Key Issues

Shipowners express concern at increasing violence of pirate attacks on crews

The number of ship’s crew members being kidnapped in the Gulf of Guinea increased by 50% in 2019 and this year has begun with a further escalation of violence, armed robbery and kidnaping.

Ships may face more than 30% higher costs under new Panama Canal Authority measures

The Panama Canal Authority has said it will impose a ‘Freshwater Charge’ on ships passing through the canal from 15th February.

Myanmar fights against transnational illicit trade

Myanmar encounters illicit trade valued at US$6.4 billion every year. In response, the Myanmar government has stepped up its efforts to combat illicit trade.

Clean Arctic Alliance calls on IMO to regulate HFO, black carbon

The Clean Arctic Alliance is calling on IMO Member States to take measures against the use of heavy fuel oil and reduce black carbon emissions from shipping in the Arctic.

46K people petition to suspend cruise ships in Alaska

Clean Up Carnival Coalition delivered a petition signed by 46,000 people to the National Park Service, calling for the suspension of Carnival Corporation’s cruise ship permits in Glacier Bay National Park.

90% of end-of-life vessels dismantled at Bangladesh, India, Pakistan

674 ocean-going commercial ships and offshore units were sold to scrap yards in 2019. 469 were broken down on only three beaches in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, amounting to about 90% of the gross tonnage dismantled globally. Yet, these three countries have the worst safety record.

Dutch shippers willing to pay more for biofuel

Shippers are willing to pay for goods by individual container if these containers are transported in a greener, more sustainable manner

What's important now.

Let’s focus.

Corruption still a serious problem in Asia

Many countries see economic openness as a way forward, however, governments across the region continue to restrict participation in public affairs, silence dissenting voices and keep decision-making out of public scrutiny.

india cracks down on fake seafarer certificate

The BIGGEST Fake Certificate Scam

India’s 3,762 seafarers are found to obtain fake certificates from five training institutes without completing the necessary training.

Anti-corruption efforts stagnating in G7 countries

Analysis reveals corruption more pervasive in countries where money influences political power.

New report alleges underestimated methane emissions from LNG ships

A new report found that the most popular LNG ship engine, particularly for cruise ships, emits between 70% and 82% more life-cycle GHG emissions over the short-term compared to clean distillate fuels.

Rising sea levels a direct threat to economic growth

Projected annual global economy-wide losses can amount to more than 4%.

Transparency is the antidote to corruption

Being transparent is increasingly seen by society as a prerequisite to becoming a good corporate citizen. Lee Kok Leong, executive editor, Maritime Fairtrade, reports

150 containers of plastic waste sent back to rich countries

Strict enforcement at key Malaysian ports successfully blocked smuggling of waste .

Piracy increases in Singapore Strait

There was an increase of piracy in the Singapore Strait in 2019 to 31 incidents from 7 in 2018.

Cyber, climate top risks in 2020

Preparing and planning for cyber and climate change risks is both a matter of competitive advantage and business resilience.

Biofuels are under-utilized in maritime sector

Sustainable biofuels currently available are under-utilized but could potentially meet shipping’s energy needs of today.

Korea considers raising marine insurance premiums

The Korean Reinsurance Company and other marine insurers are keeping a close eye on the ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran as they face worsening profitability.

IMO commits to further action on gender equality

Member States of the International Maritime Organization have urged further firm action in coming years to advance gender equality.

Indian authority fails in enforcing shipbreaking labor law

Conditions for shipbreaking workers at the beach of Alang, India, have not improved. There are continued serious breaches and a lack of effective enforcement of national laws.

Global ban on exporting hazardous wastes to developing countries

The Basel Ban Amendment, adopted by the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal in 1995, became international law in December 2019.

Abandoned seafarers still in limbo

10 Kenyan seafarers flew out to Mozambique in August to board a ship on a long voyage to Iran. Four months down the line, the 10 crew members are still in the port of Pemba, Mozambique, apparently abandoned by their employer.