Port Wings Maritime Exim Weekly Newspaper 21 April 2021 Issue

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Apr. 21st - 27th, 2021 Issue

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Published from Chennai and Circulated among the trade across the country RNI TNENG/2014/59741

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

8 Pages

Absence Of Clarity On Resumption Of Mining To Put Goa In Huge Debt, Say Mine Owners Goa

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Port Wings News Network mine owners body in Goa has warned that the absence of clarity on resumption of mining activity will result in huge debt for the state as tourism, which is one of the major contributors to the state GDP, is feeling the pinch due to resurging coronavirus cases in the country, according to a news report in Financial Express quoting news agency the PTI. In an interview with PTI, Goa Mineral Ore Exporters Association (GMOEA) President Ambar Timblo said that the position of the state looks “very precarious” as the COVID situation in the country, including Goa, will become acute in the next two months and post lapse of this period there will be the onset of monsoons in the state, an offseason for the tourism sector.

“Then you are ending with negative earning from now all the way to October,” he explained. Mining in Goa came to a standstill in March last year after the Supreme Court quashed 88 leases in 2018. “During the first wave, tourism got hit drastically.

There has been a respite in that sector from October (of 2020)…Now from the recent developments, we see… (tourism) sector is coming under stress.

“Two industries (mining and tourism) which constituted over 50 per cent of your state GDP will be for some reason or the other in suspension. “As far as state exchequer is concerned, I do not see from revenue point how they will

not see a huge budget deficit this year as well,” Timblo explained.

However, Timblo said that the state government is hopeful the Goa mining matter will be heard in the court and mining would be allowed to commence. At the same time, the Goa government also hopes that situation arising out of COVID-19 can be dealt with so that the tourism sector prospers. “Even the state government is not happy with the File Photo

present impasse…We have to also appreciate the Centre’s position.

They are trying to unlock mining value, in terms of auction of new areas…the Centre is trying to unlock mining potential…They (Centre) have supported us completely.”

GMOEA Secretary Glen Kalavampara said that the stoppage of mining in Goa has amounted to the state’s debt rising every year and reaching at an uncomfortable level.

The erstwhile Portuguese regime in Goa granted perpetual mining concessions in the state as long as the concessionaire complied with the conditions which the law and title of concession imposed on him.

After the liberation of Goa in 1961, The Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1957, (the MMDR Act) and the Mineral Concession Rules, 1960 (the MCR 1960), were made applicable to Goa. The Goa, Daman & Diu Mining Concessions (Abolition & Declaration of Mining Leases) Act 1987 (the ‘Abolition Act’) was enacted in 1987, which declared erstwhile mining concessions to be deemed to be mining leases since 1961 (retrospective instead of prospective).

The Abolition Act was challenged by the erstwhile concessionaires before the Bombay High Court. The High Court upheld the Act but ruled that royalty and other such levies could only be collected by the state prospectively i.e. from1987 onwards and cannot be collected retrospectively.

The concessionaires filed Special Leave Petitions (SLPs) against the judgement before the SC. The Supreme Court passed an interim order permitting the concessionaires to carry on operations and business in the mining areas till disposal of the matter.

In late 2014 and early 2015, the Goa government renewed 88 mining leases in the state. On February 7, 2018, the Supreme Court passed an order cancelling 88 iron ore mining leases in the state that were renewed by the government in 2014-2015.

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Wing 7 Feather 36

Chennai

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Port Wings News Network ndia’s frozen prawn exports to the United States declined during the calendar year 2020 to 2,71,831, tonnes from 2,86,902 tonnes of the previous year. However, the country retained the File Photo position as the largest exporter of frozen prawn to the US, according to a news report in The Times of India.

India’s Rs 47,000 crore seafood export (global) business owes its size to frozen prawn as it accounts for 51% of the quantity and 73% of the total dollar earnings.

Frozen prawn exports is a business pioneered by Kerala exporters - the very first container load of frozen shrimp from India was exported by Kochi-based exporter R Madhavan Nayar through Cochin Port on August 3, 1953, which marked the beginning of the modern seafood exports in India.

While India suffered a decline in exports, other major competitors increased their quantity of exports – Indonesia, the second largest exporter increased their exports to 1,60,744 tonnes from 1,33,163 tonnes of the previous year.

Similarly, Ecuador’s exports grew to 1,25,818 tonnes from 82,869 tonnes of calendar year 2019. Vietnam, another major player also found a growth in their exports to the US, touching 65,459 tonnes in 2020, up from 55,859 tonnes of the previous year.

However, three significant

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India’s Frozen Prawn Exports To The US Declines

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players in this sector suffered degrowth in their frozen prawn exports to the US – Thailand’s exports came down to 40,510 tonnes in 2020 from 42,309 tonnes of the previous year. Similarly, Mexico’s

exports came down to 25,654 tonnes from 29,547 tonnes of 2019 calendar year. And China’s exports came down by half to 10,871 tonnes in 2020 from 20,079 tonnes of the previous year.

According to the latest report from Globefish, part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the harvests in India, Thailand, Malaysia and Bangladesh compared with 2019, which hints at the performance of leading players in the US market.

“Since November 2020, prawn farming in Asia entered the low production season period covering the northeast region of India, Viet Nam, Thailand, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Ex-farm prices of prawn bottomed out during the fourth quarter of 2020 and have firmed up since, especially for large and medium-sized prawn,” the report said.

Globefish noted that supply and demand forecast for 2021 is opaque. “Unfortunately, 2021 is overshadowed again by COVID19.

With increasing movement restrictions in North America, Europe, Asia and elsewhere, this year’s supply and demand forecast remain opaque for the time being,” it said.

Due to Space Constraint, “Vessel Position at Terminals” will be published next Week Visit

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Inside Murali Krishnan Assumes...

Mundra Becomes India’s Biggest...

Piyush Goyal Launches “DGFT...

ROPAX Jetty Project To Come...

Pg-2 Pg-3 Pg-4 Pg-5

Vessel Position at Terminals and Ports... Pg-6 Latest Customs Exchange Rates... Pg-7 IATA, Eurofins Partner To Boost... Pg-7 Maersk Tankers Seals Deal... Pg-8

RNI No. TNENG/2014/59741 Postal Registration No. TN/CNIGPO/067/2021-2023 Posted at Pathrika Channel, Egmore, RMS, Chennai-8. Date of Publication - Wednesday, Posted on Tuesday / Wednesday

Apr. 21st - 27th, 2021 Issue

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Tirupur Exporters Assn seeks financial measures to help apparel sector Wednesday, April 21, 2021

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Decarbonised Future for Shipping

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n independent study has reconfirmed that greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions of up to 23% are achievable now from using LNG as a marine fuel, depending on the marine technology employed.

This is compared with the emissions of current oil-based marine fuels measured from Well-to-Wake (WtW). The 2nd Lifecycle GHG Emission Study on the use of LNG as a Marine Fuel from Sphera (formerly thinkstep) revisits its 2018/2019 research, using the latest available engine and supply chain data to bring the study fully up to date.

The study, commissioned by industry coalitions SEA-LNG and SGMF, was conducted according to ISO standards. It was also reviewed again by a panel of leading independent academic experts from key institutions in France, Germany, Japan and the USA. The analysis concluded that, in addition to the considerable air quality benefits it delivers, LNG can “beyond question” contribute significantly to the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) GHG reduction targets.

Commenting on the research, SEA-LNG Chairman Peter Keller said: “The updated Sphera study ensures that the industry has access to comprehensive research that is fully up to date. It is clear that LNG plays an important role in decarbonisation today with benefits available now.

As we look ahead, it is essential that detailed emissions analysis from Wellto-Wake such as those performed for LNG are available for all alternative fuels contemplated, enabling shipowners to make the right decisions for their fleet.”

This comprehensive report uses the latest primary data to assess all major types of marine engines and global sources of supply with quality data provided by original equipment manufacturers including Caterpillar MaK, Caterpillar Solar Turbines, GE, MAN Energy Solutions, Rolls Royce (MTU), Wärtsilä, and Winterthur Gas & Diesel, as well as from ExxonMobil, Shell, and Total on the supply side.

Methane emissions from the supply chains as well as methane released during the onboard combustion process (methane slip) have been included in the analysis.

Keller added: “Often based on outdated data, methane slip has become an overused argument for those wishing to justify inaction. The Sphera study underlines the advances being made to counteract this concern. Its analysis provides independent confirmation that, by 2030, methane slip will have been virtually eliminated as technological improvements continue.

The facts consistently confirm that there is no deep-sea alternative fuel in the short to medium term other than LNG. LNG remains the clear starting point for a carbon-neutral future for shipping, especially as the pathway forward includes bio and synthetic products. Waiting is not an option. The industry must act now to capture the benefits that are clearly there for the taking by using LNG.” Importantly, the study also reaffirms that the use of LNG as a marine fuel has significant air quality benefits, with local emissions, such as sulphur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM), all close to zero.

Samir Bailouni, chairman, Society for Gas as a Marine Fuel (SGMF), added: “It is important the industry has the best information to make often complex choices between fuels. This study provides authoritative, high-quality data on Well-to-Wake emissions for LNG. “We are confident this work will provide IMO with solid information contributing to its regulatory decisions. SGMF will continue to provide up-to-date data not only for LNG but for all candidate gaseous fuels under its remit, including ammonia and hydrogen.

“Today, the clear choice for an immediate and significant reduction in emissions is LNG, which is widely available and fully compliant with existing regulations. This is reflected in the rapidly increasing adoption of LNG in the deep-sea container, bulk and tanker sectors, a trend we expect to accelerate even as the more challenging horizon fuels are brought safely and sustainably into the mix.”

Recognition for LNG and its pathway to a decarbonised future for shipping is accelerating. The transition to bio and eventually synthetic LNG is straightforward, as the existing infrastructure and engine technology remain the same. The standards, guidelines and operational protocols are already in place. It also provides an asset base that can be used by other alternative fuels, when and if they Sample become commercially viable.

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Dr Oliver Schuller, Director Sustainability Consulting, Sphera stated: “The aim of the study was to provide an update to the research conducted in 2018 / 2019. Using the latest available engine and supply chain data, including planned developments for the reduction of methane emissions along the entire supply chain, Sphera has analysed the implications for Well-to-Wake GHG emissions. Being conducted to international ISO standards and peer-reviewed by four genuine experts, we are confident that this represents the definitive view of lifecycle analysis for LNG as a marine fuel available today.”

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Port Wings News Network irupur Exporters Association (TEA) on 16 April appealed to Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to announce measures, including extension of Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme to the apparel sector to help it come out of the crisis, according to a news report in Economic Times.

The government has extended ECGLS 3.0 to the hospitality and tourism sectors by providing 40 per cent of credit outstanding in February last, TEA President Raja M Shanmugham said and requested the minister to extend the scheme to the apparel sector also.

He sought extension of the scheme by providing additional 20 per cent credit outstanding similar to the one given to other sectors to help them to ease their liquidity crisis.

In a letter to the Finance Minister, Shanmugham thanked her for various financial measures to help to enhance the sector’s competitiveness and continuous support and encouragement had helped lift the exporters’ morale and take efforts to sustain in the business.

The second lockdown promulgated in countries like Germany, France and the UK from November last lead to a liquidity crisis for exporting units in Tirupur, mainly MSMEs which urgently required financial measures from the government to help overcome the ongoing crisis and sustain in the business, he said.

He further said apart from disruption in major global markets, the continuous increase of prices of yarn prices due to change in business

dynamics, thanks to two months closure and partial utilisation of textile mills including rise in cotton prices had also impacted the knitwear garment sector to a great extent.

Thanking the minister for extension of Interest Equalisation Scheme for a brief period of three months till June 31, he said considering the higher interest rate, exporters requested to extend the scheme for at least for another two years which would help to workout costing effectively and also enhance the competitiveness in the global market.

Reproduction of the letter below: REQUISITION FOR FINANCIAL MEASURES TO COME OUT OF THE CRISIS - REG *** We would like to thank the Hon’ble Minister for the announcement of various financial measures which have helped to enhance our competitiveness and wish to add that your continuous support and encouragement have helped the exporters to uplift the morale and sagging spirit and take efforts to sustain in the business.

Madam, The second lockdown promulgated in major countries like Germany, France and UK from November month onwards, has lead into a liquidity crisis to Tirupur exporting units, mainly MSMEs which urgently require the following financial measures from the government to overcome the ongoing crisis and sustain in the business. Apart from disruption in the major global markets, the continuous increasing of main Raw Material yarn prices due to change in business dynamics, thanks to two

months closure and partial utilisation of Textile mills including rise in cotton prices have also impacted the knitwear garment sector largely and competitiveness of the industry has been eroded.

While thanking the Hon’ble Minister for extension of Interest Equalisation Scheme for a brief period of three months, from 1st April 2021 to 31st June 2021, we wish to note that considering the higher interest rate, we request to extend the scheme for at least for another two years which would help to workout costing effectively and also enhance the competitiveness in the global market.

Madam, RODTEP scheme, WTO compatible Scheme was announced from 1st January 2021 onwards by replacing erstwhile ROSCTL Scheme and unfortunately, till now the rates for the items have not been announced and not receiving the reimbursement of the embedded taxes including electricity tax, Mandi tax, GST on petro products paid by the Exporters. The non-disbursement of RODTEP is also causing liquidity crisis.

The Government has extended ECLGS 3.0 to Hospitality, Tourism sectors by providing 40% of credit outstanding on 28.2.2021. Being a labour intensive sector and still undergoing a financial stress, we request the Hon’ble Minister to extend the ECLGS to apparel sector also by providing additional 20% credit outstanding as like given to other sectors and help them to ease their liquidity crisis.

We request the Hon’ble Minister to announce the above measures expediently and protect the apparel sector and employment.

2 Crew Members Citing ‘Urgent Private’ Matters Allowed To Leave Ever Given Chennai

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Port Wings News Network wo members of the Ever Given crew have been granted permission from the Suez Canal Authority to leave the ship to address urgent private matters, the canal authority confirmed.

The seafarers are part of the 25-strong crew of the giant containership, which has been arrested in Egypt earlier this week.

The canal authority said the ship would be held in the country until $916 million of compensation for the costs inflicted by the vessel’s March grounding is paid. During this time, the crew members will be unable to leave the vessel.

The arrest was sought after SCA and the owner of the ship failed to reach an agreement on the compensation claim. As informed, the claim includes a $300 million for a ‘salvage bonus’ and a $300 million claim for ‘loss of reputation’.

This doesn’t include the professional salvor’s claim for their salvage services which owners and their hull underwriters expect to receive separately.

According to the UK Club, Shoei Kisen’s liability insurance provider, the ‘extraordinarily large claim’ is largely unsupported.

Reacting to the arrest, Evergreen, the charterer of the ship, said it was investigating the scope of such a court order and studying the possibility of the vessel and the cargo on board being treated separately.

To remind, the 20,000 TEU Ever Given ran aground on March 23, blocking the waterway for hundreds of ships for six days.

The ship was finally refloated and towed to the Great Bitter Lakes region for its technical examination on March 29. Ever Given remains at

anchor in the Great Bitter Lakes.

Chairman and Managing Director of SCA, Osama Rabie, said that the investigation related to the grounding of Ever Given was still ongoing alongside the negotiations with ‘the owing company as well as the insurance company to reach a convenient agreement for all parties.’

Rabie added that SCA was undertaking efforts to meet all the needs of the crew of the impounded vessel until the completion of the investigation.

Murali Krishnan Assumes Charge as CVO in Chennai Port Chennai

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Port Wings News Network .Murali Krishnan, IDAS., (2005) has assumed charge as Chief Vigilance Officer of Chennai Port Trust, under Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, on 16 April. He has rich experience in Financial Management and has served in various capacities in different organisations like Ordanance Factories, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, Indian Coast Guard and DRDO. He is also had a stint with United Nations being

part of the Indian Peace Keeping Mission.

Apr. 21st - 27th, 2021 Issue

India To Manufacture Containers In Bhavnagar: Mansukh Mandaviya Port Wings News Network yeing indigenous production of containers amid a global surge in demand, the Centre is looking to develop Bhavnagar in Gujarat as a container hub and has set up pilot projects for its manufacturing, Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said, reports ET. The initiative aimed at attaining

the Ministry of shipping during the last six months has taken several initiatives to encourage container production at Bhavnagar with the help of re-rolling and furnace makers who are being encouraged to diversify in the space.

“We expect private players to invest about Rs 1,000 crore in this space. We also expect creation of one lakh local jobs,” the minister said.

self-reliance in container production eyes Rs 1,000 crore investment from private players and looks to create one lakh jobs.

The move assumes significance amid reports of global shortages of containers with Indian containerised trade taking a hit owing to the staggered supply and demand shocks across geographies as per logistic majors.

India requires about 3.5 lakh containers every year. ...There is no container production in India and we have to depend mainly on China which is a global producer. Now we want to develop Bhavnagar in Gujarat as a container hub and we have selected 10 places there for its production on a pilot basis,” Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Mansukh Mandaviya told PTI. The pilot project has been successful, he said.Mandaviya said

The initiative has been taken to realise the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, Mandaviya said.

He said existing re-rolling and furnace industries are being encouraged to expand and take up this as demand for containerised cargo is increasing in India and globally.

“Encapsulating this opportunity and furthering Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, efforts are on to make Bhavnagar the hub for container production,” the minister said.

He said one container costs about Rs 3.5 lakh and once the production picks up, India would not be require to import it.

“We have formed a committee to look into the finer details like standardisation, certification etc.

Mumbai

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The committee comprises experts from Ministry of Shipping, IRS (Indian Register of Shipping), IITs etc,” Mandaviya said.

Mandaviya said in days to come, India will start production which will be consumed by shipliners.

“We had a meeting with shipliners associations.

Shipping liner associations have assured us that they will purchase the containers providing reasonable profits...

They have assured us that they will not import it once indigenous production starts,” he said.

Asked about raw material availability, Mandaviya said his ministry has talked to large steel players in this regard.

He said they had a talk with global steel giant ArcelorMittal which has assured to provide the specific grade of steel for container manufacturing.

ArcelorMittal is the largest global steel maker with 89.8 million tonnes crude steel production in 2019 and 18 steel manufacturing units worldwide.

Bhavnagar district in Gujarat houses Alang ship-breaking yard, one of the biggest recycling yards in the world.

There had been reports recently that non-availability of containers has resulted in air-lifting of cargo by some players.

As per the ports apex body IPA, container cargo handling has been on decline at 12 major ports with the just concluded fiscal recording 2.13 per cent decline in container cargo tonnage to 143.74 million tonnes as against 146.84 MT in 2019-2020.

The Indian Ports Association (IPA) in its latest report also said that container cargo in terms of TEUs (twenty foot equivalent unit) also dipped 3.75 per cent in 20202021 over the previous fiscal.

Mundra Becomes India’s Biggest Container Port Overtaking JNPT Mumbai

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Port Wings News Network rowing over 18 percent in the financial year 2021 (FY21), Mundra Port, in the state of Gujarat has overtaken Mumbai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), handling 5.65 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in the current financial year.

In comparison, JNPT handled only around 4.67 million TEUs in FY21, recording a decline of 7.04 percent over FY20.

Mundra Port is the flagship port of Adani Port and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ), headed by Indian Industrialist Gautam Adani.

The conglomerate is India’s largest private port operator. For FY21, Mundra handled 144.4 million tonnes (mt) of cargo, reining in a steady growth of 4 percent on a

year-on-year basis, as per Business Line.

APSEZ has been on an acquisition spree recently, with the port deciding to acquire a 31.5 percent stake in

Gangavaram Port Limited (GPL), located near Vishakhapatnam. It’s part of the company’s ‘string of

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ports’ acquisition strategy.

For a country that has seen largescale government investments in port infrastructure for decades now, a private player taking the title of the biggest container port marks a new era in the Indian chapter.

APSEZ, with its combined port holdings, constitutes 24 percent of India’s port capacity.

Running 12 ports and terminals across India, it is the largest port developer and operator in the country.

Categorizing the 12 ports as per Indian states, APSEZ operates Mundra, Dahej, Tuna, and Hazira in Gujarat, Visakhapatnam, and Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, Dhamra in Odisha, Mormugao in Goa, Dighi in Maharashtra, and Kattupalli and Ennore in Tamil Nadu.

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Two Year Wait For Aid Prolongs For Kin Of 12 Sailors As Firm Points To Licence Termination Chennai

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Port Wings News Network wo years of wait notwithstanding, the dillydallying of Mumbai-based RPSL agent Nimbus Maritime Services over paying compensation to 12 Indian sailors who were killed during a collision between two vessels in Russia in January 2019 has snuffed out what little hope the families of the deceased had, when the firm claimed that its licence got cancelled in March, thus seizing it of any liability to part with any aid to them.

According to a news report in The New Indian Express, MT Candy was a Tanzanian flagship carrying LPG and is said to have been engaged in a ship-to-ship transfer of cargo at the time of the explosion in Kerch strait in Russia. Sivaraj, the brother of Saravanan Nagarajan of Tirukovilur in Kallakurichi – who was one among the 12 sailors onboard the vessel, said that Nimbus had been dilly-dallying on the issue of compensation for the past two years to the families.

“Sameer Dalvi of Nimbus has been promising us compensation for the past two years whenever we enquired with him,” he said. Things took a different turn recently as Sameer asked Sivaraj not to bother him again as his firm’s licence got cancelled, thus leaving the families in the lurch. “My father T Nagaraj, a tea-seller in Tirukovilur in Kallakurichi, had taken loan of Rs 3.5 lakh to place Saravanan on the ship, MT Candy. Creditors are knocking at his doors and now

the money is also being denied for flimsy reasons,” Sivaraj said. Efforts to reach out to Sameer failed.

Nimbus has not also declared the details of the Protection and Indemnity Club (P&I club) – a non-governmental, non-profitable, mutual or cooperative association of marine insurance providers to its members which consist of ship owners, operators, charterers and seafarers under the member companies. In such events, the P&I club settles the compensation.

Director General of Shipping (DGS) Amitabh Kumar said that they have cancelled Nimbus’ licence as they have not been complying with the requirement. “It is the duty of the RPSL agent to ensure the compensation is paid. The families of the sailors should file a police complaint of criminal negligence on the part of Nimbus,” he said.

Kumar said the Directorate General of Shipping could take up the issue with the flagship or the owner if the families send in their representation. On Nimbus not declaring the details for the Protection and Indemnity Club, Kumar said, “We will find it out if the families provide us with details of the vessel and its flagship.”

K Sreekumar, an inspector with the London-based International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), said, “The manning agent is registered with the Directorate General of Shipping under the RPS rules. Hence it is the duty of the DGS to initiate criminal action against the agents for non-payment of compensation.”

FICCI Writes to 25 CMs on COVID-19 Management, Urges To Avoid Lockdown New Delhi Port Wings News Network ndustry body FICCI has written to Chief Ministers of 25 states urging them to avoid imposing partial or total lockdown in the wake of fresh surge in COVID cases, according to a news report in The New Indian Express.

The industry body also argued that the economy has barely begun to turnaround from the impact of the earlier lockdowns and such decisions now will push the push the economy i n t o downward spiral.

In the letter written to state CMs by FICCI President U d a y Shankar, the chamber has acknowledged the need to break the COVID chain but has suggested the strategy to focus more on ramping up COVID testing, awareness drive and enforcement of COVID-19 appropriate behaviour rather than lockdown.

“The population may be sensitised about the COVID appropriate behaviour like wearing masks, physical distancing and personal hygiene. Support may be taken by involving volunteers from the schools, colleges and the

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NGOs. Strict compliance to COVID protocol may be ensured with suitable penalties for violations,” the letter states.

FICCI has represented to the Union Government to open up the vaccination for all the people above 18 years of age to give a massive push to the vaccination drive as there is no shortage of vaccines and the inoculation capacity can be increased with the participation of the private sector.

The state government will have to play a major role to encourage p e o p l e to come forward for vaccination and build capacities with the help of private sector for the expected jump in inoculation, FICCI has urged states.

The letter added that vaccination camps in the colonies and societies with the help of Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) will also help push the vaccination drive. The letter has been written to CMs of 25 states and UTs including Delhi, Goa, Puducherry, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Haryana, J&K, Odisha, Kerala, Gujarat, Assam, Tamil Nadu.

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Apr. 21st - 27th, 2021 Issue

India’s first FSRU Höegh Giant arrives at H-Energy’s Jaigarh Terminal in Maharashtra Mumbai

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Port Wings News Network ndia’s first Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU)- has arrived at H-Energy’s Jaigarh Terminal in Maharashtra, the FSRU Höegh Giant which sailed from Keppel Shipyard, Singapore was berthed at Jaigarh terminal in Maharashtra on 12 April 2021.

Expressing his views on the occasion Mr. Darshan Hiranandani, CEO, H-Energy said “With immense pride H-Energy welcomes the FSRU Höegh Giant, at Jaigarh Terminal in Maharashtra, India. This will be India’s first FSRU based LNG regasification terminal, which marks a new chapter in India’s mission for accelerated growth of LNG infrastructure. FSRU based LNG Terminals aim at providing the ability to enhance the pace of natural gas import capability in an environment friendly and efficient manner”.

“We are committed to the growth of LNG market in India.

We aim to contribute to the overall development of natural gas value chain, aligned with the Hon. Prime Minister’s vision of increasing the share of natural gas in India’s energy mix from present 6% to 15% by 2030” Mr. Hiranandani added further.

With the berthing of the FSRU Höegh Giant, the LNG regasification terminal will be ready to start testing and commissioning activities soon.

Key features of the project: • This will be India’s first FSRU based LNG receiving terminal and the first year around LNG terminal

in the state of Maharashtra • The 2017-built Höegh Giant has storage capacity of 170,000 cubic metres and installed regasification capacity of 750 million cubic feet per day (equivalent to about 6 million tons per year). H-Energy has chartered the FSRU for a 10 year period.

standards. The LNG terminal is located at JSW Jaigarh Port in the Ratnagiri district of Maharashtra, on the west coast of India. The port is the first deep water, 24/7 operational private port in Maharashtra.

H-Energy was established with a vision to contribute to the economic growth of the country by offering

• Höegh Giant will deliver regasified LNG to the 56-kilometre long Jaigarh-Dabhol natural gas pipeline, connecting the LNG terminal to the national gas grid.

• The facility will also deliver LNG through truck loading facilities for onshore distribution, the facility is also capable to reload LNG onto small-scale LNG vessels for bunkering services.

• H-Energy also intends to develop small-scale LNG market in the region, using the FSRU for storage and reloading LNG onto smaller vessels.

H-Energy has developed the LNG terminal in accordance with world-class engineering & safety

world-class, environmentally safe and sustainable energy solutions.

H-Energy is currently developing LNG regasification terminals and cross-country pipelines on the west and east coast of India. These infrastructure projects will entail investments up to USD 2.0 billion.

H-Energy through its marketing arm is offering end-to-end natural gas solutions including LNG sourcing, re-gasification facilities, downstream deliveries based on customer preference.

H-Energy’s pioneering regasification infrastructure projects will ensure a regular and sustainable supply of clean, environmentfriendly natural gas fuel across India.

Piyush Goyal Launches “DGFT Trade Facilitation App” Mumbai Port Wings News Network ommerce & Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal on 12 April launched DGFT ‘Trade Facilitation’ Mobile App during the online video conference, for promoting ease of doing business and providing quick access to information to importers/exporters.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Piyush Goyal said that very often, the simple trade-related process becomes cumbersome, and when they are available with a touch of a button, like with a mobile app, we will ensure the Ease of doing business and the speedy growth in international trade. “We desire to move towards paperless, automated processing systems, simple procedures for trade players, online data exchange between departments & digital payments & acknowledgements,” he added.

Shri Goyal said that in the post-covid world, tech-enabled governance will play a key role in determining India’s growth and competitiveness. He said that a Single-window approach has enabled tech transformation of service delivery in India. It has liberated last-mile beneficiary from location based constraints, and enhanced ease of doing business.

He said that Progress in technology helps develop the economy and strengthen Indian firms in the competitive global market.

Lauding the initiative of DGFT, Shri Goyal said that the new Trade

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Facilitation App is a step in the right direction as it provides easy, omnichannel access to various trade related processes and enquiries at the touch of button. He said that truly imbibing Prime Minister’s vision of Minimum Government, Maximum Governance, DGFT is standing up for businesses as a true leader with e-issuance of certificates, QR scan process to validate documents. It will reduce transaction cost and time for imports and exports related processes, and usher in transparency.

He said that ‘Trade Facilitation Mobile App’ is a symbol of India’s idea of Aatmanirbharta – Making governance easy, economical & accessible, as it symbolises shift in traditional thinking.

Shri Goyal said that Trade facilitation App is READY for Industry 4.0, as it provides Real-time trade policy updates, notifications, application status alert, tracking help requests • Explore item-wise ExportImport policy & statistics, Track IEC Portfolio • AI-based 24*7 assistance for trade queries • DGFT services made accessible to all • Your Trade Dashboard accessible anytime &anywhere The Minister said that ‘Mobile’ India creates an international trade opportunities for MSMEs and Foreign players. It will enable creation of a quality conscious and cost-competitive domestic industry. Further, it will significantly contribute to export target

of $1 Trillion by 2025 and GDP target of $5 Trillion. He said that for advanced App development, more inputs & ideas of all stakeholders should be invited for further refinement which will help in expediting our technological transformation. Shri Goyal also called for engagement with technology and language specialists to develop Governance Apps in various regional languages, which will support the spirit of oneness amongst our citizens.

The new Mobile App of DGFT provides the following features for ease of the exporters and importers – Real-time Trade Policy Updates and Event Notifications Your Trade Dashboard Anytime Anywhere Access all services offered by DGFT in App Explore Item-wise Export-Import Policy and Statistics 24x7 Virtual Assistance for Trade Related Queries Track your IEC Portfolio – IEC, Applications, Authorizations Real-time Alerts on status of applications Raise and track help requests in real-time Share Trade Notices, Public Notices easily The App will be available on Android and iOS platforms. The App can also be downloaded from the DGFT Website (https://dgft.gov. in). It has been developed by the Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), as per the directions of the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).

March Exports Showed Whopping Double Digit Growth: FIEO New Delhi Port Wings News Network eacting to March 2021 export figures, FIEO President, Mr Sharad Kumar Saraf said that the monthly exports showed a whopping double digit growth of almost 60.50 percent clocking USD 34.45 billion compared to March 2020, showing not only impressive signs of further revival for the sector but for the overall economy as well.

This has been mainly on account of 28 out of 30 major product groups of exports showing either a very impressive high positive growth starting with triple digit and almost all ending with a very high double digit growth defying all the odds during these difficult times.

FIEO President added that the exports of Other cereals, Oil meals, Iron ore, Jute mfg. Including floor covering, Carpet, Electronic Goods, Gems and Jewellery, Engineering goods, Cereal preparations and miscellaneous processed item, Rice, Spices, Cotton yarn/fabrics/madeups, handloom products etc., Meat, dairy and poultry products, Ceramic products and glassware, Drugs and pharmaceuticals, Organic and Inorganic Chemicals, Plastic and linoleum, Handicrafts excl. Handmade carpet, Marine products, Manmade yarn/fabrics/made-ups etc., Mica, coal and other ores, minerals including process, Petroleum products, RMG of All Textiles, Coffee, Fruits and vegetables, Leather and leather manufactures, Tobacco, and Tea were the sectors, which contributed towards showing such a whopping performance by the exports sector during the month.

Such a whopping growth in exports during the month also helped in taking the merchandise exports to over USD 290 billion for FY 202021 during such difficult and torrid times, which was well forecasted

by FIEO said Mr Saraf. FIEO Chief also reiterated that the support and

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help provided by the Government especially the Union Finance Minister and Union Commerce and Industry Minister during these challenging times has been commendable. Mr Saraf also thanked the overall exporting community for achieving such figures even during these times. Further an increase in March 2021 imports by 53.74 percent to USD 48.38 billion compared to the same period during the previous fiscal led to a trade deficit of USD 13.93 billion, which is an increase of 39.62 percent during the month is definitely a concern, which should be looked into.

FIEO President urges the government to soon notify the RoDTEP rates to remove uncertainty from the minds of the trade and industry thereby forging new contracts with the foreigner buyers. Mr Saraf also reiterated that the government must address some of the key issues including announcement of the new FTP soon after September, 2021, adequate availability of containers, release of the required funds for RoDTEP, MEIS and clarity on SEIS benefits, softening of freight charges, resolving risky exporters’ issues and continuance of seamless refund of IGST. Besides long pending demand for the creation of an Export Development Fund for marketing of Brand India products and various other infrastructure bottlenecks also needs to be looked into to bring back exports on the double-digit growth trajectory.

Further since we have momentum with us, we should aim at exports of USD 350 billion in this financial year so that we not only cover the lost ground but also help the economy to move to much needed double digit growth, added President FIEO.

Containership Ever Given Held

By Suez Canal Authority New Delhi Port Wings News Network he Ever Given, the containership that was stuck in the Suez Canal in March, has been arrested by Egyptian authorities over non-payment of a claim of around $916 million, maritime insurance, shipping agent and broker sources said on April 14.

The ship and its crew were arrested by Suez Canal authorities, pending settlement of the claim, sources said.

Neither Shoei Kisen — the ship’s Japanese owner — nor the Suez Canal Authority were available for comment.

The SCA’s claim against Shoei Kisen includes $300 million as a salvage bonus and $300 million for loss of reputation. The claim on reputation has been disputed by Shoei Kisen and its insurer, sources said.

The ship is insured by UK P&I Club which has described the arrest, which came nearly a week after the SCA made its claim, as “disappointing”, sources said, adding a counteroffer has been made to settle the claim.

“The magnitude of the claim is very high and it is not fully supported,” said a maritime insurance executive familiar with

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the developments.

During the negotiations, Shoei Kisen noted there had been no injuries and no pollution when the Ever Given was stranded and, therefore, the claim should not be so high, another insurance source said.

The UK P&I club was seeking a detailed justification for the claim and has pointed out that the ship was floated in less than a week and commercial operations resumed thereafter, the executive said.

The P&I aspects of the claim were relatively modest, he said. SCA’s claim does not include the salvor’s claim, which Shoei Kisen expected to receive separately, he added.

Shipping agents said while the canal has been functioning normally again for some while, around 300 ships have been delayed in transit and many others rerouted via the longer passage around the Cape of Good Hope.

Usually in such cases, a letter of undertaking is given on behalf of the owner by the P&I Club to the port authorities regarding payment of claims and ship is released, sources said.

The actual document, paperwork and payment can take months if not years. However, in this case, the amount was extraordinarily large and had resulted in a different approach, they said.

Apr. 21st - 27th, 2021 Issue

Suez Canal Still Not Back To Normal — But It’s Getting Closer Chennai

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Port Wings News Network he Ever Given was freed on 29 March. Five days later, the managing director of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), Adm. Osama Rabie, declared that all the ships blocked by the accident had transited “in record time.”

Numerous media outlets reported that the backlog had been cleared.

Well, not so fast.

If you define “Mission accomplished!” as getting every ship to the other side that was blocked by the Ever Given before it was refloated, it’s over.

If you define success as getting back to normal — as in the flow of traffic prior to the grounding of the Ever Given on March 24 — it’s getting closer to normal, it’s on a good path, but this is not over quite yet.

MORE SHIPS AT ANCHOR THAN USUAL Prior to the accident, the norm was for ships to arrive prior to 11 p.m. on the day before the scheduled transit, anchor overnight and then pass through the canal.

Jacob Guldager, branch manager and business development manager of Leth Agencies, told American Shipper, “The daily transit average [prior to the accident] is 52.7 vessels: 26.8 northbound and 25.9 southbound. This will be equal to a ‘normal’ waiting-at-the-anchoragearea situation.”

On Wednesday, nine days after the Ever Given was freed and four days after the SCA sounded the “all clear,” 105 ships were at anchor: 55

on the Mediterranean side, 50 on the Red Sea side. Still twice the normal level.

Since the day the Ever Given was freed, an average of 70.7 ships have transited each day, including 85 on Thursday. That’s 34% more per day than usual. But the number of daily transits remains under the number of daily ships at anchor. This means

that some ships still have to wait an extra day to transit.

RAPID REDUCTION VERSUS PEAK The good news is that there’s no evidence of any significant postEver Given problem at the canal.

Rather, it’s just taking longer to fully normalize than some might have anticipated. As ships blocked by the Ever Given grounding were brought through, more kept arriving. As those new arrivals were cleared over recent days, more ships arrived.

There was also a small setback on Tuesday. As reported by shipping agency GAC, a tanker ran aground.

SCA tugs were deployed and the tanker was refloated four hours later.

GAC didn’t identify the ship, but MarineTraffic, using shippositioning data, showed the vessel to be the tanker Rumford.

MarineTraffic data also showed a brief stoppage for a second tanker, the Minerva Nike.

Despite delays related to that incident, the number of ships waiting at anchor on Wednesday was still less than a third of the March 29 peak of 367, according to data from Leth Agencies.

(The SCA put the peak number even higher, at 422 ships.)

Furthermore, the queue has decreased more rapidly for container ships than for other segments such as dry bulk.

There were 29 bulkers at anchor on Wednesday but only 15 container ships. The number of waiting container ships was less than a sixth of the number at the peak (96 container ships).

Leth Agencies’ statistics show that an average of 13.7 container ships transited per day during January and February, just below the current tally. In other words, at least when it comes to the container sector, it looks very close to business as usual.

Evergreen May Offload Ever Given’s Cargo Chennai

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Port Wings News Network s negotiations drag on between the Suez Canal Authority and the owners, operators and insurers of the boxship Ever Given, charterer Evergreen is contemplating ways to offload the cargo for onward transport by other means.

Ever Given has been stranded in the Great Bitter Lake for inspections and legal maneuvers since she was removed from the southern end of the Suez Canal on March 29. After unsuccessful negotiations with owner Shoei Kisen Kaisha, the Suez Canal Authority obtained a court order to seize Ever Given on April 13, formalizing its promise to hold the ship until a damage claim totaling roughly $1 billion is paid.

(According to the court, the exact figure is $916 million.)

The size of the demand and the seizure are both unusual. In the event of a casualty, the insurer or owner typically posts a bond with local authorities in exchange for permission for the ship to continue its commercial voyage. The affected parties then negotiate over financial compensation, without interfering further with the crew or the cargo interests.

In a statement, Evergreen said that the SCA’s demand is unjustified, noting an unusual request for $300 million for “loss of reputation” and another $300 million for a “salvage bonus.” Independent observers suggest that the measurable damages to SCA in lost revenue and salvage File photo

costs are likely under $200 million.

Meanwhile, the vessel’s crew are stranded on board, and they have reportedly been denied permission to disembark for a crew change or for shore leave. The owners of the Ever Given’s 18,000 TEU worth of cargo will have to pay a general average bond to get their goods back, but those goods cannot be delivered until Ever Given is released - or another solution is found. An individual involved in the

process told the Wall Street Journal that Evergreen is now looking at the “prospect of moving the containers to other ships and delivering them to the clients in Europe.” That could involve chartering empty vessels to make special-purpose voyages to pick up the cargo or buying empty slots on other container ships operating on routes to Europe.

Either transfer option would require Ever Given to berth at a terminal equipped with STS cranes large enough to handle her extratall, extra-wide stacks.

“The seizure of the Ever Given and compensation demand for salvage and other expenses by Egypt’s canal authority escalates the complexity and cost for the numerous cargo owners with property in transit aboard the vessel.

Barring a settlement, those cargo owners now face additional expense and delay while the vessel’s arrest is maintained,” commented attorneys Bruce Paulsen and Brian Maloney of Seward & Kissel.

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Ever Given Crisis Ripples Hit SMEs Hard Chennai

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Port Wings News Network s the fallout from Ever Given cascades through container supply chains, it’s getting more difficult for Indian forwarders to secure shipping capacity, reports The Loadstar.

According to Rakesh Pandit, CEO of Conbox Logistics: “Not only are European shipments running late, but we’re seeing a lot of cancelled bookings placed in March from countries such as Italy, Turkey and Spain – we have a backlog of 300 teu from Europe to India in just the last 10-days.”

At the same time, Mr Pandit told The Loadstar, shipping lines are rejecting a lot of bookings from India, especially lots of five to ten containers to the Europe and Africa.

“Due to this, we have started recommending that customers break up bookings of 10 containers or more, into smaller lots of two-tofive per shipment, but even then it’s not always possible, due to documentation issues.

“And we are recommending customers to plan shipments at least 20-30 days in advance.”

The country has been struggling with a shortage of empty containers since September and, with the Suez Canal blockage expected to worsen this right across Asia, India could bear the brunt as carriers prioritise container distribution to China and South-east Asia before the

subcontinent.

Mr Pandit said shipping lines were also giving preference to some sectors over others by “quoting toohigh rates” and pricing ‘unwanted’ cargo out of the market.

He added: “Freight rates have increased for destination ports in the Red Sea, Mediterranean and the rest of Europe – although this is not new, as prices ex-India are already very high and have been increasing every fortnight for the past four months.

“Small and medium-sized importers and exporters are almost out of business due to the high competition and freight levels; we have seen many customers closing their businesses due to heavy losses and shortage of funds.”

However, while SMEs may be suffering, India’s total exports saw a massive 58% year-on-year increase in March, to $34bn, according to the Federation of Indian Exports Organisations (FIEO), with the engineering, gems and jewellery and pharmaceutical sectors leading the growth.

FIEO also noted exports for the financial year, ending March, were down 7%, to $290bn, however, following the volatility experienced last year.

“Despite issues with container shortages and the movement of ships through the Suez Canal, exports have crossed $290bn, which is extremely good growth considering the Covid-19 challenges,” FIEO said.

ROPAX Jetty Project To Come up on River Dhamra in Odisha New Delhi Port Wings News Network inistry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW) has accorded administrative approval for sanction of Rs 50.30 crore for developing all-weather ROPAX (Roll-on/ Roll-off Passenger) Jetty and allied infrastructure connecting Kaninali in Bhadrak district &Talachua in Kendrapara district, Odisha under the Sagarmala initiative. The Government of Odisha will fund another 50% cost of the project.

The total capital cost of the project is Rs 110.60 crore which includes construction of RO-PAX Jetty at Kaninali and Talachua, utility infrastructures such as parking area development, navigational aids and dredging.

This project will reduce travel time for passengers from 6 hours by road to 1 hour by waterway. The development of the existing ghat with all-weather ROPAX jetties is being carried out with intent of accommodating boats, launches and other vessels as well as to ply vessel having capacity to carry 10 light Motor vehicles, 20 Motorbikes along with 60 passengers at a time, simultaneously ensuring safety of all passengers and vehicles.

The project will facilitate indirect employment opportunities to locals

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around Dhamra river and reduce road distance of ~200 km from Talachua to Dhamra.

Kaninali in Bhadrak district and Talachua in Kendrapada district, are located on the northern and southern banks of River Dhamra respectively. The people of Talachua and nearby villages largely depend upon Dhamra port for their livelihood, which is approximately

4 kms from Kaninali Ghat. Since there is no connectivity through roads, the local population depends upon passenger ferries at ghats of Kaninali and Talachua to cross the river (a stretch of 7 Km). Currently, Number of passenger vehicles move through private boats without safety and passengers face difficulty in embarking and disembarking from launches on an everyday basis. This project will enhance the safety of passengers and vehicles with stateof-the-art utility infrastructure.

The connectivity will increase the commercial and business activities and uplift the socio-economic status of the surrounding region.

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Apr. 21st - 27th, 2021 Issue

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Hapag-Lloyd Orders 150,000 TEU of Standard and Reefer Containers for 2021

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Chennai

Port Wings News Network apag-Lloyd is stepping up once more the investment in its container fleet in light of the current situation – similar to what the container shipping line did in 2020 in its initial response to the pandemic – as today it needs significantly more than the normal number of boxes to carry the same volume because boxes are turning slower.

The container shipping line has ordered 150,000 TEU from China – both dry boxes and state-of-the-art reefer containers. Some of the boxes were already delivered to Hapag-Lloyd and integrated into its existing container fleet in the first quarter for 2021, but the majority of them are expected to be delivered in the upcoming m o n t h s .

Additionally, Hapag-Lloyd has ordered 8,000 TEU of special containers to be used for oversized or dangerous goods.

“The container shipping industry is currently seeing unprecedented demand, which has led to a shortage of containers all over the world. With its recent container orders, Hapag-Lloyd is contributing to efforts to ease the current situation and will be able to offer its customers a much better service,” says Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of HapagLloyd.

The investments amount to roughly USD 550 million – making it one of the biggest container orders in the history of HapagLloyd.

HAPAG LLOYD’S HUGE ORDER FOR NEW BOXES TO EASE CONTAINER SHORTAGE After months of struggling to meet the demand for containers, Hapag Lloyd announced it is placing one of the largest orders for boxes in the company’s history.

The new order, which is valued at $550 million, is designed to ease the supply shortage that has been brought on by strong demand and slowdowns in the movements of

boxes throughout the supply chain due to the pandemic.

“The container shipping industry is currently seeing unprecedented demand, which has led to a shortage of containers all over the world,” said Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd. “With its recent container orders, Hapag-Lloyd is contributing to efforts to ease the current situation and will be able to offer its customers a much better service.”

Hapag cites the fact that boxes are turning slower, creating shipping companies’ need for more than the File Photo normal number of containers to carry the same volume.

They pointed to delayed shipments due to port congestion brought on by the pandemic as creating pressure on shippers and forwarders worldwide who cannot locate enough boxes not ship their goods.

Hapag has already begun to receive some new containers and expects to continue to receive new boxes built in China through 2021. In total, the company has ordered 150,000 TEU of new dry and reefer boxes.

In addition, they are also adding 8,000 TEU of special containers to be used for oversized and dangerous goods. A year ago, Hapag also placed an order for new boxes although that order was smaller in scope.

Starting last summer, Chinese manufacturers of the boxes reported that they were increasing output and working around the clock to produce new boxes to help with the global shortage. Since then, new companies have also announced that they would begin manufacturing containers.

Analysts have cited the shortage of containers as one of the greatest near-term threats to the smooth operations of the global supply chain. Major container ports such as Los Angeles and Felixstowe introduced new programs and incentives to improve the movement of boxes while even the smaller ports have been undertaking efforts to expand their container yards to deal with the increasing flow of boxes.

Marine Insight Key Skills E-Learning included on Seably Marketplace

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Port Wings News Network eably, the global digital marketplace for bespoke maritime training is delighted to announce a new partnership with Marine Insight, the premier online destination for maritime information, training, and education worldwide. Through this partnership, Marine Insight and Seably will create exclusive specialised material that will be available in the marketplace for Seably subscribers from April 2021.

Marine Insight is well known for its conscious effort to go way beyond the ship’s technical and nontechnical issues, thus providing an inside view of aspects not generally visible to those outside the maritime world.

Launched in 2010 from two personal laptops, Marine Insights has grown from its roots in Bangalore, India, to become a significant global maritime information-based website.

Marine Insights provides maritime news, articles, career guidance, discussions and e-learning, informing and educating people worldwide about the Maritime Industry.

Seably is the first maritime digital marketplace that brings together specialised content, cutting-edge technology and teaching skills from seafarers, educationalists, industry specialists, insurers, surveyors and a whole range of other related service providers. Created by seafarers for seafarers, it provides either free or affordable access to the latest training on a high-tech medium providing real-life learning that can be carried out at any place.

Captain Tim Fenech, Head of Course

Development at Seably said, “With Marine Insight, we are able to offer exclusive educational material which strengthens our library of e-learning for the maritime sector.

It also keeps us firmly at the forefront of maritime training globally, providing online education that can be easily accessed virtually anywhere.”

Raunek Kantharia, Founder of Marine Insight confirmed the importance of this agreement, saying, “We are delighted to have our specialised content available in the Seably marketplace. At Marine Insight, we reach 1,200,000+ Monthly Visitors and over 100,000 eBook readers. Our videos have received more than 12 million views on the YouTube channel and we have over 1 million social media followers across different channels.

Marine Insight has one of the largest online maritime training and education platforms in the world and our partnership with Seably cements our position as a premier destination for seafarers and shipping companies globally.”

The inclusion of the Marine Insight exclusive content on the Seably marketplace is all part of the Seably commitment to bring affordable online and virtual training to anyone connected with this vital global sector.

Andrea Lodolo, CEO of Swedish-owned Seably said, “With Marine Insight on board as a content provider, we are broadening our reach and enhancing the e-learning we deliver to the maritime industry through our platform.

Key skills are crucial learning for any seafarer and help us to maintain the range of quality specialised knowledge required at sea to ensure safety and minimise risks.”

India Expedites Work On Chabahar Port, May Be Declared Operational By May

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Chennai

Port Wings News Network fter a brief halt, India accelerated the work on Chabahar Port early this year and the strategic Iranian port is expected to be operational by next month, a Congressional report has said.

In 2015, India agreed to help develop Iran’s Chabahar Port and an associated railway that would enable India to trade with Afghanistan unimpeded by Pakistan, the independent Congressional Research Service (CRS) said in its latest report for the members of the US Congress.

Prepared for the lawmakers for them to take informed decision, the report, running into nearly 100 pages, said that in May 2016, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Iran and signed an agreement to invest $500 million to develop the port and related infrastructure.

Even though the Trump administration gave India the “Afghanistan reconstruction” exception from its punitive Iranian sanctions, India largely stopped work on the project until late 2020.

“It accelerated work in early 2021 and the port is expected to be declared operational no later than May 2021,” said the CRS report. CRS reports are prepared by experts and are not considered as official report of the US Congress.

Iran’s economy is highly integrated into

those of its immediate neighbours in South Asia, it said, adding that India cites the UN Security Council resolutions as its guideline for policy towards Iran.

During 2011-2016, when UN sanctions were in force on Iran, India’s central bank ceased using a Tehran-based regional body, the Asian Clearing Union, to handle transactions with Iran, and the two countries agreed to settle half of India’s oil buys from Iran in Indian currency.

India reduced its imports of Iranian oil substantially after 2011, but, after the sanctions were eased in 2016, India’s oil imports from Iran increased to as much as 8,00,000 bpd in July 2018 – well above 2011 levels.

India paid Iran the $6.5 billion it owed for oil purchased during 2012-2016. India has not imported Iranian oil since May 2019. The CRS said Iran’s economic relations with Pakistan are less extensive than are its economic ties with India. One test of Pakistan’s compliance with the sanctions was a pipeline project that would carry Iranian gas to Pakistan – a $7 billion project that US officials on several occasions stated would be subject to ISA sanctions.

Iran reportedly completed the pipeline on its side of the border but, during Iranian President Hassan Rouhani’s visit to Pakistan in March 2016, Pakistan did not commit to complete the line. In 2009, India dissociated itself from the project, it said.

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Web: www.hindussthan.in

Apr. 21st - 27th, 2021 Issue

IATA, Eurofins Partner To Boost Travel With Testing Chennai

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Port Wings News Network he International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced an agreement with Eurofins to incorporate its worldwide COVID-19 testing network into IATA Travel Pass.

Eurofins is a leader in bio-analytical testing with 800 laboratories across 50 countries. As part of the partnership, Eurofins’ dedicated COVID-19 portfolio encompassing multiple test types and hundreds of COVID-19 sampling stations globally will be made available through the IATA Travel Pass.

Amid the pandemic, coronavirus testing is required for most international travel. As part of the IATA Travel Pass initiative, Eurofins laboratories will provide secure, verified test results to travelers using the app. This result is checked against the IATA Travel Pass registry of national entry requirements to produce an “OK to Travel” status. Through the app passengers can share their status and the digital test certificates with authorities and airlines to facilitate travel.

Trials of IATA Travel Pass incorporating the global Eurofins network are expected to begin with airlines piloting IATA Travel Pass across multiple regions in the coming weeks.

“Verified testing is the immediate solution to give governments the confidence to open their borders to

travelers. IATA Travel Pass aims to make it as simple as possible for travelers to locate certified laboratories and securely receive the test results that governments require.

Our partnership with Eurofins is another mark of quality for IATA Travel Pass which is being built to the highest data security and privacy standards. Adding the extensive Eurofins network to the initiative will help travelers more

testing capabilities, as well as a wide range of testing solutions through its SAFER@WORK™ programs; and has carried out over 15 million tests in its own laboratories, while also supporting the development of a number of vaccines. We are delighted to be partnering with IATA and to support the IATA Travel Pass, to provide the testing gold standard to ensure people can travel with security and confidence,” Gilles

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Port Wings News Network he World Maritime University (WMU)- Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute is delighted to announce that it will co-host the world-wide Conference on Oceans Law & Policy: Peaceful Maritime Engagement in East Asia and the Pacific Region that will take place virtually from 10 – 12 May 2021.

Co-hosts include the Japanese Institute of International Affairs, the International Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and the Stockton Center for International Law at the United States Naval War College.

The Conference will be opened

by Dr. Cleopatra Doumbia-Henry, President of the World Maritime

NEWS - BITS GTT upgrades its NO96 technology to further reduce the guaranteed Boil Off Rate GTT has developed the NO96 Super+, an evolution of the NO96 Cargo Containment System (CCS), which has recently received an Approval in Principle (AiP) from the classification society Bureau Veritas, according to GTT’s release.

The new NO96 Super+ technology integrates insulating Reinforced Polyurethane Foam (R-PUF) panels instead of plywood boxes, used for both the primary and secondary insulation spaces, to reduce the heat ingress inside the tank. Glass Wool flat joints are also inserted between adjacent foam panels to optimize the behavior of the system and ensure it the best thermal performance.

NO96 Super+ maintains the main features of the NO96 technology that have been key factors in its success, in particular the principle of double Invar® metallic membranes and the mechanical anchors fixing the insulating panels to the inner hull.

With this innovation, GTT reduces once again the evaporation of the cargo during operations, NO96 Super+ offering a guaranteed Boil Off Rate (BOR) of 0,085%V/d for the current standard size design of LNG Carrier of 174.000 m3 (Further reductions down to 0,08%V/d are possible for larger capacities such as 200.000 m3 thanks to scale effects).

IMO asked to include industry standard on in-water cleaning in its on-going work

conveniently adjust their travel preparations to meet the COVID-19 requirements,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.

“Fast, secure, high-quality testing is a critical element in the fight against the pandemic and enabling the return to normalised travel.

Eurofins is a market leader in testing and laboratory services and since the outbreak of COVID-19, Eurofins has established widespread PCR

Martin, Eurofins’ Chairman of the Board and CEO. IATA Travel Pass provides the infrastructure needed to securely manage, share and verify test data matched with traveler identities in compliance with border control requirements. It will help travelers manage these new processes starting with understanding the requirements to travel and helping them identify labs, such as Eurofins, which are certified do to the testing.

World Maritime University Hosts Conference on Oceans Law & Policy Chennai

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University and Dr. Hide Sakaguchi, President of the Ocean Policy Research Institute of the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF).

The conference programme features keynote speeches by Judge Shunji Yanai of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and Mr. Michael Lodge, Secretary-General of the International Seabed Authority. An Official from the

Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan will also deliver opening remarks.

H.E. Laurent Parenté, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Vanuatu to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), will contribute to the discussion regarding Preservation of the Marine Environment, including

the Hazard of Plastic Debris Panel.

Ambassador Parenté is an esteemed member of the WMU Board of Governors and an experienced champion for the ocean and the work of the IMO. He is a strong advocate of capacity-building at the World Maritime University in maritime and ocean affairs.

Professor Ronan Long, Director of the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute, noted the conference represents a unique opportunity to bring together senior representatives of governments, some of the world’s leading scholars in their respective fields, and experts from industry and civil society to explore contemporary issues in the region. Topics addressed will include: Baselines and Archipelagic States; Navigation Rights/Law Enforcement; Arctic Shipping; East China Sea Maritime Boundaries; Maritime Security Issues Concerning Small Island States; Preservation of the Marine Environment, including the Hazard of Plastic Debris; and Issues Arising Out of Climate Change.

The conference proceedings will be published by Brill and distributed worldwide.

Conference registration is complimentary and open to the public. To register visit https://www. jiia-jic.jp/en/events/

The Industry standard on in-water cleaning with capture has been submitted to support IMO’s work on the review of the Guidelines for the control and management of ships’ biofouling to minimize the transfer of invasive aquatic species, according to BIMCO’s release.

BIMCO led an industry working group that has developed an industry standard on in-water cleaning with capture that was published in January 2021. The industry standard will help to ensure that the in-water cleaning of a ship’s hull, and niche areas including the propeller, can be carried out safely, efficiently and in an environmentally sustainable way.

In its ongoing review of its guidelines on biofouling management, the IMO has decided to strengthen the part describing in-water cleaning. The Industry standard on in-water cleaning with capture, and its accompanying explanatory notes, represent the best management practice available today and it can therefore be of valuable support to the ongoing work at the IMO. The IMO guidelines on biofouling management are relevant for shipowners as part of their sustainability commitment to promote environmentally responsible operations. Ships will have to follow these guidelines when they are calling at New Zealand, Australia and the US, where the IMO guidelines on biofouling have formed the foundation for local legislation. The new proposal will help to make the IMO guidelines more practicable and more to the point than they are today.

Consolidated marine container throughput of Global Ports declined 5.9% in Q1’2021

Global Ports Investments PLC today announces its operational results for Q1 2021 In Q1 2021 the overall Russian container market grew by 2.0% to 1.3 million TEU, driven by both the accelerating recovery of full containerised import (+6.0% y-o-y) and the continued growth of containerised export (+0.5% y-o-y).

As a result of the high growth in freight rates in the global container shipping market in 2H 2020 and a deficit of empty containers globally, during Q1 2021 market players preferred faster container import and export supply chains with the shortest sea leg. As a result, the market growth seen in Q1 2021 was concentrated in the Russian Far Eastern basin (Q1 2021: +10.8% y-o-y) and the Southern basin (Q1 2021: +7.2% y-o-y) while the combined throughput of terminals located in Saint-Petersburg and surrounding area declined by 11.9%.

The Group successfully maintained its market share position in Q1 2021 in all its basins with throughput at VSC boosted by 11.5% y-o-y in Q1 2021 (vs. the Russian Far East market increase of +10.8%) and throughput of its terminals in the Baltic Basin declining by 11.8% y-o-y in 1Q 2021 (vs a market decrease of 11.9%). In total, Consolidated Marine Container Throughput declined 5.9% in Q1 2021 to 371 thousand TEU.

CUSTOMS EXCHANGE RATES Notification No.43/2021 (N.T.) ALL RATES PER UNIT

FOREIGN CURRENCY Australian Dollar Bahraini Dinar Canadian Dollar Chinese Yuan Danish Kroner EURO Hong Kong Dollar Kuwaiti Dinar New Zealand Dollar Norwegian Kroner Pound Sterling Qatari Riyal Saudi Arabian Riyal Singapore Dollar South African Rand Swedish Kroner Swiss Franc Turkish Lira UAE Dirham US Dollar Japanese Yen (100) Korean Won (100)

with effect from 16th Apr. 2021

RATE (INR) Import Export 59.35 206.15 61.20 11.70 12.35 91.75 9.85 257.95 55.20 9.10 105.45 21.35 20.70 57.30 5.40 9.05 83.15 9.60 21.15 76.15 70.40 6.95

56.90 193.55 59.05 11.35 11.90 88.60 9.50 241.90 52.80 8.80 101.95 20.05 19.45 55.35 5.05 8.75 79.90 9.00 19.85 74.45 67.90 6.55

We are not responsible for any mistake. ALL RATES ARE PROVISIONAL. The rates in these column are only meant for guidance.

8

RNI No. TNENG/2014/59741 Postal Registration No. TN/CNIGPO/067/2021-2023 Posted at Pathrika Channel, Egmore, RMS, Chennai-8.

Date of Publication - Wednesday, Posted on Tuesday / Wednesday

Panama Canal Authority Responds to Shipping Industry’s Calls, Postpones Planned Price Hike Chennai

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Port Wings News Network he Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has announced that it will postpone price increases on canal transit fees which were due to come into effect from 15 April.

The announcement follows a joint letter sent by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), Asian Shipowners’ Association (ASA), and European Community Shipowners’ Association (ECSA),

expressing concerns over the speed of price increases.

The proposed changes represent a minimum cost increase per transit reservation of US$20,000 (up 57%) and a maximum cost increase of US$58,500 (up 167%) will now start on 1 June 2021.

The letter, sent on 17 March 2021, expressed concerns over the “significant increase” of the fees and stated that the 15 April startdate given by the ACP was too short for the maritime industry and canal users to be able to adjust. ACP has

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linked the increased fees to changing supply and demand conditions for the service it offers.

It may be noted that the Panama Canal is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes; nearly 14,000 transits were made last year.

On 13 April 2021, the ACP announced the postponed date for the new booking tariffs. This change in the implementation date will provide the maritime industry more time to prepare for the adjustment to the new booking fees.

Commenting on the development, ICS Secretary General Guy Platten said, “We are reassured to see that ACP has responded to industry’s calls to postpone its proposed transit reservation price increases until 1 June, giving industry time to fully prepare for these changes. The increases represent a significant rise in cost, especially considering the ongoing economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guy Platten stated: “We appreciate that the fee change is designed to adapt to changing supply and demand for the Panama Canal’s service and we look forward to establishing a productive dialogue with the ACP to develop a long-term

pricing strategy to provide industry with predictability on transit cost.

We hope to be able to hold a virtual meeting with the ACP to discuss and gain further clarity on these issues.”

The ASA Secretary General, Yuchi Sonoda noted, “ASA would like to express our gratitude to the ACP for taking consideration of the maritime industry and postpone its implementation dates from 15 April 2021 to 1 June 2021. ASA is appreciative that the ACP will continue to review on the voices of canal users in their future canal operations and managements, based on a higher economic stability and transparency.”

Martin Dorsman, Secretary General of ECSA, said, “On behalf of the European shipowners, I welcome the decision of the ACP to postpone the application of the new booking fees. Especially in these times of high uncertainty, it is important for the shipping industry to be able to better prepare for these changes. We appreciated the good cooperation with the ACP and look forward to a continued dialogue” This announcement comes as a relief to the shipping industry, that has been navigating the crew change crisis and other COVID-19 pandemic related disruptions. The shipping industry commends the ACP’s decision and welcomes ongoing communication on issues central to preserving the global supply chain.

Akil Enterprises (Exim Logistics Agency)

Apr. 21st - 27th, 2021 Issue

Maersk Tankers Seals Deal to Sell Six Maersk Product Tankers Owned LR2 Vessels Chennai

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Port Wings News Network aersk Tankers has on behalf of Maersk Product Tanker entered an agreement for the sale of six new long-range 2(LR2) product tankers in an en-bloc transaction.

The transaction happens in line with Maersk Product Tankers asset strategy of continually adjusting the fleet size and composition to generate financial returns for investors and keeping exposure in line with market developments, says a company release.

“We are pleased to realise this opportunity for Maersk Product Tankers and able to respond to the buyer’s demand for new and high-quality tonnage. The transaction has been made possible due to our team’s vast market insight, expertise

and relationships, which we will continue to utilise to pursue further asset opportunities for investor,’’ says Claus Gronborg, Chief Investment Officer at Maersk Tankers.

One of the vessels is built in 2020 while the remaining five are or will be built in 2021. All vessels are built at Dalian shipyard in China.

Established in 1928, Maersk Tankers is a leading player n the product tanker industry, operating on of the largest fleets of vessels and employing 3,000 employees worldwide.

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www.portwings.in for Latest News

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