CLIA: Any Action to Limit Cruising is Unwarranted
A cruise industry trade association has hit back at reports speculating that the U.S. government may move to discourage some travelers from taking cruises as part of a broader Trump administration effort to limit the spread of coronavirus."Any action to restrict cruising is unwarranted, and at odds with the World Health Organization which 'continues to advise against the application of travel or trade restrictions to countries experiencing COVID-19 outbreaks'…
US Considers Discouraging Cruise Travel
The United States is considering ways to discourage U.S. travelers from taking cruises as part of a broader Trump administration effort to limit the spread of coronavirus, according to four officials familiar with the situation.The officials, who asked to remain anonymous, said no decision had been made. The discussions were taking place ahead of a meeting this weekend between Vice President Mike Pence, who is in charge of leading the U.S.
Euronav Acquires VLCC Newbuild
Belgian tanker owner Euronav said Friday it has entered into an agreement to acquire a resale very large crude carrier (VLCC) for $93 million.The modern eco-tanker is currently under construction at the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) shipyard in South Korea and is due for delivery early in the first quarter of 2021, Euronav said.The vessel is identical to a trio of sister ships Euronav…
Video: Coronavirus Test Kits Flown to Grand Princess
Coronavirus test kits were delivered at sea on Thursday to an ocean liner barred from returning to port in San Francisco after at least 35 people developed flu-like symptoms aboard the vessel, which has been linked to two other confirmed cases of COVID-19.The diagnostic sampling kits were flown by helicopter to the cruise ship Grand Princess, which California Governor Gavin Newsom has said would be…
Adam Goldstein Leaves Royal Caribbean
Longtime cruise industry executive Adam Goldstein has left Royal Caribbean Cruises after more than 30 years with the company.Goldstein was most recenlty Vice Chairman of RCL from 2018. From 2014 to 2018, he served as President & COO and from 2007 to 2014, he was President & CEO of the Royal Caribbean International brand. Goldstein has been with RCL since 1988.Goldstein will continue to serve as Chair of the trade group Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
CMA CGM: Virus Impact Limited as China Activity Resumes
French shipping group CMA CGM said its operations in China were returning to normal after the coronavirus outbreak crippled traffic last month, forecasting the health emergency would have a limited impact on its results this year.CMA CGM, the world's fourth-largest container shipping firm, expects to return to normal fleet capacity in China from mid-March after seeing signs of industrial production picking up as of late February…
Bath Iron Works Begins Building Next US Navy Destroyer
Shipbuilder Bath Iron Works (BIW) has officially started construction of the future USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG 126), the U.S. Navy announced. The new warship will be the first Arleigh Burke-class destroyer built in the Flight III configuration at BIW.The milestone was marked by a ceremony on Tuesday at General Dynamics BIW's structural fabrication facility in Brunswick, Maine.Flight III destroyers…
KR Certifies First Cyber Security Compliant Vessel
Korean Register (KR) has completed a comprehensive cyber security survey of the chemical/oil tanker SONGA HAWK and has certified the ship to be fully compliant in all areas, the very first ship to achieve the certification.Songa Ship management manages and operates 18 chemical/oil tankers and five semi-submersible vessels. The company signed a cyber security contract (valid for five years) with KR in 2018…
Baltic Index Posts 4th Weekly Gain
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index rose on Friday to its highest in more than six weeks, marking the fourth straight weekly gain, as earnings increased across all vessel categories.The Baltic index, which tracks rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels that ferry dry bulk commodities, increased by 18 points, or 3%, to 617, its highest since Jan. 22.The index climbed more than 15% this week…
Meyer Turku Partners with University of Turku
Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku Oy said it has signed a strategic partnership agreement with the University of Turku, with the objective to develop and strengthen education and research in engineering.The partnership agreement increases student projects, theses, as well as teaching events, expert lectures and workshops between the university and shipyard. The employment opportunities offered by Meyer Turku in marine industry will become more visible on campus.