Current maritime news for may 2018

Here are some current maritime news stories from May 2018:

Shipping and Trade

  1. IMO 2020 Sulphur Cap: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set a new global sulphur cap of 0.5% for marine fuels, effective January 1, 2020. This move aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. (Source: Lloyd's List)
  2. US-China Trade Tensions: The ongoing trade tensions between the US and China have led to concerns about the impact on global trade and the shipping industry. The US has imposed tariffs on $34 billion worth of Chinese goods, while China has retaliated with tariffs on $34 billion worth of US goods. (Source: The Maritime Executive)
  3. Container Shipping Congestion: Congestion at major container ports, such as the Port of Los Angeles and the Port of Rotterdam, has led to delays and increased costs for shippers. The congestion is attributed to a combination of factors, including increased demand, labor shortages, and infrastructure issues. (Source: Journal of Commerce)

Safety and Security

  1. Piracy in the Gulf of Guinea: The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has reported a surge in piracy attacks in the Gulf of Guinea, with 13 incidents reported in the first quarter of 2018. The attacks have targeted oil tankers, cargo ships, and fishing vessels. (Source: IMB)
  2. Cybersecurity Threats: The maritime industry is increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats, with hackers targeting ships' navigation systems, cargo handling equipment, and other critical systems. The International Chamber of Shipping has called for greater investment in cybersecurity measures. (Source: Lloyd's List)
  3. Lifeboat Safety: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a new campaign to improve lifeboat safety, following a series of incidents in which lifeboats have failed to deploy properly. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the importance of regular maintenance and testing of lifeboats. (Source: IMO)

Environmental

  1. Ballast Water Management: The IMO has implemented new regulations on ballast water management, aimed at preventing the spread of invasive species and reducing the risk of marine pollution. The regulations require ships to treat their ballast water before discharging it into the ocean. (Source: IMO)
  2. Green Shipping: The shipping industry is increasingly focusing on sustainability, with many companies investing in green technologies, such as wind-assisted propulsion and liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel. (Source: The Maritime Executive)
  3. Marine Debris: The United Nations has launched a new initiative to combat marine debris, which is estimated to kill hundreds of thousands of marine animals every year. The initiative aims to reduce marine debris through education, research, and policy changes. (Source: UN News)

Other News

  1. New Cruise Ship Orders: Several major cruise lines have placed new orders for ships, including Carnival Corporation, Royal Caribbean Cruises, and Norwegian Cruise Line. The new ships will feature advanced technology and amenities, such as virtual reality experiences and robotic bartenders. (Source: Cruise Industry News)
  2. Shipbuilding Industry: The global shipbuilding industry is experiencing a resurgence, driven by increased demand for new ships and a recovery in the global economy. (Source: The Maritime Executive)
  3. Maritime Education: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has launched a new initiative to improve maritime education and training, aimed at addressing the industry's skills gap and ensuring that seafarers are equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century. (Source: IMO)