MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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The MISSION of The Merchant Navy Association is to bring all serving and retired Seafarers together in a spirit of companionship, consideration and commitment towards a united lobby for the Community of the Sea Hi Shipmates, Please find below more snippets of information since circular #14 was published 29th July 2020. My thanks to MNA National Secretary, Pete Sinke’s daily publication “Maasmond Maritime - Shipping News Clippings”, Lloyds List, gCaptain, Maritime London, Flashlight and many others from the T’internet, not forgetting the items sent in by Readers and any other source I can access.
MNA National Contact Points National Secretary, David Parsons = Email: [email protected] Tel: 01935 414 765
Welfare & Events, Tim Brant, - Tel: 01733 205001, Email : [email protected]
National Membership Secretary, Roy Glencross - Mobile: 07738 425875 Email: [email protected]
MNA Slop Chest, The Supply Officer:- Sandra Broom [email protected] Tel 0121 244 0190 If you call her, it may go to an answerphone. Please leave a message and she will call you.
Change of Address???? If any member has changed any of their contact details (Postal, E- mail or Telephone) it is important that you inform the following people by email:- [email protected], [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Please Note the Change of Contact Details of the above ______
MSC HANNAH arriving at Greenock over the weekend. Her new scrubber unit isn’t very pretty at all. Photo : Tommy Bryceland. SCOTLAND © ______1 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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We are pleased to say we are now able to offer our supporters the facility to make donations via our Just Giving page. This is a secure means of making payments and enables us to claim Gift Aid from the Treasury. Go to www.justgiving.com Click on ‘Search' at the top right- hand side and type in Merchant Navy Association. ______Owners rebuke crewing agents and airlines as stranded seafarers rise By : Michelle Wiese Bockmann INTERCARGO has targeted crewing agents and airlines as key contributors to the unresolved crewing crisis that has left 300,000 seafarers stranded at sea and unable to be repatriated. Describing the situation as reaching “farcical proportions”, chairman Dimitris Fafalios said Seafarer Employment Agreements had expired for about 35% to 40% of seafarers currently on ships. Of these, 10% had served between 12 and 17 months, far beyond the nine-month industry standard and in excess of international maritime labour convention limits. Airlines’ unwillingness to make flights available between shipping destinations and crew source countries was one of two key bottlenecks, Mr Fafalios said. The second bottleneck came from health and immigration authorities who failed to recognise United Nations protocols for crew changes, which designated them as key workers. Mr Fafalios is the second high-profile shipping executive to publicly shame airlines for not doing enough to redress the crisis by expanding flights, and to target crewing agencies for a lack of vigilance over coronavirus- positive crew. Singapore Shipping Association executive director Michael Phoon said earlier this month that airlines were not doing enough and must schedule additional commercial flights to enable repatriation. Intercargo reminded airlines that the shipping industry provided them with “great economic support” through seafarer, superintendent, specialist technician and surveyor travel before the pandemic saw countries invoke immigration and travel restrictions. “Hundreds of thousands or even more than a million tickets annually provided a significant economic boost to airlines globally,” the release said. “Intercargo reminds airlines not to forget seafarers during these difficult times.” The association, which represents a quarter of the world’s dry bulk fleet, also called for crewing agents to be more vigilant when supplying replacement crew. “Recent occurrences of Covid-19 positive crew being allowed to travel from their home countries cannot be condoned by Intercargo as it puts seafarers on board and civilians at risk,” said Mr Fafalios. Intercargo vice-chairman Spyros Tarasis said problems lay with the airlines, visas and health authorities. “Nothing is being done, and very soon the shipping industry 2 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
The Pulse itself may well be obliged/forced to stop the trading of cargoes essential for welfare and sustaining the smooth running of societies worldwide.” In a setback for shipowners and shipmanagers, Singapore and Hong Kong recently reimposed restrictive policies limiting crew changes after some seafarers tested positive, or falsified coronavirus tests. In Hong Kong publicity linking seafarers to a second outbreak of the virus intensified pressure on governments to tighten protocols that had enabled easier passage. “It is not the rigorous controls that are impeding crew changes, it is the people,” Mr Phoon told Lloyd’s List in an earlier interview. “There are (seafarers) who have declared they’re self-isolating but actually they’re not, they’re having a fun time partying at a pub and drinking before they board a ship and they bring the infection on board. “They (policy makers) say that the companies should have a second layer of testing before they board the ship to catch them, but that is not the answer because the problem is the crew mentality. ”He added: “If I am a very responsible manning and crewing company and if you were due for a roster and to be signing on, I would need to make sure that you stay in isolation.
“I would check up on you. If you have a smartphone I would want you to turn on your location and I am going to call you every day to make sure you are where you say you are. And if you’re not, then you’re not rostered for duty, you lose your income. ”Lloyd’s List contacted the Geneva-based lobby group for commercial airlines, the International Air Transport Association on July 15, asking for a response to shipowners and shipmanagers’ concerns about flight co-ordination and communication. IATA has yet to respond to this email or subsequent phone or email messages. Intercargo said countries who did not recognise seafarers as key workers bore responsibility for the inhumane situation at sea. “Some governments are not facilitating the crew change even for their own citizens,’’ it said. “This includes imposing all possible restrictions on crew change in their home country, restricting flights and applying policies which do not allow seafarers to fly to foreign countries to join ships. “It is a sad story and it can’t continue like this unless port states who export/import cargoes ensure that ships will not depart with seafarers serving over the Maritime Labour Convention limit. “More and more countries are prohibiting crew change, though they welcome the cargoes the ships bring to support the welfare of their society.” Source : lloydslist
______Seafarers UK Appoints new Board of Trustees Chair Paul Butterworth was appointed Chair of Seafarers UK on 7th July at the charity’s Annual Meeting, after serving as a Trustee for three years. He is a Partner and Head of the Maritime & Shipping Practice at the global executive search firm Odgers Berndtson, based in their London office. Mirroring the global nature of shipping, Paul works in the UK and international markets across all areas of the sector including both shipping and maritime services. A passionate sailor, Paul has 28 years’ experience of the maritime sector, 15 of which have been in executive search. This builds upon a first career that saw him serving at sea, where he enjoyed two ship Commands in the Royal Navy. He trained at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth and has an LLB (Hons) Law degree from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth. A Younger Brother of Trinity House and Member of the Nautical Institute, Paul is also a Liveryman and Court Assistant of the Worshipful Company of Shipwrights, sitting on its Nominations Committee. Paul Butterworth succeeds Vice-Admiral Peter Wilkinson, who chaired Seafarers UK’s Board of Trustees for 10 years, during which the charity increased its support for seafarers in the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets, while taking care not to neglect Naval Service beneficiaries. Commenting upon his appointment, Paul said ‘I am deeply honoured to be taking the helm of the Seafarers UK General Council, particularly during this year’s Seafarers Awareness Week. Over the last few months, the plight of stranded seafarers has gained increasing visibility and the work of Seafarers UK has never been so needed since our founding in 1917.’ Seafarers UK website URL: https//www.seafarers.uk ______3 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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MSC Palak Container Incident in South Africa Mediterranean Shipping Company is actively responding to the loss of a number of containers overboard from the cargo ship MSC PALAK after the vessel was caught in rough weather while at anchorage The MSC PALAK – Photo : Henk Nagelhout © near the Port of Nqgura (Coega) in South Africa late on 14 July 2020. According to a preliminary assessment, 22 containers were missing and presumed to have fallen overboard into the sea. These containers were mainly filled with biodegradable cargo and no dangerous or polluting cargo was spilled overboard. MSC is in contact with local authorities to provide them with all necessary information about the contents of the missing containers and surveyors were already quickly appointed to search for the missing containers. MSC is appointing experienced response companies to conduct further investigations and salvage operations.MSC understands that soon after the incident the South African Maritime Safety Authority issued a warning notice in relation to this incident and Coega port was temporarily closed to ensure the safety of other vessels operating in the area. MSC PALAK has subsequently returned to Coega where it was berthed for further surveys. Source : Steelguru
______Indonesia makes more arrests in sailor's torture killing AFP/ANDARU Indonesian police have charged four more people in connection with the alleged torturing to death of an Indonesian crew member found in a freezer aboard a Chinese fishing vessel, authorities said Monday (Jul 27). They were executives at Indonesian recruitment agencies which hire locals - such as 20-year-old Hasan Apriadi, who died last Suspects (in white striped shirts), allegedly linked to the month - to work on Chinese ships, police said. A death of an Indonesian sailor aboard a Chinese fishing Chinese supervisor on the LU HUANG YUAN YU vessel face a wall when presented to the media during a 118 vessel has been charged in Apriadi's death and for police press conference in Batam assaulting other Indonesian crew. In all, six recruiting agency bosses are now facing human-trafficking charges, including allegations they lied to dozens of Indonesians placed aboard Chinese fishing vessels by saying that they would be working as waiters or staff in retail stores overseas, police said. "The suspects engaged in illegal recruitment and deceived the victims with false promises," said Arie Dharmanto, director of the general crimes unit for Indonesia's Riau Islands province. The suspects also face charges that they knowingly put the crew members at risk, and could be hit with a maximum life sentence if found guilty, according to police. Anti-trafficking experts say the fishing industry is riddled with forced labour and exploited workers face non-payment, overwork, violence and death. Southeast Asia is a major source of such labour and unscrupulous recruiters target the poor and uneducated with promises of good wages at sea. Earlier this month two Chinese boats were intercepted in the Malacca Strait, which separates Indonesia and Malaysia, after authorities received information that a crew member had died aboard one of the vessels. They later found Apriadi's frozen body on the vessel and arrested Chinese national Song Chuanyun. Authorities said that Song allegedly had forced the victim to work despite being ill. They said he tortured the Indonesian and deprived him of food or water for several days before he died in late June. Source: channelnewsasia ______Hydrogen’s Future May Follow Path Blazed by Natural Gas ______4 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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'NOT WANTED ON VOYAGE' I have heard that one of our members has been working on a trilogy of memoirs regarding our lives at sea. He has managed, with help, to get the first one self-published on Amazon and at this stage just on Kindle. IF, and a big IF, it does sell, he hopes to publish it in paperback. The first one is called 'NOT WANTED ON VOYAGE' under the alias of Peter Langton. It basically covers the years from 1967 t0 1982 and is a collection of not only his but the experiences of others in those halcyon days of mainline voyaging, a time many would not even have experienced. Be aware that there are another couple of books on Amazon with the same title, so it needs to be the the one by Peter Langton. Source:- Zak ______Carnival Fantasy Ends Final Voyage By Doug Parker Carnival Fantasy ended her final voyage Tuesday morning when she arrived at her final resting place. After months of speculation about the ship’s fate — and only days after Carnival Cruise Line confirmed it had been sold — the FANTASY dropped anchor one last time in Aliaga, Turkey in the Aegean Sea. Aliaga is home to one of the world’s leading cruise ship scrapyards. What Happens Next To Carnival Fantasy? The ship will be beached onshore and dismantled, starting with the interior finishings. In the coming days, everything from tables to toilets will be removed as the first stage of the scrapping process (which during recent interviews Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald half-jokingly insisted be referred to as “recycling.”). Anything and everything which can be sold will be.
The CARNIVAL FANTASY moored in Mobile Alabama in June 2018 Photo : Tim de Klerk © Once the ship has been picked clean of valuables, the steel cutting will begin. Just as the ship had been assembled piece by piece years ago, it will now be deconstructed in much the same way. The steel that’s cut away from the ship will be sold to scrap metal dealers. From there it’ll be melted and made into rebar to support concrete in roadways, concrete footings, and sometimes buildings (depending on local codes in the markets in which it’s sold). Carnival Cruise Line’s FANTASY was the first of what would become the wildly popular Fantasy class of ships. So popular was this particular type that it would go on to become the largest class in the Carnival fleet, eventually encompassing eight different vessels. The Fantasy class came on the heels of the Holiday-class and eventually would be followed by the Spirit-class. As part of Carnival Cruise Line’s official announcement last week, they revealed that four Fantasy-class ships — CARNIVAL FANTASY, CARNIVAL IMAGINATION, CARNIVAL INSPIRATION, and CARNIVAL FASCINATION — would be leaving the fleet. Although FANTASY and INSPIRATION were the only two officially announced sold, Carnival Cruise Line’s President Christine Duffy said that ultimately, only four Fantasy- class ships would remain in operation. Those vessels are PARADISE, ELATION, ECSTASY, and SENSATION Carnival Corporation announced that it had sold 13 of its ships, including vessels from Holland America, P&O Cruises, Costa Cruises, and Carnival Cruise Line, all of which operate under the larger corporate umbrella. Source: cruiseradio ______Coast Guard Escorts Ro-Ro Taking on Water Back to Puerto Rico ______
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Two Cases of Cocaine Smuggling Discovered in Rotterdam on the Same Day Customs officials at the Port of Rotterdam reported the discovery of two separate incidents of cocaine smuggling in containers arriving at the port over the weekend. A total of approximately 242 kilos of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $21 million was discovered in two different shipments both originated in Brazil. In the first instance, inspectors searched a container that had arrived in Rotterdam on July 22 from Santos. The container that was destined for a company in Rotterdam, was manifested to be carrying orange pulp. Hidden behind a wall in the container, customs officers found 30 kilos of cocaine. The second discovery was also in a container that arrived in the port on July 22. This time it was on a container ship arriving from Paranagua and was destined for a company in Germany. The manifest reflected that the container was loaded with printer ink. The inspection of the second discovered 11 sports bags containing 212 kilos of cocaine. The bags had been placed in with the cargo. In both instances, the inspectors believed that the receiving companies probably had nothing to do with drug trafficking. Neither of the receiving companies has been charged with any wrongdoing at this time. The discoveries were made by a partnership of Customs, FIOD, seaport police and the Public Prosecution Service in Rotterdam. An investigation I ongoing into the smuggling. Source : MAREX ______
Ecuadorian Navy Raises Alarm Over Fleet of Chinese Fishing Vessels Near Galápagos Posted: 30 Jul 2020 08:05 AM PDT ______Crew of Bulker Vienna Wood Held at Batangas as Homicide Case Proceeds A Philippine court has placed a "hold departure order" on the crew of the Hong Kong-flagged bulker VIENNA WOOD N while a criminal case against her officers and her ship manager proceeds. All 20 crewmembers will be required to stay at Batangas Port until further notice. The Philippine Coast Guard has filed criminal charges against the operator and the officers of the bulker Vienna Wood N, which collided with the Philippine fishing vessel Liberty 5 on June 27. The smaller vessel sank after the collision, and all 14 people on board remain missing. The Philippine Coast Guard contends that it did not receive any report about the collision until 0146 hours on June 28, nearly three and a half hours after the incident. Search and retrieval efforts concluded on July 7, though the Philippine Coast Guard continues to monitor the area. The charges filed include "reckless imprudence resulting in multiple homicide and damage to property." The entities charged are Greek ship manager Nomikos Transworld Maritime; the Vienna Wood's master, Capt. Zhang Weiwei; deck officers Yang Xifeng, Yi Lei, and Shi Bin; and engineering officers Fan Qoujin, Xia Zhen and Wang Xingtu. All of the crewmembers in the case are Chinese nationals. The Philippine Coast Guard and the operator of the Liberty 5, Irma Fishing and Trading Co., petitioned the court to detain the defendants to ensure that they do not depart. Judge Ulysses Delgado of the regional court in Mamburao, Mindoro granted a request to detain the officers, then added a hold departure order for the rest of the crew, including 13 individuals who do not face charges, according to the Philippine Inquirer. In a statement issued June 29, A.M Nomikos said that after the collision, the crew inspected the damage to find out if it affected Vienna Wood N’s own safety and stability. The ship then returned to the location of the collision, spotted the fishing vessel and reported it to the Philippine Coast Guard, the company said. The firm says that it is fully cooperating with the investigation. As of July 16, the VIENNA WOOD N remained anchored in Batangas Bay. Source : MAREX ______
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This crewing-relief madness is once again showing that shipping has no voice, no lobby. It is a mad and crazy world, when Key Workers who keep the lights on and the shops stacked with the things the world needs during Corona cannot be flown home when they have served their time on board ships – all because countries which pride themselves to be maritime hubs with maritime clusters and great ports make seafarers feel unwelcome. But in all fairness: when port- and other authorities do cooperate, then there are no flights available because the airlines are not operating. Our people on board are getting tired and that increases the risk of fatigue-induced accidents. When these will happen, then the poor Master of the ships(s) involved will as usual be blamed, because he is an easy target. This crewing-relief madness is once again showing that shipping
has no voice, no lobby. It is an adversarial industry and that even shows in the many shipping representative organisations who talk and talk, but cannot help us to get our people home. In Zeaborn Ship Management we simply put our head down, do not listen to the big boys over-shouting each other in the press and wherever possible, we try to find ways to get our seafarers home, and their relievers safely and covid-free to the ships. Happy to share a recent small success for the crew of the LLOYD DON GIOVANNI under Zeaborn Ship Management ______Ships moving in as Arctic sea ice level reaches record low The Northern Sea Route is now completely open. By Atle Staalesen The spike in shipping along the remote Russian Arctic shipping route comes as sea ice melting over the last weeks has reached unprecedented levels. According to the National Snow and Ice Data Center, ice levels on the 15th of July stood at 7.51 million square kilometers, which is 330,000 square kilometers below the record for the time of year set in 2011. A key reason for the major sea ice melting is the heat wave that in May and June moved across the Russian Arctic coast, leading to very low sea ice extent in the Laptev and Barents Seas, the researchers say. Already in mid-July, the Northern Sea Route (NSR) was almost ice-free and by 20th July there was completely open waters across the vast seaway. Ice maps from the Russian Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute show that also the Vilkitsky Strait and the East Siberian Sea, the most icy and difficult parts of the sea route, has easy passage for ships. More than 50 vessels are currently sailing on the route, figures from the Northern Sea Route Administration show. Several of them are tankers bringing petroleum products from Arctic fields to Asian markets. The first LNG carriers made it across the route already in late May, the earliest voyages on the route ever.It was the CHRISTOPHE DE MARGERIE that led the way across the icy waters when it left Arctic terminal Sabetta on 19th May with course for China. It was soon followed by the VLADIMIR VORONIN and several more carriers. While the CHRISTOPHE DE MARGERIE was accompanies by an icebreaker, the subsequent vessels sailed most of the route independently without icebreaker escort. On July 26th, there were a total of 16 tankers sailing on the eastern part of the Northern Sea Route, some of them small tankers that had sailed up the great Siberian rivers and into Arctic waters. There are also several cargo vessels on the route, ship tracker data from Marine Traffic show. There has been an explosive growth in shipping on the Northern Sea Route over the last years. In 2019, a total of 31,5 million tons of goods were shipped on the route, an increase of almost 60 percent from the previous year. Source : The Barentsobserver ______
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Australia Bans Another Ship Over Wages Owed to Crew by Mike Schuler For the second time in less than a week, Australian maritime officials have banned a foreign-flagged bulk carrier from its ports over underpaid wages to crew. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) announced overnight that the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier TW HAMBURG has been banned from Australian ports for 12 months. AMSA inspectors board the vessel in Gladstone on Friday, July 24, after receiving a tip from seafarers onboard that their employment contracts had expired and they were awaiting repatriation. During the inspection, inspectors were approached by the crew who claimed they had underpaid. The AMSA says it confirmed the allegations and determined that the crew was owed about AUD $42,000. According to the AMSA, the crew were found to have duplicate seafarer employment agreements that included wage differences of about 25%. The seafarers were being paid based on the agreement for the lower amount. AMSA also discovered that the quantity and quality of food provided was well below the standards required by the Maritime Labour Convention. The galley and fridges were filthy, and the ship had very poor hygiene practices overall, according to the AMSA “Taking financial advantage and mistreating seafarers in this way is nothing short of exploitation by people in powerful positions,” said AMSA Acting General Manager Operations Michael Drake. The crew of the TW HAMBURG are now in the process of being repatriated. Since 2014, the AMSA has banned 16 ships from Australian ports, the majority for failing to pay seafarers their wages on time and in full. Earlier this week we banned AGIA SOFIA for similar reasons. The MV FORTUNE GENIUS and XING JINING HAI were both banned in September 2019 for collectively owing their seafarers AUD $240,000, according to Drake.“Any ship that arrives in Australia under such conditions can expect the same treatment. We will not tolerate the exploitation of seafarers in our waters,” Drake added. The AMSA said it has received confirmation that the seafarers from TW Hamburg have now been paid their outstanding wages and have come ashore to be repatriated. The ship has departed Gladstone and will not be permitted to approach or enter an Australian port until 29 July 2021. Source : gCaptain ______'I think I will commit suicide': Cargo ship workers have been trapped at sea for months because of COVID-19, banned from ports, and predict 'anarchy' if things don't change Mia Jankowicz Aug 2, 2020, 11:58 AM Bulk carriers line up as they wait to dock and be loaded with cargo, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, near Santos Port in Santos, Brazil June 1, 2020. Picture taken June 1, 2020 Amanda Perobello/Reuters • An estimated 300,000 cargo ship workers are currently trapped at sea by the coronavirus pandemic, and many are speaking out about the grinding monotony and possible accidents. • Goods continue to be shipped from port to port, but many seafarers themselves haven't been on land for months due to border closures and regulations. • Seafarers have reported having to shave their heads when their ship ran out of shampoo, while one captain had to pull teeth from two crew members despite having no dental training. • Even as countries begin to open up their borders, there are immense logistical difficulties in organizing a crew change, shipping giant Maersk told Business Insider.
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Mayflower II
Spectator boats motor past the Mayflower II sailing through waters off Fishers Island Sound off Groton, Conn., on the seventh day of two weeks of sea trials. The vessel, a replica of the original Mayflower that carried the Pilgrims to America in 1620, left Mystic Seaport Museum last week after a three-year, $11.2 million restoration by the workers at the Henry B. duPont Preservation Shipyard. Photo: AP ______ISLE OF MAN STEAM PACKET COMPANY SIGNS CONTRACT FOR NEW VESSEL ______Editor’s Note:- It was not the intention to put the above 2 articles so close together but I can reassure you that there is no correlation between the two. ______PRESS RELEASE - The CHIRP Charitable Trust is pleased to announce the publication of MARITIME FEEDBACK 59.
FEEDBACK 59 is the second bulletin of 2020 and contains reports on defective wires, poor onboard safety culture, communication, and conflict between sea pilot transits to the proximity of aircraft runways. MFB 59 is available online in 4 languages; English, Chinese, Portuguese and Filipino.
MFB 59 is freely available online here. & https://www.chirpmaritime.org/newsletters/ ______
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Paddle Steamer Killingholme An interesting picture (source unknown) of the paddle steamer Killingholme that served the Humber since being built at Earles Yard Hull in 1912, The same year she was used by the King George V and Queen Mary to open Immingham Dock. On 21st February 1916 she was requisitioned by the Admiralty as HMS Killingholme serving as a Messenger vessel along with her sister ship Brocklesby which became a seaplane tender at Killingholme RN base. On the 26/27 April 1916 She was presumed mined, with the loss of 18 lives, But did not sink her and was back in service as a Humber ferry again, a great testament of Earle's Yard ship building ! In May 1941 she was called up again for war service as a Barrage Balloon tender/depot ship in the Humber, until she was returned to owners in March 1945. She continued as a Humber ferry until she was finally scrapped on the Humber at J R Hepworths of Paul on the 30th July 1945. HMS Beaver was the WW2 base for the Humber based at Grimsby, Immingham, Killingholme and Hull. HMS Beaver was known as the most dangerous shore base within the Royal Navy, due to the amount of men who lost their lives there, through suicide, killed on the railway lines, drowning in various docks and other deaths. ……. Even the C O committed suicide! Source:- geoff johnson ______Bjørn Højgaard hits out at the ‘few rotten apples’ who have spoiled crew change chances for so many By : Sam Chambers Bjørn Højgaard, the CEO of shipmanager Anglo-Eastern and chairman of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association has penned a letter to the local South China Morning Post along with Roberto Giannetta, the chairman of the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association, hitting out at the irresponsible few seafarers who have set crew changes back for many in Asia. A few rotten apples have brought disrepute to their peers and the industry Splash has reported on seafarers who flouted quarantine laws in Hong Kong and Singapore recently, sparking a public outcry and leading to severe restrictions coming into place for crew changes in the two cities. “A few rotten apples have brought disrepute to their peers and the industry,” Højgaard and Giannetta wrote in their letter to Hong Kong’s most read English newspaper. The pair urged the Hong Kong government to impose penalties on anyone breaking the crew change protocols while seeking a solution to allow crew changes to increase safely in the Special Administrative Region. Hong Kong over the weekend decided to ban all crew changes for ships that have no cargo operations scheduled in the southern Chinese city. Hong Kong had been one of Asia’s most open ports for crew changes in recent months but the city is now gripped by a third wave of the coronavirus pandemic with a slew of new regulations coming in to try and halt the spread of the virus. The crew change restrictions come into effect today. “Once again, we would like to stress that like other ‘key workers’, seafarers are essential for the global community to fight this battle against the virus. Without these heroes at sea, world trade would come to a halt. If any of them are unfortunately infected, they deserve our support, not bias,” Højgaard and Giannetta wrote. Anglo-Eastern, one of the world’s largest shipmanagers, today celebrated its 10,000th completed crew change since travel restrictions were brought into place with the spread of the coronavirus pandemic around the world. Source : Splash 247 ______10 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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Big ships, big headache? Administration is a expanding as fast as ship sizes, as more containers on board the latest ultra large container ships means the documentation must also follow. Cash strapped operators are turning to digitalisation to solve the big data conundrum, says Lars Fischer is Managing Director of Softship Data Processing Ltd, Singapore. It wasn’t so many years ago when the industry excitedly welcomed the MAERSK Mc-KINNEY MOLLER into the global fleet. This 18,000TEU vessel – and her sisters – heralded a step change in container shipping and marked a new generation of ultra large container carriers. Since then, vessels have continued to increase their capacity and, recently, we saw the HMM ALGECIRAS at 24,000TEU embark on her maiden string. The economies of scale generated by these large ships are obvious for all to see, particularly in today’s climate of fuel efficiency, environmental protection and depressed freight rates. But ever-increasing capacities also generate administrative issues that need addressing if these big beasts are to operate efficiently. Information overload. There is a staggeringly large amount of information that must be processed when a containership is in port and engaged in loading and discharging its boxes. As containerships get bigger, this volume of data increases but vessel turnaround times have not really been extended. As a consequence, back-office teams are challenged with processing far more data but without any additional time to complete the task. There are six standard moves for a container: “gate out depot”, gate in terminal”, “load terminal”, “discharge terminal”, “gate out terminal” and “gate in depot”. Each move requires information to be processed. Added to this might be a prearrival notice, release order, booking confirmation, bill of lading and an invoice. So it is easy to see how important the efficient handling of data becomes as ship size increases. HMM Algeciras at 24,000TEU could, conceivably, require 144,000 pieces of information for the standard moves and double that if all the terminal/depot requirements are included. Of course, these days most containers are generally 40 or 45-foot units and rarely, if ever, are all boxes loaded or discharged in a single port but even so, the amount of data processing required during a port call should not be underestimated. Automation and efficiency Handling this increased amount of information in a relatively short space of time is stretching back office teams and has the potential to affect front-line customer service. Inaccurate invoices and late bills of lading are often cited as unintended consequences of managing such large volumes of containers. To manage these issues, a carrier has a stark choice – employ more staff or introduce efficiencies to its operations. Coronavirus, macro-economic and more localised industry factors are continuing to squeeze margins and this is ruling out an increase in headcount. Most carriers are opting to build-in a level of intelligent automation instead. Alongside handling the actual processing and transmission of the data, automation will often reduce errors and omissions that inevitably creep in when manually processing such large quantities of information. Valuable validation controls can also be built-in, for example good software will constantly be asking questions as data is exchanged. Questions such as “is this container part of my fleet?” “will the container arrive in time for the connecting vessel?”, “are these the correct rates for my client?” These questions are vital if efficiency and accuracy are to be achieved. Software can also automatically report to the terminal with required information on time – this prevents the unwanted penalties often awarded by terminals for late reporting.From a customer perspective, automation will also enhance service levels and user experience. Linking the carrier’s in-house software with a browser-based or mobile self-service facility will offer customers up-to-theminute visibility over their actual cargo movements. Technology will deliver “must have” internet bookings, tracking and scheduling as well as creating more transparency between the operator, agent and user. Taking the plunge It’s fair to say that all carriers of a certain size will be automated to varying degrees but not all will be using technology efficiently. Legacy and cost are often cited as reasons why a carrier might not be achieving the required level of sophistication. In the main, large containerships are operated by large companies and these operators are likely to have been the early adopters of technology some 20 or 30 11 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
The Pulse years ago. In those days, shipping companies were expected to commission a bespoke system that was operated by teams of in-house or external experts. This was (and is) both costly and maintenance heavy but such systems tend to be firmly entrenched within the fabric of the company. Because technology is continuously being upgraded, bespoke systems installed a decade or more ago are now out of step with modern platforms and those companies that run them are now stuck with what is no longer a cutting-edge system. The answer is to install packaged software but the actualities of doing this. Ripping out a firmly ensconced and companywide software system and replacing it with something new is a big decision which requires taking one step back before making that forward leap. However, packaged software solution providers are skilled at managing this change process which requires adequate resources, proven methodology and a good knowledge of how the container shipping business works. Packaged software is a term given to software that has been developed in separate applications that can be linked together to create a tailored solution for a user – rather like the Microsoft Office package that comprises Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other applications. In container shipping, applications might include voyage scheduling, equipment management, operations, finance and more. These can be taken as stand-alone solutions or married together as a comprehensive, all-encompassing system. Packaged software from good suppliers will have been thoroughly road-tested and so will be bug free and fit-for-purpose. Developers of bespoke solutions inevitably use their client as their testbed which is not helpful when running a busy shipping operation. Good suppliers live or die on their ability to maintain pace with technology advances. This means that packaged software will regularly be updated and migrated onto more up-to-date platforms ensuring customers are never stuck on outdated and under- performing technology. And cost is also an important factor. Typically, packaged software is many times cheaper than the bespoke alternative –which is truly significant. Detractors will say that a one-size-fits-all solution is not suitable for liner operators, but packaged software does not have to be so uniform. Good software will incorporate “switching” which allows each application to be customised to suit the individualities of the user – even down to page and field levels if required. This enables carriers to manage local differences and other company peculiarities. Increasingly, containership operators are turning to the packaged solution. No longer is software out of reach for the smaller operator and the large performers are finding that switching from bespoke solutions to something “off-the-shelf” is both cheaper and more efficient. In effect, it is levelling the playing field and giving similar advantages to carriers of all sizes. But automation is also providing a vital role for those operators with vessels that carry many thousands of containers and where simply keeping track of boxes and administering the huge quantities of associated information is beginning to overwhelm. Source : Container News Lars Fischer is Managing Director of Softship Data Processing Ltd, Singapore, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Softship GmbH the leading provider of software solutions to the international liner shipping sector. www.softship.com ______Maersk owned container ship disabled by fire at Balboa, Panama By : Mikhail Voytenko Container ship CAP JACKSON reportedly suffered fire in engine room while at anchor at Balboa, Panama, where she arrived on Jul 29 from Manzanillo Mexico. 1 crew injured, one generator completely destroyed. CAP JACKSON port of call was Puerto Colon, she was to transit Canal. As of 0430 UTC Aug 2, she remained at anchor. CAP JACKSON operates on the MPS service for Hapag-Lloyd and the MCPS service for Hamburg Sud, from Livorno Italy through the Panama Canal and north to ports in the US and Vancouver Canada. Hapag-Lloyd, a slot charterer on the Mediterranean Pacific Service (MPS), already notified its’ clients on this accident. She’s to be undergo repairs. Container ship CAP JACKSON, IMO 9484560, dwt 50270, capacity 5600 TEU, built 2010, flag Singapore, manager COLUMBUS SHIPMANAGEMENT (EQUASIS). Source : Maritime Bulletin ______Brittany Ferries will open Rosslare/Cherbourg link ______12 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
The Pulse
The National Service of Remembrance at The Cenotaph. (RBL) Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are continually reviewing our events and to ensure better clarity on the situation in November, the Legion will communicate its full plans for this year’s Cenotaph in early Autumn.
Please note the Legion is working closely with all the relevant Government agencies to ensure that this year’s Cenotaph Dispersal can go ahead in some form. A range of representative options are under consideration by the Government. We will keep you informed as and when plans progress.
For Associations expecting to hear confirmation of their allocations, please note that we will be deferring this until we have some clearer guidance from the Government.
If you are an individual looking to apply to march, please contact your relevant association to register your interest.
Thank you for your continued patience while we navigate new ways of working in these unprecedented times.
The Commemorative Events Team ______
DEME Group’s latest crew members arrived home safely after overcoming several COVID-related travel challenges and an epic return journey. 75 crew, coming from 12 different vessels in 5 countries, returned with a special DEME charter flight from Belgium to their families in the Philippines. It has taken a herculean effort involving many people worldwide, including the Philippines Embassy in Brussels, different local agents, The Aviation Factory, Air Belgium, the Department of Foreign Affairs in Manila and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines. Over the past weeks the special DEME extraction taskforce and crewing department have worked tirelessly to get our crew home, rerouting vessels and organising several charter flights. ______Seafarer crisis is a challenge for the whole marine sector https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1133377/Seafarer-crisis-is-a-challenge-for-the- whole-marine-sector ______13 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
The Pulse
COCAINE WORTH €29 MILLION FOUND IN COCOA BEAN SHIPMENT HEADED TO SWITZERLAND By Zack Newmark A shipment of 390 kilograms of cocaine was found hidden in a sea container loaded with sacks of cocoa beans, the Public Prosecution Service (OM) said in a statement. The street value of the drugs was estimated at over 29 million euros, prosecutors said. The sea container was taken off a ship which had departed from the Bahamas. It arrived at the Port of Rotterdam on July 22, where cargo was offloaded before the ship continued on to Antwerp. Investigators determined the sea container was destined for a company in Switzerland. Authorities do not believe the company was involved with the drug smuggling incident, the OM said. Removing the stimulant from the cocoa shipment had its own set of perils, prosecutors said. "Cocoa beans generate hydrogen cyanide gas through their natural process, which can be fatal at high concentrations. The oxygen content in the container also decreases rapidly and the percentage of carbon monoxide rises high," the OM said. Authorities said they needed to take extra precautions to make sure they did not suffocate when removing the drugs. The cocaine was destroyed after the evidence was recorded, the OM said. The investigation into the case was being conducted by the Rotterdam Hit-and-Run Cargo team, a joint operation made up of staff from the Rotterdam OM, the Port Police, financial crimes inspectorate FIOD, and Customs officers. Source : NLtimes ------Disgruntled Armed Security Guard Held Vessel and Crew Hostage August 4, 2020 by Mike Schuler We’re just now catching wind of a bizarre security incident aboard an Eagle Bulk vessel in which a seemingly disgruntled security guard took the vessel and its crew hostage at gunpoint for three days before surrendering. NASDAQ-listed Eagle Bulk Shipping provided details of the incident, which took place in late July in the Indian Ocean as the vessel was about to transit the high-risk area in the Gulf of Aden towards the Red Sea. According to the company: On July 21, 2020, M/V Jaeger embarked three security guards in the Indian Ocean before sailing towards the The Marshall Islands-flagged MV Jaeger. Red Sea, as the Company has done for all transits File Photo: MarineTraffic.com/serref through the High Risk Area (HRA) over the past 10+ years, in accordance with industry best practices. Once on board, one of the guards did not surrender his weapon to the vessel’s Captain as is normal protocol, and then took control of and deviated the ship from its course as he voiced his grievances and demanded compensation. While the guard discharged his weapon on board the vessel, at no time did he directly threaten or harm any of the crewmembers. The remaining two guards did not participate in this action. Unbeknown to the Company, there was an employment dispute between the guard and his employer, and he had not been paid for several months. The company continued to say that the disgruntled guard held the vessel hostage for three days before eventually surrendering his weapon and allowing the ship to continue on its original course. “The Company maintained regular contact with the Captain throughout this event, and V Ships, the vessel’s crewing manager, also maintained an active dialogue with the crew’s families to keep them updated,” said Eagle Bulk. “Eagle Bulk and V Ships’ primary concern was the safety of the crew, and as a point of clarity, neither company was a party to the employment dispute.” The company said that due to the sensitive nature of the incident, it will not be releasing any more information at this time. ------
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The Pulse
We can't wait to welcome you back again. Windstar Cruises cruise 180 Degrees from Ordinary.
Small ship travel to best harbors, overnight in cities & bring you closer to the world ------Black Tot Fifty
On this infamous day* fifty years ago, The Naval Hierarchy said a resounding NO. No more shall you draw your daily tot, It’s beer only now for you lower deck lot.
For 303 years rum was the currency of the sailor lowly paid, An eighth of a pint daily to savour or for a favour to trade. Sippers or gulpers in the main or grounders for saving a life, A source of comfort in times of tribulation and strife.
Admiral Vernon added water and it became known as grog, Up Spirits became a daily entry in every HM Ship’s log. Over the years it assumed another Admiral’s name. But even as Nelson’s Blood it tasted just the same.
Through peace and war, gale and shot, A sailor knew he would receive his daily tot. For sea battles won or the product of Royal passion Splice the Main Brace meant there was an extra ration.
The years went by and wooden walls became steel, And those in high places applied an abstemious zeal. Alcohol and technology they said are not well-matched, So the dastardly plan to end the rum ration was hatched.
Admiral “Dry Ginger” Le Fanu who was First Sea Lord then, Killed an old naval tradition with the stroke of his pen. Many a salty old sailor shed a tear on that fateful day, Even though they got an extra thrupence in their pay.
So with full pomp and great ceremony but no cheers of hooray, For the final time Ships Company’s stowed their rum barrels away No more would Sailors hear the pipe that thrilled them most, Do you hear there…Up Spirits…stand fast the holy ghost !!!
Cdr N J “Nobby” Hall RN * Friday 31 Jul 1970 ------Mauritius facing environmental crisis as shipwreck leaks oil MV Wakashio breaking up after running aground at Pointe d’Esny near marine park https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/07/mauritius-facing-environmental-disaster-after- striken-bulk-carrier-leaks- oil?utm_term=44017057e082ab50da0ed3b413e73908&utm_campaign=GuardianTodayAUS&utm_ source=esp&utm_medium=Email&CMP=GTAU_email ------15 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
The Pulse
Two crew on Hapag-Lloyd vessels test positive for Coronavirus Crew test positive for Covid-19 delaying South African Express vessels. Crew aboard two South African services operated by the German carrier Hapag-Lloyd have tested positive for Covid-19, with the ships now at anchorage the carrier has said it will advise customers of further developments. A crew member on the Ital Lirica, which is deployed on the South Africa Asia Express 1 (SA1) service tested positive for Covid-19, the line reported on 31 July, the ship was en route from Ningbo to Singapore, but as a safety measure it is now at anchorage off Hong Kong. A second crew member, serving on the Bangkok Bridge, which operates on the South Africa Express 2 (SA2) service also tested positive for the virus on arrival at the Port of Shekou, in Southern China, said the line. The Bangkok Bridge is also at anchorage now, near Shekou, said the sipping line. The carriers said in a statement, “Together with our partners, we are currently evaluating the potential impact on vessel and cargo operations. Berthing dates for the subsequent ports of the rotation will be adjusted accordingly.” Hapag-Lloyd also pointed out that, “During this unprecedented crisis many of our crew members already work much longer than originally planned.” Source: ------70 T Giant Crane crashed during load testing, killing 11 persons at Hindustan Shipyard, India On Saturday morning, 11 persons were crushed to death when a 70 T crane collapsed at Visakhapatnam Hindustan Shipyard (HSL), Andhra Pradesh, India On Saturday morning, HSL Carne was undergoing load testing capability when the base portion and the overhead cabin separated resulting in the collapse of the crane. At the time of this incident there were ten persons in the crane cabin including 3 employees of Greenfield company, 2 of Lead Engineers and 1 of
Quad7 apart from four permanent employees of Hindustan Shipyard. All the persons in the cabin died at the spot after the crash. One other person who is yet to be identified also died. According to local news outlets, the 70-tonne crane was built by the Mumbai- based Anupam Cranes two years ago but was yet to be made operational after successful results of load tests. Officials initiated an inquiry while the local government has launched a parallel investigation into the incident to ascertain if there was any negligence on part of the officials. HSL was transferred from Ministry of Shipping to Ministry of Defense in Feb, 2010 for Defense Requirements. Source : nauticuslive ------Euronav: Crew change crunch is shipping’s ‘largest ever humanitarian and logistical crisis’ Belgian tanker giant Euronav announced its interim results today, and spent plenty of time discussing the crew change crunch. In a release, the company described the ongoing seafarer impasse as “the largest ever humanitarian and logistical crisis facing the maritime sector”. Euronav said the disruption is now affecting the lives and livelihoods of nearly 40% of the world’s estimated 2m crew; including those seafarers that are unemployed and unable to join their ships. “This issue needs affirmative and positive action at border points in order to ease the backlog of stranded seafarers around the world. Euronav calls upon all governments around the world to recognize all seafarers as ‘key workers’ with immediate effect, and allow them safe and secure access to their destinations,” the company stated. Hugo De Stoop, Euronav’s CEO, said: “Covid-19 continues to create huge restrictions on the mobility and movement of seafarers. Crew changes are critical for all shipping sectors and movement of goods.” Euronav mader a stunning $485m net profit in the first half, a significant improvement over the $19m loss recorded in the same period last year. ------16 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
The Pulse
Cost of repatriation is deterring crew changes, say seafarers Complaints are surfacing on private social media platforms that some shipowners are failing to make enough effort to repatriate seafarers working beyond the end of their contracts. Meanwhile, crew changeover costs are continuing to soar https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1133409/Cost-of-repatriation-is-deterring-crew- changes-say-seafarers ------Stena Bulk Unveils Energy-Efficient Product Tanker Prototype June 11, 2020 by Mike Schuler Liquid bulk shipping company Stena Bulk has released a concept design for a next-generation product and chemical tanker that will use flettner rotors, solar power, and other state-of-the-art technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25 percent. The prototype design, known as the IMOFlexMAX, was developed by sister company Stena Teknik. In addition to moveable Flettner rotors and solar panels, the vessels will be equipped with dual-fuel engines capable of running not only on liquefied natural gas and conventional Photo: Stena Bulk low-sulfur fuels, but also open for conversion to other alternative fuels in the pipeline. The basic concept of the IMOFlexMax is to allow the vessels to dramatically reduce local SOX, NOX and particle emissions, as well as greenhouse gas emissions, Stena said in press release. With the combined fuel and energy efficiencies, the vessels will be able to reduce greenhouse gases by at least 25 % with a potential to reach up to 45 % compared to modern product tankers run by low-sulfur fuel oil. “The plan is for the IMOFlexMAX vessels to be deployed in Stena Bulk’s logistics system in the global market along with the IMOIIMAX,” said says Erik Hånell, President and CEO of Stena Bulk. “The IMOFlexMAX vessels will constitute an important asset for Stena Bulk, as well as for its partners, in strengthening our position as the market-leading, cross-trading specialists in the MR segment with increased efficiency and reduction of greenhouse gases.” Flettner rotors are based on the principle of the Magnus effect, using a spinning cylinder to harness wind power in order to propel a ship. ------Heavy Weather Topples Cranes at India’s Top Container Port August 5, 2020 by Reuters
Aug 5 (Reuters) – Three cranes collapsed at India’s largest container port on the outskirts of Mumbai due to strong winds on Wednesday, police and port officials said. Heavy rainfall has hit India’s west coast since Monday night, flooding parts of the financial capital. Wind speeds picked up on Wednesday afternoon, officials said. Photo shows three "Owing to inclement weather and above normal gusts of wind, there has collapsed cranes at the been damage to three cranes of JNPCT terminal of JNPort. However, there JNPCT terminal in have been no injuries and everyone is safe. Exact damage is being Mumbai. ascertained." No one was injured when the cranes collapsed at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said in a Tweet. The port is still assessing the impact of the collapse on the operations, its chairman, Sanjay Sethi, told Reuters. (Reporting by Rajendra Jadhav; Editing by Andrew Heavens) ------17 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
The Pulse
Beirut Blast: Two Killed on Orient Queen Cruise Ship Docked Near Explosion, Ship Sinks - August 5, 2020 by Mike Schuler Two crew members of the Orient Queen cruise ship were reportedly killed in the deadly blast yesterday in Beirut, Lebanon. The Orient Queen has now partially sunk next to the pier, across from the site of the explosion at the port of Beirut. The Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement that information from the Philippine Embassy in Beirut indicated that two seafarers from the A general view of the area damaged by a Orient Queen died in the explosion. massive explosion and a blast wave, in Beirut, The seafarers were among a group of 13 Filipino Lebanon August 5, 2020. The Orient Queen seafarers reported to be on the Orient Queen when the can be seen on top left, only some 400 meters blast occurred. As of the latest update, 10 of 11 workers from the blast site (bottom right). Instagram/ initially reported missing have been located and are now @Rabzthecopter/via REUTERS with the management of the shipping company Abu Merhi Cruises, which operates the Orient Queen. Among those located, most suffered minor injuries while one is in critical but stable condition. One seafarer is still missing, the Department said. Tuesday’s blast is believed to have originated in a warehouse containing approximately 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate which arrived at the port in 2014 aboard the MV Rhosus. The initial blast badly damaged the Orient Queen, which began listing and sank overnight. Aerial photos and other media on Wednesday showed the ship capsized at its berth. The MS Orient Queen was built in 1989 with capacity for 300 guests and 153 crew members. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there were no passengers on board and most likely a limited number of crew. AIS data shows the ship arrived in Beirut on June 27. ------Capsized Cruise Ship Was Just Metres From Epicentre of Beirut Explosion By : Jordan Bailey A laid-up cruise ship docked just metres away from the epicentre of the deadly explosion that so far has killed at least 100 people in Lebanon’s capital city of Beirut and left thousands more injured, has capsized, killing two crew members.The ship began listing and suffered significant damage as a result of the explosion, the ship has now capsized and only the portside of the ship is visible above the waterline. Built in 1989, the ship was the former VISTAMAR operated by German cruise brand Plantours between 1991 and 2012. The ship was also chartered to Seetours, which later became AIDA. The explosion has destroyed the landscape of the port and surrounding city buildings. According to Al Jazeera, several people on board ORIENT QUEEN were wounded and taken to hospital. Two crew members died. “The ship is totally destroyed – the cabins, the lounge, everything,” Vincenco Orlandini, a 69-year-old crew member, said.“I heard the blast, and I flew to the opposite of the lobby, then I landed on the carpet, and I’m lucky, I think that saved me.” The ORIENT QUEEN had been docked in the city since 27 June and most recently sailed for Abou Merhi Cruises on Aegean cruises from Beirut.Prime Minister Hassan Diab said that the explosion was caused by 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate left unsecured at a warehouse near the city’s port. Video on social media showed the moment a large building exploded, sending a huge shockwave and dark red smoke across the city that was heard and felt as far away as Cyprus – more than 125 miles away. Thousands of people have been injured across the city and there still remains many dock workers trapped under the rubble and debris in the port ------18 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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Crews down tools Down Under - ITF Cases of crews downing tools around the world in protest at the enforced stay onboard during the coronavirus pandemic are on the increase. Two more ships in Western Australia and Victoria refused to keep sailing yesterday in desperate bids for repatriation despite Australia’s very tricky crew change stance. The Conti Stockholm boxship and the Ben Rinnes bulk carrier are just the latest ships to become idle and block berths due to over- contract crew enforcing their right to refuse to sail indefinitely, joining the alumina- carting Unison Jasper which has been held up in Newcastle, New South Wales since last week. “The crews of these two ships have bravely stood up and said that they will not be leaving these ports to do another tour of duty on what amount to floating prisons,” said Dean Summers, the International Transport Workers’ Federation’s coordinator for Australia. “Let’s be clear: these tired and fatigued seafarers are simply exercising their human rights to get off these ships because governments like Australia refuse to address the issues around the crew change crisis,” Summers added, going on to predict many more ships would follow suit. ------April 16, 1947 - Fertilizer explosion kills 581 in Texas A giant explosion occurs during the loading of fertilizer onto the freighter Grandcamp at a pier in Texas City, Texas, on April 16, 1947. Nearly 600 people lost their lives and thousands were injured when the ship was literally blown to bits. Ammonium nitrate was used as an explosive by the U.S. Army in World War II and, after the war ended, production of the chemical continued as its use as a fertilizer became accepted. However, the precautions used in its transport became far more lax in the post-war years. On April 16, the Grandcamp was being loaded with ammonium nitrate as well as tobacco and government-owned ammunition. Cigarette smoking, although officially banned, was a common practice by longshoremen on the docks. Just two days prior to the explosion, a cigarette had caused a fire on the docks. On the morning of April 16, smoke was spotted deep within one of the Grandcamp‘s holds. Some water and an extinguisher were used to fight the fire, but hoses were not employed for fear of ruining the cargo; there were already 2,300 tons loaded on the ship. While the ammunition was removed from the ship, the crew attempted to restrict oxygen to the hold in hopes of putting out the fire. Apparently they did not realize that because of ammonium nitrate’s chemical composition, it does not require oxygen in order to burn. By 9 a.m., flames had erupted from the hold and within minutes it exploded. The blast was heard 150 miles away and was so powerful that the ship’s 1.5- ton anchor was found two miles away. The force of the explosion lifted another ship right out of the water. People working at the docks were killed instantly. Pieces of flaming debris damaged the oil refineries in the area. A nearby Monsanto chemical storage facility also exploded, killing 234 of the 574 workers there. Nearly all of the survivors were seriously injured. A residential area of 500 homes was also leveled by the blast. Another ship, the High Flyer, which was carrying similar cargo, was pushed completely across the harbor. The crew fled when it came to rest, failing to notice that a fire had started and the next day their ship also exploded. Two people died. In all, 581 people died and 3,500 were injured. The explosion caused $100 million in damages. A long- disputed court case over the cause of the blast was resolved when Congress granted compensation to 1,394 victims. They received a total of $17 million in 1955. The port was rebuilt to handle oil products only. Source:- History.com ------
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The Pulse
The EXPLOSION OF THE S.S. FORT STIKINE The Fort Stikine, a coal-burner, was built in `forty -two, Managed by the Port Line with a hardy crew, Canadian built - a liberty ship, she sailed from Birkenhead, Joining with a convoy, to Gibraltar then Port Said.
Her discharging port was Bombay in February forty-four, Risking many perils to reach there in the war, Her cargo was explosives stowed within the hold, Plus six score of ingots - each two stone of gold.
A thousand drums of oil with cotton underlaid, Volatile munitions of highly dangerous grade, Scrap iron too was plentiful loaded down below, The making of a bomb then - waiting there to blow.
At her berth in Bombay with many ships about, Fear was raised on board when someone gave a shout, A fire took hold so quickly which rapid took a grip, Discretion used to scarper and abandon ship.
An explosion sent her boiler five cables length away, Many near-by vessels were sunk or scrapped that day, Shells, gold bars and oil drums with several bits of mast, Flaming bales of cotton hurled up with the blast.
Shanties of the local slums turned kindling at a stroke, Three days to douse the fires underneath the smoke, Thousands killed or wounded emanating from.. The cargo of a freighter that turned into a bomb.
Emergency response teams needed three days to control the fire. 8,000 men took seven months to remove the 500,000 tons of debris that the SS Fort Stikine scattered when she exploded, and to repair the damage her explosion did to the docks. Official records place the death toll at 740, - 476 of whom were military personnel. 1,800 people were injured as a result of the explosion and a total of 27 vessels were sunk or damaged in the docks. The Docks Explosion was the result of a series of mistakes and miscalculations on the part of everyone involved. The Number 2 hold of the SS Fort Stikine contained 769 tons of raw cotton, timber and scrap iron. The compartment above this contained leaking drums of oil, 124 bars of gold, and 168 tons of Category A explosives. Altogether, three of the SS Fort Stikine’s five holds contained a combination of highly flammable raw cotton, sensitive explosives, and fuel. Together, these would prove to be a deadly mix. Capt. Joe Earl R680857
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20 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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What's the latest with the cruise industry? The outbreak on the MS ROALD AMUNDSEN is the latest blow to an industry that has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with shares in the major global operators falling dramatically since the start of March. Thousands of passengers were le ft stranded a t sea earlier this year as ships were hit by outbreaks of the virus and countries closed their borders. The MS ROALD AMUNDSEN was itself stranded for several days in March after Chile refused it entry as it tightened its border restrictions. Similar incidents involving other ships occurred over the following weeks in various places around the world. And while the industry has restarted in recent times, there have been other coronavirus-related setbacks. A crew member on a ship in the Pacific tested positive for the virus on Sunday. The PAUL GAUGUIN was forced to suspend its journey when the case was detected by the ship's doctor, local media report. Passengers were told to stay in their cabins as the ship turned back to Papeete on the island of Tahiti, where all on board are being tested. Ahead of resuming its operations, Ponant, the company that runs the PAUL GAUGUIN, had reassured customers in a blog post that it had strict regulations in place that "go further than the international standards for the sector". In any case cruise companies are expecting strong bookings for 2021. They are reporting a combination of new bookings and people using vouchers they received for cancelled cruises that had been scheduled for this year. "We absolutely believe when we come out of this we will lean into our repeat cruisers," Christine Duffy, the president of Carnival Cruise line, told Reuters. "They really are the ambassadors for the cruise industry." Source : BBC ------CAPTAIN DEAD, FOUR OTHERS MISSING AFTER FERRY CAPSIZES OFF KOH SAMUI, THAILAND Thai media has reported that one person was killed and four others have gone missing after a passenger vessel capsized in storm-hit waters off the resort island of Koh Samui on Saturday, August 1. RAJA 4, a 42-metre Ro- Pax vessel operated by local company Raja Ferry, was sailing from Koh Samui to Don Sak when strong winds and rough waves caused it to capsize about two nautical miles off Koh Samui at around 22:00 local time on Saturday. Local marine police units despatched two patrol boats to the area of the incident to render assistance to those on the distressed vessel. Seven crewmembers and two passengers were safely pulled out of the water despite the worsening weather. Another two crewmembers who were initially reported as missing were able to swim to the nearby island of Koh Taen, where local residents provided them with food and water before handing them over to the authorities. At 13:30 on Sunday, August 2, rescuers found the lifeless body of an individual who had washed ashore on Koh Mod Daeng island. This victim was later identified as Raja 4‘s captain. Two other crewmembers and two passengers were still unaccounted for as of late afternoon on Sunday. RAJA 4 was transporting three 10-wheel lorries, a pick- up truck, and an undetermined quantity of garbage at the time of the incident. source: workboat ------Charterers lambasted for indifference to crews’ plight Spotlight on charterers as Safe Bulkers chief Polys Hajioannou accuses even major shipping users of obstruction and hypocrisy https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1133427/Charterers-lambasted-for-indifference-to- crews-plight ------UNIFIL Ship Docked in Beirut Port Was Damaged and Naval Peacekeepers Were Injured ------21 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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An explosion has devastated the Port of Beirut and the surrounding area, many dead and injured are reported. An explosion at the port of Beirut in Lebanon has caused carnage in the country’s capital. The blast occurred after what appeared to be fireworks seen crackling over the buildings before a massive blast engulfed the surrounding buildings at around 5pm UK time. Security consultancy
Dryad Global reports that "local intelligence sources all confirm that a large 'shockwave' was observed, and caused significant structural damage to nearby buildings, with the blast radius extending at least 5-10 km from the epicentre of the explosion." Reuters is quoting local medical source who say that at least ten people have been killed in the blast, however, this figure is likely to rise as the emergency services look to contain the fire and are sifting through the rubble at the port and in the surrounding neighbourhoods. The BBC is reporting many injuries and that hospitals are “overwhelmed” with injured people. If the scenes before the major explosion were indeed fireworks the speculation is that the fire and heat generated could have ignited other dangerous substances nearby. Though this is purely speculation at this point. Dryad Global further reported, "Preliminary reports suggest that the blast took place at a storage warehouse which contained hazardous gases and/or nitrate-based industrial chemicals, as well as fireworks. Further reports also suggest the presence of natural gas." Local sources have further reported that almost all of the p ort logistical infrastructure has been destroyed, while the status of vessels alongside remains unknown. BBC reports are pointing to the rising political tensions within the country with a report on the death of the then prime minister Rafik Hariri in 2005. The BBC also reported that tensions were again rising in Lebanon, following the 15-year civil war that began in 1975. According to the reports tensions are being fuelled by the economic downturn caused by the global pandemic. Source “ Containernews ------NY Ship Pilot Dies, Second Fatal Fall from Boarding Ladder in Less than a Year Posted: 07 Aug 2020 11:15 AM PDT Sa ndy Hook ship pilot, Captain Timothy M. Murray died following a fall while boarding a tanker arriving at the Port of New York and New Jersey on Wednesday. His death is the second pilot fatality in less than a year. Both incidents took place while boarding. In December 2019, Captain Dennis Sherwood was killed in a fall while boarding an inbound containership arriving in the harbor. Captain Murray’s recent death has renewed the focus on the arrangement of the boarding ladders and platforms on many merchant ships, specifically the “trapdoor” pilot ladder arrangement. While common, the trapdoor arrangement does not meet IMO standards. The pilot ladder arrangement requires the pilot to pull themselves up while also twisting to ensure proper footing on the platform. Following Captain Sherwood’s death in December, approximately 1,200 American ship pilots from across the country released a letter to call for an end to “trapdoor” pilot ladders. Sandy Hook Pilot Captain Captain Murray is survived by his wife Erin, 5 children (Brennan, Rory, Timothy M. Murray Grace, James, Ella), mother Kathleen and 3 siblings (Jackie, Sean and Kathleen). A GoFundMe has been set up for Captain Murray’s family here. The post appeared first on Old Salt Blog ------22 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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Crew Held Hostage on Floating Bomb - From 2014: MV Rhosus Posted: 06 Aug 2020 03:43 AM PDT
The events leading up to the catastrophic explosion in Beirut, Lebanon that killed more than 135 and injured 5,000, began in November 2013, when the cargo ship MV Rhosus, loaded with 2,750 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, made an unplanned stop in Beirut.
The ship, built in 1986, flying the flag of Moldova, was carrying the cargo to an explosives manufacturing firm in Mozambique. Reportedly, the ship’s owner, a Russian living in Cyprus, lacked the funds to pay the Suez Canal fees, so the ship was diverted to Beirut to pick up a cargo of heavy machinery to earn the additional cash needed to complete the journey. Once in Beirut, the machinery couldn’t be loaded and local authorities cited the ship as unseaworthy. The ship would not be allowed to leave the port until repairs were made.
At this point, the ship’s owner abandoned the ship, crew, and cargo. Most of the crew were allowed to return home. The captain, the chief engineer, a third engineer, and the bosun were held aboard until port fees were paid. In July 2014, the Fleetmom maritime news website featured a story titled, “Crew kept hostages on a floating bomb – m/v Rhosus, Beirut.” As suggested by the headline, the hazard posed by the cargo was well understood.
After being held aboard for almost a year, the remaining crew were finally repatriated. The ammonium nitrate was unloaded into Hangar 12, an unsecured dockside warehouse. The NY Times reports that senior customs officials wrote to the Lebanese courts at least six times from 2014 to 2017, seeking guidance on how to dispose of the ammonium nitrate, but nothing was done. And as the saying goes, the rest is history, or in this case, needless tragedy.
Following the blast, a number of Beirut Port Authority officials have been put under house arrest.
And what happened to MV Rhosus? No one is sure but it is rumored to have sunk in Beirut harbor in 2015 or 2016.
The post From 2014: MV Rhosus – Crew Held Hostage on Floating Bomb appeared first on Old Salt Blog. ------Storms lead to Mumbai crane collapse Storms have brought floods and mudslides to Mumbai as well as causing the collapse of three cranes at JNPT. Heavy winds and rain at India’s west coast Port of Mumbai have led to the collapse of three cranes at the facility. According to the latest reports the port chairman, Sanjay Sethi, is in the process of assessing the impact of the incident, and how the collapse will affect operations. Reuters reported that, “No one was injured when the cranes collapsed at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjay Kumar said in a Tweet.” Source : Container News ------23 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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Fugro cements uncrewed evolution strategy with order for two SEA-KIT USVs Fugro has ordered two 12m SEA-KIT X class Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs); with one bound for their Asia-Pacific region and the other for North Sea operations. Ivar de Josselin de Jong, Director Remote Inspection at Fugro, said: “This order cements Fugro’s strategy to lead the development of remote and autonomous solutions, which is key to delivering a safer, more sustainable and more efficient approach to the construction and maintenance of marine assets. Integration of the new USVs into our global network of remote operation centres (ROCs) will allow us to provide our clients with an entirely remote-controlled inspection solution for the first time in history. In addition to applications in the oil and gas industry, we specifically foresee an important role for our new remote inspection solution in the rapidly growing offshore wind sector.”Essex-based SEA-KIT was a clear choice for Fugro, with its commercially proven expertise in the design and build of vessels for the maritime and research industries. The two companies first announced their partnership in March this year. The two new USVs are the first of multiple planned builds for Fugro as part of the partnership, with the schedule also including the design, build and delivery of SEA-KIT’s 24m Omega class USV in 2021. Ben Simpson, SEA-KIT CEO, commented: “This order, our first for the delivery of a vessel for commercial use, is a real milestone for the team and testament to their hard work over the past three years. Our company vision is all about providing the technology to solve future offshore challenges now and this order is a major step forward in proving the capabilities of our USVs in addressing those challenges. It also clearly demonstrates an industry shift towards uncrewed operations and the commitment of key industry players to reducing the carbon footprint of commercial offshore operations.” The first of the 12m SEA-KIT X class USVs is expected to be delivered to Fugro in Perth, Australia, in Q4 2020 and will feature remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) launch-and- recovery systems and station-keeping capabilities. The vessel will be used to conduct completely uncrewed ROV pipeline inspections in up to 400m water depth on Australia’s North West Shelf. The second USV, which will have a similar fit-out, is scheduled for delivery to Fugro in Aberdeen in Q1 2021. The first order is already under construction at SEA-KIT’s bespoke facility in Tollesbury, Essex, where the fit-out of the hull and the integration of the onboard systems and sensors will take place.Together, Fugro and SEA-KIT are committed to improving safety and efficiency and to reducing the environmental impact of offshore operations. The new USVs will consume up to 95% less fuel than traditional, crewed vessels, supporting international ambitions for net zero global emissions in the marine industry. Source : Sea-Kit ------Britain sending Royal Navy ship to help Beirut Britain is sending a Royal Navy ship to Beirut to help the city recover from Tuesday's devastating port explosion. Defense Secretary Ben Wallace says the survey vessel HMS Enterprise, currently in Cyprus, will assess damage and help Lebanese authorities prepare to rebuild the port. Britain has pledged a 5 million pound ($6.6 million) humanitarian support package for Lebanon and says it will send search and rescue teams and expert medical support. ……. Source : lasvegassun ______MOL Apologizes for Wakashio Grounding in Mauritius https://gcaptain.com/grounded-wakashio-creates-environmental-emergency-in- mauritius/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCap tain.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-e29cd6e008-139894965&mc_cid=e29cd6e008&mc_eid=4c72dd3685 ------24 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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UK publishes Guidance on financial sanctions for Maritime Industry On 27 July 2020 the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) which is responsible for enforcing financial sanctions in the UK issued Maritime Guidance (the Guidance) for entities operating within the maritime shipping sector, Standard Club said in its release. It follows on from and largely mirrors the US Global Maritime Advisory which was issued by the US authorities in May 2020. The club issued a news item regarding the Advisory and a circular which sets out the International Group’s response to it. The Guidance should be reviewed by members who are domiciled in the UK or who conduct business connected with the UK. Whilst the UK is still bound by existing EU sanctions laws until it departs from the EU at the end of the transition period (which is 31 December 2020), it has the power to introduce new sanctions (under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018). The Guidance highlights a number of illicit and suspicious shipping practices that are deployed to evade sanctions, which includes: Ø Using ship to ship (STS) transfers to conceal the origin or destination of cargo Ø Disabling AIS without a legitimate reason Ø Falsifying documentation (bills of lading, invoices etc) to conceal the origin of the vessel, its goods or its destination Ø Physically concealing cargo on board a vessel It emphasises the importance of adopting due diligence and compliance measures and provides recommendations for those operating in the maritime sector which includes: Having a robust understanding of sanctions regulations when conducting business in high-risk jurisdictions, which includes taking a risk-based approach when conducting enhanced due diligence in order to understand the full range of activity and the persons involved in supply chains etc Consider monitoring AIS data and the inclusion of ‘AIS switch off’ clause in contracts Checking suspected fraudulent documentation (e.g. letters of credit, bills of lading, etc) with the relevant institution or entity to confirm its validity The Guidance also provides details of the financial sanctions imposed by the EU (and UN) against North Korea, Iran, Libya and Syria and concludes by outlining OFSI’s enforcement powers in the UK. Source : portnews ------
Navigational Officer Camilla Westergaard last contract onboard MAASTRICHT MAERSK became the longest in her career and the most memorable one. 147 days onboard with 19 amazing people, who she will always remember, and who helped me keep my spirit up, while COVID19 took over the World. And a shout out to that one guy who is still onboard – I hope the stars will allign and someone will make the right decision to get him home! After 3 months vacation and a try to reset her mind Camilla have joined EBBA MAERSK and releived one of the stranded seafarers. It is a different experience to join a ship during this time - most of the crew is over contract and concerned and frustrated about, what is to come. But it makes me proud to see that they still have energy for smiles and jokes. That they still keep their hopes high and continue to work hard. I might have said it before, but I will say it again: seafarers are made of something special! At the same time I want to remind people about the struggle at sea - for the seafarers the battle is still not over. More than 200.000 seafarers are still stuck at sea and unable to go home. Uncertainty is still their daily companion. Their mental health are still challenged. We have a responsibility to these people and their families - no matter the cost! ------25 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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Weather Hampers Wakashio Oil Spill Response in Mauritius By Kamlesh Bhuckory (Bloomberg) — Bad weather hindered efforts to contain an oil spill from a bulk carrier off the southeastern coast of Mauritius that experts say may cause huge damage to the country’s coastal waters and marine wildlife. The National Coast Guard and Polyeco, an environment services company, are trying to contain the leakage from the Panama-flagged MV Wakashio, which ran aground two miles off the coast on July 25. The French island of Reunion is assisting the country to clean up the spill while other An oil spill can be seen coming from the international and regional organizations have been asked to MV Wakashio off the coast of Mauritius. help. The oil spill on the reef near Pointe d’Esny “is likely one of the most terrible ecological crises ever seen on the small island country,” Greenpeace Africa said in a statement Friday. By Aug. 5, residents already warned that the ship was sinking, the organization said. The carrier was en route to Brazil from China and held 3,894 tons of low-sulfur fuel oil, 207 tons of diesel and 90 tons of lubricant oil, according to the Environment Ministry. “Due to bad weather and constant pounding over the past few days, the starboard side bunker tanker has been breached and an amount of fuel oil has escaped into the sea,” said Nagashiki Shipping Co. Ltd, owner and manager of the vessel, in an emailed statement. “In view of poor sea conditions salvage efforts are currently on hold.” A floating barrier has been deployed around the vessel to contain the oil, the shipping company said. The government on Thursday closed some of the country’s beaches. “It’s the first time that Mauritius is so badly hit by an oil spill,” Vassen Kauppaymuthoo, an oceanographer, said by phone. “It may have caused irreversible environmental damage to the southeastern coast of Mauritius.” –With assistance from Pauline Bax. Bulk carrier sitting on reef off Mauritius starts to leak bunker fuel By : Sam Chambers The 203,000 dwt WAKASHIO bulk carrier, which ran aground on a reef just off the southeast coastline of Mauritius on July 26, has started spilling bunker fuel into the famous azure seas of the French speaking republic. Local authorities have ordered the public, including boat operators and fishermen, not to venture to the beach and in the lagoons of Blue Bay, Pointe d’Esny and Mahebourg.“All highly sensitive areas including the Ramsar site of Pointe d’Esny and the Blue Bay Marine Park have been protected with booms,” a government spokesperson said. The ship, owned by Japan’s Nagashiki Shipping, was en route from China to Brazil when it ran aground with 3,800 tonnes of bunker fuel onboard. “Due to the bad weather and constant pounding over the past few days, the starboard side bunker tanker has been breached and an amount of fuel oil has escaped into the sea. Oil prevention measures are in place and an oil boom has been deployed around the vessel,” a spokesperson for the Japanese shipping company said today. Source : Splash 247 ------26 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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THE CORONAVIRUS AND THE MARITIME INDUSTRY Martin Orchard – AMWS Councillor & Editor The spread of the hidden and insidious tentacles of the Coronavirus has shocked the world by its swiftness and virility. It has stopped countries in their tracks from living their normal lives, and has forced much of the world’s community into a lifestyle that hasn’t been seen since World War II. In addition, the world’s finance and commodity markets have been detrimentally affected to such an extent that the phrase ‘global recession’ is being regularly expressed. Even the word ‘depression’ is being uttered by some commentators. As a result of this scenario, world trade has seen significant volume withdrawals as the supply and demand chains have suddenly been turned on their heads. The World Trade Organisation (WTO) predicts global trade will decrease by between 13 to 32% this year, and any recovery in 2021 is uncertain, depending on the duration of the pandemic and policy responses from affected nations. Australia has managed the Coronavirus with success so far, but when it comes to trade, and dealing with trading partners, it is not immune to the global effects of this pandemic. Over 90% of Australia’s trade, (by volume), is handled by sea, and the current situation has highlighted the fragility of our supply chains, and the extent to which Australia depends on overseas tonnage to handle Australia’s exports and imports. A major concern resulting from this pandemic is focused on the welfare of ships’ crews. Globally, on any one day, there are 1.2 million seafarers onboard 65,000vessels at sea. Each month, 100,000 seafarers need to be relieved of their time onboard a vessel to comply with international maritime regulations protecting safety, health and welfare of the crew member. Difficulties have arisen at ports where a crew change has been programmed in a country where quarantine restrictions and travel bans have been imposed, and concern is growing over the mental and physical health of crews, some of whom have been at sea for twelvemonths or more. To assist governments to put in place coordinated procedures to facilitate the safe movement of seafarers, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) issued a 12-step plan to 174 member states in early May 2020, providing them with a road-map to free seafarers from their Coronavirus lockdown, and allow appropriate exemptions for them to join or leave ships. In Australia, the various State governments have issued their individual entry arrangements and rules for the entry of vessels and their crews at their ports, and separate rules and arrangements to apply to cruise vessels. These arrangements can be viewed on the Maritime Industry Australia Ltd.’s (MIAL) website – mial.com.au With regard to the major global container trades, in the March to May quarter in 2020, compared to the same period in 2019, it is estimated cargo volumes will reduce by 18% in the Asia to Europe trade, 15% in the trade between Asia to West Coast USA and 13% between Asia to East Coast USA, resulting in Lines withdrawing surplus tonnage. The plight of the global cruise industry continues to be well documented by the media. The current glut of oil on the world market forced the price down to levels not seen for many years, resulting in redundant oil tankers being used as floating storage tanks for excess volumes of oil that continues to be produced, which the oil companies will sell at a later date at, they hope, a higher price. The dry bulk carrier market is being savaged by reduction in the demand for bulk commodities caused by the downturn in major economies around the world. What the Maritime Industry will look like when we reach ‘the other side’ remains to be seen, and is subject to speculation. In the meantime, commercial vessels will still need to be manned by seafarers to ensure that trade routes remain open and goods, essential to the welfare of nations, continue to move. We live in unprecedented times This article has been included by kind permission of AMWS (Australia Mariners Welfare Society. ------Beirut’s Accidental Cargo: How an Unscheduled Port Visit Led to Disaster https://gcaptain.com/beiruts-accidental-cargo-how-an-unscheduled-port-visit-led-to- disaster/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCapta in.com%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-dfd4c83320-139894965&mc_cid=dfd4c83320&mc_eid=4c72dd3685 ------27 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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Medical staff and workers from Riley Street Depot, Surry Hills, April 1919, during the Spanish Flu pandemic ------CONTAINER SHIPS SENT TO TRIPOLI TO KEEP LEBANON SUPPLY LINES RUNNING By Jonathan Saul Leading container lines are diverting ships to Lebanon's smaller terminal of Tripoli after the devastating explosion at Beirut's port that killed 145 people also paralysed vital trade. Lebanon, which imports almost all it uses, relies on container ships to bring in everything from refrigerated food cargoes to clothing and other consumer goods. ------Reflections of a Young Engineering Cadet AMSOL Engineering Cadet Chalin Du-Toit reflects on her experience at sea and shares valuable and motivational advice: "Never allow yourself to become your own limit or anyone to set the limitations for you by undervaluing your thoughts, ideas or creativity which can be valuable contributions. There will be many challenges but learn to appreciate criticism; use it to grow. Stay positive, humble, respectful, disciplined and persevere. Humbleness brings wisdom which enhances growth when opportunities are seized. Work hard, stay dedicated and motivated even if you feel like giving up because the one who gathers by labour increases their wealth, whether it is money, knowledge or any of your heart’s desires. Most of all be open to advice. Have fun on your journey to success. Enjoy what you do - never stop learning, be inquisitive, explore and experience, because the love for what you want in life will enable you to feed your passions effortlessly." ------Shippers have a duty to speak up for stranded seafarers Shippers of containerised freight are wrong to regard the crew repatriation crisis as someone else's problem Carriers should seek the support of customers in highlighting the plight of seafarers, who are the lifeblood of the global economy and yet whose health and welfare are still being overlooked https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1133459/Shippers-have-a-duty-to-speak-up-for- stranded-seafarers ------
28 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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‘Fly the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day’ Campaign SeafarersUK have updated our website at https://www.seafarers.uk/merchant-navy-fund/merchant-navy- day/, including a link to our new guide to taking part.
This is being promoted to past and potential participants, with a simple request for the Red Ensign to be flown on 3 September with no need for flag-hoisting ceremonies or other public gatherings.
As usual, we encourage participants to register online, so their details can be included on our ‘Roll of Honour’ and we can send them a Commemorative Certificate.
Best wishes
Nick Harvey, Campaigns Manager, Seafarers UK, Direct Line: 020 7932 5969. Mobile: 07910 593588 ------Casualty response and sustainable solutions amidst a pandemic http://www.gard.no/web/updates/content/30159042/casualty-response-and-sustainable-solutions-amidst- a-pandemic ------Over 12,000 cruise ship workers still at sea after COVID-19 shutdown By Melissa Klein Association of major cruise lines issues third suspension amid COVID-19 Cruise line held crewmembers 'against their will' without pay, lawsuit claims More than 12,000 cruise ship workers are still at sea in US waters, five months after the industry shut down because of the coronavirus pandemic. That number is down from more than 70,000 in May, according to a report. There are 57 cruise ships “moored, at anchor, or underway in vicinity of a U.S. port, or with potential to arrive in a U.S. port, with approximately 12,084 crew members,” Brittany Panetta, a lieutenant commander and spokesperson for the US Coast Guard told USA TODAY. The Coast Guard estimated 209 Americans were on 37 of the ships. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it counted 53 U.S. crew members on 22 cruise ships in U.S. waters, the paper reported. Some of the those onboard may be working, rather than being stuck. The CDC last month extended its ban on U.S. cruise ship sailings through September. One stateroom worker with the Royal Caribbean Group said his contract expired in early July, and he did not know when he would be able to leave the boat. “The feeling of being abandoned and neglected by our own country is very harsh on us,” he said. Source : New York Post ------Armed security guards required in Bénin As a result of the recent increase of pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea, governmental authorities of Bénin have taken pre-emptive measures to prevent such attacks in their territorial waters through a new decree, Concerning Means of Protection of Ships in the Territorial Waters of Benin. Any ship bound for a port in Bénin with an armed protection team on board, is required to send through its ship agent, a request for permission to enter Benin’s territorial waters with its own armed onboard protection team. The application for entry into Benin’s territorial waters is a form that must be completed online and sent to the Director of the port of call at least 72 hours before the vessel arrives. Further details and requirements are detailed in the Decree. Your Managers recommend for Members to familiarize themselves with the Best Management Practices to Deter Piracy and Enhance Maritime Security off of the Coast of West Africa) including the Gulf of Guinea (BMP West Africa) and consider the American Club’s guidance documents, Use of Armed Guards and Your P&I Club and Piracy & Armed Robbery: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Regarding P&I Coverage and contact your Managers for assistance. Your Managers thank ETIC SAS AFRICA P&I Services for providing the translated circular. Source: The American Club ------29 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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Unseen footage shows moment of Beirut explosion in 4K slow motion REUTERS Aug 11th 2020 7:41AM https://www.aol.co.uk/news/2020/08/11/unseen-footage-shows-moment-of-beirut-explosion-in-4k-slow- motio/ ------Container ship rams North Harbor pier in Manila By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz A cargo ship on Monday accidentally rammed a portion of Pier 2 in North Harbor, Manila, according to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). In a situation report, the PCG said the accident involved MV OCEAN ABUNDANCE, a cargo vessel with 5,593 gross tonnage (GT) owned by Oceanic Container Lines Incorporated, and damaged five to 10 meters of Pier 2 at around 3:10 a.m. It said the initial investigation showed the incident was caused by technical malfunction as reported by the ship’s crew.“According to the crew, the incident was caused by an engine problem as the reverse of said vessel malfunctioned,” the PCG said. While the ship sustained damage on the bow, it said there were no signs of an oil spill in the area. Source : Philippines News Agency ------Mauritians Told to Prepare for ‘Worst Case’ Oil Spill https://gcaptain.com/mauritians-told-to-prepare-for-worst-case-oil-spill/ ------BW Reveals Fate of Kidnapped Crew by Andreas Exarheas BW Offshore has revealed that all of its employees who were kidnapped from its Sendje Berge FPSO back in July have been safely released.“The company would like to extend its gratitude to those involved in the safe release of everyone who was abducted from the FPSO Sendje Berge,” the company said in a statement posted on its website late last week.Last month, BW Offshore announced that the FPSO was subject to an attack by pirates offshore Nigeria at approximately 4:20am local time on July 2. Nine Nigerian nationals were said to have been kidnapped in the attack. In a statement published on its website on July 15, the ICC International Maritime Bureau (IMB) noted that the Gulf of Guinea off West Africa is increasingly dangerous for commercial shipping and highlighted that the region accounted for just over 90 percent of maritime kidnappings worldwide from January to June this year. During the first half of 2020, 49 crew were kidnapped for ransom in the Gulf of Guinea and held captive on land for up to six weeks, according to the IMB. The organization warned that rates are accelerating and outlined that 32 crew had been kidnapped in the past three months alone. “Violence against crews is a growing risk in a workforce already under immense pressure,” IMB Director Michael Howlett said in an organization statement published on the group’s website. “In the Gulf of Guinea attackers armed with knives and guns now target crews on every type of vessel. Everyone’s vulnerable,” he added in the statement. “We need to change the risk-to-reward ratio for pirates operating within the Gulf of Guinea. Without an appropriate and proportionate deterrent, pirates and robbers will get more ruthless and more ambitious, increasing the risk to seafarers,” Howlett continued. BW Offshore describes itself as a leading provider of floating production services to the oil and gas industry. The ICC describes itself as the world’s largest business organization with a network of over 6.5 million members in more than 130 countries. Source : Rigzone ------30 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
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Busy weekend for Wicklow RNLI Wicklow lifeboat volunteers responded to four incidents during a 24-hour period as the Station resumed crew training over the weekend. The first callout on Saturday afternoon (August 8) and involved both the Inshore and all-weather lifeboat, they diverted from a crew exercise after being tasked to Brittas Bay by the Coast Guard at 4:15pm to reports of a jet ski in difficulty off the popular beach. On arrival at the scene the Inshore lifeboat located two men on a drifting jet ski with engine failure one mile off Brittas Bay beach, they were transferred onto the all-weather lifeboat and landed safely at Potter’s Point, while the inshore lifeboat towed the jet ski ashore. The second callout came on Sunday morning as the all-weather lifeboat launched at 03:25am to join Arklow lifeboat in a combined operation, to assist a solo sailor on a yacht with a rope fouled prop. Initial reports indicated the yachts position was a few miles north of Arklow port, but it was located by Arklow lifeboat about two miles south of the Horseshoe Buoy near Wicklow head. The eight- metre yacht was fouled in ropes and unable to make any headway. Conditions on scene were sea state slight with wind north west force three. Arklow lifeboat transferred a crew member onto the yacht to assist the sailor and free the obstruction from the prop. A towline was established with Wicklow Lifeboat before 4am and the stricken yacht was towed back towards Wicklow harbour. The vessel alongside the South Quay shortly before 6am and landed the solo sailor safely ashore. The third callout came two and a half hours later on Sunday morning when the all-weather lifeboat was launched at 08:39am to reports of an 11metre fishing vessel in difficulties near the Six Mile Point. The lifeboat was alongside the fishing vessel 20 minutes after launching seven miles north of Wicklow harbour. The vessel with three fishermen had developed mechanical problems and was unable to return to the harbour under power. Conditions in the area were visibility fair with moderate sea and wind north east force three. The trawler was taken in tow back to Wicklow harbour and the lifeboat crew brought it alongside the South Quay just after 10am. The fourth call came after 2pm on Sunday afternoon as the all- weather lifeboat diverted from a crew exercise to assist a yacht in difficulties four miles off the harbour. The yacht was brought safely alongside the East pier a short time later. Speaking about the call outs, Lifeboat Press Officer for Wicklow RNLI, Tommy Dover said: ‘This was an extremely busy weekend for Wicklow RNLI as we also resumed crew training this weekend since the Covid-19 restrictions curtailed all training earlier this year. Between the crew exercises and callouts nearly all of our volunteers were involved over the weekend and it was a milestone for trainee Ger Kennedy, who completed his first ‘Shout’ on the all-weather lifeboat.’ ______Four die in drowning accidents as treacherous sea leads to red flags Four men ranging in age from 24 to 50 have died in four separate incidents after getting into trouble in the sea on Sunday, sea rescue workers have confirmed. One man died near the resort of Wijk aan Zee, one in Zandvoort and two others at the beach in The Hague. Red flags flew along a huge swathe of the Dutch coast, from Hoek van Holland to Den Helder, on Sunday because of the dangerous currents. Swimmers were warned not to go into the water above knee height. A combination of the offshore wind and strong currents had created a ‘very treacherous’ situation, a spokesman for the rescue service told broadcaster NOS. The huge number of people at the beach also made it difficult for lifeguards to patrol properly, the spokesman said. According to preliminary figures, rescue workers pulled 167 people out of the water, including 37 who were in life threatening situations, news website Nu.nl reported. Red flags were again in many places along the coast on Monday. Source : Dutchnews ______31 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
The Pulse
P&O mystery of man who boarded ferry to Hull then vanished Christian Barbu's HGV remained aboard the ship but he was never seen again As The Pride of Hull docked after an overnight journey from Rotterdam, an abandoned HGV and belongings were found aboard.There was no sign of their owner. It is exactly one year since Christian Barbu, HGV driver from Rotterdam was last seen.Christian, 28, did not disembark the ferry, and police have not received any further news on his whereabouts. Humberside Police are again appealing for information, a year to the day since Christian disappeared. Source : Hulllive ------Book Review - We Need to Talk About Nigel This book is a compilation of recollections and anecdotes collected from joining the Empress of England (Canadian Pacific) at Liverpool docks in 1964, up to the demise of the BP fleet as we knew it, and transitioning to life ashore. Hopefully you will find the tales to be funny, and I’m sure you will all have your own instances, some more outrageous, many similar, but I have tried to pull mine together to form an hilarious collection. I have tried to paint a picture for my readers to comprehend the magnitude and complexity of life on a 25,000-ton product carrier and a 280,000-ton super tanker; the beauty of the sea, power of nature, extremes of boredom, and the myriad of ‘situations’ one finds oneself in …..
This book should ring a bell with all seafarers and will hopefully help your treasured memories flood back to you. Nigel Taylor - Author ------HMS Victory Figuratively Afloat in the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard When HMS Victory went into drydock in the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard in 1922, she was supported by 22 steel cradles. In the almost 100 years that she has remained on the dock, the historic ship’s 3,500- tonne hull had been to slowly collapse in on itself. To save the ship, the cradles have been replaced by an innovative system of 134 “props” that replicate the loads HMS Victory would have encountered while afloat. The ship will now be, at least figurately, floating in the drydock. The new props, a collaboration between the National Museum of the Royal Navy and BAE Systems, are more than a series of struts to support the hull. Each prop contains sensors and hydraulics to monitor View from Astern, June 2020 the load on the ship’s hull and adjust the weight being carried by each strut to most effectively support the 255-year-old wooden structure. In addition to helping preserve the integrity of the ship’s hull, the new support system has another major benefit. The old steel cradles blocked the view of HMS Victory’s hull. Visitors will now be able to see the shape of the hull through the supporting struts. “It’s an amazing, breath-taking space to be in,” said Matthew Sheldon, the museum’s head curator. “I’ve been here 26 years and I’ve never seen Victory like this before. The views of her bow and rudder are fabulous. You can get up close to the ship like never before.” “It’s been a unique endeavour for a unique ship,” said Rob Hanway, Victory Programme Manager from BAE Systems which led the complex project. “There’s never been anything quite like this before – a combination of the old and the new. Props have been used on cranes, but never on such a scale. “Over the past 18 months, as we’ve taken out the old cradle, the sheer daylight flooding into the dock meant you noticed the difference and she looks pretty impressive. It’s been an absolute pleasure to work on her.” The public can view Victory – and the rest of the sights in Portsmouth Historic Dockyard – when it re- opens on August 24. Numbers to the site will be limited to 250 per hour initially, and all visitors must book online in advance via: www.historicdockyard.co.uk/tickets-and-offers Thanks to David Rye for contributing to this post. The post appeared first on Old Salt Blog. ------
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The Pulse
The Marine Society is now accepting nominations for the Thomas Gray Silver Medal for the year 2020.
The Thomas Gray Memorial Trust was established in 1925 in memory of Thomas Gray, a Senior Surveyor for the Board of Trade, who was particularly concerned with improving the professionalism of seafarers in the latter half of the 19th Century. The Marine Society became the Trustee in 1993.
One award is made each year to a seafarer in recognition of exceptional deeds of merit at sea including services to seafarers in the broadest sense. These deeds may be related to any aspect of seafaring, including the saving of lives, the wellbeing of seafarers and any exceptional deeds related to the business of seafaring. The spectrum of eligibility is quite broad, but nominees must be resident in the UK for at least three years. For the 2020 award, the Marine Society would be particularly interested in nominations for exceptional deeds related to the COVID-19 crisis. Unsuccessful nominations from the MN medal would also be considered where appropriate.
Last year's award was made to Captain Tristan Gurd, Falmouth Harbour Marine Pilot, for his exceptional and crucial contribution to the successful re-floating of a bulk carrier that was grounded during severe weather conditions.
If you would like to make a nomination, please advise the Marine Society and provide a citation with appropriate supporting information. It may be communicated in any format: there is no special form. If you don’t know anyone who deserves this recognition, please pass this email on to friends and colleagues in the industry who might.
The closing date for nominations is 4th September 2020 and the award will be presented at the Marine Society Annual Court on 13th October 2020.
The terms of this medal preclude it being granted if the recipient has already been honoured for the same action.
Some background to the Thomas Gray Silver Medal Award may be found online on the Marine Society Website.
If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Carla Rockson, Head of Seafarer Learning and Welfare, Marine Society on 020 7654 7029 or [email protected]
------Who Owned the Chemicals that Blew Up Beirut? No One Will Say https://gcaptain.com/who-owned-the-chemicals-that-blew-up-beirut-no-one-will- say/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Gcaptain+%28gCaptain.c om%29&goal=0_f50174ef03-874a1843da-139894965&mc_cid=874a1843da&mc_eid=4c72dd3685 ______Latest Seafarers Happiness Index Report reveals seafarer welfare crisis at tipping point https://www.missiontoseafarers.org/news/latest-seafarers-happiness-index-report-reveals-seafarer- welfare-crisis-at-tipping-point ______
Capesize Bulker MV Wakashio Aground on Mauritius Reef, May Break Up
______33 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
The Pulse
SEAFARER RIGHTS, SHIP ABANDONMENT, AND THE EXPLOSION IN BEIRUT https://stableseas.org/blue-economy/explosion-beirut-seafarer- rights?fbclid=IwAR0CyxiEa9x6pYL0RdxYcGkc5ktLJ_m1h6hpJhDTb6Qgn1P54t1BxpNXqik ------Diving supervisor gets jail over death of diver who was sucked into ship pipe, firm fined S$300,000 By Lydia Lam SINGAPORE: An assistant diving supervisor whose teammate died under his watch after being sucked into a ship pipe was sentenced to 12 weeks' jail on Tuesday (Aug 11). The company he worked for, Underwater Contractors, was fined S$300,000 in relation to the case. Both the company and the supervisor intend to appeal against conviction and sentence. David Ng Wei Li, 37, was found guilty in February of one charge of performing a negligent act endangering the safety of others under the Workplace Safety and Health Act.Underwater Contractors was convicted under the same act of failing to take measures necessary to ensure the safety and health of its employees. The deceased, 36-year-old Kwok Khee Khoon, died of traumatic asphyxia in June 2014 after the accident occurred while he was carrying out underwater works on a docked vessel. Ng led the team of five divers, including Mr Kwok, to carry out underwater survey works at the MV FRISIA KIEL vessel at Singapore's Eastern Anchorage on Jun 4, 2014.Mr Kwok's duties included opening and cleaning the grates of sea chests, which are portholes meant to suck in seawater to cool the ship's engines and generators.Work commenced after Ng briefed his team. Ng was doing welding inside the starboard sea chest box that evening when he felt a fin slap his head and turned to see Mr Kwok being sucked into the pipe orifice. Ng pulled on Mr Kwok's hand, but the suction force was too great. Ng exited the sea chest box to get help and to get the pump shut down. He had earlier been told that the port-side sea chest would be shut down, but the starboard sea chest would be kept in reduced flow. Mr Kwok was rescued after the starboard sea chest pump was shut down, but was pronounced dead that night. The prosecution had argued that the accident could have been prevented if the sea chest pumps were ensured to be shut. If this was not possible, the diving supervisor should have aborted the operation, said the Ministry of Manpower prosecutors. Underwater Contractors, a company conducting ship repairs and marine diving, was found guilty of failing to ensure that adequate safe work procedures were taken for the process used by the divers, and for failing to implement risk control that had been identified in its risk assessment.MOM prosecutors Delvinder Singh and Shanty Priya said the safest manner of performing the diving works was to completely shut down the pumps in the sea chests that the divers worked in. Defence lawyers said there were "third-party risk or interference that was beyond" the company's control, and argued that someone had increased the suction at the starboard sea chest pumps. The prosecutors objected to both these arguments. The company could have been fined up to S$500,000, while Ng faced a maximum two years' jail, a fine of up to S$30,000, or both. Source : Channel News Asia ------
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The Pulse
The Royal British Legion
VJ Day 75 at the NMA on Saturday 15th August. We are pleased to let you know that we are able to hold a smaller but hopefully equally significant commemoration for VJ Day 75 at the NMA on Saturday 15th August. Whilst capacity is limited, we are also delighted to share that this will be broadcast live on BBC One from 0930 – 1130. For those who wish to pay their respects at the NMA on the day, there are some public registrations available for the afternoon (from 1200hrs) after the commemoration. Spaces can be booked online at http://www.thenma.org.uk/plan-your-visit/visiting-us-summer-2020/ - click the ‘book now’ button and select the date. Please note, unfortunately we have had to limit access to the site during the commemoration itself due to Covid restrictions, however the link allows you to book access to the site and its fantastic memorials on the afternoon of the 15th August. If there are any VJ veterans that are affiliated with your organisation that hadn’t previously registered but might now be interested in attending the commemoration at the NMA, please send their name and contact details (preferably an email address) to [email protected] by Friday 7 August and a member of the team will register their interest. Finally, we very much want to be able to represent those VJ veterans who would have wanted to be at the event but who cannot travel. If you have veterans of VJ Day within your membership, we ask that you share this link with them in order for us to be able to lay a posy with a message from them, as part of the event: Poppy Posy registration This form will close on Wednesday 12 August. Many thanks for your continued support and good wishes. We look forward to being in touch soon about future events and plans. Best wishes, The Commemorative Events Team, Registered Charity Number: 219279. ------While on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant, and resumed the trip. She realised that she had left her glasses on the table, and she didn't miss them until they had been driving for about forty minutes. By then, to add to the aggravation, they had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around, in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve her glasses. All the way back, the elderly husband became the classic grumpy old man. He fussed and complained and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive. The more he chided her, the more agitated he became. He just wouldn't let up for a single minute. To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. As the woman got out of the car, and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old geezer yelled out to her, "While you're in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card". ______
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The Pulse
The mother of a 17-year-old girl was concerned that her daughter was having sex.
Worried the girl might become pregnant and adversely impact the family’s status, she consulted the family doctor.
The doctor told her that teenagers today were very wilful and any attempt to stop the girl would probably result in rebellion. He then told her to arrange for her daughter to be put on birth control and until then, talk to her and give her a box of condoms.
Later that evening, as her daughter was preparing for a date, the mother told her about the situation and handed her a box of condoms. The girl burst out laughing and reached over to hug her mother, saying,
“Oh Mom! You don't have to worry about that! I'm dating Susan!”
Brenda and Steve took their six-year-old son to the doctor. With some hesitation, they explained that although their little angel appeared to be in good health, they were concerned about his rather small penis.
After examining the child, the doctor confidently declared, “Just feed him pancakes. That should solve the problem.”
The next morning when the boy arrived at breakfast, there was a large stack of warm pancakes in the middle of the table
“Gee, Mom,” he exclaimed, “for me?”
“Just take two,” Brenda replied. “The rest are for your father”
This coming week is National Senior Mental Health Week. You can do YOUR part by remembering to contact at least one unstable Senior to show you care.
I have now done MY part ______36 MNA CIRCULAR 2020 - #15 14th August 2020
The Pulse
My Dear Husband, I'm writing this letter to tell you that I'm leaving you. I've been a good wife to you for the last 20 years & I have nothing to show for it, and the last 2 weeks have been hell.
Your boss called to tell me that you left your job today which was the Last straw.
Last week, you came home & you didn't even notice I had a new hairstyle, had cooked your favourite meal & even wore a brand new nightie.
You ate in 2 minutes & went straight to sleep after watching your TV soaps. You don't tell me you love me anymore; you don't want sex or anything that connects us as husband & wife.
Either you're cheating on me or you don't love me anymore; whatever the case, I'm gone.
Your Ex-Wife. Don't try to find me. Your BROTHER & I are moving to New Zealand together! Have a great life!
Dear Ex-Wife, Nothing has made my day more than receiving your letter. It's true you and I have been married for 20 years, although a good wife is a far cry from what you've been.
I watch TV soaps so much because they drown out your constant whining & bitching. Too bad that doesn't work anymore. I DID notice when you got a new hairdo last week, but the 1st thing that came to mind was 'You look just like a boy!'
Since my mother raised me not to say anything if you can't say something nice, I didn't comment...and when you cooked my favourite meal, you must have got me confused with MY BROTHER because I haven't eaten prawns for 7 years.
About the new nightie: I turned away from you because the $299.99 price tag was still on it, and I prayed it was a coincidence that my brother had just borrowed $300 from me that morning.
After all of this, I still loved you & felt we could work it out. So when I won the $20 million Lotto, on
Saturday, I left my job & bought 2 tickets to Paris for us, but when I got home you were gone.
Everything happens for a reason, I guess.
I hope you have the fulfilling life you always wanted. My lawyer said that the letter you wrote ensures you won't get a dollar from me.
So take care.
Signed, Your Ex-Husband (Rich As Hell & Free!)
P.S. I don't know if I ever told you this, but my brother Carl was born Carla. I hope that's not a problem!
______
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The Pulse
______Just Giving & The Merchant Navy Association We are pleased to say we are now able to offer our supporters the facility to make donations via our Just Giving page. This is a secure means of making payments and enables us to claim Gift Aid from the Treasury. Go to www.justgiving.com Click on ‘Search' at the top right- hand side and type in Merchant Navy Association. ______
That’s all from me now folks.
Stay Safe Shipmates
Good Health, Fair Winds and Calm Seas. Take Care.
Yours Aye, Malcolm
Malcolm Mathison National Vice-Chairman Merchant Navy Association Tel: 01472 277 266 Mob: 07831 622 312 Email: [email protected] www.mna.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1135661
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