Logistics

A ship carrying 16,000 sheep and cows diverted from the Red Sea due to security concerns off Yemen is now stranded at an Australian port during a heatwave, as efforts are made to unload some animals into quarantine. Meanwhile, another vessel with tens of thousands of animals from Australia is en route to Jordan, with plans to divert to the Gulf if necessary. The situation has sparked debate among politicians and animal rights groups about the ethics of live animal exports.

A Finnish engineering company, Aker Arctic, has named Mika Hovilainen as interim managing director and CEO after the departure of longtime CEO Reko-Antti Suojanen. Suojanen, who spent 19 years at Aker Arctic, announced in December he would leave to explore new opportunities. Hovilainen, who joined in 2006, expressed confidence in leading the company and is committed to building on its legacy of innovation and success. A global search for a permanent CEO is underway.

The U.S. Navy’s new amphibious transport dock ship, Richard M. McCool Jr., has successfully completed builder’s sea trials in the Gulf of Mexico, with Ingalls Shipbuilding’s Ship Program Manager Davianne Stokes praising the hard work of the shipbuilders. This San Antonio-class vessel underwent rigorous testing to ensure all systems are in top-notch condition for its upcoming delivery in the spring. Ingalls Shipbuilding is currently constructing three LPDs, including the first Flight II LPD, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh, signaling an exciting phase in the evolution of amphibious transport dock ships.

Foremost Group is venturing into the use of methanol as a bunker fuel by ordering four dual-fuelled bulkers from CSSC Chengxi Shipyard in China, with delivery planned between 2027 and 2028. This move aligns with the growing interest in methanol as a marine fuel, as evidenced by Comerge Shipping’s recent order for methanol-fuelled ships. However, a key challenge will be ensuring an adequate supply of green methanol to meet the needs of these new vessels.

In January 2024, Boluda Towage began towage operations at the Egyptian Abu Qir’s container terminal, deploying three tugs. Vicente Boluda Fos, President of Boluda Corporación Marítima, expressed, “Abu Qir is a thriving port, aligning perfectly with our division’s ambitions. Our expansion into Egypt and the Middle East represents a significant move in bolstering global activities. We take pride in meeting the port authority and container terminal’s demands and will be supported by an onshore team in Abu Qir.” Boluda Towage’s initial towage fleet in Abu Qir comprises three tugs, each boasting a 75-tonne bollard pull and firefighting capabilities. The tractor tugs VB Amon and VB Horus were procured from Sanmar Shipyards, while the Ramparts 2500-W ASD tug VB Ahmose was acquired from Med Marine Shipyards.

In January 2024, Boluda Towage began operating at Egypt’s Abu Qir container terminal with three tugs. Boluda Corporación Marítima President Vicente Boluda Fos expressed optimism about the port’s activity aligning with their division’s goals. The company’s expansion in Egypt and the Middle East signifies a strategic move to enhance their global presence. Their operations in Egypt will be supported by an onshore team in Abu Qir. The three tugs, boasting 75 tonnes bollard pull and firefighting capabilities, were acquired from Sanmar and Med Marine Shipyards.

Despite the Red Sea shipping crisis presenting a new challenge, Ukraine has successfully increased its Black Sea grain exports to pre-invasion levels. By replacing a UN-backed deal, Ukraine’s new shipping scheme has provided relief for its farmers and importing countries, while also marking a naval breakthrough for its military. However, concerns remain over the Red Sea situation, potentially leading to a 20% drop in Ukrainian grain exports by sea in January.

SunStone Maritime Group has secured multi-year charters for two expedition cruise ships, the Ocean Explorer and the Ocean Odyssey. Built by China Merchants Heavy Industry and delivered in 2021 and 2022, respectively, the vessels will return to polar cruising and “outside the cruise market” under new charter agreements. SunStone’s Infinity Class vessels are certified Ice Class 1A and Polar Class 6 and feature zero-speed stabilization, virtual anchoring, and Safe Return to Port, with a capacity of up to 95 passenger cabins, most with balconies.

The Singapore Registry of Ships (SRS), under the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore, is a major player in the global ship registry realm, boasting a fleet of around 4,000 vessels with over 100 million gross tonnage. The SRS is known for its youthful and high-quality fleet, and the recent addition of the Eagle Veracruz, a cutting-edge LNG VLCC, exemplifies its commitment to innovation and sustainability. With a focus on energy-efficient design and future-ready technology, the SRS is setting the stage for a greener, digitally-driven maritime industry.

Diana Shipping has sealed a deal to offload its oldest vessel, the 18-year-old panamax bulk carrier Artemis, for $12.99 million to an undisclosed buyer. The sale, scheduled for completion by March 8, will trim the Greek shipowner’s fleet to 39 dry bulk vessels. This includes four Newcastlemax, nine Capesize, five Post-Panamax, six Kamsarmax, six Panamax, and nine Ultramax ships.