Foss tugs bring USNS Mercy into Port of Los Angeles
As Donjon Marine began dredging operations to prepare a berth at New York City’s Manhattan Cruise Terminal for the U.S. Navy’s hospital ship USNS Comfort, on the other side of the country,
COVID-19
Ship manager offers solution to crew change crisis
Captain Rajesh Unni, founder and CEO of Singapore-headquartered ship manager Synergy Group, is proposing a solution to the seafarer welfare problem caused by coronavirus related restrictions on crew changes. He believes the
USCG issues MSIB on vessel inspections during coronavirus emergency
The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB 09-20) explaining the measures it is adopting during the COVID-19 outbreak with regard to vessel inspections, exams and documentation. The
FMC Commissioner comments on impact of coronavirus on the supply chain
In a statement released yesterday, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) said that its authorities and available services remain in place during the COVID-19 situation. It noted that some major tradelanes are currently
Class societies report uptick in use of remote surveys
The impact of coronavirus-related restrictions on access to ships has helped accelerate shipowners’ use of classification society remote survey services. Today, ABS reported that it is expanding its remote survey options for
Port State Control MoUs give guidance on enforcement during COVID-19 outbreak
The Tokyo and the Paris Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control have each given guidance to their member agencies on dealing with the impact of the coronavirus on ships’ abilities
WETA seeks emergency funding to maintain disaster response capabilities
The San Francisco Bay Area Water Emergency Transportation Authority (WETA), which operates the San Francisco Bay Ferry service, is seeking $4 million of emergency funding from regional, state and federal sources. The
More COVID-19 cases at major U.S. shipyards
On March 23 we reported that an employee of Huntington Ingalls Industries Ingalls Shipbuilding division had tested positive for the coronavirus. Yesterday, Ingalls said that it had been notified of an additional
Panama Canal adopts measures to guarantee sustained operations
Following a mandatory countrywide lockdown announced by the Panamanian Government to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the Panama Canal Authority has adopted new measures today to guarantee the continuity of its operation and
VIDEO: ISWAN gives seafarers guidance on managing mental health during COVID-19 restrictions
With seafarers unable to leave vessels for crew changes or unable to travel back to their home countries, the International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) has launched a new video featuring