seafarertimes.com ~ Maritime News for Filipino Seafarers

Palace urged to oppose China center
Nathaniel Mariano February 01, 2019 http://www.manilastandard.net/news/top-stories/286692/palace-urged-to-op...

The Philippines should be thankful that China has built a maritime rescue center in the Philippine-claimed Kagitingan Reef, the Palace said Thursday, insisting that Beijing ’s facilities would not affect the Philippines’ claim to the West Philippine Sea.

African police show tons of cocaine seized from Russian sailors
02.02.2019 https://en.crimerussia.com/gromkie-dela/african-police-show-tons-of-coca...

The Russian ship ESER has been detained on suspicion of smuggling a large consignment of narcotics in the African republic of Cabo Verde. The day before, police officers published pictures of 260 bales seized, in which, according to local authorities, there were 9.5 tons of drugs.

Relief for 5 Guyanese seamen…
2 Febr 2019 https://newsday.co.tt/2019/02/02/relief-for-5-guyanese-seamen/

SIX years of living on a Nigerian boat off Claxton Bay has ended for five Guyanese seamen.

They are now back in their home country, the boat, an oil tanker, sold last week Thursday following a High Court judge ordering its arrest in February 2017.

China factory outlook darkens due weak domestic demand, but how will Beijing respond?
04/02/2019 https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/china-factory-outlook-darkens-due-w...

9 Tons of Pangolin Scales Are Seized in Hong Kong
1 Feb 2019 https://www.nytimes.com/2019/02/01/world/asia/pangolin-smuggling-hong-ko...

Kidnapped crew from MSC boxship released by pirates
Grant Rowles January 31st, 2019 https://splash247.com/kidnapped-crew-from-msc-boxship-released-by-pirates/

Six crew members, including the captain, kidnapped earlier this month from 2,668 teu MSC Mandy off Benin, have been released according to Russian media.

Former Sinopacific boss Simon Liang arrested in Myanmar
Jason Jiang January 31st, 2019 https://splash247.com/former-sinopacific-boss-simon-liang-arrested-in-my...

Simon Liang Xiaolei, former president and CEO of China’s bankrupt Sinopacific Shipbuilding, has been arrested in Yangon airport, Myanmar, accused of tax evasion in China.

744 Ships Scrapped Worldwide in 2018
31/01/2019

According to new data released today by the NGO Shipbreaking Platform, 744 large ocean-going commercial vessels were sold to the scrap yards in 2018. Of these vessels, 518 were broken down on tidal mudflats in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, amounting to a record-breaking 90,4% of the gross tonnage dismantled globally.

Sea States: Documentary on the Shipping Industry to debut in Spring 2019
January 11, 2019 https://www.maritimeprofessional.com/news/states-documentary-shipping-in...

Sea States, a new documentary film on the importance of the shipping industry is currently under production by Third Wave Films. Endorsed by the Connecticut Maritime Association, and the Marine Industry Foundation, the film is being funded by key stakeholders in the maritime community.

Nograles stresses recognition government puts on seafarers, OFW sectors
Genalyn Kabiling February 3, 2019 https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/02/03/nograles-stresses-recognition-governme...

The government is committed to promote and protect the welfare of seafarers and other Filipino overseas workers in recognition of their contribution to the nation’s growth, according to a Palace official.