1. The economic and commodities outlook from Geneva As metaphors go to highlight today’s tortuous trading environment, the fact that the Economic and Commodities Outlook session kicked off Friday’s Geneva Dry conference with an empty seat on stage was rather apt – Shamika Sirimanne, director of the UN Trade and Development’s division on technology and logistics, was snarled up in traffic just outside the World Trade Organization building of all places. The economic and commodities outlook from Geneva – Splash247
2. Why fleet growth is not a guaranteed recipe for success December 11 last year saw Star Bulk Carriers Corp and Eagle Bulk Shipping announce that: “the companies have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger on a Net Asset Value to Net Asset Value (“NAV”) basis with a pro forma market capitalization of approximately $2.1 billion.” Why fleet growth is not a guaranteed recipe for success – Splash247
3. Dubai tug operator stands accused of being the worst serial crew abandonment offender ever The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) has hit out at what it claims is the worst case of serial seafarer abandonment ever seen.Dubai’s Middle East Marine, an operator of tugs, stands accused of systematic abuse and neglect of over 100 seafarers. Since November 2022, the ITF has reported over 17 cases of crew abandonments across 18 Palauy-flagged vessels in Bangladesh, India, the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Dubai tug operator stands accused of being the worst serial crew abandonment offender ever – Splash247
4. Why fleet growth is not a guaranteed recipe for success December 11 last year saw Star Bulk Carriers Corp and Eagle Bulk Shipping announce that: “the companies have entered into a definitive agreement to combine in an all-stock merger on a Net Asset Value to Net Asset Value (“NAV”) basis with a pro forma market capitalization of approximately $2.1 billion.” Why fleet growth is not a guaranteed recipe for success – Splash247
5. Extra dock slated at China’s New Times with owners queueing up for prized slots Jiangsu-based New Times Shipbuilding, one of China’s largest privately owned shipyards, is awaiting government approval for a new drydock with broker Gibson reporting Q1 2027 deliveries will open up once the yard gets the green light. The yard has already built up a credible waiting list of owners for suezmax tankers, with Gibson suggesting owners are willing to pay in the region of $80m to secure a prized slot. Extra dock slated at China’s New Times with owners queueing up for prized slots – Splash247
6. Dry bulk digital efficiency drivers in the spotlight The first session at the first ever Geneva Dry conference tackled digital efficiency drivers across the dry bulk supply chain, smoothly moderated by Richard Watts from HR Maritime.The panel was tasked with outlining how digitalisation can enhance dry bulk shipping operations to the benefit of both shipowners and charterers. Dry bulk digital efficiency drivers in the spotlight – Splash247
7. Maersk Continues to Reroute Ships Indefinitely as Houthis Threaten Escalation A.P. Moller-Maersk (Maersk), the world’s second-largest ocean carrier, says it will continue to reroute its ships around the Cape of Good Hope for the “foreseeable future” due to escalating Houthi attacks. The company issued an update to its customers detailing the challenges it’s facing and the measures it’s implementing to mitigate the effects of shipping delays and disruptions. Maersk Continues to Reroute Ships Indefinitely as Houthis Threaten Escalation
8. Leadership Battle Brewing at Deep Sea Mining’s Regulatory Body The secretary-general of the International Seabed Authority is set to run for a third term leading the United Nations-affiliated organization that regulates deep sea mining, as control of mineral resources used to make electric car batteries becomes a focus of US-China rivalry. Leadership Battle Brewing at Deep Sea Mining’s Regulatory Body
9. U.S. Military Continues with Gaza Pier Construction Despite relocating due to weather conditions, the U.S. Department of Defense is moving forward with plans to build a temporary pier for humanitarian aid delivery into Gaza, according to Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder. U.S. Military Continues with Gaza Pier Construction
10. IRClass Systems & Solutions announces the launch of ISSPL Development Foundation (IDF) IRClass Systems & Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (ISSPL), a leader in Technical Inspection & Certification (TIC) services, announces the launch of ISSPL Development Foundation (IDF). Established in March 2024 as a not-for-profit entity under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013, IDF aims to promote and administer services essential for sustaining and uplifting industrial sectors by offering testing, inspection, and certification services aligned with national and international standards, ensuring safety, quality, and environmental compliance, among others. Shipping Tribune
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