NL MARITIME NEWS

NL MARITIME NEWS

A NewsLink service for Dole Colombia International maritime news for seafarers

Thursday, May 9, 2013 Headland SatNews

NATIONAL

Genoa tower crash: death toll touches 7

At least seven people lost their lives after a ship hit a control tower in Italy's Genoa port on Tuesday at 2300 hours. Italian maritime officials have said that it is currently not possible for them to confirm how many people sustained injuries during the incident or the number of people who have gone missing. They informed that divers are still conducting search operations to find the bodies, trapped in the underwater rubble of the 50m-tall control tower. Meanwhile, prosecutors have charged the vessel's captain and the harbour pilot with alleged manslaughter. Investigators have also probed both of them to determine the actual cause behind the accident. Italian government officials ruled out bad weather conditions as the possible cause of the incident, but indicated that an engine malfunction or problems with the cables between the vessel and the tugs, guiding it, could have triggered the accident. Italian Infrastructure Minister Maurizio Lupi, who arrived at the port soon after the crash, said that apparently two tugboats were helping to manoeuvre the ship, although it was not clear whether they were only available or already connected to the ship. According to local sources, a human error during the manoeuvre could be one of the causes of the collision. "It was a tragic incident, we lost many young lives of the coast guard who were at work in the traffic monitoring centre on the tower," Coast Guard spokesperson Filippo Marini told Xinhua. "Genoa is one of the busiest ports in Europe and its security levels remain excellent despite the unprecedented incident," he stressed. Marini also said that prosecutors opened two investigations - one for manslaughter and another related to technical problems - over the accident. The vessel was impounded and its black box seized, while the captain was being questioned by police. The marine traffic did not suffer significant consequences because of the accident, as functions of the control tower were being assured through other means, according to port officials.

Maritime security crucial for China: report

A government report released on Wednesday emphasised on strengthening maritime security to safeguard China's national security. The threats currently facing the Asian country mainly come from the sea, according to "China's Ocean Development Report (2013)". The China Institute for Marine Affairs under the State Oceanic Administration released the report on Wednesday. The report read: "Since 2012, the most direct maritime security problems have been security threats posed by sovereignty disputes over islands." It cited

SAFETY Anchoring equipment

Crewmembers should note that the anchoring equipment is intended for temporary mooring of a vessel within a harbour or sheltered area when the vessel is awaiting berth, tide, etc. The equipment is not designed to hold a ship off fully exposed coasts in rough weather or to stop a ship which is moving or drifting. In this condition, loads on the anchoring

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possible military conflicts caused by sovereignty disputes as the main security threat facing China. The strategic adjustment of foreign powers in the Asia-Pacific region will exert lasting and significant influence on China's maritime security, but China's maritime security polices have not fundamentally changed, the report said. "China will adhere to a road of peaceful development and insist on resolving marine disputes peacefully," it added.

equipment increase to such a degree that its components might be damaged or lost owing to the high-energy forces generated, particularly in large ships. The anchoring equipment is designed to hold a ship in good holding ground in conditions such as to avoid dragging of the anchor. In poor holding ground, the holding power of the anchors will be significantly reduced. The equipment numeral formula for anchoring equipment is based on an assumed current speed of 2.5m/sec (approx. 5 knots), wind speed of 25m/sec (approx. 50 knots) and a scope of chain cable between 6 and 10, the scope being the ratio between length of chain paid out and water depth. It is assumed that under normal circumstances, a ship will use only one bow anchor and chain cable at a time. However, crewmembers must not assume that the anchor equipment will hold the vessel without damage in any state of wind and current. Source: WOE P&I

7 ships probed for seabird pollution disaster

British investigators have begun probing the seabird pollution disaster after identifying seven ships responsible for the deadly chemical leak. In London, Britain's representative to the IMO Katie Ware said that more than 3,000 guillemots, razorbills and other rare birds coated in polyisobutylene (PIB), a glue-like lubricant, washed up along the ports of Dorset, Devon and Cornwall. Although the source of the chemical leak could not be determined soon after the incident, Maritime and Coast Guard Agency (MCA) later identified seven vessels that had triggered the country's worst marine disaster by leaking PIB into the sea.

As the MCA has zeroed in on seven possible vessels, Ware said: "The MCA counter-pollution team has identified an area and a time-slot when we think that this discharge was made. We have identified a possible 62 ships that transited the area at that time and we have managed to narrow the number down to a possible seven ships which could have caused the discharge."

Nigeria ready to ratify MLC 2006

Nigeria's Federal Executive Council on Wednesday began its weekly meeting to ratify Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006. According to authoritative sources, the African country has decided to make the move ahead of August 20, 2013, when the International Labour Organisation's (ILO) MLC 2006 would come into force. The MLC 2006 provides comprehensive rights and protection at work for more than 1.2 million seafarers across the world, as its main aims are to achieve both decent working conditions for seafarers and secure economic interests in fair competition for quality ship-owners. Since 90% of the world trade is carried via ships, the industry is trying to improve the quality and safety of seafarers. The move will also help boost international trade and global economic and trade system. Talking to the local media in Abuja, a senior Nigerian official said that it would also help boost international trade and global economic and trade system. Meanwhile, Nigerian Labour and Productivity Minister Emeka Wogu said that at least 30 member states, who share 33% global gross tonnage of ships, should ratify the MLC 2006 by the end of July. So far, a total of 39 countries, including Finland, Malta, Greece and France, have ratified the MLC 2006. While speaking at the opening session on Wednesday, Wogu praised the global maritime industry for performing well for years despite facing a number of difficulties. He said: "It has over the years made vital contributions to our nation's development especially in the areas of employment generation, trade investments, shipping, fishing and trawling, cleaning and forwarding activities amongst others." The minister, meanwhile, stressed upon the need to further explore and optimise the potentialities of the sector.

COMMERCE
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Optimism grips newbuildings, iron ore sector

More dry cargo ships are being built and the order books for the sector are growing despite the economic gloom gripping the world. Piraeus-based shipbroker Golden Destiny said on Wednesday that it might be due to owners looking for good investment opportunities as newbuilding costs are at their lowest in years. Bulk carriers of all types are still lording it over the yards, but an increasing amount is being invested in the tanker segment - at least USD2.16 for eight newbuildings, according to one source. Meanwhile, rates for iron ore continue their rally amid speculation that demand will increase in the medium term. The Baltic Index reported that costs for iron ore capesizes at 150,000 metric tonnes capacity rose 2.3% to USD 6,298 a day on Wednesday. This is the ninth consecutive rise, according to the Baltic Exchange in London. The Index big board, a wider measure of commodity shipping costs, rose 0.3% to 892.

LEGAL Arctic Council set to sign oil spill deal

Leona Aglukkaq, the Canadian minister responsible for the Arctic Council, will arrive in Kiruna, Sweden on May 15 to sign a deal regarding the oil spill. According to sources close to the Canadian government, Aglukkaq and top ministers of the Arctic Council's member nations will sign the deal during the one-day ministerial meeting. The Arctic Marine Oil Pollution Preparedness and Response Agreement will be a framework for future co-operation mainly to prevent oils spill or responses to oil spills in the Arctic. Sources close to the Council said that it would be the second binding agreement accepted by the Arctic Council after search and rescue agreement approved in Nuuk in 2011. During the May 15 meeting, Sweden will also pass the chair of the eight-nation forum to Canada. Addressing a press conference in Stockholm, Sweden's chair of the Arctic Council Gustaf Lind said that the Council would approve a proposal, titled "Vision for the Arctic", on May 15. It will be the common vision of the Council for sustainable development in the Arctic. According to Lind, the vision will guide the council for the next 16 years.

TRADE Greek owners increase ship acquisitions

Taking advantage of low vessel prices, shipping companies in Greece have increased their ship acquisition activities. According to an official study, they have already purchased 74 vessels in the first quarter of 2013 as compared to 39 during the same period last year. The number represents a 90% increase. As per the report, Greek shipping companies have purchased 533% more container ships, 88% more bulk carriers and 18% more tankers so far this year. In order to purchase these vessels, the Greek companies invested USD 848 million, which is an increase of USD 244 million from 2012. Of this amount, they spent USD 420 million for purchasing 43 dry bulk cargo vessels, USD 352 million for buying 20 tankers and another USD 75 million for container ships.

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Commenting on the acquisition, a senior Greek industry official said that main reasons behind the move were lower vessel prices and to avoid possible imposition of a deposit levy similar to that of USD 130,000 in force in Cyprus. Industry analyst Diana Solberg stressed that ship prices are currently at an all-time low. As a result, shipping companies are paying just USD 55 million for a tanker with the carrying capacity of two million barrels of oil. In 2008, the price of this tanker was USD 160 million. Solberg also said: "We, as brokers, anticipate that other ship-owners of the distressed European South or even of the European North will follow the Greek example."

WORLD TRAVEL Paraguay

Paraguay, the landlocked Latin American country that shares its borders with Argentina, Bolivia and Brazil, is a wonderful destination for tourists. Despite being landlocked, the country is bordered and criss-crossed by navigable rivers. Paraguay is rich in natural resources, as it has the world's largest drinking water reservoir, Guarani Aquifer, beneath its soil. With an area of about 406.000sqkm, the country is divided mainly into two regions: Oriental and Occidental by the Paraguay River. The ideal time to visit the country is April till September.

Language
Spanish is the official language of Paraguay, although the country is basically bilingual. Local people also speak Guarani. Foreign tourists can communicate in English, as Paraguayans are very much friendly. Tourists are sure to be fascinated by their unique racial and cultural mix and friendly behaviour.

Main cities
Apart from the capital city of Asuncion, other major cities are Ciudad del Este (popularly known as gateway to the Iguazu Falls), Filadelfia, Concepcion, Villeta, Pilar and Aregua. As far as top Paraguayan destinations are concerned, they are San Bernardino, the liveliest summer destination, Aregua, San Lorenzo and Encarnacion. In Paraguay, foreigners are advised to visit Casa de la Independencia, a historical monument built in 1774. The monument is a symbol of struggle of Paraguayan independence. Casa de los Diputados, another prime attraction of Paraguay, was initially a military college. Currently, the building is serving as the cultural centre. Iguazu Falls is one of the magnificent destinations of Paraguay, as the falls is designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. It is located at the border of three countries - Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina. The volume of water that pours every second from Iguassu Falls is nearly 1500 cubic metres. Panteon Nacional de los Heroes is another interesting place to visit, as the plaza demonstrates the cultural roots and societal norms of the country.

Visit by plane
Foreign tourists can easily catch an Asuncion-bound flight from other South American and European airports. There are also two daily flights from Sso Paulo to Ciudad del Este.

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Before their arrival in Paraguay, tourists need to check the visa requirements, as most European citizens (EU) generally do not require visas to visit Paraguay for up to 90 days. However American, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand nationals need visas. Tourists from the US, Canada, Russia, Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan can apply for a visa on arrival at the International Airport in Ascuncion.

SHIPPING DATA
BALTIC EXCHANGE
Market snapshot: 11:30 GMT Dry Index Capesize Index Panamax Index Supramax Index Handysize Index BDI BCI BPI BSI BHSI 892 1408 995 872 548 +3 +15 -4 -2 +2

EXCHANGE RATES
New York (Wed Cls) Fgn Currency in USD Britain (Pound) Canada (Dollar) China (Yuan) Euro India (Rupee) 1.5543 0.9969 0.1627 1.3159 0.0185 USD in Fgn Currency 0.6434 1.0031 6.1458 0.7600 54.0950 9733.00 98.8200 5.7463 40.7700 3.1400 31.1017 1.2275

Indonesia (Rupiah) 0.000103 Japan (Yen) Norway (Krone) Philippines (Peso) Poland (Zloty) Russia (Ruble) Singapore (Dollar) 0.010119 0.1740 0.0245 0.3183 0.0322 0.8146

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