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Ship Photo of the Week
Royal Navy New Zealand divers on the scene above HMNZS Manawanui, off the Southern coast of Upulo, Samoa. Photo released October 11, 2024.
Top Stories
Maersk’s and Hapag-Lloyd’s ‘Gemini’ to Detour from Red Sea Threats
Shipping giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd are charting a safer course, announcing that their new “Gemini Cooperation” will use the Cape of Good Hope route starting February 1, 2025. The decision comes amid ongoing threats to shipping in the Red Sea, with no end in sight to the region’s crisis. Originally considering both the Cape and traditional Suez options, the companies confirmed the Cape of Good Hope route due to persistent safety concerns linked to the Iran-backed Houthi attacks. With 340 vessels and 3.7 million TEU capacity, the new network promises top-tier reliability, keeping global trade moving while steering clear of Red Sea dangers.
Ghost-Busted: U.S. Turns the Lights on Iran’s Shadowy Oil Fleet
The U.S. has ramped up sanctions on Iran’s petroleum and petrochemical sectors, hitting a network of so-called “ghost fleet” tankers smuggling oil under the radar. The move follows Iran’s October 1st attack on Israel and aims to choke off funding for its regional mischief.
The U.S. Treasury, working with the State Department, has blacklisted 10 entities and 17 vessels linked to Iran’s oil exports. The goal? Cut off revenue streams that support Iran’s nuclear program, missile development, and terrorist proxy groups—like the Houthis. Companies from the UAE to Hong Kong and Liberia are among those named and shamed for their role in shipping Iranian oil. With the new measures, the U.S. hopes to sink Iran’s oil trade and its destabilizing activities in across the Middle East.
U.S. Imports Unshaken by Port Strike Pause
Despite the brief labor strike at East and Gulf Coast ports earlier this month, U.S. container imports are expected to remain high in October, according to the National Retail Federation’s Global Port Tracker report. The three-day strike, which began on October 1, ended quickly with a tentative contract extension, ensuring no major impact on the all-important holiday shopping season.
Retailers breathed a sigh of relief as port operations resumed immediately following the temporary resolution, with the NRF predicting a smooth flow of goods at ports through the holidays. U.S. ports handled 2.34 million TEUs in August, the highest since May 2022, with strong import levels projected through year-end.
Cold Rush: Arctic Shipping Hits Record Highs
Arctic shipping is having a banner year, smashing records for both transit traffic and container ship voyages. By September 30, the Northern Sea Route has already set new records with 2.38 million tonnes of cargo transported across 79 voyages, with more expected as the season wraps up.
China’s strategic interest in the Arctic is driving much of the boom, accounting for 95% of cargo traffic between Russia and China. This year also saw 14 container ship voyages, double last year’s total, despite a shorter season due to heavy ice. With larger vessels like the 4,843 TEU Flying Fish 1 now navigating these icy waters, Arctic shipping’s rise shows no signs of freezing over.
Premiums Soar as Black Sea Tensions Heat Up
Insurance costs for ships transiting Ukraine’s Black Sea corridor have surged past 1% of a vessel’s value, up from 0.75% last week, as Russia ramps up attacks on key ports. For a $50 million ship, that’s an extra $125,000 per voyage.
Despite the rising danger, shipping traffic remains steady, though further strikes could make shipowners reconsider. Russia’s recent attacks have hit three vessels in four days, sparking wheat prices to climb 2.5% amid export concerns. Ukraine’s agricultural exports, vital to its economy, face ongoing threats as the conflict shows no signs of easing.
Water Cannon Showdown: Philippines vs. China at Scarborough Shoal
Tensions have flared once again at the Scarborough Shoal as the Philippines accused China’s coast guard of firing water cannons at vessels delivering supplies to Filipino fishermen. China defended its actions, claiming the Philippine ships had “invaded” its waters near the disputed shoal.
The Oct. 8 incident marks the latest in the ongoing territorial spat between the two nations over the shoal, located within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone but claimed by China. Despite China’s efforts to block the mission, Philippine ships continued their supply run, avoiding direct impact from the water cannons. The standoff adds another layer of tension to the already heated South China Sea dispute as regional leaders gather in Laos for an ASEAN summit.
Sexist Backlash Follows Sinking of New Zealand Navy Ship
A view of the HMNZS Manawanui after running aground and capsizing off Samoa on October 5, 2024. Photo via social media
New Zealand’s Defence Minister, Judith Collins, has condemned the sexist online attacks aimed at the female captain of the HMNZS Manawanui, which sank off the coast of Samoa last weekend. While the cause of the incident is still under investigation, Collins emphasized that the captain’s gender had nothing to do with the sinking.
Collins specifically called out “armchair admirals” for their vile comments, noting that women in uniform have even faced street harassment since the event. New Zealand, a pioneer in gender equality, is no stranger to debates over the public treatment of women in authority, but Collins insists the nation is “better than this.” The Navy has launched a Court of Inquiry to investigate the cause of the sinking, with a preliminary report expected by mid-November.
LNG Sets Sail
The maritime industry is rapidly adopting liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a fuel source, with LNG-powered vessels now making up over 2% of the global fleet, according to SEA-LNG. This share is expected to double by the end of the decade as the current order book is delivered, reaching 4% of vessels and 6% by deadweight tonnage.
LNG ship numbers have surged from just 21 in 2010 to 590 today, with another 564 on order. As LNG infrastructure expands–now available in 185 ports–the fuel is proving to be a key pathway in maritime decarbonization, offering significant emissions reductions and setting the stage for future alternative fuels.
Sea Zero: Hurtigruten’s Emission-Free Cruise Ship Set for 2030
Norwegian cruise company Hurtigruten is making waves with its ambitious Sea Zero project—a zero-emission cruise ship set to debut in 2030. Designed to cut energy consumption by up to 50%, the ship will rely on large batteries, contra-rotating propellers, and retractable sails to slash emissions.
The ship’s innovative design includes air lubrication technology for improved efficiency and “smart cabins” that allow guests to monitor their energy usage. With significant progress in development, Hurtigruten aims to revolutionize cruising by offering a sustainable, eco-friendly alternative for future travel.
As always, we’d love to hear your feedback. Email [email protected] with any questions, comments, tips, or concerns. Don’t forget to check out the Club Discord and gCaptain.com for the latest maritime news.
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