20 FEB 2020 Scientists have identified an enigmatic virus whose genome seems to be almost entirely new to science, populated by unfamiliar genes that have never before been documented in viral research. The so-called Yaravirus, named after Yara – or Iara, a water-queen figure in Brazilian mythology – was recovered from Lake Pampulha, an …

19 FEB 2020  Now that U.K. has left the E.U., the Government’s Department for International Trade says it is free to make its mark as a champion of free trade, and freeports (free trade zones) are on the table. The Government is developing a tariff schedule that will enter into …

18 FEB 2020  Attorneys for salvors Donjon-SMIT filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Coast Guard in the U.S. District Court in Brunswick on Thursday in an attempt to halt salvage operations underway for the capsized car carrier Golden Ray. The Brunswick News broke the news saying that the complaint relates to …

16 FEB 2020 The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has released its final report from its investigation into the loss of containers from the container ship YM Efficiency, saying the loss of 81 containers overboard in very rough seas on July 1, 2018 highlights the importance of safe and effective container …

18 FEB 2020  A crude oil spill that occurred in Tabbs Bay near Baytown, Texas, on Saturday has led to an estimated 630 gallons of crude oil being discharged from an out-of-service wellhead.  One mile of shoreline is impacted and approximately 840 gallons of oily water has been collected. Over …

17 FEB 2020  Age discrimination is no joke, and can affect individuals of all ages in any field of work, says Natalie Shaw, Director of Employment Affairs at the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). “Age discrimination is a form of unfair treatment, and the age gap between employees in the …

16 FEB 2020 The container ship Maersk Tema has been attacked by pirates off the coast of Guinea, confirmed ship manager BSM on Friday. AIS tracking shows that on Friday morning, the Maersk Tema was under way and making 20 knots off São Tomé in the Gulf of Guinea. At about 0805 hours GMT, at …

14 FEB 2020  Chinese shipyard Jiangsu New Times Shipbuilding (NTS) has declared force majeure for the delivery of two bulkers due to the coronavirus outbreak – an example of the challenges facing shipping interests in China since new public health restrictions were enacted in January. “Workers are still not coming …

16 FEB 2020  Japan filed a petition against South Korea with the World Trade Organization (WTO) on Friday over what it says is excessive aid to South Korea’s domestic shipbuilding industry. Local media reports that Japan has asked South Korea to discuss the issue which it says is affecting international competition, …

15 FEB 2020  South Korea’ Financial Services Commission has announced $690 million in funding to help modernize aging passenger and cargo ships. The plan aims to support the construction of 21 passenger vessels and 38 cargo vessels. Shipping companies will be reinbursed for up to 60 percent of the cost …