Maersk Appoints Efraín Osorio as New Managing Director for Central American, Andean, and Caribbean Regions

Maersk, a global leader in shipping and logistics, has announced the appointment of Efraín Osorio as the new managing director for Central America, Andean, and Caribbean regions, with his base in Panama City. A graduate from Kings Points in merchant marine, Osorio brings over 28 years of extensive experience in executive, commercial, operations, and customer service roles within the shipping and logistics industry. In his new role, Osorio aims to lead Maersks transformation as a logistics integrator in the area, focusing on enhancing solutions and services while prioritizing customer-centric approaches. Antonio Dominguez, President of Maersk for Latin America and the Caribbean, expressed confidence in Osorios ability to strengthen the integration formula in the region and consolidate relationships with customers. Osorio, on his part, expressed enthusiasm about collaborating with the team to set a new standard of reference in integrated logistics for customers in Central America, Andean, and Caribbean regions.

AtoB@C Shipping Delivers Second Plug-In Hybrid Cargo Ship Stellamar in Environmental Mileston

AtoB@C Shipping, a Swedish subsidiary of ESL Shipping, has marked a significant milestone with the delivery of Stellamar, the second vessel in its twelve-part series of plug-in hybrid general cargo ships. The handover ceremony took place at Indias Chowgule & Company shipyard on April 5, 2024. With a carrying capacity of 5,350 deadweight tons (dwt), Stellamar showcases impressive environmental credentials, boasting the capability to slash CO2 emissions by up to 50% compared to existing vessels, courtesy of its shore power connectivity and substantial battery setup. This advancement aligns with the companys commitment to sustainability, offering quieter and cleaner operations while in port. Frida Rowland, the Commercial Director at ESL Shipping/AtoB@C Shipping, emphasized the customer-centric approach behind the vessels development, citing its ability to meet clients needs and expectations. The launch of Stellamar underscores a strategic move towards bolstering service offerings and competitive edge through next-generation electric hybrid vessels. The newbuild, measuring 90 meters in length and 16 meters in width, was initially unveiled at the same shipyard in early October 2023, heralding a new era in eco-friendly maritime transportation.

AP Moller Maersk Celebrates Naming Ceremony of Methanol-Powered Container Vessel Astrid Maersk in Yokohama, Japan

Danish shipping giant A.P. Møller Maersk achieved a significant milestone with the naming ceremony of the world’s second largest container vessel, Astrid Maersk, in Yokohama, Japan. Liza Uccida, spouse of Nissan Motor Corporations CEO, served as the godmother for the vessel christened to operate on green methanol. The CEO Vincent Clerc emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts towards sustainable shipping. Astrid Maersk, the second of 18 methanol-powered vessels, boasts a capacity of 16,000 containers and will operate on the Asia-Europe route. This event is part of Maersks fleet renewal program aimed at cutting CO2 emissions by 2.75 million tons annually, aligning with its ambitious decarbonization agenda targeting net-zero emissions by 2040. This christening follows the launch of the worlds first green methanol-powered container ship, Laura Maersk, earlier in Copenhagen.

Pittsburgh Bridges Closed Due to Dozen Runaway Barges After Heavy Rainfall

In a dramatic turn of events, Pittsburgh faced bridge closures over the weekend as a result of a massive barge breakaway on the Ohio River. Following heavy rainfall, 26 barges broke loose, wreaking havoc downstream. While two bridges were temporarily shut down, fortunately, no structural damage occurred, and they swiftly reopened. However, the impact extended beyond the waterways, with two marinas suffering significant damage. The West End Bridge and the Brunot Island rail bridge were among the affected structures, highlighting the disruptive force of nature on urban infrastructure.

Philippines Asserts Sovereignty in South China Sea Amid Tensions with China, Receives U.S. Support

The Philippines reiterated its determination to uphold its sovereign rights in the South China Sea during a meeting with U.S. allies, citing escalating tensions with China. In response, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin pledged unwavering support to Manila against coercion. Recent maritime incidents have raised concerns over the strategic waterway, prompting increased coordination between the U.S. and the Philippines on diplomatic and defense fronts. The commitment was underscored by a joint effort to modernize the Philippines armed forces, with a bipartisan bill proposed to provide $2.5 billion over five years. The evolving alliance between the U.S. and the Philippines aims to defend international rules and law in the region amid Chinas assertive actions, including its expansive territorial claims.

Mitsui OSK Lines Ventures into Offshore Wind Market with Japans First Coastal Module Carrier

Japanese maritime powerhouse Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) is making waves in the offshore wind sector with its groundbreaking move to commission Japans inaugural coastal module carrier. This strategic decision aligns with Japans burgeoning offshore wind market expansion. MOLs subsidiary, MOL Drybulk, secured the vessels construction through a contract with JFE Engineering Corp, a fellow Japanese firm. The vessel, ordered from Chinas Taizhou Sanfu Ship Engineering Co, is slated for delivery in early 2026, marking a significant milestone in Japans renewable energy infrastructure. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, underscoring the industrys anticipation for this pioneering venture.