What was once deemed unbeatable the American naval ships have been the strongest the greatest and also the heaviest for many decades. But are the Golden Days of the American Navy being challenged? The American naval ships are not only facing competition in terms of Technology but are also getting actively outnumbered by China. To know more watch this interview with former National Intelligence Officer, CIA, Glenn Carle.

Is the age of American Naval dominance over?

What was once deemed unbeatable the American naval ships have been the strongest the greatest and also the heaviest for many decades. But are the Golden Days of the American Navy being challenged? The American naval ships are not only facing competition in terms of Technology but are also getting actively outnumbered by China. Take a look.

How the US is preparing amid a naval buildup in China

Becoming a potential environmental disaster, Sao Lu is an abandoned rust spattered 1994 bulk carrier which is now leading to concerns over its high level of corrosion.

WION Climate Tracker | Brazil: Haunting graveyard of ships

Cruise ships on a key West Island in Florida face the heat from the local residents. Residents say cruises affect the environment.

Key West Island in Florida faces dispute over cruise ships, residents say cruises affect environment

A new law has now come into effect in Ukraine which will effectively ban access for Russian ships in Ukrainian administered waters. According to this new law, the Russian-owned cargo and passenger vessels will be banned from accessing Ukrainian rivers and reservoirs.

Russia, Ukraine tensions continue with Ukraine banning access for Russian ships on its waters

Ukraine effectively bans access for Russian ships in Ukrainian administered waters

Dec 4: India's Navy Day Rajnath Singh: India will soon build ships for the world Naval Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar: National security is our top focus What are the biggest achievements of the Indian Navy? Watch Indian Navy: The Make-in-India Story

Indian Navy: The make-in-India story | Wion Wideangle

Once appearing to be heading towards Venezuela, two Iranian ships are now appearing to reach the Russian city of St Petersburg and are in the Baltic Sea currently, according to a website that tracks ships, MarineTraffic.&nbsp;

According to two US defence officials familiar with the ships' movements said, the ships’ position indicates they are likely headed to St Petersburg to participate in Russia's Navy Day events.&nbsp;

For about two months, the Pentagon has been monitoring the movement of the ships as they took round near the southern tip of Africa and appeared set to cross the Atlantic for Venezuela.&nbsp;

The concern of the Pentagon officials was the introduction of Iranian weapons into the Western Hemisphere through the possible delivery of weapons to Venezuela.&nbsp;

The ships, which were off the coast of West Africa in mid-June, began to inch north instead of crossing the Atlantic.&nbsp;

After the US imposed diplomatic pressure on the regime of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela was forced to turn away the Iranian ships, said two officials at the time.&nbsp;

Not just this, diplomatic pressure was also put by the US on other countries along the route of the Iranian vessels, such as Senegal.&nbsp;

Once appearing to be heading towards Venezuela, two Iranian ships are now appearing to reach the Russian city of St Petersburg and are in the Baltic Sea currently, according to a website that tracks ships, MarineTraffic.

Once appearing to be heading towards Venezuela, two Iranian ships are now appearing to reach the Russian city of St Petersburg and are in the Baltic Sea currently, according to a website that tracks ships, MarineTraffic. According to two US defence officials familiar with the ships' movements said, the ships’ position indicates they are likely headed to St Petersburg to participate in Russia's Navy Day events. For about two months, the Pentagon has been monitoring the movement of the ships as they took round near the southern tip of Africa and appeared set to cross the Atlantic for Venezuela. The concern of the Pentagon officials was the introduction of Iranian weapons into the Western Hemisphere through the possible delivery of weapons to Venezuela. The ships, which were off the coast of West Africa in mid-June, began to inch north instead of crossing the Atlantic. After the US imposed diplomatic pressure on the regime of Nicolas Maduro, Venezuela was forced to turn away the Iranian ships, said two officials at the time. Not just this, diplomatic pressure was also put by the US on other countries along the route of the Iranian vessels, such as Senegal.

Earlier Venezuela, now two Iranian ships appear to reach St Petersburg

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific.

Nobuo Kishi made his first statement to the European Parliament's security and defence subcommittee on Friday, urging the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the "Indo-Pacific area" and for the two sides to "maintain and expand" their security cooperation. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/china-is-taking-its-south-china-sea-strategy-to-himalayas-386626">Also read | China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas</a>

Kishi went on to criticise Beijing's unilateral attempts to change the status quo through pressure, as well as its efforts to militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea.

According to South China Morning Post newspaper, he also raised concern over China's "unilateral moves to change the status quo" in the East China Sea, including the enactment of a controversial coastguard law in January. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/why-south-china-sea-is-a-hotbed-of-confrontation-372402">Also read | Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation</a>

"The justified rights of all relevant countries should never be undermined due to the coastguard law, and we can never tolerate anything that could heighten the tension on the waters such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea," he said.

Meanwhile, a source familiar with Japan's defence policymaking said that the speech was part of Japan's efforts to enlist the EU to put more pressure on Beijing. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-world-coming-together-against-china-in-south-china-sea-374136">Also read | Is World coming together against China in the South China Sea?</a>

"Japan hopes to use this opportunity to get more involvement from the EU in the region. HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan will put tremendous pressure on Beijing this year," the source said.

Tensions between China and Japan have recently risen due to Beijing's growing activities in the disputed East China Sea.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement in April expressing their worries about the East and South China seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait.

But Beijing accused Tokyo of being a "strategic vassal" of the US after the meetings.

Japan would "continue to maintain a close watch" on the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, Kishi said on Friday.

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific.

As Tokyo strives to put "tremendous pressure" on Beijing to counter China's dominance in the area, Japan's defence minister has asked European nations to have a stronger military presence in the Asia-Pacific. Nobuo Kishi made his first statement to the European Parliament's security and defence subcommittee on Friday, urging the EU to reaffirm its commitment to the "Indo-Pacific area" and for the two sides to "maintain and expand" their security cooperation. Also read | China is taking its South China Sea strategy to the Himalayas Kishi went on to criticise Beijing's unilateral attempts to change the status quo through pressure, as well as its efforts to militarise disputed areas of the South China Sea. According to South China Morning Post newspaper, he also raised concern over China's "unilateral moves to change the status quo" in the East China Sea, including the enactment of a controversial coastguard law in January. Also read | Why South China Sea is a hotbed of confrontation "The justified rights of all relevant countries should never be undermined due to the coastguard law, and we can never tolerate anything that could heighten the tension on the waters such as the East China Sea and the South China Sea," he said. Meanwhile, a source familiar with Japan's defence policymaking said that the speech was part of Japan's efforts to enlist the EU to put more pressure on Beijing. Also read | Is World coming together against China in the South China Sea? "Japan hopes to use this opportunity to get more involvement from the EU in the region. HMS Queen Elizabeth's visit to Japan will put tremendous pressure on Beijing this year," the source said. Tensions between China and Japan have recently risen due to Beijing's growing activities in the disputed East China Sea. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and US President Joe Biden issued a joint statement in April expressing their worries about the East and South China seas, as well as the Taiwan Strait. But Beijing accused Tokyo of being a "strategic vassal" of the US after the meetings. Japan would "continue to maintain a close watch" on the shifting military balance across the Taiwan Strait, Kishi said on Friday.

Have a stronger military presence in Asia to tackle China: Japan urges European nations

A US&nbsp;aircraft carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan has entered the South China Sea as part of a routine mission, the US&nbsp;Navy said on Tuesday, at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, which claims most the disputed waterway. 
 
China frequently objects to US&nbsp;military missions in the South China Sea saying they do not help promote peace or stability, and the announcement follows China blasting the Group of Seven nations for a statement scolding Beijing over a range of issues. 
 
"While in the South China Sea, the strike group is conducting maritime security operations, which include flight operations with fixed and rotary wing aircraft, maritime strike exercises, and coordinated tactical training between surface and air units," the US&nbsp;Navy said. 
 
"Carrier operations in the South China Sea are part of the US&nbsp;Navy's routine presence in the Indo-Pacific." 
 
The carrier is being accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh and the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey, it added. 
 
China has ramped up its military presence in the South China Sea in recent years, including building artificial islands and air bases. 
 
The South China Sea has become one of many flashpoints in the testy relationship between China and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims by Beijing in the resource-rich waters. 
 
US&nbsp;warships have passed through the South China Sea with increasing frequency in recent years, in a show of force against the Chinese claims.

A US aircraft carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan has entered the South China Sea as part of a routine mission, the US Navy said on Tuesday, at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, which claims most the disputed waterway.

A US aircraft carrier group led by the USS Ronald Reagan has entered the South China Sea as part of a routine mission, the US Navy said on Tuesday, at a time of rising tensions between Washington and Beijing, which claims most the disputed waterway. China frequently objects to US military missions in the South China Sea saying they do not help promote peace or stability, and the announcement follows China blasting the Group of Seven nations for a statement scolding Beijing over a range of issues. "While in the South China Sea, the strike group is conducting maritime security operations, which include flight operations with fixed and rotary wing aircraft, maritime strike exercises, and coordinated tactical training between surface and air units," the US Navy said. "Carrier operations in the South China Sea are part of the US Navy's routine presence in the Indo-Pacific." The carrier is being accompanied by the guided-missile cruiser USS Shiloh and the guided-missile destroyer USS Halsey, it added. China has ramped up its military presence in the South China Sea in recent years, including building artificial islands and air bases. The South China Sea has become one of many flashpoints in the testy relationship between China and the United States, with Washington rejecting what it calls unlawful territorial claims by Beijing in the resource-rich waters. US warships have passed through the South China Sea with increasing frequency in recent years, in a show of force against the Chinese claims.

US Navy says carrier group operating in South China Sea

On average 1,400 cargo containers are lost every year. But in the last 6 months, more than 3,000 boxes have been lost at sea. With another cargo ship sinking off Sri Lanka, we take you aboard these 'Frightening Freighters' on WION Wideangle.

WION Wideangle: THE FRIGHTENING FREIGHTERS

The first cruise ship leaving Venice since the pandemic is set to depart on Saturday amid protests by activists demanding that the ship be rerouted out the fragile lagoon, especially Giudecca Canal through the city's historic center. They say the enormous vessels 'weighing over 90,000 tonnes and carrying thousands of passengers at a time' pose environmental and safety risks to the canal and the city.

Another protest is also planned on Saturday by pro-cruise activists whose jobs depend on having thousands of visitors flowing through one of Italy's top tourist destinations.

Italian Premier Mario Draghi's government pledged this winter to get cruise ships out of the Venice lagoon, but it will likely take years to reach that goal.

The government says it is organising bids for a viable alternative outside the lagoon, which should be posted any day now. Still, even an interim alternative route to the Giudecca Canal won't be ready until next year, Italy's Ministry for Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility said in an email.

"Meanwhile, in 2022, as a temporary solution, a certain number of ships can dock in Marghera, relieving the traffic through Venice,'' the ministry said. Marghera, an industrial port west of Venice that is still within the lagoon, will require lengthening existing piers to accommodate larger vessels as well as dredging a canal on the approach, cruise industry officials say.

Because Marghera is an industrial site, that also means testing the sediment to be dredged for harmful pollutants. Venice has become one of the world's most important cruise destinations over the last two decades, serving as a lucrative turnaround point for 667 cruise ships in 2019 carrying nearly 700,000 passengers, according to the cruise industry trade association, Cruise Lines International.

While some cruise companies have experimented with Trieste to the west or Ravenna to the south as drop-off points for those visiting Venice during the pandemic, industry officials say Venice remains a key port of call for cruises in the Adriatic Sea and eastern Mediterranean.

The passage on Thursday of the MSC Orchestra 'a cruise ship 300 meters (about 985 feet) long that towered over Venice with 16 decks' marked the first time a cruise ship had traveled up the Giudecca Canal since January 2020, before the pandemic shut down the industry.

When the ship sets sail later on Saturday, passengers will enjoy a deck-side view of St&nbsp;Mark's Square, the Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs as they exit the lagoon. They also will pass protesters, who have been campaigning since the 2012 Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster off Tuscany that killed 32 people to get the ships out of Venice's lagoon.

Concerns about cruise ships were heightened two years ago this week when the MSC Opera struck a dock and a tourist boat, injuring five people, while maneuvering through the Giudecca Canal.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The first cruise ship leaving Venice since the pandemic is set to depart on Saturday amid protests by activists demanding that the ship be rerouted out the fragile lagoon, especially Giudecca Canal through the city's historic center.

The first cruise ship leaving Venice since the pandemic is set to depart on Saturday amid protests by activists demanding that the ship be rerouted out the fragile lagoon, especially Giudecca Canal through the city's historic center. They say the enormous vessels 'weighing over 90,000 tonnes and carrying thousands of passengers at a time' pose environmental and safety risks to the canal and the city. Another protest is also planned on Saturday by pro-cruise activists whose jobs depend on having thousands of visitors flowing through one of Italy's top tourist destinations. Italian Premier Mario Draghi's government pledged this winter to get cruise ships out of the Venice lagoon, but it will likely take years to reach that goal. The government says it is organising bids for a viable alternative outside the lagoon, which should be posted any day now. Still, even an interim alternative route to the Giudecca Canal won't be ready until next year, Italy's Ministry for Infrastructure and Sustainable Mobility said in an email. "Meanwhile, in 2022, as a temporary solution, a certain number of ships can dock in Marghera, relieving the traffic through Venice,'' the ministry said. Marghera, an industrial port west of Venice that is still within the lagoon, will require lengthening existing piers to accommodate larger vessels as well as dredging a canal on the approach, cruise industry officials say. Because Marghera is an industrial site, that also means testing the sediment to be dredged for harmful pollutants. Venice has become one of the world's most important cruise destinations over the last two decades, serving as a lucrative turnaround point for 667 cruise ships in 2019 carrying nearly 700,000 passengers, according to the cruise industry trade association, Cruise Lines International. While some cruise companies have experimented with Trieste to the west or Ravenna to the south as drop-off points for those visiting Venice during the pandemic, industry officials say Venice remains a key port of call for cruises in the Adriatic Sea and eastern Mediterranean. The passage on Thursday of the MSC Orchestra 'a cruise ship 300 meters (about 985 feet) long that towered over Venice with 16 decks' marked the first time a cruise ship had traveled up the Giudecca Canal since January 2020, before the pandemic shut down the industry. When the ship sets sail later on Saturday, passengers will enjoy a deck-side view of St Mark's Square, the Doges Palace and the Bridge of Sighs as they exit the lagoon. They also will pass protesters, who have been campaigning since the 2012 Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster off Tuscany that killed 32 people to get the ships out of Venice's lagoon. Concerns about cruise ships were heightened two years ago this week when the MSC Opera struck a dock and a tourist boat, injuring five people, while maneuvering through the Giudecca Canal. (With inputs from agencies)

Cruise ships restart in Venice; protesters decry their risks

The Philippines has protested China's continuing 'illegal presence and activities' near an island in the South China Sea held by the Southeast Asian nation, the foreign ministry said on Saturday.&nbsp;

Manila lodged the diplomatic protest on Friday over the 'incessant deployment, prolonged presence, and illegal activities of Chinese maritime assets and fishing vessels' in the vicinity of Thitu island.&nbsp;

It demanded its giant neighbour withdraw the vessels.&nbsp;

The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside business hours.&nbsp;

Tensions between Manila and Beijing have escalated over the months-long presence of hundreds of Chinese boats in the Philippines' 200-mile exclusive economic zone. The Philippines says it believes the vessels were manned by militia, while Beijing has said they were fishing boats sheltering from bad weather.&nbsp;

"The Pag-asa Islands is an integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and jurisdiction," the foreign ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Thitu, known as Pag-asa in the Philippines, is 451 km (280 miles) from the mainland and is the biggest of the eight reefs, shoals and islands it occupies in the Spratly archipelago.&nbsp;

China has built a mini-city with runways, hangars and surface-to-air-missiles in the Subi Reef about 25 km (15 miles) from Thitu.&nbsp;

This was at least the 84th diplomatic protest the Philippines has filed against China since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016.&nbsp;

An international tribunal that year invalidated China's expansive claim in the South China Sea, where about $3 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have competing claims to various islands and features in the area.&nbsp;

Duterte shelved the favourable ruling and pursued a rapprochement with Beijing in exchange for pledges of billions of dollars of loans, aid and investment, much of which are pending.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Philippines has protested China's continuing 'illegal presence and activities' near an island in the South China Sea held by the Southeast Asian nation, the foreign ministry said on Saturday.

The Philippines has protested China's continuing 'illegal presence and activities' near an island in the South China Sea held by the Southeast Asian nation, the foreign ministry said on Saturday. Manila lodged the diplomatic protest on Friday over the 'incessant deployment, prolonged presence, and illegal activities of Chinese maritime assets and fishing vessels' in the vicinity of Thitu island. It demanded its giant neighbour withdraw the vessels. The Chinese embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside business hours. Tensions between Manila and Beijing have escalated over the months-long presence of hundreds of Chinese boats in the Philippines' 200-mile exclusive economic zone. The Philippines says it believes the vessels were manned by militia, while Beijing has said they were fishing boats sheltering from bad weather. "The Pag-asa Islands is an integral part of the Philippines over which it has sovereignty and jurisdiction," the foreign ministry said in a statement. Thitu, known as Pag-asa in the Philippines, is 451 km (280 miles) from the mainland and is the biggest of the eight reefs, shoals and islands it occupies in the Spratly archipelago. China has built a mini-city with runways, hangars and surface-to-air-missiles in the Subi Reef about 25 km (15 miles) from Thitu. This was at least the 84th diplomatic protest the Philippines has filed against China since President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016. An international tribunal that year invalidated China's expansive claim in the South China Sea, where about $3 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have competing claims to various islands and features in the area. Duterte shelved the favourable ruling and pursued a rapprochement with Beijing in exchange for pledges of billions of dollars of loans, aid and investment, much of which are pending. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines protests China's 'illegal' South China Sea presence 

More than 400 migrants arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa on Sunday, Italian media reported, as authorities in Sicily again blocked a rescue boat from leaving port.

A 20-metre boat carrying 325 people was intercepted about eight miles (13 kilometres) off the coast of Lampedusa, and another was found slightly closer with 90 people aboard, news agencies reported.

Meanwhile judicial authorities in Sicily reinstated a detention order against the Sea-Watch 4 vessel, run by Germany's Sea-Watch organisation, which had kept it in Palermo for six months until March, media reports said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Migrant boat with 130 aboard capsizes off Libya: NGO">Migrant boat with 130 aboard capsizes off Libya: NGO</a>

The order followed a safety inspection that found too many life jackets on board, saying the ship's sewage system is insufficient for the potential number of people rescued.

Activists claim the inspection was a smokescreen to block the ship.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Italy's Salvini to face trial over blocking migrant ship">Italy's Salvini to face trial over blocking migrant ship</a>

"We hope the authorities will not stop us from leaving for the central Mediterranean with the absurd accusations to which we have become accustomed," Sea-Watch Italy had tweeted on Friday after returning from its latest mission.

Another vessel, Sea-Watch 3, was impounded by the Italian coastguard in March in the Sicilian port of Augusta, again over safety issues.

The aid groups have also faced accusations of colluding with Libyan migrant traffickers to bring people to safety on European shores -- charges they strongly deny.

Italy is a prime entry point for Europe-bound migrants, but the stretch of water between Sicily and North Africa is one of the world's deadliest migration routes.&nbsp;

Almost 530,000 migrants have landed on Italian shores since the start of 2015, including some 6,000 in the year to date, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

More than 400 migrants arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa on Sunday, Italian media reported, as authorities in Sicily again blocked a rescue boat from leaving port.

More than 400 migrants arrived on the Italian island of Lampedusa on Sunday, Italian media reported, as authorities in Sicily again blocked a rescue boat from leaving port. A 20-metre boat carrying 325 people was intercepted about eight miles (13 kilometres) off the coast of Lampedusa, and another was found slightly closer with 90 people aboard, news agencies reported. Meanwhile judicial authorities in Sicily reinstated a detention order against the Sea-Watch 4 vessel, run by Germany's Sea-Watch organisation, which had kept it in Palermo for six months until March, media reports said. Also read | Migrant boat with 130 aboard capsizes off Libya: NGO The order followed a safety inspection that found too many life jackets on board, saying the ship's sewage system is insufficient for the potential number of people rescued. Activists claim the inspection was a smokescreen to block the ship. Also read | Italy's Salvini to face trial over blocking migrant ship "We hope the authorities will not stop us from leaving for the central Mediterranean with the absurd accusations to which we have become accustomed," Sea-Watch Italy had tweeted on Friday after returning from its latest mission. Another vessel, Sea-Watch 3, was impounded by the Italian coastguard in March in the Sicilian port of Augusta, again over safety issues. The aid groups have also faced accusations of colluding with Libyan migrant traffickers to bring people to safety on European shores -- charges they strongly deny. Italy is a prime entry point for Europe-bound migrants, but the stretch of water between Sicily and North Africa is one of the world's deadliest migration routes. Almost 530,000 migrants have landed on Italian shores since the start of 2015, including some 6,000 in the year to date, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

400 migrants land on Lampedusa as rescue ship blocked

Cruise&nbsp;ships&nbsp;may be able to resume sailing from ports in Florida in mid-July&nbsp;after being shut down for over a year by the coronavirus pandemic, according to new guidelines from US health authorities.

The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) informed&nbsp;cruise&nbsp;companies on Wednesday of the requirements they would need to meet to begin sailing&nbsp;again.

At least 98 percent of the crew and 95 percent of passengers will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to the letter obtained by AFP on Thursday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer">EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer</a>

"Ships&nbsp;may now bypass simulated voyages and move directly to open water sailing with passengers if a ship attests that 98 percent of its crew and 95 percent of its passengers are fully vaccinated," the CDC said.

Cruise&nbsp;lines were asked to submit their plans "as soon as possible to maintain the timeline of passenger voyages by mid-July."

The multi-billion dollar&nbsp;cruise&nbsp;industry employs thousands of people in Florida and is critical to a state that relies largely on tourism.

The three largest&nbsp;cruise&nbsp;lines in the world -- Norwegian, Carnival and Royal Caribbean -- run operations out of south Florida.

Norwegian announced on April 5 that it would require proof of vaccination for passengers and crew in the hope that the CDC would lift the sailing ban in&nbsp;July.&nbsp;

A Norwegian spokesman said the company "is encouraged by the ongoing constructive dialogue (with the CDC) that resulted in recent meaningful modifications to previously issued technical guidelines and the incorporation of vaccines."

Jonathan Fishman, a Royal Caribbean spokesman, said the company was encouraged "that we now see a pathway to a healthy and achievable return to service."

A Carnival spokesperson said the company is still reviewing the new CDC guidelines.

Cruise&nbsp;operations were suspended on March 14, 2020 when the CDC issued a "no&nbsp;sail&nbsp;order" to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus.

Several&nbsp;ships&nbsp;had already had deadly outbreaks on board.

Some&nbsp;cruise&nbsp;ships&nbsp;resumed operations in Europe and elsewhere last year but the ban remained in place in the United States.

The CDC issued a roadmap in October for&nbsp;cruise&nbsp;ships&nbsp;to resume operations and updated it in April.

Didier Arino, head of the Protourisme consulting firm in Paris, told AFP this month that the pandemic has caused $48.3 billion in losses to the&nbsp;cruise&nbsp;industry and he doesn't expect it to resume normal activity until 2025.

Cruise ships may be able to resume sailing from ports in Florida in mid-July after being shut down for over a year by the coronavirus pandemic, according to new guidelines from US health authorities.

Cruise ships may be able to resume sailing from ports in Florida in mid-July after being shut down for over a year by the coronavirus pandemic, according to new guidelines from US health authorities. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) informed cruise companies on Wednesday of the requirements they would need to meet to begin sailing again. At least 98 percent of the crew and 95 percent of passengers will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19, according to the letter obtained by AFP on Thursday. Also read: EU set to let vaccinated US tourists visit this summer "Ships may now bypass simulated voyages and move directly to open water sailing with passengers if a ship attests that 98 percent of its crew and 95 percent of its passengers are fully vaccinated," the CDC said. Cruise lines were asked to submit their plans "as soon as possible to maintain the timeline of passenger voyages by mid-July." The multi-billion dollar cruise industry employs thousands of people in Florida and is critical to a state that relies largely on tourism. The three largest cruise lines in the world -- Norwegian, Carnival and Royal Caribbean -- run operations out of south Florida. Norwegian announced on April 5 that it would require proof of vaccination for passengers and crew in the hope that the CDC would lift the sailing ban in July. A Norwegian spokesman said the company "is encouraged by the ongoing constructive dialogue (with the CDC) that resulted in recent meaningful modifications to previously issued technical guidelines and the incorporation of vaccines." Jonathan Fishman, a Royal Caribbean spokesman, said the company was encouraged "that we now see a pathway to a healthy and achievable return to service." A Carnival spokesperson said the company is still reviewing the new CDC guidelines. Cruise operations were suspended on March 14, 2020 when the CDC issued a "no sail order" to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus. Several ships had already had deadly outbreaks on board. Some cruise ships resumed operations in Europe and elsewhere last year but the ban remained in place in the United States. The CDC issued a roadmap in October for cruise ships to resume operations and updated it in April. Didier Arino, head of the Protourisme consulting firm in Paris, told AFP this month that the pandemic has caused $48.3 billion in losses to the cruise industry and he doesn't expect it to resume normal activity until 2025.

US cruise ships could sail again by July: CDC

The government on Sunday said it has directed all major ports to waive all charges for ships carrying oxygen and related equipment amid a massive surge in COVID-19 infections across the country.&nbsp;

In a statement, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said it has directed all major ports to accord the highest priority in the berthing sequence to the vessels carrying consignments of medical grade oxygen, oxygen tanks, oxygen bottles, portable oxygen generators and oxygen concentrators.&nbsp;

"In view of the excessive requirement of oxygen and related equipment in the country, the Government of India has directed all major ports, including the Kamarajar Port Limited, to waive-off all charges levied by major port trusts (including vessel-related charges, storage charges, etc)," the statement said.&nbsp;

Port chairpersons have been asked to personally supervise logistic operations to ensure unhindered movement of such consignments for berthing of such vessel on top priority in the port, unloading of oxygen-related cargo, coordination with customs and other authorities for speedy clearance, documentation and expeditious evacuation, it further said.&nbsp;

"We are facing an emergency situation due to the second wave of COVID-19. The major ports will start implementing the direction from today onwards," a senior government official said.&nbsp;

In case, the vessel is carrying other cargo or containers in addition to the said oxygen-related cargo, waiver of charges on a pro-rata basis, considering the overall cargo or containers handled at the port, should be provided for oxygen-related cargo to such vessels, the statement said.&nbsp;

The Ports Ministry will monitor the details of such vessels, cargo and time taken in the port from the time vessel entered in the port limits to exit of cargo from port gate.&nbsp;

The government on Saturday had waived customs duty on the import of vaccines as well as medical-grade oxygen and related equipment.&nbsp;

India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The government on Sunday said it has directed all major ports to waive all charges for ships carrying oxygen and related equipment amid a massive surge in COVID-19 infections across the country.

The government on Sunday said it has directed all major ports to waive all charges for ships carrying oxygen and related equipment amid a massive surge in COVID-19 infections across the country. In a statement, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways said it has directed all major ports to accord the highest priority in the berthing sequence to the vessels carrying consignments of medical grade oxygen, oxygen tanks, oxygen bottles, portable oxygen generators and oxygen concentrators. "In view of the excessive requirement of oxygen and related equipment in the country, the Government of India has directed all major ports, including the Kamarajar Port Limited, to waive-off all charges levied by major port trusts (including vessel-related charges, storage charges, etc)," the statement said. Port chairpersons have been asked to personally supervise logistic operations to ensure unhindered movement of such consignments for berthing of such vessel on top priority in the port, unloading of oxygen-related cargo, coordination with customs and other authorities for speedy clearance, documentation and expeditious evacuation, it further said. "We are facing an emergency situation due to the second wave of COVID-19. The major ports will start implementing the direction from today onwards," a senior government official said. In case, the vessel is carrying other cargo or containers in addition to the said oxygen-related cargo, waiver of charges on a pro-rata basis, considering the overall cargo or containers handled at the port, should be provided for oxygen-related cargo to such vessels, the statement said. The Ports Ministry will monitor the details of such vessels, cargo and time taken in the port from the time vessel entered in the port limits to exit of cargo from port gate. The government on Saturday had waived customs duty on the import of vaccines as well as medical-grade oxygen and related equipment. India is struggling with a second wave of the pandemic with more than 3,00,000 daily new coronavirus cases being reported in the past few days, and hospitals in several states are reeling under a shortage of medical oxygen and beds. (With inputs from agencies)

Govt asks major ports to waive all charges for ships carrying oxygen, related equipment  

In yet another case of illegal intrusion by Beijing, two Chinese government vessels entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea on Monday morning.&nbsp;

Japan Coast Guard officials said that the vessels intruded into Japan's waters off Minamikojima Island around 4 am on Monday, NHK World reported, adding that Japanese officials are warning the ships to leave the waters.&nbsp;

As many as three Chinese government vessels were earlier seen navigating in the contiguous zone, just outside Japan's territorial waters, officials said.&nbsp;

The Japanese broadcaster reported that this is the 11th time this year that official Chinese vessels have entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands.&nbsp;

Japan controls the Senkaku Islands, however, China and Taiwan continue to claim them. Tokyo maintains the islands are an inherent part of its territory as per history and international law. &nbsp;

Earlier, USA's Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during his first conversation with Japanese counterpart, had renewed USA's commitment to defend Senkaku Islands against Chinese expansionism. Japan and China have a dispute over islands in East China Sea that are called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.&nbsp;

Austin and Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi confirmed that Article 5 of the US-Japan security treaty, which stipulates US defence obligations to Japan, covers the Senkaku Islands, said Jiji news agency.&nbsp;

The defence ministers also reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral act that would undermine Japan's right to administer the islands.&nbsp;

Japan has become increasingly concerned about Chinese expansionist manoeuvres in East China Sea including incursions in waters around disputed islands.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In yet another case of illegal intrusion by Beijing, two Chinese government vessels entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea on Monday morning.

In yet another case of illegal intrusion by Beijing, two Chinese government vessels entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea on Monday morning. Japan Coast Guard officials said that the vessels intruded into Japan's waters off Minamikojima Island around 4 am on Monday, NHK World reported, adding that Japanese officials are warning the ships to leave the waters. As many as three Chinese government vessels were earlier seen navigating in the contiguous zone, just outside Japan's territorial waters, officials said. The Japanese broadcaster reported that this is the 11th time this year that official Chinese vessels have entered Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands. Japan controls the Senkaku Islands, however, China and Taiwan continue to claim them. Tokyo maintains the islands are an inherent part of its territory as per history and international law. Earlier, USA's Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, during his first conversation with Japanese counterpart, had renewed USA's commitment to defend Senkaku Islands against Chinese expansionism. Japan and China have a dispute over islands in East China Sea that are called Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China. Austin and Japanese Defence Minister Nobuo Kishi confirmed that Article 5 of the US-Japan security treaty, which stipulates US defence obligations to Japan, covers the Senkaku Islands, said Jiji news agency. The defence ministers also reaffirmed their opposition to any unilateral act that would undermine Japan's right to administer the islands. Japan has become increasingly concerned about Chinese expansionist manoeuvres in East China Sea including incursions in waters around disputed islands. (With inputs from agencies)

Two Chinese ships enter Japan's territorial waters off Senkaku Islands 

Japan recently approved a bill to change the administrative status of a group of&nbsp;islands which have&nbsp;been claimed by both China and Japan, and has remained a point of disagreement for both the countries.

Administrative purposes?

Japan’s Okinawa city council approved the bill on Monday. The Ishigaki City Council will change the administrative status of the island group known as Senkakus in Japan, and as Diaoyus in China.

The island group is currently not inhabited by humans. After Japan’s announcement, Beijing protested against the move while sending its coast guard ships to the area.

<h6><img alt="This handout picture taken by Japan Coast Guard on December 12, 2012 shows a Chinese fishing patrol ship cruising near a group of disputed islands known as the Senkakus in Japan and the Diaoyus in China in the East China Sea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7f5a7f52-54df-4896-811d-c7021bac58de" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-9_0.jpg" /> 
This handout picture taken by Japan Coast Guard on December 12, 2012 shows a Chinese fishing patrol ship cruising near a group of disputed islands known as the Senkakus in Japan and the Diaoyus in China in the East China Sea | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

According to the bill, the administrative name of the island group will be changed from Tonoshiro to Tonoshiro Senkaku, in a bid to ward off confusion, as another area in Japan is known by the name of Ishigaki, as reported by local media in Japan.

The group of islands accounts for territory worth 1,931 kilometres (roughly 1,200 miles), and lies in the area southwest of Tokyo. Under Japanese administration since 1972, China asserts its claims on the land, saying it dates back to hundreds of years. 
 
China's "inherent territory"?

China was quick to respond to Japan’s plans and issued&nbsp;a statement, as follows.&nbsp;"Diaoyu island and the affiliated islands are China's inherent territory, China is resolute in safeguarding our territorial sovereignty, this so-called administrative re-designation is a serious provocation towards China's territorial sovereignty," said Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry.

Additionally, China has dispatched a “fleet” of ships to the area surrounding the islands.

"We ask Japan to abide by the spirit of the four-principle consensus, avoid creating new incidents on the Diaoyu Islands issue, and take practical actions to maintain the stability of the East China Sea situation," China said.

<h6><img alt="This handout picture taken by Japan Coast Guard on December 13, 2012 shows a Chinese state-owned plane flying in airspace over the disputed island, called the Senkakus in Japanese and Diaoyus in Chinese, in the East China Sea" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c6b29246-74ee-4ac2-90f2-ab536386e0dd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design-10_1.jpg" />This handout picture taken by Japan Coast Guard on December 13, 2012 shows a Chinese state-owned plane flying in airspace over the disputed island, called the Senkakus in Japanese and Diaoyus in Chinese, in the East China Sea | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

One of the defining tenets of this consensus was the fact that Japan should acknowledge the disputed nature of the territory.

However, Japan claims that the move was made to ease administrative function within the country, henceforth not taking into account any international actors.

"The approval of this case did not take into consideration the influence of other countries, but was considered to improve the efficiency of administrative procedures," the council said.

China’s presence in the region surrounding the islands has been increasing over the last few months. Japanese government claimed that Chinese ships had been spotted since mid-April, setting records for the highest number of sightings in the region.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Japan recently approved a bill to change the administrative status of a group of islands which have been claimed by both China and Japan, and has remained a point of disagreement for both the countries.

Japan recently approved a bill to change the administrative status of a group of islands which have been claimed by both China and Japan, and has remained a point of disagreement for both the countries. Administrative purposes? Japan’s Okinawa city council approved the bill on Monday. The Ishigaki City Council will change the administrative status of the island group known as Senkakus in Japan, and as Diaoyus in China. The island group is currently not inhabited by humans. After Japan’s announcement, Beijing protested against the move while sending its coast guard ships to the area. This handout picture taken by Japan Coast Guard on December 12, 2012 shows a Chinese fishing patrol ship cruising near a group of disputed islands known as the Senkakus in Japan and the Diaoyus in China in the East China Sea | AFP According to the bill, the administrative name of the island group will be changed from Tonoshiro to Tonoshiro Senkaku, in a bid to ward off confusion, as another area in Japan is known by the name of Ishigaki, as reported by local media in Japan. The group of islands accounts for territory worth 1,931 kilometres (roughly 1,200 miles), and lies in the area southwest of Tokyo. Under Japanese administration since 1972, China asserts its claims on the land, saying it dates back to hundreds of years. China's "inherent territory"? China was quick to respond to Japan’s plans and issued a statement, as follows. "Diaoyu island and the affiliated islands are China's inherent territory, China is resolute in safeguarding our territorial sovereignty, this so-called administrative re-designation is a serious provocation towards China's territorial sovereignty," said Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry. Additionally, China has dispatched a “fleet” of ships to the area surrounding the islands. "We ask Japan to abide by the spirit of the four-principle consensus, avoid creating new incidents on the Diaoyu Islands issue, and take practical actions to maintain the stability of the East China Sea situation," China said. This handout picture taken by Japan Coast Guard on December 13, 2012 shows a Chinese state-owned plane flying in airspace over the disputed island, called the Senkakus in Japanese and Diaoyus in Chinese, in the East China Sea | AFP One of the defining tenets of this consensus was the fact that Japan should acknowledge the disputed nature of the territory. However, Japan claims that the move was made to ease administrative function within the country, henceforth not taking into account any international actors. "The approval of this case did not take into consideration the influence of other countries, but was considered to improve the efficiency of administrative procedures," the council said. China’s presence in the region surrounding the islands has been increasing over the last few months. Japanese government claimed that Chinese ships had been spotted since mid-April, setting records for the highest number of sightings in the region. (With inputs from Reuters)

Japan changes administrative status of disputed islands, China dispatches ships

The Philippines Navy has sent his "sincerest thanks" to the Indian Navy for its "invaluable assistance" for helping out one of its Navy Ship after a fire broke out in engine room which injured 2 Philippines navy personnel.

The fire broke in Philippines ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz on May 07 which grievously injured two of its navy personnel, on with a second-degree burn. Indian Navy ship not only repaired the ship free of cost at Navy Shipyard in Kochi but took care of the both the personnel in Indian hospitals.

The two Filipino Navy personnel were rushed to INHS Sanjivani Naval Hospital, Kochi for immediate treatment. One of them was later taken to Bangalore hospitals where he is still recuperating.

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The Phillippine Navy chief Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo in a letter to Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh said,"your support in this unfortunate accident is way beyond our expectations and it is a testament of your sincerity in deepening our Navy to Navy partnership. Rest assured that the Philippine Navy remains committed to this Partnership"

Adding,"We hope to expand this relationship as we seek better ways to make our seas safer and more secure for everyone...fervent wishes for your continuing success in leading the Indian Navy's sustained resolve to be a global maritime force".

Gen Filemon Santos, Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines who wrote a letter to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat thanking him for New Delhi's help. Indian Navy's Technical teams from Naval Ship Repair Yard (Kochi) in close coordination with the Philippine crew undertook repairs and rendered the ship seaworthy within 10 days.

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When the fire broke last month, the ship contacted the Philippines Defence Attache Colonel Ronaldo V Juan in Delhi who reached out to Navy headquarters and thereafter the Southern Naval command immediately sprung into action. two Indian Navy ships were dispatched to escort the Philippines ship at the high seas and it was later repaired in Kochi with all locally sourced items.

Philippines envoy to India Ramon S Bagatsing Jr. told WION, "We are extremely grateful for the support by the Indian navy to the Philippines Navy ships and the personnel in terms of providing us approval to dock and to board stranded Philippines &amp; fire incident happened in one of the ships. Indian navy took care of repairs at its expense, but also took care of the physical aspect of taking care of two Philipino navy men and brought them to hospitals.So we are extremely grateful for what they have done for us."

Elaborating, "Moving forward we look for stranger relations between our two countries, more specifically in the field humanitarian services within our armed forces" .

The Philipines Navy ship left after 20 days on 27th of May. The damage happened to its main propulsion, auxiliary systems and Generators which the Indian Navy helped repair.&nbsp;

It is interesting to know, A team of 4 officials from the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, led by Philippines Defence attache, Philippines Trade attache Eugenio Elevado had travelled all the way to Kochi by road amidst countrywide lockdown to oversee the repair and recuperation of navy personnel.

The Philippines Navy has sent his "sincerest thanks" to the Indian Navy for its "invaluable assistance" for helping out one of its Navy Ship after a fire broke out in engine room which injured 2 Philippines navy personnel.

The Philippines Navy has sent his "sincerest thanks" to the Indian Navy for its "invaluable assistance" for helping out one of its Navy Ship after a fire broke out in engine room which injured 2 Philippines navy personnel. The fire broke in Philippines ship BRP Ramon Alcaraz on May 07 which grievously injured two of its navy personnel, on with a second-degree burn. Indian Navy ship not only repaired the ship free of cost at Navy Shipyard in Kochi but took care of the both the personnel in Indian hospitals. The two Filipino Navy personnel were rushed to INHS Sanjivani Naval Hospital, Kochi for immediate treatment. One of them was later taken to Bangalore hospitals where he is still recuperating. Also watch| 1st 'Cyber-Graduation' in Philippines: Robots collect degrees for class of 2020 The Phillippine Navy chief Rear Admiral Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo in a letter to Navy chief Admiral Karambir Singh said,"your support in this unfortunate accident is way beyond our expectations and it is a testament of your sincerity in deepening our Navy to Navy partnership. Rest assured that the Philippine Navy remains committed to this Partnership" Adding,"We hope to expand this relationship as we seek better ways to make our seas safer and more secure for everyone...fervent wishes for your continuing success in leading the Indian Navy's sustained resolve to be a global maritime force". Gen Filemon Santos, Chief of Staff Armed Forces of the Philippines who wrote a letter to CDS Gen Bipin Rawat thanking him for New Delhi's help. Indian Navy's Technical teams from Naval Ship Repair Yard (Kochi) in close coordination with the Philippine crew undertook repairs and rendered the ship seaworthy within 10 days. Also read| How Philippines President Duterte is playing into the hands of Xi's China When the fire broke last month, the ship contacted the Philippines Defence Attache Colonel Ronaldo V Juan in Delhi who reached out to Navy headquarters and thereafter the Southern Naval command immediately sprung into action. two Indian Navy ships were dispatched to escort the Philippines ship at the high seas and it was later repaired in Kochi with all locally sourced items. Philippines envoy to India Ramon S Bagatsing Jr. told WION, "We are extremely grateful for the support by the Indian navy to the Philippines Navy ships and the personnel in terms of providing us approval to dock and to board stranded Philippines & fire incident happened in one of the ships. Indian navy took care of repairs at its expense, but also took care of the physical aspect of taking care of two Philipino navy men and brought them to hospitals.So we are extremely grateful for what they have done for us." Elaborating, "Moving forward we look for stranger relations between our two countries, more specifically in the field humanitarian services within our armed forces" . The Philipines Navy ship left after 20 days on 27th of May. The damage happened to its main propulsion, auxiliary systems and Generators which the Indian Navy helped repair. It is interesting to know, A team of 4 officials from the Philippine Embassy in New Delhi, led by Philippines Defence attache, Philippines Trade attache Eugenio Elevado had travelled all the way to Kochi by road amidst countrywide lockdown to oversee the repair and recuperation of navy personnel.

Philippines navy chief writes to Indian navy chief; expresses gratitude for repairing ship damaged by fire

After Indian Navy Busted An Espionage Racket, It Has Banned Smartphones Across Naval Bases, Dockyards & Ships. #Gravitas

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Japan is working on a plan to send about 270 seamen to the Middle East to guard ships supplying Japan under a law that allows military deployments for research and intelligence gathering, the Nikkei business daily said.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering a January visit to the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the paper added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/five-afghans-killed-in-jalalabad-attack-japanese-doctor-wounded-266121">Japan</a> maintains friendly ties with both the United States and Iran, and has said it would not join any US&nbsp;coalition to protect merchant vessels in the region.

The Nikkei said the government would propose deploying one escort ship and a patrol aircraft from the Maritime Self-Defense Force on a one-year mission that could be renewed annually. It plans to finalise the plan by year-end, the Nikkei said.

Global commodity trading has been rocked this year by attacks on international merchant vessels that Japan's Western allies have blamed on Iran. Tehran denies involvement.

Tensions have heightened between Tehran and Washington since last year, when President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions on the country, crippling its economy.

Japan, which has stopped buying oil from Iran because of US&nbsp;sanctions, is eager to see stability in the Middle East, where it gets the bulk of its oil imports.

Abe has tried unsuccessfully to ease tensions between the two countries. Iran has criticised US&nbsp;efforts to build an alliance to protect shipping in the Gulf, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Japanese public broadcaster NHK this week after meeting with Abe that Tehran was opposed to any foreign forces in the region.

Iran has also proposed a visit to Japan by President Hassan Rouhani try to resolve Iran's nuclear impasse with Washington, Kyodo news reported.

Japan's pacifist constitution bans a standing military but allows self-defence forces. The prospect of deploying navy personnel to the region has sparked calls for caution from liberal media and other critics.

Japan is working on a plan to send about 270 seamen to the Middle East to guard ships supplying Japan under a law that allows military deployments for research and intelligence gathering, the Nikkei business daily said.

Japan is working on a plan to send about 270 seamen to the Middle East to guard ships supplying Japan under a law that allows military deployments for research and intelligence gathering, the Nikkei business daily said. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering a January visit to the Middle East, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, the paper added. Japan maintains friendly ties with both the United States and Iran, and has said it would not join any US coalition to protect merchant vessels in the region. The Nikkei said the government would propose deploying one escort ship and a patrol aircraft from the Maritime Self-Defense Force on a one-year mission that could be renewed annually. It plans to finalise the plan by year-end, the Nikkei said. Global commodity trading has been rocked this year by attacks on international merchant vessels that Japan's Western allies have blamed on Iran. Tehran denies involvement. Tensions have heightened between Tehran and Washington since last year, when President Donald Trump pulled the United States out of Tehran's 2015 nuclear deal with six nations and re-imposed sanctions on the country, crippling its economy. Japan, which has stopped buying oil from Iran because of US sanctions, is eager to see stability in the Middle East, where it gets the bulk of its oil imports. Abe has tried unsuccessfully to ease tensions between the two countries. Iran has criticised US efforts to build an alliance to protect shipping in the Gulf, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Japanese public broadcaster NHK this week after meeting with Abe that Tehran was opposed to any foreign forces in the region. Iran has also proposed a visit to Japan by President Hassan Rouhani try to resolve Iran's nuclear impasse with Washington, Kyodo news reported. Japan's pacifist constitution bans a standing military but allows self-defence forces. The prospect of deploying navy personnel to the region has sparked calls for caution from liberal media and other critics.

Japan plans to send 270 sailors to Middle East to guard ships

Italy&nbsp;authorised the&nbsp;arrival&nbsp;of&nbsp;two&nbsp;charity&nbsp;ships&nbsp;carrying&nbsp;more than 100&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;rescued&nbsp;in the Mediterranean, under the terms of an agreement with other EU countries, the interior ministry said late Tuesday.

"The European Commission has started the procedure of distributing the 61&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;on the Alan Kurdi and the 60 aboard the Ocean Viking," the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Some European countries, including Germany and France, have offered to accommodate some of these&nbsp;migrants," it said.

German charity Sea-Eye's Alan Kurdi,&nbsp;named after a Syrian child whose drowning in the Mediterranean in 2015 brought global attention to the migrant crisis,&nbsp;will dock in the Sicilian port of Messina while the Ocean Viking of SOS Mediterranean will put in at Pozzallo, also in Sicily.

Rome gave the green light thanks to a temporary system agreed in September with France, Germany,&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;and Malta.&nbsp;

The deal was meant to end the long, drawn-out negotiations that have seen vulnerable asylum-seekers including babies stranded at sea, sometimes for weeks.

Since it was commissioned in summer 2018, the Alan Kurdi has saved nearly 500 people shipwrecked in the Mediterranean, including more than 80 picked up in the recent days, according to Sea-Eye.&nbsp;

On November 28, the Ocean Viking&nbsp;rescued&nbsp;60&nbsp;migrants, including 19 minors, who were on a flimsy wooden boat.

Italy authorised the arrival of two charity ships carrying more than 100 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean, under the terms of an agreement with other EU countries, the interior ministry said late Tuesday.

Italy authorised the arrival of two charity ships carrying more than 100 migrants rescued in the Mediterranean, under the terms of an agreement with other EU countries, the interior ministry said late Tuesday. "The European Commission has started the procedure of distributing the 61 migrants on the Alan Kurdi and the 60 aboard the Ocean Viking," the ministry said in a statement. "Some European countries, including Germany and France, have offered to accommodate some of these migrants," it said. German charity Sea-Eye's Alan Kurdi, named after a Syrian child whose drowning in the Mediterranean in 2015 brought global attention to the migrant crisis, will dock in the Sicilian port of Messina while the Ocean Viking of SOS Mediterranean will put in at Pozzallo, also in Sicily. Rome gave the green light thanks to a temporary system agreed in September with France, Germany, Italy and Malta. The deal was meant to end the long, drawn-out negotiations that have seen vulnerable asylum-seekers including babies stranded at sea, sometimes for weeks. Since it was commissioned in summer 2018, the Alan Kurdi has saved nearly 500 people shipwrecked in the Mediterranean, including more than 80 picked up in the recent days, according to Sea-Eye. On November 28, the Ocean Viking rescued 60 migrants, including 19 minors, who were on a flimsy wooden boat.

Italy: Arrival of two ships carrying rescued migrants authorised

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In the aftermath of Cyclone Idai, the worst tropical cyclone to impact Africa that caused massive damage in several South East African nations -- ozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Madagascar -- India became the first country to respond to the disaster-hit nations by providing assistance.

The three ships operating in the Southern Indian Ocean were immediately diverted to Port Beira in Mozambique to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).

India rushed its ships --INS Sujata, INS Sarathi and INS Shardul--in response to the request received from Mozambique government.

The category four cyclone stuck on March 15 and caused massive damage in central and northern provinces Mozambique while causing large scale devastation in the city of Beira.

According to an Indian Navy Release, "The disembarkation of HADR stores including food, medicines and clothing to the Mozambique Defence authorities has been completed. Arrangements are in progress to disembark potable water."

INS Sujata along with INS Sarathi arrived at Port Beira morning of March 18 while INS Shardul arrived on March 19.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a release said, "In this hour of tragedy, Government of India stands ready to extend support to the affected people."

How Indian ships helping the country

Indian Naval Ships are providing relief material in the form of food, clothes and medicine to the affected people. The Indian ships already had three medical practitioners and five nurses to provide immediate medical help and a medical camp has been set up.

Helicopters on board INS Shardul are operating from the local airport for rescue along with boats. Landing Craft Assault and Gemini rubberised craft with divers are being used to provide assistance for evacuation of marooned personnel.

The Defence Minister of Mozambique visited the Indian ships to oversee the relief efforts.&nbsp;

Reports of about 5000 personnel marooned at Buzi near Beira and those who required immediate evacuation are coming.

In 2016, after a drought in Mozambique, India had provided $10 million for the purchase of wheat and a donation of 100 tons of essential medicines and Transport vehicles for the country's Health and Interior ministry.

This is not the first time India has rushed its ships and provided support to regional countries. In past India provided help to countries like Sri Lanka in the aftermath of flooding in the country.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Idai, the worst tropical cyclone to impact Africa that caused massive damage in several South East African nations -- ozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Madagascar -- India became the first country to respond to the disaster-hit nations by providing assistance.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Idai, the worst tropical cyclone to impact Africa that caused massive damage in several South East African nations -- ozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Malawi, Madagascar -- India became the first country to respond to the disaster-hit nations by providing assistance. The three ships operating in the Southern Indian Ocean were immediately diverted to Port Beira in Mozambique to provide Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR). India rushed its ships --INS Sujata, INS Sarathi and INS Shardul--in response to the request received from Mozambique government. The category four cyclone stuck on March 15 and caused massive damage in central and northern provinces Mozambique while causing large scale devastation in the city of Beira. According to an Indian Navy Release, "The disembarkation of HADR stores including food, medicines and clothing to the Mozambique Defence authorities has been completed. Arrangements are in progress to disembark potable water." INS Sujata along with INS Sarathi arrived at Port Beira morning of March 18 while INS Shardul arrived on March 19. The Ministry of External Affairs in a release said, "In this hour of tragedy, Government of India stands ready to extend support to the affected people." How Indian ships helping the country Indian Naval Ships are providing relief material in the form of food, clothes and medicine to the affected people. The Indian ships already had three medical practitioners and five nurses to provide immediate medical help and a medical camp has been set up. Helicopters on board INS Shardul are operating from the local airport for rescue along with boats. Landing Craft Assault and Gemini rubberised craft with divers are being used to provide assistance for evacuation of marooned personnel. The Defence Minister of Mozambique visited the Indian ships to oversee the relief efforts. Reports of about 5000 personnel marooned at Buzi near Beira and those who required immediate evacuation are coming. In 2016, after a drought in Mozambique, India had provided $10 million for the purchase of wheat and a donation of 100 tons of essential medicines and Transport vehicles for the country's Health and Interior ministry. This is not the first time India has rushed its ships and provided support to regional countries. In past India provided help to countries like Sri Lanka in the aftermath of flooding in the country.

India is first country to offer help to African nations wracked by Cyclone Idai

Eleven sailors have been found dead and 14 rescued after two ships caught fire in the Kerch Strait near Crimea. Indian crewmen may be among the dead.&nbsp;

Both ships were flying the Tanzanian flag.&nbsp;

PTI quoted the Russian news agency Tass as saying one of the ships, the Candy, had a 17-member crew, including nine Turkish citizens and eight Indian nationals.&nbsp;

The other ship, the Maestro, had a 15-member crew, including seven Turkish nationals, seven Indian citizens and an intern from Libya.

Reuters meanwhile quoted Russia's transport ministry as saying the two ships had a combined total of 31 crew members, 16 of whom were Turkish nationals, and 15 Indian.&nbsp;

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Another video of a fire on two ships in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kerch?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kerch</a> Strait on January 21, 2019. <a href="https://t.co/mF8imSnYzJ">pic.twitter.com/mF8imSnYzJ</a>
— Capt(N) (@Capt_Navy) <a href="https://twitter.com/Capt_Navy/status/1087398352881373184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 21, 2019</a></blockquote>
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One of the ships was a liquefied natural gas carrier, the other a tanker. News reports Tuesday said the fire probably broke out as the ships were transferring fuel from one to the other.

"Presumably, an explosion occurred (on one of the vessels). Then the fire spread to another vessel. A rescue tug is en route," PTI quoted a spokesman for the Russian Maritime Agency as saying.

Reuters reported Russia's transport ministry as saying earlier that crew members jumped into the sea to escape the fire.

Reuters reported an industry source as saying the sea had been stormy when the fire broke out.&nbsp;

Reuters added that the severe weather conditions had prevented rescue ships from taking the victims to shore for medical treatment.

The Kerch Strait between Russian-annexed Crimea and southern Russia controls access from the Black Sea to the Azov Sea, where there are both Russian and Ukrainian ports.

In November, Russia detained three Ukrainian navy vessels and their crews in the Black Sea near the Kerch Strait, fuelling tensions between the two countries. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Eleven sailors have been found dead and 14 rescued after two ships caught fire in the Kerch Strait near Crimea. Indian crewmen may be among the dead. Both ships were flying the Tanzanian flag.

Eleven sailors have been found dead and 14 rescued after two ships caught fire in the Kerch Strait near Crimea. Indian crewmen may be among the dead. Both ships were flying the Tanzanian flag. PTI quoted the Russian news agency Tass as saying one of the ships, the Candy, had a 17-member crew, including nine Turkish citizens and eight Indian nationals. The other ship, the Maestro, had a 15-member crew, including seven Turkish nationals, seven Indian citizens and an intern from Libya. Reuters meanwhile quoted Russia's transport ministry as saying the two ships had a combined total of 31 crew members, 16 of whom were Turkish nationals, and 15 Indian. Another video of a fire on two ships in the #Kerch Strait on January 21, 2019. pic.twitter.com/mF8imSnYzJ — Capt(N) (@Capt_Navy) January 21, 2019 × One of the ships was a liquefied natural gas carrier, the other a tanker. News reports Tuesday said the fire probably broke out as the ships were transferring fuel from one to the other. "Presumably, an explosion occurred (on one of the vessels). Then the fire spread to another vessel. A rescue tug is en route," PTI quoted a spokesman for the Russian Maritime Agency as saying. Reuters reported Russia's transport ministry as saying earlier that crew members jumped into the sea to escape the fire. Reuters reported an industry source as saying the sea had been stormy when the fire broke out. Reuters added that the severe weather conditions had prevented rescue ships from taking the victims to shore for medical treatment. The Kerch Strait between Russian-annexed Crimea and southern Russia controls access from the Black Sea to the Azov Sea, where there are both Russian and Ukrainian ports. In November, Russia detained three Ukrainian navy vessels and their crews in the Black Sea near the Kerch Strait, fuelling tensions between the two countries. Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: 11 sailors dead after 2 ships catch fire near Crimea; Indian crewmen may be among casualties 

The Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka in which China has a 70 percent stake, is being seen by shipping analysts and other experts as a virtual white elephant because most ships passing through the Indian Ocean don't stop to unload their cargo.

According to report published this week by Bloomberg News, the port, which is eight years old, has almost no container traffic, which to experts is surprising, given that close to 60,000 ships sail by it every year.

Though the governments of China and Sri Lanka are very mindful of assuaging global fears about the former's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) being ultimately used for political or military leverage, governments and global business entities seeing the Sri Lanka experience of handing over the port to Beijing last year on a 99-year lease because it was unable to repay its debts, are reportedly worried about China achieving similar terms of engagement and gaining control over strategic infrastructure in other parts of the world.

Bloomberg News quoted Hambantota Port Chief Operating Officer (COO) Tissa Wickramasinghe, as saying that he and other port officials are determined to make the port a profit-making venture, and is not really concerned with reasons as to why the port was built and whether it should have been built.

According to Bloomberg News, Hambantota is only handling about one ship a day, and when compared to competitors in Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle East, it isn't at present a viable operation in terms of volume generation.

Major shipping lines such as Maersk also don't see the logic of moving operations south, when they can offload cargo easily and directly at Colombo Port.

Maersk says that moving down south would depend on factors like connectivity within the mainline network, extent of domestic cargo, cost and productivity etc.

Bloomberg News quotes Singapore-based shipping analyst Rahul Kapoor as saying that billions of dollars worth of investment will be required to "generate meaningful traffic" at Hambantota.

He is of the view that China is pushing for global maritime dominance through projects it hopes to make commercially viable.

Hambantota COO Wickramasinghe is quoted as saying that "he plans to lure vehicle trans-shipments, refueling and oil storage services away from Singapore, the U.A.E. Port of Fujairah and Malaysia's Port Klang...Plans are also afoot to build a logistics and industrial zone next to the port.

Meanwhile, China has dismissed speculation that the BRI has a military dimension. Its foreign ministry said that there is no reason to think along these lines.

Sri Lanka's Minister of State for Defence Ruwan Wijewardene was quoted, as saying that the Chinese have been clearly told that Hambantota cannot be converted into a military port. 
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According to a report published this week by Bloomberg News, the port, which is eight years old, has almost no container traffic

The Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka in which China has a 70 percent stake, is being seen by shipping analysts and other experts as a virtual white elephant because most ships passing through the Indian Ocean don't stop to unload their cargo. According to report published this week by Bloomberg News, the port, which is eight years old, has almost no container traffic, which to experts is surprising, given that close to 60,000 ships sail by it every year. Though the governments of China and Sri Lanka are very mindful of assuaging global fears about the former's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) being ultimately used for political or military leverage, governments and global business entities seeing the Sri Lanka experience of handing over the port to Beijing last year on a 99-year lease because it was unable to repay its debts, are reportedly worried about China achieving similar terms of engagement and gaining control over strategic infrastructure in other parts of the world. Bloomberg News quoted Hambantota Port Chief Operating Officer (COO) Tissa Wickramasinghe, as saying that he and other port officials are determined to make the port a profit-making venture, and is not really concerned with reasons as to why the port was built and whether it should have been built. According to Bloomberg News, Hambantota is only handling about one ship a day, and when compared to competitors in Singapore, Malaysia and the Middle East, it isn't at present a viable operation in terms of volume generation. Major shipping lines such as Maersk also don't see the logic of moving operations south, when they can offload cargo easily and directly at Colombo Port. Maersk says that moving down south would depend on factors like connectivity within the mainline network, extent of domestic cargo, cost and productivity etc. Bloomberg News quotes Singapore-based shipping analyst Rahul Kapoor as saying that billions of dollars worth of investment will be required to "generate meaningful traffic" at Hambantota. He is of the view that China is pushing for global maritime dominance through projects it hopes to make commercially viable. Hambantota COO Wickramasinghe is quoted as saying that "he plans to lure vehicle trans-shipments, refueling and oil storage services away from Singapore, the U.A.E. Port of Fujairah and Malaysia's Port Klang...Plans are also afoot to build a logistics and industrial zone next to the port. Meanwhile, China has dismissed speculation that the BRI has a military dimension. Its foreign ministry said that there is no reason to think along these lines. Sri Lanka's Minister of State for Defence Ruwan Wijewardene was quoted, as saying that the Chinese have been clearly told that Hambantota cannot be converted into a military port.

Sri Lanka: Here's why ships don't want to stop at Chinese run Hambantota port

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