RoRo traffic up 75% in Limassol since 2017

RoRo traffic up 75% in Limassol since 2017

– Limassol port has seen a 75% rise in wheeled cargo traffic since DP World Limassol took over its operation in 2017.
– DP World Limassol operates Cyprus’ largest RoRo terminal, processing around 60,000 multipurpose RoRo units last year alone.
– RoRo shipping is the most popular method for transporting wheeled cargo in a cost-effective manner.
– Limassol port is a natural gateway for the transportation of vehicles to and from the Middle East and continental Europe.
– DP World Limassol has made significant investments in the terminal, equipment, and operational processes over the past seven years.
– DP World Limassol serves numerous industries and welcomed a wide range of vessels, including passenger ships like the ferry connecting Greece and Cyprus.

Gaza aid flotilla halted after vessels flag removed, activists say

A humanitarian aid flotilla destined for Gaza was halted after Guinea Bissau removed its flag from two vessels, as the activists of the Freedom Flotilla Coalition stated. The flotilla, organized by the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation, aimed to deliver aid directly to Gaza. Israel’s assault on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 34,700 Palestinians, while UN experts demanded safe passage for the flotilla and adherence to international law.

Shipping Deputy Minister in China for ship naming ceremony

Shipping Deputy Minister in China for ship naming ceremony

Fact: Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis traveled to Guangzhou, China to attend the naming ceremony of the cargo ship ‘AAL Limassol’, owned by AAL Shipping, a subsidiary of Schoeller Holdings.

CSC demands release of MSC Aries crew

CSC demands release of MSC Aries crew

The Cyprus Shipping Chamber is calling for the immediate release of the 25 crew members on board the Portuguese-flagged containership MSC Aries, which was seized by Iran in retaliation for Israel’s bombing of the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran, White House says

US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran, White House says

President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in a counter-offensive against Iran if Israel decides to retaliate for a mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory overnight. The threat of open warfare between the two countries has caused global powers and Arab nations to urge restraint to avoid further escalation. The U.S. will continue to help Israel defend itself but does not want war, according to the White House’s top national security spokesperson. Iran launched the attack in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria, causing only modest damage in Israel as most missiles were shot down with the help of the U.S., Britain, and Jordan. Israel is not planning an immediate retaliation and is seeking to build a regional coalition to address the threat posed by Iran.

Iran seizes cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media says

Iran seizes cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media says

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship, the MSC Aries, in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship is leased by MSC from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer. Tensions are rising in the region since Israel’s campaign in Gaza, with threats and warnings being issued by Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iran has also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. Yemen’s Houthi group has been disrupting global trade by attacking ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea. The United States and Britain have responded with strikes against Houthi targets. The Joint Maritime Information Center has advised caution for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

Second Gaza shipment leaves Cyprus port carrying more than 300 tonnes of food

Second Gaza shipment leaves Cyprus port carrying more than 300 tonnes of food

Ships carrying 332 tons of food for Gaza left Larnaca port in Cyprus in a convoy that will reach the besieged enclave early next week. This is the second shipment this month after Israel eased a 17-year naval blockade on Gaza to allow aid in from Cyprus. The aid is sourced by U.S. charity World Central Kitchen and will be delivered by a cargo ship and a barge towed by a salvage vessel. The aid mission was arranged with Spain’s Open Arms charity, financed mainly by the UAE, and supported by Cypriot authorities. The United States plans to construct a floating pier off Gaza to receive aid, with a target completion date of May 1. The United Nations has warned of imminent famine in the northern Gaza Strip, where 300,000 people are trapped by fighting. More than half of Gaza’s population could face famine by July.

Six workers presumed dead after crippled cargo ship knocks down Baltimore bridge

Six workers presumed dead after crippled cargo ship knocks down Baltimore bridge

Six workers were missing and presumed dead after a cargo ship collided with a bridge in Baltimore Harbor, causing a section of the bridge to collapse. Active search-and-rescue operations were suspended due to treacherous conditions in the water. The ship reported a power failure before impact, and all 22 crew members were accounted for. The closure of the port could have a major impact on supply chains. President Biden promised to visit Baltimore and rebuild the bridge. The incident may be the worst U.S. bridge collapse since 2007.