World Maritime News
WMNF 2018/07/26
Djibouti offers compensation to end DP World dispute
Djibouti Ports $ Free Zone is being developed by Djibouti, China Merchants Group, Dalian Port Group and Chinese online cross-border-trade, finance and big data company IZP Group. The 5 July ceremony to launch the FTZ was attended by the presidents of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Somalia, and Sudan as well as the chairman of the African Union Commission. The authority (DPFZA) says new trade zone is “fully in line with international laws and standards” , while DP World claims that the project is in violation of its exclusive management rights of the Doraleh Container Terminal, which Djibouti seized earlier this year in an act the company has described as “unlawful” and threatens legal action over DPFZ. DPFZA chairman suggests it is willing to reimburse DP World with more or less half a billion dollars to compensate to end the Dubai-based operator’s affiliation with the Dolareh Container Terminal and halt further legal proceedings.
More details:
http://web.dpworld.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/2018_07_12_Djibouti-Statement_EN.pdf
https://www.ft.com/search?q=Djibouti
New York unveils US$ 100 million plan to boost maritime infrastructure
New York has unveiled a US$ 100 million project to upgrade the city’s ageing freight infrastructure through strategic investments to modernize the city’s maritime and rail assets. The Freight NYC project is designed to reduce the number of trucks on the roads to improve air quality and cut congestion, according to a statement. The investment will be directed at modernizing New York’s marine terminals and building new barging operations, while reactivating under-used rail infrastructure. It also plans to create new distribution facilities. One of the project’s main aims is the development of a hub-and-spoke marine highway barging operation.
More details: https://www.nycedc.com/program/freight-nyc
South Carolina continues growth spurt
South Carolina Ports Authority set a new record for container throughput during 2017, as east coast terminals continue to increase their shares of US liftings and infrastructure developments allow for larger ships to call. In June container volumes marked for the first time more than 200,000 teu. Compared to 2010, a compound annual growth rate of 7% has been achieved. The east coast port has also benefited from infrastructure developments, including own dredging project, the expansion of the Panama Canal and the raising of the Bayonne Bridge.
More details:
https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1123382/South-Carolina-continues-growth-spurt
Middle Eastern ports facing over capacity headache by 2020
In May it was announced that Abu Dhabi Ports had signed a 30-year concession agreement with Mediterranean Shipping Company for the construction of a new container terminal at Khalifa Port. Khalifa’s expansion will draw cargo away from nearby Jebel Ali port. Investment across the Middle East in new container terminals, more container cranes, and inland infrastructure has been a feature of the region for many years.
A new study from Boston Consulting Group warns of the danger of rising overcapacity, serious exposure to transshipment business, and lagging port productivity. BCG suggests there is a role to be played by the three main stakeholders: port shareholders, port operators, and public authorities. One key strategy is to enhance inland connectivity – including logistics services, transportation, and warehousing – to enable the port to extend its reach beyond the port fence and become a more significant part of the end-to-end cargo flow.
More details:
Crew training vital for safe sailing of LNG-fueled ships
Intensified pressure on ship operators to burn cleaner fuels has seen growing interest by the industry in LNG propulsion. Lloyd’s Register predicted in 2015 that LNG-fueled ships would make up 11% of the global fleet in 2030. This increase in the number of LNG-fueled ships navigating the world’s ocean will have a great impact on crews who have, in the majority, been accustomed to working on ships that use HFO as fuel.
If operated properly, with crew following enhanced procedures, the use of LNG fuel is safe. However, for the continuation of safety on board, a change of mindset towards enhanced safety requirement is necessary. The IMO has developed mandatory training requirements for crew destined for LNG-fueled ships. This requires attendance at basic familiarization training by all crew, and advanced training for senior crew. Some industry experts argue that these training requirements are not enough to ensure ultimate safety.
More details:
Japan’s LNG bunkering tankers get government subsidies
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Tourism (MLIT) of Japan will subsidize the construction of the country’s first LNG bunkering tankers. The first vessel was ordered on 6 July by Central LNG Shipping Japan Corporation. Kawasaki Heavy Industries is building the vessel which will be delivered from September to December 2020. This vessel will supply LNG fuel to ships in Ise Bay and Mikawa Bay, near Nagoya.
More details:
https://www.nyk.com/english/news/2018/1190967_1687.html