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MONITORApril 2020

www.maritimestudyforum.org

July 2019


Security and DiplomacyPakistan NewsRegional NewsGlobal News

Maritime EconomyPakistan NewsRegional NewsGlobal News

Maritime EnvironmentPakistan NewsRegional NewsGlobal News

Coastal DevelopmentPakistan NewsRegional NewsGlobal News

Law and PolicyPakistan NewsRegional NewsGlobal News

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Table of Contents

Maritime Security and Diplomacy

Pakistan News

PNS Yarmook is a state-of-the-art electronic warfare, anti-ship and anti-submarine warfare platform with cutting edge self-protection and terminal defence systems. M/s Damen Shipyards, the Dutch ship-mak-ing company, will deliver the second vessel PNS Tabuk in May this year.1

PNS Yarmook – a Force Multiplier for PN

Pakistan’s New Midget Submarine: Emerging Challenge to India in the Arabian SeaPakistan's submarine is being modernized. Pakistan has struck two major submarine deals with China and Turkey to upgrade its submarine force. The deals with China and Turkey are expected to be a major game changer for the Pakistan Navy.2

Command and Staff Conference Reviews Regional Security SituationCommand and Staff Conference of Pakistan Navy was held in which the forum reviewed regional security situation, operational preparedness of the Pakistan Navy, training matters of soldiers and welfare activities of the force.3

1 https://dailytimes.com.pk/589241/pns-yarmook-a-force-multiplier-for-pn/?fbclid=IwAR1GPj3vdZjYQti9j7XNfgXFsxPj9e_crgp7BvH1yVt6c9rUJvOt_lZVwnA

2 https://thediplomat.com/2020/04/pakistans-new-midget-submarine-emerging-challenge-to-india-in-the-arabian-sea

https://www.bolnews.com/pakistan/2020/04/command-and-staff-conference-reviews-regional-security-situation/?amp&__twitter_impression=true&fbclid=IwAR2_oiLUDYxn1egDrGR7-fpV0

K0OLhyzjA8DFi9xtD1nIITv1V4xwM18Vs

01Maritime Security and Diplomacy

Monitor April 2020Maritime Study Forum

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Regional News


The commander of the Iran Navy’s factories said Iran has been manufacturing Qadir-class submarines for the past few years, adding “We are among the few countries that have the technology to build all submarine classes.”4

Overhauled Qadir-Class Submarine Joins Iran’s Naval Fleet

Quarantine Cubicles on Indian Navy Warships Soon

After the US Navy and the French Navy faced cases of Covid19 positive sailors on board warships, the Indian Navy has issued clear instructions to create specific isolation cubicles on warships to quarantine Covid19 suspects.5

As Coronavirus Spreads in South Asia, Sri Lanka Navy, Air Force Step Up PatrolsSri Lanka’s Navy and Air Force have stepped up maritime surveillance to keep out illegal entrants as Coronavirus spreads in South Asia and the island is keeping a tight lid on the disease with aggressive contact tracing and curfews.6

Iranian Navy Temporarily Seizes Vessel, Sparking Persian Gulf AlertIranian naval forces seized a Hong Kong-flagged tanker and redirected the vessel into Iranian waters before releasing it, according to the Western and Emirati officials, prompting a warning to ships along the Persian Gulf’s key oil export route.7

6 https://economynext.com/as-coronavirus-spreads-in-south-asia-sri-lanka-navy-air-force-step-up-patrols-65464/?fbclid=IwAR0g4aGmklTfFpQPq6RSy7Vb4ysunSJk1hHpLZ8cfvYz-FJZwSlBJs09fsI

7 https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.wsj.com/amp/ar-

ticles/iranian-navy-temporarily-seizes-vessel-sparking-persian-gulf-alert-11586898580?fbclid=IwAR1I4hjzd09cIwvFzao6Gv4E8R8kv5bgbZ9Hw-wA6lTtsmLDu2mTNwH4n0s

01 02Maritime Security and Diplomacy

Monitor April 2020 Monitor April 2020Maritime Study Forum

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.tribuneindia.com/news/nation/quarantine-cubicles-on-navy-warships-soon-69076?fbclid=IwAR3HXqfg3sHUYVCOaB5KMTzlLPk1B5aUnYINmVLgwlWOLD-vEE02DSAuyjM 5

4 https://www.tasnim-news.com/en/news/2020/04/09/2240205/overhauled-qadir-class-submarine-joins-iran-s-naval-fleet/amp?fbclid=IwAR3KKp7uEr7ZysxU45c2wDoxHFuzCq9O506j8WzNhpVFMsqM4JPkRhHHcEI

Global News


China Urges U.S. Not to Associate South China Sea Issues with COVID-19 PandemicChina reiterated its claim to the South China Sea condemning the U.S. for associating the issue with the COVID-19 pandemic, spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry told reporters.8

US Navy Captain Says Carrier Faces Dire Coronavirus ThreatThe captain of the US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Theodore Roosevelt told the Pentagon that new coronavirus was spreading fast through his ship and called for immediate help to quarantine its crew.9

US Launches Counter-Narcotics Operations to Halt Flow of Illicit Drugs amid PandemicThe US Defense Secretary announced the US was beginning "enhanced counter-narcotics operations" in the Caribbean Sea and the Eastern Pacific Ocean, saying "many criminal organizations are attempting to capitalize" on the COVID-19 crisis.10

Aircraft Carrier Group’s Voyage Shows PLA Navy’s Great Job in Virus Control: ExpertA Chinese naval flotilla led by an aircraft carrier reportedly sailed through the Miyako Strait and headed toward the Pacific Ocean, prompting Chinese military experts to say that the fleet demonstrated success in novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic control work.11

9 https://news.yahoo.com/us-navy-captain-says-carrier-faces-dire-coronavirus-163626119.html 10 https://sputniknews.com/lata-m/202004011078797444-us-launches-counter-narcotics-operations-to-halt-flow-of-illicit-drugs-amid-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR3a8JDV9PQwCmqMj8UpOAkI_PkcoMLbqaxt5pXaUh9qX7wvkdxXiiU5leM11 https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1185360.shtml?fbclid=IwAR3BpayICtCtKoFw8L7wZdqJSCtXiS1_enJMu_z6u6sIYZjNopCvFiOyjWQ

02 03Maritime Security and Diplomacy


8 https://www.google.com/amp/s/news.cgtn.com/news/2020-04-07/China-urges-U-S-not-to-associate-South-China-Sea-with-pandemic-PuQW67wI1y/share_amp.html?fbclid=IwAR1nHV1RFOx_z6dN1kOxypbhb91aZ hZ7Z--7GGrrsSr7CfYtzkZT-dXHkbs

Pakistan News

Virus Forces Fishing Ban near GwadarAuthorities of the coastal district Gwadar have banned fishing in the Arabian Sea in view of the coronavirus pandemic. Authorities have urged the fishermen community to show responsibility and not violate the government’s orders.12

Pakistan can Save US$5-6 bn Annually by Utilizing PNSC as Its Mainstay in Oil Freight: Cdre (retd) ObaidullahPakistan can save around $5-6 billion annually merely by using Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) as a mainstay of its international maritime trade, while also allowing the national flag carrier to buy more oil carriers and tankers in order to increase its capacity of transporting the liquid freight.13

Shipping Lines not Financially Prepared to Waive Detention FeesShippers are not ready to waive container detention charges amid corona-virus-sparked lockdown that put them in financial straits. Shipping lines, in a letter to ministry of maritime affairs and customs authority, expressed their inability to not claim container detention charges, as the coronavirus lockdown also hit them.14

Biggest Ever Ship Docks at Karachi PortThe biggest ship, in terms of capacity, to have ever docket at Karachi Port was moored at the port recently. The ship was docked at South Asia Pakistan Terminals. According to the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) administra-tion, the ship named South Hampton Express, having the capacity to carry 12,600 containers, arrived in Karachi from Abu Dhabi.15

12 https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.dawn.com/news/amp/1545770?fbclid=IwAR2uW0svccSJuCmABqva-_9zIhKgvcDur24GjHLRi_6ZjieEeKUnH2Txj4E

13 http://www.sabahnews.net/english/archives/28986

14 https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.the-

news.com.pk/amp/641994-shipping-lines-not-financially-prepared-to-waive-detention-fees?fbclid=IwAR2LRh3nR-2Z0CALc2DadQ5cqB-hI2M9O2up5rlN4qMZh9vKPYXwICfAQkY

15 https://tribune.com.pk/story/2198146/1-biggest-ever-ship-docks-karachi-port/?amp=1

03 04Maritime Economy


Maritime Economy

1,900 Containers Stuck at Karachi Port Due to PandemicThe Ministry of Commerce informed the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, 1,900 containers, under the Afghan Transit Trade, were stuck at Karachi Port hurting export orders severely.16

16 https://tribune.com.pk/story/2198930/2-1900-containers-stuck-karachi-port-due-pandemic/?amp=1&fbclid=IwAR1k0Ibj1s8F-vo2_NkECBWlYU_KhIGGBpGi8s4OI-whhqlSldE6cOSk7pI

17 https://www.seatrade-maritime.com/regulation/indian-govt-allows-crew-changes-countrys-ports?fbclid=IwAR3AxKk5yE3BIjvaulRYpbqaRidgZ-SVv24zIarenbDJiHkvsin-DU2DpVA

18 https://gcaptain.com/shipping-industry-urges-free-movement-of-crews-to-keep-trade-moving/?fbclid=IwAR0Al8LW59a0YjwltQMYzW3y_nOvJx2KqjR5THpBaaTV8fxDYFCl-7P6y7c

19 https://lloydslist.maritimeintelligence.informa.com/LL1131878/China-to-strengthen-position-as-worlds-biggest-shipbuilder?fbclid=IwAR0g4aGmklTfFpQPq6RSy7Vb4ysunSJk1hHpLZ8cfvYz-FJZwSlBJs09fsI

04 05Maritime Economy


Maritime Economy Maritime Economy

Regional News

Indian Government Allows Crew Changes at Country’s PortsIndia is to allow crew changes of Indian national seafarers for vessels docked or anchored at its ports, a move which could go small way to ease the global crisis.The move by the Indian government comes despite being embattled over the need to persevere with a countrywide lockdown imposed since 25 March following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.17

Shipping Industry Urges Free Movement of Crews to Keep Trade MovingAccording to the Shipping Industry officials, ships must be allowed to change over overworked and exhausted crews to help to keep trade flowing as coronavirus lockdowns shut many transit points across the globe.18

Shipbuilding output is still on course to rise in 2020, based on estimates from Lloyd’s List Intelligence, with China expected to increase its share of the total world dwt delivered.19

Global News

China to Strengthen Position as World’s Biggest Shipbuilder

Pakistan News

Regional News

Coastal Erosion Threatens Marine Environment: CNSChief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi has warned that marine environment is threatened by coastal erosion and degradation of marine ecosystem. Depleting mangroves not only affect coastal biodiversity but also impact the livelihood of our coastal communities.20

Pakistan Navy Launches Mangrove Plantation Campaign 2020 for 'Green Pakistan'Pakistan Navy in line with the Government of Pakistan’s vision of “Clean and Green Pakistan” launched the fifth consecutive campaign on Mangroves Plantation in the Coastal Areas of Sindh and Balochistan provinces.21

World Bank Approves $400 mn to Enhance India’s Coastal ResourcesThe World Bank (WB) has approved USD 400 million multi-year financial support to India to enhance and safeguard its coastal and marine resources. The program will help protect coastal resources by focusing on the rehabilitation of coastal beaches and mangroves.22

20 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/647508-coastal-erosion-threatens-marine-environment-cns

21 https://www.google.com/amp/s/na-

tion.com.pk/21-Apr-2020/pakistan-navy-launches-mangroves-plantation-campaign-2020-for-green-pakistan%3fversion=amp?fbclid=IwAR0Ff0g8u2q66Hjzq118WmyXhCSyNQqRJnuP0QS3Pwp57f6WXsnr6XCbxMA

22 https://telanganatoday.com/world-bank-approves-usd-400-mn-to-enhance-indias-coastal-resources

06Maritime Environment


Maritime Environment

23 https://www.bigrigs.com.au/news/sea-turtles-are-thriving-with-tourists-gone/4006200/

24 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/apr/01/oceans-can-be-restored-to-former-glory-within-30-years-say-scientists

25 https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/plastic-pollution-microplastics-hermit-crabs-shells-study-belfast-liverpool-a9490191.html

Global News

Sea Turtles are Thriving with Tourists GoneWhile the COVID-19 pandemic has been a horrific time for humans, it has been a time of relief for nature and sea turtles are one of them. The marine creatures, which find nesting on sandy beaches difficult due to crowds and pollution, are thriving while humans are cooped up indoors.23

Oceans Can Be Restored to Former Glory within 30 Years, Say ScientistsA major scientific review reports that the glory of the world’s oceans could be restored within a generation. It reports rebounding sea life, from humpback whales off Australia to elephant seals in the US and green turtles in Japan.24

Micro Plastics Prevent Hermit Crabs from Choosing the Best ShellsResearchers have now warned that plastic pollution in the oceans is impairing the crustaceans’ judgement about their optimal abode. This disruption could have wide-ranging consequences for marine ecosystems due to hermit crabs’ role as “walking wildlife gardens” which host more than 100 other species.25

06 07Maritime Environment

Monitor April 2020Monitor April 2020Maritime Study Forum

Maritime Environment

26 https://www.samaa.tv/news/pakistan/2020/04/gwa-

dar-fishermen-allowed-to-fish-with-covid-19-precautionary-measures/amp/?fbclid=IwAR2jqPZsZXf4Ww4C6CD_e_AzhBnzCdsNRus_RZPGAN6Kc_RiUS8nDq2trsA

27 https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/640181-pn-distributes-ration-among-needy-families-in-parts-of-country?fbclid=IwAR3AhgsJFZ0Xm-E_SqGmtbf82OTxWm1dJ4F9MsjiPsqoa1zKy6ySXRt4ZFs

28 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/04/rights-chief-urges-bangladesh-accept-rohingya-boats-200427142438774.html

29 https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/rahul-gandhi-urges-govt-to-help-andhra-fishermen-stranded-in-gujarat-due-to-lockdown/articleshow/75371596.cms

Pakistan News

Regional News

Gwadar Fishermen Allowed to Fish with COVID-19 Precautionary MeasuresThe ban previously imposed on fishing in Gwadar and its surrounding waters amid the coronavirus pandemic has been lifted, according to the Gwadar Deputy Commissioner. The Gwadar district administration has confirmed that fishing can be resumed.26

Pakistan Navy Continues Ration Distribution during Coronavirus PandemicPakistan Navy is active in relief efforts during the harsh times that prevail due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Pakistan Navy has also started a drive to distribute ration among poor communities.27

UN Rights Chief Urges Bangladesh to Accept Rohingya BoatsA top UN official has urged Bangladesh to let two stranded boats with Rohingya refugees on board land amid mounting fears over their fate. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights warned of a "human tragedy of terrible proportions" unless action is taken to help the Rohingya on the boats.28

Rahul Gandhi Urges Government to Help Andhra Fishermen Stranded in Gujarat due to LockdownCongress leader Rahul Gandhi urged the government to help some fishermen from Andhra Pradesh who are stranded in Gujarat due to the lockdown, and sought their transfer to relief camps. Around 6,000 fishermen from the southern state were stranded in Gujarat and were living in unhygienic conditions without water and food.29

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Coastal Development

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Monitor April 2020

Coastal Development

30 https://fox28media.com/news/coronavirus/coastal-community-foundation-raises-millions-for-covid-19-relief-fund

Global News

Coastal Community Foundation Raises Millions for COVID-19 Relief FundThe Coastal Community Foundation exceeded its fundraising goal by $200,000 for its COVID-19 Relief & Recovery Fund. The foundation announced that $1.2 million were raised in a short span of time.30

09Coastal Development


Regional News

Global News

Shipping Policy Draft Submitted to Cabinet: Ali ZaidiMinister Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi has informed that he has submitted the final draft of the Pakistan Shipping Policy to the cabinet, and is waiting for green signal from the State Bank of Pakistan for approving money-laundering prevention clauses.31

India and Force Majeure: Is COVID-19 Frustrating Shipping Operations?The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic continues to disrupt global trade. To address this adverse impact on the ability of stakeholders in discharging their contractual obligations, the Indian Ministry of Shipping issued guidelines that the pandemic may be considered as a valid ground for invoking Force Majeure (FM) clause on port activities and port operations.32

Brexit: How the UK Is Preparing to Secure Its Seas outside the EU Brexit has led to many uncertainties, including over the governance of the UK’s seas in the future. Withdrawal from EU regulations at the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31, 2020 raises questions over how to face the difficult task of managing maritime risks which are currently managed alongside the EU.34

US should Respect Int'l Maritime Regulation: IranThe Iranian Armed Forces said that the vessels of the US and its allies should respect international regulations while passing through Tehran''s southern waters in the Sea of Oman and the Gulf.33

Maritime Law and Policy

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32 https://www.maritime-executive.com/blog/india-and-force-majeure-is-covid-19-frustrating-shipping-operations

33 http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2020-04/28/c_139012972.htm

34 https://theconversation.com/brexit-how-the-uk-is-preparing-to-secure-its-seas-outside-the-eu-133548

31 https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.brecorder.com/2020/04/21/591030/shipping-policy-draft-submitted-to-cabinet-ali+zaidi/amp/

Pakistan News

10Maritime Law and Policy



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