Latest news with #shipoperators
Reuters
28-07-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Most of Rhine river back to normal levels after rain
HAMBURG, July 28 (Reuters) - Rain has raised water levels on the river Rhine in Germany, with much of the river around normal levels, allowing cargo vessels to sail with full loads, commodity traders said on Monday. Dry weather and a heatwave in June and July meant the river became too shallow for vessels to sail fully loaded. Ship operators imposed surcharges on freight rates to compensate for vessels sailing partly empty, increasing costs for cargo owners. Shallow water continues to hinder shipping on some northern river sections, including around Duisburg and Cologne. But the picture has improved and vessels are able to sail about 70% full in Cologne and 90% full in Duisburg. More rain is forecast in the coming days, which traders said could raise water levels enough to allow ships to sail fully loaded later this week. The impact of a recent heatwave had been stronger than expected, drying fields that drain into smaller streams and rivers feeding into the Rhine. The Rhine is an important shipping route for commodities such as grains, minerals, ores, chemicals, coal and oil products, including heating oil. German companies faced supply bottlenecks and production problems in summer 2022 after a drought led to unusually low water levels on the river.
Arabian Business
11-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Saudi Arabia launches first national cruise ship framework to boost Red Sea tourism and marine sustainability
The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) unveiled Saudi Arabia's first-ever framework for cruise-ship operations. The comprehensive set of guidelines aims to guarantee the safety, security, and quality of the tourist experience from embarkation to return. The strategic move actively supports Saudi Arabia's rapid tourism transformation and its ambition to become a leading global maritime destination. Saudi cruise rules The new guidelines meticulously define the responsibilities and roles of ship operators, shipping agents, and ports. They streamline the process for obtaining necessary licences and permits, integrating technical and operational requirements to foster confidence among both investors and consumers. Safety remains a core priority, with requirements for emergency plans, regular crew training aligned with international standards, and guaranteed availability of safety equipment, first aid, and qualified medical staff on board. The new framework includes strict environmental protection provisions designed to mitigate marine pollution. Cruise ships must implement integrated waste management plans, undertake wastewater treatment, and adhere to a zero-discharge policy for waste into the sea. Compliance with leading international agreements like MARPOL and SOLAS is mandatory, ensuring the preservation of the Red Sea's marine environment as a valuable national heritage. Furthermore, the provisions heavily emphasize the tourist experience, requiring service providers at ports and on ships to offer high-quality transportation, reception, information, entertainment, and catering. They establish clear standards for tourist comfort and rights, including robust complaint handling procedures and effective management of itinerary changes, ensuring reliability and attentiveness throughout the journey. The strategic shift solidifies Saudi Arabia's position as a premier global cruise destination, where effective oversight, a clear vision, and sustainability seamlessly align.
