds in Solomons. Radio New Zealand.
13 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/2018682349/fears-for-
marine-protected-area-after-ship-grounds-in-solomons Environmentalists fear the grounding
of a ship off Rennell Island in the Solomons could bring more damage to a marine protected area.
Carnival Sunshine comes to aid of cargo ship in distress. Carnival Corporation & Plc.
13 February 2019. Available from: https://carnival-news.com/2019/02/13/carnival-sunshine-comes-
to-aid-of-cargo-ship-in-distress/ Early Wednesday morning as it was sailing from Amber Cove
toward Grand Turk, Carnival Sunshine deviated its course to come to the aid of a cargo ship,
Tropic Scout, in distress with seven people aboard.
Dominica-flagged supply vessel capsizes, sinks near Pedra Branca. Channel News Asia.
14 February 2019. Available from: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/dominica-
supply-vessel-capsize-sank-pedra-branca-11242394 A Dominica-flagged supply vessel has
capsized and sunk in Singapore territorial waters near Pedra Branca, the Maritime and Port Authority
of Singapore (MPA) said in a press release on Thursday (Feb 14).
Search ship retrieves voyage data recorder from sunken Stellar Daisy. Yonhap News
Agency (South Korea). 18 February 2019. Available from:
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20190218005000315?section=national/diplomacy A deep-sea search
ship has retrieved a voyage data recorder (VDR) and a bridge of the ill-fated South Korean bulk
carrier Stellar Daisy that sank in the South Atlantic two years ago, Seoul's foreign ministry said
Monday.
Bulk carrier leaking oil on Solomons Islands reef after running aground. By Lisa Martin.
The Guardian. 19 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/feb/19/fears-of-enviromental-disaster-after-bulk-carrier-
runs-aground-on-solomon-islands-reef-spilling-oil The Solomon Islands prime minister has asked
Australia for emergency help cleaning up an environmental disaster after oil spilled from a bulk
carrier that ran aground on a coral reef near a world heritage area.
Ships collide off German coast, multiple injuries reported. Deutsche Welle (Germany).
19 February 2019. Available from: https://www.dw.com/en/ships-collide-off-german-coast-multiple-
injuries-reported/a-47581746 At least 15 people were injured when a supply ship collided with
a freight vessel near the German island of Rügen early Tuesday, officials said.
Villagers in Solomons say stranded ship spilling oil. Radio New Zealand. 20 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/382910/villagers-in-solomons-
say-stranded-ship-spilling-oil Villagers on Rennell Island in Solomon Islands claim that a ship that
grounded on a reef in Kangava Bay two weeks ago is leaking oil.
Cargo discharge set to begin for fire-damaged Yantian Express. Maritime Executive.
20 February 2019. Available from: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/cargo-discharge-set-
to-begin-for-fire-damaged-yantian-express The fire-damaged container ship Yantian Express
is moored at the Freeport Container Port in Freeport, Grand Bahama, awaiting the unloading
of damaged cargo.
Accident Investigation Report 3/2019: Contact and grounding of ro-ro passenger ferry
Pride of Kent. UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB). 21 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.gov.uk/maib-reports/contact-and-grounding-of-ro-ro-passenger-ferry-pride-of-kent
On 10 December 2017, the UK registered ro-ro passenger ferry Pride of Kent struck a jetty and then
grounded while departing Calais, France. Report Annexes
Oil spill catastrophe. By Rickson Bau. SIBC (Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation).
25 February 2019. Available from: http://www.sibconline.com.sb/oil-spill-catastrophe/ Following
more than twenty days since bauxite bulk carrier MV Solomon Trader ran aground in Rennell Island,
the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirms that oiling around the ship has now moved
and begun to disperse across the surrounding sea and shoreline, contaminating the ecologically
delicate area.
Environmental group blames Solomon govt's negligence for shipwreck. Radio New Zealand.
25 February 2019. Available from: https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-
news/383283/environmental-group-blames-solomon-govt-s-negligence-for-shipwreck The Nature
Conservancy Solomon Islands, is blaming government negligence for a shipwreck that authorities
are calling the worst man-made environmental disaster in the country's history.
Oil leaks from containership Matsonia in Oakland. World Maritime News. 25 February 2019.
Available from: https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/272061/oil-leaks-from-container-ship-
matsonia-in-oakland/ Crewmembers aboard the 217-meter, Matson-owned vessel noticed a sheen
around their ship shortly after mooring and initiated the ship's vessel response plan.
Environmental disaster looms at heritage-listed Solomon Islands reef after oil spill.
By Evan Wasuka. ABC (Australia). 26 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-26/pacific-oil-spill-sparks-fears-of-environmental-
catastrophe/10849664 Bulk carrier MV Solomon Trader ran aground on a reef on the remote island
of Rennell in the south of the Solomon Islands in early February while attemtping to load bauxite
from a nearby mine.
Solomon Islands oil spill threatens World Heritage site. By Stefan Armbruster.
SBS News (Australia). 27 February 2019. Available from: https://www.sbs.com.au/news/solomon-
islands-oil-spill-threatens-world-heritage-site A salvage operation is underway more than three
weeks after the MV Solomon Trader ran aground on a reef in the Solomon Islands while loading
bauxite on the remote island of Rennell during tropical cyclone Oma.
Crew evacuated from burning ship off Chioggia, Italy. World Maritime News. 27 February 2019.
Available from: https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/272218/crew-evacuated-from-burning-ship-
off-chioggia-italy/ Eighteen crewmembers of a Belize-flagged general cargo vessel have been
evacuated after their ship caught fire off Italy, local authorities informed.
Oil spillage a possible breach of international Maritime Safety Code. By Rickson Jordan Bau.
SIBC (Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation). 28 February 2019. Available from:
http://www.sibconline.com.sb/oil-spillage-a-possible-breach-of-international-maritime-safety-code/
A possible breach of the International Maritime Safety Code hassled to the oil spillage on Rennell
island, revealed the Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration, SIMSA.
Salvage operations stall amid Solomon Islands oil spill. Radio New Zealand. 28 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/383551/salvage-operations-
stall-amid-solomon-islands-oil-spill Technical difficulties are stalling efforts to salvage a ship
at the centre of an environmental disaster in the Solomon Islands.
ENVIRONMENT
Study: Much of the surface ocean will shift in color by end of 21st century. By Jennifer Chu.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (US). 4 February 2019. Available from:
http://news.mit.edu/2019/study-ocean-color-change-phytoplankton-climate-0204 Climate change
is causing significant changes to phytoplankton in the world's oceans, and a new MIT study finds that
over the coming decades these changes will affect the ocean's color, intensifying its blue regions and
its green ones.
Earth's oceans are routinely breaking heat records. By Dana Nuccitelli. Yale Climate
Connections. 4 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/2019/02/earths-oceans-are-routinely-breaking-heat-records/
Two recently published peer-reviewed studies make clear that the planet's oceans are continuing to
set hottest-yet temperature records nearly every year and, secondly, that the rate of ocean warming
is in virtual lockstep with what modern climate models have projected.
Seychelles ranked first in Africa for ocean health. By Sharon Ernesta. Seychelles News
Agency. 5 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2XAQCpA The Ocean Health Index (OHI)
has ranked Seychelles first in Africa after the latest global assessment of ocean health.
Whales and dolphins are getting stuck in fishing nets around the UK. By Katie Pavid.
Natural History Museum (UK). 6 February 2019. Available from:
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2019/february/whales-and-dolphins-are-getting-stuck-in-fishing-
nets-around-the.html Whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, fish, turtles and sharks are all vulnerable
to fishing gear, and they are getting into trouble up and down the British coastline.
Dutch probe mass seabird death mystery. Phys.Org. 6 February 2019. Available from:
https://phys.org/news/2019-02-dutch-probe-mass-seabird-death.html Dutch scientists said
Wednesday they are baffled after 20,000 dead or dying guillemots washed up on North Sea
beaches in a phenomenon not seen for decades.
WMO confirms past 4 years were warmest on record. World Meteorological Organization (WMO).
6 February 2019. Available from: https://public.wmo.int/en/media/press-release/wmo-confirms-past-
4-years-were-warmest-record In a clear sign of continuing long-term climate change associated with
record atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 have been
confirmed as the four warmest years on record.
Pacific Island governments cautioned about seabed mining impacts. Pacific Islands
Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (PIANGO). 14 February 2019. Available from:
http://www.piango.org/our-news-events/latest-news/2019/pacific-island-governments-cautioned-
about-seabed-mining-impacts/ Pacific Islands Association of Non-Governmental Organisation
has cautioned Pacific Islands government to recognise the risks of seabed mining on marine
environments, cultures and livelihoods.
Climate Weekly: The kids are all right. By Megan Darby. Climate Home News.
15 February 2019. Available from: https://www.climatechangenews.com/2019/02/15/climate-
weekly-kids-right/ In fact, thousands of kids going on "climate strike" on Friday have learned
enough to know that, when it comes to climate change, the numbers don't add up to a safe future.
Antarctic ice shelves: Searching for clues on climate change. By Fabian Cambero. Reuters.
15 February 2019. Available from: http://news.trust.org/item/20190215172730-7ldwf/ In a
remote island outpost on the edge of the Antarctic, hundreds of miles from the southern tip
of Chile, scientists at a research base are scouring the ice for clues about everything from
climate change to cures for cancer.
High-level regional workshop boosts participation of Pacific Island countries in deep sea
activities to advance the Blue Economy. International Seabed Authority. 16 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.isa.org.jm/fr/node/18944 Governments officials and experts from
Pacific Small Island Developing States convened at a regional workshop held in Nuku'alofa,
Kingdom of Tonga this week, to strengthen national and regional capacities to access sustainably
and benefit from seabed activities and therefore, from the Blue Economy.
Baby boom for endangered right whales offer researchers a glimmer of hope.
By Kevin Bissett. Nanaimo News Now (Canada). 21 February 2019. Available from:
https://nanaimonewsnow.com/article/609220/baby-boom-endangered-right-whales-offer-researchers-
glimmer-hope After years of increasingly bad news, there's a glimmer of hope for the beleaguered
North Atlantic right whale.
Report your presence and slow down for whales. Gard. 21 February 2019. Available from:
http://www.gard.no/web/updates/content/27153819/report-your-presence-and-slow-down-for-whales
Did you know that 16 February 2019 was 'World Whale Day'?
Blue Charter action group makes strides toward tackling ocean acidification.
The Commonwealth. 21 February 2019. Available from:
http://thecommonwealth.org/media/news/blue-charter-action-group-makes-strides-toward-tackling-
ocean-acidification The inaugural Blue Charter action group meeting on ocean acidification has
brought us a step closer to finding solutions to the detrimental impacts of rising pH levels on ocean
life, Commonwealth Head of Oceans and Natural Resources stated.
Surfing a wave of change: Clean Seas campaign celebrates two years of action. United Nations
Environment Programme (UNEP). 22 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/surfing-wave-change-clean-seas-campaign-
celebrates-two-years-action The remote Galápagos islands offer a distressing reminder
of the destructive power of our plastic addiction with horrifying images of iconic species struggling
on rubbish-strewn shorelines that were for so long a byword for isolation and purity.
B.C.'s ferry services, whale watching threaten endangered whales, National Energy Board
says. By Justine Hunter. Globe and Mail (Canada). 25 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/british-columbia/article-bcs-ferry-services-whale-watching-
threaten-endangered-whales/ The B.C. government will continue with plans to expand its ferry
routes even though the National Energy Board concluded last week that ship noise, including that
generated by BC Ferries, is threatening the endangered southern resident killer whales.
Meet six environmentalists who are changing the world. United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP). 25 February 2019. Available from: https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-
stories/story/meet-six-environmentalists-who-are-changing-world The application portal for
the Young Champions of the Earth prize, is open.
Achieving Paris climate target could net additional billions in fisheries revenue.
By Katherine Came. University of British Columbia (Canada). 27 February 2019. Available from:
https://news.ubc.ca/2019/02/27/achieving-paris-climate-target-could-net-additional-billions-in-
fisheries-revenue/ Achieving the Paris Agreement global warming target could protect millions
of tonnes in annual worldwide fisheries catch, as well as billions of dollars of annual revenues for
fishers, workers' income and household seafood expenditures, according to new research from
the University of British Columbia.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
EU impact assessment favours Med ECA. The Motorship. 4 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.motorship.com/news101/industry-news/eu-impact-assessment-favours-med-eca
A European Commission funded impact assessment into a potential Mediterranean emissions
control area (ECA) found that designating such an ECA would result in significant socio-economic
benefits.
What have we learned from 50 years of offshore oil disasters? By Michael LeVine.
Ocean Conservancy. 5 February 2019. Available from:
https://oceanconservancy.org/blog/2019/02/05/learned-50-years-offshore-oil-disasters/
Last week marked the 50th anniversary of the start of the Santa Barbara oil spill.
Environmental officials wage war on plastic containers in Galapagos Islands. Latin American
Herald Tribune. 12 February 2019. Available from:
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=2474799&CategoryId=13936 The Galapagos Islands,
the living laboratory where English scientist Charles Darwin developed his theory of evolution by
natural selection, is making progress in its relentless struggle against a threat from the outside:
plastic containers.
Plastic pollution: One town smothered by 17,000 tonnes of rubbish. By Yvette Tan.
BBC News. 13 February 2019. Available from: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-46518747
Malaysia has become one of the world's biggest plastic importers, taking in rubbish the rest
of the world doesn't want.
Plastics reach remote pristine environments, scientists say. By Ian Sample. The Guardian.
17 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2V3htbJ Scientists have warned about the impact
of plastic pollution in the most pristine corners of the world after discovering chemical additives
in birds' eggs in the High Arctic.
Concern for oil spill in East Rennell, Solomon Islands, in central Pacific. UNESCO World
Heritage Centre. 20 February 2019. Available from: http://whc.unesco.org/en/news/1934 An oil
spill has reportedly occurred in East Rennell, Solomon Islands on Tuesday, 19 February when
a bulk carrier ran aground at Kangava Bay, just outside of the World Heritage property.
Years after oil spills, ship-owners yet to pay for scars the they left on coastline.
By Chittaranjan Tembhekar. Times of India. 27 February 2019. Available from:
https://bit.ly/2NLeMJE At Alibaug and nearby beaches such as Kihim, Kashid and Janjira,
pebbles covered in a film of oil and sand mixed with oil granules are visible.
Australia lashes neglect over oil spill 'disaster' near Solomon Islands. By David Wroe.
Sydney Morning Herald (Australia). 27 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australia-lashes-neglect-over-oil-spill-disaster-near-solomon-
islands-20190227-p510oy.html Australia is helping to pressure a Hong Kong shipping company and
several other firms to take responsibility for cleaning up a major oil spill close to a World
Heritage-listed coral reef off the Solomon Islands.
Remote monitoring of confined spaces reduces risks. By Mark Barker. Maritime Executive.
10 February 2019. Available from: https://www.maritime-executive.com/blog/remote-monitoring-of-
confined-spaces-reduces-risks According to an International Dry Bulk Terminals Group study, there
is a disturbing industry uptick in crewmember deaths in confined spaces.
Fall from height and serious injuries to crewmembers on board Shanghai Spirit near
Port Alma, Queensland on 29 January 2017. Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB).
21 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2017/mair/328-mo-2017-001/
During the afternoon of 29 January 2017, the deck crewmembers of Shanghai Spirit were
conducting painting and routine touch-up work in the cargo holds. Final Report
Slipping standards putting marine pilots and dock workers at risk. Nautilus International.
21 February 2019. Available from: https://www.nautilusint.org/en/dangerousladders The safety
of marine pilots and dock workers is being put at risk by the failure of too many ships to comply
with international standards, the British Ports Association has warned.
IMO
Explosion: IMO should act on standards. Maritime Executive. 7 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/explosion-imo-should-act-on-standards
The New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission has released its report on the 2017
accident in Port Chalmers, Dunedin, on board the cruise ship Emerald Princess, in which a nitrogen
cylinder burst, causing one fatality.
Europe puts pressure on IMO over scrubber rules. By Anastassios Adamopoulos. Lloyd's List.
7 February 2019. Available from:
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126174/Europe-puts-pressure-on-IMO-over-
scrubber-rules The European Union will push for global deliberations to be held on the rules
regarding the discharge of waste water, taking into account environmental considerations and
regional restrictions, in moves that will add another level of complexity to the ongoing debate
around open loop scrubbers.
BIMCO demands 4th IMO GHG Study based on realistic economic growth. By Mette Kronholm
Fraende. BIMCO. 13 February 2019. Available from: https://www.bimco.org/news/priority-
news/20190213-fourth-imo-ghg-study BIMCO argues that the Fourth IMO GHG Study should avoid
scenarios 1 and 5 of the International Panel on Climate Change Shared Socio-economic Pathways,
as these scenarios project considerably higher and unrealistic short-to mid-term economic growth
(as much as two percentage points higher) than current economic trends and OECD projections.
Bimco doubts IMO's CO2 calculations. By Simon Valeur. ShippingWatch. 14 February 2019.
Available from: https://shippingwatch.com/secure/carriers/article11191183.ece Bimco says that
the IMO is using excessively high numbers when incorporating economic projections into its future
scenarios for shipping's CO2 emissions.
IMO regulations will roil oil markets, creating market uncertainty, higher costs, new IHS Markit
report says. Hellenic Shipping News. 14 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/imo-regulations-will-roil-oil-markets-creating-market-
uncertainty-higher-costs-new-ihs-markit-report-says/ The refining and shipping industries are
ill-prepared for a massive change in fuel regulation set to go into effect next year.
More ships to rely on LNG as pollution rules tighten. By Marissa Luck. Houston
Chronicle (US). 14 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.chron.com/business/energy/article/More-ships-to-rely-on-LNG-as-pollution-rules-
13616225.php Liquefied natural gas is already poised to power the world's biggest economies as
Asian countries increase their reliance on the cleaner-burning fuel, but there is yet another source
that could drum up demand for LNG: the shipping industry.
The Lloyd's List Podcast: The most influential person in shipping. By Richard Meade.
Lloyd's List. 15 February 2019. Available from:
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126273/The-Lloyds-List-Podcast-The-most-
influential-person-in-shipping "I believe that IMO member states have learned from past lessons
and have been putting in a lot of effort to lessen any unnecessary burden to the industry, including
consideration of practical challenges and ways to minimise their impact," says secretary-general
Kitack Lim on this week's podcast.
IMO chief pledges to improve casualty reporting record. By Richard Meade. Lloyd's List.
15 February 2019. Available from:
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126280/IMO-chief-pledges-to-improve-
casualty-reporting-record The International Maritime Organization will commit to tackling the
widespread delays of casualty investigation reports following revelations of severe underreporting
last year, its secretary general Kitack Lim has told Lloyd's List.
PPR 6 preview: IBIA working for sensible 2020 solutions at IMO meeting. International Bunker
Industry Association (IBIA). 17 February 2019. Available from: https://ibia.net/ppr-6-preview-ibia-
working-for-sensible-2020-solutions-at-imo-meeting/ IBIA will be at the 6th session of the IMO's
Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 6), which will endeavour to complete
work on remaining issues relating to consistent implementation of the 0.50% sulphur limit set to take
effect from 1 January 2020, so that these can be sent to the 74th meeting of the Marine Environment
Protection Committee (MEPC 74) in mid-May for any final tweaks and approval.
PPR 6: IMO member states must stay focussed on Arctic heavy fuel oil ban. Clean Arctic
Alliance. 18 February 2019. Available from: https://www.hfofreearctic.org/en/2019/02/18/ppr-6-imo-
member-states-must-stay-focussed-on-arctic-heavy-fuel-oil-ban/ As a meeting of the International
Maritime Organization's (IMO) Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR 6) opens
today in London, the Clean Arctic Alliance called on Member States to remain focussed to the goal
of developing a ban on the use and carriage of heavy fuel oil by shipping in the Arctic.
Clock is ticking towards sulphur cap, IMO head warns. By Anastassios Adamopoulos.
Lloyd's List. 18 February 2019. Available from:
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126307/Clock-is-ticking-towards--sulphur-cap-
IMO-head-warns The next 10 months will be crucial for the implementation of the 2020 sulphur cap,
International Maritime Organization secretary-general Kitack Lim has warned.
IMO increases visibility for women in maritime. By Sulaimon Salau. Guardian (Nigeria).
20 February 2019. Available from: https://guardian.ng/business-services/maritime/imo-increases-
visibility-for-women-in-maritime/ The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), has launched a
new logo for its women in maritime programme, as part of its mission to support the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goal on gender equality and empower all women and girls.
IMO sec-gen calls on all maritime industry sectors to be involved meeting GHG emission
targets. By Marcus Hand. Seatrade Maritime News. 21 February 2019. Available from:
www.seatrade-maritime.com/news/europe/imo-sec-gen-calls-on-all-maritime-industry-sectors-to-be-
involved-meeting-ghg-emission-targets.html Last year the IMO set a target to reduce CO2 emissions
from shipping by at least 50% in 2050.
ICC Canada brings Inuit message to London IMO meeting: Time to ban HFO's in Arctic
shipping. Inuit Circumpolar Council. 21 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2SHFkvX
This week the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention
and Response (PPR) is meeting in London, UK.
IMO 2020 regulation set to send waves through the marine, refining and base oils
industries - consultant. ICIS. 22 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.icis.com/explore/resources/news/2019/02/22/10323398/imo-2020-regulation-set-to-
send-waves-through-the-marine-refining-and-base-oils-industries-consult/ The International Maritime
Organisation (IMO) 2020 regulation is not a disruptor for markets but "more like two freight trains
colliding head on", according to Stephen Ames, managing director of SBA Consulting, on Friday.
The Lloyd's List Podcast: Why the IEA is less concerned about 2020. Lloyd's List.
22 February 2019. Available from:
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126381/The-Lloyds-List-Podcast-Why-the-IEA-
is-less-concerned-about-2020 The International Energy Agency is about to publish its latest
research into the implications of IMO 2020 sulphur regulations and it seems they are more sanguine
than many.
Call for IMO to ban single-use plastic bottles at sea. By Sam Chambers. Splash 247.com.
25 February 2019. Available from: https://splash247.com/call-for-imo-to-ban-single-use-plastic-
bottles-at-sea/ A call has been made for the International Maritime Organization to regulate against
the use of single-use plastic bottles onboard.
IMO delays new standards for scrubbers for at least a year. By Adam Corbett. TradeWinds.
25 February 2019. Available from: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/1711429/imo-
delays-new-standards-for-scrubbers-for-at-least-a-year The IMO's attempt to come up with new
performance standards and guidelines for exhaust gas cleaning systems — also known as
scrubbers — has been delayed for another year.
IMO Secretary General set to attend High Level Symposium in Jamaica. By Maritime Authority
of Jamaica. Hellenic Shipping News. 25 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/imo-secretary-general-set-to-attend-high-level-symposium-in-
jamaica/ The Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Mr Kitack Lim,
is due to attend a High Level Symposium (HLS) being hosted by the Maritime Authority of Jamaica
in Kingston this week.
Photo: CMU welcomes IMO delegation. Jamaica Observer. 27 February 2019. Available from:
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/cmu-welcomes-imo-delegation_158268?profile=1373
Secretary general of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Kitack Lim shakes the hand
of a member of the cadet company at Caribbean Maritime University yesterday following a brief
ceremony at the Palisadoes-based institution to mark his arrival in the country for high-level talks
with maritime officials from the region scheduled for Montego Bay today.
Sustainable shipping into the next decade. By Kitack Lim. Open Access Government.
27 February 2019. Available from: https://www.openaccessgovernment.org/sustainable-
shipping/59873/ Mr Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization,
looks ahead to the challenges for international shipping as the next decade approaches.
Hong Kong to adopt a raft of IMO requirements. By Michael Grinter. Hong Kong Maritime Hub.
28 February 2019. Available from: http://www.hongkongmaritimehub.com/hong-kong-to-adopt-a-
raft-of-imo-requirements/ The Hong Kong Government has announced its intent to adopt a number
of training and environmental measures introduced by the International Maritime Organisation
including training requirements for crew on Hong Kong registered ships navigating polar waters.
WTO chief is in denial over climate impact of trade. By Perrine Fournier. Climate Home News.
30 January 2019. Available from: https://www.climatechangenews.com/2019/01/30/wto-chief-
denial-climate-impact-trade/ When the head of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) says trade
does not impact the environment, we should all be worried.
Open NGO letter to EU member states' Ministers of Justice and Home Affairs requesting
timely disembarkation arrangements for rescued survivors in the Mediterranean.
Human Rights at Sea (HRAS). 1 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/02/01/open-ngo-letter-eu-member-states-ministers-justice-and-
home-affairs-requesting Dear Minister, We, the undersigned organisations, networks and platforms,
write to you to express our grave concerns and urge you to act over the current crisis
in the Mediterranean Sea.
Italian prosecutor says Sea Watch committed no offences when saving migrants - reports.
Malta Independent. 2 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2TfQn4X An Italian prosecutor
has said that the migrant rescue ship Sea Watch 3 committed no offences when it saved 47
migrants, who were then delivered to Italy, international news agency AFP says.
UK Government to support safe maritime trade and economic growth across Overseas
Territories. UK Government. 5 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2H1nnHo The UK
Hydrographic Office (UKHO) have today launched a five-day capacity building seminar to help
UK Overseas Territories support safe maritime trade.
Oceana investigation keeps one of the world's largest fish factory vessels on illegal,
unreported and unregulated fishing list. Oceana. 5 February 2019. Available from:
https://usa.oceana.org/press-releases/oceana-investigation-keeps-one-worlds-largest-fish-factory-
vessels-illegal-unreported Following an investigation by Oceana, the South Pacific Regional
Fisheries Management Organization decided to keep the fish factory vessel Damanzaihao (now
named Vladivostok 2000) on its list of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing vessels,
and issued warnings to China, Panama and Cook Islands for providing assistance to the vessel.
Oman to unveil vision for new Ocean Economy. By Conrad Prabhu. Oman Daily Observer.
6 February 2019. Available from: http://www.omanobserver.om/oman-to-unveil-vision-for-new-
ocean-economy/ Luminaries and thought-leaders from the worlds of science, technology,
sustainability and the blue economy are among a distinguished roster of speakers due to offer
their enlightened perspectives at the 'Ocean Economy and Future Technology' conference set to
take place here next week.
What works in water and ocean governance: Impact stories from the UNDP Water and Ocean
Governance Programme. United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). 6 February 2019.
Available from: https://bit.ly/2XzjKO5 Governance reform is about instituting and practicing new
ways of operation and interaction.
Carbon offsets: Worth buying to fight climate change? By Emily Chung. Canadian
Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). 7 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/faq-carbon-offsets-1.5008339 If you've ever booked
a flight with an airline like Air Canada or WestJet, you might have been offered a chance to pay
money to "offset" the carbon emissions from your flight.
Ottawa announces 2019 measures to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales.
CTV News (Canada). 7 February 2019. Available from: https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/ottawa-
announces-2019-measures-to-protect-endangered-north-atlantic-right-whales-1.4287008
Ottawa has announced this year's measures to help protect North Atlantic right whales, building
upon rules in place in the Gulf of St. Lawrence in 2018 -- when none of the endangered mammals
were found dead in Canadian waters.
Infographic: Protecting North Atlantic Right Whales. Government of Canada. 7 February 2019.
Available from: http://www.dfo-mpo.gc.ca/species-especes/mammals-mammiferes/narightwhale-
baleinenoirean/infographic/protecting-narw-eng.html Areas are defined based on the latest science
and reflect where most of right whales are expected to be foraging.
Trouble brewing off South Africa's coast. By Chris Vlavianos. Greenpeace International.
8 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.greenpeace.org/africa/en/issues/protecttheenvironment/6382/trouble-brewing-off-south-
africas-coast/ In response to the announcement that French oil giant Total has just made a
significant oil and gas discovery 175 km off the southern coast of South Africa, Greenpeace
Africa's Senior Climate and Energy Campaign Manager, Melita Steele, has said: "Greenpeace
Africa strongly condemns Total's reckless oil exploration off the coast of South Africa.
UK trawlers ignoring ban on discarding edible fish at sea. By Fiona Harvey. The Guardian.
8 February 2019. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/feb/08/uk-ban-on-
discarding-edible-fish-at-sea-thwarted-by-industry Public backing for a ban on discarding edible fish
at sea has been thwarted by the reluctance of the fishing industry and the government to put an end
to the wasteful practice, the House of Lords has found.
Brexit: Seaborne Freight no-deal ferry contract scrapped. BBC News. 9 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47182361 The government has axed its no-deal
Brexit contract with a ferry company which had no ships, after the Irish company backing the deal
pulled out.
Hapag-Lloyd and Cosco defend block exemption in comments to EU. By Tomas Kristiansen.
ShippingWatch. 11 February 2019. Available from:
https://shippingwatch.com/secure/carriers/Container/article11182845.ece Will prices increase and
customers get a better service if the container shipping sector's unique competitive rule
is discontinued?
Pakistan kicks off International Maritime Conference focusing on Indian Ocean Region.
Daily FT (Sri Lanka). 11 February 2019. Available from: http://www.ft.lk/shippingaviation/Pakistan-
kicks-off-International-Maritime-Conference-focusing-on-Indian-Ocean-Region/21-672608
The three-day International Maritime Conference organised on the theme of 'Global Geopolitics
in Transition: Rethinking Maritime Dynamics in the Indian Ocean Region' under the auspices
of National Institute of Maritime Affairs has commenced.
Trusting the accountant: How emissions reporting is set to change. By Sam Morgan.
EurActiv. 11 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2Ezpz5n Climate targets only function
if countries, cities and companies report their emissions accurately.
Sultanate all set to unlock potential of ocean economy. By Zainab Al Nasseri. Oman Daily
Observer. 11 February 2019. Available from: www.omanobserver.om/sultanate-all-set-to-unlock-
potential-of-ocean-economy/ A conference that aims to identify new technologies in ocean economy
and benefiting from them kicked off on Monday.
Sea Watch 3 still held in Catania, despite rescue vessel vacuum in the Mediterranean.
By Neil Camilleri. Malta Independent. 11 February 2019. Available from:
http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2019-02-11/local-news/Sea-Watch-3-still-held-in-Catania-
despite-rescue-vessel-vacuum-in-the-Mediterranean-6736203466 The crew of the migrant
rescue vessel Sea Watch 3 are ready to continue life saving operations in the central Mediterranean
but the vessel remains without permission to leave from Catania harbour, the NGO said yesterday.
India and Norway launch initiative to combat Marine Pollution. Government of India.
11 February 2019. Available from: http://www.pib.nic.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1563932
The Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change today signed a letter of Intent establishing
the India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative together with the Norwegian ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Deflagging of refugee rescue ship a 'dark moment' for Europe. By Karen McVeigh.
The Guardian. 12 February 2019. Available from: https://www.theguardian.com/global-
development/2019/feb/12/deflagging-refugee-rescue-ship-aquarius-a-dark-moment-for-europe
The deflagging of the Aquarius, the last migrant rescue ship in the Mediterranean, represents a
"dark moment" in European history, setting a dangerous precedent for states to flout international
humanitarian laws.
A good maritime strategy flies under radar amid Brexit chaos. By Terry Macalister.
TradeWinds. 13 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.tradewindsnews.com/weekly/1700137/a-good-maritime-strategy-flies-under-radar-amid-
brexit-chaos While the government focuses on a schism that the UK does not need, the transport
minister comes up with a blueprint for a commercially connected future.
Policymakers urged to formulate comprehensive and country specific blue economy plan.
By Donald Matthys. Namibia Economist. 13 February 2019. Available from:
https://economist.com.na/41881/headlines/policymakers-urged-to-formulate-comprehensive-and-
country-specific-blue-economy-plan/ The current blue economy strategy outlined in the 5th
National Development Plan is ambitious and might be unattainable over its 2017-2022 timeline,
unless drastic measures are taken, a report by the Institute for Public Policy Research stated.
Abu Dhabi to host World Ocean Summit in March. Emirates 24|7 (UAE). 13 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.emirates247.com/news/emirates/abu-dhabi-to-host-world-ocean-
summit-in-march-2019-02-13-1.679573 Abu Dhabi will host the sixth edition of the World Ocean
Summit next month, marking the very first time the international conference comes to the
Middle East.
Shipping costs: GWRC supports international efforts to reduce pollution from big ships.
Government of New Zealand. 14 February 2019. Available from: http://www.gw.govt.nz/shipping-
costs-gwrc-supports-international-efforts-to-reduce-pollution-from-big-ships/ The natural attributes
of Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington Harbour) are attractive to tourists and commerce alike, but
emissions remain after the vessels have headed off into the sunset.
Norway gives go-ahead to disputed Arctic copper mine. By Terje Solsvik and
Gwladys Fouche. Reuters. 14 February 2019. Available from:
http://news.trust.org/item/20190214054852-5slz9/ Norway's government approved on Thursday
the building of a copper mine near Europe's northernmost point despite years of opposition from
indigenous Sami herders and fishermen.
Paving the way for a global sustainable blue economy: Launch of the MSPglobal Initiative.
UNESCO. 14 February 2019. Available from: https://en.unesco.org/news/paving-way-global-
sustainable-blue-economy-launch-mspglobal-initiative The Intergovernmental Oceanographic
Commission (IOC) of UNESCO and the Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries
(DG MARE) of the European Commission launched their new joint initiative MSPglobal on
11-12 February 2019 in Paris, France. MSPglobal Project
Norway court rules in Oslo's favour in snow crab case with implication for oil.
By Alister Doyle and Gwladys Fouche. Euronews. 14 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.euronews.com/2019/02/14/norway-court-rules-in-oslos-favour-in-snow-crab-case-with-
implication-for-oil Ships from European Union countries need permission from Oslo to catch snow
crabs off Arctic islands north of Norway, the Norwegian Supreme Court said on Thursday, in a ruling
that may make it harder for EU nations to explore for oil in the region.
Tank vessel operator convicted and sentenced for oil discharge offense, vessel captain
indicted. US Department of Justice. 14 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/tank-vessel-operator-convicted-and-sentenced-oil-discharge-offense-
vessel-captain-indicted Interorient Marine Services Limited, a vessel operating company, was
convicted and sentenced yesterday in the Western District of Louisiana, for maintaining false and
incomplete records relating to the discharge of oil from the tank vessel Ridgebury Alexandra Z,
announced Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Environment and Natural
Resources Division and United States Attorney David C. Joseph for the Western District
of Louisiana.
Brexit deadline looms for Asia-bound ships as slow boats to China set sail from the UK.
By Finbarr Bermingham. South China Morning Post. 15 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/2186359/brexit-deadline-looms-asia-bound-
ships-slow-boats-china-set Dozens of cargo ships will set sail on Friday from the UK on journeys
that will see them enter Asian ports after the United Kingdom has left the European Union.
Why Kenya and Somalia are fighting over ocean boundary. By Eliud Kibii and
Imende Benjamin. The Star (Kenya). 18 February 2019. Available from: https://www.the-
star.co.ke/news/2019/02/18/why-kenya-and-somalia-are-fighting-over-ocean-boundary_c1895998
Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre's defiance not to postpone or stop the London meeting
where contentious oil blocks were "auctioned" escalated diplomatic friction with Kenya.
Ridding the Arctic of the world's dirtiest fuel. By Dave Walsh. The Ecologist. 19 February 2019.
Available from: https://theecologist.org/2019/feb/19/ridding-arctic-worlds-dirtiest-fuel
Shipping specialists from around the world are shuttering themselves in the International Maritime
Organization's central London headquarters this week to thrash out a number of issues surrounding
the threat of pollution to the climate and oceans from the global shipping industry.
Technologies for removing CO2 from the atmosphere will need to be integrated into climate
policy in 2019, say national science academies across the EU. European Academies Science
Advisory Council (EASAC). 19 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2SKdZtd In a new
statement, the European Academies' Science Advisory Council (EASAC), which represents
the national science academies of the EU Member States, Norway, and Switzerland, says its
latest analysis reveals that technologies and techniques for removing CO2 from the atmosphere
are becoming even more significant with the failure to reverse the growth in global emissions.
MARINA gears up for IMSAS 2021. Government of the Philippines. 20 February 2019.
Available from: http://marina.gov.ph/2019/02/20/marina-gears-up-for-imsas-2021/ To gear up
the country's overall performance as a Member State in the incoming International Maritime
Organization Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) on 2021, the Maritime Industry Authority
(MARINA) hosts a training and workshop for the Philippine maritime administration on 18 to
22 February 2019.
Africa must invest in the new 'high seas' treaty. By Agnes Ebo'o. Institute for Security Studies.
20 February 2019. Available from: https://issafrica.org/iss-today/africa-must-invest-in-the-new-high-
seas-treaty With its vast coastline and high levels of organised crime, treaty negotiations must
include Africa's priorities.
Shipping organizations: Protecting Salish Sea is a shared responsibility. World Maritime News.
21 February 2019. Available from: https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/271855/ Canada's
Chamber of Shipping and the US-based Pacific Merchant Shipping Association (PMSA) have
urged governments of the two nations to respect the binational collaboration aimed at protecting
the Salish Sea.
ISMI empowers 30 fishery officers to clampdown illicit fishing on the gulf waters.
By Emmanuel Ajarfor Abugri. Modern Ghana. 21 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.modernghana.com/news/917336/ismi-empowers-30-fishery-officers-to-clampdown-illicit-
fishi.html The Interregional Institute for Maritime Security has deepened the capacity of fishery
officers to fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated fishing in the Gulf of Guinea.
Joint Pilot Project EUBAM - FRONTEX - Italy for the Libyan General Administration for
Coastal Security (GACS). European Union. 21 February 2019. Available from:
https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/58534 The Joint Pilot training
is organised by EUBAM Libya, the Italian Ministry of Interior, and Frontex.
Maritime regulator takes the lead in mangrove conservation efforts. By Philip Mwakio.
Standard Digital (Kenya). 22 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/business/article/2001313960/maritime-regulator-takes-the-lead-in-
mangrove-conservation-efforts Maritime regulator, Kenya Maritime Authority (KMA) has stepped up
efforts to conserve the endangered mangrove forest cover along the Coast by planting over 3000
seedlings.
Attention shifts to ICJ as Kenya stands ground on border dispute. By Brian Ngugi. Business
Daily (Kenya). 24 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/economy/Kenya-stands-ground-on-border-dispute/3946234-
4997262-c47pq3/index.html Attention shifts to the international court after Kenya last week set its
"bare minimum" on the raging border dispute with Somalia over a coastal strip believed to harbour
oil, natural gas and mineral reserves.
Top UN judges set to rule on Chagos islands dispute. Channel News Asia. 25 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/world/top-un-judges-set-to-rule-on-chagos-
islands-dispute-11286110 The UN's top court could help resolve a decades-long dispute over
Britain's eviction of the Chagos islanders to make way for a secretive military base on Diego Garcia,
in an opinion to be delivered Monday.
UK must end 'unlawful' administration of Chagos Archipelago 'as rapidly as possible,' top
UN court rules. UN News. 25 February 2019. Available from:
https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/02/1033532 The Chagos Islands were retained by the United
Kingdom during negotiations over independence for the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius, which
came to fruition in 1968.
Legal consequences of the separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius in 1965.
International Court of Justice (ICJ). 25 February 2019. Available from: https://www.icj-
cij.org/files/case-related/169/169-20190225-01-00-EN.pdf Events leading to the adoption
of General Assembly resolution 71/292 requesting an advisory opinion.
US climate and oceans agency hit by leadership shake-up. By Jeff Tollefson. Nature.
26 February 2019. Available from: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-019-00702-z Former
industry scientist Neil Jacobs takes over as acting chief of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration in a sudden switch.
ICS voices its concerns on the new Canadian Legislation. Safety4Sea. 26 February 2019.
Available from: https://safety4sea.com/ics-voices-its-concerns-on-the-new-canadian-legislation/
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), that represents the world's national shipowners'
associations and 80% of the world merchant fleet, addressed its concerns about the Canadian
proposed legislation which it says will interfere with international maritime trade.
Tackling illegal fishing, new marine ranger force finds its sea legs. By Melanie Lidman.
Times of Israel. 28 February 2019. Available from: https://www.timesofisrael.com/tackling-illegal-
fishing-new-marine-ranger-force-finds-its-sea-legs/ A new marine ranger force aimed at stopping
illegal fishing in Israel has netted more than a quarter of a million shekels in fines in the first seven
months of operation, the Nature and Parks Authority announced this month.
MARINE TECHNOLOGY
Ballast water systems supplier in sales record in 2018. By Christian Carlsen. ShippingWatch.
30 January 2019. Available from: https://shippingwatch.com/secure/suppliers/article11158509.ece
2018 brought a record revenue for Norwegian ballast water treatment systems supplier Optimarin.
Batteries have power to transform cruising. Ship & Bunker. 31 January 2019. Available from:
https://shipandbunker.com/news/world/693458-batteries-have-power-to-transform-cruising
Norwegian cruise operator Hurtigruten is building two ships powered by electricity from batteries.
Royal Navy boosts autonomous vessel capabilities. Maritime Executive. 5 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/royal-navy-boosts-autonomous-vessel-
capabilities L3 ASV has delivered a long-endurance autonomous vessel known as the C-Enduro
to the Royal Navy.
Open-loop scrubbers - an own goal for the shipping industry. By Marcus Hand.
Seatrade Maritime News. 7 February 2019. Available from: http://www.seatrade-
maritime.com/news/asia/open-loop-scrubbers-an-own-goal-for-the-shipping-industry.html The
debate currently raging over the use of open-loop scrubbers to meet the requirements of the
IMO's 2020 0.5% sulphur cap for marine fuel represents a massive own goal by the industry
from both a PR and global regulatory perspective.
Startup wants to use robots as cleaners for ships. By Simon Valeur. ShippingWatch.
11 February 2019. Available from: https://shippingwatch.com/secure/Services/article11183221.ece
J. Lauritzen and Norden have already installed several of Cliin's new cleaning robots in order to save
time and money on cleaning cargo holds.
Wilhelmsen and Hitachi High-Tech Analytical Science partnership delivers convenient IMO
2020 compliance, with quick and easy on-board fuel sulphur testing. Wilhelmsen.
11 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2SNCqWw With the International Maritime
Organisation's 0.50% global sulphur cap on marine fuels set to come into force on 1 January 2020
and discussions on enforcement strategies and potential penalties for non-compliance gathering
pace, the ability to perform lab-quality testing in seconds, will soon become an operational necessity
for crews, and authorities, alike.
Drones to monitor rising emissions from shipping. Asia Pacific Daily (China). 12 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.apdnews.com/news/937129.html?node=781 Hong Kong is gearing up
to use drones to monitor emissions from ships.
Maritime autonomous surface ships on the horizon. By Jarle Fosen. Gard. 13 February 2019.
Available from: http://www.gard.no/web/updates/content/27107214/maritime-autonomous-surface-
ships-on-the-horizon Technological advances and the need for sustainable solutions at sea, require
safe, flexible and adaptable approaches.
Class approved new scrubber technologie from Value Maritime. Value Maritime.
14 February 2019. Available from: https://valuemaritime.com/class-approved-new-scrubber-
technology/ Lloyds has approved certification for the new Value Maritime scrubber system.
Fuel consumption and CO2 emissions reporting application released by Bureau Veritas.
Hellenic Shipping News. 15 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/fuel-consumption-and-co2-emissions-reporting-application-
released-by-bureau-veritas/ Bureau Veritas, a world leader in laboratory testing, inspection, and
certification services, announces the release of 'Phase 2' of My Fuel Consumption (MFC), the online
tool to facilitate compliance with fuel consumption regulations – both IMO's data collection system
(DCS) and the EU's monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) requirements.
MOL conducts underwater drone demonstration test for vessel bottom inspection - checking
condition of submerged areas of the hull using remotely operated subsea vehicle. Mitsui
O.S.K.Lines (MOL). 19 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2NLWY0N Mitsui O.S.K.
Lines, Ltd., today announced that it partnered with Sekido Co., Ltd., and MOL Marine Co., Ltd.,
to test the use of a Remotely Operated Subsea Vehicle (subsea ROV) to inspect the submerged
areas of the hull on an MOL Marine-operated cable-laying ship.
Maersk could cut CO2 faster with retrofits, says UCL. Hellenic Shipping News.
25 February 2019. Available from: https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/maersk-could-cut-co2-
faster-with-retrofits-says-ucl/ Maersk has declared its intent of becoming the first shipping line to
achieve zero-emission shipping, introducing a specific segment on its progress in this year's
sustainability report.
Hype around open loop scrubbers likely to risk IMO 2020 compliance: EGCSA.
By Surabhi Sahu. S&P Global Platts. 26 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/shipping/022619-hype-around-open-
loop-scrubbers-likely-to-risk-imo-2020-compliance-egcsa The Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems
Association said Monday that fanning unnecessary concerns over the use of open loop scrubbers
were adding to the uncertainty around compliance to the International Maritime Organization's global
sulfur limit for marine fuels.
Interview: The ins and outs of scrubbers. World Maritime News. 26 February 2019.
Available from: https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/272161/interview-the-ins-and-outs-of-
scrubbers/ In preparation for the upcoming global sulphur cap, set to enter into force in January
2020, many owners opted to install exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) on their vessels to
attain compliance.
Maritime autonomous surface ships - identifying and covering the risks. Gard.
27 February 2019. Available from: http://www.gard.no/web/updates/content/27188643/maritime-
autonomous-surface-ships-identifying-and-covering-the-risks In this article, we focus on the
challenges of adapting the existing regulatory regime and traditional marine insurance policy
wordings to autonomous vessels.
Ship Technology Global Issue 63: Bringing space tech to the seas. Ship-Technology.com.
27 February 2019. Available from: https://www.ship-technology.com/features/ship-technology-
global-issue-63-bringing-space-tech-to-the-seas/ In this issue: three key solutions for decarbonizing
shipping, the potential for fuel cells in propulsion, cleaning up ports around the world, and more.
EMSA launches the "European Neighbours Policy" Maritime Fellowships at WMU. World
Maritime University (WMU). 7 February 2019. Available from: https://www.wmu.se/news/emsa-
launches-european-neighbours-policy-maritime-fellowships-wmu The European Maritime Safety
Agency (EMSA) officially launched nominations of candidates to join the next class of the Master
of Science in Maritime Affairs at the World Maritime University (WMU) for the class 2019-2020.
Update STCW to address technical training. By Martyn Wingrove. Marine Propulsion & Auxiliary
Machinery. 12 February 2019. Available from: https://www.mpropulsion.com/news/view,update-
stcw-to-address-technical-training_56802.htm IMO's standard training requirements may no
longer be enough to satisfy owner's requirements for their crew to show competency in the latest
technology.
Pacific Community conducts Domestic Ship Safety Training in Port Vila. By Jason Abel.
Vanuatu Daily Post. 12 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2tPqiKH The Pacific
Community is conducting a 3-day training on Pacific Islands Domestic Ship Safety in Port Vila.
Seafarers of the future: Schulte takes a bet on Africa. By Ian Lewis. TradeWinds.
19 February 2019. Available from: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/TWplus/1692618/seafarers-of-
the-future-schulte-takes-a-bet-on-africa The nations that provide the world's seafarers cannot be
relied on to do so forever, says Ian Beveridge.
Maritime Educational Foundation improves access to training support with new website.
Nautilus International. 21 February 2019. Available from: https://www.nautilusint.org/en/news-
insight/news/maritime-educational-foundation-improves-access-to-training-support-with-new-website/
Nautilus has welcomed a new seafarer training website which has been launched by the Maritime
Educational Foundation.
MARITIME SAFETY
Cargo liquefaction continues to be a major risk for dry bulk shipping. International Association
of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO). 31 January 2019. Available from:
https://www.intercargo.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/INTERCARGO-MEDIA-
RELEASE_31_01_2019-1.pdf INTERCARGO welcomes the latest amendment to the
International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC 04-17) which entered into force
on 1st January 2019 and includes important updates related to cargoes that may liquefy.
Gas detection: technology drives safety gains. By Ed Martin. Tanker Shipping & Trade.
11 February 2019. Available from: https://www.tankershipping.com/news/view,gas-detection-
technology-drives-safety-gains_56795.htm The risk of gas leaks on board tankers was thrown
into the spotlight recently following a high-profile incident in California late last year.
MARITIME SECURITY
Cyber preparedness is needed to meet IMO safety requirements. By Ed Martin.
Maritime Digitalisation & Communications. 28 January 2019. Available from:
https://www.marinemec.com/news/view,cyber-preparedness-is-needed-to-meet-imo-safety-
requirements_56595.htm When most people in shipping hear about IMO requirements, they
immediately think of the 2020 sulphur cap that has dominated headlines lately, but there is
another deadline coming up that requires consideration too – the requirement for cyber security
to be addressed in safety management systems by January 2021.
Huge cocaine shipment swapped with salt to catch traffickers. By Lorenzo Tondo.
The Guardian. 31 January 2019. Available from:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/31/two-tonnes-of-cocaine-seized-at-italian-port
Italian police have taken possession of more than two tonnes of cocaine in the largest drugs seizure
in the country in 25 years, after a sting operation involving three other nations across two continents.
Sea Shepherd vessel attacked again in Gulf of California. Maritime Executive. 2 February 2019.
Available from: https://maritime-executive.com/article/sea-shepherd-vessel-attacked-again-in-gulf-of-
california On January 31, Sea Shepherd Vessel M/V Farley Mowat was attacked by over 50
assailants the organization says were posing as fishermen.
RAN seizes illegal drug shipments in the Middle East. Government of Australia. 2 February 2019.
Available from: http://news.navy.gov.au/en/Feb2019/Operations/5049/RAN-seizes-illegal-drug-
shipments-in-the-Middle-East.htm Royal Australian Navy frigate, HMAS Ballarat, has seized more
than 2.1 tonnes of hashish and 345 kilograms of heroin in two boarding operations in the Arabian
Sea.
Eastern Pacific Shipping tanker seized at Cameroon refinery. By Vincent Wee. Lloyd's List.
3 February 2019. Available from:
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126120/Eastern-Pacific-Shipping-tanker-
seized-at-Cameroon-refinery Eastern Pacific Shipping has confirmed that its aframax tanker
Barents Sea has been seized by local parties at the Sonara refinery in Cameroon and condemned
what it called an "act of unprovoked aggression".
Piracy and high seas crime growing, becoming more sophisticated, UN Security Council told.
UN News. 5 February 2019. Available from: https://news.un.org/en/story/2019/02/1032011
"Two-thirds of the world's surface is ocean. Nearly all of that is beyond any State's territorial waters
and largely not subject to a single state criminal jurisdiction," Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of the
UNODC said as he briefed the Council's first-ever debate targeting the global challenge of
transnational maritime crime.
Global shipping makes the connection on Cyber Security. By Peter Broadhurst. Safety4Sea.
6 February 2019. Available from: https://safety4sea.com/global-shipping-makes-the-connection-on-
cyber-security/ Whether in pursuit of personal data or money, cyber crime is now a big and highly
automated business, ready to strike at the most vulnerable part of an organisation's defences 24/7,
anywhere in the world.
SA playing its part to curb maritime crime. South African Government News Agency.
6 February 2019. Available from: https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/sa-playing-its-part-curb-
maritime-crime South Africa says it is actively playing its part to combat transnational organised
maritime crime, while remaining committed to its international obligations aimed at combating
lawlessness at sea.
Key actions to protect submarine cables from criminal activity identified at UNODC global
expert meeting. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). 7 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/frontpage/2019/February/key-actions-to-protect-
submarine-cables-from-criminal-activity-identified-at-unodc-global-expert-meeting.html?ref=fs2
While many believe that the majority of global telecommunications, including the internet, is
transmitted through satellite, the reality is that over 95% of such communication occurs through
fibre-optic cables.
Gov't forces strengthen maritime security in Davao. By Rhoda Grace Saron. Philippine
Information Agency (PIA). 14 February 2019. Available from:http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1061820
Law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), led by the Coast Guard
District Southeastern Mindanao (CGDSEM), on Wednesday conducted an Inter-agency Maritime
Law Enforcement and Search and Rescue Exercise to further strengthen security at this city's
shorelines and ports.
New data and analysis cell to help combat illegal fishing. By Sarah Bladen. Global Fishing
Watch. 14 February 2019. Available from: https://globalfishingwatch.org/news-views/analysis-cell/
Global Fishing Watch with the support of Bloomberg Philanthropies, today launched a new Data and
Analysis Cell, with the appointment of Charles Kilgour to lead the new unit within the organisation.
Protection Vessels International: Weekly Maritime Security Report: East Africa and the Indian
Ocean. Hellenic Shipping News. 15 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/weekly-maritime-security-report-19/ India: Robbers attempt
to board berthed tanker at Kandla Port.
The navy's sustained fight against maritime crimes. This Day (Nigeria). 18 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/02/18/the-navys-sustained-fight-against-
maritime-crimes/ Chiemelie Ezeobi, who takes a look at Nigerian Navy's operations in 2018, writes
that the sustained fight against maritime crimes is yielding results despite daunting challenges.
The hunt for the fish pirates who exploit the sea. By Richard Gray. BBC Future.
18 February 2019. Available from: http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20190213-the-dramatic-hunt-for-
the-fish-pirates-exploiting-our-seas For 10 years, a rogue fishing vessel and its crew plundered
the world's oceans, escaping repeated attempts of capture.
Ship Captains cry out over incessant attacks at Onne Port. By Andrew Utulu.
Independent (Nigeria). 27 February 2019. Available from: https://www.independent.ng/ship-
captains-cry-out-over-incessant-attacks-at-onne-port/ Captains of Ships have cried out over criminal
attacks on ships that berth at the Federal Ocean Terminal and the Federal Lighter Terminal located
at Onne port in Rivers State.
MIGRANTS
More than 130 migrants reported missing following two shipwrecks off Djibouti coast.
International Organization for Migration (IOM). 29 January 2019. Available from:
https://www.iom.int/news/more-130-migrants-reported-missing-following-two-shipwrecks-djibouti-
coast More than 130 migrants went missing on Tuesday morning (29 January) off the coast of
Djibouti after two boats capsized.
Death toll mounts as search continues for survivors of Djibouti boat tragedy. International
Organization for Migration (IOM). 30 January 2019. Available from: https://www.iom.int/news/death-
toll-mounts-search-continues-survivors-djibouti-boat-tragedy International Organization for Migration
(IOM) staff based in Obock, on Djibouti's Red Sea coast, are reporting Wednesday that a total of 16
survivors have been recovered from Tuesday's sea tragedy.
Sea Watch rescue ship docks in Italy with 47 migrants. Deutsche Welle (Germany).
31 January 2019. Available from: https://www.dw.com/en/sea-watch-rescue-ship-docks-in-italy-with-
47-migrants/a-47305077 The latest standoff between Italy and the EU over sea rescues has ended
with 47 migrants landing in Sicily.
Mediterranean migrant arrivals reach 5,989 in 2019; Deaths reach 208. International
Organization for Migration (IOM). 1 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.iom.int/news/mediterranean-migrant-arrivals-reach-5989-2019-deaths-reach-208
IOM reports that 5,989 migrants and refugees have entered Europe by sea through the first
30 days of 2019, a slight decrease from the 6,550 arriving during the same period last year.
Mediterranean migrant arrivals reach 6,413 in 2019; Deaths reach 208. International
Organization for Migration (IOM). 5 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.iom.int/news/mediterranean-migrant-arrivals-reach-6413-2019-deaths-reach-208
IOM reports that 6,413 migrants and refugees have entered Europe by sea through the first
34 days of 2019, a 17 percent decrease from the 7,499 arriving during the same period last year.
Mediterranean migrant arrivals reach 6,932; Deaths reach 211. International Organization for
Migration (IOM). 8 February 2019. Available from: https://www.iom.int/news/mediterranean-migrant-
arrivals-reach-6932-deaths-reach-211 IOM reports that 6,932 migrants and refugees have entered
Europe by sea through the first 38 days of 2019, a 12 per cent decrease from the 7,795 arriving
during the same period last year.
Mediterranean migrant arrivals reach 7,113 in 2019; Deaths reach 216. International
Organization for Migration (IOM). 12 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.iom.int/news/mediterranean-migrant-arrivals-reach-7113-2019-deaths-reach-216
IOM reports that 7,113 migrants and refugees have entered Europe by sea through the first
10 February, a significant decrease from the 8,234 arriving during the same period last year.
Mediterranean migrant arrivals reach 7,510 in 2019; Deaths reach 217. International
Organization for Migration (IOM). 15 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.iom.int/news/mediterranean-migrant-arrivals-reach-7510-2019-deaths-reach-217
IOM reports that 7,510 migrants and refugees have entered Europe by sea through the first 44
days of 2019, almost a 9 per cent decline from the 8,234 arriving during the same period last year.
Channel migrant boat off Dover held 34 people. BBC News. 18 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-47282916 A group of 34 migrants have been
brought ashore after the Border Force intercepted a boat in the Channel.
Mediterranean migrant arrivals reach 8,058 in 2019; Deaths reach 217. International
Organization for Migration (IOM). 19 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.iom.int/news/mediterranean-migrant-arrivals-reach-8058-2019-deaths-reach-217
IOM reports that 8,058 migrants and refugees have entered Europe by sea through the first 58
days of 2019, a 10 per cent decrease from the 8,807 arriving during the same period last year.
Spain and Morocco reach deal to curb irregular migration flows. By María Martín and
Lucía Abellán. El País (Spain). 21 February 2019. Available from:
https://elpais.com/elpais/2019/02/21/inenglish/1550736538_089908.html Spain and Morocco
have reached an agreement on an unprecedented strategy to contain irregular immigration.
Mediterranean migrant arrivals reach 8,269 in 2019; Deaths reach 221. International
Organization for Migration (IOM). 22 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.iom.int/news/mediterranean-migrant-arrivals-reach-8269-2019-deaths-reach-221
IOM reports that 8,269 migrants and refugees have entered Europe by sea through 20 February,
a 15 per cent decrease from the 9,765 arriving during the same period last year.
Mediterranean migrant arrivals reach 8,950 in 2019; Deaths reach 223. International
Organization for Migration (IOM). 27 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.iom.int/news/mediterranean-migrant-arrivals-reach-8950-2019-deaths-reach-223
IOM reports that 8,950 migrants and refugees have entered Europe by sea through 24 February,
a 10 per cent decrease from the 10,016 arriving during the same period last year.
IMO moves closer to standardisation and safer navigation. By Mette Kronholm Fraende.
BIMCO. 30 January 2019. Available from: https://www.bimco.org/news/safety/20190130-imo-
navigation A sub-committee under the IMO have forwarded three documents for adoption in
June, moving one step closer to the adoption of a standardised system for electronic navigation.
Ice and easy: The next level of hybridization. Hellenic Shipping News. 1 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/ice-and-easy-the-next-level-of-hybridization/
The demanding conditions of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia are plain sailing for MS Viikki,
the world's first LNG-fueled bulk carrier, thanks to an innovative delivery from WE Tech.
China Focus: BeiDou achieves real-time transmission of deep-sea data. Xinhuanet (China).
1 February 2019. Available from: http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-02/01/c_137792605.htm
China has achieved real-time transmission of deep-sea data at 6,000-meter depth through its
self-developed BeiDou satellites for the first time, a move essential to more secure, independent
and reliable deep-sea data transmission.
Iranian ships with no problem to commute in int'l waters. Islamic Republic News
Agency - IRNA (Iran). 12 February 2019. Available from: http://www.irna.ir/en/News/83207070
Deputy Director of Marine Affairs of Ports and Maritime Organization of Iran said that although Iran
is facing unfair sanctions and all-out economic war, Iranian ship in terms of insurance, classification
and transportation in international waters have no problems.
If sea levels rise and Pacific nations go under water - what happens to maritime boundaries?
By Stephen Dziedzic. ABC (Australia). 12 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-13/what-happens-to-maritime-boundaries-after-sea-level-
rise/10804478 Scientists have long predicted climate change could pose an existential threat to
the tiny island nations which dot the Pacific.
Spain and Gibraltar offer differing accounts of warship incident. By Guy Faulconbridge,
Jose Elias Rodriguez, and Joan Faus. Reuters. 18 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-britain-spain-gibraltar-idUSKCN1Q70L6 Authorities in Madrid
and Gibraltar gave differing versions on Monday of an incident in which a Spanish warship told
commercial ships to leave anchorages near Gibraltar, the latest example of tension over the
strategic port as Brexit approaches.
Magnetic North Relocation and Future Maritime Navigation. By Harry Valentine. Maritime
Executive. 23 February 2019. Available from: https://www.maritime-
executive.com/editorials/magnetic-north-relocation-and-future-maritime-navigation Recent scientific
reports have advised about magnetic north drifting toward Siberia, and steps are being undertaken to
assist international transportation in regard to directional accuracy.
Foreign flagged ships detained in the UK during January 2019. UK Maritime & Coastguard
Agency. 20 February 2019. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/foreign-flagged-
ships-detained-in-the-uk-during-january-2019 The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA)
announced today that four foreign flagged ships remained under detention in UK ports during
January 2019 after failing Port State Control (PSC) inspection.
Higher fuel prices in 2020 could shift 1.2m teu back to US West Coast ports. By Barry Parker.
Seatrade Maritime News. 1 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2UrXHHf The expanded
Panama Canal saw container trade switching from the US West Coast calls, with landbridge
connections inland, to calls on the East Coast, however, higher fuel costs associated with the
IMO's 2020 sulphur cap could drive up to 1.2m teu of trade back to West Coast ports.
Agreement signed for waste disposal facility. Times of Oman. 2 February 2019. Available from:
https://timesofoman.com/article/775094/Business/Economy/Pact-signed-for-state-of-the-art-waste-
discharge-facility-at-Sohar-Port The signing took place at the Sohar Port and Freezone head office,
and reinforces its commitment towards incorporating environmentally friendly solutions and initiatives
and promoting sustainable development in and around the port and freezone.
Port agency steps up effort to curb ship pollution. By Samuel Baya. Business Daily (Kenya).
5 February 2019. Available from: https://www.businessdailyafrica.com/corporate/shipping/Port-
agency-steps-up-effort-to-curb-ship-pollution/4003122-4968352-orx3ykz/index.html More than
500 ships that docked at the Port of Mombasa last year were inspected in a drive to reduce sulphur
emissions.
UK ports and Brexit - ready or not? By Felicity Landon. Seatrade Maritime News.
5 February 2019. Available from: http://www.seatrade-maritime.com/news/europe/uk-ports-and-
brexit-ready-or-not.html According to a survey on preparedness for Brexit by Odgers Berndtson,
only 16% of about 100 UK ports and harbour authorities have made any 'significant or practical'
plans for Brexit, but 59% expect a negative or strongly negative impact.
Port Insight: follow barges online. Port of Rotterdam. 5 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.portofrotterdam.com/en/news-and-press-releases/port-insight-follow-barges-online
Port Insight started on 20 November: the joint venture of the Port of Rotterdam Authority with
TWTG, a progressive player in the development of I-IoT solutions (industrial internet of things).
Calais bans 'disrespectful' Grayling over Brexit ports plan. Lloyd's List. 6 February 2019.
Available from: https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126156/Calais-bans-
disrespectful-Grayling-over-Brexit-ports-plan The head of the Port of Calais has said Britain's
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling is no longer welcome because of UK plans to divert some
sea traffic in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
KPA to handle 1.6 million containers by 2022. By Charles Mghenyi. The Star (Kenya).
9 February 2019. Available from: https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2019/02/09/kpa-to-handle-16-
million-containers-by-2022_c1891840 The Kenya Ports Authority on Friday launched its five-year
( 2018-2022 ) plan to improve services at the Mombasa port.
Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Piraeus and the Ports of Venice and
Chioggia to strengthen the cargo flows. Piraeus Port Authority. 11 February 2019.
Available from: http://www.olp.gr/en/press-releases/item/4290 The CEO of the Port Authority
of Piraeus, Captain Fu Chengqiu and the President of the North Adriatic Sea Port Authority,
Pino Musolino, during a meeting held at the PPA headquarters, signed today a Memorandum
of Understanding aimed at strengthening relations and cargo flows between the two ports.
Vancouver Fraser Port Authority expands noise reduction criteria to encourage quieter
waters for endangered whales. Port of Vancouver. 11 February 2019. Available from:
https://bit.ly/2TwNTya The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority has expanded its industry-leading
EcoAction* Program to encourage ships that call on the Port of Vancouver to quiet the waters
for the endangered whale population along the southern coast of British Columbia.
World Ports Sustainability Program launches plan to integrate UN SDGs in the business
strategies and governance of Port Authorities. World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP).
13 February 2019. Available from: https://sustainableworldports.org/wpsp-launches-plan-to-
integrate-un-sdgs-into-ports-governance/ March WPSP meeting hosted by UNCTAD in Geneva
to define potential port authority actions per UN Sustainable Development Goal, measurement
performance indicators as well as guiding tools and methodologies for use in practice.
Ukraine ports eye larger share of Asia cargo - media. UNIAN News Agency (Ukraine).
14 February 2019. Available from: https://economics.unian.info/10446000-ukraine-ports-eye-larger-
share-of-asia-cargo-media.html Seaports in Ukraine are working to grab an even larger share of
containerized cargo moving to the European Union from Asia by further developing domestic
container terminals and increasing the quality of services provided to shippers.
Panama Canal reducing draught for new locks for third time. By Michele Labrut.
Seatrade Maritime News. 15 February 2019. Available from: http://www.seatrade-
maritime.com/news/americas/panama-canal-reducing-draught-for-new-locks-for-third-time.html
The new authorised draught, effective 13 March 2019, for vessels transiting the neo-panamax
locks will be 14.33 metres (47.0 feet) Tropical Fresh Water (TFW) down from 14.63 metres
(48.0 feet) effective since 11 February.
'Smarter' ports can help cut emissions. By James Baker. Lloyd's List. 19 February 2019.
Available from: https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126332/Smarter-ports-can-
help-cut-emissions Port development has been identified as one of the key areas tied to the
International Maritime Organization's greenhouse gas strategy, but more work needs to be done
to bring together the various actors in the supply chain if the available improvements are to be
realised.
Ports sector failing to take cyber security seriously. By James Baker. Lloyd's List.
20 February 2019. Available from:
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126353/Ports-sector-failing-to-take-
cybersecurity-seriously The ports sector and wider maritime industry are failing to take cyber
security seriously enough and is unlikely to until a major incident occurs, experts have warned.
APM Terminals Barcelona increases reefer capacity and reduces CO2 emissions.
APM Terminals. 22 February 2019. Available from: https://www.apmterminals.com/en/news/press-
releases/2019/apm-terminals-barcelona-increases-reefer-capacity-and-reduces-co2-emissions
In response to rapidly growing customer demand, APM Terminals Barcelona, Spain has
increased reefer capacity by 31%.
Drewry study concludes Port of Dover has the resilience to cope with moderate Brexit
disruption. Drewry Shipping Consultants. 27 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.drewry.co.uk/news/independent-study-concludes-port-of-dover-has-the-resilience-to-
cope-with-moderate-brexit-disruption The Port of Dover has the resilience to cope with moderate
disruption arising from Brexit and there is latent short sea capacity to absorb significant overflow at
the port in the event of capacity constraints, according to an independent study by global shipping
consultancy Drewry.
REGULATIONS
More stringent marine sulfur limits mean changes for U.S. refiners and ocean vessels.
US Energy Information Administration (EIA). 4 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=38233 The implementation of new regulations
affecting marine fuel specifications will have implications for crude oil and petroleum product markets
over the coming decade.
Carriers could face freight surge ahead of IMO 2020. By James Baker. Lloyd's List.
6 February 2019. Available from:
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126169/Carriers-could-face-freight-surge-
ahead-of-IMO-2020 Carriers could benefit from another surge in freight later this year as shippers
seek to frontload cargo ahead of the imposition of higher surcharges for fuel ahead of the imposition
of IMO2020 low-sulphur rules.
European Commission calls for 'urgent' changes to IMO scrubber rules. By Michael Juliano.
TradeWinds. 7 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/1696167/european-commission-calls-for-urgent-
changes-to-imo-scrubber-rules IMO rules on exhaust gas scrubbers must be changed as soon as
possible to prevent major disruption to the marine environment and shipping industry, the European
Commission says in a new report.
IUMI raises concerns over safety from delays of IMO 2020. By Adam Corbett. TradeWinds.
11 February 2019. Available from: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/1696867/iumi-
raises-concerns-over-safety-from-delays-of-imo-2020 The International Union of Marine Insurance
has expressed concern over the slow rate of progress at the IMO in addressing safety issues related
to the new global sulphur regulation.
A piece of the puzzle is missing. By Craig Jallal. Tanker Shipping & Trade. 12 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.tankershipping.com/news/view,a-piece-of-the-puzzle-is-
missing_56809.htm In exactly 12 months' time the shipping industry may regret the lack of
engagement with refiners.
IMO 2020: More than Fuel Choice. By Serge Dal Farra. MarineLink. 12 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.marinelink.com/news/imo-fuel-choice-462774 With a year to go
before the implementation of the 2020 Sulfur Cap, few topics will be higher on the list of priorities
or shipowners than complying with Annex VI of the IMO MARPOL Convention (2008).
P&I club cover needs to adapt to evolving regulatory landscape. By Christian Ott.
TradeWinds. 12 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.tradewindsnews.com/insurance/1696875/pandi-club-cover-needs-to-adapt-to-evolving-
regulatory-landscape Issues around ballast water and fuel regulations require urgent attention to
ensure the club system continues to meet shipowners' challenges and liabilities.
The Swedish Club delivers expert advice on dealing with the Sulphur Cap 2020. Swedish Club.
12 February 2019. Available from: https://www.swedishclub.com/news/press-releases/the-swedish-
club-delivers-expert-advice-on-dealing-with-the-sulphur-cap-2020 On 1 January 2020 vessel owners
must have made the decision to install exhaust gas scrubbers or to burn low sulphur or alternative
fuels. Sulphur Guide
Web Alert: 'FONAR' systems in view of the 2020 sulphur regulations. Standard Club.
13 February 2019. Available from: http://www.standard-club.com/news-and-
knowledge/news/2019/02/web-alert-fonar-systems-in-view-of-the-2020-sulphur-regulations
The IMO has attempted to reduce airborne emissions from ships through Annex VI of the
MARPOL Convention, which first came into force in 2005.
Interview: EU MRV data could aid IMO 2020 rule compliance: Verifavia CEO. By Surabhi Sahu.
S&P Global Platts. 13 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2TwNnAi Compliance to the
International Maritime Organization's global sulfur limit for marine fuels could be aided by data
gathered by verifiers through the EU Monitoring, Reporting, Verification, or MRV, process,
Verifavia CEO Julien Dufour told S&P Global Platts Friday.
Global sulphur cap to impact operations at Petrojam. The Gleaner (Jamaica). 15 February 2019.
Available from: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/news/20190215/global-sulphur-cap-impact-
operations-petrojam With the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) imposing a 0.5 per cent
global sulphur cap on marine fuels effective January 1, 2020, Petrojam's sale of heavy fuel oil will
be restricted, according to the state owned oil refinery.
GPCA: IMO 2020 to impact GCC chemical industry on two major fronts. Manifold
Times (Singapore). 18 February 2019. Available from: https://www.manifoldtimes.com/news/d/gpca-
imo-2020-to-impact-gcc-chemical-industry-on-two-major-fronts With no delays expected for the
implementation of the new International Maritime Organization (IMO) bunker fuel regulation, from
Jan.1, 2020, shipowners will be required to meet the 0.5% global sulphur cap on fuel content, vs.
the present limit of 3.5%.
How might the IMO's 2020 fuel changes alter shipping firms' exposures? Hellenic Shipping
News. 19 February 2019. Available from: https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/how-might-the-
imos-2020-fuel-changes-alter-shipping-firms-exposures/ The global maritime industry is heading
full sail towards a new 0.5% global sulphur cap on fuel content, which will be imposed by the IMO
on January 01, 2020.
Why the price of almost everything could go up in 2020. By Nelson Bennett. Vancouver
Courier (Canada). 20 February 2019. Available from: https://www.vancourier.com/news/why-the-
price-of-almost-everything-could-go-up-in-2020-1.23639632 Starting in 2020, and perhaps even
this year, the cost of virtually everything could go up.
CSA 2020 voices concerns over scrubber proposal from European Commission.
By Clean Shipping Alliance 2020. Hellenic Shipping News. 21 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/csa-2020-voices-concerns-over-scrubber-proposal-from-
european-commission/ The Clean Shipping Alliance 2020 (CSA 2020) today expressed strong
concerns about a proposal submitted by the European Commission which urges the IMO to
change its Exhaust Gas Cleaning System ("scrubber") guidelines.
Interview: Counting down to Ballast Water compliance. Maritime Executive. 22 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/interview-counting-down-to-ballast-water-
compliance This September, IMO ballast water management rules will begin to take effect for
existing ships, and the countdown to compliance has begun.
FONARS are 'not a free pass' to use non-compliant low sulphur fuel, warns ICS. International
Chamber of Shipping (ICS). 26 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2H4pYzK
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has welcomed the decision in principle by the UN
IMO that safety or operational concerns about the quality of low sulphur fuels may, in exceptional
circumstances, be a valid reason for shipowners to be issued with a Fuel Oil Non Availability Report
(FONAR) when the IMO global sulphur cap, requiring fuels to have a sulphur content of 0.5% or less,
comes into full effect on 1 January 2020.
IMO2020 Compliance: Ship owners need support, not just simple warnings, says PISR.
Ship & Bunker. 26 February 2019. Available from: https://shipandbunker.com/news/world/516613-
imo2020-compliance-ship-owners-need-support-not-just-simple-warnings-says-pisr When it comes
to enforcement of the new 0.50% global sulfur cap on marine fuel, ship owners need support, not just
simple warnings, says Panos Kirnidis, CEO of Palau International Ship Registry (PISR).
SALVAGE
The law of salvage: Case tackles unique area of maritime law. By Nathan Cecil,
Adam Vrahnos, and Christopher Yong. Holding Redlich (Australia). 5 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.holdingredlich.com/the-law-of-salvage There is a long established
principle in maritime law whereby a person who helps recover another person's ship or cargo in
peril at sea is entitled to be rewarded for their good deed.
Explorers find data recorder of sunken S. Korean ship. Arirang News (South Korea).
18 February 2019. Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbrgJa9GU28 A team of
ocean explorers have found the voyage data recorder of the Stellar Daisy, a Korean ship that sank in
the South Atlantic off the coast of Uruguay in 2017.
Salvage divers save Samoan ferry from flooding. Maritime Executive. 19 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/salvage-divers-save-samoan-ferry-from-
flooding Salvors have located and addressed the cause of flooding on the passenger ferry Sili in
Pago Pago, American Samoa.
SEAFARERS
Russian sailors released in Nigeria arrive home, says Foreign Ministry. TASS Russian News
Agency. 30 January 2019. Available from: http://tass.com/society/1042546 Six Russian sailors,
abducted by pirates near Benin's territorial waters in early January during an attack against the
container ship The MSC Mandy, have arrived in Russia, the Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.
Relief for 5 Guyanese seamen…. By Azard Ali. Newsday (Trinidad and Tobago).
2 February 2019. Available from: https://newsday.co.tt/2019/02/02/relief-for-5-guyanese-seamen/
Six years of living on a Nigerian boat off Claxton Bay has ended for five Guyanese seamen.
Human Rights at Sea reviews ZS Wellness Think Tank Event. By Anastasia Papapetrou.
Maritime Executive. 4 February 2019. Available from: https://www.maritime-
executive.com/blog/human-rights-at-sea-reviews-zs-wellness-think-tank-event On January 29, 2019,
Human Rights at Sea attended the first ZS Wellness Think and Tank event at the Caledonia Club,
London.
2019 Port Chaplains Directory launched. Apostleship of the Sea (AoS). 4 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.apostleshipofthesea.org.uk/2019-port-chaplains-directory-launched
Stella Maris-Apostleship of the Sea (AoS) has launched a new version of its global port chaplains'
directory which helps seafarers get access to pastoral, practical and spiritual support wherever they
are in the world.
Sailors stranded in Arabian Gulf face uncertain future. By Nick Webster. The National (United
Arab Emirates). 6 February 2019. Available from: https://www.thenational.ae/uae/sailors-stranded-
in-arabian-gulf-face-uncertain-future-1.822711 Rough seas and strong winds have delayed the
rescue of sailors who are stranded 50 kilometres off the UAE coast and have been at sea for more
than two years.
BHP ignores pleas to help starving crew. International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF).
13 February 2019. Available from: https://www.itfglobal.org/en/news/bhp-ignores-pleas-help-
starving-crew Crew aboard a ship at a BHP terminal in Queensland claim they are being starved
and underpaid, in yet another instance of the coal giant's veil of secrecy over its operations in
Australian waters.
AMSA: Crew aboard ship at BHP ship terminal have sufficient food. World Maritime News.
14 February 2019. Available from: https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/271376/amsa-crew-
aboard-ship-at-bhp-terminal-have-sufficient-food/ A spokesperson from AMSA told World Maritime
News that the maritime body spoke to the ship's agent and vessel's Master who supplied
photographs of the store rooms on board which confirmed the state of the ship's provisions.
Finnish seafarers threaten to strike from March 1. By Tarmo Virki. Reuters. 14 February 2019.
Available from: https://uk.reuters.com/article/finland-trade/finnish-seafarers-threaten-to-strike-from-
march-1-idUKL5N2099HA The Finnish Seafarers' Union threatened on Thursday it would call its
members out on strike from March 1, stopping all Finnish passenger and cargo vessels, including
ice-breakers, if its pay demands are not met.
Bulletin: On five Filipino seafarers missing off Falkland Islands. Government of the Philippines.
15 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2C8p6Xw The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
remains hopeful that five Filipino seafarers reported missing after their vessel caught fire off the
Falkland Islands will be found.
Sterile living conditions onboard make hospitals look attractive: Mission To Seafarers.
By Sam Chambers. Splash 247.com. 18 February 2019. Available from:
https://splash247.com/sterile-living-conditions-onboard-make-hospitals-look-attractive-mission-to-
seafarers/ The Mission To Seafarers has hit out at today's accommodation blocks, suggesting the
sterile environment onboard ships nowadays make hospitals look attractive by comparison.
A long-term crewing strategy? By Michael Grey. Seatrade Maritime News. 19 February 2019.
Available from: http://www.seatrade-maritime.com/news/europe/a-long-term-crewing-strategy.html
"Demand-led" - it was rather cruelly described to me by one of my cynical friends who works for a
major ship manager.
Giving help after piracy trauma. By Kilian SC. Southern Cross (South Africa). 22 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.scross.co.za/2019/02/giving-help-after-piracy-trauma/ The storming of
a cargo ship in the middle of the Thames estuary off the coast of England by heavily armed
commandos of the Special Boat Service just before Christmas was the kind of incident you might
expect off the coast of Somalia or Nigeria.
Maritime automation will not spare seafarers. By Kris Kosmala. Splash 247.com.
25 February 2019. Available from: https://splash247.com/maritime-automation-will-not-spare-
seafarers/ Humans have a tenuous relationship with automation.
Meet the world's first black woman cruise ship captain. By Laura Begley Bloom. Forbes.
25 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurabegleybloom/2019/02/25/meet-the-worlds-first-black-woman-
cruise-ship-captain Back in the not-so-good-old days of cruising, women were considered to be
bad luck on ships, a distraction to the crew and an anger to the seas.
Where ships go to die. By Gie Goris and Nicola Mulinaris. Public Eye. January 2019.
Available from: http://stories.publiceye.ch/ships/; Decommissioned deep-sea vessels are
floating toxic waste.
Haitian nationals rescued on Cay off Abaco. Government of the Bahamas. 2 February 2019.
Available from: http://rbdf.gov.bs/haitian-nationals-rescued-on-cay-off-abaco/ A search is currently
underway in a joint effort by local authorities after a total of 15 Haitian nationals were rescued and
another 4 were found lifeless in waters near Man O War Cay at the entrance of Marsh Harbour,
central Abaco earlier this morning.
In a tragedy at sea, at least 28 Haitians are dead in the Bahamas. By Jacqueline Charles.
Miami Herald (US). 3 February 2019. Available from: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-
world/world/americas/haiti/article225474845.html At least 28 Haitians drowned in waters near
the island of Abaco in the Bahamas after the vessel carrying them sank, possibly hitting a reef.
Dubai Police rescue 14 Indian sailors after ship hits rocks. By Ali Al Shouk. Gulf News (UAE).
21 February 2019. Available from: https://gulfnews.com/uae/dubai-police-rescue-14-indian-sailors-
after-ship-hits-rocks-1.62208511 Dubai Police have rescued 14 Indian sailors stranded off of
Palm Deira after their ship hit rocks on the breakwater following engine failure.
Two boats of suspected Iranian migrants picked up in English Channel. By Emily Mee.
Sky News. 25 February 2019. Available from: https://news.sky.com/story/two-boats-of-suspected-
iranian-migrants-picked-up-in-english-channel-11648301 The incident follows an increase in the
number of Iranian migrants seeking asylum in the UK in the last three months of 2018.
HRAS publishes Briefing Note on Criminalisation of Civil Society SAR Activities in the
Mediterranean. Human Rights at Sea (HRAS). 26 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.humanrightsatsea.org/2019/02/26/hras-publishes-briefing-note-on-criminalisation-of-civil-
society-sar-activities-in-the-mediterranean/ Human Rights at Sea has published a new Briefing Note
on the 'Legal and Policy Matters Arising from the Increased Criminalisation of the Civil Society
Search and Rescue Activities in the Mediterranean'. Briefing Note
James Fisher warns of Brexit risk to EMSA contract. By Gary Dixon. TradeWinds.
27 February 2019. Available from: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/1714580/james-
fisher-warns-of-brexit-risk-to-emsa-contract UK shipping group James Fisher has warned of the
risk to its contract with the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) from a no-deal Brexit.
SHIP RECYCLING
Press Release - Platform publishes list of ships dismantled worldwide in 2018.
NGO Shipbreaking Platform. 30 January 2019. Available from:
https://www.shipbreakingplatform.org/platform-publishes-list-2018/ According to new data released
today by the NGO Shipbreaking Platform, 744 large ocean-going commercial vessels were sold to
the scrap yards in 2018.
Behind the Hypocrisy of Better Beaches: Shipbreaking in India, ship owners in Switzerland
lobbying in Belgium. NGO Shipbreaking Platform. January 2019. Available from:
https://www.shipbreakingplatform.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Final-Report-PE.pdf
Today, over 90% of the goods that we consume are transported by sea.
Maersk's preferred Alang yard fails to get EU approval. By Niklas Krigslund. ShippingWatch.
31 January 2019. Available from:
https://shippingwatch.com/secure/carriers/Container/article11162019.ece Even though Maersk says
it has resolved numerous issues at the much-maligned beaching sites in Alang, the company's
preferred partner is now getting the cold shoulder from the EU.
How to make the future of ship recycling more responsible. By Andrew Stephens and
Nicole Rencoret. Sustainable Shipping Initiative (SSI). 29 January 2019. Available from:
https://www.ssi2040.org/news/14190/ 2019 marks the 10th anniversary of the adoption of the
Hong Kong International Convention for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships.
Turkey ratifies Hong Kong Convention for safe recycling of ships. IndustriALL Global Union.
4 February 2019. Available from: http://www.industriall-union.org/turkey-ratifies-hong-kong-
convention-for-safe-recycling-of-ships Turkey is one of the five major ship recycling countries in the
world, including Bangladesh, China, India and Pakistan, that account for more than 90 per cent of all
ship recycling by tonnage.
Press Release - Fire on board Greek tanker kills two shipbreaking workers in Bangladesh.
NGO Shipbreaking Platform. 18 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.shipbreakingplatform.org/fire-greek-tanker-chittagong/ Today, a fire broke out in
the engine room on board a tanker, beached in Chittagong, killing two workers.
Revealed: How a UK company is using a Caribbean tax haven to cash in on scrapping toxic
ships in one of the world's poorest countries. By Margot Gibbs. The Independent.
20 February 2019. Available from: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/ship-
scrapping-skanreg-st-kitts-nevis-maritime-investigation-a8780796.html A UK company that acts
as a formal outpost for a tiny Caribbean tax haven is a facilitator for one of the world's deadliest
trades – the scrapping of toxic ships on the beaches of south Asia.
Chinese shipbreakers urged to fight illegal scrapping for survival. By Max Tingyao Lin.
TradeWinds. 20 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.tradewindsnews.com/shipyards/1707658/chinese-shipbreakers-urged-to-fight-illegal-
scrapping-for-survival China National Shiprecycling Association has urged its members to fight
illegal scrapping with maritime authorities in the country as they shift their focus to domestic tonnage.
Ship and rig recycling: frequently asked questions. Hellenic Shipping News. 23 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/ship-and-rig-recycling-frequently-asked-
questions/ International conventions and local regulations combine to create a complex legal
regime, which is often overlooked.
Balearia's 1st LNG-fueled ferry begins operation. World Maritime News. 31 January 2019.
Available from: https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/270265/balearias-1st-lng-fueled-ferry-
begins-operation/ Hypatia de Alejandría, Baleària's new smart vessel powered by liquefied natural
gas (LNG) is making its first commercial voyage between Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca.
Burnt-out Sincerity Ace set for repair in South Korea. By Adam Corbett. TradeWinds.
6 February 2019. Available from: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/casualties/1692439/burnt-out-
sincerity-ace-set-for-repair-in-south-korea The car carrier Sincerity Ace has arrived in Japan a
month after a massive cargo fire that forced its crew to abandon ship in the Pacific in early January.
Wärtsilä to deliver world's first hybrid retrofit for short-sea shipping vessel. Wärtsilä
Corporation. 8 February 2019. Available from: https://www.wartsila.com/media/news/08-02-2019-
wartsila-to-deliver-world-s-first-hybrid-retrofit-for-short-sea-shipping-vessel-2376827 The technology
group Wärtsilä has signed an agreement with the international shipping company Hagland Shipping
AS for a hybrid retrofit installation.
Hapag-Lloyd touts new steel floor boxes as the future of containers. By Sam Chambers.
Splash 247.com. 11 February 2019. Available from: https://splash247.com/hapag-lloyd-touts-new-
steel-floor-boxes-as-the-future-of-containers/ Hapag-Lloyd has created a new steel floor container,
which it claims can carry heavier cargoes than existing wood-floored boxes.
MAN 175D selected for first IMO Tier III-Compliant Harbour Tug designed for operation in
Mediterranean. MAN Energy Solutions. 14 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2SEn3Ve
MAN Energy Solutions has won the contract to supply the engines for a new harbour tug in Spain.
Going greener: Finland's new gas-fuelled icebreaker. France 24. 22 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.france24.com/en/20190222-going-greener-finlands-new-gas-fuelled-
icebreaker The steel behemoth pushes ahead, crunching the ice as it navigates the northernmost
tip of the Baltic, considered one of the most polluted seas in the world.
Daewoo Shipbuilding workers walk out over sale to Hyundai Heavy. Korea Times.
26 February 2019. Available from: http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2019/02/693_264470.html
Unionized workers at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering went on strike Tuesday in a show
of opposition to the planned sale to Hyundai Heavy Industries.
SHIPPING
Classification in the digital age. By Aleks Karlsen. DNV GL. 29 January 2019. Available from:
https://www.dnvgl.com/expert-story/maritime-impact/Classification-in-the-digital-age.html DNV GL's
Data Smart Classification, or "D-Class" development project aims to utilize and coordinate advanced
technology to make DP system verification schedules much more flexible and efficient and, at the
same time, less disruptive and burdensome for operators while ensuring the highest levels of
equipment and system integrity and safety.
Shipping players voice rebellion against 'bigger is best' mantra. By Andy Pierce. TradeWinds.
30 January 2019. Available from: https://www.tradewindsnews.com/finance/1687652/shipping-
players-voice-rebellion-against-bigger-is-best-mantra Shipping's fixation with scale got brought
down to size in a lively debate at Marine Money in London last week.
ABS launches new guide for liquefied gas tank barges with remote control and monitoring
of essential systems. ABS (American Bureau of Shipping). 31 January 2019. Available from:
https://ww2.eagle.org/en/news/press-room/abs-new-guide-liquefied-gas-tank-barges.html
ABS released guidance to assist shipyards and barge operators: The Guide for Building and
Classing Liquefied Gas Tank Barges with Remote Control and Monitoring of Essential Systems.
Brumadinho disaster will hurt Capesize demand. Drewry Shipping Consultants. 31 January 2019.
Available from: https://www.drewry.co.uk/maritime-research-opinion-browser/brumadinho-disaster-
will-hurt-capesize-demand The collapse of the upstream dam in Brumadinho will hurt Vale's iron ore
production from Minas Gerais in Brazil if the Brazilian government does not allow Vale to
compensate the loss by increasing production at its other mines.
CME Group reports first trade for low-sulphur marine fuel contract. By Roslan Khasawneh.
Reuters. 1 February 2019. Available from: https://uk.reuters.com/article/nymex-bunker-fueloil/refile-
update-1-cme-group-reports-first-trade-for-low-sulphur-marine-fuel-contract-idUKL3N1ZW32J
The first batch of derivative contracts for a cleaner type of marine fuel oil that complies with stricter
emissions rules starting in 2020 traded on the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), the CME
Group said on Friday.
Maersk plans to launch its first CO2 neutral ship in 2030. By Søren Pico. ShippingWatch.
1 February 2019. Available from:
https://shippingwatch.com/secure/carriers/Container/article11163711.ece Maersk Group is honing
in on 2030 as the year in which the first environmental and CO2 neutral container ship will join its
fleet, says John Kornerup Bang, Maersk's Head of Sustainability Strategy & Chief Advisor for
Climate Change.
Boom in cruise holidays intensifies concern over 'emissions dodging'. By Sandra Laville.
The Guardian. 1 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2019/feb/01/boom-in-cruise-holidays-intensifies-concern-
over-emissions-dodging A boom in cruise liner holidays is raising concerns over the widespread use
of "emissions dodging" by global shipping to meet tough new dirty fuel rules next year.
Maritime union says Brexit and shipping exodus is creating a 'perfect storm' for the industry.
Nautilus International. 1 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2J38VQS
Maritime professionals' trade union, Nautilus International, has warned the decision by Maersk to
take its remaining vessels off the UK Ship Register, exit the UK Tonnage Tax and end the training
of UK Cadets, will have a serious impact on seafarer jobs and the stability of the UK industry.
Marine Fuel 0.5% futures trades suggest price surge for IMO-compliant fuels. By Liz Thang.
S&P Global Platts. 1 February 2019. Available from: https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-
insights/latest-news/oil/020119-first-platts-fob-singapore-marine-fuel-05-derivative-contracts-trade
The first trades in financial derivative contracts that settle against Platts Marine Fuel 0.5%
assessments are offering early cues to a surge in global shipping fuel prices heading into
2020, market participants said Friday.
Live Export: What the observers saw on board. Maritime Executive. 2 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/live-export-what-the-observers-saw-on-
board The exporter had left some beer, so on the first two nights of the voyage, the government-
appointed observer had a beer and a chat with the crewmembers of the livestock carrier he would
sail on for next few weeks.
Commission adopts a proposal to revise the EU system to monitor, report and verify CO2
emissions from ships. European Commission. 4 February 2019. Available from:
https://ec.europa.eu/clima/news/commission-adopts-proposal-revise-eu-system-monitor-report-and-
verify-co2-emissions-ships_en The European Commission today adopted a proposal to revise
the EU system for monitoring, reporting and verification of CO2 emissions from maritime transport
(Regulation (EU) 2015/757) in order to take appropriate account of the global data collection system
for fuel oil consumption of ships established by the International Maritime Organisation.
Impact Assessment
BHP and NYK use GoodFuels biofuel to progress decarbonisation goals. GoodFuels.
4 February 2019. Available from: https://goodfuels.com/bhp-and-nyk-use-goodfuels-biofuel-to-
progress-decarbonisation-goals/ The advanced biofuel, supplied by GoodFuels via logistics partner
Varo Energy, is a 'drop-in' marine gasoil (MGO)-equivalent, and was blended with conventional
fossil-based MGO in a mix of 30% biofuel to 70% conventional MGO.
Shipping Act revisions and new commissioners revitalise FMC. By Janet Porter. Lloyd's List.
4 February 2019. Available from:
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126100/Shipping-Act-revisions-and-new-
commissioners-revitalise-FMC With just two commissioners remaining and under considerable
budgetary constraint, the Federal Maritime Commission appeared to be facing an uncertain future
last year as shipping dropped down the political agenda in the chaos of the Trump administration.
Shaft bearing failures linked to energy efficient propulsion demands. By Gavin Lipsith.
Marine Propulsion & Auxiliary Machinery. 5 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.mpropulsion.com/news/view,shaft-bearing-failures-linked-to-energy-efficient-propulsion-
demands_56696.htm A surge in shaft bearing failures on newbuild ships has been linked to
propulsion changes introduced in response to IMO's Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI).
Top 10 shipowning nations: China sees biggest increase. Maritime Executive. 6 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/top-10-shipowning-nations-china-sees-
biggest-increase It's no surprise that Greece tops the world for shipowning, but China has seen the
biggest increase in value out of the top 10, according to VesselsValue.
How U.S. sanctions on Venezuela have left a dozen oil tankers idling with no place to go.
By Pete Evans. Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). 6 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/venezuela-oil-sanctions-1.4990879 The sanctions the U.S.
slapped on Venezuelan oil last week are playing havoc with the tankers that ship crude around
the world, and throwing energy prices off-kilter in the process.
EU defends publishing ship emissions data to drive CO2 emissions cuts. Transport &
Environment. 7 February 2019. Available from: https://www.transportenvironment.org/press/eu-
defends-publishing-ship-emissions-data-drive-co2-emissions-cuts Publishing data about the
emissions of all ships calling at EU ports, as proposed by the European Commission, will incentivise
shipping companies to cut their CO2 while also better informing regulations to reduce emissions,
green NGO Transport & Environment (T&E) has said.
IUMI calls for refineries to be forced to conduct testing on low sulphur fuels.
By Sam Chambers. Splash 247.com. 7 February 2019. Available from:
https://splash247.com/iumi-calls-for-refineries-to-be-forced-to-conduct-testing-on-low-sulphur-fuels/
The International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) is trying to force refineries to conduct testing on
low sulphur fuels ahead of the introduction of the global sulphur cap next year.
Carbon dioxide emission from ships to increase to about 205% by 2050 if no action is
taken - GMA boss. By Miriam Osei-Agyemang. GhanaWeb. 7 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Carbon-dioxide-emission-from-ships-to-
increase-to-about-205-by-2050-if-no-action-is-taken-GMA-boss-721569 It is estimated that ships
energy consumption and carbon dioxide emission could be reduced by up to 75 percent by applying
operational measures and implementing available technologies.
New Arctic shipping database launched by Arctic Council working group. By Eilís Quinn.
Radio Canada International (RCI). 7 February 2019. Available from: http://www.rcinet.ca/eye-on-
the-arctic/2019/02/07/new-arctic-shipping-database-launched-by-arctic-council-working-group/
The Arctic Ship Traffic Data (ASTD) database will include information on things like vessel traffic
patterns, fuel use, air emissions, sea ice extent, meteorological and oceanographic conditions,
and international regulations.
Brexodus: Movement of UKSR people? By David Osler and Janet Porter. Lloyd's List.
7 February 2019. Available from:
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126182/Brexodus-Movement-of-UKSR-people
Brexit could spark a spate of departures from the UK Ship Register, in a humiliating reverse for the
government's stated intention to double the size of the UK flag, a number of big name owners have
revealed to Lloyd's List.
Contamination fears fuel calls for greater bunker transparency ahead of 2020.
By Sam Chambers. Splash 247.com. 8 February 2019. Available from:
https://splash247.com/contamination-fears-fuel-calls-for-greater-bunker-transparency-ahead-of-2020/
Calls are growing for greater transparency in the bunker industry ahead of the 2020 global sulphur
cap.
True motives of scrubber debate called into question. Ship & Bunker. 8 February 2019.
Available from: https://shipandbunker.com/news/world/987107-true-motives-of-scrubber-debate-
called-into-question Less than nine months ago, scrubber advocates were asking why uptake of
the technology was so low when the economics were so compelling.
Turkish shipping industry blossomed over 16 years: Erdogan. By Sena Güler. Anadolu
Agency (Turkey). 9 February 2019. Available from: https://www.aa.com.tr/en/todays-
headlines/turkish-shipping-industry-blossomed-over-16-years-erdogan/1387871 Turkey's shipping
industry has blossomed over the last 16 years, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday.
Sulphur and greenhouse gas reduction priority for ICS. International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).
11 February 2019. Available from: http://www.ics-shipping.org/news/press-
releases/2019/02/11/sulphur-and-greenhouse-gas-reduction-priority-for-ics "The 2020 global sulphur
cap will be the regulatory game changer of the decade with profound implications for the economics
of shipping" believes Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Esben Poulsson.
MAN sees potential in use of synthetic bunker fuels. By Lee Hong Liang. Seatrade Maritime
News. 11 February 2019. Available from: www.seatrade-maritime.com/news/europe/man-sees-
potential-in-use-of-synthetic-bunker-fuels.html Amid an increasing introduction of alternative energy
sources to power ships on the back of environmental regulations, MAN Energy Solutions is seeing
potential in the use of synthetic bunker fuels, which can be achieved with the use of its Power-to-X
technology.
MAN backs ambition for CO2 neutral ships by 2030. By Søren Pico. ShippingWatch.
11 February 2019. Available from: https://shippingwatch.com/secure/suppliers/article11183802.ece
Major ship engine manufacturer MAN Energy Solutions supports Maersk's ambitions to launch CO2
neutral ships by 2030.
New initiative to survey women in maritime in India. International Seafarers' Welfare and
Assistance Network (ISWAN). 11 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.seafarerswelfare.org/news/2019/new-initiative-to-survey-women-in-maritime-in-india
Sanjam Sahi Gupta of Sitara Shipping Ltd has launched a new initiative in light of the International
Maritime Organization's 2019 World Maritime Day theme, 'Empowering Women in the Maritime
Community'.
What's in the emissions data? By Anastassios Adamopoulos. Lloyd's List. 11 February 2019.
Available from: https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126204/Whats-in-the-
emissions-data Those in favour of digitalisation have long argued that a central challenge
for the shipping industry is to beneficially use the abundance of available data.
Arctic indigenous voices making a difference on Polar shipping. By Verner Wilson II.
EcoWatch. 12 February 2019. Available from: https://www.ecowatch.com/arctic-indigenous-
conservation-shipping-2628742795.html 2018 was a breakthrough year for Arctic conservation
work at the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Swedish shipping industry prepares to go fossil-free by 2045. By Megan Darby. Climate Home
News. 12 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.climatechangenews.com/2019/02/12/swedish-shipping-industry-prepares-go-fossil-free-
2045/ The Swedish Shipowners' Association is developing a roadmap to net zero greenhouse gas
emissions in partnership with Fossil-free Sweden, a government initiative.
Marina targets gender diversity in maritime industry. By Genivi Factao. Manila Times.
13 February 2019. Available from: https://www.manilatimes.net/marina-targets-gender-diversity-in-
maritime-industry/510512/ The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has implemented measures to
support women seafarers and promote equal opportunities in the maritime industry.
PRESS RELEASE - Maritime Single Window - Simplified reporting moves a major step closer.
European Community Shipowners' Associations (ECSA). 13 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.ecsa.eu/news/press-release-maritime-single-window-simplified-reporting-moves-major-
step-closer ECSA and WSC have backed the agreement reached by the European Parliament, the
Council and the European Commission in their 'trilogue discussions' on the European Maritime
Single Window environment proposal last week.
The strange death of shipping England. By David Osler. Lloyd's List. 13 February 2019.
Available from: https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126251/The-strange-death-of-
shipping-England When some enterprising future historian writes the definitive history of Britain's
departure from the European Union, the Brexit ferry fiasco will probably only be worth a couple of
pages.
IMO2020: The brutal facts of blending the new 0.5% S Bunker fuels. By Rudy Kassinger.
Ship & Bunker. 14 February 2019. Available from: https://shipandbunker.com/news/world/564340-
imo2020-the-brutal-facts-of-blending-the-new-05s-bunker-fuels For the last 65+ years the fuel of
choice for large marine engines has been IF380 and IF180.
Maersk secures low-sulphur fuel deal in US. By James Baker. Lloyd's List. 14 February 2019.
Available from: https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126264/Maersk-secures-
lowsulphur-fuel-deal-in-US MAERSK has taken further steps to ensure the availability of
low-sulphur fuel.
'Bad bunkers' hit Panama's marine fuel sales in 2018. By Michele Labrut. Seatrade
Maritime News. 14 February 2019. Available from: http://www.seatrade-
maritime.com/news/americas/bad-bunkers-hit-panama-s-marine-fuel-sales-in-2018.html Panama
marine fuel sales in 2018 were hit by the "bad bunkers" problem that started in the US Gulf region
with a 1.8% drop in sales.
IMB launches initiative to curb bills of lading fraud. International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).
14 February 2019. Available from: https://www.icc-ccs.org/index.php/1260-imb-launches-initiative-
to-curb-bills-of-lading-fraud The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has launched a new initiative
aimed at curbing bills of lading (B/L) fraud carried out by non-vessel owning common carriers
(NVOCCs).
Shipping industry jittery over fuel cost as deadline for new emission norms nears.
By V. Sajeev Kumar. The Hindu (India). 17 February 2019. Available from: https://bit.ly/2SKmB2M
Fuel costs are set to go up for the shipping industry over the next year, as new IMO regulations kick
in from January 2020.
IMO 2020: Scrubber uptake now 4% of vessels, 10% by tonnage. Ship & Bunker.
18 February 2019. Available from: https://shipandbunker.com/news/world/119953-imo-2020-
scrubber-uptake-now-4-of-vessels-10-by-tonnage Some 4% of the world fleet plus order book
is slated to have scrubbers, according to the latest data from Clarksons.
Transitioning away from heavy fuel oil in Arctic shipping. By Bryan Comer. International
Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). 18 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.theicct.org/publications/transitioning-away-heavy-fuel-oil-arctic-shipping As Arctic
shipping increases, pressure is mounting to protect the environment from fuels that are harmful
when burned and spilled, including heavy fuel oil (HFO).
Cargill targets male-only panels. By Helen Kelly. Lloyd's List. 18 February 2019. Available from:
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126296/Cargill-targets-maleonly-panels
Cargill, the global grains and agricultural trader, has pledged to ban its executives from
speaking at male-only panels.
BIMCO: Container shipping may face bankruptcies if It fails to recover extra fuel costs.
World Maritime News. 19 February 2019. Available from:
https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/271651/bimco-container-shipping-may-face-bankruptcies-if-
it-fails-to-recover-extra-fuel-costs/ As the starting line for the International Maritime Organization
(IMO) sulphur cap approaches, the dominant theme of 2019 will be the sharing of the higher costs
that are expected in various forms towards the end of the year, according to the association.
Panama-backed study adds to open-loop scrubbers concern. By Nigel Lowry. Lloyd's List.
19 February 2019. Available from:
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126333/Panamabacked-study-adds-to-
openloop-scrubbers-concern A study commissioned by Panama into the use of open-loop
scrubbers raises "cause for concern" and questions whether ships equipped with the
technology are truly equivalent to vessels burning low-sulphur fuel.
Intercontinental Exchange launches new marine fuel future contracts. By Jason Jiang.
Splash 247.com. 20 February 2019. Available from: https://splash247.com/intercontinental-
exchange-launches-new-marine-fuel-future-contracts/ Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), an
operator of global exchanges and clearing houses and provider of data and listings services,
has launched new Marine Fuel 0.5% futures contracts prior to the upcoming implementation of
the IMO 0.5% sulphur cap in 2020.
Dutch maritime firms to jointly study methanol as marine fuel. World Maritime News.
21 February 2019. Available from: https://worldmaritimenews.com/archives/271801/
The consortium, supported by Maritime Knowledge Centre, would look into the feasibility
of methanol as a sustainable alternative transport fuel in the maritime sector.
Maersk chastises scrubbers: "A foolish idea". By Christian Carlsen and Søren Pico.
ShippingWatch. 21 February 2019. Available from:
https://shippingwatch.com/secure/carriers/Container/article11206359.ece Maersk has increased
its investment in scrubbers by more than USD 183 million.
The central place of shipping in the Greek economy. By David Glass. Seatrade Maritime News.
22 February 2019. Available from: http://www.seatrade-maritime.com/news/europe/the-central-
place-of-shipping-in-the-greek-economy.html The important place of the shipping industry and its
participants in Greece's overall economic picture as the country struggles to climb out of financial
crisis was again evident when financial powerhouse PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) recently
presented a study on mergers and acquisitions in Greece in 2018.
Clean Arctic Alliance hails progress on heavy fuel oil ban but warns Arctic nations to remain
focused. Friends of the Earth. 22 February 2019. Available from: https://foe.org/news/clean-arctic-
alliance-hails-progress-heavy-fuel-oil-ban-warns-arctic-nations-remain-focused/ As a meeting of the
IMO Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response closes today, the Clean Arctic Alliance
welcome progress but calls on Arctic Nations Russia and Canada to step-up to their responsibilities
and add their support for a ban on heavy fuel oil (HFO) from use by Arctic shipping, and for Finland,
Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and the United States, who already support the ban, to remain
focused on ensuring it is adopted in 2021, and phased in by 2023.
Why are supertankers hauling seawater into the USA? By Julian Lee. gCaptain.
24 February 2019. Available from: https://gcaptain.com/supertankers-haul-seawate-ocean/
Crude oil has always flowed backwards and forwards across the world's oceans.
IMO agrees that we can control black carbon emissions from ships. But will we?
By Bryan Comer. International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT). 25 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.theicct.org/blog/staff/imo-agrees-we-can-control-black-carbon-
emissions-ships-will-we Amid new scientific evidence that most black carbon present in the Arctic
is from burning fossil fuels, IMO) agreed last week that there are up to 41 appropriate ways to reduce
black carbon from ships at the sixth session of its Pollution Prevention and Response subcommittee.
How charterers subverted Marpol to bring us today's scrubber chaos. By Steve Nolan.
Splash 247.com. 26 February 2019. Available from: https://splash247.com/how-charterers-
subverted-marpol-to-bring-us-todays-scrubber-chaos/ IMO left a loophole when it came to
Marpol legislation, which has been exploited by fans of scrubbers ever since.
NIMASA advocates greater role for African women in maritime. By Yusuf Babalola.
Leadership (Nigeria). 26 February 2019. Available from: https://leadership.ng/2019/02/26/nimasa-
advocates-greater-role-for-african-women-in-maritime/ Director-general of the Nigerian Maritime
Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has announced the agency's
readiness to support initiatives aimed at getting more African women involved in the industry.
EU makes one concession too many on ships' data. Transport & Environment.
26 February 2019. Available from: https://www.transportenvironment.org/news/eu-makes-one-
concession-too-many-ships%E2%80%99-data The European Commission has published proposals
to revise its reporting rules on ships' emissions data which are aimed at enabling those who charter
ships to pick the cleanest and most efficient vessels.
Methods of compliance with the 2020 Sulphur Limit. Shipowners' Club. 26 February 2019.
Available from: https://www.shipownersclub.com/methods-of-compliance-with-the-2020-sulphur-
limit/ Last year, the Club produced an infographic which provided preliminary information on the
2020 Global Sulphur Limit.
Splash Extra: How to fix shipping's boardroom gender imbalance. Splash 247.com.
27 February 2019. Available from: https://splash247.com/splash-extra-how-to-fix-shippings-
boardroom-gender-imbalance/ Today sees the launch of the second issue of Splash Extra,
our new subscription title.
Industry leaders warn on no-deal Brexit as clock ticks down. By David Osler. Lloyd's List.
27 February 2019. Available from:
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1126421/Industry-leaders-warn-on-nodeal-
Brexit-as-clock-ticks-down Industry figures have spoken out against the rising risk of a no-deal
Brexit, as the March 29 date for Britain leaving the European Union looms ever closer with no
finalised agreement on the terms of the UK's withdrawal.
Abu Dhabi hosts inaugural Blue Week to celebrate UAE maritime traditions. By Patrick Ryan.
The National (United Arab Emirates). 28 February 2019. Available from:
https://www.thenational.ae/uae/abu-dhabi-hosts-inaugural-blue-week-to-celebrate-uae-maritime-
traditions-1.831246 A special week of activities is being held in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the UAE's
seafaring traditions, as the capital prepares to host the World Ocean Summit.
RESEARCH
Ocean colour signature of climate change. By S. Dutkiewicz, A. E. Hickman et al. Nature
Communications. (2019). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-019-08457-x Monitoring
changes in marine phytoplankton is important as they form the foundation of the marine food web
and are crucial in the carbon cycle.
2018 Continues Record Global Ocean Warming. By L. Cheng, J. Zhu et al. Advances in
Atmospheric Sciences. (2019). Available from: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00376-019-8276-x
The increasing heat-trapping gases emitted by human activities into the atmosphere produce an
energy imbalance between incoming solar radiation and outgoing longwave radiation that leads
to global heating.
*********************************************
The CAB Cover is a photograph of the international memorial to the world’s seafarers, past, present
and future which graces the entrance to IMO Headquarters in London. The memorial, a seven-
metre high, ten-tonne bronze representation of the bow of a cargo ship with a lone seafarer on the
deck, is the work of internationally renowned British sculptor Michael Sandle.