Navy to Name Ship USS Gabrielle Giffords
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced Feb. 10 that the next variant littoral combat ship (LCS) will be named USS Gabrielle Giffords (LCS 10). The selection of Gabrielle Giffords, designated LCS 10, honors the former congresswoman from who is known for supporting the military and veterans, advocating for renewable energy and championing border security. Giffords recently resigned from Congress to recover from wounds she sustained in an assassination attempt in 2011.
Lake Havasu Catamaran Award for Kvichak
Kvichak Marine Industries, of Seattle, WA, has recently been awarded a contract to build a 65’ passenger catamaran for the Chemehuevi Transit Authority of Lake Havasu, California. The vessel will operate as a ferry on Lake Havasu, with ports of call at Lake Havasu City on the Arizona side and at Havasu Landing on the California side. This project will be partially funded by a U.S. Department of Transportation Ferry Boat Discretionary award.
Jensen to Design Fireboat for San Francisco
Fireboat to be Equipped with Six Fire Monitors and 26 Manifold Valves for High-Volume Water and/or Foam Firefighting. Jensen Maritime Consultants, Inc., a Crowley company, has been chosen to design a custom "super pumper" fireboat to enhance the City of San Francisco Fire Department's (SFFD) marine fire fighting and response capabilities on water. This high-volume water and foam pumping NFPA Type II fireboat will feature six fire monitors and 26 manifold valves…
Signet Constellation and Signet Stars & Stripes
The Signet Constellation and Signet Stars & Stripes are the latest development in Robert Allan Ltd.’s RAstar series of tugs. These two powerful new escort tugs have been delivered to their owner’s – Signet Maritime Corporation of Houston, Texas. They were constructed to provide marine support services to Angola LNG Supply Services (ALSS) in the Port of Pascagoula, Mississippi. Designated as RAstar 3100s and designed by Naval Architects Robert Allan Ltd.
164’ (49.9m) Tsumat Launched at Trinity Yachts
Trinity Yachts has announced its first launch of 2012: Tsumat, a 164’ (49.9m) Tri-Deck custom built superyacht with aluminum hull and superstructure. Representing quintessential Trinity Yachts design, naval architecture and exterior styling, Tsumat is the stuff dreams are made of for her owner, a repeat Trinity customer whose family has enjoyed yachting for many years. From her layout which includes…
ASA to Bid on Removal of Costa Concordia
Seven members of the American Salvage Association (ASA) have been invited to submit competitive bids to remove the capsized cruise ship Costa Concordia, which ran aground off the Italian island of Giglio in late January. One member already involved with response. According to Lloyds List, "The company (vessel owner), owned by Miami-based Carnival, said in a statement that it would select a salvage firm based on tenders" by the end of March.
Wärtsilä, Man Diesel Continue Research
Wärtsilä and MAN Diesel & Turbo enter next phase of HERCULES research project. World-leading low- and medium-speed engine manufacturers, Wärtsilä and MAN Diesel & Turbo…
Feds Approve CA Sewage Ban and No-Discharge Zone
Feds Approve California Sewage Ban and Create Largest Coastal No-Discharge Zone in the Nation. Federal action is unprecedented in geographical scope, will prohibit…
Cruise Industry Adopts New Drill Policy
Best Practice Identified Through Cruise Industry Operational Safety Review. The global cruise industry today announced a new emergency drill policy requiring mandatory…
Coast Guard Foundation Announces New Leaders
Robert J. Flynn Elected Chairman of the Board. ADM Thad Allen and Clay Maitland among an impressive slate of of 11 others. The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that in accordance with its bylaws, a new slate of officers has been elected to serve on the Board of Trustees, beginning January 1, 2012. Robert J.
Interferry Wins Long Term Support
Recognition of Interferry’s growing role as a voice for the ferry industry has prompted classification society DNV and bookings/check-in systems specialist Carus to pledge long-term financial support for the trade association and its annual conference. Interferry offers two top-level Platinum sponsorships for the event – and each organisation has signed a five-year deal after stressing their belief that the association has a key role to play…
STX Adds to Canada-based Staff
STX Marine announces expansion of staff in Ottawa office. John Hensler Mandy has joined STX Marine as the manager of our Electrical Engineering department He brings…
Subsea Testing & Training Center in Demand
Scottish subsea testing and training facility is preferred choice for multi-national companies. A multi-national offshore technology company has chosen a leading subsea testing and training facility in Scotland to test and photograph its latest product, which was launched earlier this week. Cygnus Instruments decided to use subsea trials and training centre, The Underwater Centre, based in Fort William…
J.F. Lehman to Acquire NRC from Seacor
J.F. Lehman & Company Announces Definitive Agreement to Acquire National Response Corporation from SEACOR Holdings, Inc. J.F. Lehman & Company, a middle-market private equity firm focused on the maritime, defense and aerospace sectors, announced today that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire National Response Corporation and its affiliated businesses NRC Environmental Services and SEACOR Response (collectively "NRC") from SEACOR Holdings Inc. (NYSE:CKH).
IMCA Publishes Acrylic Plastic Viewports Guidance
Acrylic plastic viewports in diving systems have been in satisfactory use for a number of years. However, the development of testing them by polarized light showed that there are various misconceptions about them. The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) has just released updated guidance on the topic. An initial guidance note which sought to correct these misconceptions was initially prepared as AODC 030 in 1986 following advice from Det Norske Veritas (DNV).
This Day in Naval History - February 9th
1799 - USS Constellation, commanded by Capt. Thomas Truxtun, captures the French warship l'Insurgente. 1943 - The organized Japanese resistance on Guadalcanal ends.
Iridium Pilot Raises the Bar for Affordable Broadband
Powered by the Iridium OpenPort Service, Iridium Pilot Broadband Platform Offers Reliable, High-Quality Communications Via the World’s Furthest-Reaching Network. Iridium Communications Inc. has announced the launch of its second-generation maritime broadband platform, Iridium Pilot. Iridium Pilot will utilize the Iridium OpenPort service -- the world’s first when it comes to fully global maritime broadband.
Dutch Decks for German-built Passenger Ships
German shipbuilder Meyer Werft and Dutch deck specialist Bolidt Kunststoftoepassing BV have extended their close relationship. This includes work on the latest cruise ship to be built at Meyer Werft’s Papenburg shipyard. The 130,000gt vessel, delivered this month, is fitted with some 15,500 m2 of Bolidt material for the outdoor decks. The majority of the deck areas, as well as the stairs and steps…
SeaStrider (SWATH): Crew Boats for Offshore Wind
SeaStrider (SWATH): Trailblazing Modern Crew Transport Vessels for Offshore Wind Farms. Truly a vessel that “Walks on Water”; introducing Danish Yachts’ answer to SWATH (Small Waterplane Area Twin Hull) Danish Yachts is to launch its advanced new range of commercial vessels – SeaStrider. Designed for high-speed passenger transport, SeaStrider is groundbreaking both in terms of design technology and build and is the first carbon fibre SWATH to be built.
Harvey Gulf Inks LNG OSV Contracts
Harvey Gulf signs contracts to buld two additonal U.S. flag LNG-powerd vessels. Harvey Gulf International Marine ordered two additional 302’ X 64’, Dual Fuel Offshore Supply Vessels, bringing its total order to four. The contract signed today with Trinity Offshore is a follow on to the first two vessel order placed in October of 2011. Trinity will build all four vessels at their Gulfport, MS shipyard where the first Harvey Gulf LNG Powered Vessel hull fabrication was started last week.
