Agnes Kalibata, special envoy to the UN Secretary General for the Food Systems Summit 2021, said, “Food systems have contracted, because of Covid-19. And food has become more expensive and, in some places, out of reach for people. Food is looking more challenging this year than last year. The main impact has been on markets, the shutdown of food markets. The lockdown has closed markets and that makes it very difficult for farmers. Last year, many countries used whatever opportunity they had to keep their food systems going. That is more difficult now. Food prices have increased significantly in some places.”

In Africa, particularly Kenya, Somalia and Ethiopia, the predicted drought cycle is much more serious than last year.

Thailand is seeing prices rise, and economies have shrunk around the globe. Distressed systems about, and prices are rising.

 

For additional details, please visit the link below:

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/15/risk-of-global-food-shortages-covid-increased-un-envoy-agnes-kalibata 

Posted on - 2021-02-22

There are now over 100,000 vessels above 100GT registered, as per Clarksons Research findings, averaging 21,355 DWT and 21.7 years old. This fleet is currently valued at US$976bn. This further emphasizes the strength of the shipping industry as the point of trade reliance for the global economy in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Visit the link below for more details:

https://splash247.com/merchant-fleet-hits-100000-ship-milestone/ 

Posted on - 2021-02-22

The UK's Windship Technology unveiled what it claims can become the Tesla of the seas while announcing an investment partnership with class society, DNV GL.

The design – developed/tested in Southampton – features a triple-wing rig and diesel/electric drive eliminating CO2, NOX, SOX and particulate matter, incorporating solar arrays, carbon capture, optimized hull shape, and specialized weather routing software.

48m high, the Windship Technology rig is stowable on deck, and DNV GL will carry out verification of the ship design.

 

For more details, please visit the link below:

https://splash247.com/windship-technology-claims-new-design-is-the-tesla-of-the-seas/ 

Posted on - 2021-02-22