ITF News Update – 5th to 10th November
Global Maritime Forum backs ITF just transition plan in new employer-union climate alliance | ITF Seafarers – 5th Nov
A clear, common purpose is emerging in the shipping industry for stronger action on climate change ahead of COP26 in Glasgow this week.
Transport workers and their unions are showing up at COP: We demand climate action and decent work | ITF Seafarers – 5th Nov
The COP26 Summit is underway in Glasgow and trade unionists and activists are in the thick of the proceedings.
Suez Canal to raise fees, heaping pressure on global supply chains | The Guardian – 5th Nov
With shipping industry still recovering from Ever Given crisis, transit tolls are increasing by 6%
Tugboat towing barge runs aground off B.C. coast | Vancouver Sun – 5th Nov
The close call happened near the place where the tugboat Ingenika sank in February, killing two men.
https://vancouversun.com/news/tugboat-towing-barge-runs-aground-off-b-c-coast
The Next Shipping Crisis: A Maritime Labor Shortage | The Washington Post – 6th Nov
There are dozens of ships anchored off the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach this week, imperiling global supply chains and holiday gifts. Also imperiled? The safety and well-being of the seafarers working on those ships, many of whom haven’t touched land in more than a year due to pandemic-era restrictions and the backup of vessels vying for berths in clogged ports. Among other issues, seafarers stuck on ships report declining mental and physical health, with limited access to medical care, growing tensions between crew members and fatigue that labor groups say jeopardizes maritime safety.
Employing women on board ships: a solution to the problem of seafaring shortages | Medi Telegraph – 6th Nov
Compared to 2015, the number of women employed on ships has increased by 45% to around 24,000, including 7,300 officers and 16,800 ratings. Still very few, less than 1.30% of the seagoing personnel, with a prevalent use in the cruise sector
DSF Thinks Decarbonization Will Shrink the Shipping Industry | Maritime Executive – 8th Nov
In a forecast issued last week during the COP26 summit, Danish Shipping Finance (DSF) predicted that decarbonizing the global shoreside economy will result in a smaller shipping industry – indirectly helping shipping to reduce its emissions. The report echoes the findings of ABS’ global sustainability team, which reported last year that dramatic reduction of the tanker and bulker fleets may help shipping meet its CO2 targets.
MSC boxship hit by engine room fire in Gulf of Finland | Offshore Energy – 8th Nov
A Panama-flagged containership caught fire in the engine room and lost power while sailing in the Gulf of Finland on 7 November.
https://www.offshore-energy.biz/msc-boxship-hit-by-engine-room-fire-in-gulf-of-finland/
UK ports demand a level playing field when new border facilities open | The Load Star – 9th Nov
UK ports fear being left at a competitive disadvantage following the introduction of full border checks for goods entering the UK from the EU next year.
https://theloadstar.com/uk-ports-demand-a-level-playing-field-when-new-border-facilities-open/
Video: Crew Evacuated from Cargo Ship Grounded off Russia in Storm | Maritime Executive – 9th Nov
A general cargo ship registered in Panama grounded in a storm off the Russian coast overnight prompting a rescue operation by Russia’s Emergencies Ministry. The authorities reported that the operation was complicated by a hard-to-reach location along with high seas and winds.
UN Global Compact and shipping industry confirm formation of ‘people-centred’ Task Force to ensure Just Transition to net-zero | ITF Seafarers – 10th Nov
In a landmark moment for maritime workers the formation of a Just Transition Maritime Task Force has been agreed to drive decarbonisation of the industry and support millions of seafarers through shipping’s green transition.
Fiji, Philippines urged to do more for seafarers | RNZ – 10TH Nov
The International Transport Workers Federation is calling on Fiji and the Philippines to uphold and protect the rights of seafarers.
Smooth crew changes seen in the holidays | Manila Times – 10th Nov
Barring any sudden spike in the number of new Coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases, returning seafarers are likely to enjoy a more relaxed quarantine requirement and travel restrictions, especially in the coming Christmas holidays.
Bulk Carrier Crew Rescues Commercial Fishermen Off Monterey After Vessel Catches Fire | G Captain – 10th Nov
The crew of a Reederei Nord bulk carrier came to the rescue of seven commercial fishermen after their vessel caught fire approximately 350 miles west of Monterey, California.
Supply chain crisis gives once invisible shipping industry record profits and new adversaries | LA Times – 10th Nov
Exported from the International Trade City here, a wholesale market the size of 1,000 football fields, the toys for years have found their way across the world on ocean freight. But a once fast and cheap shipping network — accounting for 90% of global trade — has been upended by the pandemic and a supply chain crunch that has been roiling the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-11-10/china-global-shipping-supply-chain-crisis