BP Shipping Ltd.

Most cruise lines’ operations are now suspended but at the beginning of the year, BSM Cruise Services’ managed ships were deployed all around the world.Martin Springer, Managing Director BSM Cruise Services explains that, while all BSM’s managed vessels have advanced procedures and contingency plans in place for any crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic has been an extreme situation.But he continues; “BSM Cruise Services’ commitment to building long-lasting customer relationships and cost-effective ship management – with safety as our number one priority – means that our relationship with our clients is that of a trusted partner, not just a supplier.

The Baltic Exchange’s main sea freight index rose for the 24th straight session on Wednesday, helped by a modest increase in capesize and supramax rates.The Baltic dry index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities and reflects rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels, rose 4 points, or 0.2%, to 1,803.The index has gained 65.4% so far this year, driven by a recovery in demand for iron-ore from China as industrial activity picked up amid easing coronavirus-induced lockdowns.China’s factory activity grew at a faster clip in June after the government lifted coronavirus lockdown measures and ramped up support steps, a private business survey showed.

France has informed NATO that it is suspending its involvement in a naval operation in the Mediterranean after the results of an investigation into an incident between French and Turkish warships, an Armed Forces Ministry official said on Wednesday.Turkey's ambassador to France Ismail Hakki Musa had earlier told French senators that Paris was withdrawing after the investigation into the incident had been inconclusive and did not back Paris' claims.Ties between NATO allies France and Turkey have soured in recent weeks over Libya, Northern Syria and drilling in the eastern Mediterranean.

Elbit Systems announced Wednesday it has been awarded a contract valued at approximately $53 million to provide and integrate intelligence suites onboard Navy vessels in a Southeast Asian country. The contract will be performed over a two-year period.Under the contract, Elbit Systems will equip several vessels with suites that provide the capability to perform complex reconnaissance missions, generating an operational picture of the air, surface and underwater domains, it said. Elbit Systems will supply and integrate comprehensive suites comprised of an array of systems including AES-212 electronic intelligence systems

Damen Shipyards Group said it has laid the keel for a new crane barge that is going to be delivered in Panama, following award of tender in August last year. The barge is being built at Damen Yichang Shipyard in Hubei Province, China. The shipyard is almost back to full capacity following the recent coronavirus outbreak, with strict safety measures to protect the health and wellbeing of yard workers.The 75- by 32-meter Crane Barge 7532 will succeed, a 77-year old crane still in operation. Following construction, the new crane barge will be outfitted with a crane at Huisman’s Zhangzhou facility, giving it the capability to lift 625 metric tons at 25 meters.