By poorly secured cargo, Australian authorities highlight risks posed
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is raising concerns over high numbers of container ships arriving at the country’s ports with poorly stowed and secured cargo. In its latest edition of the Maritime Safety Awareness Bulletin, AMSA highlights recent inspections of boxships visiting various ports where serious safety deficiencies have been discovered, ranging from overloaded stacks to corroded securing gear and cargo not appropriately secured during voyages. Safety remains a top priority for AMSA, which is known for its regular enforcement actions, including banning containerships and bulk carriers from Australian waters after repeated safety issues. Despite its focus on safety, it reports that a high number of ships visiting the country’s ports continue to pose risks to humans and the environment owing to poor cargo container stowage and securing practices.
Global maritime trade: a short review by Kamal Hayder
The Global maritime trade in 2023 grew by 2.4 percent to 12.3 billion tons, rebounding from the 2022 contraction. The sector was projected to grow by 2 percent in 2024 and an average of 2.4 percent annually through 2029, analyzed by S. Kamal Hayder Kazmi-Research Analyst-PAGE. However, soaring freight costs and an exceptionally daunting operating landscape driven through geopolitical conflicts and climate risks continue to weigh on a lasting maritime trade recovery. He said that the demand for iron ore, grains and coal remained strong, while the container trade – up just 0.3 percent in 2023 – was expected to rebound by 3.5 percent in 2024, contingent on supply chain stabilization. A record of almost 250,000 port calls by container ships in the second half of 2023 were driven by growing trade and longer routes, causing some congestion, especially in Asia, which handles 63 percent of global container trade. Ton-miles increased by 4.2 percent because of longer shipping distances from disruptions in key routes like the Suez and Panama Canals, further straining supply chains and adding to greenhouse gas emissions from shipping, he added.
For U.S. oil exports, houthis announce “sanctions” on oil majors and tankers
The Houthi militants in Yemen issued a statement saying that they are sanctioning many of the leading energy companies, the chief executives, and tankers for conducting exports of U.S. oil. The group did not make a specific threat but said its leadership had issued a ban on U.S. oil exports in May of this year.
In the statements emailed to Western media and posted online, the group lists a dozen major energy-oil companies and traders. It includes ExxonMobil, Chevron, Phillips 66, Marathon, Conoco, Valero, and more, along with the names of the CEOs of the companies. In the statement, the group said these companies are being sanctioned because of their involvement in facilitating the export, re-export, transport, loading, purchase, or sale of U.S. crude oil, directly or indirectly, from U.S. ports.
Maritime security in an era of unprecedented problems
The maritime industry has faced an extraordinary period of disruption over the past few years, from the Red Sea crisis and Ukraine conflict, to continued piracy threats in South East Asia. As we navigate these challenges, the lessons learned are reshaping how we approach maritime security globally. Drawing from extensive experience contributing to the International Chamber of Shipping’s Maritime Security Guide and frontline observations of recent crises, it’s clear that the industry’s resilience has been tested and proven, but significant challenges lie ahead. The shifting maritime security landscape has necessitated a move from a geographical focus to a comprehensive threat-based methodology.
Korean coast guard in MARPOL case, tracks down and detains Russian ship
The Busan Coast Guard in South Korea is reporting the details on a recent MARPOL violation where it had to track down the vessel using detailed research. A small, Russian-flagged refrigerated cargo ship was identified as the source of the pollution and has now been detained after the Coast Guard pursued the ship. The incident began when a diver reported an oil spill off the coast of Busan on the morning of September 24. The Coast Guard determined that the vessel that had released the oil had fled the scene. It conducted a clean-up while it began searching for the vessel associated with the spill. A drone was deployed, and based on the spread of the oil film, the Coast Guard reports it targeted the unnamed vessel as a suspect in the case. It collected and analyzed oil samples from the spill.
Again suspicious shadow tanker is being investigated, this time by France
A suspicious shadow tanker that has already been investigated at least once this year is again being detained for further investigation. The French authorities confirmed to sources that the suspicious vessel now identifying as the Boracay (115,577 dwt), is anchored off Saint-Nazaire while prosecutors review the details. The French authorities have not said what specific violations the vessel is being accused of, or what prompted the detention. Source reports the crew failed to provide proof of the vessel’s nationality and failed to comply with orders. Built in 2007, the vessel was detained by Estonian authorities earlier this year. They registered that the ship had 40 deficiencies, mostly related to documentation and crew training.