seafarertimes.com ~ Maritime News for Filipino Seafarers

The US Merchant Marine Fleet Is Dying — And It May Hurt America’s Ability To Wage War Abroad
Tim Johnson, McClatchy May 15, 2018 https://taskandpurpose.com/us-mercant-marine-fleet-military/

The once-mighty U.S. Merchant Marine fleet has nearly collapsed under the weight of high labor costs, zigzagging federal policies and intense competition from abroad, damaging America’s position as the only country in the world able to supply and sustain a long-distance war.

Filipino seaman lost in fishing vessel mishap
WILLIAM DEPASUPIL May 15, 2018 http://www.manilatimes.net/filipino-seaman-lost-in-fishing-vessel-mishap...

A Filipino seaman on board a Taiwanese fishing vessel has gone missing after he was swept overboard into the sea by big waves during a stormy night in the Indian Ocean.

Maersk tankers, Torm refuse new Iran business: industry officials
14 May 2018 https://www.platts.com/latest-news/shipping/singapore/maersk-tankers-tor...

As the countdown begins for the restoration of US sanctions on Iran, many shipping companies such as Maersk Tankers and Torm are already refusing to commit to fresh Iranian business, fearing complications relating to processing of freight and insurance related payments, sources said Monday.

Shipping's financiers turning the tide on shipbreaking practices
Jonathan Saul, Simon Jessop 15 May 2018

LONDON (Reuters) - The shipping industry has long been criticized by campaigners for allowing vessels to be broken up on beaches, endangering workers and polluting the sea and sand.

Now, it is being called to account from a quarter that may have a bit more clout - its financial backers.

Norway’s $1 trillion Oil Fund, a leader in ethical investing, in February sold its stake in four firms because they scrap on the beach.

The reason shipping costs are skyrocketing
Nathaniel Meyersohn May 14, 2018 http://money.cnn.com/2018/05/14/news/companies/truck-drivers-freight-cos...

The biggest companies in America face the same dilemma: A truck driver shortage is squeezing profits.

Explosion Damages Turkish Bulker Off Yemen
2018-05-11 https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/explosion-damages-turkish-bul...

On Thursday, Saudi coalition forces reported that the Turkish bulker Ince Inebolu suffered an explosion of unknown cause while anchored about 70 nm off the port of Hodeidah, Yemen.

Japan Catches Up With Shipping Consolidation
Costas Paris and Chieko Tsuneoka May 11, 2018 https://www.wsj.com/articles/japan-catches-up-with-shipping-consolidatio...

MOL, K-Line and NYK Line pump $3 billion into Ocean Network Express, which is now world’s sixth-largest container operator

Worker injured while unloading cargo from ship at Port of Wilmington
Josephine Peterson May 12, 2018 https://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/crime/2018/05/12/ship-crew-mem...

U.S. Fines Cargo Ship Operator $1 Million for Polluting Waters
By Erica E. Phillips May 11, 2018 https://www.wsj.com/articles/u-s-fines-cargo-ship-operator-1-million-for...

Penalty for oily discharge from Japanese vessel is latest in crackdown on ‘magic pipes’ and other devices meant to avoid environmental rules

UN Seeks Insurers' Help to Combat Sanctions-Busting
2018-05-11 https://maritime-executive.com/article/un-seeks-insurers-help-to-combat-...

The United Nations Security Council is reaching out to marine insurers and oil traders to help combat North Korea's sanctions-busting efforts.