The Australian Financial Review South32's manganese export operations at the Groote Eylandt mine face significant disruption following the destructive impact of Cyclone Megan. The bulk carrier MV Anikitos, loaded with 41,000 tonnes of high-grade manganese, struck and damaged a loading wharf during the cyclone's onslaught, exacerbating the challenges faced by the world's largest single producer of manganese. Initial assessments reveal structural damage to the wharf, with photos indicating destruction extending from the ship's midsection to its stern. The MV Anikitos also sustained a hole in one of its ballast water tanks, prompting the need for underwater hull inspections to determine its seaworthiness. The incident has raised concerns about the extended halt in ship loading operations at the port, potentially impacting production and sales volumes. While South32 remains tight-lipped about the extent of the damage, it asserts confidence in resuming mining and shipments, albeit contingent on the restoration of port access and infrastructure.   As the NT government monitors developments closely, the full ramifications of the cyclone-induced damage are yet to be determined, casting uncertainty over the future of manganese exports from the region.

Evergreen Containership and Smaller Bulker Collide off China Chinese officials have disclosed information regarding a collision involving an Evergreen containership and a local bulk carrier near Qingdao port. The incident occurred last week, prompting the evacuation of the crew from the damaged bulker, Huahai 78, as investigations continue. Reported by the Qingdao Maritime Affairs Bureau, the Ever Lucid (105,000 dwt) was outbound from Qingdao on March 13 en route to Shanghai. The collision occurred the following morning, causing significant damage to the bulker, which began taking on water in its engine room and suffered severe damage to its bridge. Despite the damage, no injuries were reported on either vessel, and the 12 crew members of the bulker were safely transferred to the Ever Lucid. Subsequently, the damaged bulker was towed to port with assistance from two tugs and two escort boats, arriving in Qingdao on March 15.   Meanwhile, the Ever Lucid, registered in Taiwan and operating on routes between China, Asia, Vancouver, and Tacoma, sustained minor damage to its bow and awaits investigation while anchored off Qingdao. No specific causes of the accident were disclosed, although initial reports mentioned good weather conditions despite possible limited visibility.  

Indian Navy Rescues Hijacked 'Ruen' from Somali Pirates The Indian Navy has accomplished the rescue of the MV Ruen and the liberation of its 17 crew members, held captive by pirates off Somalia's coast for three months. All 35 pirates onboard have been apprehended without any reported injuries among the crew. The successful operation, led by INS Kolkata, took place in the Indian Ocean after intercepting the vessel on Friday. Pirates, initially opening fire on an Indian Navy helicopter, surrendered following a standoff, with INS Subhadra providing support. The Maltese-flagged Ruen, hijacked on December 14, was the first commercial ship hijacking by Somali pirates since 2017. The incident underscores a resurgence in piracy, with the European Union's counter-piracy naval operation addressing the recent surge. The rescue signals a significant development in combating piracy in the region, coinciding with the shipping industry's removal of the "high-risk area" designation for the Indian Ocean in 2023, established during the peak of Somali piracy threats.  

Video: YM Containership Takes Out Cranes While Docking in Turkey A Hong Kong-registered containership, the YM Witness, triggered chaos upon its arrival at the private container port in Kocaeli, Turkey. The vessel, operated by Yang Ming, was involved in a dramatic accident when it failed to stop while maneuvering, causing it to collide with and topple large container cranes. The incident occurred on Saturday afternoon, March 16, resulting in significant damage to both the port infrastructure and the vessel itself. Initial reports indicated that no injuries were sustained in the accident. However, subsequent updates from Turkish media revealed that the operator of one of the cranes suffered serious injuries during the incident. The YM Witness, boasting a substantial size with a length of 1,207 feet (368 meters) and a capacity of 14,000 TEU, had a pilot on board at the time of the accident. Despite this, the vessel inexplicably approached the dock at a steep angle, leading to its inability to halt its forward motion. Videos capturing the scene depict dockworkers fleeing as the towering cranes are forcefully knocked over by the oncoming containership. Additionally, numerous containers were dislodged from the vessel, plunging into the harbor waters.   Local authorities, including police and fire departments, swiftly responded to the scene, and an investigation into the cause of the accident is currently underway.  

Houthis Target Tanker as They Also Involve Hamas in Red Sea Conflict In a potentially concerning incident indicative of the complexities surrounding maritime security in the region, the crude oil tanker Pacific 01, registered in Panama, experienced an explosion while traversing the Red Sea, approximately 65 nautical miles west of Al Hudaydah, Yemen. The event occurred overnight, with reports indicating that a second merchant vessel observed a missile passing overhead during the incident. Attributed to Houthi militants, the attack has sparked discussions regarding the accuracy of targeting information, particularly concerning outdated vessel data. The tanker, formerly managed by Eastern Pacific Shipping of Singapore, was previously associated with Israeli shipping magnate Idan Ofer. However, recent ownership and management transfers to Pacific Ocean Energy Trans, a Vietnamese-based entity, occurred last month, resulting in the vessel's rebranding as Pacific 01.   Security authorities have underscored the risks associated with such discrepancies, highlighting previous instances where outdated vessel information led to similar targeting incidents. Initial reports from the UK Maritime Trade Organizations and Ambrey suggested that the tanker sustained damage from the attack. However, subsequent clarification from UKMTO revealed that following a daylight inspection, the vessel's master confirmed no damage had occurred, and the vessel proceeded with its intended route, signaling its upcoming transit through the Suez Canal.  

Fire Burning Aboard Cuyahoga, Canada’s Oldest Laker The US Coast Guard is responding to a fire aboard the historic Great Lakes cargo vessel, the Cuyahoga, in Ashtabula, Ohio. The 81-year-old vessel, Canada's oldest Great Lakes cargo ship, was docked for winter layup when the fire broke out. The Coast Guard confirms the safety of the captain and crew, with local fire teams dispatched to the scene. This incident marks the second in less than a year for the Cuyahoga, which narrowly escaped a previous engine room fire in 2023. Operated by Lower Lakes Towing, part of Rand Logistics, the vessel underwent repairs and returned to service late last year. However, the fire has once again raised concerns about the ship's future.   Built in 1943 as the J. Burton Ayers, the Cuyahoga holds a significant place in maritime history, having served during World War II. Despite her age, she remains operational, transporting bulk commodities across the Great Lakes. Marine inspectors and investigators are set to determine the cause of the fire, highlighting the vessel's ongoing importance and challenges in maintaining her legacy.

Fortescue Green Pioneer completes landmark ammonia fuel trial - Splash247 The Fortescue Green Pioneer, known for its breakthroughs in green maritime technology, has achieved another milestone by conducting the world’s first trial of ammonia fuel combined with diesel. Loaded with liquid ammonia from Singapore’s Vopak Banyan Terminal, the vessel underwent seven weeks of rigorous testing, affirming its potential as the world's first ammonia-powered ocean-going vessel. Previously converted to run on ammonia, the ship faced regulatory hurdles highlighted by Fortescue boss Andrew Forrest during COP28 in Dubai. The successful trial, supervised by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), signifies Singapore’s commitment to multi-fuel bunkering and maritime innovation. Key insights from the trial will be shared to foster further advancements in ammonia-powered ships, as shipyards across Asia engage in constructing such vessels. Forrest reiterated the call for global ports to adopt stringent green fuel standards, emphasizing the need for fair carbon pricing to drive green investments.  

Group 5 Japanese shipping giant NYK and leading LPG trader Astomos Energy Corporation have made significant strides in sustainable shipping with the christening ceremony of their new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)/ammonia carrier, Gas Garnet. The event, held at Kawasaki Heavy Industries' Sakaide Works, marked a milestone in Japan's maritime industry. Gas Garnet, christened by Astomos Energy's senior executive officer Yoshihito Takahashi, boasts impressive dimensions, measuring 229.9 meters in length and 37.2 meters in breadth, with a tank capacity of 86,953 cubic meters. Equipped with a dual-fuel engine capable of utilizing both heavy oil and LPG, the carrier sets a new standard in eco-friendly maritime technology. A notable feature of Gas Garnet is its innovative shaft generator, enabling the vessel to generate electricity through the rotation of the main engine shaft, thereby reducing reliance on diesel generators during standard navigation and facilitating full LPG-fueled operations. NYK reports significant environmental benefits associated with Gas Garnet's LPG propulsion, including a reduction of more than 95% in sulfur oxides (SOx) and 20% in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to conventional heavy oil-fueled vessels. This underscores the vessel's pivotal role in advancing decarbonization efforts within the maritime sector.  Jointly owned by NYK and Astomos Energy, Gas Garnet represents a collaborative effort aimed at promoting environmentally friendly fleet development and accelerating the decarbonization of the supply chain. Building upon their successful partnership, the companies seek to strengthen their relationship and continue leading the industry towards a greener, more sustainable future.   Gas Garnet follows in the footsteps of previous collaborations between NYK and Astomos Energy, including the vessels Lupinus Planet and Lantana Planet, further solidifying their commitment to driving innovation and sustainability in maritime transportation.  

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has taken a bold step towards sustainable shipping with the introduction of its revolutionary 'BLUE' series, a fleet of LNG-fueled car carriers designed to significantly reduce environmental impact while ensuring efficient maritime transport. The unveiling ceremony for the first vessel of the series was held on March 13 at Onishi Shipyard, marking a momentous occasion in Japan's maritime industry. MOL's decision to select liquefied natural gas (LNG) as the primary fuel for its car carriers reflects the company's commitment to environmental stewardship and carbon footprint reduction. By opting for LNG, MOL aims to achieve substantial emissions reductions, with anticipated decreases of approximately 25-30 percent in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, 98 percent in sulfur oxide (SOx) emissions, and 85 percent in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions compared to conventional fuel oil-powered vessels. In addition to its environmental benefits, the 'BLUE' series represents a strategic rebranding effort by MOL, aligning with the company's corporate mission of sustaining people's lives and ensuring a prosperous future. The new name symbolizes MOL's dedication to leveraging the vast blue oceans for the betterment of society and emphasizes its commitment to sustainable shipping practices. Last year, MOL unveiled the new name and hull color design for its LNG-fueled car carriers, laying the groundwork for the 'BLUE' series. This innovative initiative underscores MOL's leadership in promoting green shipping technologies and advancing the maritime industry towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.

Ray Car Carriers forks out $520m on four VLCC newbuilds - Splash247 Ray Car Carriers, renowned for its vehicle carrier tonnage, has made a strategic move into the supertanker segment with the signing of a significant construction agreement in South Korea. The Israeli owner has reportedly secured a deal worth $520 million at HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering for the construction of four Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs). According to industry sources, the 320,000 deadweight ton (dwt) vessels will be built at Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries and are scheduled for delivery by December 2027. Each VLCC is estimated to cost approximately $130 million, aligning closely with market rates for similar tonnage. Ray Car Carriers' decision to venture into the VLCC market comes amidst a surge in demand for supertanker tonnage, driven by factors such as limited orderbooks and increasing shipping requirements. The company joins a cadre of high-profile shipowners, including DHT, Evangelos Marinakis, John Fredriksen, and Tor Olav Trøim, who have capitalized on available newbuilding slots to bolster their fleets. This latest order represents Ray Car Carriers' second newbuilding project this year, following its recent booking of two car carriers at Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, slated for delivery by May 2028. With a diverse portfolio spanning vehicle and crude oil transportation, the company demonstrates its commitment to strategic expansion and fleet modernization in response to evolving market dynamics.

Nantong Xiangyu wins order for eight methanol-ready ultramaxes - Splash247 the Chinese shipbuilding industry, Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering has inked a construction agreement with Xiamen Jinxian and COSCO Shipping Bulk for the production of eight 64,000 deadweight ton (dwt) methanol-ready bulk carriers. The deal, which underscores China's growing presence in the maritime sector, aims to enhance vessel efficiency and environmental sustainability. According to Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding, the newly commissioned vessels are set to feature increased load capacity and reduced fuel consumption compared to their counterparts both domestically and internationally. These advancements align with the industry's ongoing efforts to adopt greener technologies and mitigate environmental impact. However, specific financial terms of the agreement remain undisclosed. With this latest contract, Nantong Xiangyu Shipbuilding further solidifies its position as a key player in the construction of ultramax ships, surpassing a total order volume of 100 units. This milestone underscores the shipyard's continued commitment to innovation and excellence in vessel manufacturing.   The construction of methanol-ready bulk carriers signifies a strategic shift towards alternative fuels in the maritime industry, reflecting China's broader initiatives to promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions. As demand for eco-friendly shipping solutions grows, such partnerships and construction deals are expected to drive further advancements in vessel technology and operational efficiency.

Performance Shipping locks away LR2 newbuilds in $170m deal with Clearlake - Splash247 Performance Shipping, a Greek tanker owner listed on Nasdaq, has finalized charter agreements with Clearlake Shipping, a subsidiary of Gunvor Group, for three of its LNG-ready, scrubber-fitted LR2 newbuildings. The contracts span five years each, with a daily rate of $31,000. These agreements, along with two one-year extension options offering a base rate plus profit share, are expected to commence upon the delivery of the vessels from Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding, affiliated with CSSC. The deliveries are scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2025, first quarter of 2026, and second quarter of 2026. Andreas Michalopoulos, CEO of Performance Shipping, emphasized the strategic significance of these contracts, stating that they reflect the company’s commitment to securing long-term fixed revenue at profitable charter rates. This move enhances cash flow visibility during the initial operational years of the newbuild sister ships.   The firm deal, valued at approximately $169.8 million, covers around 88% of the aggregate construction costs of the vessels. With this agreement, Performance Shipping has substantially fortified its fleet-wide fixed revenue backlog to at least $211.4 million.  

Union Maritime Adds Wind-Assisted Propulsion to New LR2 Tankers Union Maritime, a UK-based shipping company, is pioneering the use of wind-assisted technology in the larger tanker sector by ordering the installation of rigid wing sails on two of its new LR2 tankers. This move places Union Maritime at the forefront of efforts to decarbonize the shipping industry. The LR2 tankers, currently under construction at the Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding (SWS) yard in China, will each be equipped with three WindWings developed by BAR Technologies. These sails are expected to make the tankers among the "greenest and most efficient" in the industry, with potential fuel and CO2 savings of up to 1.5 tonnes and 5 tonnes per wing per day, respectively, on typical global routes. Scheduled for delivery in July and November 2025, the LR2 tankers are part of Union Maritime's shipbuilding program, which includes a total of six LR2 tankers and two MRs (49,000 dwt). BAR's WindWings will operate in conjunction with a route optimization system to adjust the sails based on wind conditions, vessel speed, and course, without compromising speed. The move towards wind-assisted propulsion reflects the shipping industry's increasing focus on adopting technologies to reduce emissions. Companies are exploring various options, including route optimization, retrofitting ships with new technologies, and now, wind-assisted propulsion.   BAR's previous installations of rigid sails on bulkers Pyxis Ocean and Berge Olympus, along with its partnership with CM Energy Tech, indicate a growing trend towards integrating wind-assisted propulsion into the maritime sector. With Union Maritime leading the charge, the industry may see further advancements in sustainable shipping practices in the near future.  

Bulk carrier boarded off Somalia - Splash247 In a concerning development, a Bangladeshi-owned bulker, operated by SK Shipping Lines, has reportedly fallen prey to suspected Somali pirates. The vessel, identified as the Abdullah and weighing 58,000 deadweight tons (dwt), was commandeered by pirates while en route from Mozambique to the UAE. The incident occurred approximately 500 nautical miles east of Mogadishu, Somalia, an area previously deemed low risk by the shipping company. The bulker, Abdullah, acquired by SK Shipping Lines from Japanese owners in late 2023, recently resumed sailing after routine maintenance. Crew distress signals, including a plea for assistance and video footage of the pirate's approach, were received by the Maritime Academy in Bangladesh from a former cadet onboard.   With a crew of 23 members onboard, the vessel's fate remains uncertain as it is steered towards Somalia by the pirates. The crew, possibly confined to the citadel or cabins, faces an alarming situation. Reports suggest that the pirates, potentially linked to Houthi factions in Yemen, have expanded their operational reach, heightening concerns for maritime security in the region.   Efforts to rescue the hijacked crew and regain control of the vessel are underway, with authorities closely monitoring the situation. The incident underscores the persistent threat of piracy in these waters and highlights the vulnerability of commercial vessels to such attacks. UKMTO WARNING INCIDENT 049 – BOARDING #MarSec pic.twitter.com/GT1gWfyx1U — United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) March 12, 2024

Cargo Ship Sinks Near Vietnam, All Crewmembers Rescued In a swift response operation, all 11 crew members of the Vietnam-flagged cargo vessel HUNG PHAT 89 (HP89), MMSI: 574012359, were safely rescued after the vessel sank in the Singapore maritime search and rescue region. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) confirmed the successful rescue, following a distress alert received by the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Singapore. The incident occurred approximately 380 nautical miles east of Vung Tau, Vietnam. Despite the vessel's unfortunate sinking, prompt coordination between MRCC Singapore and MRCC Vietnam ensured the timely rescue of the crew members by the Vietnam Coast Guard. The MPA issued navigational broadcasts to nearby vessels, emphasizing vigilance and reporting of any sightings of the distressed vessel.