Business

Maersk and CMA CGM continue to take Cape of Good Hope route, away from Red Sea

Despite the recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, both companies will steer clear of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and instead will continue to sail around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope.

Published

2 months ago

January 27, 2025

Admin

Major shipping firms A.P. Moller - Maersk (Maersk) and CMA CGM recently issued notices on updates on their network routing regarding the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Maersk said despite Israel and Hamas recently agreeing to a ceasefire deal, Maersk will continue to sail around Africa via the Cape of Good Hope until safe passage through the area is ensured for the longer term, stating “the safety of our crew, vessels, and your cargo being our utmost priority”.

“The process to bring the current conflict between Israel and Hamas to an end is dependent on a multi-phased roadmap continuing to be met, and as such the predictability of the situation remains a complex challenge,” it said.

“Furthermore, due to the continued tensions in the region, the security risk of commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea and Bab-el-Mandeb strait remains high.”

Maersk said it has taken this decision to optimise stability and certainty across its customers’ supply chains.

“Returning to the area without fully ensuring safe passage could result in our networks needing to be adjusted again, which would prove complicated both operationally and indeed for supply chain management,” it added.

French shipping firm CMA CGM said the safety of its seafarers, vessels, and our customers’ cargo remains the CMA CGM Group’s utmost priority.

“Given the ongoing tensions and associated risks for commercial vessels in certain areas, CMA CGM will for time being continue to prioritise alternative routes, including a significant reliance on passage via the Cape of Good Hope,” it said.

“While this approach applies to the majority of our network, adjustments may be made on a case-by-case basis depending on security and global operational conditions.”

Photo credit: A.P. Moller - Maersk
Published: 27 January, 2025

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Safety

Singapore: MPA urges port users to stay vigilant during monsoon surge

Moderate to heavy showers and strong winds are expected from 19 to 21 March due to a north-east monsoon surge and as such, vessels must be properly secured for sea at all times, says MPA.

Published

14 hours ago

March 20, 2025

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The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) on Wednesday (19 March) has reminded owners, agents and masters of vessels to stay vigilant from 19 to 21 March due to a north-east monsoon surge.

“Moderate to heavy showers, and strong winds are expected during this period. Vessels must be properly secured for sea at all times,” MPA said in a port marine notice.

“The life-saving and firefighting equipment onboard must also be in good working condition and in accordance with the International Code for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) regulations,” it said.

“Crew members shall be familiar with all emergency procedures, especially when embarking and disembarking passengers during adverse weather conditions. Vessels should maintain safe speeds, observe International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs).”

Masters of vessels are reminded to keep a safe anchor watch.

Photo credit: Manifold Times
Published: 20 March, 2025

Alternative Fuels

Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

New vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong.

Published

15 hours ago

March 20, 2025

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Hong Kong-based Sun Ferry takes delivery of diesel-electric ferry “Xin Ming Zhu 30”

Global digital shipbuilder Incat Crowther on Wednesday (19 March) said Hong Kong-based ferry operator Sun Ferry has taken delivery of Xin Ming Zhu 30, a new, 35-metre diesel-electric ferry.

The new vessel, designed by Incat Crowther and constructed by Guangzhou-based shipbuilder AFAI Southern Shipyard, is the third vessel to join a fleet of seven new vessels designed by Incat Crowther for the mass transit operator.

The vessel will serve inter-island commuter and tourism operations across Hong Kong, connecting Peng Chau, Mui Wo, Chi Ma Wan and Cheung Chau.

The 300-seat passenger ferry boasts Veth azimuth thrusters that provide high manoeuvrability at operating speeds of 14 knots. The adoption of this technology makes the vessel suitable for berthing at piers on inter island routes.

The vessel is also fitted with 72 solar panels providing 7.5 kilowatts of on-board power.

Sam Mackay, Technical Manager at Incat Crowther, said: "This vessel reflects Sun Ferry’s commitment to future focused design solutions that not only meet operational needs, but that exceed customer expectations.”

“With diesel-electric propulsion, solar technology, and passenger-centric design, it sets a new benchmark for sustainable and efficient ferry services in Hong Kong.”

The delivery of the 35-metre hybrid vessel follows the delivery of two 45-metre conventional diesel-powered vessels to Sun Ferry. The final three vessels, all 45-metre vessels, will be delivered by the end of 2025. All vessels in the fleet have been designed by Incat Crowther and built by AFAI Southern Shipyard.

Photo credit: Incat Crowther
Published: 20 March, 2025

Biofuel

PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Company supplied the bio bunker fuel, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, to “BBC Lisbon” at Port of Aveiro on 3 March and to “ANNA” at Port of Leixões on 18 March.

Published

15 hours ago

March 20, 2025

Admin

PRIO delivers Eco Bunkers B30 to two cargo ships at ports in Portugal

Biofuels producer PRIO on Wednesday (19 March) said it carried out Eco Bunkers B30 fuel deliveries to shipping company Briese Chartering in collaboration with its partner UFS Unites Fuel Services this month.

On 3 March, PRIO supplied the biofuel to cargo vessel BBC Lisbon at the Port of Aveiro and to another cargo vessel, ANNA, at the Port of Leixões on 18 March.

“With these two Eco Bunkers B30 deliveries, a product containing 30% renewable raw materials, PRIO enabled Briese Chartering to reduce around 60 tons of CO2 in just two port calls in Portugal,” it said in a social media post.

“Produced at PRIO’s Aveiro plant, biodiesel has the potential to reduce GHG emissions by approximately 88% compared to fossil fuels.”

“PRIO has been demonstrating its commitment to decarbonising the maritime sector by supplying more sustainable products, ranging from 1% to 100% renewable content.”

Manifold Times previously reported PRIO launching its ECO Bunkers B30 biofuel in partnership with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and World Fuel Services.

PRIO previously launched ECO Bunkers B15, a green fuel for ships with 15% biodiesel and the company then launched a 20% biofuel blend, ECO Bunkers E20.

Photo credit: PRIO
Published: 20 March, 2025