03 APR 2020 It’s fair to say that the world has had more than enough of viruses right now. Unfortunately, the converse is not necessarily true. The incredible vastness of the virosphere is hard to overstate. While several thousand kinds of virus have been studied in detail, scientists say we haven’t even scratched the …
Read More »JAPANESE COMPANY ORDERS WORLD’S FIRST ZERO-EMISSION BUNKER TANKERS
02 APR 2020 Japan’s Asahi Tanker Company has announced plans to build the world’s first two zero-emission electric bunker tankers. The vessels are being designed by e5 Laboratories, Inc. and will be powered by large-capacity lithium ion batteries. They will be delivered between March 2022 to March 2023, and the …
Read More »NEW STUDY OF THE CORONAVIRUS ‘SPIKE’ PROTEIN COULD HELP EXPLAIN ITS IMMENSE SPREAD
01 APR 2020 When a new disease comes out of the woodwork, scientists across the world leap into action to try and find out what they can about it, hopefully providing new ways to help. Researchers at the University of Minnesota (UM) have done just that – by investigating the …
Read More »FIRST CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASES ON A CONTAINER SHIP
31 MAR 2020 Maersk Group has confirmed that five seafarers aboard the container ship Gjertrud Maersk have tested positive for COVID-19, including four individuals who are asymptomatic. Last week, they were evacuated to a hospital in Ningbo, China for treatment, along with two additional crewmembers who tested negative. All are in stable …
Read More »DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO DISINFECT ALL GROCERIES NOW? AN EXPERT EXPLAINS
31 MARCH 2020 There is no evidence currently that COVID-19 is transmitted by food. The biggest risk when it comes to COVID-19 and groceries is being around other people in the grocery store while you are shopping. Should I keep my groceries in the garage or on the porch for …
Read More »CORONAVIRUS-HIT CRUISE SHIP ALLOWED TO TRANSIT PANAMA CANAL
30 MAR 2020 A cruise ship stuck off Panama’s Pacific coast after four passengers died and more than 130 others developed influenza-like symptoms, including at least two with the coronavirus, will be allowed to proceed through the Panama Canal, the government said on Saturday. Holland America Line’s 238-meter (781-foot) MS Zaandam vessel can now continue …
Read More »LACK OF KNOWLEDGE LED TO ENCLOSED SPACE DEATH
29 MAR 2020 The Accident Investigation Board Norway (AIBN) has released its report on death of a seafarer in an enclosed space on board the factory trawler Nordstar on June 10, 2018. The crewmember was preparing to clean a silage tank, and it is likely that he was exposed to immediately lethal …
Read More »CHINA PROPOSES HEALTH SILK ROAD
28 MAR 2020 China says it is willing to contribute to international cooperation in combating the COVID-19 pandemic via the construction of a Health Silk Road. State media agency Xinhua states that Chinese President Xi Jinping made the offer, along with an offer of help for Italy, during a phone …
Read More »SHIPBUILDING FACES UNCERTAIN WATERS
27 MAR 2020 The global suspension of cruise operations and the reduction in commercial shipping due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) have broad ramifications for many business sectors, including the shipbuilding industry. Worldwide, shipbuilders are struggling to maintain their businesses while uncertain over the implications of the current global crisis. Shipyards …
Read More »BRITAIN SUSPENDS IMO 2020 FUEL CHECKS DUE TO CORONAVIRUS
27 MAR 2020 Britain has suspended checks on ships for compliance with low sulphur fuel regulations as part of wider measures that cut back on inspections to reduce the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on supply chains, the coastguard authority said on Friday. The coronavirus has created growing logistical problems for freight …
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