SEA AND COAST MARITIME MAGAZINE (February 2022) by SEA AND COAST

DELHI POLICE LICENSING UNIT NO: F.2 (S.6) PRESS/2016

SEA AND COAST MONTHLY MARITIME MAGAZINE VOICE OF MARINE COMMUNITY

February - 2022 | Volume-06 | Issue-02 |RNI NO : DELENG/2017/70663 | ₹315 Distributed in India,Singapore,Canada,Sri Lanka,Iran,Italy,Greece,Venezuela,Israel,UAE,SouthAfrica, Usa, Spain, Australia,Kazakhstan,Vietnam,Tunisia,Turkey,Bulgaria,Belgium,Brazil,Malaysia,New Zealand, Nigeria, Poland, And Russia

Commodore (Dr) Odakkal Johnson (Retd), PhD Former Director Maritime History Society, Maritime Scholar and Mentor

Jeannette Pérez Fernandez

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

Law and Maritime Business Specialist

Dr Anil Mehndiratta (MBBS, MD, A.F.I.H, FCCP) Chest Physician & DG Shipping Approved Medical Examiner, Indian Medical Association Goa State President 2019

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

COVID-19 Wreaking Havoc Over the Maritime Industry

Dr.Malini V. Shankar, (IAS) Vice Chancellor Indian Maritime University Chairman of National Shipping Board, Former Director General of Shipping (Ministry Of Shipping) Goverment of India. Member, Board of Governors, World Maritime University,Malmo, Sweden

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

Seafarers Apply for Documents Quickly, Easily, 24/7 Now oﬀering Seafarers the ability to apply directly for their documents and credentials online at https://seafarers.liscr.com/ • New or existing seafarers can apply online 24/7 from anywhere in the world • Easy to use platform • Ability to pay for expedited documents

02|FEBRUARY 2022

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

CONTENTS FEBRUARY 2022

VOL 06 ISSUE 02

Dr.Malini V. Shankar, (IAS)

Commodore (Dr) Odakkal Johnson (Retd), PhD

Vice Chancellor Indian Maritime University Chairman of National Shipping Board, Former Director General of Shipping (Ministry Of Shipping) Goverment of India. Member, Board of Governors, World Maritime University,Malmo, Sweden

Former Director Maritime History Society, Maritime Scholar and Mentor

Dr Anil Mehndiratta

Amit Kumar Sea And Coast Founder. CEO, Editor-in-Chief

(Republish)

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

(MBBS, MD, A.F.I.H, FCCP) Chest Physician & DG Shipping Approved Medical Examiner, Indian Medical Association Goa State President 2019

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN 12

Capt. Prabhat Ranjan Master Mariner

Jeannette Pérez Fernandez

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN 14

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN 15 EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

Editorial 04

ADVISORY BOARD

Andromachi Demetriou 2nd Ofcer

Cyprus She @ Sea 06

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

Law and Maritime Business Specialist

SHIPPING NEWS

SHIPPING TECHNOLOGY NEWS 22 CRUISE INDUSTRY NEWS

MARINE TECHNOLOGY NEWS

OFFSHORE NEWS

SHIPBUILDING NEWS

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NAVAL SECURITY NEWS

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

48 FEBRUARY 2022 |03

INDIA When I put together this edition of Sea and coast, the maritime sector is back on its track.

Website www.seaandcoast.in Email: info@seaandcoast.in

The world is recovering from the aftermath of Covid-19 with more and more people being vaccinated against the novel coronavirus. The aftermath of the pandemic can still be seen as in the delay in time period of different ships

Amit Kumar

projects as shipyard and repair yards

Founder. CEO, Editor-in-Chief

functions were disrupted. The containers crisis and the skyrocket cost due to supply

Assistant Editors

chain mismanagement could be still felt in the

Jeannette Pérez Fernandez Captain.Ayse Asli Basak Edward Mithamo Kinyua

whole world. In the last few months, we saw different shipyards of the world completing their projects on schedule. Indian shipyard Hindustan Shipyard Limited delivered its 200th vessel, ‘Balbir’, to the Indian Navy on 9th January and on Republic Day, 26th

Graphic Designer Ramjeet

January Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) delivered the second

consignment of three Floating Border Out-Post (FBOPs) ships out of nine

Marketing Head marketing@seaandcoast.in +919555039039

The maritime industry has been playing a crucial role in sustaining the global economy, maintaining trade, creating jobs, connecting countries, businesses and people, on a level not possible otherwise. There is no doubt that the industry is facing an unprecedented challenge due to COVID-19 but now the industry is

Subscription subscription@seaandcoast.in +919555039039

on the track and all segments are working full edged. This edition of our magazine contains articles from renowned industry stalwart Johnson Odakkal on "Maximum mindset of a Bharat Mahotsav" at the time

Editorial

FBOPs being built for BSF to guard India's borders.

when whole country is celebrating Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

Connect us at: Sea and Coast

Sea and Coast

seaandcoast1

We also have a column on Marine pollution - A case for solar power of shing vessel by V.C Indian Maritime University , Dr Malini V shankar and Associate professor I.M.U , Dr Sheeja Janardhanan . This is not complete. Our editorial staff did a lot of wonderful stories covering the global and domestic marine industry, defense, etc.

Note Views expressed in the articles are those of the authors and may not be shared by the editor or the members of the editorial board. Unsolicited material will not be returned.

Read the full list of projects launched by the big players and the union government and their impact on regional maritime trade. We hope you enjoy reading this issue. We will wait for your suggestions and letters. Until then, read on and send the message on. Happy Reading !!

Amit Kumar Founder. CEO, Editor-in-Chief

Copyright No material published in the magazine should be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronics and mechanical, including photocopy or digital device without prior written permission from the publisher

04|FEBRUARY 2022

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

ADVISORY BOARD

Admiral R K Dhowan (Retd). PVSM.AVSM.YSM,Chairman of Society for Aerospace Maritime and Defence Studies Former Chairman of National Maritime Foundation and Former Chief of the Naval Staff, (Indian Navy)

Lt. Gen. Arun Kumar Sahni, PVSM, UYSM, SM, VSM, Former General Ofcer Commanding in Chief, Indian Army.

Mr.Shekhar Dutt (IAS) Former Governor of Chhattisgarh, Former Dy National Security Advisor and Former Defence Secretary (Goverment Of India)

Admiral Jayanath Colombage RSP, VSV, USP, rcds, psc MSc (DS), MA (IS), Dip in IR, Dip in CR, FNI (Lond) is the 18th Commander of the Sri Lankan Navy

Commodore (Dr) Odakkal Johnson (Retd), PhD Former Director Maritime History Society, Maritime Scholar and Mentor

Colonel Rohit Dev (Retd) M.Sc. Operational Art & Strategic Thinking

Jillian Carson-Jackson M.ED, FNI, FRIN President, The Nautical Institute Director, GlobalMET Assistant Editor, Peer Reviewer, the Journal of Navigation

Cmde. Sujeet Samaddar, NM (Retd.) Hony Secy, Society for Aerospace Maritime and Defence Studies.

Dr. R K Tyagi Independent Director on the Board of Air India Limited Former President, Aeronautical Society of India Former CMD of the Hindustan AeronauticsLimited (HAL)

Rear Admiral Shekhar Mital (Retd), O-7 CDR (Retd.) Dr.Eyal Pinko (PHD) Maritime Cyber and Security Former Chairman & Managing Senior Consultant. Director of Goa Shipyard (Fastest Growing Shipyard)

Dr.Patrick Verhoeven Shri Ashish Wankhede Managing Director, International Deputy Director General of Shipping , Directorate General of Shipping, (Ministry of Association of Ports and Harbors Shipping ) Govt of India.

Mrs. Suneeti Bala India’s First female Merchant Navy Chief Engineer.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

Dr. (Cdr) Arnab Das Director of the Maritime Research Centre (MRC) under the Indian Maritime Foundation, Pune

Captain Radhika Menon World’s First Woman Captain to Receive An IMO Award And India’s First female Merchant Navy Captain

Captain Nick Nash, Mnm Cmmar Frgs Frn Fni former President of NAUTICAL INSTITUTE Professional Admission for NI Mumbai Branch (RN / MN Cooperative)

FEBRUARY 2022 |05

CYPRUS

Sea And Coast |Volume-06|Issue-02

SHE @ SEA Name :- Andromachi Demetriou Rank :- 2nd Ofcer Stena Line Denmark

History: Everything started when I was 18 years old and I join Merchant Marine Academy of Greece. I went for my rst apprenticeship on a cruise ship that was sailing in Baltic Sea and North Sea. My only connection with ship it was as a child, when I used to cruising with my family 3 to 4 times per year and we had long terms ghts we had the last day of every cruise because I was refusing to leave the ship. Finishing the nal manoeuvre of the rst cruise of the season, I stand by the wing and I smile when I saw passengers disembarking because it was the rst time that I would stay as long as I want. My rst contract lasted 6 months and it was one of the best contracts I had. Fresh and new, my aim was to understand the main operation of the ship and familiarise myself with the new environment which probably, I would spend most of my life. After 3 years at university and 1 and half year at sea on cruise ships, I manage to graduate and start drawing my path.

Continue page No 17 ReadNow

06|FEBRUARY 2022

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN (Republish)

Marine Pollution and its Effect on Coastal Communities Overview-Need Dr. Malini V Shankar, Vice Chancellor, Indian Maritime University & Dr. Sheeja Janardhanan, Associate Prof., Indian Maritime University (Vishakapatnam Campus)

Rapid industrialization leading to over production and consumption culminated in the degradation of our coastlines and oceans. The pollution of the marine environment poses a threat to the very existence of life on this earth ranging from micro-organisms to human colonies. While the blue economy model of a developing nation aims at human well-being through opportunities for economic growth and tackling unemployment, food security and poverty, the degradation of marine environment can do no good in realizing these aims. For reaping the fruits of the blue economy, we need to sow the seeds of healthy and safe marine environment and resilient coastlines.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

FEBRUARY 2022 |07

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN The Effect of pollution on coastal Table 1 Shipping pollution and its effect on the coastal communities communities Pollution has a socio-economic impact on the living of coastal populace. About 3 billion people (40% of world’s population) live within 100 km from the coastline. Long-term exposure to the pollutants causes deprivation of sound health, degradation of heritage, destruction of cultural sites, loss of aesthetics and change in values of coastal communities. Statistics of various sources of marine pollution is shown in Fig.1.

Source of pollution

Maritime transport accounts for the transport of more than 80% of the international trade and has been the backbone in the growth of global economy. The sea-borne trade has doubled between 1990 and 2020 and is estimated to triple by 2050. There are about 55,000 merchant ships operating in the seas as of 2021 contributing signicant share (12%) to the overall pollution of the marine environment. The major types of pollution arising from shipping and its effect on coastal communities are addressed in Table 1.

08|FEBRUARY 2022

Effect on coastal communities

Litter

Oceanic debris

Health hazards, reduced catch and damage to shing boats, propellers and shing gears due to entanglement

Oil-Spill

Coastal waters contaminated with traces of oil

Chronic diseases, loss of biodiversity and access to beaches, destruction of environment and loss of livelihood due to poor- and lowquality catches

Ballast Water

Growth of invasive non-native species and microbes that migrate to coastal regions

Kill the native species and a threat to coastal industries depending on the infested waters.

Release of gases and particulate matter into the marine environment

Acute respiratory diseases and contribution to global warming

Emissions

Fig.1 Main sources of marine pollution [source-Liu et-al, 2019]

Action

The emissions from ships are a major component of air pollution in coastal areas. About 70% of ship emissions occur within 500 km from land and are believed to contribute signicantly to marine pollution. Studies reveal that CO 2 emissions from shing boats reported in 2016 has quadrupled since 1950s. Maritime transport emits around 940 million tonnes of CO2 annually and is responsible for about 2.5% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and is estimated to increase by an average of 150% by 2050- an alarming situation that needs swift action. The Global Climatic Change is expected to manifest as grave repercussions on the planet and the posterities. The damage fossil fuels have done to our planet demands a major paradigm shift to either use alternate fuels or renewable resources for energy.

COP26 and its role for swift action The 26th Conference of the Parties (COP26) held in Glasgow during November 2021 on global climate change organized by the UN had the following three key outcomes envisaged to be in action by 2023. 1. Adaptation Ÿ Moving away from fossil fuels Ÿ Strengthening the Santiago Network 2. Finance Ÿ At least double the nance for adaptation Ÿ USD 100 billion from developed to developing countries 3. Mitigation Ÿ Align with Paris Agreement (COP21) Ÿ Rise in average temperatures limited to 1.5 0 C Ÿ Unied tables and formats for documenting emissions Ÿ Enhanced Transparency Framework

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN World Bank in 2021 reported that the prospects of zero-carbon bunker fuels for decarbonising shipping, thereby recommending ammonia and hydrogen as future fuels only if produced using renewable electricity. It has also been stated that LNG is unlikely to play a signicant role in decarbonising maritime transport. Decarbonisation and renewable resources in the energy sector seem to be a promising way ahead as a remedy to marine pollution due to emissions and the subsequent global climatic change. Nevertheless, a practical insight unveils the immense scope of renewable sources of energy in the near future. Few countries have already implemented renewable energy in their maritime operations such as Milford Haven seaport, Singapore harbour, port and shing harbour of Seattle, Croatian solar ferry, Botswana’s solar boats, Kochi’s solar taxi ferries etc. Renewable Energy for Fishing Sector in India Fishing is a major industry in India employing 14.5 million people, exporting 1 million tonnes a year and earning a foreign exchange of INR 300 billion. However, the Handbook of Fisheries Statistics published by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, GoI, in 2019 shows a steady decline in Gross Value Added (GVA) to the economy from sheries from 11.36% in 2016-17 to 6.69% in 2017-18 to a nominal margin of 1.83% in 2018-19 even during the pre-CoViD-19 period and the decline can be attributed to the following reasons 1. Low catch owing to pollution of coastal and deep-sea waters 2. High fuel cost forbidding the shermen to use mechanized crafts The inadequate size of the catch doesn’t justify the high operational costs of the boat for 4 million shermen engaged in short distance shing in Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, West Bengal and Kerala. Solar power seems to be a clean energy option for them according to Shri. Sandith Thandasherry, CEO, Navalt Solar and Electric Boats who revolutionized electrication of marine transport in India.

Moreover, the total CO2 emissions from about 0.25 million shing boats in India per year is prohibitively massive. Recalling the key outcomes of COP26 it is clear that adaptation requires nance. The economics of solar electric shing boats in its present state doesn’t seem to be feasible for Indian shermen as 61% of the population is below poverty line. It costs INR 1 million per solar electric boat as against INR 0.3 million for a conventional boat. Fishermen or the boat owners have to bear an initial onus of INR 0.7 million for buying solar electric boats. The Government of India (GoI) has been supporting the shermen through a centrally sponsored scheme on “Development of Marine Fisheries, I n f r a s t r u c t u r e a n d Po s t - H a r v e s t Operation” which offers subsidies for shermen but not limited to the following 1. Intermediate craft of improved design This scheme provides a back ended subsidy up to INR 0.4 million for improving the design of an existing craft of length range 18m. 2. Motorization of traditional crafts Under this scheme a total subsidy of INR 20,000 per unit of outboard motors of 8-10 HP will be provided. The centre and state governments shall have equal shares in the subsidy. 3. Fishermen development rebate on HSD oil A subsidy of INR 1.5 per litre is provided for fuel 4. Resource specic deep sea shing vessels A subsidy up to INR 1.5 million for converting trawlers into resource specic vessels. The total subsidy is estimated to INR 2 million per craft with a budget allocation of INR 4.5 billion for the entire scheme. There are schemes introduced by state governments too. Recently Tamil Nadu government has offered a at subsidy of INR 3 million per craft for new builds.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

A solution for abridging the gap of INR 0.7 million per solar boat would be to request GoI to extend the scheme to electrication of crafts. This calls for immediate policy reforms for making the shing marine transport clean and green in India. Other Opportunities in India for Cleaner Coastlines The coastal communities in the pursuit of clean and safe living can avail the following opportunities 1. An estimated USD 1+ trillion funds for developing countries for decarbonising shipping as well as setting up land-based infrastructure such a renewable energy and fuel synthesis plants. 2. India has the world’s fth-largest installed solar power capacity with 38 GW in 2019 and production of 54 TW of electricity. 3. Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) with an allocation of INR 1000 crores. 4. USD 100 billion from developed to developing countries according to COP26. Conclusion Implementation of renewable energy in the marine transport sector, shing crafts to start with can be considered as a step towards combating global climatic change that demands colossal support both socially and technologically. Universities and educational institutions play a lead role in bridging the gaps existing today by spreading awareness and providing technological solutions. The root cause for the present problems lies in the way we look at our oceans- the basic source of life on earth. It is now time for rethinking and re-devising the way we consumed everything possible on earth and dumped the trash into oceans. Oceans are the mirrors reecting our inner selves. Let’s keep them clean for a better living on this planet.

FEBRUARY 2022 |09

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

Commodore (Dr) Odakkal Johnson (Retd), PhD Former Director Maritime History Society, Maritime Scholar and Mentor

Maximum Mindset for A Bharat Mahotsav Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav is the current tagline in an essentially maritime nation. India lost its freedom because of sea-blindness and regained it on the wave of a core spirit of maritime freedom that will be seen on the Indian Navy Tableau at the Republic Day Parade. As the media and digital wars release trolls around the arguments of pre1947 “mercenary” military men (ugh) the revisionist urge is on a drive to reclaim some dystopian idea of a national identity. On the eve of 73rd Republic Day I present this appeal from the maximum port city of Mumbai to usher a Maritime Mahabharat for the true soul of India. That would be an apt Bharat Mahotsav!

The entire episode put into question several things and the Navy was asked to quickly prepare a proposal. After one week, the Navy was ready with a document. It was not a display of efciency or scholarship. Rather, repeated appeals by naval and strategic scholars to the government over ten to fteen years had fallen on deaf ears. A plan to consolidate coastal awareness and security was enabled by updating an existing document. One good thing that emerged out of implemented measures was an evolved mindset among a key stakeholder community. As and when the Navy got through to create coastal security exercises, with sher-folks and marine police, a visible sense of sea- mindedness was now seen even if absent in higher echelons of governance. A few changes that unfolded were a new perspective towards the security dimension and an understanding of the maritime challenges in a contemporary geopolitical environment. With an ongoing churn in global politics, wherein you have new partnerships being formed and the ever changing dynamics of these arrangements due to multiple factors. It is a journey that is intense and in politics we learn that there are no permanent enemies, there are permanent interests. Therefore, it is ne if there were a number of QUADs, AUKUS, SCO and many other alphabet soups. Thankfully a maritime mindset is on the vocabulary atleast on the surface. Another churn was seen when the maritime environment showed the vulnerability of the globalised system during the pandemic. It is not just about health challenges, but shipping faced the threat of a grinding halt with crew change and port operations almost paralysed. Global supply chains barely held on, and the global economy was hit. This affected people everywhere with seafarers the worst. Thankfully in India, DG Shipping had taken some timely decisions including extending the validity of seafarers’ certicates that were expiring. In spite of efforts being made to help people and seafarers, people were stuck on the ship. Due to contractual nature of crew manning, delays bring nancial difculties. For a season, seafarers were brought to a subaltern status that have plagued them through Indian maritime history.

It is in the airport of Bangkok that there is a large artistic tribute to the saga of Samudra Manthan. Symbolically, it is a churn of the Ocean of Knowledge between Suras (Gods) and Asuras (Demons) depicting the full spectrum of knowledge enquiry to discover the Amrit of wisdom. Two months earlier I had the opportunity to share my thoughts with a young scholarly audience at the Phirozshah Mehta Hall that houses the Department of Civics and Politics at the University of Mumbai. My sense of ownership as the Alma Mater (MPhil & PhD) enabled me to exhort a “Never Forget 26/11” message. A few aspects I reected on the emerging Indian Maritime Security perspective are relevant to be Seafaring must be understood and evolved into the policy framework to emphasized on the eve of a national celebration. involve further aspects of adding value to the coastal states. Their skill What came as a shocking event from the experience of 26/11, that and knowledge can be utilised to develop coastal regions into economic regardless of our security architecture, a few people could hold an zones. The pandemic has made us realise that globalism is not just a entire nation to ransom. It was not that Mumbai was not attacked subject of academics, it’s a strategy of survival. No country can be selfbefore but an attack of that sort was a rst of the scope of brazenness sufcient, we may attempt to be atma nirbhar (self-reliant), but we will be always be mutually ‘nirbhar’ (dependant). that was on display. 10|FEBRUARY 2022

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN The third churn that has been taking place is in the techno-operations domain at sea. Shipping will evolve with a direction to decarbonisation and green fuel. Autonomous ships are being planned. Now can you imagine if someone hacks it in to such a domain, how challenging will governance of the domain face? We need to be better equipped at matters of accountability, transparency, and efciency which would require reliance on better and safer technology. Research and development of this segment can put us in a better space and redirect Indian growth through the maritime domain. Another crucial focus needs to be on the coastal economy and maritime communities, who must return into the mainstream attention from a continuing subaltern status.

The third churn that has been taking place is in the techno-operations domain at sea. Shipping will evolve with a direction to decarbonisation and green fuel. Autonomous ships are being planned. Now can you imagine if someone hacks it in to such a domain, how challenging will governance of the domain face? We need to be better equipped at matters of accountability, transparency, and efciency which would require reliance on better and safer technology. Research and development of this segment can put us in a better space and redirect Indian growth through the maritime domain. Another crucial focus needs to be on the coastal economy and maritime communities, who must return into the mainstream attention from a continuing subaltern status.

Commodore (Dr) Johnson Odakkal is a Navy Veteran, a Research Guide and an Internationally Certied Growth Coach.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

FEBRUARY 2022 |11

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

Health

Dr Anil Mehndiratta (MBBS, MD, A.F.I.H, FCCP) Chest Physician & DG Shipping Approved Medical Examiner, Indian Medical Association Goa State President 2019

RECOVERED FROM COVID 19? Have you just recovered from Covid-19? It is not advisable to let the guard down since an increasing number of people are continuing to experience symptoms even after recovery known as "long-haul Covid.” In such cases, a patient continues to experience symptoms up to four to twelve weeks after initial recovery. Most people who had COVID-19, recover completely within a few weeks. But some people, even those who had milder versions of the disease-continue to experience symptoms after their initial recovery. These health issues are called post-COVID-19 syndromes. They're generally considered to be effects of COVID-19 and persist for more than four weeks after been diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus. Older people, patients with many comorbidities, patients who had prolonged hospitalisation and have been on oxygen therapy and on ventilator, are the most likely to experience lingering COVID-19 symptoms. Covid-19 is a viral illness that can cause longterm sequelae involving multiple organs, especially the lungs. Available data indicates that about a quarter of those with Covid-19 suffer from symptoms 4-5 weeks after testing positive, and about 1 in 10 experience symptoms after 12 weeks. While there is no conclusive evidence, people may experience post-Covid conditions due to the persistence of the virus in some parts of the body that are sheltered from the immune system.

12|FEBRUARY 2022

Covid-19 is known to affect multiple organs- some of the warning signs are continuous shortness of breath, chest pain, breathing trouble, the reappearance of fever, fatigue, painful joints or muscles, and dizziness on standing. This virus has the potential to directly involve lung cells, leading to lung brosis. In its post-Covid management protocol, the rst follow-up after recovery should be within seven days after discharge. Poly-therapy (use of multiple medications) should be avoided due to the potential for unknown drug-drug interaction, which may lead to Serious Adverse Events. If there is a persistent dry cough or sore throat, it is recommended to do saline gargles (turmeric and salt) and steam inhalation. Cough medication should be taken on the advice of a doctor. What are the precautions should one take after recovering from Covid-19?

Secondly, after recovering, one should consult a doctor and do some tests to see whether Covid19 has impacted end organs like the heart, kidney, liver. Other precautions include: staying hydrated and drinking plenty of uids, practicing breathing exercises and meditation, following a nutritious diet, getting adequate sleep, avoiding smoking and alcohol. Post covid, covid vaccination can be done 90 days pst recovery from the infection. When can I resume workout, exercises after recovering? One key concern of people after Covid-19 recovery is about the right time to resume workout sessions. The ideal way is to start slow and do low-intensity exercises. For those dealing with respiratory symptoms like pneumonia, it is best to rest for a week or 10 days before resuming workout routine. Those suffering from chronic cardiac issues should take a break of 4-6 weeks before returning to any exercise regimen.

Pe o p l e w i t h c o - m o r b i d i t i e s l i ke hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, or renal failure should immediately go back to their ongoing/regular medication. Because of Covid-19, people should not stop their normal treatment.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN Common Do’and don'ts during Post-COVID period- Post covid, it is ideal to get covid vaccination after 90 daysafter recovery, Don’tsduringPostCOV IDperiod • Frequent hand washing and • Persistentsymptoms(suchasfatigue,cough social distancing ,breathlessness,fever):limitactivity to • Restructureroutines athome 60% of maximum heart rate(220 - age in • Greateremphasisonhealthyweight years) until 2 -3 week s aftersymp tomsresolve • Healthyeatinghabits • Intense cardiovascular exercise in • Moderateintensityexercise(30minutesper knowncardiacpatientsandallcardiovascul day-5 times aweek) artraining in case of athletes to be • Avoidalcohol avoidedfor3 months. • Nosmokingortobaccoproducts • Do not stop medications or take over • Avoidself -medication thecountermedicationswithoutconsulting • Arrange fortelemedicinecontactsforfol yourcardiologist lowup with physician/cardiologist FOUNDER. CEO, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF • Vaccination after 3 months post • Do not ignore warning signs such as SEA AND COAST highgradefever,oxygensaturation<93%,c recoveryifnot vaccinated prior hestpain,dizziness,syncopeorpalpitations. • ImportanttocontrolHT,DManddyslipide D

’

Pneumococcal vaccination protects against pneumococci after one has had COVID-19. Also, it is safe to get the pneumococcal vaccination; no unexpected side-effects will occur. Other adult vaccination to prevent Flu is inuenza vaccine, also commonly known as Flu jab. Flu jab is the best protection against serious complications from u. After the u jab, one will have a lower risk of getting u. And even if one gets the u, the chances of becoming seriously ill is less, with reduced rate of hospitalisation.

Amit Kumar

•

mia. Follow guideline directedmedical therapy for cardiovascular risk factors likeHT,DM, dyslipidemia andcardiacconditionsasprescribedbyphys ician/cardiologist Practicemeditation,Yogawithinyourtolera ncelimits

Beaufort Marine announces www.seaandshore.in the job portal for seafarers, shore staff, and marine consultants to enable shipping companies to get the right person for the right job at the right time.

How does it work?

Salient Features

Companies and Candidates register and log in with the credentials

User-Centric Interface

Companies do job listing and Candidates can post their CV.

Easy Job Searching for Job Seekers

Candidates (Seafarers and Consultants) can search for jobs and apply to them.

Common Place for Shipping Job Employers and Seekers

Companies can search for preferred seafarers and Consultants and contact them.

Globally Trusted by Eminent Companies

@inseaandshore

Beaufort Marine Services

Contact ;- +91-8591463321

@seaandshore.in

Seaandshore.in

Email:- info@beaufortmarine.in

www.seaandshore.in For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

FEBRUARY 2022 |13

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

Capt. Prabhat Ranjan Master Mariner

A Step towards Seafarers recognition in social life We, seafarers are deemed to be second line of defense. We remained committed to keep worldwide supply chain moving amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. However most of the worldwide authority doesn’t recognize us. Even maritime authority took time to get keyworker recognition during to COVID-19 pandemic by few countries. World thinks a Mariners job is all about money, fun, and frolic. Sad to say that media, Shipping bodies or Government have never highlighted the perils, the inner strength, and the sacrices of sailors and their families. Seafarers have Zero recognition in public and in social life due erratic implementation of uniform code. Uniform is an essential part for public recognition in addition to professional pride. Most of personal in uniform like Defence, Police, Guards, doctor, lawyer and other are travelling in uniform while reporting on / off duty, which is not mandatory. But they do, to keep public / social recognition alive. Any person in uniform is always respected, even a building security guard. Why not us Mariners? Where is the hitch?

Lack of unity is the main reason since our voice is singularly. Everyone takes us for ride. Tragedy is our own colleague, when changes his mind set on arrival ashore. Our institute didn’t gave us forced discipline for uniform, but we can follow self-discipline and wear uniform from leaving home to till safely back home. We must start this on our own if not the companies or regulations. Our recognitions are in our hand. We muststand as “One Team” and wear proper uniform from start of journey to join ship till end of travel back home.

The seafarers are also at the frontline to represent the company and their branding.All senior staff must lead the way to implement uniform policy onboard and convey company expectations abide by the policy. Let's make it viral on social media and other platform. One person wears the rest will follow. Argue shore based mariner to face media in uniform for any interview or speech. Uniform is not only for training academy cadets and faculty. It's the professional pride and the etiquettes that is betting of a merchant navy ofcer's from a great institution. Let’s take oath,I will wear uniform while engaged in marine duty & responsibility.

Wear uniform with pride. Let the world know that we are the Mariners who brave mighty storms to ensure that world's goods reach their homes due to our hard work and sacrices. These are the only weapons we carry to get recognition.

Merchant Navy also has uniform and being provided from the rst day induction to sea training academy. Butour academy institution fails to generate passion, discipline. Hence we are reluctant to wear uniform while on duty. Each one of us is responsible for the denigration of values and absolute invisibility of the professions name. There shouldn’t be hesitation or a complex in wearing it whilst joining and signing off too, to slack attitudes towards the grooming of juniorswork knowledge, ethics, intra department relations and respect towards all seniority. 14|FEBRUARY 2022

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

Lawyer, Specialist in Maritime Law and International Maritime Trade, mention Maritime Business. Professor of Maritime Legislatión and CEO of the company Asesorías del Mar, as well as consultant and business advisor National and international.

Jeannette Pérez Fernandez Law and Maritime Business Specialist

Is a slowdown in demand possible? The closure of country borders and the restrictions imposed by the pandemic in important ports impacted the global supply chain, container shipping and logistics processes of import and export, triggered the congestion of important nerve ports for world trade causing a decit of products demanded by consumers with new consumption patterns. Increased consumer demand and the scarcity of space available on ships for transporting the goods caused an increase in the costs of maritime transport,causing an accumulation of containers in storage spaces in different ports,which was aggravated by the shortage of chassis and skilled labor. The crowded ports ratios and warehouses that exceeded the import capacity, as happened in the portsLos Angeles and Long Beach, both terminals considered as the gateway toentry of Asian imports into the United States. The port terminals of Savannah, Charleston, New York, New Jersey and Houston, in theUnited States were congested, to the point that the port of Philadelphia closed for several days to decongest the terminal. These and other factors measures caused the slowdown in the unloading of containers on ships that had to wait up to several days for unloading,while the rest of the ships remained anchored waiting to be able to dock. This congestion of important ports in the world caused a strong interruption in the chainof supply, producing shortages of raw materials and consumer goods. Theretailers faced product shortages due to problems also with ground transportation and rail jobs that handle intermodal freight. The lack of spaces in many terminals with warehouses at capacity, impacted in one way or another the logistics chain that, together with theshortages of longshoremen and labor caused an increase in the cost of shipments.

The port activity was marked by the partial closure and the low operability in ports ofAsia, due to ongoing outbreaks of COVID 19. This led to quarantine measures on shipsand port workers. As the port terminals endured the outbreaks of thevirus the ports were operating at their capacity, the containers arrived without being able tobe returned empty to their places of origin, other boxes instead remained stacked and ooded dogs, waiting for a place in warehouses that were overowing which contributed with congestion at different ports. In retrospecting the behavior of shipping lines in the past decade,It can be seen how they withstood freight rates with downward trends and, as he pointed out in aLloyd's List , opportunity: “ earning little or no money ”. Before these circumstances,large ocean carriers chose to reduce unit cost to offsetrate levels that were falling, however, this led to a consolidation and brother integration between carriers and the restructuring of new alliances. At the beginning of the pandemic, a strong recession was expected in the maritime transport sectorwhereas the demand for products transported by sea began to decline, as a result of a lower circulation of vessels with cargo in containers. But despiteof this, once port restrictions eased and countries begin to open upback to foreign trade container shipping encountered a lack capacity to meet the increased demand for consumer products, this and other factors, some are present in greater or lesser intensity continue to cause disruption inthe global supply chain that affected all world maritime trade.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

From this perspective, it is possible to afrm that there are diverse causes that originated the container shipping and global supply chains would be affected. In this sense, the UNCTAD ruled in its report on Maritime Transport 2021 : “ freightincreased even more with the closure of the Suez Canal in March 2021 ”, however, it is worthrecall that the interruption of operations in major ports in China and Southeast Asiasuch as Yantian, Ningbo and Vietnam due to the outbreak of COVID-19 cases in groups of workersports also caused a signicant impact on changes in trade ow international. To the extent that an increase in logistics costs occurs, the price of goods increases.of consumption, so that, when these costs rise, trade is signicantly impacted,which ends up affecting nal consumers due to an increase in cost of shipping freight. Freire and González , consider that the longest transport time produces a higher cost of the same and the consequent affectation on the prices of the product is nothing more than a response to that situation: In the maritime trafc market, the set of all the actions of bidder sand plaintiffs determine freight prices ” (…) “... maritime transport, being the most used mode of transport for the development of foreign trade and the one that allows the greatest movement of goods in terms of container loads and large masses of liquid bulk, allows the best shipping at the lowest cost ”. The global supply chain crisis and port congestion that overwhelmed transportation container shipping, although it has resulted in various factors that stand out mainly, the increase in electronic commerce which presented a greater demand for consumers,

FEBRUARY 2022 |15

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN who opted for this service as a result of connement and restrictionsof the pandemic.Hoffmann Jan , head of trade logistics at UNCTAD, believes that to the extentthat there is a shortage of articles that have a high demand, prices rise, that is why: " theHigh freight rates have a direct impact on the import price of goods and, on theextent that the costs are passed on to the consumer, also in the nal price in the store ”.

implementing digitization among the different actors involved is paramount, given the new reality of maritime trade. Port facilitation is another important tool to speed up processes and achieve greater efciency and transparency of operations between ships, taking into account that the activities surrounding the operation sport operations impact the entire logistics chain.

It is appropriate to point out how UNCTAD , in the 2021 Maritime Transport report, considers:

The ow of international trade is expected to resume its course, although it will be in conditions different, the change in some practices by carriers is appreciated, especially those that are related to the reduction of charges for delay and detention charges, before the call for review by the regulatory bodies and, not least, the change in the consumption pattern keeps online product purchases booming, strengthening trade electronic more and more.

“… to the extent that freight costs are controlled by expanding the capacity so that match the demand, it is possible to control the costs, this would allow to increase the efciency of ports to the extent that trade facilitation measures are adopted ” (…) “ The pressure in costs and high freight and recharges will weigh down small businesses and will make themselves feltin prices ” The aforementioned report addresses how the search for suppliers outside of Asia, can reduce some freight transport costs, once alternative ports have been used to avoid congestion in ports, this situation may inuence the acceleration of relocation and offshoring processes in the purchase of goods in other markets, marking a new turn to international trade. On the demand side, other factors maybe present: “… the future balance of demand will be affected by prescriptions regulations aimed at aligning maritime operations with the objectives of decarbonization ”. The investment in port infrastructure, the shortage of personnel and specialized labor, as well as, the lack of training are decisive to alleviate the pressure in the supply chain so that,

16|FEBRUARY 2022

On the other hand, the lack of capacity in cargo handling in ter minals, problems in spaces of warehouses, delays in the transfer of goods, as well as the shortage of drivers of surface and chassis still persist, these, in addition to those already mentioned, are factors to which Carriers face a demand for transportation that is limited by the same capacity in the ships and with the impossibility of satisfying the greater demand. Ship waiting times at some port terminals may be decreasing, however,

as demand persists capacity problems in transport container shipping is maintained, coupled with spot freight rates that carriers are negotiating in contracts at higher prices, they manage at the same time to in uence in the increase in shipping costs. The market power of ocean carriers is another aspect that has been on the table and regulators have considered reviewing and updating existing legislation, especially due to the situation that has been occurring with the charges for detention and demurrage billed by carriers, without neglecting the existence of a possible market concentration that owned by important shipping lines and that could result in prejudice to competition, activities carried out by maritime transport in the year 2021, monitored by the Union Europe, China and the United States in the “ Fifth Global Meeting on Maritime Regulation ”. Reviewing this scenario, it is unlikely that the slowdown in demand will be balanced in the short term, especially since the spread of the Omicron variant is still present in many countries, causing personnel restriction and the partial closure or blockade of important ports that, at persist, slow down operations at the terminals, disrupting the logistics processes that intertwined with the impact on the reliability of container lines schedules impacts at the same time the global supply chain, however, these factors have also contributed to protability and a positive balance for the shipping industry in containers. In these circumstances, everything seems to indicate that the increase in freight rates will remain in much of the year 2022.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

SHE @ SEA

CYPRUS Name :- Andromachi Demetriou Rank :- 2nd Ofcer Stena Line Denmark Circumstances and my will to try something new, I alter for a while my course, working ashore in a shipping company. It was the 2nd time in my life that I conrm to myself that I was not born to sit in an ofce and act “normal”. So the alteration didn’t lasted for long time, I joined cargo ships and I was promoted as Navigational Watch and I was sailing in between Pacic Ocean and Asia. While my vacations, I decided to join again cruise ship industry again by joining mega sizes cruise ships. That was the time that I start having self-doubting again, if I meant to do this job and if I am capable to make the job done. That time I was not able realizing my aim so another opportunity came by joining Roro/passengers ships. If you will tell me that when I started my career that I will work in this type of ship and I will like it, I will start laughing. In 2022, I found myself in one of the biggest ferry companies of Europe as a 2nd Ofcer. Being a 2nd Ofcer in roro/pax you are able to be involved in the whole operation of the ship which means you are a navigational watch ofcer, responsible for loading and unloading ofcer, responsible for safety equipment, safety familiarization of the crew and medical centre of the ship. Everyday my aim is to upgrade my skills by being multitasking and exible ofcer and to cope in new challenges. Achievements: During my time studies on 2016, I was selected from Merchant Marine Academy to represent Hellenic Ministry of Mercantile Marine, The Aegean and Island Policy during International Shipping POSEIDONIA Exhibition. While I was working ashore, I had the opportunity to be as an Acting General Secretary of Cyprus Marine Club, a non-prot organisation of maritime industry. Also I was selected by Deputy Shipping Ministry of Cyprus for promoting seaferers’ job in high schools and participated in several panels for Women on board. In 2021, a different operation was taking place on board and I was actively engaged in hospitalising on board migrants under the Italian Government collaborating with the Italian Red Cross. Additionally I become a member of Nautical Institute and I was participated virtually as a speaker that took place on November. My message: You know what is cooler than being liked? Doing what you believe is right. The satisfaction that comes from being true to yourself and your convictions is more rewarding than receiving somebody else’s attention. In any way, people will break you, shake you, rate you but how strong you stand is what makes you!

Capital Ship Solutions “Authorized Maritime registrar of St.Kitts and Nevis International Ship Registry” The Combined Expertise of Naval Architects, Master Mariners and Marine Engineers, CSS offering expert Technical, legal, Training, and Management Consultancy for Diverse Stakeholders in the Shipping and offshore Sector

St. Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry

Services Offered:

Highlights:

2500+ vessels Registered

Vessel Registration

30,000+ seafarer’s Documentation

Crew Documentations

Seafarer documentations

Worldwide Network Unparalleled, Experienced and easy to reach Staff

Competitive Rates

Services Offered Under Capital Ship Solutions Vessel Registration Services. Seafarer Endorsement and Seaman Book services. Class & Statutory Surveys

Special/Single Delivery Voyage Registration including Classication. Marine and offshore Inspections

Risk Management Solutions

Seaman Book on same day issuance basis. Naval Architecture & offshore Consultancy

Ship Registration & Crew Documentations

Address: 1st Floor, Kurup’s Tower 5, Thaikkavu, Cheranelloor P.O, Kerala, India-682034 Renju Narayanan Jayesh Jayadevan Ph: +91 99955 29909 Ph: the +91Latest 95399news 95391 For and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in Email: renju.n@capitalshipsolutions.com Email:- registration@capitalshipsolutions.com

www.capitalshipsolutions.com

FEBRUARY 2022 |17

SHIPPING NEWS

National Hydrographic Ofce (Nho Dehradun) Hosts A “Book Release On India's Maritime Policy” India will soon be approaching 75th year of its independence. Meanwhile billions of dollars are b e i n g i n v e s t e d i n Po r t s & S h i p p i n g Infrastructure for creating mega facilities and institutions in coming ve years, with economy in an upbeat mood. The journey ahead is outlined inmany public documents. These narrate policy alignments and some of these are being put in place; rationally however, these could to be reviewed and care exercised in implementation, with a rear view on the infrastructural alignment and efciency from the past records; more so when no infrastructure is complete without a close integration of the merchant navy and Indian ship management. Prof. Mihir K Das, a veteran in Indian Maritime Domain, having four decades of intensive exposure, in public and private ports, shipping and academics, has published a 300 plus page book covering the hotly debated areas of maritime development policies in India. These are logically linked with road, rail, inland waterways, ship-building, shipnancing, crewing, risk management and many more. The book has 14 chapters, each dedicated to these specic areas with razor sharp analysis, closing the gap in the literature covering commercial and operational policy issues in Indian maritime domain, albeit with views and counterviews.

The book deals focuses on issues from an integrative perspective of the Indian international trade as many of the rationalization and upgradation of the practices are being taken up by the Government, on priority. Also included the likely impacts of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and its effects on shipping, ports and human resources ; so also the use of AI/ML. This is an essential read for the international business organisations, policy makers, researchers, faculty in HEIs, large scale investors and mariners planning next innings ashore. The book is available on AMAZON.

Very aptly the NATIONAL HYDROGRAPHIC OFFICE at Indian Navy House hosted the ceremony with Rear Admiral L S Pathania conducting the book release ceremony. The 1874 born organisation is involved fullling its role of looking out for the safety of mariners and has expanded from a national to an international role one of helping the world community. 18|FEBRUARY 2022

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

SHIPPING NEWS

Supporting electronic data exchange in Nigeria’s ports

IMO is supporting the Government of Nigeria in its efforts to develop a Port Community System (PCS) for electronic data exchange for its ports complex. From January to June 2022, IMO will work with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to conduct a detailed needs assessment mission. The assessment team will conduct analysis of the current situation and put forward recommendations on the governance, business model, technology and identify any gaps to be addressed. This will ensure that Nigerian ports benet from an effective operational country-wide PCS to enhance the economy of the country. Port Community Systems are neutral platforms that allow the exchange of electronic information between various stakeholders, have become an increasingly important part of simplifying crossborder trade. The assessment mission is phase two of a project which began in 2021 with a series of IMO-led webinars (between August and November 2021) which , aimed to raise awareness among Nigerian stakeholders about key aspects of a PCS. This series identied the opportunities and challenges for developing a national PCS in Nigeria. More than 60 senior management participants from Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Customs Service, Immigration, Health services, Agricultural services, Ministry of transportation, as well as port terminal operators, shipping companies, ship agents, importers and exporters participated.

Supporting developing countries during the pandemic

Throughout the pandemic IMO has continued to roll out many varied technical assistance activities around the globe within its Integrated Technical Cooperation Programme (ITCP) and thematic long-term projects. The latest annual technical cooperation report publication covers the impact of the pandemic, new ways of working, and the great spirit of collaboration to continue supporting IMO Member States towards better and more effective implementation of IMO regulations. See the IMO Technical Cooperation Annual Report 2020, here.

Union Shipping Minister says, Haldia Jetty will be soon operational; contract awarded for this inland terminal for reviving the old river route from Haldia to Pandu

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways and Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal today announced that the contract has been awarded for Haldia inland waterway terminal, and the jetty will be soon operational for sending exim and inland cargo to Pandu terminal in Guwahati connecting the northeast with kolkata via National waterway 2. This will provide an alternate to chicken neck route for easy and cost effective movement of cargo to and from northeast to the foreign countries and other states of India.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

FEBRUARY 2022 |19

SHIPPING NEWS The Minister interacted with various stakeholders of port and shipping industry of Kolkata and Haldia port. Major oil PSUs , steel companies like Tata steel and SAIL , terminal operators, shipping lines, barge operators, custom clearing agents and land users of Syama prasad Mookerjee Port participated in the meeting. The minister invited all of them to be a partner in this unique opportunity of using sea and river route combination (NW1 and NW2) via Kolkata port. Shri Sonowal also informed that depth assurance contract have been awarded to maintain NW1 and 2, and the barge operators shall soon start using these waterways as depths are assured. The minister also said that there is thinking to provide guarantee to banks to give easy and soft funds for barges so that this sector can take off. The stakeholders assured that they will come forward to utilise this opportunity to make this mission a success . More then 40 key players participated in the stakeholders conference.

Sarbananda Sonowal hopeful of Cargo Ship movement over Brahmaputra upto Haldia in 2022

Dredging already underway in Assam & Bangladesh for smooth passage

Tezpur University, IIT Guwahati & IIM Shillong to provide technical inputs to optimally utilise dredging

Mizoram, Tripura & Assam will be connected to Sittwe port in Myanmar and Mongola & Chittongong ports in Bangladesh

The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways and AYUSH, Sarbananda Sonowal is hopeful that the cargo ships will start sailing over Brahmaputra towards the later part of 2022. The dredging work at critical junctures of the river has already been initiated by the ministry. The Bangladesh government, with support from Government of India, is also working on the Jamuna river to make the 2000 kms long waterway from Sadiya to Haldia via Bangladesh a smooth passage.

This will not only unlock the economic potential of the region but allow the landlocked region a direct access to the international trading routes. The minister said that the government is working tirelessly to connect Mizoram, Tripura and Assam to strategic ports in Myanmar (Sittwe port) and Bangladesh (Mongola & Chittongong ports). In order to integrate expertise from northeast to make the dredging into a sustainable & economically viable proposition, the minister also indicated that the support from experts in Tezpur University, IIT Guwahati and IIM Shillong will be crucial. The potential of the Brahmaputra as well as other rivers of Northeast is huge and people will get direct benet from the development of river tourism, cargo transportation and an alternative economic transportation. The government’s Jal Marg Vikas project is working to ensure an optimal and holistic development of the region by rejuvenating the rivers as a viable and sustainable economic proposition.

Workshop on Gati Shakti organized by PPT

Paradip Port Trust under the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways organized a workshop with the theme “Gati Shakti – The revolutionary Multi-Modal Connectivity for Integrated & Seamless Supply Chain” at Bhubaneswar today. Addressing the inaugural session, Dr. Sanjeev Ranjan, Secretary, MoPSW said that PPT has the potential to reach a World Class Port by addressing the issues of efciency and cost related matter. He called forexpediting the widening of NH-53 (Paradip to Chandikhol) under Gati Shakti. The widening of SH-12, Paradip to Cuttack to four lane also may be undertaken on a priority basis. Waterways can play a crucial role in effective logistics movement. PPT’s proposed Riverine Port is the right step in the direction. Stressing on the need for a proper logistics legal framework under Gati Shakti, the logistics sector will get a major ll up, as it is being aimed to cut down 30% of current logistics transportation cost to the current world level of 7-8%. He also suggested for dedicated heavy haul rail corridor from Salegaon to Paradip.

Sharing the vision of Prime Minister’s vision of Gati Shakti, the minister said that the northeastern region will play a critical role in resuscitate the economic prosperity of India. In order to provide a springboard for the region to act as a catalyst in India’s economic rebound, there have been efforts to build waterways of the region & connect it to major ports in the Bay of Bengal. 20|FEBRUARY 2022

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

SHIPPING NEWS Shri Bhupinder Singh Poonia, MD, IPICOL & IDCO said that the Govt of Odisha has set a target of 100 MMTA steel production. It is also stressing on port led industrialization. To boost connectivity, a 600km road stretch is being planned. RITES has been engaged for making comprehensive logistics study for the state of Odisha. Accordingly, a comprehensive industrial plan for Paradip is being planned. PPT's initiatives for containerized cargo will improve agro and marine products from the State. Shri P.L. Haranadh, Chairman, PPT made a detailed presentation on the capacity augmentation plans, efforts for synergy of different modes of transport and ease of doing initiatives of the port. Paradip port is enabled to handle 60 MMTPA of thermal coal by coastal shipping. He requested coal India and Railway to increase the allotment of more rakes of thermal coal to Paradip. The inaugural session was followed by two technical sessions. Shri A.K. Bose, Dy. Chairman, PPT moderated a session on "Coastal movement of thermal coal - Opportunities & Challenges". In the afternoon session, Shri B.K. Joshi, CEO, KICTPPL moderated session on 'Convergence & Divergence of logistic chain - Industrial perspective."

The DPT’s cargo throughput growth in the 3rd quarter of current scal was the highest among all Govt. Major Ports, with the Port registering 33.52 MMT trafc in the Oct-Dec21 quarter. In the month of December 2021 only, DPT had handled 11.32 MMT cargo which had contributed to about 18% of the total cargo handled by all Major Ports. Shri S.K. Mehta, Chairman-DPT and Shri Nandeesh Shukla, Dy. Chairman-DPT congratulated the Trustees, Ofcials, Workers, Trade Unions of DPT, Port Users and Stakeholders for their efforts, initiatives and their continuous support behind reaching this important milestone. The Port’s cargo handling is expected to cross 127 MMT by end of the current scal.

Quarantines pandemic hits container shipping, Chile leading

Deendayal Port Crosses the 100 Million Mark

One more mega container ship, this time MSC LAUREN, was caught with two crew “positive tests” at San Antonio, Chile, right after arrival from Callao, Peru, on Jan 14. All the usual routine – PCR tests, ship’s to move to Valparaiso anchorage, for “quarantine”. On Jan 12, GUAYAQUIL EXPRESS was knocked out of service by just one positive antigen test, has been moved to Valparaiso and put under “quarantine”. MSC LAUREN is the latest in series of 4 ships, effectively disabled by Chilean “health authorities” during last 11 days (two mentioned above plus MSC BRANKA – see previous news, and MT ARICA)– a record probably, worth of Guinness? Despite the constraints arising in international trade and shipping due to the ongoing Covid pandemic and the resulting constraints on the cargo handling front, Deendayal Port Trust under Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterway, has crossed the 100 MMT milestone on 10.01.2022, and in the process became the 1st Govt. Sector Major Port, to cross the mark in the year 2021-22. Incidentally, in the current scal year, DPT has crossed the milestone 4 weeks ahead in comparison of the last scal, i.e. FY 2020-21 during which DPT had reached the landmark on 09.02.2021. Increase was seen in the Import cargoes such as POL, Edible Oils, Liquid Fertilizer Raw Materials like Phosphoric Acid and Ammonia, Chemicals, Rock Phosphate, Steel pipes, Iron ore, Coal, Timber logs and Crude Oil. Export cargoes such as Edible oil, Chemicals, Foodgrains like Wheat and Soya Bean Mill, Bentonite and POL products at Vadinar have also witnessed growth in cargo throughput during FY 2021-22 as compared to FY 2020-21.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

On the other side of the world, meanwhile, in Greenock UK, MSC feeder MSC SAMIRA III crew returned positive lateral ow tests, plus two of the crew experiencing severe symptoms of whatever, most probably of “vaccination”. MSC LAUREN is something of a pet for Chilean “medics” – she is caught in quarantine second time, rst time (same port, same everything) in Sep last year, with just one “positive test”. What’s all about, any ideas anyone? “Vaccines” starting to take their toll, or Chilean “medics” in urgent need of extra bonus, or both? Container ship MSC LAUREN, IMO 9467407, dwt 139324, capacity 12400 TEU, built 2010, ag Panama, manager MSC. Container ship MSC SAMIRA III, IMO 9434462, dwt 34295, capacity 2578 TEU, built 2009. ag Liberia.

FEBRUARY 2022 |21

SHIPPING TECHNOLOGY NEWS The design review was for two processes for creating tanks capable of transporting liquid hydrogen. One uses available stainless steel to create storage containers in an environment of minus 253 degrees Celsius. For the second design, POSCO developed a new generation of stainless steel that specically addresses the challenges of embrittlement. Other design elements have been incorporated into the tanks including a special breakwater to “prevent the problem of performance degradation due to phase change of liquid hydrogen due to changes in the level of liquid hydrogen and rough movements caused by the operation of ships.” They also reported that the insulation performance of liquid hydrogen fuel tanks was improved by applying a new concept support structure with a heat scattering function and a vapor cooling barrier.

Prototype tank developed as part of the design approval process (KRISCO)

As part of the effort, the team has also built the rst prototype 400kg 316L Liquid Hydrogen Fuel Tank for Ships. They used currently available stainless steel for the creation of the rst tank. Commenting on the developments to Reuters, KSOE executives predicted that the technology for the shipment of hydrogen will be available by 2025 and to have it commercially available by 2027. KSOE along with others have already developed prototype designs for hydrogen vessels as the progress in tanks designs and systems continue to move forward. “Liquid hydrogen storage technology is a highlevel technology that requires many factors to be considered,” said KRISO Director Kim Bugi. “This was possible because the four organizations came together to promote ecofriendly ships. We look forward to the day when it will be applied to hydrogen-powered ecofriendly ships and commercialized as soon as possible.”

$5 Million Cache of Ammunition Seized from Cargo Ship in Dakar

The investigation into the case is ongoing.

Senegalese authorities in the West African country are conrming reports of a seizure of ammunition valued at approximately $5 million from a cargo ship in the port of Dakar. Details are sketchy with the authorities saying the crew has been detained for questioning. Additional reports from Italy and Greece seem to indicate the ship and its owner have a checkered past with peace activists in Italy demanding an immediate government investigation into the case. A 39-year-old general cargo ship named Eolika registered in Guyana but reportedly owned by Greek interests arrived at the a n c h o r a g e o f f D a k a r, S e n e g a l o n December 19. AIS data says its previous ports were Las Palmas, Spain, and before that La Spezia, Italy. The vessel briey shifted to the dock in Dakar and then returned to the dock again at the end of December, possibly to fuel or where it might have been detained. The local newspaper Liberation and the Senegalese Press Agency said the vessel rst came under suspicion because of the actions of the crew. Senegalese authorities reportedly questioned the captain of the vessel who rst said he did not know the contents of the three containers aboard the ship and later said they contained iron. “Customs, alerted by the absence of reliable navigation and maritime transport documents, but above all by the inconsistencies in the declarations of the captain of the ship, immediately proceeded to search and check the cargo,” a statement from Senegalese Customs reports. The four crew members, which local media says are from Ukraine, are being questioned while the cargo of ammunition has been unloaded for further inspection. Media reports say it was determined to be large quantities of 9 mm and 5.56 mm ammunition.

22|FEBRUARY 2022

Organizations in Italy learned of the details of the seizure saying that they believe the ammunition was made in Italy and are questioning how it came to be aboard the vessel. The groups, which identify themselves as pacicists, are demanding the Port Authority in La Spezia immediately release information about the loading of cargo to the vessel. They are also demanding that the La Spezia Customs Agency provide details on the export of the ammunition and if it had gone through the appropriate approvals for registration and export.

Michelin to Test Inatable Wing Sail on In-Service Ro-Ro in 2022

France’s Michelin Group, best known for its long history of innovations in tires, announced that it is moving forward with its designs for an inatable wing sail system that the company hopes will bring the same level of innovation to commercial shipping and pleasure boats reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Announced in mid-2021, the WISAMO system has undergone its rst tests and the company has an agreement to install a smaller scale prototype on an operation commercial ship in mid-2022. The WISAMO (Wing Sail and Mobility) concept was developed jointly by Michelin’s research and development department in collaboration with two Swiss investors and involves famed French long-distance sailor, Michel Desjoyeaux, the only person to twice win the Vendée Globe race. WISAMO is an automated, inatable, and retractable, wing sail that the companies report can reduce fuel consumption by up to 20 percent. Michelin says it is particularly suited to ro-ro vessels, bulk carriers, gas carriers, and tankers and can either be included in original designs or retrotted. Michelin has agreed with Compagnie Maritime Nantaise to install a prototype version of the sail on the Ro-Ro container carrier the MN Pelican in 2022. The prototype will have a surface area of 100 sq. meters providing the opportunity to test the technology in actual commercial maritime navigation conditions.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

SHIPPING TECHNOLOGY NEWS Built in 1999, the Pelican is a 507-foot long vessel operating under charter to Brittany Ferries. The 8,600 dwt vessel makes twice weekly trips between Poole, Great Britain and Bilbao, Spain.

Maersk reduced by 10 years its ambitions to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions while also setting new interim targets and launching tools to contribute to the progress.

In ordering the new vessels the company admitted at introduction there would likely not be a sufcient supply of the alternative fuel for full-time global operations.

“Our updated targets and accelerated timelines reect a very challenging, yet viable pathway to net zero which is driven by advances in technology and solutions,” said Henriette Hallberg Thygesen, CEO of Fleet & Strategic Brands, A.P. Moller - Maersk. “What is needed is a rapid scale-up which we will strive to “It is a strategic imperative for Maersk to achieve in close collaboration with customers extend our net zero ambition to the total and suppliers across the entire supply chain,” footprint of the business,” said Soren Skou, CEO of A.P. Moller - Maersk. “The science To maximize progress towards net zero supply is clear, we must act now to deliver chains in 2040, ambitious 2030 targets for a signicant progress in this decade. These r a n g e o f g r e e n p ro d u c t o f f e r i n g s a r e v e r y a m b i t i o u s t a r g e t s m a r k o u r introduced, adding to solutions including commitment to society and to the many Maersk’s Emissions Dashboard and Maersk customers who call for net zero supply ECO Delivery. These products will utilize green chains.” technologies and solutions to ensure that they provide real emission reductions within the In addition to advanced the end goal to supply chain. They also continue to push the 2040 from 2050, new near-term targets initiative saying that in 2022 they will also be were set for 2030 to ensure signicant setting targets for other aspects of the progress on curbing direct emissions in this operations including inland transportation. decade. These include a 50 percent reduction in emissions per transported container from the company’s ocean eet and a 70 percent reduction in absolute Wan Hai: Price-Fixing emissions from terminals that Maersk fully controls. The company said depending on Penalty Has Little Impact growth in the ocean business, this will lead on Bottom Line to absolute emissions reductions between 35 and 50 percent from a 2020 baseline. The targets go beyond previous efforts to reduce emissions related to the ocean eet Maersk noted as they now cover all direct and indirect emissions across the entire Maersk business.

The tests aboard the in-service vessel come after the group completed a number of tests and measurements between June and December 2021 on Lake Neuchatel in Switzerland. Working with Desjoyeaux’s sailboat, starting at the end of February 2022, they plan to begin the second phase of testing with the 100 sq. meter prototype. These more extensive tests will include winter maritime conditions in the notoriously difcult Bay of Biscay, known for its strong storms and heavy sea conditions. The rst technical tests demonstrated, Michelin reports, that the wing sail system offers a wide range of use, including “closehauled” (headwind), providing what they believe is one of the widest operating ranges for modern sail technology. They project that it can be used on all maritime routes and because it is retractable, it provides easy access for navigation in ports and under obstacles such as bridges.

Maersk Accelerates Net Zero Targets by a Decade Across All Operations

A.P. Moller - Maersk announced ambitious plans to accelerate efforts across all parts of its operations to achieve net-zero emissions. Maersk has sought to take a leadership role reecting the increasing number of global shippers looking at the carbon emissions from the global supply chain. Saying that it seeks to align its operations with the net zero criteria of the non-prot Science Based Targets initiative, which measures companies’ efforts to limit global warming,

In announcing the new targets, Skou told the Financial Times that they are seeking to be a leader reecting the interests of their customers. He admitted when the company rst set its targets “we didn’t have an idea how to get there.” Maersk in the past year, however, has pushed forward with initiatives that begin to lay the foundation while they said it would remain a challenge. Maersk placed the rst orders for dual-fuel containerships designed to operate fulltime on methanol as the new fuel source becomes more available. First, they ordered a pioneering feeder hip for operations in the North Sea area but quickly followed with an order for eight 16,000 TEU vessels for the global eet and earlier this week conrmed that they would also exercise the option for four additional 16,000 TEU vessels to operate on methanol. It is, however, a small step for a company that currently operates 735 vessels. Maersk has also announced a series of investments in start-up and emerging technologies, especially focusing on methanol production.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

When Korea's Fair Trade Commission (FTC) issued a total of $81 million in nes to 23 carriers for price-xing on regional routes, it intended to send a message to discourage collusion. However, the ne was far below the maximum possible penalty of $670 million, and at least one of the lines has said that it will not have any material effect on its nances. 12 of the rms are Korean and 11 are foreign, including Taiwan's three large carriers, Wan Hai, Yang Ming and Evergreen. In a ling on the Taiwan Stock Exchange, Wan Hai said that its share of the ne - about $10 million - would have "no signicant adverse inuence" on its bottom line or its operations. "The follow-up conducting treatment will be further discussed with lawyers to protect the company's rights and interests," Wan Hai said in the ling. Like all container lines, Wan Hai has had a blockbuster year. Its bottom line buoyed upwards by rising freight rates,

FEBRUARY 2022 |23

CRUISE INDUSTRY NEWS it posted revenue of about $5.7 billion and earnings of $3 billion over the rst three months of 2021 - a prot margin of more than 50 percent. By contrast, its earnings were just $165 million for all of 2019, before the pandemic hit. Compatriot shipping lines Yang Ming and Evergreen led similar notices for investors, saying that they would consult with their lawyers. A manager from one of the three lines told Taipei Times that there was a "slim chance" that there would be a concerted effort to push back on FTC's enforcement action, since all carriers benet from access to the South Korean market and its big-name shippers. The South Korean government was far from united in its support for the ne. Ofcials at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries - the agency tasked with nurturing and building the Korean shipping industry - quietly told Korea Times that the FTC's enforcement action could give other nations' regulators an excuse to penalize Korean carriers. Further, they suggested that the pricexing activity was permissible under South Korea's Maritime Shipping Act, which allows coordination under certain conditions - a view shared by Korean shipping companies.

Crystal Symphony Ordered Arrested for Unpaid Fuel Bills

in Miami as well as some outstanding fuel bills dating back to 2017 for deliveries made to another of Genting’s companies, Star Cruises, for fuel delivered to the cruise ship Superstar Libra in Penang, Malaysia. The complaint details $1.2 million against the Crystal Symphony, $2.1 million against Crystal, and nearly $1.3 million against Star Cruises Hong Kong. Judge Darrin Gayles approved the order issuing a warrant for the arrest of the Crystal Symphony when the 51,000 gross ton cruise ship was due to arrive in Miami on January 22. The order approved liens against the vessel and its engines, m a c h i n e r y, t o o l s , b o a t s , a n c h o r s , navigational equipment, and everything aboard including furnishings. The vessel is ordered sold to satisfy the liens. In the past, other cruise lines faced with similar situations have diverted their ships before they reached U.S. ports to avoid seizure. However, Crystal’s ability to divert could be limited by COVID travel restrictions and the need to provide for the passengers on the current cruise aboard the Cr ystal Symphony. Seatrade is reporting as of Friday, passengers have been told that the ship will divert to Bimini in the Bahamas where Genting operates a resort and casino and that they will be ferried back to the United States. Late on Friday evening, the cruise ship's AIS signal has been changed to show the Bahamas as its destination. Crystal is also conrming reports that the managing director of their river cruises, Walter Littlejohn has resigned. Littlejohn had been with the company for six years developing the European river cruise operations, which are currently on winter layup, but Crystal said would resume in May 2022.

The nancial problems for Genting Hong Kong and its operating companies are continuing to mount as a U.S. federal judge approved an order to arrest one of Crystal Cruises’ ships if it returns to Florida as scheduled this weekend. Crystal Cruises had announced earlier in the week that it would be suspending operations for three months due to the nancial difculties at its parent company, while a Bermuda court on Thursday approved the appointment of provisional liquidators for Genting Hong Kong as it seeks to renance. Peninsula Petroleum Far East became the rst of the known creditors to seek court protection for its debts. On January 19, the bunker company led in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida saying that it was owed nearly $5 million from Crystal Cruises for fuel deliveries made to Crystal’s two cruise ships 24|FEBRUARY 2022

Crystal’s other cruise ships continue to operate with the Crystal Serenity in the Caribbean due to end its cruise next weekend in Aruba and one which is currently cruising in Antarctica. The third ship named in the complaint, the 42,275 gross ton Superstar Libra, had been removed from service in 2018 and sent to Wi s m a r, G e r m a n y w h e r e s h e w a s providing accommodations for workers at Genting’s MV Werften Shipyard. Late in 2021, the vessel reportedly ended its work in Germany and was rumored being prepared for a trip to the scrapyards in the Far East. Yesterday, January 20, a court in Bermuda approved the appointment of two provisional liquidators from the management consulting rm of Alvarez & Marsal in Hong Kong to oversee the reorganization of Genting Hong Kong.

The liquidators are reported to be in discussions with the company’s management team to urgently assess the nancial condition of the company and to identify potential remediation plans. Genting repeated that its goal is to “continue as a going concern,” charging the liquidators the goal of making a compromise or ar rangement with the company’s creditors, or making arrangements to dispose of all or certain of the company’s assets to maximize value and returns for creditors of the company. Reports from Asia indicate that Genting’s Dream Cruises was continuing to show available cruises on its website for its ships operating from Singapore and Hong Kong. However, Hong Kong has imposed stricter travel requirements which led to the cancelation of cruises till February. Dream Cruises had also resumed operations around Taiwan with one of its cruise ships at the end of the year while Genting’s Star Cruises returned its rst ship to service in December 2021 sailing in Malaysia.

China Completes Trials for Largest Electric River Cruise Ship

China has completed the construction and testing of a new river cruise vessel that is being promoted as the world’s largest pure electric cruise ship. Known as the Three Gorges 1, the fully electric vessel operates on battery power and will be used for cruises along the Yangtze River in central China. The ship is powered by a 7500 KWH marine power battery from CATL, which according to the company is equivalent to the total battery capacity of more than 100 electric vehicles. Once in service, it will have the capacity to operate more than 60 miles on one charge. They are saying the advancements with the battery pack system will signicantly extend the battery life and performance. The Three Gorges 1 also adopts a high-voltage charging and low-voltage power supply scheme, which efciently solves the charging problem of highpower ports.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

CRUISE INDUSTRY NEWS

Fincantieri Floats Out New Cruise Ship for Viking

The project to develop the ship began in 2018 with Yangtze Power establishing a ship electrication working group to study the core technologies required for large-scale pure electric ship power and the control systems. Among the technical challenges they reportedly worked on battery safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and the development of a DC networking system and the battery systems. In 2019, Yangtze Power and Yichang Jiaoyun Group signed an agreement to jointly build electric boats.

While the cruise industry is working through the operational challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still making long-term plans for better days ahead including new vessels. On Wednesday, Fincantieri's Ancona yard oated out the new 930-passenger cruise ship Viking Neptune, the latest in a long series of sister ships for Viking.

The Three Gorges 1 is 328 feet long with a 53foot beam. The vessel has accommodations for 1,300 passengers including cabins and a range of lounges and food halls. It will operate in the cruise market on the Yangtze in the region around the dam.

Viking Neptune will debut in November 2022 with itineraries in the Mediterranean, then head out on an allnew world cruise itinerary extending from 2023-2024.

The ship was launched in the summer of 2021 and recently completed its trials voyages before arriving in its homeport of Yichang. They are currently completing the commissioning of the high and low voltage charging equipment and additional tests including inclination and tests underway are planned in the coming weeks.

"It is always a special day when a new ship meets water for the rst time, and we look forward to welcoming guests on board the Viking Neptune this fall. Together with Fincantieri we have built the world's most elegant vessels, which truly allow our guests to explore the world in comfort," said Torstein Hagen, Chairman of Viking.

The nal commission of the vessel also includes the installation of the soft furnishings and hotel equipment. The plan calls for starting commercial trips in April 2022. The electrical power for the vessel will come from the hydropower generated by the Three Gorges Dam. The power company reportedly has more than 10 million kilowatts of power generation capacity installed, with hydropower accounting for nearly 70 percent of the generating capacity. In the next phase of the development of the marine electric vessel market, Chinese ofcials said they are exploring the development of an integrated network of electric charging points along the river system. They look to develop a network connecting the river to the sea.

Courtesy Viking Viking Neptune's next sister ship, Viking Mars, will also deliver this year, followed by Viking Saturn in 2023. All of the rm's ships are built to the same design, with 465 staterooms and capacity for 930 passengers. The existing eet of six includes Viking Star, Sea, Sky, Orion, Jupiter and Venus. (A seventh, Viking Sun, has been renamed Zhao Shang Yidun for a Chinese-market JV with China Merchants Group.) Aboard its current eet, Viking is taking its COVID-19 precautions seriously: it is the only line with fullscale PCR test laboratories on board (for its ocean and expedition cruise ships).

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

This means that all guests and crew can receive saliva-based PCR testing with high frequency, as often as every day. For convenience, the onboard testing satises pre-ight test requirements for some jurisdictions.

CDC Will Switch to Voluntary Health Protocols for U.S.Based Cruises

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conrmed that cruise ships departing from U.S. ports will be transitioning to a new voluntary health and safety program. The agency’s controversial Conditional Sailing Order, which had drawn much criticism and prompted the lawsuit from Florida and Texas, will be permitted to expire at the end of this week while cruise lines are being encouraged to register for the new voluntary effort. CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky appeared at a U.S. Senate Hearing on January 11, where she admitted that the agency has seen a 30-fold increase in Covid-19 cases aboard cruise ships over the past two weeks due to Omicron. As previously reported, every cruise ship sailing from U.S. ports with passengers has recently reported cases of the virus prompting CDC investigations and monitoring. In the last two weeks of December 2021, the CDC said it received reports of nearly 5,000 COVID cases aboard the 110 cruise ships it currently monitors. Dr. Walensky said during her testimony that the CDC believed the cruise industry “has stepped up and is now interested in doing and exceeding” the standards of the CSO. She said that “we’ve worked collaboratively with the industry,” and while the CDC would continue to emphasize the importance of the protocols to the cruise lines that the industry has shown attention to health and safety. Under the new voluntary program, the CDC still expects the cruise lines to require vaccinations for crew and 95 percent of passengers or to implement stricter health protocols and to continue steps such as masks in public areas of the ships.

FEBRUARY 2022 |25

CRUISE INDUSTRY NEWS The CDC will continue to review the cruise lines’ health protocols and receive reports of the virus aboard the ships, but the threshold for investigations will be relaxed from the current 0.01 percent of passengers to 0.03 percent. Ships that do not provide their health protocols to the CDC however will be identied in the color-coding system while the other elements of the program will continue. Cruise lines will gain greater freedom to selfpolice their operations including ships that do not require full vaccinations will be able to operate without rst conducting simulated voyages. The cruise lines will also be able to resume more elements of onboard service such as self-service food and beverage operations but they must continue the enhanced medical services including isolation for passengers and crew that test positive for the virus. The industry has in recent days taken it upon itself to adjust operations based on the high rates of infection across the U.S. and the increased cases on ships. Royal Caribbean International announced that it was temporarily removing three of its ships from service and yesterday, Norwegian Cruise Line also canceled additional cruises. Norwegian had canceled current cruises on two of its ships and yesterday added three more ships, with all of them now scheduled to resume sailing at the end of January. Other ships delayed their scheduled returns to operations. Holland America Line also canceled a cruise due to sail on one of its ships with rumors that just 500 passengers were conrmed for the cruise on a ship with a normal capacity of 2,100 passengers. Other ships continue to sail with anecdotal reports of passenger capacity as low as 30 percent. The CDC director told the hearing she could not predict what would happen in a few months but short-term she said she the agency would continue to work closely with the cruise industry and was condent in the current health protocols. The CDC, however, at the end of 2021 also issued an advisory saying regardless of vaccination status travelers should avoid cruises during the current surge of the COVID19 virus. The CDC has not changed that recommendation.

More Cruises Canceled as Industry Scrambles to Manage COVID Surge

The cruise industry continues to scramble to respond to the rapid spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus. While reiterating the belief that the health protocols continue to be effective, the cruise industry is canceling trips and working to reschedule itineraries due to ports closing. In some cases, passengers are nding out just hours before their trips were due to depart or in several cases having their voyages curtailed after departure.

Norwegian’s parent company also reported that two of its other brands were forced to make alterations to their programs. Oceania Cruises canceled South American sailing for January and February in response to the actions by the Brazilian government. Regent was just beginning its world cruise which was replaced by four long segments in the Caribbean and Central America. Passengers booked for the world cruise have the option of taking some of the segments or canceling to rebook for a future cruise.

China’s tight controls on the virus and close contacts caused the authorities to recall Royal Caribbean International’s Spectrum of the Seas during one of its cruises to nowhere. The authorities determined that nine passengers on the cruise were close contacts of a new case of the virus. The ship returned to Hong Kong and all passengers were being held onboard while Norwegian Cruise Line announced the testing was underway. Royal Caribbean broadest recent set of cancelations announced that the next cruise for the ship is impacting trips this week and stretching canceled. out in some cases till April 2022. The cruise l i n e t o d a y i m p l e m e n t i n g c h a n g e s The industry is continuing its efforts to tighten impacting eight of its cruise ships, in some enforcement of its protocols determined to not cases canceling current voyages while six of let the current situation spread into a broader the ships involved are instead delaying the suspension of operations as it did in March restart date for operations. 2020. So far, Brazil is the only destination that has suspended all cruise operations in the latest Passengers aboard the Norwegian Pearl, surge of the virus, although numerous ports are which had departed Miami on January 3 for now denying ships reporting outbreaks on an 11-day cruise to the Caribbean and arrival. In the Caribbean, where many of the Panama Canal were told hours after ships are operating the declared policy is departure that members of the crew had currently to deny ships with cases in more than tested positive for the virus. The company one percent of the population on board. decided to end the trip after one day and return the ship to Miami, where it is scheduled to arrive on January 6 before having reached its rst port of call. Similarly, passengers preparing to embark aboard the line’s Norwegian Gateway received an urgent communication on January 4 informing them that the cruise due to start the following day was being canceled.

Bahamas Forces MSC Cruise Ship to Skip Private Port due to COVID Cases

Norwegian said in a statement that it was continuing to navigate the uid public health environment, while focusing on delivering a safe experience for all on board, forcing it to make the decision to cancel cruises and postpone future sailings. Among the ships that had start dates delayed is the only large American agged cruise ship, the Pride of America, which now delays its restart till the end of February. Yesterday, the Department of Transportation in Hawaii announced that it had reached an agreement over the protocols to start the cruises as early as January 15. 26|FEBRUARY 2022

Both Norwegian and Carnival Cruise Line signed agreements with Hawaii to operate their ships requiring 100 percent vaccination, the use of pre-boarding tests, and onboard masks and distancing as well as protocols on how to handle the disembarkation of sick passengers.

The Bahamas has become the latest destination to turn away a cruise ship due to reports of cases of COVID-19 aboard, but unlike the other ships which were denied port calls in the Caribbean,

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

CRUISE INDUSTRY NEWS the Bahamas turned away a cruise ship that was docked at the cruise line’s private port on an uninhabited island. Details of the Bahamas’ decision are unclear, but it could have signicant consequences for the cruise industry as the major cruise lines each operate private ports in the Bahamas. The denial came a day before the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention raised its alert level on cruising advising travelers to avoid cruises regardless of their vaccination status. MSC Cruises’ new cruise ship the MSC Seashore arrived at the company’s private island of Ocean Cay in the Bahamas on December 29 with some passengers saying the ship was docked an hour ahead of schedule. Passengers were preparing to disembark for their day on the beach and in the ocean conservation facilities when the captain informed them that the ship would remain at sea for the day. “Unfortunately, and unlike most ports of call, the government of the Bahamas has decided to force us to cancel our call at Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve today out of an abundance of caution,” wrote Captain Galano, master of the MSC Seashore in a letter distributed to passengers. “Due to the short notice, we will replace it with an additional day at sea. I apologize for any inconvenience this might cause you and thank you for your understanding.” The captain reported that “a limited number,” of cases of COVID-19 had been identied among the crew, “as well as a handful of guests who tested positive for COVID-19,” during the veday cruise from Miami. MSC reports that all of its crew is vaccinated and tested every two days for the virus, while passengers age 12 and older are also required to be vaccinated. All passengers ages two years and up have to test negative before boarding the cruise ship. The majority were reported to be asymptomatic and “feeling well.” All the passengers and crew that tested positive were isolated and being monitored. The captain in his letter also reminded passengers that they are required to be wearing masks indoors and physical distancing. The Bahamas was one of the rst destinations to reopen to cruise ships with the arrivals in June 2020. The Chief Executive Ofcer of Nassau Cruise Port Limited, Mike Maura Jr., told the Guardian Business news outlet at the beginning of this week that cruise ships were not being denied and that the health protocols appeared to be working. It is unclear why the MSC Seashore’s passengers were unable to go ashore on the private island.

Only a handful of maintenance workers live on the island and there might be a few Bahamians who work there, but the port is mostly for cruise passengers. MSC invested in the development of the island, which opened in December 2019 as its private destination. On November 18, 2021, MSC held a naming ceremony for the MSC Seashore and dedication event for Ocean Cay MSC Reserve that was attended by ofcials from the Bahamas. Other cruise lines appear to be continuing their calls at their private ports in the Bahamas. Royal Caribbean International, Carnival Corporation’s Holland America Line, and Norwegian Cruise Line, all have private ports while other cruise ships stop at Nassau, Freeport and Virgin has a dedicated beach Club on Bimini. AIS data indicates that Royal Caribbean ships and Virgin’s Scarlet Lady were at their private ports in the Bahamas today.

Royal Caribbean Cancels Cruises due to COVID Surge

Royal Caribbean International announced that will temporarily suspend cruise operations on three of its ships sailing from Florida while also delaying the return to service of a fourth ship all due to the current surge in coronavirus cases linked to the Omicron variant. The cruise line became the second large cruise company to announce that it was adjusting its schedule following Norwegian Cruise Line which last week canceled cruises and delayed ships, while other cruise ships continue to adjust itineraries to manage the current outbreak of cases.

The cruise line’s Oasis class cruise ship, one of the largest in the world, the Symphony of the Seas canceled its sailings till late January. A total of three weeks of cruises were canceled for the ship. In addition, two of the company’s older cruise ships, the Jewel of the Seas, which was operating from Port Everglades, and the Serenade of the Seas which was sailing from Tampa are also canceling cruises. The Jewel of the Seas is now expected to resume cruising in late February while her sister ship will remain out of service going to a planned dry dock overhaul before resuming sailing at the end of April. A fourth cruise ship, the Vision of the Seas, also had its return to service delayed. It had been due to begin commercial sailings in late January but now will remain out of service till the beginning of March. Reports indicate that this ship is being used to quarantine crew members who test positive on the company’s other ships. In Asia, Royal Caribbean was also required to cancel a cruise aboard its ship that is operating cruises to nowhere from Hong Kong. The city increased its travel restrictions in response to new cases of the virus. Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas was called back to Hong Kong after health ofcials determined that nine passengers aboard the ship were close contacts of someone who had tested positive for the virus. At the end of 2021, Royal Caribbean issued a statement highlighting its experience with COVID-19 aboard its ships. “Since cruising restarted in the U.S. in June 2021, the Royal Caribbean Group has carried 1.1 million guests with 1,745 people testing positive – a positivity rate of 0.02 percent. Furthermore, the vast majority of those cases had no symptoms or only mild symptoms, with only 41 people needing hospitalization,” the company wrote in the December 30 update but did not provide specic numbers about any increases in cases due to Omicron.

"Omicron is having a big short-term impact on everyone," said Richard Fain, Chairman & CEO. The company conr med that it experienced a decline in bookings and increased cancellations for near-term sailings saying that load factors for sailings in the rst half of 2022 remain below historical levels. However, sailings for the second half of 2022 “Despite stringent health and safety continue to be booked within historical ranges. measures, including vaccination and testing requirements for guests and crew, Royal Caribbean followed Norwegian Cruise and extensive contingency planning, we Line which canceled individual sailings on its have had to move forward with this ships, the Norwegian Pearl and the Norwegian decision,” Royal Caribbean wrote in a Getaway, with both ships currently expected to message sent to travel advisors at the end of resume sailing at the end of this week. In the week announcing the changes to its addition, they also delayed the planned restart cruise scheduled. The company said it dates for six additional cruise ships to between wanted to ensure that passengers get the late February and April. best cruise experience on the trips that operate.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

FEBRUARY 2022 |27

CRUISE INDUSTRY NEWS An increasing number of cruise lines have also had to change planned itineraries. Carnival Cruise Line announced that one of its cruise ships, the Carnival Legend, would be rerouting into the Caribbean from a scheduled Panama Canal cruise and shortening the cruise by four days. Similarly, last week Silversea Cruises substitute long trips to the Caribbean and Central America for its planned world cruise and Viking announced that it would omit the Pacic Ocean portion of its world cruise scheduled to depart this week. The cruise industry continues to insist that it has the health protocols in place to address the current increase in cases and that it will adapt to manage the situation.

Every US-Based Cruise Ship With Passengers Has Reported COVID-19 Cases

With just 11 days to go until the expiration of the CDC's COVID-19 rules for cruise ships, the agency says that the epidemic has reached every vessel in the actively-operating U.S. cruise eet. 97 out of the 110 cruise ships that the agency tracks have reported COVID-19 cases on board within the past week, including every ship listed in a passenger-car r ying voyage status, according to the latest numbers on the agency's website on January 4. The CDC does not rank infection events by size, and all recently-reported U.S.-based cruise outbreaks have affected about one percent or less of the total onboard complement. The overwhelming majority of passengers and crew are fully vaccinated before boarding, and most of those who test positive experience no symptoms or light symptoms, according to initial industry reports. The 13 ships that have not reported any COVID cases recently are all in "crew-only" voyage status, including Carnival Horizon;Carnival Paradise; Carnival Sensation; Ovation of the Seas; Vision of the Seas; Celebrity Eclipse;Celebrity Solstice; Noordam; 28|FEBRUARY 2022

Crown Princess; Norwegian Sun; Regatta; Seven Seas Navigator; and Silver Muse. Last week, the CDC advised the public to avoid cruise ships due to the emergence of the highly-contagious omicron variant, which has proven resistant to immunity in vaccinated and unvaccinated populations. “The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads easily between people in close quarters on board ships, and the chance of getting COVID-19 on cruise ships is very high, even if you are fully vaccinated and have received a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose," CDC cautioned in an advisory note.

Crystal Cruises Suspends Operations Due to Genting HK Insolvency

A handful of cruise ships have altered their itineraries due to COVID -driven disruption on board, but the bulk of the U.S.-based industry continues to operate largely as before under the rules of the CDC's Conditional Sailing Order (CSO). That order has been extended until January 15, but it will expire shortly - along with CDC's onboard testing and reporting requirements - unless it is renewed.

Luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises has become the latest casualty in the insolvency of its parent company Genting Hong Kong. Late today, the cruise line that had been acquired by Genting Hong Kong in 2016 sent out an email announcing that it would suspend the operations of its three cruise ships until April 2022 saying that management would use the time to access the current situation and develop future plans.

So far, evidence suggests that omicron is more infectious but less harmful than previous variants. It is spreading rapidly on shore, but it is not driving signicantly higher rates of hospitalization (except among children). At the current rate of spread, it could peak in some states including the leading U.S. cruise state of Florida - before the end of the month, according to epidemiologists.

“This was an extremely difcult decision but a prudent one given the current business environment and recent developments with our parent company, Genting Hong Kong,” said, Crystal Cruises’ president Jack Anderson. He said in his statement that the company looks forward to welcoming back its valued guests when it resumes operations.

The shoreside pattern appears to be mirrored in cruise lines' experiences with omicron so far. At the end of last month, Royal Caribbean reported that it has had 41 COVID hospitalizations since it restarted operations in June, and none of them have been omicron cases, despite a recent rise in the number of positive test results. "Our case count has spiked, but the level of severity is signicantly milder. We will remain nimble and in constant contact with health authorities," said the group's chief medical ofcer, Dr. Calvin Johnson.

The company’s two larger cruise ships, the Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, are both currently in the Caribbean. The company said they would complete their current cruises, disembarking passengers in Florida this weekend and Aruba on January 30. The third cruise ship, the smaller luxury expedition ship Crystal Endeavor, which just entered service in July 2021, is currently sailing in the Antarctic and due to return to Ushuaia, Argentina, on February 4. Crystal said it would suspend the three ocean going cruise ships’ operations until the end of April 2022. The company also extended the winter lay-up for its European river cruise ships saying they would return to service in May 2022. “Suspending operations will provide Crystal’s management team with an opportunity to evaluate the current state of business and examine various options moving forward,” the company said in a notice posted on its website. The decision came after the large travel companies advised customers today to suspend future payments to the cruise line. Travel advisors were warning customers that Genting Hong Kong led for a possible liquidation of the company yesterday reporting that it expected to run out of cash to continue operations by the end of January.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

MARINE TECHNOLOGY NEWS Genting Hong Kong said that it planned to continue operations of its Asian cruise line Dream Cruises. They warned however in their ling that they expected that the majority of their operations would cease and that some assets might be sold as they explored maximizing values and the potential organization of the Hong Kong parent company. Crystal Cruises started operations in 1990 as an investment by Japan’s NYK Line with U.S. management. The rst cruise ship, the Crystal Harmony, was built by Mitsubishi in Japan and later joined by a second similar cruise ship built in Finland. NYK maintained the company as a prestige operation often reported to be operating at a nancial loss. A newer, larger cruise ship was built in France and introduced in 2003 while the original vessel transferred to NYK’s cruise operations in Japan. Crystal recently had sought to become a broader luxury brand, introducing yacht cruises, charter luxury air, and plans for ocean residences on a new generation of cruise ships that would have been built by MV Werften. Crystal scaled back its expansion, canceling the plans for the ocean residence and working on redesigns for its future ocean cruise ships. Plans called for a sister ship to the Crystal Endeavor, but the rst expedition cruise ship ran over budget and behind schedule, only being completed in 2021 after the German state provided the rst loans to the shipyard.

In the decision, Judge Gerald Bloem said that Shell had not adequately consulted communities with customary shing rights in the area. The plaintiffs argued that the seismic campaign posed a reasonable risk of harm to marine resources, potentially affecting shermens' livelihoods, and would interfere with longstanding cultural and spiritual practices. Since meaningful consultation with affected communities is a legal requirement and was not reportedly conducted, the judge determined that Shell's exploration license was "unlawful and invalid" and ordered a halt to the campaign, according to Greenpeace. "The case has huge signicance in that it shows that no matter how big a company is, it ignores local communities at its peril. This case is really a culmination of the struggle of communities along the Wild Coast for the recognition of their customary rights to land and shing, and to respect for their customary processes," said attorney Wilmein Wicomb of the Legal Resources Centre. A Shell spokesperson told Reuters that "we respect the court’s decision and have paused the survey while we review the judgement." For now, Shell must halt survey work, unless it chooses to appeal. Another court will take up the matter again when it considers a related question - whether Shell needs an environmental authorization under South A frica's National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) to proceed with the survey.

Court Orders Shell to Halt Seismic Surveys off S. Africa's Wild Bombora secures MOL Coast

investment to advance wave power technology Japanese shipping giant Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has invested in Bombora Wave Power, cementing their wave energy partnership formed a year ago.

A court in South Africa has ordered Shell to halt a seismic campaign off the Wild Coast, an iconic section of the nation's Eastern Cape region.

MOL invested in Bombora to support its technology and global opportunity that its patented membrane-style wave energy converter mWave presents, after 18 months of close collaboration between the parties. Bombora said it would use the funds to further the development and operational capability of i t s m Wa v e t e c h n o l o g y, i n c l u d i n g t h e c o m p l e t i o n o f i t s 1 . 5 M W m Wa v e demonstration project due to be installed off the Pembrokeshire coast in the coming months. T h e i n v e s t m e n t c e m e n t s t h e s t ro n g relationship between the two companies, moving to the next stage of close collaboration, strengthening the project development capability of the group in Japan and the surrounding regions while building regional supply chains capacity and leveraging MOL’s expertise in marine logistics. The collaboration is also expected to increases the reach of the InSPIRE platform where mWave is integrated onto oating wind platforms to create an integrated renewable energy solution. Sam Leighton, managing director at Bombora, said: “Renewable energy supply is one of the big issues we’ve yet to fully tackle as a society. We are condent that our technology can contribute signicantly to this market by delivering consistent and predictable renewable power. “MOL bring invaluable expertise in marine operations, local industry supply chain knowledge and can provide support in project development in Japan and across the region. “The MOL investment underpins Bombora’s wider capital raising initiatives to propel the company through the next phase and for delivery on commercial projects.” According to the partenrs, MOL is conducting an investigation to select the suitable sites for mWave and InSPIRE platforms in Japan, as it expected the collaboration with Bombora will create pathways for wave energy projects in Japan. To remind, MOL received a subsidy in early October 2021 from the Government of Japan for the proposed wave energy project in Mauritius, to be developed with Bombora.

Shell has chartered the seismic vessel Amazon Warrior to survey an area of about 1,800 square nautical miles off the coast, and it began the work about one month ago. Environmental activists and indigenous rights groups led suit to block the operation, and on Tuesday, a high court in Makhanda issued an order requiring Shell to stop work. The rm and the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy were also ordered pay the plaintiff's legal costs. For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

FEBRUARY 2022 |29

MARINE TECHNOLOGY NEWS

Eco Wave Power gets to the nals of $1B Build Back Better challenge in United States

Eco Wave Power’s proposal to build a wave energy plant at the Port of Los Angeles has moved closer to realization as the project advances to the next stage of $1 billion Build Back Better challenge as part of a larger coalition led by the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC). The Swedish-Israeli wave energy company is ‘onboard’ the coalition with other regional stakeholders selected as nalist in the challenge, set up by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), to build regional economies resilient to future economic shocks.

This project will be the rst-time clean According to Orbital Marine, the turbine data electricity is sent from ocean waves to the analytics tools to be developed as a result of the Los Angeles power grid.” tendering process might also be incorporated into existing supervisory and operational At the time of the EDA announcement, Los control and assist in the development of future Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said: “LAEDC turbines. and its community partners are doing such important work to ensure a robust and The tender is open for applications until equitable economic recovery from the February 2, 2022, Orbital Marine said. pandemic. This coalition embodies the spirit and innovation of our region, and I The procurement process is related to EUwish them success as they continue on to backed 45.4 million TIGER project, which brings together 19 partners from across the UK the second phase of this competition.” and France, with the join aim to accelerate the The EDA received 529 applications from growth of tidal stream energy trough regions in all 50 states and ve territories, development of several projects at sites in and and the 60 nalists represent regions that around the English Channel region. formed extraordinary coalitions, demonstrated regional needs, and presented bold proposals to grow their target industry clusters.

Orbital Marine seeks tidal turbine data analyst

EC-OG’s Halo intelligent subsea battery storage system, which will be integrated into CPower’s SeaRAY autonomous offshore power system (AOPS), has been shipped from Scotland to Hawaii.

As a nalist, the LAEDC-led coalition has been awarded $500,000 to further develop plans for several coordinated projects to advance more equitable and sustainable growth in the Los Angeles region. The coalition will advance to the second phase and compete for up to $100 million in American Rescue Plan funding to develop and scale blue and green growth innovations within the Goods Movement Ecosystem (GME) in Southern California. This next step includes a proposal for the implementation of a rst of its kind, wave energy pilot system at AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles – a nonprot dedicated to accelerating scientic collaboration and advancing an emerging blue economy. Inna Braverman, founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power, said: “We are very proud to take part in the coalition led by LAEDC. We believe that we can signicantly assist with its mission of leveraging the innate convergence of blue and green economies at the Port of Los Angeles and beyond to grow new jobs and enterprises for the region, while improving the environment and increasing the resilience of America’s leading trade gateway. “We are excited to enter Phase 2 of the program by implementing our innovative technology on AltaSea’s premises in the Port of Los Angeles.

30|FEBRUARY 2022

SeaRAY’s energy storage system on its way to Hawaii

Scottish tidal energy company Orbital Marine Power is looking to hire an expert in data science and machine learning to assist with the analysis of its tidal turbine data streams. The invitation to tender, published on Scottish government’s procurement portal, is related to the sourcing of expertise in data science and machine learning to assist Orbital Marine in developing tools used to analyse O2 data streams. To remind, the O2 tidal turbine – rated at 2MW – is said to be the most powerful oating tidal energy turbine in the world. Launched in April 2021, the turbine has since been installed at the European Marine Energy Centre (EMEC) offshore Orkney. It started delivering clean power to the UK energy grid in summer 2021, with the capacity to meet the annual electricity demand of around 2,000 UK homes.

Halo, currently on its way to Honolulu, will serve as the energy storage system and gravity anchor for C-Power’s demonstration of the SeaRAY wave energy converter. The lithium-ion-based device will be part of the six-month autonomous offshore power sea trial set to begin in the rst quarter of 2022 at the U.S. Navy Wave Energy Test Site (WETS), off the coast of the island of Oahu. According to EC-OG, Halo will provide the seaoor base unit and the payload interfaces for power, data and communications to multiple subsea payloads, ensuring continuous energy availability for remote subsea operations. Designed for the harsh subsea environment, the system is a modular and scalable battery storage solution and gateway for renewable energy to high-value assets which provides a reliable, uninterrupted power supply predominantly for seabed use, the company stated. The project marks Halo’s rst commercial delivery for the rst-ever autonomous offshore power trials in Hawaii.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

MARINE TECHNOLOGY NEWS In Hawaii, project partners, including Saab, one of the world-leading companies in electric underwater robotics, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and BioSonics, will pair the SeaRAY AOPS with their electronics, which collect data on methane and carbon levels, sh activity, and more.

Top energy transition trends to watch in 2022, as seen by Westwood Energy intelligence provider Westwood Global Energy and its energy transition team gave us their views on the main trends that oil and gas rms should watch in 2022.

COP26’s loftier ambitions were unsurprisingly compromised by partisan interests and the pursuit of local, national and regional agendas will no doubt continue to have an impact on the energy transition in 2022. Already we have seen how President Biden’s Build Back Better Act was torpedoed by a member of his own party. More widely, ongoing tensions between China and the US do not bode well for industries such as renewable energy, which are highly dependent on Chinese goods. In Europe, meanwhile, Russia’s sabrerattling over Ukraine will hopefully not lead to outright conict but could easily result in European sanctions affecting energy markets. The Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline has already been singled out as a strategic asset amid escalating tensions. Energy transition nancing from nations will grow, fossil fuel funding will shrink

According to Westwood, these include national decarbonisation targets, the effects of geopolitics on energy transition, the question of nancing the transition, corporate net-zero targets, the effects of emissions targets on oil and gas investments, low-carbon technology as a key asset for oil and gas players, and pricing volatility in the supply chain. National decarbonisation targets will get more ambitious Arguably one of the main things to come out of the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, or COP26, was an agreement on the need to return to the negotiating table this year. For national leaders, there is pressure from peers not to come away from COP27 with vague promises and watered-down targets. While the outcome of any COP is hard to determine in advance, methane emissions emerged as a soft target last year and are likely to receive further focus this year. Coal’s days are also numbered, after which attention is likely to move to the decarbonisation and future role of gas. The EU Taxonomy discussions now taking place illustrate how challenging it may be to get gas to be seen as an energy transition fuel. And then, of course, there will be new nationally determined contributions towards net-zero. What will emerge on this front is anyone’s guess, although research suggests China could be among the countries bringing carbon neutrality dates forward, Westwood has said. Geopolitics will continue to threaten the energy transition

Who pays—and how much—for the energy transition? It’s a complex issue. In 2009, 23 rich countries, including the United States, Japan and Germany, promised to pay developing nations $100 billion a year in climate change mitigation funding. More than a dozen years later, the developing nations are still waiting. It remains unclear if the money that was pledged will be delivered. However, climate-related donor nance is on an upward trend, increasing from $52.4 billion a year in 2013 to $79.6 billion in 2019. Perhaps more importantly for oil and gas companies, the government money going into fossil fuels is also potentially drying up. China notably pledged to stop funding foreign coal projects in September last year and in December the White House ordered US agencies to curb overseas engagements in fossil fuel schemes. Such international funding bans are a low-risk, high-reward move for headline-hungry leaders. While their true impact may be hard to gauge, they will undoubtedly make it harder to nance oil and gas projects. Corporate net-zero targets will need to be more detailed ‘Net-zero by 2050’ is so 2021. This year, there is increasing pressure on companies to provide intermediate targets, say for 2025 and 2030, and be more specic about what ‘net-zero’ really means. The aim is to sort greenwashers from real transitioners, an objective that also implies greater scrutiny of carbon offsets and other emissions trading tools. Emissions trading came under review at COP26 when negotiators restructured Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

The revisions aimed to tighten the guidelines for emissions trading. While slammed by some for not going far enough, the changes are expected to support growth in emissions trading and further renements could follow this year. Emissions focus will make oil & gas investment more complex The shock exit of Shell from the UK’s Cambo project highlighted the delicate balance between achieving desired returns and meeting increasingly stringent environmental standards. The climate checkpoint concept currently under consultation will further raise the importance of the oil and gas sector meeting the UK’s climate objective to reduce emissions to net-zero by 2050. ExxonMobil’s 2021 decision to pause a nal investment decision on a $30 billion liquied natural gas (LNG) project in Mozambique until this year also highlighted the complexities associated with projects in emerging markets. The company’s Cabo Delgado plans were initially put on hold because of security concerns. But local insurgencies are not the only threat facing the LNG project. Amid growing calls for emissions reduction, ExxonMobil has promised it will add carbon capture and storage (CCS) to the installation—and to afford it, the company needs to bring down the total cost. Going forward, it is unclear to what extent projects such as Cabo Delgado will need to include CCS as standard, or whether emissions could be cancelled using carbon offsets in the same way some players are trying to do with socalled green barrels of oil. Meanwhile, it is increasingly likely that massive LNG projects such as the Browse processing plant in Western Australia, which still has government backing, will be abandoned for fear of creating stranded assets. The same goes for investments in sour gas, oil sands and the like, where growing costs for reducing emissions could signicantly dent the viability of projects. Low-carbon technology will become a key asset for oil & gas CCS, clean hydrogen, and oating offshore wind are all low-carbon technologies that are on the cusp of mass commercialisation and where the oil and gas sector could achieve leadership and massive scale. Companies in the industry have already been positioning themselves in these nascent technology niches. ExxonMobil, to take one example, last month announced a memorandum of understanding with SGN and Green Investment Group to explore the development of a CCS and hydrogen cluster in Southampton, UK.

FEBRUARY 2022 |31

MARINE TECHNOLOGY NEWS

CalWave’s xWave prototype emerges as platform for various environmental monitoring ops

BP, meanwhile, announced the rst engineering contracts for the Northern Endurance Partnership carbon capture project in Teesside, Northeast England. Westwood said that, in 2022, we can expect to see further moves to capture market share and grow capabilities. This process could help determine which technology niches offer the highest returns and are the best t for oil and gas companies, although the relative weighting of investments in low-carbon technology is likely to be driven mostly by corporate and regional market characteristics. Costs and supply chain issues will hamper renewable project progress While many sources believe most commodity price increases seen in 2021 will subside this year, potentially leading to at or falling oil prices, industrial metals could still see pricing volatility. Meanwhile, global supply chain problems could last two years more, particularly if coronavirus variants such as Omicron cause new lockdowns. These issues will affect all infrastructure projects. But one major impact will be on wind and solar plants, where key commodity and freight costs represent around 15 per cent of capital expenditure. The solar industry has an added complication in the form of polysilicon shortages. The situation is leading to projects being postponed or abandoned. This could have two implications for oil and gas. The rst is that a drag on renewables buildouts could somewhat prolong demand for fossil fuels, although this effect is likely to be minimal in the scheme of things. The second is that oil and gas players pushing or planning to push into wind or solar in 2022 may nd the price of entry is higher than expected, and the timeframes for projects are longer.

The recently deployed xWave wave energy prototype, developed by U.S.-based company CalWave Power Technologies, has served as a platform for several environmental research operations led by PNNL’s Triton initiative. In collaboration with CalWave, the Triton team has conducted two separate eld trials around the xWave prototype device to test Integral Consulting’s NoiseSpotter technology and an underwater camera used to monitor changes in habitat around the wave energy converter’s anchors. The xWave is a fully operational, submerged wave energy device – deployed in September 2021 in California – for a period of six months for performance testing, providing an opportunity for Triton to collect valuable empirical environmental monitoring data. The Triton is a Department of Energy (DOE) Water Power Technologies Ofce (WPTO) project, led by Pacic Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), which studies environmental monitoring technologies and methods to understand the potential impacts associated with marine energy systems.

The nal demonstration was a huge success and brought the NoiseSpotter closer to the nish line of commercialization following successful development, testing, and validation of the technology at PNNL’s Marine and Coastal Research Laboratory. Also, Triton’s ‘changes in habitat team’ travelled to xWave’s deployment location at University of California San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO) to deploy a Boxsh 360-degree underwater video camera around an anchor near the device. The team deployed the camera at sunrise, midday, and around sunset to monitor habitats at different times of day, with and without underwater lights to illuminate the surrounding area. The eld tests assessed the utility of these cameras for monitoring articial reef effects and other potential changes to habitats around marine energy devices and associated structures.

A s p a r t o f Tr i t o n i n i t i a t i v e , t h e NoiseSpotter technology was deployed on xWave demonstration site to characterize potential sound emissions from the wave energy device and other nearby sounds, such as marine mammal vocalizations. The NoiseSpotter’s novel vector sensor array is said to enable researchers to gather information about the location and identity of those sounds in real-time. During these tests, multiple congurations of the NoiseSpotter were demonstrated, including real-time data collection with data transfer to the cloud, a drifting test to gather data decoupled from water currents, and self-logging data collection with no expression on the water’s surface.

32|FEBRUARY 2022

The retrieval of the NoiseSpotter technology (Photo courtesy of Integral Consulting)

The deployment of the Boxsh camera (Photo by Cailene Gunn|Courtesy of PNNL)

Data from this footage will inform a set of recommendations to decision makers in the marine energy industry on best practices for monitoring marine energy related changes to underwater habitats, according to Triton.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

MARINE TECHNOLOGY NEWS “Thank you to Dan Petcovic, Marcus Lehmann, and Thomas Boerner at CalWave for providing Triton with the opportunity to collect empirical data around a deployed WEC and real-time information about the WEC operating status. “It was a memorable experience for all team members working around an operational WEC for the rst time. The Triton team would also like to extend a huge thank you to the folks at SIO for helping make this research possible. “From offering facilities and providing access to the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, vessels, expertise, and a beautiful site to work, the team appreciates your support through the early mornings and long days conducting tests”, Triton said. Soon, the Triton’s underwater noise team will be heading to SIO to deploy hydrophones around the xWave and characterize sound generated by the device. This longer-term deployment of acoustic monitoring instruments, expected to last for several weeks, will provide valuable data about the wave energy converter’s sound emissions, as well as information about the ambient acoustic environment, the researchers said.

SELKIE sets up free tank testing for ocean energy developers The EU-backed SELKIE project has extended free access to tank testing at its facilities to the marine energy developers in its network.

It is supported by SELKIE and is open to any type of wave or tidal ORE technology which can be tested at the Lir NOTF. “The Lir NOTF is Ireland’s primary facility for testing and development of offshore technologies and has a long track record in supporting offshore renewable energy (ORE) technologies through early-stage technology readiness level (TRL) development”, SELKIE said. While xed offshore wind technologies are commercially advanced, many ORE The system will be integrated into the sea trial technologies that are required for deeper in which Columbia Power Technologies (Cwater and more aggressive environments Power) will demonstrate its Autonomous are still in early stages of development. Offshore Power System (AOPS) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, as well as These technology developers usually Saab, BioSonics and Franatech. consist of individuals, SMEs and academics who generally do not have the On arrival at the site, Halo will be fully nancial resources and expertise to integrated with C-Power’s SeaRAY wave energy determine the feasibility of their concept converter as part of the AOPS system. and require support. The SELKIE project is an EU-backed Ireland-Wales project developing a streamlined commercialisation pathway for the marine renewable energy (MRE) industry. The project, led by a consortium of six partner organisations, brings together academia and industry through the development of open-source, multi-use tools and models to reduce MRE costs as w e l l a s d e v e l o p i n g a c ro s s - b o r d e r innovation network to increase and diversify MRE businesses in Wales and Ireland.

EC-OG’s intelligent subsea battery storage system to debut in Hawaii

SELKIE and Lir-National Ocean Test Facility (Lir NOTF) have teamed up to offer the programme which will provide free access to the facilities of Lir-NOTF to Irish and Welsh offshore renewable energy (ORE) developers. This access programme to the Lir-NOTF is designed to enable the testing and progression of ORE technologies through the early development stages in advance of open sea testing.

According to EC-OG, Halo will provide the seaoor base unit and the payload interfaces for power, data and communications to multiple subsea payloads, ensuring continuous energy availability for remote subsea operations. “The EC-OG team is excited to export our rst Halo unit to Hawaii and be part of this innovative and world-rst demonstration project alongside our client C-Power and other project partners,” said Paul Slorach, business development director at EC-OG. “This is a crucial project for the industry which will demonstrate the integration of a selection of novel subsea technologies to deliver a reliable source of power as well as real-time over-thehorizon data communications. The learnings from this project will be signicant for the development of the blue economy and further decarbonisation of offshore operations globally.” Designed for the harsh subsea environment, the Halo system is a modular and scalable battery storage solution and gateway for renewable energy to high-value assets which provides a reliable, uninterrupted power supply predominantly for seabed use, EC -OG concluded.

EC -OG has completed the rst commercial delivery of its Halo intelligent subsea battery storage system for the rst-ever autonomous offshore power trials in Hawaii. The lithium-ion-based device will be part of the world-rst autonomous offshore power sea trial in the rst quarter of 2022 at the U.S. Navy Wave Energy Test Site, off the coast of the Hawaiian island of Oahu.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

FEBRUARY 2022 |33

OFFSHORE NEWS

Norside Expands its Fleet of PSV Walk-toWork Conversions

Clarksons: Record Growth in Wind Generation and Vessel Orders in 2021

2021 was a record year in the development of the offshore wind power generation industry. Clarkson Research is reporting that not only were there a record number of start-ups, increasing global capacity to its highest levels, but that it also spurred a record newbuild investment for the ships required to execute the plans. Steve Gordon, Managing Director of Clarksons Research commented that 2021 saw “further record capacity growth for offshore wind as it continues to play a vital role in the global energy transition. Our energy transition modeling suggests that offshore wind could reach six to nine percent of the total global energy supply by 2050.” While the outlook remains very strong with record investments going into the sector, Clarksons’ data, however, shows that offshore wind is a small percentage of the current global energy supply. As of the end of 2021, they calculate that offshore wind reached approximately 0.3 percent of the total global energy supply. “China led the way for new capacity additions and overtook the U.K. as the largest offshore wind market,” commented Gordon. According to the data, China brought online 16 GW in 2021 with most of it coming in the last two months of the year. Europe, by comparison as a whole only commissioned 1.8 GW during the year, but has 17 GW currently under development. That is not counting large new awards such as ScotWind, which at the beginning of this week announced initial awards for 17 new projects that are projected to provide as much as 24.8 GW of additional power generation by the end of this decade. Capital expenditures for offshore wind power projects remained strong in 2021, with commitments reaching $44.6 billion in 2021, which according to Clarksons is the secondhighest total on record. Project CAPEX in Europe alone they point out reached $18.7 billion in 2021, and they also highlight the industry’s progress, for example with the rst utility-scale offshore wind projects in the U.S., Vineyard Wind, placing orders for its turbines as it moves towards full construction. 34|FEBRUARY 2022

The growth in installation projects, as well as projects under development, is continuing to drive the growth of the maritime sector dedicated to offshore wind farms. Clarksons reports nearly 1,100 vessels were supporting the sector by year’s end. Driven in part by China’s rush to complete projects in the second half of 2021, utilization for turbine installation vessels, for example, rose six percentage points to 83 percent for the year. In the second quarter, however, off China, utilization was over 90 percent with dayrates for installation vessels as well as support vessels both showing strong increases. There were also a record number of newbuild orders placed in 2021. Clarksons’ data shows a total of 17 WTIV orders placed valued at approximately $2.5 billion and an additional nine options having been booked for further construction. They also recorded 15 C/SOV orders, also a record, and 39 CTV contracts. They calculate the total value of the new orders at over $4 billion in 2021. “In 2022, we are projecting a healthy 9.5 GW of offshore wind capacity come online (involving 1,400 turbines), bringing the fully commissioned global total to 60.0 GW,” said Gordon. “Offshore wind CAPEX commitments are expected to total some $55 billion, just below the record of $56 billion in 2020.”

Norwegian offshore wind contractor Norside has acquired another used PSV for conversion into a walk-to-work vessel, suitable for use in offshore E&P and offshore wind farm service. Norside's next ship began its life as the PSV Blue King, built at the Ulstein Verft yard in 2016 for Ulstein's leasing division. She is an Ulstein PX121 medium-size PSV, designed with the yard's distinctive X-Bow shape. Norside plans to add an accommodations section, a walk-to-work gangway and a crane. With the extra berths, the newly-renamed Norside Cetus will have a combined capacity of up to 60 personnel. The company has already seen success with its rst PSV-to-SOV conversion, the Norside Cygnus, which was completed in 2015. The company widened the Cygnus' hull and added an accommodations block, a heavecompensated 100-tonne crane and a walk-towork gangway to its spacious back deck. The converted vessel is under charter to TotalEnergies through April, and she has been chartered for another 18 months by Dana Petroleum for walk-to-work and accommodations service in the UK North Sea.

Clarksons’ longer-term projections call for continued strong growth for the remainder of the decade. They are forecasting that the global offshore wind sector may reach 712 farms involving over 29,000 turbines and 235 GW by 2030. That compares with a current capacity of 250 farms globally with 10,800 turbines providing a current total generating capacity of 50.5 GW.

The Cygnus before conversion (Van Aalst)

Norside also recently purchased a subsea construction vessel, Pacic Supporter, for use in a similar conversion. The Supporter is a larger ship and is already tted with a heavy-lift crane; Norside added an SMST walk-to-work gangway to complete the transformation. The vessel was renamed Norside Supporter, and like Norside Cygnus, she was chartered to TotalEnergies for E&P work off Denmark.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

OFFSHORE NEWS

Offshore Operator's Vaccine Mandate Hits Opposition in Scotland

This position is supported by [industry association] Oil and Gas UK, and to our knowledge no other operator or contractor has enforced such a policy.” The omicron variant of COVID-19 has now peaked in the UK and is in decline, according to government statistics. Data from the last two months suggest that omicron has been far less fatal than the previous delta and alpha waves of COVID in the United Kingdom, causing far lower levels of hospitalization and mortality. Deaths roughly doubled month-to-month, but remained just a fraction of the daily rate seen during the second (delta) wave.

The labor union Unite Scotland has called for the Scottish government to block a plan by oil and gas company Canadian Natural Resources (CNR) to require COVID-19 vaccination for all personnel on its platforms. Unite believes that CNR is the rst offshore operator in the UK to implement a vaccine requirement for its workforce and its contractors. However, Hess, Chevron and other oil companies have already implemented similar policies in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, and Equinor is considering a comparable rule for platforms off Norway. CNR's new rule took effect on January 14, and it applies to both direct employees and service personnel from CNR's contractors. This includes employees from some of the leading offshore technical services companies in the UK, like Petrofac, Aker, EnerMech, Bilnger and Global E&C. CNR currently operates three offshore platforms in the UK North Sea, Ninian Central, Ninian South and Tiffany. All are maturing assets, and CNR has been decommissioning adjacent operations as they reach end of life, including the Banff, Kyle and Ninian North installations. The company is known best for its onshore natural gas and bituminous oil sands operations in Western Canada; in its home countr y, CNR has required COVID -19 vaccination for all on-site personnel since December 1. The company-wide mandate has met with stiff resistance in the UK. Unite has asked the Scottish government to intervene, and it says that it is pursuing options for legal action. "Our position is that we support workers getting the Covid-19 vaccination but we are strenuously opposed to any mandatory vaccination policy," said John Boland, Unite's industrial ofcer. "Instead, education and communication should be used to encourage people to get the vaccine instead of workers in essence being told it’s a jab or your job.

NY Finalizes Next Offshore Wind Projects with Major Port Investments

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) nalized contracts with Equinor and bp as the joint venture partners for the development of the state’s next major offshore wind projects, Empire Wind 2 and Beacon Wind making the next milestone in the advancement of offshore wind development along the U.S. East Coast. As part of the agreements, they are committing to signicant investments to develop the onshore infrastructure with port facilities in Brooklyn and the Port of Albany, New York. The 1,260-megawatt Empire Wind 2 and 1,230-megawatt Beacon Wind projects were provisionally awarded in January 2021 as a result of NYSERDA's second offshore wind competitive solicitation. Expected to enter into commercial operation in 2027 and 2028, the projects will drive investments in ports to directly support offshore wind projects while establishing New York as the hub of the offshore wind supply chain. NYSERDA payments to the projects will commence once they obtain all required permits and approvals, complete construction, and begin delivering power to New York.

as well as an operations and maintenance base for the projects. The partnership will also invest in the Port of Albany, making it America’s rst offshore wind tower and transition piece manufacturing facility. "New York State has been steadfast in its commitment to establish itself as the leading offshore wind market in the nation and a global wind energy manufacturing powerhouse,” said NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said. “These contracts with Equinor further solidify our progress and will create new economic opportunities while building a new electric grid powered by clean, renewable energy that paves our way to a healthier and more sustainable future." New York Governor Kathy Hochul noted that today's announcement formally closes the state's second offshore wind competitive solicitation and also includes the rst awards for the State's Offshore Wind Training Institute. Coupled with this week's issuance of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management's Final Sale Notice for the New York Bight and the governor’s announcement of a planned $500 million investment in offshore wind ports, manufacturing, and supply chain to be integrated within NYSERDA's 2022 solicitation, she said it represents a signicant step forward in advancing the goal to develop 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind by 2035. New York plans to launch its third statewide solicitation round in early 2022. NYSERDA's next solicitation is expected to result in at least two gigawatts of new projects. Said it NYSERDA will couple this procurement with a $500 million offshore wind infrastructure investment to catalyze private investments to build the critical infrastructure needed to make New York a hub for this burgeoning industry. Also announced today were the rst round of competitive awards under the state's $20 million Offshore Wind Training Institute designed to develop the wind workforce. Two proposals were selected to receive a combined $569,618 to support early training and skills development. New York State has ve offshore wind projects in active development that are expected to provide more than 4,300 megawatts and put New York halfway to its goal of achieving 9,000 megawatts by 2035. The goal is to provide approximately 30 percent of New York State's electricity needs from offshore wind projects.

The public-private partnership funding commitments to $644 million in port infrastructure investments. The projects include port upgrades to transform South Brooklyn Marine Terminal into a major staging and assembly facility for the industry,

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

FEBRUARY 2022 |35

OFFSHORE NEWS

White House Plans Six Offshore Wind Lease Auctions for New York Bight

Seeking to establish a rapid pace of development for offshore wind power generation, the U.S. Department of Interior announced plans to conduct an auction for six leases in the New York Bight, which will be the most leases offered in a single auction. The auction, which is scheduled for February 23, will be the rst conducted by the Biden administration and follows other steps announced in recent days to encourage the growth of the offshore wind sector. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) will be conducting the bidding for six lease areas located outside New York harbor and to the south along the New Jersey coast for more than 480,000 acres. They estimate that this sale could result in 5.6 to 7 gigawatts of offshore wind energy, enough to power nearly 2 million homes. As offshore wind technology continues to advance, these areas may have the potential to produce even more clean energy says BOEM in the offering documents. “Offshore wind opportunities like the New York Bight present a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ght climate change and create good-paying, union jobs in the United States,” said Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland. “We are at an inection point for domestic offshore wind energy development.” The federal government’s goal to install 30 GW of offshore wind by 2030 is complemented by state offshore wind policies and actions throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. Collectively, New York and New Jersey have set the nation’s largest regional offshore wind target of installing over 16 GW of offshore wind by 2035. Currently, BOEM has 18 commercial offshore wind leases on the Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), and while the new auction provides for a large area it has been signicantly scaled back. BOEM initially asked for information and nominations of commercial interest for 1,735,154 acres in the Bight.

36|FEBRUARY 2022

Based on the bureau’s review of scientic data, and extensive input from the commercial shing industry, tribes, partnering agencies, key stakeholders, and the public, BOEM, however, reduced the acreage by 72 percent to avoid conicts with ocean users and minimize environmental impacts. The bureau says that its efforts are intended to promote offshore wind development in a way that coexists with other ocean uses and protects the ocean environment, while also facilitating our nation’s energy future. The New York Bight offshore wind auction will include several lease stipulations designed BOEM says to promote the development of a robust domestic U.S. supply chain for offshore wind while enhancing engagement with other ocean users and underserved communities. The stipulations are designed to advance exibility in transmission planning and make use of project labor agreements throughout the construction of offshore wind projects. There will be incentives to source major components domestically – such as blades, turbines, and foundations – and to enter into project labor agreements to ensure projects are union-built, while also requiring lessees to identify tribes, underserved communities, and other ocean users who could be affected by offshore wind development. The Interior Department says it will hold companies accountable for improving their engagement, communication, and transparency with these communities. The announcement of the new auction received positive feedback from many organizations, including American Clean Power Association CEO Heather Zichal w h o s a i d , “A C P a p p l a u d s t h e announcement from the Biden-Harris Administration to increase the deployment of clean energy projects and create more jobs across the country with a focus on offshore wind, expanding renewables on public lands and upgrades to the electrical transmission system.” BOEM this week also took steps to continue the development of offshore wind projects in other parts of the U.S. They announced that the bureau is preparing a draft environmental assessment to consider the impacts of potential offshore wind leasing in federal waters of the Gulf of Mexico. They also release its draft Environmental Assessment on the potential impacts from future commercial leasing and related sites in the Humboldt Wind Energy Area. Humboldt is approximately 206 square miles that, if developed, could bring up to 1.6 GW of energy, in an area off the coast of Northern California.

The recently passed infrastructure legislation also includes signicant investments to support the development of the wind energy sector. Among the infrastructure efforts, the Department of Transportation announced investments for the Port of Albany and the Portsmouth Marine Terminal to strengthen the U.S. offshore wind supply chain.

Hornbeck Buys 10 OSVs as it Moves Forward from 2020 Bankruptcy

Hard hit by the prolonged downturn in the oil industry, Louisiana-based Hornbeck Offshore Services announced its latest strategic transaction, buying ten high-spec new generation offshore supply vessels, since emerging from bankruptcy 16 months ago. The company, which has been a leader servicing the energy industry primarily in the Gulf of Mexico and Latin America, as well as to the U.S. military, said it is looking toward new growth opportunities as it pursues a new strategic plan. Hornbeck Offshore agreed to acquire ten highspec new generation OSVs for an undisclosed amount of cash from Edison Chouest Offshore. Eight of the vessels are U.S.-agged, Jones Actqualied, 280 class DP-2 OSVs with capacities of approximately 4,750 dwt. The other two vessels are Mexican-agged 240 class DP-2 OSVs with capacities of circa 3,200 dwt. "We are very excited about this acquisition, which puts us on a path for growth for the benet of our employees, oileld and nonoileld customers, and other constituents,” said Todd Hornbeck, the company's President and Chief Executive Ofcer. “We look forward to executing our strategic plans for additional growth and business diversication initiatives in the future.” Hornbeck did not provide specics on the potential markets only noting the opportunities in non-oil eld areas. The rst of the vessels involved in this transaction is expected to be delivered within the next 90 days. Hornbeck said that they will be completing regulatory drydockings to be conducted by the sellers prior to delivery. They expect to take delivery of all the vessels over the next 12 to 15 months.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

OFFSHORE NEWS The company led for bankruptcy in May 2020 reporting that it had more than $1.2 billion in debt that it needed to restructure. They traced the difculties back to 2014 when low oil prices rst caused the industry to reduce budgets for services and led to a glut of ships. Hornbeck was forced to lay up vessels and reduce stafng levels. The further decline in the oil market in 2020 due to the pandemic forced Honrbeck into reorganization bankruptcy. It emerged in September 2020.

Seagreen export cable installation about to begin

The £3 billion wind farm is a joint venture between SSE Renewables (49%) and TotalEnergies (51%). Nexans won a contract in June 2020 to supply and install three 65-kilometer offshore export cables and three 20kilometer onshore export cables for the project.

Jones Act subsea rock installation vessel to carry ABS class notation

The vessel will be able to run on biofuel, which reduces the ship’s CO2 footprint and is equipped with active emissions control technology to reduce NOx emissions to a minimum, ABS said. The installed battery pack w i l l s h a ve pea k l oa d s t o red u c e fu el consumption and emissions. ”Philly Shipyard is proud to contribute to the delivery of a vessel which will be essential in achieving the nation’s ambitious offshore wind targets. It is monumental for our shipyard to win this contract for Great Lakes,” said Thomas Grunwald, Vice President and lead manager of US offshore wind strategy and business development at Philly Shipyard. The Subsea Rock Installation Vessel is the latest asset designed specically for US operations to be built to ABS Class. Charybdis, the rst Jones Act-compliant WTIV is now under construction to ABS Class. The rst US-agged Jones Act offshore wind farm service operation vessel (SOV) ever ordered will be built to ABS Class.

A Jones Act-compliant subsea rock installation vessel, the rst such ship to enter the US market, is to be built to ABS Class by Philly Shipyard, Inc. for the Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Company, LLC. Nexans is about to begin the installation of the rst of three export cables at the Seagreen offshore wind project in Scotland. According to the latest AIS data, cable laying vessel (CLV) Nexans Aurora arrived at the project site on 18 January. Operations will commence at the Carnoustie landfall site, the export cable will be oated ashore where it will be pulled into the landfall cable protection pipe and terminated. It will then be surface laid through the Seagreen export cable corridor to the offshore substation platform. Once at the substation, the cable will be pulled into the platform and will be trenched at a later date. Nexans Aurora will transport the cable to the site and lay it between the landfall site and substation platform. During pull-in operations at the substation, crew transfer vessel (CTV) Manor Venture will deploy teams to the platform. Three guard vessels will be deployed to guard the surface laid cable and will arrive at different dates which are to be conrmed. Seagreen will consist of 114 Vestas V164-10.0 MW turbines situated around 27 kilometers off the Angus coast. At 1.1 GW, Seagreen is Scotland’s largest renewable energy project and one of the biggest private investments in Scottish infrastructure.

The vessel will transport and strategically deposit loads of up to 20,000 MT of rock on the seabed, laying scour protection for offshore wind farm foundations, cables, and other structures. ”This contract, valued at approximately $197 million, marks a milestone for our company, the U.S. offshore wind industry and our nation,” said Lasse Petterson, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock’s President and Chief Executive Ofcer. ”Offshore wind will play a crucial role in helping the U.S. meet its decarbonization and clean energy goals. The unique, technologically advanced vessel we are constructing is an essential step towards building the marine infrastructure required for this new industry, which holds so much promise for our nation economically and environmentally.” The vessel will be awarded the ABS S U S TA I N - 2 N o t a t i o n , r e c o g n i z i n g adherence to certain UN Sustainable Development Goals related to vessel design, outtting, and layout. The ABS SUSTAIN Notations establish a pathway for sustainability certication and reporting. ABS has been supporting the project since 2020, most recently with the review of the 140.5-meter basic design. The vessel will install EPA Tier 4 engines and plug-in capability to obtain power from shore while loading.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

These vessels will join the rst ABS-classed crew transfer vessel (CTV) in the US, Windserve Odyssey. ABS has also issued AIPs for a series of wind support vessels from European designers.

Nexans to deliver cables for New York’s rst offshore wind farm

French power cable manufacturer Nexans h a s re c e i v e d a n o rd e r t o d e l i v e r approximately 110 kilometers of high voltage subsea export cables for the South Fork offshore wind project in New York. The three-phase 138 kV high voltage alternative current (HVAC) subsea export cables will be integrated with two ber-optic cables and transmit 132 MW of electricity to Long Island. Nexans will manufacture the cables at its newly transformed subsea high voltage plant in Charleston, South Carolina.

FEBRUARY 2022 |37

OFFSHORE NEWS The project represents the rst to be delivered under the framework agreement that Nexans signed with Eversource and Ørsted back in December 2019 for the supply of up to 1,000 kilometers of high voltage subsea cables by 2027 for several North American offshore wind developments. “The South Fork Wind Farm will deliver crucial renewable energy to thousands of households in New York State. It’s the perfect project to ofcially kick off the delivery of our partnership agreement with Ørsted and Eversource,” said Ragnhild Katteland, EVP subsea and land systems at Nexans. “The project represents a great opportunity for Nexans to support the U.S.’s burgeoning offshore wind sector, which is providing better energy security, driving economic development, i m p ro v i n g e n e r g y p r i c e s t a b i l i t y, a n d contributing to the ght against climate change.” The South Fork wind farm will comprise twelve 11 MW Siemens Gamesa turbines located 35 miles offshore from Montauk Point. Construction of the 132 MW project will begin this year, with commissioning expected by the end of 2023, when it will become New York state’s rst offshore wind farm.

Proven Gas Storage System Could Be Adapted for Offshore H2 Production

The offshore engineering experts at Tractebel have released a novel solution for the challenge of storing and distributing offshore green hydrogen production. Adapting a common practice from the natural gas industry, they have proposed to build offshore platforms to inject newly-produced hydrogen into underground salt caverns, creating a buffer for variable supply ows near the source. Salt caverns are commonly used to store natural gas, and they have several advantages over other storage resevoir types, according to the U.S. EIA.

38|FEBRUARY 2022

They operate under high pressure, which means that they can accept or deliver gas quickly to the pipeline grid. In addition, they can be cycled more frequently and need less minimum inventory to maintain operating pressure (less base gas).

Next Generation Offshore Wind Installation Vessel Launched in China

Green hydrogen from renewable electricity is expected to be one of the key building blocks of the future energy system, and it is essential for zero-carbon marine fuels like green ammonia and green methanol. One possible option for producing green hydrogen is to manufacture it at offshore wind farm sites, then pipe it to shore. Tractebel believes that its processing platform concept is the rst offshore H2 system to incorporate cavern storage. Its proposed platform complex includes a wellhead platform connected to a series of modular compressor platforms, which can be expanded as needed. The design is sized for the H2 output from 2 GW of offshore wind capacity, with room to grow. Highpressure storage allows the operator to buffer production peaks, optimize ow rates and enable a more economical design of the export pipeline.

The global growth plans for offshore wind farms along with the increasing size of wind turbines and the other elements of the farms are spurring on the development of a new generation of wind installation vessels. These vessels are the rst of a generation of innovative ships that are designed to increase the efciency of the installation process as well as handle the larger elements for the new wind farms. China’s CMHI Haimen shipyard marked a key milestone earlier this week in the development of these new wind installation vessels. The yard completed the oat out of the Les Alizés, a hybrid offshore installation vessel being built for Belgium’s Jan De Nul group. The 61,000 dwt vessel will be the largest heavy lift vessel in the company’s eet, able to install large offshore wind components, in oating conditions and with ultra-low emissions.

Courtesy Tractebel “This storage is also necessary in the long term, because it will be an essential building block for the success of the energy transition,” said Klaas Oltmann, Director Business Development at Tractebel Overdick. “Offshore caverns can buffer the renewable energy produced in the form of hydrogen and therefore balance out the divergence between energy production and demand proles." The North Sea - a hotspot for offshore wind - has many suitable underground rock salt formations, according to Tractebel. Using time-tested methods, these could be leached out and developed for storage.

The launch started on January 2, by ooding the dry dock in which the Les Alizés was built. Once aoat, Les Alizés was moored alongside the adjacent quay wall for the nal phase of the vessel’s construction, followed by sea trials. The Les Alizés is due for delivery in the second half of 2022 and is already reserved for her rst assignment, which will be in Germany. She will be transporting and installing 107 monopile foundations for the construction of Gode Wind 3 and Borkum Riffgrund 3 offshore wind farms being developed for Ørsted.

Floated for the rst time this week in China (Jan De Nul)

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

SHIPBUILDING NEWS Container ship Orders at Record Levels with New Order Linked to MSC

Last year saw an increasing number of containerships ordered to operate with dualfuel systems as the overall orderbook rose to record highs. VesselsValue reports that there was a quadrupling of vessel orders from 2020 to 2021. In December 2021, they highlighted that 555 containerships had been ordered. “In 2021, the number of container vessels ordered surpassed 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 combined,” reported VesselsValue. They believed it was “a consequence of owners striving to match the last year's unprecedented box demand.”

“The construction of our offshore oating installation vessel Les Alizés is well on track,” said Philippe Hutse, Director Offshore Division at Jan De Nul Group. “Together with our offshore jack-up installation vessel Voltaire, which is also under construction in China, we will have the perfect set of offshore installation vessels that will be able to install current and future generations of offshore wind farms.” Ordered at the end of 2019, the design of the Les Alizés exemplies the next generation of wind farm vessel. Among the unique features is one of the largest cranes in its class which also employs an innovative Universal Quick Connector which they say will both improve the safety and efciency of the lifting operations. It also has a motion-compensated electric pile gripper with an integrated guidance and survey system. The fully automated monopile handling system consists of a set of cradles, a skidding system, and an upending hinge that can handle and install XXL monopiles even in challenging weather and high sea conditions. The Les Alizés is also an ultra-low emission vessel that combines diesel-driven generators with battery and drive technology to optimize engine loading and to recover the potential energy returned from the heavy-lift crane. The vessel, which can run on second-generation biodiesel is equipped with a dual exhaust lter system. According to Jan De Nul, the Les Alizés and Voltaire will be “the rst two seaworthy installation vessels in the world with extremely low emissions.” The company said it took into consideration that the new generation of turbines can be more than 855 feet high, with blades up to nearly 400 feet long, and sit on foundations up to 2,500 tons in designing its new vessels. The main features of the vessel which is approximately 777 feet long are the main crane with a lifting capacity of 5,000 tons, a deck loading capacity of 61,000 tons, and a deck space of 9,300 m². The vessel has accommodations for up to 150 people.

Clarkson Research calculated that a total of 4.2 million TEU of capacity was ordered in 2021. That would bring the total orderbook for containerships to a total of 5.7 million TEU, which represents a quarter of the total containership capacity. Overall. Clarkson reported that nearly a third of all ship orders in 2021 were for LNG-fueled vessels, with that strong interest car r ying over into the containership sector.

After a record year for containership construction orders, 2022 is starting strong with China reporting a rst large order. The contract reported by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry, a subsidiary of China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC), also is the latest convergence of two trends in shipbuilding, containerships and LNGDespite the strong orders few analysts foresee fueled ships. opportunities for overcapacity as the tonnage is DSIC reported that it has entered into a not due to reach the market for at least two to construction contract for six dual-fuel three years. Some carriers, such as Maersk also containerships with “a well-known reported that its large containership order was European shipowner.” The order is being part of a eet replacement program and their linked to Mediter ranean Shipping efforts beginning the migration toward Company, which was moving aggressively methanol and alternative fuels. to grow its operations in 2021, resulting in MSC gaining the title of the world’s largest containership carrier based on capacity at the end of 2021. Alphaliner is reported Russia’s First LNG-Fueled MSC’s orderbook at 72 vessels with a total Icebreaker to be Built at capacity of 1.1 million TEU.

Helsinki Shipyard

The six new ships ordered at DISC will each have a capacity of 16,000 and be built at the shipyard in Tianjin. Each of the vessels will be 1,200 feet long with a beam of 167 feet. According to DSIC they will be outtted with WinGD dual-fuel main engine and equipped with the latest iCERDiesel system, which can signicantly reduce the ship's greenhouse gas and nitrogen oxide emissions and improve the combustion efciency of the main engine. At the same time, the ships will also be equipped with a shaft generator and use an air-lubricated drag reduction system, which can signicantly improve the overall performance.

Preparations are beginning for the construction of Russia’s rst LNG-fueled icebreaker. The vessel, which will also be the largest and most powerful diesel-electric icebreaker ever built in Finland, will be Working with the shipowner, the yard operated for mining giant Norilsk Nickel to reports that it has also “jointly determined support further expansion of shipping on the ammonia fuel reserve plan.” The Russia’s North Sea Route. design has been future-proofed with the shipyard saying these vessels could Helsinki Shipyard conrmed that along with potentially become the world's rst ultra- Aker Arctic Technology efforts have begun in large container ships to convert to advance of construction which is expected to ammonia in the future. DSIC believes that commence in the summer of 2022. this order also provides a basis for the subsequent development of the dual-fuel containership market.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

FEBRUARY 2022 |39

SHIPBUILDING NEWS Norilsk says the vessel is an important addition and must be ready in time for the winter season of 2025. The contract is signicant for Helsinki Shipyard as it extends their current orderbook to the end of 2024. “Receiving new icebreaker by the end of 2024 is very important for Nornickel as it provides additional transportation capacities needed to implement both our strategic investment projects including the city of Norilsk renovation plans,” said Senior Vice President of Norilsk Nickel Sergey Dubovitskiy. “We are happy to declare that it’s going to be fueled by LNG, which goes in line with current environmental trends on decarbonization and will be a pioneer icebreaker on LNG exploited at Northern Sea Route.” Dimensions for the new icebreaker were not announced but the companies said it will be built for the class notation Icebreaker 8 of the Russian Maritime Register (RMRS) and it will be capable of breaking two-meter-thick snowcovered ice when operating either ahead or astern. The new icebreaker will have an integrated dual-fuel diesel-electric power plant, which can use both LNG and low-sulfur diesel oil and will also have facilities for transporting cargo and supporting helicopter operations. The new vessel will be homeported in Murmansk to maintain a channel in Yenisei river for the Nornickel Arctic Expresses Arc7 ore carriers and to support a eet of Arc5 class cargo ships with up to 20,000 tons deadweight that will also be operating in the region. The ship’s future operating area is the Yenisei River basin, Yenisei Bay, and the Kara Sea securing access to the Dudinka seaport. Helsinki Shipyard reports that it has completed purchasing contracts for the main equipment and propulsion of Nornickel’s icebreaker and conducted model tests in ice and open water for the icebreaker design. The design work is proceeding according to the planned schedule. Nornickel said the new icebreaker will complement its Arctic eet, which consists of six Arc7-class reinforced ice-class vessels, including ve containerships and one r e i n f o r c e d i c e - c l a s s t a n k e r. Fu r t h e r, development of new icebreakers is a critical part of the plan for the North Sea Route. Russia is also building and commissioning a new class of nuclear icebreakers. The Baltic Shipyard recently completed the commissioning of Russia’s largest and most powerful nuclear icebreaker. An additional vessel is currently under construction while there is also discussion of at least two more vessels. The goal is to develop a new eet of icebreakers that will also replace older vessels that are scheduled for decommissioning before the end of this decade. 40|FEBRUARY 2022

MPC Leverages Hanjin Relaunch for Feeder Ship Order with Fast Delivery

Germany’s MPC Capital looking to take advantage of opportunities in the c o n t a i n e r s h i p f e e d e r s h i p m a r ke t conrmed that it is the company that ordered four new environmentally-friendly ships from Hanjin, now known as HJ Shipbuilding. The contact provides strong advantages for both companies as Hanjin returns to commercial shipbuilding after a six-year absence while MPC has the opportunity for quick deliveries. The Hamburg-based asset and investment manager, which is the parent of MPC Container Ships, conrmed that together with partners it ordered four 5,500 TEU container vessel new buildings. The company highlighted the attractive new building slots available from Hanjin saying it would provide a unique market opportunity. The rst vessel is scheduled for delivery in the second quarter of 2023. “We are convinced that the demand for new containerships with favorable specications, a low consumption, and high environmental ranking will increase,” said Christian Rychly, Managing Director Shipping of MPC Capital. “The orderbook in this size segment is fairly low and 80 percent of the vessels in the water today are non-eco ships.” The company said that the vessels feature a high-efciency design that will be compliant with EEDI-Phase 3 and NOx Tier III standards and that the eco-design allows for a 40 percent saving in consumption in comparison to the existing eet. Further, following the lead of others in the industry including Maersk, MPC notes that the vessels will be built ready to be converted for operation based on methanol with a DNV notation conrming their stats. MPC is a leader focusing on the feeder segment currently owning and operating a total of 68 ships. They operate serving intra-regional trade lanes on xed-rate charters.

The Korea Development Bank completed the sale of Hanjin last August with the Dongbu Construction Consortium acquiring a 66.85 percent stake in Hanjin Heavy Industries from its creditors. The shipyard, which is the oldest in South Korea tracing its origins to the 1930s, had been acquired by Hanjin in 1989. After avoiding bankruptcy through a government-led bailout in 2016, Hanjin’s shipbuilding operations continued with government work. In October 2021, it was reported that Hanjin had won its rst commercial contract for the construction of these containerships. The yard changed its name to HJ Shipbuilding in December 2021 saying it marked a new start to the operations. Its parent company, HJ Heavy Industries has also returned to the commercial business announcing according to reports in the Korean media that it is bidding for the contract to build the Pyeongtaek Arts Center. Last week, the company also was selected to build new housing at the Korea Maritime University.

Genting’s German Shipyards File for Bankruptcy

The German shipyard operations of Genting Hong Kong led for bankruptcy on January 10 after last-minute talks between the Malaysian parent company and the German state ofcials failed to reach an agreement on the terms of a government loan to keep the operations going. The lings known as insolvency under German law included the MV Werften group in the east as well as Lloyd-Weft in Bremerhaven. Discussions are ongoing to determine the short-term situation. At the end of last week, MV Werften said that it was in danger of violating convents on its loan that was forcing the company to delay payment of wages to its nearly 2,000 employees. After being informed of the bankruptcy ling, representatives of the union said that employees were willing to show up for work tomorrow at the yard while ofcials from the state and federal government both addressed the situation calling for a long-term restructuring of the operations.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

SHIPBUILDING NEWS An internal announcement circulated to the unions and their members at the end of the day on Monday called it a bitter day while executives from Genting were quoted in the German media as saying the government had lost sight of the number of jobs and important nancial contribution from the shipyards. "Without the coronavirus, we would never have asked the government for a single euro," Genting Hong Kong President Colin Au said in statements reported in the German press. The impasse came about over the nancial contributions and guarantees the federal government was insisting on from Genting. The state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, where MV Werften is located, initially had provided bridge loans in the fall of 2020 to restart operations at the shipyard after it closed during the pandemic. Those loans were used to complete an expedition cruise ship for Genting’s Crystal Cruises and in June 2021 it was announced that the federal and state governments had developed a new package to restructure the shipyard operations to complete construction on the rst of two giant 208,000 gross ton Global Dream cruise ships. The package was restructured several times and last week reports said the government was offering 600 million (approximately $675 million) to continue the operations. Under the federal government Economic Stabilization Fund, Genting was required to invest 20 percent of the value of the loan. The Global Dream cruise ship would also have served as collateral for the loan. "The government did everything possible to avoid insolvency and save jobs. However, the owners rejected our offer of help and the consequence is insolvency," Economy Minister Robert Habeck said Monday. The government reportedly offered to lower Genting’s participation to 60 million. Genting said that it had provided $30 million which was sufcient to access a portion of the loan that they tried to draw down in December. Genting reportedly offered to increase its participation to $45 million. Au said Genting had submitted four different offers to the government during the negotiations. Management of MV Werften led for insolvency at the Schwerin District Court. Under German law, insolvency administrators must now be appointed to begin working on restructuring. A government will provide unemployment payments to the workers. Germany’s minister and nance ofcials for the state addressed the situation late on Monday saying the focus needed to be on maintaining the jobs and completing construction of the Global Dream cruise ship. The ship is reported to be 75 percent complete with delivery expected later this year.

They are also calling for a long-term restructuring of the company, possibly splitting the three yards in the east into independent operations and possibly refocusing on the offshore industry. They said it was clear the yards could not continue to function in their current structure. Lloyd-Werft, also owned by Genting, led for bankruptcy as well on Monday. The shipyard, which had been a major repair and overhaul facility for the cruise industry, has also increasingly focused on the luxury yacht business. Last year, Genting said it would close Lloyd-Werft, but recently it was reported that they were negotiating for the sale of the yard. A company from the United Arab Emirates has reportedly signed a letter of intent to acquire 50 percent of the yard, which employed approximately 300 people in Bremerhaven.

M a e r s k E xe rc i s e s Option for Additional M e t h a n o l - Fu e l e d Containerships

Maersk is contracting for four additional 16,000 TEU container ships from Hyundai Mipo shipyard as part of its order for new vessels capable of operating on methanol originally announced in August 2021. In possibly one of the worst kept secrets in the shipping industry, Maersk is conrming the reports that it exercised the options for the four vessels. Hyundai Heavy Industries, the publicly traded company that owns the shipyards in South Korea, also made a brief ling with the Korean Stock Exchange acknowledging the order for four containerships due for delivery during the rst ve months of 2025. The ling only mentions an “European shipowner,” and comes as part of a conrmation from Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering of a strong start with orders for 2022. Maersk is highlighting the vessels as part of its efforts to reduce emissions and transition its global operation to more environmentally-friendly ships.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

The shipping giant is expected to use the four vessels not as eet expansion, but instead as part of an overall eet modernization to replace older vessels. The order for the rst eight vessels was also part of the eet modernization. Maersk, unlike many of its major competitors, has not announced a eet expansion effort and recently ceded the title of world’s largest container carrier to MSC. Maersk’s CEO said the size designation was not signicant in the company’s overall strategy to transform into a global logistics company. The new vessels are part of what Maersk is calling a signicant evolution in containership operations. The dual-fuel power plant is designed to operate on methanol full time provided Maersk can source sufcient quantities of the green fuel. The company has said it anticipates at introduction the vessels will be at least partially operating on more traditional fuels but they expect the construction will help to drive the development of the methanol infrastructure. The design also incorporates other advancements including moving the bridge and accommodations block to the front of the ship and placing the funnel to one side to increase cargo capacity and efciency in loading and unloading containers. KSOE reported a total of nine orders on January 10 valued at $1.1 billion. The options e xe rc i s e d b y M a e r s k w e r e v a l u e d a t approximately $700 million with some analysts suggesting that the attractive price was part of the motivation for exercising the option at this time. Shipbuilding prices have been on the rise in part due to strong steel pricing in 2021. Hyundai Mipo also received an order for four smaller 2,500 TEU containerships. They will be dual-fuel ships due for delivery to an unnamed owner in the second half of 2023. Another one of the group’s shipyards, Hyundai Samho Heavy Industries also reported its rst order for 2022. They will be building an LNG carrier for delivery by the rst half of 2025. Overall, KSOE is targeting orders valued at $17.4 billion this year up from its target of $14.9 billion for 2021. The surge in newbuilding orders last year however drove the value of KSOE’s reported new orders in 2021 to $22.8 billion. FEBRUARY 2022 |41

INTERNATIONAL NEWS RUSSIA

Russia Announces Mass Naval Drills Involving 140 Vessels

All six landing craft have since departed the Baltic and have transited through the English Channel. They are widely believed to be headed for the Black Sea, where they could be used for an expected amphibious assault on Ukraine's Sea of Azov or Black Sea coastline. These vessels include the enlarged tank landing ship Pyotr Morgunov and ve smaller Ropucha-class landing ships, Olenegorskiy Gornyak, Georgiy Pobedonosets, Korolev, Minsk, and Kaliningrad. All are capable of delivering battle tanks onto an unprepared beach.

KENYA

On Thursday, Russia's military announced that it will be staging large-scale naval drills in all regions where it operates, complementing an intensied pace of maneuvers on shore.

The mobilization is a mass-scale event: according to the announcement, it will involve more than 140 warships and support vessels; more than 60 aircraft; 1,000 units of military equipment; and about 10,000 servicemen. In recent weeks, unusual naval activity has caught the attention of Russia's neighbors in the Baltic. Last week, a rare concentration of six Russian landing craft near Kaliningrad prompted Sweden's armed forces to reinforce the garrison at the strategic island of Gotland, which is considered vulnerable to Russian attack in the event of war.

42|FEBRUARY 2022

The Kenyan government believes that once it begins operations, the terminal will create close to 300 direct jobs and boost local industries, like the transport sector, hotels, restaraunts and handicraft sellers. COVID-19 has put these hopes on hold, and the new terminal yet to receive even a single cruise ship. The global cruise industry, which was on the road to recovery last year, has been disrupted again by the Omicron variant. Major cruise lines have once again been forced to alter or suspend some voyages due to surging case numbers and national travel restrictions.

Kenya's New Cruise Terminal Sits Idle Due to Omicron Disruption

Russia has built up a force of 100,000 troops and 1,500 tanks near the borders of Ukraine, raising widespread expectations that Moscow is about to mount a new invasion - a large-scale follow-on to the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014. The Kremlin denies that it has plans to invade Ukraine. In a statement, Russia's military said that the n a v a l e xe rc i s e s a r e o r i e n t e d t o w a r d s interoperability of Russia's Navy and Aerospace Forces, as well as countering "military threats to the Russian Federation from sea and ocean directions." The operations will cover all sea areas next to Russian territory, in addition to "operationally important areas" of the high seas. This will include maneuvers in the Mediterranean, the North Sea, the Sea of Okhotsk, the northeast Atlantic and the Pacic. The Black Sea and Baltic were not named.

Located at berth 1 at the Mombasa port, the terminal includes duty-free shops, restaurants, conference facilities and ofces. With a capacity to handle 2,000 passengers, the terminal was supposed to position Kenya as a top cruise tourism destination and enable the country to compete with neighboring countries like South Africa, Seychelles, Mauritius, Cape Verde and Zanzibar, among others.

Kenya's tourism industry has also slowed. Government data show that 2020 was the worst year in terms of the sector’s performance, with the number of international arrivals plummeting by 72 percent from two million in 2019 to 579,600. The year saw earnings decline by 44 percent from $1.4 billion in 2019 to $800 million. Last year, the industry witnessed a rebound, with arrivals increased by 53 percent to 870,465.

SINGAPORE

The commissioning of an $11 million cruise ship terminal at Kenya’s Mombasa port remains in limbo as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to disrupt the global cruise industry. In the middle of last year, Kenya completed the construction of the ultra-modern terminal, which was built to attract more cruise lines and spur growth in the vital tourism industry. In Kenya, tourism accounts for 4.4 percent of gross domestic product. The East Africa nation is the third largest travel and tourism destination in sub-Saharan Africa after South Africa and Nigeria. However, the new facility has remained idle - largely because of the disruption of the cruise industry by COVID-19. “The terminal was completed last year in June, but the government is not in a hurry to commission it owing to the circumstances facing the cruise industry globally,” said Peter Njanga, a tour operator.

Singapore Strait Remains a Hotspot for Maritime Armed Robbery

The Singapore Strait remains as the most dangerous route for commercial shipping in Asia after 41 incidents of armed robberies were reported against ships last year, up from 34 in 2020.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

INTERNATIONAL NEWS The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre based in Singapore shows that despite a decline in maritime piracy and armed robbery attacks in Asia, the busy trafc lane stretching some 114 kilometers remains a major hotspot for illegal activities. Approximately 2,000 merchant ships traverse the waters on a daily basis, making it an attractive area for targets.

ITALY

Despite the increase in the number of incidents along the strait, the level of severity was not high and the perpetrators have not been arrested, increasing the possibilities that such incidents will continue to occur. According to researcher Adri Wanto of the University of Hamburg, spare parts stolen from passing ships are widely traded at Batu Ampar, Batam, and the local police believe that they lack jurisdiction to intervene.

$5 Million Cache of Ammunition Seized from Cargo Ship in Dakar

ReCAAP data shows there were a total of 82 incidents of armed robbery against ships reported in Asia in last year, comprising 77 actual incidents and ve attempted incidents. This represents a 15 percent decrease compared to 2020. “While the overall piracy and armed robbery situation in Asia has improved in 2021, continued vigilance and collective efforts of all stakeholders are the key to making further improvement. To the coastal states, we recommend increased patrols and effective law enforcement as well as close cooperation between littoral states,” said Masafumi Kuroki, ReCAAP ISC Executive Director. He added that arrest of perpetrators is important to send the message that coastal states take sea robberies seriously. “On the part of ships, they are reminded to report any incidents to the coastal states in a timely manner,” he said. Apart from the Singapore Strait, the Manila Anchorages and the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah also remain as areas of concern in terms of maritime insecurity in Asia. For the Sulu-Celebes Seas and waters off Eastern Sabah, there has been no abduction of crew incident reported since January 2020. However, as the leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group are still at large, the threat of the abduction of crew incidents remains high.

The four crew members, which local media says are from Ukraine, are being questioned while the cargo of ammunition has been unloaded for further inspection. Media reports say it was determined to be large quantities of 9 mm and 5.56 mm ammunition. Organizations in Italy learned of the details of the seizure saying that they believe the ammunition was made in Italy and are questioning how it came to be aboard the vessel. The groups, which identify themselves as pacicists, are demanding the Port Authority in La Spezia immediately release information about the loading of cargo to the vessel. They are also demanding that the La Spezia Customs Agency provide details on the export of the ammunition and if it had gone through the appropriate approvals for registration and export. The investigation into the case is ongoing.

POLAND Senegalese authorities in the West African country are conrming reports of a seizure of ammunition valued at approximately $5 million from a cargo ship in the port of Dakar. Details are sketchy with the authorities saying the crew has been detained for questioning. Additional reports from Italy and Greece seem to indicate the ship and its owner have a checkered past with peace activists in Italy demanding an immediate government investigation into the case. A 39-year-old general cargo ship named Eolika registered in Guyana but reportedly owned by Greek interests arrived at the a n c h o r a g e o f f D a k a r, S e n e g a l o n December 19. AIS data says its previous ports were Las Palmas, Spain, and before that La Spezia, Italy. The vessel briey shifted to the dock in Dakar and then returned to the dock again at the end of December, possibly to fuel or where it might have been detained. The local newspaper Liberation and the Senegalese Press Agency said the vessel rst came under suspicion because of the actions of the crew. Senegalese authorities reportedly questioned the captain of the vessel who rst said he did not know the contents of the three containers aboard the ship and later said they contained iron. “Customs, alerted by the absence of reliable navigation and maritime transport documents, but above all by the inconsistencies in the declarations of the captain of the ship, immediately proceeded to search and check the cargo,” a statement from Senegalese Customs reports.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

Poland Denies "Provocative" Naval Maneuvers Near Nord tream 2

The developers of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline have accused foreign naval forces of "provocative" activity in the vicinity of construction work. The controversial pipeline is about 93 percent complete, and two Russian pipelay vessels are on station and working on the project in Danish waters. Andrei Minin, the branch director of Gazpromrun Nord Stream 2 AG, told TASS that "foreign warships and vessels were demonstrating higher activity" near the operation, and that "such actions are provocative and can lead to gas pipeline damage." He also accused Poland of deploying a military M-28 patrol aircraft to survey the site.

FEBRUARY 2022 |43

INTERNATIONAL NEWS "The Polish Navy is not conducting provocative operations and has been carrying out its statutory tasks in agreement with international laws," responded the Polish Army's central command in a social media post. "M-28B Bryza planes regularly conduct patrol ights in the Baltic Sea region." Poland strongly opposes the development of Nord Stream 2, which will give Gazprom a subsea alternative route for supplying natural gas to Western European customers. At present, that gas has to pass through overland pipeline networks in Poland and Ukraine, bringing in valuable transit fees and providing both nations - which do not always have cordial relations with Russia - a measure of energy security. "Equally salient is the risk that Russia may one day deploy its naval forces along the pipelines’ routes on a national security pretext, leaving much of the Baltic Sea unnavigable, including for LNG carriers, cargo ships, the navies of the countries surrounding this body of water and NATO maritime forces. In such a scenario, the potential for escalation is clear," said Polish government spokesman Stanis?aw ?aryn in a recent op-ed. The United States also opposes the pipeline's development, though the White House has not implemented any additional sanctions against project participants since the election of President Joe Biden. Germany strongly supprts the development of the pipeline, and the White House faces competing priorities between strengthening ties with a valuable ally in Berlin and blocking the project's completion. For its part, Russia has expressed certainty that the pipeline will be nished by the end of the year. "We are absolutely condent that the project will be completed and remain a symbol of healthy energy cooperation between Russia and EU countries for many years. In this regard, we surely expect no actions contradicting implementation of the project," said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko on Friday.

44|FEBRUARY 2022

BRAZIL

Anvisa and local health agencies declared the outbreak a "community transmission of Covid19, level 4" incident and ordered the Diadema to transit back to her home port at Santos.

Brazilian Agency Advises Public to Avoid Cruise Ships Due to Omicron

The ship reported that 56 crewmembers and 12 passengers were infected out of a total complement of 3,800 people on board. According to Anvisa, the majority of the individuals who tested positive were asymptomatic, and no serious cases reported. The voyage was Diadema's inaugural sailing from the port of Santos. The Brazil-based cruise ships MSC Splendida reported a similar outbreak at about the same time, and over the weekend, Anvisa ordered her not to board her next complement of passengers for her next voyage. Additional recent outbreaks aboard Costa Fascinosa and MSC Seaside are under investigation.

Over the weekend, Anvisa said that it would be launching an investigation into COVID policy compliance aboard cruise ships in the Brazilian market. "Failure to follow health protocols and disobeying restrictive measures imposed by the On Sunday, Brazilian national health authorities constitute infractions that, if agency Anvisa called on the public to conrmed, will result in nes and the voluntarily avoid cruise ships for at least suspension of activities," the agency warned. the rst few days of the new year. The warning follows after several medium- Anvisa also formally recommended that sized COVID-19 outbreaks aboard Brazil- Brazil's cruise season should be temporarily based cruise ships last week. suspended. The agency cannot issue such an "In view of recent events, Anvisa does not recommend the embarkation of passengers who have trips scheduled on cruise ships for the next few days. This recommendation takes into account the rapid change in the epidemiological scenario, the risk to the health of passengers and the unpredictability of operations at this time," the agency said in a statement. "Investigations conducted over the past few days have shown that the Sars-CoV-2 virus easily spreads among people nearby on board ships, meaning the chance of contracting Covid-19 on cruise ships is high." O n Fr i d a y, A n v i s a s u s p e n d e d t h e operations of the cruise ship Costa Diadema, which had just arrived at the Brazilian port of Salvador with 68 COVID cases on board.

order on its own authority, but it has publicly advised Brazil's Ministry of Health to initiate a suspension. In its recommendation, Anvisa pointed to the U.S. CDC, which has advised the public against cruising in the near term due to the risk of spreading the highly-contagious omicron variant. Despite mandatory or near-mandatory vaccination policies, U.S.-based cruise ships have reported a rising number of breakthrough infections due to omicron. While the new variant may be more infectious, early clinical evidence suggests that omicron is less harmful than previous versions of COVID19. Operator Royal Caribbean reports that while it has seen positive COVID test results occur on its voyages, all conrmed omicron cases have been relatively mild and none have required hospitalization.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

INTERNATIONAL NEWS VENEZUELA

Iran and Venezuela Defy Sanctions With Crude Oil Swap

The value of the transaction was about We look forward to a close working relationship $500 million, according to Bloomberg. between our two organizations.” states Frederick J. Kenney, Director, IMO Legal "We will continue to enforce both our Iran Affairs and External Relations Division. and Venezuela-related sanctions," a Treasury spokesperson told Reuters. IWSA is a not-for-prot organisation that has over 150 members from across the industry and The U.S. has indicated that sanctions on brings with it an extensive network of the Maduro regime could ease if it makes specialists, technology providers, designers, moves towards free and fair elections. engineers and operators that will be vital if we Venezuela's opposition parties are are to ensure a level playing eld is applied for currently negotiating with the Maduro all renewable energy sources in the drive to government over the details of a regional decarbonise shipping. and municipal election on November 21. They plan to participate, ending a series of boycotts of previous elections.

SPAIN

Iran and Venezuela have reached an agreement to swap two grades of oil, giving Venezuela a new supply of extra-light crude that it can blend with its sulfurous, extra-heavy Merey oil for export. The deal - rst reported by Reuters - will see cargoes of Iranian condensate from the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) e xc h a n g e d f o r c r u d e s h i p m e n t s f ro m Venezuelan state oil rm PDVSA.

International Maritime Organisation Grants the International Windship Association Consultative Status

TankerTrackers.com has identied the rst of the vessels involved the swap, the Iranianagged VLCC Felicity, at Venezuela's Jose oil terminal complex. The deal appears to violate United States sanctions on the oil sectors of both nations. Iran faces stiff American sanctions measures related to its nuclear program, and virtually any organization could face U.S. Treasur y enforcement penalties for buying Iranian oil, chartering Iranian ships or transacting with the Iranian banking system. Likewise, PDVSA is under U.S. sanctions for its role in supporting the regime of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who has held onto power in spite of a crippling economic collapse, an attempted uprising, and concerted attempts by the international community to replace him with an opposition political leader. Since both nations are already fully sanctioned, they face few additional penalties for doing business with each other, and they have traded commodities in the past. In May 2020, three Iranian-agged product tankers called at Venezuela's Puerto Cabello terminal to ofoad much-needed Iranian gasoline, which was in short supply. The Venezuelan government paid for the cargo in gold, a senior Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps ofcer conrmed last September.

The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has formally conrmed that the International Windship Association (IWSA) has been granted full consultative status at the regulatory body. This will help bring wind-assist and primary wind propulsion issues to the fore as the wind technology segment continues to grow and the industry looks to this abundant, emission-free energy source to help propel the commercial eet into an uncertain, tightly carbon-constrained future. It is a critical period for the industry with EEXI and CII regulations coming into force next year and the challenging discussions over carbon levies and raising the decarbonisation ambition for 2050 on the table in London. It is with this backdrop that wind-assist systems and primary wind propulsion vessel designs will be scaled into the eet over the next couple of years. “At the thirty-second regular session, the IMO Assembly endorsed the decision of the thirtyfourth extraordinary session of the IMO Council to grant consultative status to the International Windship Association (IWSA).

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

The IWSA is joined by four other organisations, making up the rst intake granted consultative status since 2019 and these include; the Grain and Feed Trade Association (GAFTA), Global TestNet, the Ballastwater Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (BEMA) and the Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC). Gavin Allwright, IWSA Secretar y General comments; “We are delighted to be granted consultative status and of course acknowledge that there is plenty of work to be done to reach our shared goals of a safe, clean and prosperous maritime transport sector. We also acknowledge that this status comes with a level of responsibility to keep the IMO and the ag states up-to-date with key developments in this specialist technology sector.” The IWSA has already been contributing to IMO programs over the past three years through a seat on the Maritime Technology Cooperation Centres Stakeholder Advisory Committee. The most recent MEPC 77 also saw amendments to the assessment of wind propulsion with the adoption of the circular 896, ‘Guidance on Treatment of Innovative Energy Efciency Technologies for Calculation and Verication of the Attained EEDI and EEXI’ backed by Comoros, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Spain, Netherlands and RINA However, as Mr. Allwright continues; “There is still quite a perception gap when it comes to the uptake of wind propulsion. Currently, we have more large commercial vessels in operation using wind propulsion systems than all zero-emission fuel options combined and the signs are there for this to scale strongly in the coming years and yet there is a distinct lack of integration of direct wind propulsion at the heart of our industry’s efforts to decarbonise. The direct use of wind energy has great potential to quickly accelerate these efforts while also helping to lower costs dramatically across the board and facilitate the uptake of other low carbon energy and fuel options.”

FEBRUARY 2022 |45

INTERNATIONAL NEWS SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port starts MGO bunkering to essay strategic role

our oil fuel bunker, LPG and future LNG operations, we are securing the Hambantota Port’s rightful place as a global maritime location,” CEO of HIPG Johnson Liu said. HIP has also set up a state-of-the-art P e t r o l e u m Te s t i n g l a b o r a t o r y i n partnership with global independent inspection service provider Intertek Lanka to provide assurance, testing, inspection and certication services for bunker fuels, LPG, LNG and other petrochemicals products, it said. The laboratory, located within the port’s premise, is capable of testing IMO 2020 global sulfur protocol, it said.

DENMARK

RWE to Build Denmark’s Largest Offshore Wind Farm Without State Aid

“The port’s dedicated professional team ensures safe operations of the oil tank network, ancillary pipelines, oil berth jetties, and control systems, which are on par with international standards,” it said. Sri Lanka’s Hambantota International Port has expanded its services by commencing marine gasoil bunkering operations as it aspires to become a key regional marine fuel hub. The oil tanker Sunny Bay carrying 15,000 mt MGO called at HIP Jan. 23 and was the rst to discharge the bunker fuel for storage at the port’s tank farm, the HIP posted on its website Jan. 26. HIP said it is now ready to utilize the storage facility allocated for MGO and marine diesel oil, with the tank farm along with its oil jetties fully refurbished and Fitness for Service certied for safety by the Lloyd’s Register. “The MGO supplied by the port is of very high quality, compliant with ISO 8271 standard and can also be provided to overseas locations such as the Maldives,” it said. The port, located on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, is within 10 nautical miles of the main AsiaEurope shipping route and is in a strategic position on China’s Maritime Silk Road. In June, Ceylon Petroleum Corp. had signed an agreement with HIPG to develop the Hambantota Port as a strategic energy center in Sri Lanka. HIP, with its global partner Sinopec, also launched bunkering operations for very low sulfur fuel oil last year. The port received its rst cruise ship call for refueling of marine fuel 0.5%S bunker Aug. 5, 2021, since the relaunch of 0.5%S VLSFO by Lanka Marine Services in March 2021.

“All supporting facilities for operational safety are in place, such as a wholly functional reghting system and wastewater treatment facility,” it added. While HIP has commenced MGO bunkering, it is still at a nascent stage as most of the loadings from there pertain to low sulfur fuel oil, a Colombo-based bunker trader said Jan. 27.

Germany’s RWE group has completed the contracts with the Danish Energy Agency to build and operate the largest wind farm built in the country’s 30-year history of developing offshore energy. The contract for the lease, which is located off the Danish west coast was highly sought after resulting in favorable terms for the country. It will be the rst time that a Danish offshore wind farm has been built without state aid.

However, the number of inquiries at Hambantota so far has increased compared to the same period last year as the port gains traction, the trader said, adding that currently monthly inquiries The Thor Wind Farm will have a capacity of 1 stand at 3,000-5,000 mt on an average. GW and is scheduled to reach full operation in The port is likely to see increased bunker 2027. Total investment costs have been fuel sales as prices become more estimated at approximately $2.3 billion, but the competitive to other ports in the country, way the concession is structured and based on the price of electricity, the site is expected to such as Colombo, sources said. generate more than $400 million in revenue for The spread between delivered MF 0.5% the Danish government. The favorable terms sulfur bunker between the two ports has are the result of the auction to win the lease already narrowed so far this year compared that included all the well-known companies with December 2021. The Hambantota- developing offshore wind assets. Colombo price differential for the grade was $22.95/mt in December compared "I'm delighted about this agreement with RWE with $7.64/mt Jan. 1-26, S&P Global Platts and Thor Wind Farm because it shows that Danish wind power is a good business on the data showed. world market,” said Dan Jørgensen, Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities. “We built Denmark's rst offshore wind farm 30 years ago because we had a vision and a belief in the potential of offshore wind power. Today, we can see that further deployment is not solely driven by political ambition but also, to an entirely new degree, by strong market forces. Wind power is not only good for the climate, it can also be really good business.”

Hambantota’s growth aspirations “With our location in the Indian Ocean rim, where 50% of the world’s maritime oil is traded, 46|FEBRUARY 2022

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

INTERNATIONAL NEWS For the RWE, the Thor project will help the company to achieve its goal to triple its global offshore wind capacity by 2030. RWE plans to grow its global offshore wind capacity from 2.4 to 8 gigawatts. "Scandinavia, and Denmark in particular, is an important strategic growth market for us. Denmark not only has very favorable wind conditions, the country also has ambitions to deploy even more offshore wind power. We’re looking forward to working with the Danish Government and other partners, and in the upcoming months we’ll be starting our preliminary surveys,” said Pål Coldevin, Executive Vice P resident for Offshore Development Nordics, Poland and Baltics at RWE Renewables. RWE also has a 20 percent stake in the Danish Rødsand 2 offshore wind farm just south of Lolland. The wind farm, which has been in operations since 2010, has an installed capacity of 207 MW.

AUSTRALIA

Au s t r a l i a ’ s L a b o r Party Revives Call for a National Shipping Fleet

While the eet would be privately owned, the Australian Defense Force could requisition it in times of need.

The Royal New Zealand Navy has deployed two vessels to provide relief to the citizens of Tonga, where a massive volcanic eruption and tsunami have created widespread damage and cut off most communication with the rest of the world.

“In times of conict and crisis, our economic sovereignty and national security are dependent on Australian seafarers working on Australian ships. Right now, less than one percent of Australian seaborne trade is carried by Australian ships, forcing our nation to rely on foreign governments and companies for our essential imports,” said Albanese.

The patrol vessel HMNZS Wellington departed Devonport Naval Base in Auckland on January 18, carrying equipment and supplies for the island of Tongatapu. The eet oiler HMNZS Aotearoa which has a large desalination plant, bulk water tanks and capacity for dry stores - will follow shortly, the New Zealand Defence Force said in a statement.

This is not the rst time that Labor has proposed the idea of creating an Australian “strategic eet.” In 2019, just before the national elections, Bill Shorten - then the party leader - lamented that it was disgraceful that the Australian-agged eet had shrunk to just 14 vessels over the past three decades.

Wellington is capable of conducting seabed surveys, a mission she performed after the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake in New Zealand, and she is carrying hydrographic survey specialists and salvage divers. Her crew will assess any obstructions in the harbor or damage to the wharf infrastructure, ensuring that aid and support can be delivered to the pier. Both vessels should arrive at Tonga in three days' time.

Under the proposed plan, Australia would also enforce strict cabotage laws to favor Australian-agged vessels for shipping between Australian ports. Further, companies would be required to use Australian vessels for their cargo before opting for foreign vessels.

Satellite imaging provided by Maxar Technologies shows signs of damage at the Port of Nuku'alofa. The before-and-after imagery shows shipping containers scattered in a previously well-ordered storage yard near the water's edge, as well as a thick coating of ash on roads, piers and buildings. The website for the Ports Authority Tonga was down Tuesday, like many Tongan websites, and could not be checked for verication.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has dismissed Albanese’s proposal as a project of Australia’s trade unions. But Morrison has also been facing pressure from MPs within his own party to enlarge Australia’s merchant eet. According to an article by The Australian last year, Liberal MP Russel Broadbent warned that the nation risks “sleepwalking to chaos and further vulnerability ” without a dedicated domestic eet.

Because of heavy ash deposition at Tonga's primary airport, vessels are the only near-term option for resupplying the main island of Tongatapu. "Images show ashfall on the Nuku’alofa airport runway that must be cleared before a C-130 Hercules ight with humanitarian assistance can land,” said New Zealand Foreign Affairs Minister Nanaia Mahuta.

NEW ZEALAND

The Australian Labor Party has revived plans for the creation of an Australian agged “strategic eet” of at least 12 ships to shield the country from supply chain disruption, especially during times of natural disaster or international conict.

New Zealand's Navy Sends Relief to Tonga After Volcanic Eruption

The opposition leader and head of the Labor party, Anthony Albanese, said Monday that the creation of the eet should be guided by a taskforce, which would determine the number and mix of vessels required. The vessels could include tankers, cargo, container and ro/ro ships.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

Tonga is one of the few nations that is entirely free of COVID-19, thanks to its remoteness and its strict border controls. To ensure that the disease is not introduced by aid personnel, all supplies will be delivered in a "contactless way," according to New Zealand authorities. Tonga's main subsea data cable was damaged during the eruption, and until it is repaired, its connection to the outside world is limited to a small number of satellite uplinks. The subsea cable repair ship Reliance is preparing to get under way from Port Moresby to x the single ber-optic data cable that connects Tongatapu with Fiji, according to operator SubCom. Since the cable runs near the site of the volcano, the repair vessel will have to get safety clearance before work can begin, according to Reuters. FEBRUARY 2022 |47

NAVAL SECURITY NEWS

IAC VIKRANT SETS SAIL FOR NEXT SET OF SEA TRIALS

After two successive high prole visits – the President and Vice President of India – within a span of less than two weeks, IAC Vikrant is heading out for the next set of sea trials. Both dignitaries, having reviewed the progress had conveyed their satisfaction and expressed their best wishes to all the stakeholders involved in project. While the maiden sea trials in August last year were to establish propulsion, navigational suite and basic operations, the second sea trial later in October-November witnessed the ship being put through its paces in terms of various machinery trials and ight trials. The ship in fact was out for 10 days proving its sustenance in the very second sortie. Various seamanship evolutions were also successfully cleared during the second sortie. Having gained adequate condence in the ship’s abilities, the IAC now sails to undertake complex manoeuvres to establish specic readings of how the ship performs in various conditions. In addition, various sensor suites of the ship would also be tested.

The IAC has been a success story on numerous counts. Be it the case of Atmanirbharta wherein 76% of the equipment is indigenously sourced or the close engagement between the Design teams of the Indian Navy and M/s Cochin Shipyard Limited – a high-point in the largest and most complex warship ever to be built in the country. That the ship has been able to carry out basic ying operations from its very rst sortie itself is a landmark in Indian warship construction history. Despite surging COVID cases in the country and the resultant challenges, the combined teams from multiple organisations associated with the project, are upbeat and committed to meet the timeliness. On successful completion of a series of progressive sea trials, the ship is scheduled to be commissioned as INS Vikrant later this year, as the nation commemorates ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’. 48|FEBRUARY 2022

REPUBLIC DAY PARADE HELD AT ENC

A Ceremonial Parade was held at the Eastern Naval Command (ENC) parade ground at INS Circars on 26 Jan 22 on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day. Vice Admiral Biswajit Dasgupta AVSM, YSM, VSM, Flag Ofcer Commanding-in-Chief, ENC took the salute and inspected a 50 men Guard. He later reviewed the platoons comprising of naval personnel drawn from all ships, submarines and establishments. Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan, AVSM, NM Chief of Staff, ENC, was the Conducting Ofcer of the Parade which was attended by all Flag Ofcers, Commanding Ofcers of all ships, submarines and establishments at Visakhapatnam. All COVID norms and protocols were adhered to during the ceremony. The Naval Investiture Ceremony was also conducted during the parade. Vice Adm Dasgupta presented Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry) to Naveen Kumar Leading Seaman(UW) for displaying indomitable courage, conspicuous gallantry and bravery beyond the call of duty resulting in the elimination of two hardcore terrorists in Kashmir. The CinC also presented Nao Sena Medal (Devotion to Duty) to Cmde Rahul Vilas Gokhale in recognition of his overall contribution to the Navy for over twenty-nine years. Lt Cdr Tushar Bahl (Retd) was presented the Lt VK Jain Memorial Award for outstanding applied research in the eld of embedded technologies and SAVL Haranandh POA(AH) was presented the Capt Ravi Dhir Memorial Gold Medal for promoting Flight Safety in Naval Air Operations. The CinC also presented the Unit Citations for the year 2020 to Naval Dockyard, Visakhapatnam and INS Jalashwa for their outstanding performance.

Addressing the personnel on parade, the Commander-in-Chief extended his Republic Day greetings to all naval personnel, defence civilians and their families. He emphasised the signicance of Republic Day and brought out that whilst we are well aware of our Fundamental Rights, it is equally important to know and abide by the Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Constitution. For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

NAVAL SECURITY NEWS Vice Adm Dasgupta exhorted everyone to continue to follow the COVID appropriate behaviour of maintaining personal hygiene, maintaining social distancing and wearing masks during the ongoing third wave of the pandemic. The CinC added that while preparations are in place for hosting the President’s Fleet Review on 21 Feb and the Multilateral Naval Exercise MILAN from 26 Feb to 04 Mar at Visakhapatnam, he urged everyone to work diligently for the successful conduct of both events. A large number of dignitaries, including the Hon'ble President, Prime Minister, Governor and Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, the Raksha Mantri and a large number of central and state ministers/ MPs/MLAs would be attending these events.

‘LEVERAGING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) FOR INDIAN NAVY’ WORKSHOP AT INS VALSURA

The CinC concluded his address by congratulating all the award winners and their families. The ceremony ended with the singing of the National Anthem by all personnel on parade and the guests. The CinC concluded his address by congratulating all the award winners and their families. The ceremony ended with the singing of the National Anthem by all personnel on parade and the guests.ded all class of Coast Guard ships namely Inshore Patrol Vessel ‘Ranijindan’, Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Vigraha' and Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel 'Sarang'. Indian Navy’s premier technical training institute INS Valsura organised a workshop on the contemporary topic 'Leveraging Articial Intelligence (Al) for Indian Navy' from 19 to 21 Jan 2022. Conducted under the aegis of Southern Naval Command, speakers from renowned IT Companies like Google, IBM, Infosys and TCS shared the industry perspective during the three-day event. Distinguished academicians from IIT Delhi, New York University, Amrita University and DA- IICT also spoke about the latest trends and applications of Al. The keynote address was delivered by Vice Admiral MA Hampiholi, Flag Ofcer Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command who stressed on the strategic importance of this niche technology and its application in the Indian Navy. The webinar conducted saw online participation by A ceremonial parade was over 500 participants from across the country. conducted to commemorate 73rd Republic Day on 26 Jan 2022 at Netaji Stadium, Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

He has also held various appointments viz Principal Director (HRD), Principal Director (Policy & Plans) at Coast Guard Headquarters, New Delhi, Chief of Staff at Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (North West),

Andaman & Nicobar Command Celebrates Republic Day

The parade was reviewed by Lieutenant Governor Admiral DK Joshi (Retd) Chief Guest for the parade of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The parade was led by Lt Cdr Sandeep R of the Indian Navy comprising of contingents from Army, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and A&N Police.

The parade witnessed showering of petals and ag trooping by MI17V5 Helicopter during the unfurling of The National Flag by the chief guest. Each parade contingent was represented by one ofcer, one Junior Commissioned Ofcer and fteen Other Ranks. The pride and josh of each participating contingent reected a high level of integration of all arms and evolution of jointsmanship culture in the Andaman Nicobar Command. All government guidelines and Covid protocols were adhered to during the conduct of the event.

Indian Navy is focused on incorporation of Articial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in critical mission areas. Located at Jamnagar, INS Valsura has already been designated as the Centre of Excellence (CoE) in the eld of Big Data and a state of art lab on AI and Big Data Analysis (BDA) was set up in Jan 2020. The Navy is currently in the process of creating a Centre of Excellence (CoE) in the eld of AI at INS Valsura, which has been instrumental in progress of pilot projects pertaining to adoption of AI and BDA in the domain of maintenance, HR and perception assessment, in collaboration with academia and industry. In addition, the Navy is deeply involved in unifying and reorganising its enterprise data, as data is the fuel for all AI engines. Organisationally, the Navy has formed an AI core group which meets twice a year for assessing all AI/ ML initiatives.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

FEBRUARY 2022 |49

NAVAL SECURITY NEWS AI initiatives being steered by the Navy are envisaged to have both tactical and strategic level impact. Periodic reviews of AI projects are being held so as to ensure adherence to the promulgated timelines. The Navy also conducts training in AI/ ML across all levels of specialty for its ofcers and sailors. This training is held both within Navy’s own training schools as also renowned IITs. Several personnel have undergone big and small AI linked courses over the last three years. These initiatives of the Indian Navy are in sync with the country’s vision of making “India the global leader in AI, ensuring responsible and transformational AI for All”.

Royal Navy Delivers Relief Aid to Tonga

The Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Spey arrived at Tonga on Wednesday, and her crew have unloaded disaster relief supplies for communities hit by the Tonga-Hunga volcanic eruption and tsunami. The forward-deployed vessel delivered UK aid stores, including 30,000 liters of bottled water; 300 rst aid kits; PPE; and sanitation and baby products. The ship unloaded these supplies at Nuku’alofa, the capital city of Tonga, where goods are being collected at a logistics hub. The supplies will be moved to islands nearer to the volcano, which were most affected by the disaster. Tonga’s protective COVID regulations mean that sailors were not allowed to disembark, so all stores were moved using HMS Spey’s crane. HMS Spey has now returned to sea, opening up the berth to other aid vessels, but she remains nearby if needed. "The UK is a long-standing partner of the Pacic Islands and having the ship deployed in the Indo-Pacic meant that we could be there for Tonga in their hour of need," Armed Forces Minister James Heappey. Australian ship HMAS Adelaide, carrying vital UK Aid supplies requested by the Tongan government, also arrived off the coast of Tonga this week.

50|FEBRUARY 2022

Her berthing was delayed by an outbreak of COVID-19 on board, but she has since ofoaded supplies in a no-contact delivery to the pier. New Zealand eet oiler HMNZS Aotearoa has also called at the port to provide dry stores and fresh drinking water, and the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Sampson has provided helicopter reconnaissance and aid delivery support.

Esbern Snare brought the four survivors aboard and held them pending arraignment and trial. The injured man had to have his leg amputated, and after three rounds of surgery on board, he was evacuated to a hospital in Ghana for higher care.

The suspects' legal status has been in limbo for more than a month while Danish authorities discuss how (and whether) to bring them to Copenhagen for trial. In particular, Denmark Hawaii-based ocean carrier Matson was concerned that it might be legally announced Monday that it is diverting the impossible to deport them to their home boxship Kamokuiki to carry aid cargo from country after the criminal proceedings (and New Zealand to Tonga. It will also any resulting prison sentences) were nished. contribute $375,000 towards the provision Having pirates stay in Denmark indenitely is of needed supplies. Matson normally not desirable for the government, and it could serves Nuku’alofa every other week, and it create a dangerous incentive for others to is adding two extra sailings of the boxship commit similar criminal acts with the aim of Papa Mau in February to augment its getting prosecuted in Denmark. capacity. On Thursday, Minister of Justice Nick Hækkerup said that he has resolved the matter by having Danish prosecutors drop charges of Danish Navy Sets Three attempted manslaughter against the three Suspected Pirates Free uninjured pirates aboard Esbern Snare. An indictment would have meant that they would have to be brought to Denmark to stand trial an undesirable outcome. They have "on that basis been released at sea," Denmark's Justice Ministry said in a statement.

The Danish frigate Esbern Snare has provided three captured pirates with a free rubber dinghy and an outboard so that they can return to shore, removing the political risk of bringing them to Denmark to stand trial. A fourth, who was injured during arrest and delivered to a hospital in Ghana for treatment, has been brought to Denmark for further medical care (and a trial) because international obligations required it, the government said in a statement. The four men were captured after a reght between Danish forces and a group of suspected pirates on Nov. 24. After spotting a suspicious skiff in international waters of the Gulf of Guinea, Esbern Snare launched a helicopter to investigate. The helicopter crew spotted ladders and other pirate equipment in the skiff, so the Snare gave pursuit and launched a boat with a boarding party. The suspected pirate skiff did not stop when ordered, and Danish forces red warning shots. In response, the skiff's occupants opened re on the helicopter and the boarding team. The Snare's boarding team returned re, killing four, injuring one and capturing three unharmed. An additional suspect went over the side during the exchange and is presumed dead.

"We have no interest in getting the persons in question to Denmark, where they would have to serve a possible sentence, and where we also risk that they would not subsequently be able to be deported," said Hækkerup. "They have no connection to Denmark, and the crime they have been charged with has been committed far from Denmark. They simply do not belong here. And that's why I think it's the right thing to do." Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said that it was not possible to hand over the suspects to a nearby coastal government for trial. The same is true for the injured suspect: the Danish government could nd no legal way to release the injured man locally, so he will be brought back to Copenhagen to stand trial. "Due to our international obligations, it was crucial to get guarantees for the future fate of the suspected pirate, but unfortunately this has not proved possible." said Hækkerup. "This presumably means that he will be prosecuted in Denmark for attempted manslaughter of Danish soldiers." Though Esbern Snare's anti-piracy mission has not gone quite as planned, Denmark's minister of defense said that it had partly achieved its goals. "There is no doubt that with Esbern Snare's presence in the Gulf of Guinea, we have already sent a very clear signal to the organized criminals behind hostage-taking and other attacks on merchant ships in the area," said Minister of Defense Trine Bramsen.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

NAVAL SECURITY NEWS Royal Danish Navy Deputy Commander Adm. Carsten Fjord-Larsen told DR that the three uninjured suspects were given a small inatable boat and an outboard motor, then released. "It is safe equipment, understood in the sense that it can transport them safely to the coast," he said. "But it is not stuff that can be used for piracy." The bodies of the four deceased pirates are still aboard the frigate, and the nal disposal of their remains is still under discussion.

U.S. Navy Unites Five Carriers in Pacic Training Exercise

An F-35C Lightning II experienced an unspecied problem forcing the pilot to eject from the aircraft during the landing. A total of seven sailors were reportedly injured with three being medevaced from the carrier for treatment in Manila, Philippines, and four were treated by onboard medical personnel. The pilot was recovered by a U.S. military helicopter and believed to be among the injured. The three that were taken to Manila are reported in stable condition, while one remains in the medical facility on the carrier and the three others were released.

Carl Vinson and Abraham Lincoln during the joint exercise (US Navy photo)

The U.S. Navy has underway one of its largest show of strength training exercises uniting two carrier strike groups with more than 14,000 sailors and marines in the South China Sea. This latest exercise is part of an ongoing series of joint training programs the U.S. has been conducting in the region. The U.S. Navy Carrier Strike Groups, led by their agships USS Carl Vinson of Carrier Strike Group 1 and USS Abraham Lincoln of Carrier Strike Group 3, united along with units of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force bring together ve aircraft carriers for epic pictures in the Philippine Sea as the exercises got underway. Proceeding into the South China Sea, the ships and aircraft of the two carrier strike groups are conducting coordinated sur face and air operations which according to the command demonstrates in a complex maritime environment the U.S. Indo-Pacic Command Joint Force’s ability to deliver a powerful maritime force. The two U.S. carrier groups are engaging in exercises to include enhanced maritime communication operations, antisubmarine warfare operations, air warfare operations, replenishments-at-sea, cross-deck ight operations, and maritime interdiction operations to strengthen maritime integratedat-sea operations and combat readiness.

The Navy reports that the current exercise is part of the normal coordinated maritime engagements and operations in the South China Sea. Since arriving in the U.S. 7th Fleet region in early September, CSG 1 units have participated in multiple operations joined by units from Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the United Kingdom’s carrier strike group led by HMS Queen Elizabeth, and an exercise that included the Royal Australian Navy, Royal Canadian Navy, German Navy, and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The carrier group headed by USS Carl Vinson includes three guided-missile cruisers and destroyers as well as a replenishment ship, dr y cargo, an ammunition ship, and nine squadrons in the air wing. Similarly, the carrier group headed by USS Abraham Lincoln includes a guided-missile cruiser, four guidedmissile destroyers, and the air wings including a Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron. As the U.S. Navy's largest forward deployed eet, U.S. 7th Fleet routinely operates between 50-70 ships and submarines and 140 aircraf t with approximately 20,000 Sailors. U.S. 7th Fleet's area of operation spans more than 124 million square kilometers, stretching from the International Date Line to the India/Pakistan border; and from the Kuril Islands in the North to the Antarctic in the South Pacic.

The training however was briey marred by a “landing mishap” on the deck while USS Carl Vinson while conducting routine ight operations in the South China Sea on January 24. For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

Kingdom of Bahrain, IMSC Conduct First Maritime Exercise of New Year

NAVAL SUPPORT ACTIVITY BAHRAIN (Jan. 20, 2022) – Coalition Task Force Sentinel (CTF Sentinel), the operational arm of the International Maritime Security Construct (IMSC), participated in a bilateral exercise in the Arabian Gulf, Wednesday. Royal Bahraini Naval Ship Hawar (FPB 38) partnered with U.S. Coast Guard Cutters USCGC ROBERT GOLDMAN (WPC 1142) and USCGC CHARLES MOULTHROPE (WPC 1141) to conduct communications drills and tactical maneuvers, which increased overall interoperability between coalition militaries to provide coordinated maritime stability in the region. “Deterring state-based threats to maritime trade whilst also reassuring the commercial shipping industry remains the core mission of IMSC. Regular training exercises are an essential enabler of that mission, both in terms of enhancing interoperability across and between our coalition members and by contributing to our at-sea presence and continued vigilance," said Royal Navy Commodore Don Mackinnon, the commander of IMSC. “Our combined maritime presence in the Arabian Gulf—further enhanced by the great depth of understanding and local expertise our regional partners in particular bring to the coalition—gives us an unparalleled advantage as we collectively seek to ensure the uninterrupted free ow of international trade at sea.” As IMSC and CTF Sentinel approaches its third year of operations, the commanding ofcers of both USCG cutters reiterated how this maritime exercise builds on the vital partnership with the Kingdom of Bahrain and the overall coalition mission in the region.

FEBRUARY 2022 |51

NAVAL SECURITY NEWS

“It was great to work alongside the Royal Bahraini Navy to further our shared goals and work with our partners to ensure maritime stability and Freedom of Navigation in the Arabian Gulf,” said Commander Sam Blase, the commanding ofcer of ROBERT GOLDMAN. CTF Sentinel is a multinational maritime effort that promotes maritime stability, ensures safe passage, and enhances freedom of navigation throughout key waterways in the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, the Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Oman. The coalition is comprised of eight member nations including Albania, Kingdom of Bahrain, Republic of Estonia, Lithuania, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emiates, United Kingdom, and the United States. For more news from Commander, Coalition Task Force Sentinel, visit www.imscsentinel.com.

Indian Coast Guard to celebrate its 46th Raising Day tomorrow

Indian Coast Guard (ICG) will celebrate its 46th Raising Day on February 01, 2022. From just seven surface platforms in 1978, the ICG has grown into a formidable force with 158 ships and 70 aircraft in its inventory and is likely to achieve targeted force levels of 200 surface platforms and 80 aircraft by 2025. As the fourth largest Coast Guard in the world, it has played a signicant role in securing the Indian coasts and enforcing regulations in the maritime zones of India.

52|FEBRUARY 2022

The ICG has saved over 1,200 lives at sea in the last one year and more than 11,000 since its inception. It has also rescued approximately 13,000 personnel till date during various ‘Aid to Civil Authority’ operations viz. assistance provided to civil authorities during oods, cyclones and other natural calamities; most recently during the recent oods in Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. Despite the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the ICG maintains round-theclock vigil in the Exclusive Economic Zone by deploying about 50 ships and 12 aircraft daily. One of the primary duties of the Indian Coast Guard is prevention of smuggling through maritime routes in its area of responsibility. In the last one year, it has seized drugs and contraband worth nearly Rs 4,000 crore. Around Rs 12,000 crore of drugs and contraband have been seized by the ICG since its inception.

The ICG has been a pioneer in inducting indigenous assets which has enabled it to remain operationally active and responsive throughout the year. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it has added ve new generation ships and eight Advanced Light Helicopters to its eet in last one year, which are ne examples of 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' and 'Make in India' envisioned by the Prime Minister. The President, Vice President, Prime Minister and Raksha Mantri congratulated the Indian Coast Guard for its yeoman service to the nation, appreciating the remarkable role played by the service in securing the nation’s interests in the maritime zones.

Royal Navy aid efforts in Tonga hold personal importance of St Vincent sailor

In addition, the ICG has, till date, apprehended more than 13,000 crew and over 1,500 boats involved in illegal activities in the Exclusive Economic Zone. Forty foreign crew and seven boats were apprehended by the ICG in 2021. It is also collaborating with littoral countries to combat transnational maritime crimes and enhance maritime safety in its area of responsibility and in the Indian Ocean Region. In line with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of 'SAGAR' - Security and Growth for all in the Region & 'Neighbourhood First', the Indian Coast Guard has nurtured professional relationships across oceans and established ties with countries in the Indian Ocean Region for Ocean Peacekeeping.

For sailor Glenroy Cupid the Royal Navy's aid efforts in Tonga hold personal importance after seeing his homeland of St Vincent in the Caribbean suffer in the wake of its own natural disaster last year.

Supply Chain Rating Cupid is a logistician aboard HMS Spey as the patrol ship helps the The ICG has successfully averted major international aid effort in the Pacic islands ecological disasters and emerged as the following a devastating tsunami caused by an ‘First Responder’ in the region by underwater volcano eruption. undertaking major re-ghting and pollution response operation off the Sri Among the 50 sailors on aboard are others like Lanka coast, the most recent being ‘Sagar Glenroy who are from fellow Commonwealth Aaraksha-II’ onboard Chemical carrier MV nations and have a great sense of pride in helping another country from the global X-Press Pearl. network of nations. The Indian Coast Guard also conducted National Maritime Search & Rescue Board For SC Cupid, though, there has been added meeting to harmonise the maritime and emotion this week during the delivery of crucial civil aviation search & rescue (SAR) aid – including bottled water, sanitary products mechanism. It is also working in close and medical supplies – to Tongan capital coordination with Central and State Nuku’alofa on the island of Tongatapu. agencies to put in place a robust coastal security mechanism. The ICG’s reach was The sailor is from St Vincent and the demonstrated during the ag hoisting on Grenadines in the Caribbean, which was hit by 100 inhabited & uninhabited far ung its own natural disaster after the eruption of the islands as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav La Soufrière volcano last year, and is proud to be now supporting efforts in Tonga. celebration on August 15, 2021.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

NAVAL SECURITY NEWS He watched on from more than 4,000 miles away in the UK as his homeland suffered terribly, sending back his own supplies via mail as the islands were covered in a thick layer of volcanic ash – similar to scenes in Tonga right now. Tanker RFA Wave Knight delivered 135 pallets of emergency assistance to St Vincent in April 2021 after the intense volcanic activity had forced an evacuation, displacing 14,000 islanders. “Lots of my friends and family in St Vincent were affected by the volcano,” said Glenroy, who has been heavily involved in the delivery of aid to Tonga alongside his comrades aboard Spey.

He said: “Living in South Africa, I was not often exposed to the relationship between Commonwealth countries and I had not thought much of it except as a link for me to work in the UK. “However joining HMS Spey in the Pacic is the rst time I have been involved in any aid operations, and seeing the substantial links Britain has to countries like Tonga has highlighted the Commonwealth in new ways. “I am very glad that we can be involved and support.” HMS Spey has remained in Tongan waters after delivering her aid and has been supporting a mission to restore the islands’ communications network and working closely with the New Zealand and Australian navies. “It will put the Tongan government back in touch with all of the outlying islands so that they can start to really gather that picture and to be able to decide where the supplies are most needed,” said commanding ofcer, Commander Mike Proudman, about their recent mission.

“I was in the UK at the time and I couldn’t get back but wanted to help so I mailed my own boxes of supplies. “Royal Navy ships are often in the Caribbean and RFA Wave Knight was sent to St Vincent. Here in the Pacic it is only right we help too. “Even for a small ship like Spey, help is still help and people feel important if the UK and the Royal Navy are there giving support and reassurance.”

Glenroy grew up in Kingston in St Vincent and played cricket in school and primarily knew of the Commonwealth through sporting links and the Commonwealth games. He joined the RN and has forged friendships with fellow sailors from around the Commonwealth, including Sub-Lieutenant Daniel Basel from South Africa, who is also aboard Spey. “I had a cousin who was in the Royal Navy, and my neighbour is a retired Royal Marine and this made me consider opportunities in the UK,” said Glenroy. “The Commonwealth link to the UK made this possible and allows me to work in the Royal Navy.”

Pioneer Sailing Services Pvt Ltd has won the Indian Achievers Award 2021 for Promising Company in recognition of Outstanding Professional Achievement and Contribution in Nation Building in the Shipping Services category .

For SLt Basel, growing up in Durban, South Africa, then studying engineering in Pretoria he had wanted to join the military and similarly looked into the Royal Navy as a different opportunity that was open to him as a member of the Commonwealth.

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

FEBRUARY 2022 |53

Marina Academy of Maritime Research Centre & Charitable Trust (MTI No. 212075) (APPROVED BY D.G.SHIPPING, GOVT. OF INDIA)

JOIN THE MERCHANT NAVY & HOSPITALITY Name of the Course

Eligibility

G.P. Ra ng – 6Months (Including Basic Safety Training and STSDSD) Batch start from JULY and JANUARY With Sponsor

C.C.M.C - 6Months (Including Basic Safety Training and STSDSD) Batch start from JULY and JANUARY With Sponsor

Pass with aggregate 40% marks in 10th std. from recognized board with Math, Science & English as subject and with minimum 40% marks in English language either 10th or 12th std. Age: 17. 1/2 to 25years Pass with aggregate 40% marks in 10th std. from recognized board with minimum 40% marks in English language either 10th or 12th std. Age: 17. 1/2 to 25years

For Booking

Basic Safety Training (PST,PSSR, EFA & FPFF)

10th pass

S.T.S.D.S.D

10th pass

Campus Address:- At- Vadavswami (Isand), Taluka- Kalol, Distt- Gandhinagar,State- Gujarat – 382721

O.T.C.T

10th Pass

Oﬃce Address:- B-604, 6th Floor, Great Eastern Summit, Plot No.66, Sec-15, CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai

Tel :- 02227577865 Mob:- +919328535553 / 9712905357/ 8983309005

Tel :- 02227577865 N DIVI E

Dr. ABHIJIT MEDICAL CENTRE D.G SHIPPING (govt. of India) Approved Medical Practitioner

ISO 9001 : 2015 Reg. No RQ91/6643

Divine Medical Centre MARGAO - GOA (ISO 9001: 2015 CERTIFIED)

DR. ABHIJIT S. MADHIWALA M.B.B.S, A.F.I.H Reg. No. G-41171 COMPANY APPROVED DOCTOR

Approved Doctor by Directorate General of Shipping, Govt. of India & Norwegian Maritime Directorate All Diagnostic facilities under one roof undertaking Seafarer Pre-Joining Medical Exam

ILO Medicals American P&I Club Skuld P&I Club Standard Club West of England P&I Club

Dr. Abhijit Medical Centre 11, Ayodhya Nagari, Near mora Tekra Char Rasta, Suvali Road, Moragam, Hazira, SURAT- 394517. (Mob):- +919979890774

54|FEBRUARY 2022

Also arranging Covid-19 test for seafarers joining onboard Ships Address: - S1, S2, S5 & S7 Kamat Commercial, Above Women’s Look, Near Old Hari Mandir, Margao, Salcete, Goa-403601. Ph.: 0832-2711140 Mob.: 9011412574 / 9673113296 Email:- medicalsdivine@yahoo.com / drdivinemedicals@yahoo.co.in Website:www.divinemedicalcentre.in

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

laughter club How come nobody played cards with the pirate? A pirate in front of a sunset. Photograph from Adobe Stock Because he was standing on the deck! The other pirates had no universal moral perspective from which to criticize him, so they stared at the ocean and contemplated God’s absence. Driving me nuts! An ‘ol salt swaggers into a bar. He has a ship’s wheel stuffed into the front of his trousers. The bartender says, “Hey, you’ve got a ship’s wheel in your trousers!”

Small change A thirsty sailor runs from his boat to the nearest bar and shouts to the bartender: “Give me twenty shots of your best scotch, quick!” The bartender pours out the shots, and the sailor drinks them as fast as he can. The bartender is very impressed and exclaims: “Wow. I never saw anybody drink that fast.” The sailor replies: “Well, you’d drink that fast too, if you had what I have.” The bartender says: “Oh my God! What is it? What do you have?” “50p!” replied the sailor.

The ‘ol salt says, “Aye mate and it’s driving me nuts!” No clew! What do you call a sail with only two corners? “I haven’t got a clew!”

Testing a shy theory Two sailors are talking: Sailor A: “I hear sh is good brain food.”

Don’t start anything! A sailor brings his boat up to a restaurant dock to eat lunch. The dockhand says: “I’m sorry, sir, but I can’t let you dine here today. This establishment has a necktie policy, and you are not wearing one.” “Of course I don’t have a tie on,” replied the sailor, “I’m on a boat!” “Well, go down below and put one on,” said the dockhand. “I don’t HAVE one!” shouted the sailor. The dockhand, not wanting to turn away a customer, said: “Well, why don’t you just nd something that approximates a tie. That should be OK.” After some time, the sailor comes out with a pair of jumper cables. “This is all I could nd to put around my neck,” he said. Sighing, the deck hand said: “OK, I’ll let you in with those, but just don’t start anything.”

Sailor B: “Yeah, I eat it all the time.” Sailor A: “Well, there goes another theory!”

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

FEBRUARY 2022 |55

laughter club 1. What do you do with a drunker sailor? Worry he’s gonna get wrecked! 2. “Can you go pick up my boat? It’s at the dock.” Oh no! Is it sick? You should give it some vitamin sea.

5. Guy goes out on a friends yacht and asks, “don’t these cheap yachts sink all the time.”

8. Pirate at the pirate awards: “And I would like to thank me wife, me daughters, and last boat not least, my ship!’

His brother answers: “All the time? If it’s gonna sink, it’ll only be once!”

9. What do sailors get when they’re nally cured of writer’s block? A tidal wave.

6. Two sailors talking, the rst one says, “My girlfriend just sailed to the Caribbean.”

“Jamaica?” The other one asked. 3. A pirate walks into a bar with a ship’s steering wheel in “Heck no! She’d been wanting to go for a long time.” his pants. The bartender says: “Hey, did you know you’ve got a steering wheel in your pants?” “Aye, sir that it be, “says the pirate, “it’s driving me nuts!”

56|FEBRUARY 2022

10. An English ship is in distress at sea. One of the English crew members is doing a radio call asking for help: “We are sinking! We are sinking! Can anyone hear? We are sinking!” A German ship is nearby and receives the emergency call. One of the crew members answers: “Oh how nice! What are you sinking about?”

7. When is it time to paint another coat on a pirate ship?

11. If Germans are so efcient and productive, why hasn't Germany built an unsinkable ship yet?

When its timbers be shivering!

Because why would we waste our time building a ship if nobody has ever sought of it yet?

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

Amit Kumar info@seaandcoast.in

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

FEBRUARY 2022 |57

9555039039

+91-9555039039

58|FEBRUARY 2022

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

Behind JIMS, Vasant Kunj, Mobile No : +91-9555039039

For the Latest news and analysis go to www.seaandcoast.in

FEBRUARY 2022 |59

February, 2022 February 2022

SEA AND COAST MARITIME MAGAZINE (February 2022)

Articles inside

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

EXCLUSIVE COLUMN