World

01 AUG 2021 After denying media reports that China was banning Indian crewmembers from crew changes due to fears of COVID-19, the Chinese Ministry of Transportation confirmed it was blocking crew changes for at least 30 days from certain crewing agencies and management companies. Chinese officials said the moves were …

31 JULY 2021 India’s seafarers have long been a significant presence in the global fleet, but in the COVID-19 era they face new obstacles to employment. The Indian government’s primary vaccine, Covaxin, is not certified by the WHO and is therefore not accepted by some international vessel operators as a …

31 JULY 2021 Following more than a year of random pandemic challenges, the synergy is clear among U.S. seafarers’ welfare groups, logistic teams, global advisors and others who simply care. The coordinated effort to vaccinate those on ships is making a personal difference to thousands of seafarers. Seafarers are exposed …

22 JULY 2021 The World Health Organization has included seafarers among groups of transportation workers that should be given priority access to COVID-19 vaccinations in instances of limited supplies. The WHO’s updated guidance for Stage II of its vaccine roadmap states: “Seafarers and air crews who work on vessels that …

30 JULY 2021 Irish authorities are reporting the seizure of up to half a ton of cocaine with an estimated street value of $41 million in a joint operation with Dutch authorities and the Port of Rotterdam. The cocaine was disguised as charcoal illustrating the sophisticated methods being used by …

29 JULY 2021 The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reports that it has detained a Ukrainian citizen on charges of sea piracy, making him the first citizen to be brought up on charges of being a modern-day pirate. The unnamed male suspect was captured by the SBU after returning to …

27 JULY 2021 The insurers of the X-Press Pearl have made an initial payment of $3.6 million to the Sri Lankan government to help compensate for the ship’s fire and sinking, the ship’s operator said in an update. Discussions are ongoing related to the payment of further claims and all legitimate claims …

26 JULY 2021 Besides dealing with everything else that COVID-19 has thrown our way, medical experts are working hard to get a better idea of what’s causing long COVID – a condition where symptoms persist for months after a COVID-19 infection. A new study has identified 203 different long COVID symptoms across …

25 JULY 2021 New technology developed by Japanese engineers has walloped the heck out of the previous data transmission speed record. Along an optical cable more than 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) long, the team achieved a data transmission speed of 319 terabits per second (Tb/s). This not only smashes the …

24 JULY 2021 The hunt for a “male birth control pill” is a topic that often grabs attention. But so far no products have been licensed for use, either because they haven’t been effective enough, or because of negative side effects – including depression, mood disorders and acne – that halted trials. Current …