The shortage of clean ammonia could lead to owners using VLACs in the LPG trade, potentially oversupplying the market and lowering charter rates. The global ammonia industry heavily relies on Asian production, with clean ammonia (Blue and Green) becoming key players in decarbonization efforts. The rise of VLACs as ammonia carriers reflects a shifting industry landscape.
The Maritime & Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) launched an electric harbour craft (e-HC) charging point at Marina South Pier in partnership with Pyxis Energy, Pyxis Maritime, and SP Mobility. This two-year trial is the first of three awarded by the MPA, aiming to promote wider adoption of e-HC in Singapore.
DNV has granted HD Hyundai a general approval for ship application (GASA) for their innovative support system for independent tanks on liquefied gas carriers. The system, made of carbon fibre-reinforced plastics, aims to enhance structural stability and safety. DNV and LISCR have approved the concept, showcasing a commitment to technological innovation in shipbuilding.
Airports are not the only commercial transportation industry impacted by the push to net-zero targets. Ocean-based ports support over 90% of global trade relying on ships as the most cost-effective means of transporting goods. The Green Shipping Corridor Program aims to decarbonize the marine sector in major shipping areas.
Analysts Sea-Intelligence reported a 1.7 percentage point increase in global schedule reliability for container lines in February 2024, reaching 53.3%. Despite improvements, the Red Sea crisis impacted reliability compared to the previous year. Hapag-Lloyd led with 54.9% reliability, while Pacific International Lines (PIL) scored lowest at 45.3%.
Houthi forces in Yemen targeted British, U.S., and Israeli ships with missiles and drones, impacting global shipping. The U.S. retaliated against the group by destroying their weapons system and intercepting an unmanned aerial vehicle. British security firm Ambrey reported an attack in the Gulf of Aden, urging vessels to stay vigilant.
The German Maritime Search and Rescue Service christened their newest vessel, Helene, a 8.9-metre boat built by Arctic Airboats of Finland. The vessel boasts semi-self-righting capability, a welded HDPE hull, and a maximum speed of 38 knots. Helene will be stationed on the island of Fehmarn in the Baltic Sea.
Iran and Iraq are set to launch the first maritime passenger transport line in the next two months, according to Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization. The initiative aims to improve transportation of passengers by sea between the two countries, with Abadan and Khorramshahr ports in Iran ready to connect to Wasliya and Basra ports in Iraq.
British maritime security company Ambrey reported an attack on a ship near Hodeidah in Yemen, while UKMTO received a similar report of missiles near a ship in the same area without damage. The Houthis in Yemen continue attacks in solidarity with Palestinians, disrupting global shipping and prompting US and UK strikes against Houthi targets.
Ship recycling rates have hit a two-decade low, with only two million deadweight tons scrapped in the first quarter of 2024. Market shocks and strong demand have extended ship lifespans. BIMCO predicts a resurgence in recycling due to oversupply and increased tanker sector deliveries as new containers flood the market.
Construction equipment and crane manufacturer Liebherr Group saw a significant increase in sales, reaching €14 billion in revenue. With a focus on research and development, the company invested heavily in new product development, alternative drive systems, digitalization, and automation. The crane division accounted for over 35% of total sales, showing growth in various regions.
Plans are underway for the launch of a maritime single window program in Ghana to streamline vessel clearance at ports. This digital platform will enhance information sharing among shipping lines and regulatory agencies, aligning with international standards. Stakeholders are being briefed on the system’s benefits and functionality ahead of its phased rollout in April.
The Indian Coast Guard successfully rescued a 10-member fishing boat crew after their vessel was flooded near Chennai. Eight fishermen were saved, but one died and another is missing. The Coast Guard received a distress call and coordinated with merchant vessels to assist in the rescue operation, despite initial reluctance from the fishermen to leave their boat.
The Baltimore bridge collapse has brought attention to fuel contamination in shipping, though its connection to the disaster is still unclear. Experts suggest “bad fuel” may have caused power outages on the container ship Dali before it struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26 in Maryland.
Alphaliner’s report revealed MSC’s fleet grew by 20% last year, installing 583,700 refrigeration connections on 815 ships. Only Ocean Network Express surpassed this growth, increasing cooling ports by 23%. HMM, on the other hand, reduced its refrigeration capacity by 1% due to fleet reduction. European carriers lead in refrigerated cargo capacity.
