MARAD Warns of Increased Piracy
The Maritime Administration issued advisories to U.S. ships in the waters off the Horn of Africa and in the Indian Ocean. The warnings advise that pirate activity could increase between now and May…
Incat Crowther Launches Passenger Ferry
Incat Crowther is pleased to announce the launch of their latest 95.2-ft ferry, Freedom Monarch. Built by Aluminium Marine / Reefmaster Boats, Freedom Monarch will be operated out of Rosslyn Bay in Queensland, Australia, by Freedom Fast Cats, servicing the Keppel Islands. Freedom Monarch has delivered its owners low fuel consumption, a reliable and robust craft, high passenger comfort and innovative features such as its beach landing capability.When using shore-side facilities…
WRSystems Provides Navy with Systems Upgrades
W R Systems, Ltd. (WRSystems) is providing the U.S. Navy with a range of systems technologies and upgrades. Products and services include a depth reporting system…
Global Diving & Salvage New Office in Calif.
Seattle based - Global Diving & Salvage, Inc. is expanding their operations in the San Francisco Bay Area by opening an office in Richmond, Calif., to augment their existing Rio Vista office.
IMCA’s Central & South America Officials Elected
The first Chairman and Vice Chairman for the Central & South America Section of the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) have been elected. Giorgio…
This Day in Coast Guard History – March 31
1932- United States signed Whaling Convention at Geneva with 21 other countries. 1995- Coast Guard Communication Area Master Station Atlantic sent a final message by Morse Code and then signed off…
This Day in Naval History – March 31
1854 - Commodore Matthew Perry negotiates Treaty of Kanagawa to open trade between U.S. 1971 - Poseidon (C-3) missile becomes operational when USS James Madison…
Unique Ship Prototype in Gothenburg
The 49.2 ft long ship prototype Stena Airmax was named in Gothenburg. The prototype is part of a project in which an air cushion is being tested to investigate to what extent it reduces the friction between the hull and the water, thus also reducing fuel consumption and emissions of large tankers in the future. Stena will invest in the region of $6.8m in the project. Following the very good results achieved in tests with small ship models…
Panama Vessel Hijacked Near Aden
Reports have been received by EU NAVFOR that the MV Iceberg 1 has been hijacked 10 nautical miles off the port of Aden, Yemen, outside the International Recommended Transit Corridor (IRTC). The Iceberg 1 is a Panama Flagged, Roll on Roll Off vessel with deadweight of 4500 tonnes. The vessel, with a crew of 24 and carrying a mixed cargo of general mechanical equipment, was bound for Jebel Ali in the UAE when hijacked.
Korea Dethrones China in Newbuild Orders
According to a March 30 report from The Cholsun Ilbo, Korea regained its top spot in the global shipbuilding industry, beating out China in terms of new orders in the January to February period.
Gunter Named VP, Horizon Shipbuilding
Ron Gunter has been promoted to Vice President of Horizon Shipbuilding, Inc., Bayou La Batre, Ala. Gunter will serve as the principal assistant to the president for production and operations, bringing over 30 years' experience in nearly all areas of the shipbuilding industry including planning, scheduling, and project management. Gunter has been with Horizon for 10 years, serving as manager over numerous projects…
Chesapeake Shipbuilding Launches Tugboat
Chesapeake Shipbuilding has launched the brand new tugboat Quantico Creek. The Quantico Creek is the fourth of six tugboats that Chesapeake is building for Vane Brothers of Baltimore, Md. The launching went perfectly and the tug will now go into its outfitting stages where it will be completed for an on time delivery. The day before the launching, the Quantico Creek was moved from its indoor fabrication facility to the launch ways.
Seychelles Hostage Rescue
The afternoon, March 29, the EU NAVFOR Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) from the Seychelles supported the Seychelles Coast Guard vessel Topaz to locate and apprehend a hijacked ship. Robust action from the Topaz ensured the release of 27 hostages: nine pirates have been captured. Early the morning of March 29, the EU NAVFOR Force Commander, Adm Giovanni Gumiero, tasked the Seychelles Maritime Patrol…
Malta Welcomes New Patrol Boat Fleet
Austal has completed its first European defense contract following the commissioning of four 69.5-ft inshore patrol craft for the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM). The aluminum vessels have a maximum speed of more than 26 knots and will assist the AFM with surveillance and border protection throughout Malta’s coastal waters. “The modern and cutting-edge technology coupled with the best accommodation facilities will also provide a better working environment for the crew,” Prime Minister Gonzi said.
EMD China Type Approval
Electro-Motive Diesel, Inc. has received China Classification Society Certificate of Approval for its 710 GC family of Marine Diesel Engines. This most recent certification is in addition to American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), Bureau Veritas (BV), Lloyds Register (LR). Det Norske Veritas (DNV), and Korean Register (KR). Speaking on behalf of Electro-Motive Diesel, Mr. Brian Grinter commented that, “Being…
Star Bulk Capesize Newbuilding Contract
Star Bulk Carriers Corp. (NASDAQ: SBLK) announced that it has signed a contract with ship builder Hanjin to build a Capesize vessel of 180,000 deadweight tons, at…
STX Europe to Build Special Purpose Vessels
STX Europe has, through its wholly owned subsidiary STX Norway Offshore AS, signed contracts for building of three special purpose vessels for a new foreign client.
NOIA Applauds Virginia Offshore Energy Bill
The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) applauds the continued bi-partisan support from Virginia leaders of energy exploration, development, and production offshore the Commonwealth.
Barfield, Rowell Win Offshore Leadership Awards
U.S. Department of the Interior’s Minerals Management Service has announced its 2010 recipients of the Offshore Leadership Award (OLA). Gene Barfield, CSP and Garrel…
Fourth Joint High Speed Vessel Named
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus joined Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick to announce that the name of the Department of the Navy's fourth Joint High Speed Vessel will be USNS Fall River (JHSV 4)…
