seafarertimes.com ~ Maritime News for Filipino Seafarers

Pacific ports join Australian network amid growing Chinese presence in region
22/10/2019

Five major Pacific ports have joined an Australian alliance to boost industry investment and trade amid growing international concerns over Beijing’s presence and influence in the region.

The ports, which include Fiji Ports Corporation, Samoa Ports Authority and the Solomon Islands Ports Authority, have signed up as external associate members of peak industry group Ports Australia to formalise maritime sector ties across the region.

Cebu traffic? Try the ‘sea jeepneys’
Ador Mayol, Nestle Semilla - October 23, 2019

COMMUTE OPTION The MV Nicole Express will sail from Naga City to Cebu City’s Pier 1 starting Oct. 28. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
CEBU CITY, Philippines — With traffic congestion now part of daily life in this city, Cebuanos have the option to sail on “sea jeepneys” to reach their destinations.

Prelate to officiate mass for 4 Filipino fishermen who died in collapse of bridge in Taiwan
Leslie Ann Aquino October 22, 2019 https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/10/22/prelate-to-officiate-mass-for-4-filipi...

The head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines Episcopal Commission on Migrants and Itinerant People will offer a Mass for the four Filipino fishermen who died when a bridge collapsed in Taiwan earlier this month.

SC declares final its ruling on prosecution of shipping official in 2008 sea tragedy
Rey Panaligan October 22, 2019 https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/10/22/sc-declares-final-its-ruling-on-prosec...

COSCO cargo ship collided with Indian container ship, Pakistan
Erofey Schkvarkin October 22, 2019 https://maritimebulletin.net/2019/10/22/cosco-cargo-ship-collided-with-i...

U.S. wins ownership of seized North Korean cargo ship
AFP-JIJI Oct 22, 2019 https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/10/22/asia-pacific/us-owns-north-...

WASHINGTON – The United States was awarded ownership of a North Korean cargo ship that was seized for violating international sanctions, the U.S. Justice Department said.

Pope to Christian Maritime Association: Help seafarers to lead holy lives
Vatican News 21 October 2019 https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2019-10/pope-francis-video-messa...

In a video message sent on Monday, Pope Francis encourages the work of the International Christian Maritime Association to “help the people of the sea to know Jesus Christ and to live according to His teachings”.

Cruise Ship Crew Reveals 'Horrendously Filthy' Living Conditions In Staff Cabins
Kalyan Kumar 10/21/19 https://www.ibtimes.com/cruise-ship-crew-reveals-horrendously-filthy-liv...

Cruise ship holidays may be luxurious for passengers with great cabins allotted reflecting the grade of various cruise deals offered. But it is a different story for the crew.

Vietnamese boxship capsizes near Ho Chi Minh City
Jason Jiang October 21st, 2019 https://splash247.com/vietnamese-boxship-capsizes-near-ho-chi-minh-city/

The 660 teu feedermax containership Vietsun Integrity capsized on the Long Tau River near Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam on Saturday.

The incident happened when the ship was sailing downstream from Ho Chi Min to Vung Tau with 290 containers onboard. The ship capsized and sank two hours after the crew found the ship started to list.

Call to segregate boxships into fire compartments
Sam Chambers October 21st, 2019 https://splash247.com/call-to-segregate-box-ships-into-fire-compartments/

Amid a severe escalation of boxship fire incidents, the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) has called for an urgent improvement to onboard firefighting systems.