Inside Trade: From Energy to Food, China-Russia Trade has Surged in Recent Years
China and Russia have grown increasingly close in recent years, including as trading partners, a relationship that brings both opportunities and risks as Russia reels from tough new sanctions led by the West in response to its invasion of Ukraine.Total trade between China and Russia jumped 35.9% last year to a record $146.9 billion, according to Chinese customs data, with Russia serving as a major source of oil, gas, coal and agriculture commodities, running a trade surplus with China.Since sanctions were imposed in 2014 after Russia annexed Ukraine's Crimea…
Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Ferries Hit by Cyber Attack
The operator of a ferry service to and from Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard and Woods Hole, Mass. said it was hit by a ransomware attack on Wednesday that continues to impact passenger bookings.The attack has prevented passengers from booking or changing reservations online or over the phone, local officials said, adding that credit card payment systems used to process ticket purchases and parking fees have also been affected."Scheduled trips to and from the islands continue to operate safely as scheduled, although some delays in the ticketing process may occur. Customers remain unable to book or change reservations online or by phone," the operator Steamship Authority said on Thursday.
Cruise Industry Compliance Tips: Facial Recognition Technology
In the past few years, the commercial use of facial recognition technology has advanced at an explosive rate, expanding into numerous industries and trades. For instance, facial biometrics is increasingly relied on by airlines and airports across the globe; a similar trend is starting to take hold in the maritime industry, particularly the cruise sector.While this expansion is occurring, states and cities across the country—as well as the federal government—are attempting to enact strict laws regulating the use of facial recognition technology by commercial entities.
US-China Cold War Would Redirect Energy Flows
Worsening diplomatic relations between the United States and China are putting a spotlight on their economic inter-dependency in the context of global supply chains for both technology and energy.Top policymakers in the United States and some of its closest allies, including Australia and Britain, have recently hardened the language in which they describe relations with China.China has been labelled a “strategic competitor” for some time but the country is increasingly described as a “strategic adversary” implying a more confrontational relationship.Complaints about unfair trade practices…
Plenty of Phish in the Sea
Advancement in broadband technologies and the move toward ‘Big Data’ will leave the maritime industry vulnerable to cyber-crime unless it develops a better awareness of ICT security and adopts security best practice, warns ESC Global Security’s head of cyber security division, Joseph Carson. “There is the potential for a major cyber attack on the maritime industry to significantly disrupt food and energy supplies given that shipping transports 90 percent of the world’s global trade.
Multi Service Corp Expands Service Staff
Since the launch of altivis in late-2007, Multi Service Corporation has expanded its marine services support and sales staff in order to satisfy market demand. Hal Fallert, Vice President of Multi Service Corporation – Marine Sales, has recently transferred from the electronics division of Multi Service to oversee the development and implementation of altivis domestic and international business strategies. His international operations management experience is expected to provide keen insight into the marine fuel buying market. Tabatha Kirke, a technical expert on the SEA Card open market program since 2005, brings her program management expertise to the altivis group.
