Companies reliant upon the use of rail services and commercial harbor craft at California’s ports should be interested in the State’s:

  • Increasing focus on utilizing zero emission technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions resulting from port-related operations; and
  • Provision of $6.6 million in available grants to “fund the design, integration, and demonstration of hydrogen fuel

On 1 July 2018, Hong Kong celebrated the 21st anniversary of the end of British colonial rule and its return to the Motherland’s embrace.

1 July also marks the beginning of the second half of the year.  If Year 2018 were a soccer match, the players are now back on the field, feeling refreshed after the halftime break, and ready to kick-off the second half of the match.

For Hong Kong’s maritime industry, the game has so far been tough, just like last year, and the year before that.  Team Hong Kong has been playing on defence mode, struggling to hold its ground against strong rivals like Singapore and Shanghai.  With this comes the city’s realization that laissez faire, the style of governance that had once been a source of pride, may have passed its heyday.

With a bit of luck, though, and barring any contingencies with the US-China trade war, the second half of 2018 may see the tide turn for Hong Kong and its maritime industry, for there is good news to come.
Continue Reading Good News in Store for Hong Kong’s Maritime Industry in the Second Half of 2018

On 12 January 2018, Singapore’s Minister of State for Transport, Lam Pin Min, launched Singapore’s new “Sea Transport Industry Transformation Map.”

Considering the maritime industry’s pivotal role in Singapore’s economy, and the fierce competition between global ports, Singapore’s government is determined to ensure the country remains a leading maritime trading hub. The strategic blueprint aims to create over 5,000 new jobs in the maritime sector and grow its “value-add” by S$4.5bn (US$3.50bn) by 2025, by developing technological innovation, workforce talent, and connectivity between maritime industry actors.

The strategic blueprint will be implemented by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore with close support from industry stakeholders and Singapore research centres, and will operate through a collaborative effort of public and private initiatives and the promotion of tech start-ups.
Continue Reading Singapore launches an ambitious blueprint to drive Singapore Port as the future global maritime hub

In Gard Marine & Energy Ltd v China National Chartering Co Ltd (Rev 1) [2015] EWCA Civ 16, the Appellant sub-charterers appealed the 2013 judgment of Teare J.

On or around 12 September 2006, the sub-charterers ordered the vessel, “Ocean Victory”, a Cape-size bulk carrier, to discharge a cargo of iron ore at Kashima, Japan.

In Gard Marine & Energy Ltd v China National Chartering Co Ltd (The “Ocean Victory”) [2013] EWHC 2199 (Comm), the Claimant Underwriters claimed damages from the Defendant Time Charterers where the vessel was lost on departing Kashima port.

Facts

Charterers ordered the vessel, a Capesize bulk carrier, to discharge at Kashima. The vessel sought to