The Navy’s Battlewagon of the 21st Century
It is the newest and most transformational warship ever built, and yet it has also had the longest gestation period. Whether you call it new or old, you have to call it different. The pedigree for DDG 1000 is not from the Spruance or Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers, but rather it comes from the SC-21 (Surface Combatant for the 21st century) concept from 1994. Like DDG 1000, SC-21 was not about anti-air warfare. It was all about strike.
ZUMWALT: Maritime Reporter's 'Great Ship' of 2013
It is the newest and most transformational warship ever built, and yet it has also had the longest gestation period. Whether you call it new or old, you have to call it different. The pedigree for DDG 1000 is not from the Spruance or Arleigh Burke class of guided missile destroyers, but rather it comes from the SC-21 (Surface Combatant for the 21st century) concept from 1994. Like DDG 1000, SC-21 was not about anti-air warfare. It was all about strike.
Seaway Tolls to Increase by 2.5% in 2014
The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) announced a toll rate increase of 2.5% for the 2014 navigation season. The new revised tariff will be posted and available on the Seaway website on January 6, 2014. The Great Lakes / St. Lawrence Seaway navigation system supports over 227,000 jobs and $35 billion in economic activity per year. The SLSMC remains dedicated to promoting the economic and environmental benefits of marine transportation…
Regulatory Advisory for the At-Berth Regulation
The regulatory advisory has been posted to the Shore Power website. This regulatory advisory describes steps the Air Resources Board (ARB) is taking to assist vessel…
Tru-Marine Opens First US Service Station in Houston
Tru-Marine to expand global service coverage to the US offering complete turbocharger repairs services to vessels calling Houston ports and meeting growing demand for prompt and quality service.
Thomas Gunn Unveils New Digital Chart Management System
With chart and nautical publication management highlighted as one of the most common reasons for deficiency detentions by Port State Control (PSC), ship operators are calling for new and effective navigation solutions. The features of Thomas Gunn’s new Voyager 4 digital chart management system provides ship owners and managers with the tools to ensure that Safety of Navigation standards on board meet PSC and vetting inspection requirements.
Carlisle & Finch SmartVIEW Technology
New from Carlisle & Finch, SmartVIEW is a Microprocessor-based Control System which allows Carlisle & Finch Products to be controlled from any screen on board the ship or from a remote PC in another location. The NightFINDER is the combination of a high Intensity Searchlight and Night Vision Camera integrated onto the same Pan/Tilt Base. SmartVIEW enables NightFINDER, as well as any of their standard searchlight products, to be controlled through the Ship’s Integrated Glass Bridge.
Computer Gaming & Maritime Training
Videotel is incorporating a new form of training delivery, designed to respond to the demands of the post internet age. It is moving to the ultimate in interactivity, by using gaming technology for serious purposes. Using serious games technology, Videotel is putting the learner into a real life scenario, enabling them to apply their knowledge to specific situations under realistic time pressures.
General Dynamics Awarded $122 Million for Virginia-Class Submarine Procurement
The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $121.8 million contract modification to buy long lead-time material for three Virginia-class submarines, SSN-793, SSN-794 and SSN-795.
Harris CapRock & Carnival Sign Contract
Harris CapRock Communications signed a five-year contract with Carnival Corp. to provide communications services onboard more than 100 cruise ships in its 10 cruise line brands. Harris will deploy a fully managed, end-to-end Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) solution utilizing the latest generation of iDirect technology, via a hybrid C- and Ku-band solution. Each ship will be equipped with stabilized antenna systems to provide the optimal level of flexibility and availability.
Jeppesen Updates VVOS Software
Jeppesen has launched updated versions of its Voyage and Vessel Optimization Solution (VVOS) and FleetManager software. VVOS Version 2.3 voyage optimization product is enhanced by incorporating Emission Control Area (ECA) boundaries and adding restricted RPM zones. FleetManager Version 1.4, a shoreside fleet management product, also features improved performance analysis and reporting tools. Jeppesen FleetManager 1.4 has been enhanced to meet the needs of today’s shipping customers…
Raymarine Autopilot
Raymarine’s new Evolution EV-2 drive-by-wire autopilot system has been certified for use with SeaStar Solutions’ Optimus EPS and Optimus 360 electronics steering systems. Optimus EPS systems provide effortless electronic power steering, while Optimus 360 systems add 360-degree maneuvering capabilities using a joystick controller. Both use state-of-the-art CAN bus networking for steer-by-wire control. The Evolution EV-2 autopilot system delivers sharp course keeping and simple operation.
Seaway Notice Number 11
Subject to favourable operating conditions, any ship calling in downbound at CVC after 23:59 hours, December 24,2013,but BEFORE 02:00 December 28, 2013, may be accepted…
Dryships Takes Delivery of Sixth New Build Drillship
Dryships Announces Delivery of Ocean Rig's Sixth Newbuilding Drillship, the Ocean Rig Skyros. DryShips Inc., a global provider of marine transportation services…
Dana Gas Receives $53m from Egypt
Dana Gas received from the Egyptian Government authorities $53m from the current total outstanding receivables of $330m. Payment of $42 million has been received in US dollars and the balance in equivalent Egyptian pounds. Including this tranche, during 2013, Dana Gas has received a total of $130m from the Egyptian Government authorities. The Egyptian Government has committed to work with the company on a plan to repay the remainder of the outstanding receivables over an agreed time frame.
USCG Publishes Final Rule on Marking Sunken Vessels
The U.S. Coast Guard announced Tuesday, December 24, 2013, the publication of a final rule revising its regulations to implement Section 301 of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004.
China Shipbuilders to Forefront in Active Dry Bulk Sector
Another week of ordering across the sizes in the dry bulk market, say Clarkson Hellas in their latest S+P Weekly Bulletin, with orders to report from Ultramax up to Capesizes vessels. Beihai are understood to have taken an order for one firm plus one option 250,000 DWT VLOC from Sincere Navigation Corporation Enterprises with delivery of the firm vessel in 2016. Beihai have also signed one firm plus one option 180,000 DWT Capesize from Bao-Island Enterprises for 2016 delivery for the firm unit.
USS Freedom (LCS1) Returns From Far East Deployment
First in class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 'USS Freedom' has returned to homeport San Diego after deployment earlier this year to the U.S. 7th Fleet's area of responsibility. "This deployment was a huge success for the LCS program, for us as a crew, and for the Navy in general," said Cmdr. Dale Heinken, commanding officer of Freedom's Blue Crew. Deployed since March 1, 2013. with her "Gold Crew", known formally as Crew 102…