Nor-Shipping Exhibition 2023

karvalagency
May 2, 2023

Nor-Shipping is a prestigious event that has been attracting key players in the maritime industry for nearly 60 years. The event provides a platform for strategic deal-making, networking, and collaboration opportunities for leaders across the entire maritime value chain, including representatives from the press.

One of the primary focuses of Nor-Shipping is sustainable ocean development. The event aims to assist leading maritime players in charting profitable courses into the future while aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

The event serves as a showcase for cutting-edge Norwegian and international companies to highlight their innovations that provide a competitive advantage to their customers. Nor-Shipping facilitates the convergence of the maritime, tech, finance, and broader business segments, fostering a platform for mutual learning, forging partnerships, and accessing new economic value-creation opportunities. Delegates and visitors have the opportunity to experience firsthand the products, services, and companies that are driving the new age of ocean industry development.

The European Union funds the Greek port of Alexandroupolis with $26.0m

An investment of 26 million euros has been secured by Greece to upgrade the port of Alexandroupolis in the Northern Aegean Sea. As announced by the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (HRADF), the funds will enhance the port’s facilities and transform it into a regional energy hub. Alexandroupolis, located near Bulgaria and Turkey, has previously been used by the US military to unload and transfer munitions to NATO’s western flank. European energy imports will be able to enter the port through this port. Additionally, a floating gas and regasification unit (FSRU) is being built near the city by Gastrade, which will store and transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe. As Greece and Bulgaria seek to revive a pipeline for transporting crude oil from the port to Burgas, the development is expected to benefit both countries. According to HRADF, EU funds will be used for dredging works and road infrastructure construction. Finally, end of last year, the Greek Government decided to cancel the sale of a 67% stake in Port of Alexandroupolis, citing the port’s strategic, geopolitical, and energy significance for the country, emphasizing the need for its control by the Greek government. In response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine, HRADF noted that the port had gained greater value as a weapons facilitation center

Interested in Bunkering Services? Important points to keep in mind.

karvalagency
March 22, 2023

Bunkering services refer to providing fuel to a ship either afloat or while the ship on a bunkering station. Many components are covered by ship bunkering services. The purpose of this article is to highlight the importance of bunkering services, as well as the important factors to think about when providing a ship bunker.

What are Bunkering Services?

Bunkering is the process of providing fuel for propulsion, mainly by other ships’ use (called bunker ship), including the logistics of loading and distributing the fuel on board. A person dealing in the trade of bunker (fuel) is called a bunker trader. The term bunkering originated during the steamship era when coal was stored in bunkers. The term bunker nowadays refers to petroleum products stored in tanks and bunkering to the practice and business of refueling ships. In seaports, bunkering operations include the storage and supply of ship fuel (bunker).

The importance of Bunkering

A bunker is important since it powers a ship’s engine and moves it from point A to point B. When buying bunkers, it is important to choose the right counterpart in order to secure the agreed bunker specification, quality and quantity on delivery. The expense for bunkers represent a large portion of a vessel’s daily OPEX, so it’s critical it’s bought at the right time, supplied as agreed, so the vessel isn’t delayed, and the quality is right so that the vessel doesn’t have problems burning the oil or worse, breaks down.

What is the process of bunkering?

Bunkering can take place onshore or offshore, with the bunkers pumped into the receiver vessel through a bunker hose. Bunkers can be loaded onshore using a tank truck or pipeline station; onshore bunkering is handled by a bunker barge, called STS (ship-to-ship).

What is ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering?

An STS or ship-to-ship transfer refers to the transfer of a ship’s cargo, which can be oil or gas cargo, between two merchant tanker vessels positioned alongside each other. Either the ships can stand still or the STS operation can also be performed while ships are underway. But it requires proper coordination, equipment, and approval to perform such an operation. Both the masters of the ships are responsible for the entire STS operation.

The stages of bunkering operation

The bunkering procedure on a ship can be divided into three important stages:

Preparation– Preparing for the bunkering operation which will involve the readiness of bunkering equipment, storage tanks, and bunkering safety
Perform– Performing the bunkering operation in real-time as per the pre-decided procedure and receiving the marine fuel according to the bunker plan
Wrap-up– Wrapping up the bunkering operation with utmost safety and ensuring the correct amount and quality of bunker fuel has been received onboard from the bunkering facilities (bunker ship or shore truck etc.)

What are the three main types of bunkers?

The most common types of bunkers are Low Sulphur Fuel Oil, High Sulphur l Oil, and Low Sulphur MFueGO.

What is the cost of bunker fuel?

The price for bunkers depends on what kind of product is required, which port it is required in, and the current price level of the crude oil at the given moment. The market price is traded globally and is altered on daily basis based on numerous factors on a macroeconomic level.

What is the bunker cost in shipping?

It is the cost of the bunkers a vessel consumes to move cargo from A to B. The cost depends on which type of bunker the vessel use, how much is used, and at what market level it has been purchased.

Why choose Karval Shipping Agency for bunkering in Greece?

Our team can undertake all necessary formalities and coordination with the physical bunkering supplier chosen by the owner’s or charterers’ side and arrange the delivery on board once all procedures have been conducted and reported to the Port & Customs Authorities.

In addition, we can provide you with independent Bunkering Surveyors to be on board the vessel during the bunkering operation and take necessary measurements, prepare the respective reporting, and take the necessary oil sample.

Also, bunker oil sample analysis can be carried out in certified laboratories in Piraeus, Greece or to be sent abroad to the designated labs of the owners’ or charterers’ desire.

We support the recent IMO regulations towards CO2 emission reduction and we are closely monitoring the renewable fuels updates to keep our clients informed.

Great start for Karval Shipping Agency

karvalagency
March 21, 2023

What are Bunkering Services?

The importance of Bunkering

What is the process of bunkering?

What is ship-to-ship (STS) bunkering?

The stages of bunkering operation

The bunkering procedure on a ship can be divided into three important stages:

Preparation– Preparing for the bunkering operation which will involve the readiness of bunkering equipment, storage tanks, and bunkering safety
Perform– Performing the bunkering operation in real-time as per the pre-decided procedure and receiving the marine fuel according to the bunker plan
Wrap-up– Wrapping up the bunkering operation with utmost safety and ensuring the correct amount and quality of bunker fuel has been received onboard from the bunkering facilities (bunker ship or shore truck etc.)

What are the three main types of bunkers?

The most common types of bunkers are Low Sulphur Fuel Oil, High Sulphur Fuel Oil, and Low Sulphur MGO.

What is the cost of bunker fuel?

What is the bunker cost in shipping?

It is the cost of the bunkers a vessel consumes to move cargo from A to B. The cost depends on which type of bunker the vessel use, how much is used, and at what market level it has been purchased.

Why choose Karval Shipping Agency for bunkering in Greece?

Also, bunker oil sample analysis can be carried out in certified laboratories in Piraeus, Greece or to be sent abroad to the designated labs of the owners’ or charterers’ desire.

We support the recent IMO regulations towards CO2 emission reduction and we are closely monitoring the renewable fuels updates to keep our clients informed.

Hull cleaning and propeller polishing

karvalagency
November 29, 2022

KEEP THE CHARTERERS HAPPY

Greece’s crystal clear waters are not beneficial only to the visiting tourists but also to the trading vessels in our region. Numerous cases also in November with In Water Surveys (IWS) with the presence of Classification Societies as well as Underwater Hull Cleaning and Propeller Polishing services were carried out in different anchorage areas around Greece. Our diving teams are well equipped to carry out within one full day all necessary services, subject vessel’s hull condition, even to larger Suezmax tanker vessels. Detailed reporting is provided to all concerned parties and our trustful ladies are able to continue their trade on a more efficient way. Let’s keep the charterers happy!

GREEN FUEL SHIPPING: GOVERNMENTS URGED NOT TO MISS THE BOAT

A new report published on November 15th from the Tyndall Centre at the University of Manchester highlights the major role the shipping sector will play in transporting the green fuels necessary to meet global climate goals. The report provides insights on the implications for the shipping sector of different global energy scenarios pushing to limit global temperature rise to 1.5˚C, in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and the opportunities for shipping to support the global low carbon transition.

To achieve the Paris Climate Agreement’s goals, the authors identify low-carbon hydrogen and sustainable bioenergy as essential. The study found that government policies, including guaranteed markets and prices for producers and consumers, were hampering investment in the shipping infrastructure needed to support the global energy transition.

According to the International Energy Agency, there is a huge gap between what is planned and what is needed for low-carbon hydrogen by 2030: already-announced projects will only produce 24 million tonnes by 2030. Only 4% of these projects have reached a final investment decision. Government policies must be strengthened to give low-carbon hydrogen producers, shippers, and consumers the confidence they need to invest. According to the report’s co-author, Professor Alice Larkin, the shipping sector is crucial in transporting green fuels to meet the Paris climate goals. To meet the Paris goals, we must scale up the production of green fuels. Bioenergy and hydrogen converted into ammonia are transported by shipping during this global energy transition. According to the study, ammonia and bioenergy could be transported by sea in the same way as gas and coal in the future. The green hydrogen supply chain would require around 20 large ammonia carriers every year. Due to the timeline of 2–3 years for building new vessels, shipping industry representatives said they needed certainty about hydrogen production as soon as possible. According to the report, governments should send “stronger market signals” to the shipping industry to reduce the fear of new ships not being used to transport low-carbon fuels. The International Chamber of Shipping commissioned and welcomed the report. In its report, the Tyndall Centre identified several ways that government policy can be made more effective at enabling investment. It may be necessary to create mandatory mandates for increasing the percentage of green hydrogen, to create production credits for hydrogen production, or to provide producers and consumers with guaranteed markets and prices. USA, Germany, and India have already tested such measures.

The International Chamber of Shipping Secretary General Guy Platten said: “The shipping industry knows it has a crucial role to play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decades. Governments must develop much stronger policies to de-risk green hydrogen production before we invest. Both imports and exports of hydrogen must be supported by national hydrogen strategies. Despite the industry’s readiness, stronger market signals and infrastructure investment are urgently needed to make this happen. If the shipping sector can energize faster growth in sustainable fuels, it will be playing a pioneering role in closing the gap between grand theoretical plans and a real-world fit for future generations.

Indian – Owned Suezmax appoints us as husbandry agent

karvalagency
October 30, 2022

UNDERWATER SERVICES

For the last 35 years, we are proud to offer diversified Husbandry Agency services to major international shipowners & ship managers while always over-delivering based on our promised services. The fall season started extremely active for our Agency with offered services in different ports around Greece. The largest Indian-based shipowner has appointed our Agency to be by their side for all services during a major engineering repair in Eleusis Port. Furthermore, another Greek shipowner, currently based in Germany, entrusted our Underwater services as well as Spare Parts & Bond Stores supplies at Piraeus Anchorage which were completed in less than 48hours.

PARTICIPATING IN THE 30TH SMM HAMBURG FAIR

KARVAL SHIPPING AGENCY joins for the first time the 30th SMM Hamburg international maritime trade fair in Hamburg, Germany from 6 – 9 of September at Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH. We were excited to meet with our customers and peers and share information about our latest products and services. With over 30,000 visitors from over 100 nations, it was the first opportunity for 2,000 exhibitors, representing all technology areas in the maritime industry, to meet in person again after a long period of pandemic restrictions. All the participants and visitors from the maritime industry were interested in Identifying and addressing complex challenges, introducing groundbreaking innovations and finally to network, seek cooperation and forge alliances. That was the reason why our exceptional business development team was there to elaborate on all these subjects with numerous German and International clients as well as to interpret on the abundant opportunities that arise in the Greek region. KARVAL SHIPPING AGENCY continuously expands to many locations around Greece to satisfy the needs of its customers on the most reliable, transparent and trust-full way possible.

Top Cyprus Shipmanagement company nominates us for husbandry agent

karvalagency
October 17, 2022

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

Due to the technical orientation of our sister company CARELL since the mid-50s’, we have been heavily focused on being the only Port Agency in Greece, specializing in supporting the Owners’ side during Ship Repairs and Dry Docking Projects. Our deep technical knowledge under the same management roof gives us a competitive advantage during the hectic and unexpected circumstances of the repair projects. Prioritization and proper planning can protect tremendously owners’ interests and avoid extra costs. This month, we managed to undertake under our agency two (2) major Dry Docking projects in Syros island, three (3) Afloat Repair projects in Piraeus & Eleusis area and five (5) transit calls at Piraeus anchorage.

COLLABORATING TOWARDS GREENER SHIPPING

During Maritime Cyprus Conference 2022, at one of the most insightful panels for “Collaborating Towards Greener Shipping” moderated by Mr. Julian Bray, Editor-in-Chief of TradeWinds, and presented by Mr. George Wells, Global Head Assets & Structuring, Cargill International SA, Mr. Nikolaus H. Schües, President Designate, BIMCO, Mr. Claes Berglund, immediate Past President ECSA, and Mr. Dieter Rohdenburg, Vice President, Cyprus Shipping Chamber, and CEO, Internship Navigation Co. Ltd. Mr. Nikolaus H. Schües pointed out that the cost of decarbonization would not be achieved alone while Mr. George Wells emphasized that the whole entire supply chain should bear the transition cost. Furthermore, a thorough discussion was carried out on what the next green fuel will be and Mr. Berglund responded by discussing the benefits and the regulatory trajectory of LNG as a fuel.

TRANSITION TO A NEW "GREENER ERA"

As one of the most carbon-efficient modes of commercial transport, shipping respects international and regional environmental targets and also the urgency of protecting the marine environment. However, serious issues hinder the shipping industry’s decarbonization efforts, as the targets are nearing. The shipping industry should focus on marine technology research and innovation to address the knowledge gap and global challenges, including climate change and sustainable development, as well as reduce its carbon footprint and improve energy efficiency. Developing alternative fuels and intelligent digital solutions is essential to shipping’s green transition. To transform the shipping industry and enhance business processes, new technologies will be developed through automation and digitization, utilizing shipping big data from ship operations. As a result of these new technologies, shipping operations can be more efficient and safer, ship designs can be improved in the future, and environmental performance can be increased. The above complexities involving shipping’s successful and safe transition to a “greener era” calls for a mixture of synergies among the public and private sectors, academia, and a call for private and public funding, to facilitate investment in developing the required green shipping technologies. Shipping’s green transition also requires a unified industry “voice” among shipping stakeholders such as shipowners, fuel producers, engine manufacturers, shipyards, and port operators, to meet the new regulations and improve operating efficiencies.

Peak summer time for Karval Agency

karvalagency
August 31, 2022

Summertime has been more than positively overwhelming for our Port Agency

With congestion easing at key ports in the U.S., this problem remains a major concern in other parts of the world, especially Europe.

The congestion at many European ports has reached critical levels, and with that not being enough, major European Terminals are witnessing reduced productivity, mostly caused by labor shortages.

A statement by Hapag Lloyd read that congestion at two French ports had reached critical levels, therefore a congestion surcharge is to come into effect.

Very high yard densities at North European container terminals and inland transport bottlenecks are aggravating port congestion problems in the trade between the Far East and North Europe. Container ships deployed on this route currently need on average 101 days to complete a full round voyage.

At Antwerp’s port, although operations remain stable, the holiday season has resulted in a reduction in labor availability. Most of the storage at the port is occupied, as the average yard utilization stands at 80 percent. ECT, Rotterdam, has similar conditions, with yard space up to 85 percent full and reefers at 100 percent plug utilization. The pick-up rate has improved for transshipment and import cargo, despite long dwell times.

At some ports and terminals, the peak has passed, however, there is still a lot of port congestion in the UK. With the congestion at ports taking its toll on the region, in many parts of Europe, limited trucking availability has clogged the movement of goods.

US Dry Bulk Company Trusts KARVAL Shipping Agency

karvalagency
May 11, 2022

Dry bulk freight market frenziness has slowed down a bit during the last month and this allowed a US-based shipping company to entrust us as their Husbandry Agents during her call in Piraeus, Greece. From formalities clearance, spare parts handling as well as specialists visiting the vessel on board were handled in smooth and fast coordination with the managers’ operations and technical team. So nice to have international partners in our area!

Container Market: A more chaotic peak season this year?

According to the Container xChange survey, 51% expect the third-quarter peak season in 2022 to be worse, 26% expect it to be less chaotic, and 22% expect it to be about the same. Encountering another disrupted year, following the pandemic’s damage to the container market, the container line reliability dropped even further in the first quarter of 2022. With China’s lockdowns, it has become strenuous to produce / ship as much product as planned. This is more evidence of growing concerns that the release of lockdowns in China may surge exports, further disrupting supply chains to Europe and North America. When the lockdown rules get eased and truckers are allowed to return to work, the backlogs will arrive at the same time as peak season orders, which could lead to supply chain congestion at ports in Europe and the US. However, there is little indication thus far that China is willing to compromise health policy to boost trade.

Cruise Vessel Reactivation Procedure

karvalagency
April 11, 2022

Cruise sector has definitely been hit the most during the two year pandemic era.Nevertheless, we were privileged to act as Husbandry Agent for a German owner during the reactivation of a laid up cruise vessel lady. Our team was responsible to bring on board all new crew members, present all necessary formalities to local Port Authorities and the vessel’s Classification Society in regards to the vessel’s reactivation as well as to arrange the smooth transport of all necessary equipment on board the vessel. In addition, we got them full package of bond stores and provisions for their first months on board the vessel. What a great project for all parties involved and we can’t wait for the next cruise vessel lady next winter to welcome her for a nice winter time at the Meditteranean sea.

In the wake of a war

The war in Ukraine has delivered a shock to global energy markets with the planet facing a deeper crisis: a shortage of food. Prices for food, fertilizer, oil, gas, and even metals like aluminum, nickel, and palladium are all rising fast, and experts expect worse as the effects cascade. While a crucial portion of the world’s wheat, corn, and barley is trapped in Russia and Ukraine, the Ukrainian government has already warned that the country’s planting and harvest have already been severely disrupted by the war.

European fertilizer plants are significantly cutting production because of high energy prices and farmers are cutting back on fertilizer, threatening the size of the next harvests. With that not being enough, the ICS has warned that the supply chain disruptions are set to be worsened by a shortfall in shipping crew due to the war.

The ongoing war has the shipping industry bracing for new shocks to its labor force which relies on experienced crew from both countries. Ukrainian and Russian seafarers account for 15% of the global shipping workforce. To maintain this unfettered trade, seafarers must be able to join and disembark ships (crew change) freely across the world. However, flights have been canceled to and from the region, making this increasingly difficult. Several crew members have already abandoned their ships due to security worries and others to reunite with their families or fight for their country.

Dry Docking Husbandry Agency

karvalagency
March 11, 2022

Two different countries, Two different vessel's types

Another hot beginning of the year with two vessels needing our Port & Husbandry Agency Services during their special surveys in dry dock. Two different types of vessels from two different European countries. One Handysize dry bulk vessel from a prominent Greek shipowner and one MR2 tanker vessel from one of the biggest German ship managers at the moment. Our team was responsible for all necessary pre-arrival documentation, safe harbor towing services as well as crew Changes of all crew members onboard the vessels.

Crew Changes

Since the global pandemic started, crewing departments worldwide have struggled to facilitate crew change. The percentage of seafarers onboard vessels beyond the expiry of their contract may have decreased with today’s portrait of the pandemic, however underlying problems continue to plague crew change. Whether crew members are vaccinated or not, the fact that some vaccines are not recognized in all countries, shortened vaccine validity, the number of days required for quarantine, and delays leave seafarers unable to make the journey home, consequently creating mental health problems. Fast Immigration Clearance procedures in all ports and smoother procedures for the on/off signing of crew members have become vital for their mental health.

Spare Parts Transportation

The global transportation crisis with increased costs and continuous delays has evolved into a great challenge for all logistic networks. Ships cannot wait for individual shipments to arrive as the docking and follow-up costs of a waiting ship are immense. Greece, an EU country, standing on the crossroad of three continents has the benefit of being in a unique geographical position with extremely fast connections, road transport from Europe, and Customs Free Zones. That is why we at Karval we are able to provide fast and reliable customs clearance and transportation of all spare parts onboard the vessel which was a key point for the successful operation of all the works onboard the vessels. Thanks to our trucks and our large storage capabilities we could keep under our covered warehouse all sensitive equipment until the respective repair teams requested same to be transported onboard.