COVID-19 and Supply Chain Implications for Ocean Shipping
Only 10 days ago, reports indicated that China cargoes were returning to pre-coronavirus levels, and there appeared to be light at the end of the tunnel. Today, however, a barrage of new headlines has underscored the impact on the rapidly changing global supply chain, including in the United States. In addition to the aggressive spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), new economic developments indicate a decreased trend in global manufacturing. Changes in local economies negatively impacting employees reflect corresponding changes in consumer buying patterns.
Asahi MOL Tankers Established
Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) and the marine transportation services provider Asahi Tanker Co have launched a new MR product tankers pool with a fleet of about 25 ships.The new pool, named Asahi MOL Tankers and headquartered in Republic of the Marshall Islands, will also launch MR product tankers that will be assigned to the pool.MR stands for Medium Range and refers to product tankers in the 45,000-55,000 deadweight ton class. This ship type has great versatility in transporting petroleum products such as gasoline, naphtha, gas oil, and jet fuel, and is in high demand around the world."The pool will own a fleet of about 25 vessels and allocate them mainly to Asia and Oceania from the three centers of Tokyo, Singapore, and London.
Ice-Breaking LNG Carrier for Yamal LNG Project Named Vladimir Rusanov
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced that on December 21, a naming ceremony for an ice-breaking LNG carrier, which was jointly ordered by MOL and China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited (China COSCO Shipping), was held at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME). As a crowd of VIPs and personnel related to the project looked on, the newbuilding vessel was named the "Vladimir Rusanov" by Ms. Veronika Makeeva of PAO Novatek, the major shareholder of the Yamal LNG project. The name is derived from Russian Arctic explorer and geologist. The Vladimir Rusanov is the first of three newbuilding vessels for MOL and China COSCO Shipping's fleets in the Yamal LNG Project.
Horizon Lines Presented Award
Horizon Lines Inc.received Toyota Logistics Excellence Award for Quality in Export Marine for its outstanding quality performance. Specifically noted by Toyota Logistics was Horizon's proficiency in the design and execution of its damage prevention program which delivered an over 70% reduction in damage incidents. Horizon Lines provides container loading and ocean transport services for Toyota's vehicles between the continental U.S. and Hawaii. March 28th were Brian Taylor, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing and Charles W. Brown III, General Manager, Western Region Sales for Horizon Lines. Chief Coordinating Officer of Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A.…
