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)…
Alfa Laval’s PureBallast for Australian Navy
Alfa Laval has sold more than thirty PureBallast systems in the last year. One of the most prominent orders is one that involves two PureBallast systems for the Royal Australian Navy. The two Australian systems, which will be the first PureBallast installations for naval use, will be fitted aboard the Australian LHD (Landing Helicopter Dock) vessels to be built by Spanish shipyard Navantia Ferrol.
Merger Complete: MAN Diesel & Turbo SE
The merger announced between MAN Diesel SE and MAN Turbo AG to form MAN Diesel & Turbo SE, based in Augsburg, is now complete, the corresponding entry having been made in the register of companies.
This Day in Coast Guard History – March 30
1867- Alaska purchase treaty signed with Russia. 1942- By Presidential proclamation, the Coast Guard was designated as a service of the Navy to be administered by…
This Day in Naval History – March 30
1944 - First use of torpedo squadrons from carriers to drop aerial mines (Palau Harbor) 1972 - Easter Offensive began in Vietnam (Source: U.S. Navy News Service)
North American Coasts, Emission Control Area
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) officially accepted the proposal to designate waters off the North American coasts as an Emission Control Area (ECA)…
WQIS Bunks in New Quarters
Water Quality Insurance Syndicate (WQIS) is moving into new premises at the end of March. The move from 80 Broad Street to 60 Broad Street is being made, in part…
