seafarertimes.com ~ Maritime News for Filipino Seafarers

Securing Maritime Assets Demands a New Approach
20/08/2019

At this moment, cyber-attacks threaten thousands of vulnerable cargo ships, which carry billions of dollars’ worth of goods. Due to the lack of maritime-specific cybersecurity solutions, vessels are highly susceptible to digitally-led hijackings or even ransomware. This threat can wreak havoc on global shipping– the backbone of modern economics. With Artificial Intelligence functionality, future solutions include autonomous safety mechanisms which recognize that they are the sole line of defense.

Bulletin: On the Case of the Abducted Filipino Seafarers in Cameroon
https://dfa.gov.ph/dfa-news/statements-and-advisoriesupdate/24100-bullet...

Ship crewman nabbed in drug bust
Leo Udtohan August 19, 2019 https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1155159/ship-crewman-nabbed-in-drug-bust

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol—A crewman is not returning to his job at a ship and will instead spend months in jail for allegedly selling drugs on Sunday (Aug 17).

Reuben Tabotabo, 43, and resident of Maasin in Southern Leyte, was arrested after he allegedly sold a sachet of shabu to an undercover agent for P500 at the Jagna port.

Asian Piracy: Chief Engineer Assaulted
2019-08-13 https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/asian-piracy-chief-engineer-a...

TDG, NYK team up for seafarers’ fintech
Iris Gonzales August 18, 2019 - https://www.philstar.com/business/2019/08/18/1944214/tdg-nyk-team-seafar...

MANILA, Philippines — Transnational Diversified Group (TDG) has partnered with Japanese shipping firm NYK Line to develop a fintech platform for seafarers.

MarCoPay will soon allow seafarers and vessels’ masters to make electronic money transactions aboard their ships.

Firm offers travel alternative for Lapu-Lapu City residents
August 17, 2019 https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1819164

TWO “water buses” are ready to ferry passengers from Lapu-Lapu City.

This, after maritime authorities ordered the phaseout of motorbancas with wooden hulls.

The two vessels are operated by Maxboat Marine Corp., which initially offered to deploy water buses as alternatives to buses and public utility jeepneys for commuters from Mactan going to mainland Cebu.

'Chinese, Ukrainian' seamen kidnapped in Cameroonian waters
17 August 2019 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/08/chinese-ukrainian-seamen-kidnappe...
The 17 sailors were seized from two ships that were attacked within hours while they were anchored off Douala port.

Nine Chinese and eight Ukrainian seamen have been abducted after two merchant vessels came under attack in Cameroonian waters, according to a report.

Pirates kidnap eight crew members in raid on German ship off Cameroon
Reuters August 17, 2019 https://www.reuters.com/article/us-germany-cameroon-kidnapping/pirates-k...

BERLIN (Reuters) - Pirates have kidnapped eight crew members of a German-owned ship in a raid on the vessel off the coast of Cameroon, the Hamburg-based company that owns the ship said on Friday.

Nalzaro: Modernizing marine transportation
BOBBY NALZARO August 16, 2019 https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1819064

Malaysian cargo ship drifts close to Odisha Coast
Baibhav Mishra - August 16, 2019 https://seanews.co.uk/environment/malaysian-cargo-ship-drifts-close-to-o...

A Malaysian cargo ship on its way to Vishakhapatnam port landed near the mouth of Chilika lake in Odisha last week after losing direction in a storm in the Bay of Bengal.