seafarertimes.com ~ Maritime News for Filipino Seafarers

Coronavirus: 2,000 passengers quarantined on another cruise ship off Greece
5 March 2020 https://greekcitytimes.com/2020/03/05/coronavirus-2000-passengers-quaran...

A cruise ship has been quarantined off the coast of Greece after a previous tourist on ‘MSC Opera’ tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

Cosco Shipping Holdings taps ‘virus bonds’
Cichen Shen 01 Mar 2020 https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1131330/Cosco-Ship...

The container shipping and ports arm of state conglomerate China Cosco Shipping Corp has raised $143.5m by selling a so-called virus control bond. Such bonds offer an interest rate below the central bank’s benchmark, allowing issuers to use the cheap funds in part to shore up their liquidity

China cargo flows rapidly return to pre-coronavirus levels
Greg Miller, March 3, 2020 https://www.freightwaves.com/news/china-cargo-flows-rapidly-return-to-pr...

Finally, some good news about the coronavirus and global supply chains: Cargo volumes and ship calls have swiftly rebounded at Chinese ports, confirming that the cogs of global trade are grinding back into motion.

Cargo ship denied entry to Apia amid coronavirus fears
25 March 2020 https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/411023/cargo-ship-denie...

Samoan authorities have confirmed a cargo ship was denied entry to Apia over the weekend in the first case of a container vessel being turned away because of anti-coronavirus measures.

TIP to phase out maritime programs
Yashika F. Torib March 4, 2020 https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/03/04/business/maritime-business/tip-to...

Engr. Felix Oca, president of the Philippine Association of the Maritime Institutions PHOTO from FAS Maritime

LOOK: DOST touts developing world's first cargo boat powered by ocean waves
Kristine Sabillo, Mar 03 2020 https://news.abs-cbn.com/spotlight/03/03/20/look-dost-touts-developing-w...

Developing the country’s maritime human capital
Brenda V. Pimentel March 4, 2020 https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/03/04/business/maritime-business/develo...

First of two parts

Two Filipino seafarers’ tale of surviving piracy
Yashika F. Torib March 4, 2020 https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/03/04/business/maritime-business/two-fi...

OS John ‘Pope’ Estinoco ( left) and AB Kristoffer de Ocampo, piracy and kidnapping survivors. PHOTOS from FAS Maritime

Myanmar seamen urged to be careful before signing on for work
Tint Zaw Tun 27 Feb 2020 https://www.mmtimes.com/news/seamen-urged-be-careful-signing-work.html

Seamen should review their contracts with shipowners to avoid getting into trouble in other countries, a leader of a local seafarer’s union said Wednesday, after it was reported that China has jailed 63 Myanmar sailors for smuggling.

Virus Disrupts China’s Shipping, and World Ports Feel the Impact
Keith Bradsher and Niraj Chokshi Feb. 27, 2020 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/27/business/economy/china-coronavirus-sh...

Even where factories are back in operation, getting freight to docks has been impeded by roadblocks and quarantines.