MONITORSeptember 2019
www.maritimestudyforum.org July 2019 Table of Contents
Security and Diplomacy 01 Pakistan News Regional News Global News
Maritime Economy 05 Pakistan News Regional News Global News
Maritime Environment 08 Pakistan News Global News
Coastal Development 09 Pakistan News Regional News Global News
Law and Policy 10 Pakistan News Regional News Global News
www.maritimestudyforum.org Maritime Study Forum Monitor September 2019
Maritime Security and Diplomacy
Pakistan News
Ali Zaidi Lauds Role of Pakistan Navy in Maritime Sector & Global Maritime Peace Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Zaidi held a meeting with Naval Chief Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi in Islamabad on Sep 13th. According to the spokesman for Pakistan Navy, maritime affairs were discussed in the meeting.1
Pak Navy Ship Alamgir Visits Oman
The Pakistan Navy Ship, Alamgir, with embarked Alouette helicopter, visited Port Salalah, Oman, as part of overseas deployment for Regional Maritime Security Patrols (RMSP) aimed at ensuring safety and security of international shipping along critical choke points.2
Turkey Kicks Off Construction of Warship for Pakistan Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Sep 30th attended a dual ceremony commissioning a new Turkish naval ship while starting construction of a ship for the Pakistan Navy.3
Germany Acknowledges Pak Navy Efforts for Maritime Security The Chief of German Navy called on Pakistan’s Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, at Naval Headquarters in Islamabad on Sep 30th. During the meeting different matters of joint interest including bilateral were discussed.4
1 http://www.radio.gov.pk/13-09-2019/ali-zaidi-lauds-role-of-pakistan-navy-in-maritime-sector-global-maritime-peace
2 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/526825-pak-navy-ship-alamgir-visits-oman
3 https://tribune.com.pk/story/2068365/1-turkeys-erdogan-inaugurates-construction-warship-pakistan-navy/
4 https://www.aaj.tv/english/latest/germany-acknowledges-pak-navy-efforts-for-maritime-security/
Security and Diplomacy 01 Monitor September 2019 Maritime Study Forum Monitor September 2019
Maritime Security and Diplomacy
Regional News
Japan Won’t Join U.S.-led Maritime Coalition in the Gulf Japan will not join a U.S.-led security mission to protect merchant vessels passing through key Middle Eastern waterways, but will 5 consider deploying its naval force independently.
At Sea, Safety Is Just as Important as Security The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) has made “Maritime Safety and Security” a priority area of focus, but almost all attention has been focused on the security element. Safety arrangements for maritime cooperation remain underdeveloped.6
Chennai Handles Biggest Box Ship DP World Chennai recently handled the 299m long CMA CGM Rhône. This is the largest container vessel to berth at a port in South and South East India, and the company says its arrival shows that the Chennai Container Terminal is helping to expand opportunities to grow regional trade.7
India, Singapore and Thailand Enhance Naval Interoperability with Inaugural Maritime Drills The navies of India, Singapore and Thailand have started shore-based activities under the inaugural trilateral maritime drills among the three countries known as Exercise ‘SITMEX’.8
Indian Naval Chief Places 3-Point Proposal The Indian Navy Admiral urged Bangladesh to further enhance cooperation in the field of information sharing, production of equipment and shipbuilding.9
5 https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-iran-japan/japan-wont-join-us-led-maritime-coalition-in-gulf-newspaper-idUKKCN1VO02N
6 http://www.lowyinterpreter.org/the-interpreter/at-sea-safety-just-important-security
7 https://www.themaritimestandard.com/chennai-handles-biggest-box-ship/
8 https://www.janes.com/article/91315/india-singapore-thailand-enhance-naval-interoperability-with-inaugural-maritime-drills
9 http://www.newagebd.net/article/85307/indian-naval-chief-places-3-point-proposal
01 Security and Diplomacy 02 Monitor September 2019 Maritime Study Forum Monitor September 2019
Maritime Security and Diplomacy
Global News
Warships and Aircraft Ready for First US-ASEAN Maritime Drills Eight warships, four aircraft and more than a thousand personnel from the US and Southeast Asian countries join the drill.10
South China Sea: Beijing Risks Infuriating Vietnam as It Eyes Oil and Gas Reserve China has appeared to be keeping its eye on Vietnam’s oil and gas reserve as it moved a huge crane vessel near to its southern neigh- bour’s coast.11
Iran Coast Guards Seize Ship with Filipino Crew for Smuggling Oil Iranian coast guards seized control of a foreign ship for allegedly smuggling Iranian oil. The coast guards seized the ship carrying about 284 thousand litres of smuggled Iranian oil near the Strait of Hormuz.12
Heavy Traffic in South China Sea: US Vies with China in Joint Naval Drills with ASEAN Members Since 2018, China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have actually held at least three joint naval exercises.13
China, Malaysia Seek to Resolve South China Sea Disputes with New Dialogue Mechanism China and Malaysia have agreed to set up a joint dialogue mechanism for discussing South China Sea issues at a time of simmering tensions between Beijing and its neighbors over the disputed waterway.14
10 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/warships-aircraft-ready-asean-maritime-drills
11 https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1174520/south-china-sea-news-latest-vietnam-oil-gas-islands-crane-vessel
12 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190908-iran-coast-guards-seize-foreign-ship-for-smuggling-oil/?fbclid=IwAR0aAZJqmjEE0e5Hc-ZqNi2tGhlCGfd1mpTeuJRgvVc8Slx4D3yLyK4Z-
13 https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3026142/heavy-traffic-south-china-sea-us-vies-china-joint-naval-drills 14 https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3026957/china-malaysia-seek-resolve-south-china-sea-disputes-new
02 Security and Diplomacy 03 Monitor September 2019 Maritime Study Forum Monitor September 2019
Maritime Security and Diplomacy
Global News
Why the US and Its Allies Should Keep ASEAN at the Center
For the US and its allies, the rise of ASEAN as a significant economic power will help to bring greater symmetry and balance to managing this critical period of transition in the Indo-Pacific region.15
Houthis Stopping Oil Tankers Is a Threat to Maritime Security
The Iran-backed Houthi militias’ refusal to implement a legitimate Yemen government order on collecting customs fees on all oil derivative revenues at Hodeidah port has led the halt of ten vessels in the Red Sea.16
Iran Detains Gulf Vessel over Fuel Smuggling to UAE A ship allegedly smuggling diesel fuel to the United Arab Emirates has been detained by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps naval forces.17
Saudi Arabia Joins US Maritime Operation in Persian Gulf after Oil Attacks The Saudi government has decided to join the U.S. led maritime coalition in the Gulf. The Saudi government defended its decision by saying it must “deter and counter threats in the global maritime trade routes.”.18
US Ready to Stand Up to Chinese Challenge in Indo-Pacific Assistant Secretary, East Asian and Pacific Affairs, State Department, told a Senate Foreign Relations Committee that Beijing’s maritime force has been trying to intimidate Vietnam and other ASEAN countries away from developing oil and gas resources in the South China Sea.19
15 http://www.lowyinstitute.org/the-interpreter/why-us-and-its-allies-should-keep-asean-centre
16 https://www.albawaba.com/news/do-houthis-stoppage-oil-tankers-threat-maritime-security-1308746
17 https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/iran-detains-gulf-vessel-over-fuel-smuggling-uae-iranian-media
18 https://www.dw.com/en/saudi-arabia-joins-us-maritime-operation-in-persian-gulf-after-oil-attacks/a-50469817
19 https://www.outlookindia.com/newsscroll/amp/us-ready-to-stand-up-to-chinese-challenge-in-indopacific/1622747 03 Security and Diplomacy 04 Monitor September 2019 Maritime Study Forum Monitor September 2019
Maritime Economy
Pakistan News
Pakistan Needs to Focus on Developing Seaports Logistics and transportation infrastructure in a country is not only important for the local small scale business but also helps in expediting national exports.20
What’s Next to CPEC?
The ending of the first phase of CPEC is just a beginning of renaissance for Pakistan. There is more to come. The dawn of the second phase of CPEC is just around the corner and it will be focused on socio-economic development.21
Tax Holiday for Gwadar Port Brings It at Par with Dubai and Singapore Pakistan has decided to declare its deep-sea port of Gwadar a duty-free zone along the lines of the Dubai and Singapore models.22
Govt Incentivizes Private Sector to Boost Shipping Sector The government has approved the new tax incentive policy for private companies so that it could help boost the maritime sector of the country and generate more employment for seafarers.23
CPEC and Gwadar The development of Gwadar port and a Naval Base at Ormara has significantly improved Pakistan’s overall strategic posture with respect to the perennial Indian threat by providing it the much-needed strategic depth.24
20 https://tribune.com.pk/story/2047167/2-pakistan-needs-focus-developing-seaports/
21 https://dailytimes.com.pk/458876/whats-next-to-cpec/
22 https://www.arabnews.com/node/1548496/pakistan
23 https://www.urdupoint.com/en/business/govt-incentivizes-private-sector-to-boost-shi-715592.html
24 https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2019/09/16/cpec-and-gwadar/
04 Maritime Economy 05 Maritime Study Forum Monitor September 2019
Maritime Economy
Regional News
PM Modi’s Russian Visit: Maritime Route Connecting Chennai with Vladivostok to be Explored
India and Russia are expected to firm up a five-year roadmap for deeper cooperation in the oil and gas sector apart from sealing a raft of agreements in several key areas.25
India to Go Ahead with $3.1 bn US Deal for Maritime Patrol Aircraft India is set to go to a deal with the U.S. of almost $3.1 billion, to acquire a maritime aircraft for the Navy that will add to its surveillance capabilities in the Indian Ocean Region.26
Regional Security Key to Flourishing Blue Economy in Indian Ocean Iran’s Foreign Minister stressed that the Indian Ocean region is facing many challenges including piracy and human trafficking and the blue economy could be flourished only through the security and stability of the entire region.27
25 http://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2019/sep/02/pm-modis-russian-visit-maritime-route-connecting-chennai-with-vladivostok-to-be-explored-2028025.html
26 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/india-to-go-ahead-with-3-1-bn-us-deal-for-maritime-patrol-aircraft/articleshow/70986634.cms
27 https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2019/09/05/2090976/regional-security-key-to-flourishing-blue economy-in-indian-ocean-zarif
Maritime Economy 06 Maritime Study Forum Monitor September 2019
Maritime Economy
Global News
Study Claims UK’s Sinking Maritime Position Has Cost It $1.4 bn Over the Past Two Years A new report released by the PWC, commissioned by the lobbying group Maritime London, claims the UK has lost $1.4 billion in its potential maritime-related GVA (gross value added) to the national economy over the last two years.28
OECD Calls for Reform of ‘Ineffective’ Maritime Subsidies Maritime subsidies issued by some of the largest economies to the shipping industry have had a limited impact according to new research from the OECD which argues that they need to be reformed.29
Dynagas LNG Secures $675 mn Term Loan
Dynagas LNG Partners, LP, announced that it has entered into definitive documentation with leading international banks for a syndicated $675 million senior secured term loan.30
28 https://splash247.com/study-claims-uks-sinking-maritime-position-has-cost-it-1-4bn-over-the-past-two-years/
29 https://theloadstar.com/oecd-calls-for-reform-of-ineffective-maritime-subsidies/
30 https://seanews.co.uk/news/financial/dynagas-lng-secures-675-mn-term-loan/
Maritime Economy 07 Maritime Study Forum Monitor September 2019
Maritime Environment
Pakistan News
Blood Vials, Needles Washed Up on Karachi Beach Tons of hazardous medical wastes, syringes and blood vials have been washed up on the beaches of Clifton.31
Global News
Wildlife Trafficking in Africa Poses Risk to Maritime Companies Threats and insecurities in the maritime are always exploited by criminal traffickers in the African ports.32
New Fuel to Get Sea Freight Environmentally Shipshape The cargo ships will now start using less polluting fuels in January, a boon to the environment that could, however, lead to higher bills for consumers.33
Hydrogen Drives Zero-Emissions Tug Hydrogen can be consumed as the future fuel for the tugs as green alternative to diesel and LNG. However, it is not tested on vessels. Hydrogen fuel does not produce carbon, sulphur or nitrogen oxides, making it an extremely clean fuel.34
31 https://gulfnews.com/world/asia/pakistan/needles-blood-vials-wash-up-on-karachi-beach-1.66185970
32 https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/wildlife-trafficking-in-africa-poses-risk-to-maritime-companies 33 https://www.pakistantoday.com.pk/2019/09/04/new-fuel-to-get-sea-freight-environmentally-shipshape/
34 https://www.rivieramm.com/opinion/hydrogen-has-a-future-for-tug-zero-emissions-56336
07 Maritime Environment 08 Maritime Study Forum Monitor September 2019
Coastal Development
Pakistan News
Karachi Coastline to be Placed under CDA Jurisdiction For the very first time Karachi will be legally under the jurisdiction of the Coastal Development Authority (CDA) of Sindh.35
COPHC to Plant One Million Trees in Gwadar The COPHC Chairman said, “The government wants to see Gwadar a fully green established city that could serve as a benchmark for other cities in Pakistan and be an example globally.” 36
Regional News
Two Shipyard Workers Killed in Chittagong Two workers at a Chittagong shipbreaking yard were killed on 2nd Sept. The victims were killed immediately when they fell from height, three to five others were injured and were taken to a local hospital for treatment. 37
China Trawlers in Arabian Sea, Security Agencies Flag Concern
According to Indian sources, some 500 Chinese fishing trawlers are noticed annually in the Arabian Sea and sometimes they are very close to the international sea lanes of communication (SLOC), demarcated areas in sea through which trade, cargo, crude oil and gas tankers ply.38
Global News Coastal and Maritime Tourism Market Is Set to Experience Revolutionary Growth by 2024 This coastal and maritime tourism market study provides comprehensive data which enhances the understanding, scope and application of this report.39
35 https://tribune.com.pk/story/2047954/1-karachi-coastline-placed-cda-jurisdiction/
36 https://tribune.com.pk/story/2049453/1-cophc-plant-one-million-trees-gwadar/
37 https://www.maritime-executive.com/article/two-shipyard-workers-killed-in-chittagong
38 https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/china-trawlers-in-arabian-sea-security-agencies-flag-concern/829871.html 39 https://www.ccsentinel.com/life-style/coastal-and-maritime-tourism-market-is-set-to-experience-revolutionary-growth-by-2024-with-major-key-players-carnival-corporation-royal-caribbean-norwegian-cruise-lines/
Coastal Development 09 Maritime Study Forum Monitor September 2019
Maritime Law and Policy
Pakistan News
Approved Concessions: Law Minister Asked to Decide on Legal Course The federal cabinet has directed the Minister for Law & Justice to hold a meeting with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Ministry of Maritime Affairs, and decide on legal course to be adopted to notify the approved concessions.40
Gwadar Port and Gwadar Free Zone: FBR Accused of Backing out from Agreed Incentives Ministry of Maritime Affairs (MoMA) has accused the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) of backing out from agreed incentives for Gwadar Port and Gwadar Free Zone, two key projects of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).41
Regional News
India’s Strategic Outreach to the Maldives The two nations signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) on criminal matters with the objective to enhance effectiveness in investigation and prosecution of crime through cooperation.43
Global News
Iraq to UN: Kuwait Is Altering Our Maritime Borders Iraq complained in an official letter to the UN Security Council about the State of Kuwait, accusing it of pursuing a policy of imposing geographical changes in the maritime borders between the two countries.44
39 https://www.ccsentinel.com/life-style/coastal-and-maritime-tourism-market-is-set-to-experience-revolutionary-growth-by-2024-with-major-key-players-carnival-corporation-royal-caribbean-norwegian-cruise-lines/
40 https://fp.brecorder.com/2019/09/20190924520149/
41 https://fp.brecorder.com/2019/09/20190916518091/
42 https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/09/opinion/indias-strategic-outreach-to-maldives/
43 https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20190904-iraq-complains-a-gulf-state-to-un-security-council/
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