News today in shipping

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Community Interventions:The NCS is focusing on national development through investments in education, health, and environmental sustainability. 
• Nigerian Shippers’ Council Digitalization:The NSC is working towards full digitalization by the end of 2025, implementing an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system. 
• Niger Boat Mishap:Following the tragic boat accident, search and rescue operations have recovered 13 bodies, and 26 individuals have been rescued. 
• Clearing Agents Defying Associations:Some clearing agents are reportedly disregarding directives from their associations and paying POF (presumably a fee) to clear cargo at ports, according to Shippingposition. 
• SW Global Under Scrutiny:There are allegations against SW Global regarding the non-remittance of billions of naira collected for the CRFFN POF. 
• Western Port Police Activity:The Western Port Police are tackling cases of theft and property losses, investigating over N221 million in losses. 
• NCS, China Cooperation:The NCS and China are deepening their training and technology cooperation. 
• MARAN Raises Alarm:The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is highlighting health and environmental risks associated with the Apapa and Tin Can industrial zones. 
• Need for Deep Sea Ports:Nigeria is identified as needing more deep sea ports. 
• Mental Health Concerns:Experts are linking suicide and brain injury to the need for mental health reforms in Nigeria. 
• India’s Directive on Seafarer Certificates:India has issued a directive to address the use of fraudulent seafarer certificates. 
• UK ETS Expansion:The UK is moving forward with plans to expand the UK ETS to the maritime sector, with the regime set to begin on July 1, 2026. 
• X-Press Pearl Disaster Costs:The X-Press Pearl disaster is estimated to have cost the Singapore operator $1 billion. 
• Nakilat Secures LNG Carrier Financing:Nakilat is finalizing a financing deal for 25 LNG carriers with a South Korean bank. 
• Houthis Increase Shipping Attacks:The Houthis are reportedly intensifying attacks on shipping to pressure Israel regarding Gaza. 
• Kpler Acquisition Approved:Authorities have given the green light for the acquisition of Kpler. 
• APM Terminals Prioritizes Women:APM Terminals’ CEO has stated a preference for hiring women over men if qualifications are equal. 
• CK Hutchison and MSC Ports Deal:CK Hutchison has reportedly abandoned MSC’s ambitious container ports plan. 
• PaxOcean Shipyards Booked:Kuok Group’s PaxOcean shipyards are reportedly fully booked through 2028. 
  • www.oithamarine.com