Keel Laid for Viking's First Ocean-going Cruise Ship
Viking Cruises say that the keel has been ceremonially laid at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard outside Venice, Italy, for its first ocean cruise vessel, 'Viking Star'. Steel was first cut for Viking Star in June 2013, and the laying of the keel is a formal recognition of the start of construction. The 930-passenger Viking Star features state-of-the-art design. The company informs that it will also launch a record-breaking 14 new river vessels – Viking Longships® – in March 2014.
Keeping the Navy Ethical: SECNAV's Message to Commanders
Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus has conducted a video teleconference with U.S. Navy Fleet and Component Commanders to discuss Navy's efforts to address husbanding contracting issues and contracting reforms, and the recent investigation into Glenn Defense Marina Asia. Mabus emphasized that improving acquisition and service contract processes, and uncovering fraud when it takes place requires their personal, direct, and involved leadership.
Italian Navy To Join the Dots on Shipbuilding Plans
Following an announcement earlier this year by the Italian Navy's chief admiral Giuseppe De Giorgi, the service's head of ship design is preparing to elaborate on…
Kongsberg's New DP Simulator DNV Certified
Kongsberg Maritime informs that its latest version of K-Sim DP, a Dynamic Positioning (DP) Manoeuvring simulator, has received Class A Certification from Det Norske Veritas (DNV). This makes it compliant with the highest DNV standard for DP simulators according to Standard of Certification of Maritime Simulators number 2.14 (January 2011). The manufacturers explain that the K-Sim DP Manoeuvring is the most advanced in a long line of Dynamic Positioning simulators developed by Kongsberg Maritime.
Offshore Consulting Contract for Viking Supply Ships
Viking Supply Ships says it has been awarded a contract for consulting services with a company owned by [unnamed] major oil companies. The contract includes general advice, logistical support and equipment supply for offshore work in harsh environments. The contract is for a period of two years from the end of 2013. The total contract value is estimated to be approximately MUSD 50-60 depending on actual services required.
Australian Warship Hull Departs Spain Aboard 'Blue Marlin'
The second and last of the Royal Australian Navy’s new amphibious ships has left the builder's yard, Navantia Ferrol shipyard, Vigo, in northern Spain, bound for Melbourne, informs the Australia Defence Force. “The Canberra-Class LHDs are the largest ships ever built for the Navy and will provide the Australian Defence Force with one of the most capable and sophisticated amphibious deployment capabilities in the world,” Defence Minister Senator David Johnston said.
Aegean Secures Hess' US East Coast Bunkering Business
Aegean Marine Petroleum Network Inc. says it has completed the previously announced acquisition of the U.S. East Coast bunkering business of Hess Corporation. The transaction, which includes bunkering operations that averaged 1.8 million metric tons in annual sales over the past three years, is valued at $30 million plus the value of the purchased inventory and also includes approximately 250,000 cubic meters of leased tank storage.
Container Ship Lessor, GSL, Withdraws Public Offering
Global Ship Lease, Inc. (GSL) has announced that due to market conditions, it has chosen not to proceed with its previously announced secured notes offering at this time. Earlier, GSL had announced that it planned to issue an aggregate principal amount of up to $400,000,000 of first priority secured notes due 2021, on the basis that the Notes would be fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally…
English Channel Ferry Operation Ban Overturned, For Now ...
The European Union Competition Appeal Tribunal has overturned a Competition Commission ruling that MyFerryLink, which operates leased ex-Sea France ferries from Groupe Eurotunnel, must stop running its services, reports Maritime London. However, the judgment was based on arguments of jurisdiction and not the substance of the competition arguments so the Competition Commission will now re-examine the case.
NNS Director Receives 'Women in Business' Award
Huntington Ingalls Industries says that Dru Branche, health and safety director for the company’s Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division, has been recognized as a recipient of an Inside Business 2013 Women in Business Achievement Award. Branche was presented with the award during a banquet held at the Norfolk Waterside Marriott. Branche is responsible for NNS’ environmental, safety, industrial hygiene…
Nordic Maritime Takes Majority Stake in Nordic Shipholding A/S
In a major shareholder announcement Nordic Shipholding A/S informs that Nordic Maritime S.à r.l. As a consequence of the restructuring, Nordic Maritime and the Company’s…
China Joint Port Shipping Agency Deal Agreed
Sino-Global Shipping America an international shipping agency & logistic services provider, says it has signed a one-year strategic agreement with Jiangsu Lianyungang Port Logistics Holding Co.
ABS Assesses Offshore Asset Cybersecurity
Increased Internet and remote connectivity to offshore assets has exposed industrial control systems to targeted attacks and vulnerabilities previously obscured.
Cadmium-free Anodes Help Satisfy 2013 VGP
By December 19, the Environmental Protection Agency expects vessel owners and operators with craft included under the Vessel General (VGP), to comply with regulations regarding discharges. VGP directives cover non-military commercial vessels longer than 79'. VGP requirements for cathodic protection can be easily met with environmentally-friendly Martyr brand cadmium-free aluminum and magnesium anodes from Canada Metal (Pacific) Ltd. Provisions in the 2013 VGP seek to protect U.S.
Last ‘Saltie’ of 2013 Season Departs Port of Duluth-Superior
The last oceangoing vessel to call on the Port of Duluth-Superior for the 2013 shipping season is expected to depart later today (ETD 4:00 PM). The Orsula arrived Sunday to load a total of nearly 22,000 metric tons (24,250 short tons) of durum wheat at the CHS and Gavilon grain terminals in Superior. Bound for Italy, the Orsula will be the last “saltie” to make a full transit this season of the 2,340-mile Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system.
Transas Launches Updated Navi-Planner
The updated version of the globally renowned voyage planning software Navi-Planner 4000 received additional functions, boosting versatility and convenience. The Transas Navi-Planner 4000 software is recognized as one of the ECDIS market’s most powerful charts and data management tools, and also boasts a set of databases, applications and services intended for every step of voyage planning. In addition to working with the Transas Admiralty Data Service (TADS)…
DP World Australia Expedites Navis N4 Upgrades
Navis, the global technology standard for managing the movement of cargo through terminals, has announced that DP World Australia has reached another major milestone.
New Masthead Lamp Rounds Out Nav Lamp Package
Any vessel, whether commercial, recreational or military, benefits from the safety and security provided by high visibility. With the introduction of its new NaviLED PRO 5 nm masthead lamp, Hella marine now offers owners and operators a complete and ultra-durable navigation lamp package for vessels up to 150'. The year 2014 marks the tenth anniversary of the NaviLED PRO line gaining international certifications.
Great Lakes Coal Trade Down 7.3% in November
Shipments of coal on the Great Lakes totaled 2.7 million tons in November, a decrease of 7.3 percent compared to a year ago, and well below – 35.2 percent – the month’s long-term average.
EC Notes Safety Progress, Highlights Needed Improvement
Some EU Member States are struggling to meet their commitment to ratify international maritime conventions, according to a European Commission report (EC) on compliance with flag state requirements.
