Asia Pacific Maritime (APM) will return for its 18th installment in Singapore from 13 to 15 March 2024 at the Marina Bay Sands. This year’s premier exhibition and conference is expected to bring together more than 14,000 shipowners, shipyards, ship management, and technical procurers to meet over 1,400 solutions providers. “Future of Vessels, Solutions for Tomorrow”.
Colombo’s strategic location makes it an important transit point for shipping companies. It provides convenient connectivity to the Middle East, South Asia, and East Asia, serving as a crucial port for vessels traversing these regions. Despite the increase in ship calls and transshipment volumes, the port encountered challenges in handling rising demands.
Construction work at the port in Guwahati is in full swing, with a road being developed to connect Pandu port directly to the national highway. An estimated Rs 150 crore is being spent on the project, which is being carried out in two phases. A ship repair and maintenance center is also being developed to save costs for ship owners in the North East.
E-commerce giant Amazon is diversifying its transportation modes in India, including inland waterways, to strengthen its logistics infrastructure. Through a strategic partnership with the Inland Waterways Authority of India, Amazon is revolutionizing logistics to ensure faster and more efficient delivery to customers. This innovative approach is set to reshape the e-commerce landscape in India.
Up to 11 yard cranes and four ship-to-shore cranes are being installed at the port. Nine cranes are already in place, with operation under review. Installation is being done by the Indian branch of Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries. The port’s deep depth and proximity to the shipping canal make it an attractive transshipment hub.
A sharp drop in Suez Canal revenue due to sea attacks by Yemen’s Houthis has exacerbated Egypt’s economic crisis, putting pressure on foreign exchange sources and increasing the urgency for reforms and international assistance. Declining remittances, budget deficits, and the printing of money have further contributed to Egypt’s economic woes.
African ports such as Walvis Bay and Port Louis are in demand as refueling stations for ships avoiding Red Sea security threats. Shipping companies like Maersk A/S prefer these options for refueling en route. However, the detours around Africa can add 5,000 miles to the journey, at a price. Trafigura’s TFG Marine is also available to supply fuel to vessels diverted from the Suez Canal.
The liner shipping industry’s new ship-sharing alliance, the Gemini Cooperation, aims to counter the trend of direct port calls and favor a “hub & spoke” operation, but industry veterans have concerns about its operational efficiency and reliability. Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced the VSA, with plans to improve schedule reliability.
The marine shipping industry, responsible for 3% of global greenhouse gas emissions, faces pressure to reduce emissions. The EU and IMO have set targets for emission reduction, leading to investments in ships and services fueled by low- and zero-carbon alternatives. The industry is transitioning to a zero-emission future.
The owner of a fishing trawler that ran aground off Cape Elizabeth said a crew member fell asleep after turning on the ship’s autopilot. The ship’s captain recounted the incident, stating that the ship’s autopilot navigated the vessel to shallow waters, causing it to get stuck in the sand.
Singtel aims to innovate and utilize advanced technologies such as AI, 5G, and edge computing for improved safety, operational efficiency, and crew well-being. The addition of Starlink to their digital smart solutions for vessels will enhance connectivity and low-latency capabilities, allowing for real-time data analysis and increased productivity.
One person has gone missing after a ferry laden with nine vehicles and a still undetermined number of passengers capsized in the Padma River in central Bangladesh on Wednesday, January 17. The ferry had dropped anchor near the Paturia terminal earlier in the day on Wednesday after heavy fog prevented it from approaching its assigned jetty.
Pro-Palestinian activists detonated a small bomb outside the Piraeus office of ZIM, Israel’s shipping line. The blast caused minor damage and occurred outside of business hours. Leaflets with pro-Palestine messaging were found at the scene. No one has claimed responsibility, but Palestine-linked activists are suspected. ZIM has faced tough treatment since the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Ocean Network Express Pte. Ltd. (ONE) has contracted Jiangnan Shipyard and Yangzijiang Shipbuilding for twelve 13,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel container ships, with six scheduled for delivery from each shipyard from 2027. This move is part of ONE’s Green Strategy to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Canada’s BC Ferries awarded Damen Shipyards Group the shipbuilding contract for four unique hybrid electric vessels. These vessels will operate exclusively in battery-electric mode, using renewable BC Hydro electricity to power the charging stations. The ships will have a capacity for up to 390 passengers and 47 vehicles, and will use renewable energy and advanced environmental systems.
