The Lofty-Mountain: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

In a significant enforcement action, the Italian Coast Guard detained the bulk carrier 'Sinoway VI' on January 22, 2019, while it was docked at the port of Taranto, where it had arrived to offload semi-finished steel. The detention was made under the provisions of Directive 2009/16 of the European Community, which has been integrated into Italian law through Legislative Decree 53 of 2011 and its subsequent amendments. Following an in-depth 11-hour inspection, authorities identified 18 deficiencies on board, including five serious violations that raised concerns about the vessel's safety. Notably, the crew's inadequate emergency preparedness, substandard living conditions, irregularities in on-board equipment, and missing mandatory certifications were flagged by inspectors. Alarmingly, eight crew members, including the Captain and several officers, had been aboard for approximately 15 months, exceeding the one-year regulatory limit, which is designed to mitigate fatigue and prevent errors that could jeopardize navigation safety. This oversight has also garnered attention from the International Labor Organization (ILO) and relevant shipping stakeholders. After rectifying the highlighted issues, 'Sinoway VI' was cleared to set sail on January 30 at 3:30 PM, heading toward Kyme with an estimated arrival time of 9 PM on February 1. For more details on this incident, read the Italian report featuring a photo by following this link: https://www.tarantinitime.it/2019/01/24/porto-di-taranto-la-guardia-costiera-detiene-nave-perche-non-sicura-per-la-navigazione/

In a strategic move to bolster its fleet, Franbo Lines, a prominent shipping company based in Taiwan, has successfully acquired a 51,000 dwt bulk carrier from Tai Shing Maritime, a subsidiary of Taiwan Navigation. This significant purchase, valued at $8.55 million, involves the acquisition of the supramax bulker known as TAI HARVEST, which was originally constructed in 2002. The transaction highlights Franbo Lines' commitment to enhancing its maritime operations and expanding its shipping capabilities.

Tai Shing Maritime, a prominent player in the Taiwanese shipping industry, has successfully finalized the sale of one of its vessels for an impressive price of $8.2 million. The buyer, hailing from Bangladesh, marks a significant transaction in the maritime market, underscoring the ongoing demand for vessels in the region. This sale reflects the strategic decisions made by Tai Shing Maritime to optimize its fleet and capitalize on lucrative opportunities in the shipping sector.