China Shipyard Launches Hi-Speed Ferry for Damen
China's Afai Southern Shipyard says it has launched a 4010 high-speed catamaran ferry for the Damen Group of The Netherlands. The catamaran ferry has an aluminum structure with a length of 39.9m, beam of 10.7m, design draft of 1.72m, and design speed of 35 knots. Afai Southern shipyard says that the launch indicates it has achieved another construction milestone by building this international high-end ferry.
China Speeds Up Move to Mixed-Ownership Economy
China will promote a mixed-ownership economy by diversifying the shareholding structure of state-owned enterprises (SOE) reports the Chinese 'Shipping Gazette', citing the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission. The Commission informed the nation it will speed up the transformation of SOEs, especially parent companies, into joint-stock firms. The pay system will also be reformed with a focus on using performance as the basis for compensation for SOE managers.
Russian Shipyards Deliver Tugboat, Short-Sea Bulk Carrier
The sixth short-sea multi-purpose bulk carrier for North-West Shipping Co., named 'Neva Leader' has been delivered by the Nevsky Shipyard, as part of a project by Marine Engineering Bureau-Design-SPb, JSC. The tugboat RB-401 was built by Pella Shipyard for port operations in Kalingra, and to support the Russian Baltic Sea Fleet. The shipbuilder explains that multi-purpose dry-cargo vessels of deadweight…
Greenpeace Arctic 30 Activist Remarks: 'An Extremely Odd Christmas Morning'
The final chapter in the legal ordeal of the Arctic 30 began as the group was asked to attend a meeting at Russia’s powerful Investigative Committee, where the criminal case against them is being dropped en masse. According to Greenpeace they will then have one more hurdle – securing exit visas in their passports – before the non-Russians are free to leave the country and be reunited with their families. A meeting with the Federal Migration Service is scheduled for later today.
Canadian Ice-class Ferry Second Order for Damen
This second order, placed by the Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Government, is for an identical vessel to one ordered from Damen a few weeks ago, but this ferry will be deployed between Bell Island and Portugal Cove-St. Philip's. Scheduled for delivery in February 2016, the 14-knot Ro-Ro ferry will be able to carry up to 200 passengers and 60 vehicles. According to the shipbuilders, the investment…
Emirates Navy Receives Third New Corvette
The United Arab Emirates Navy has taken delivery of the third Corvette (named 'Al Dhafra') in a series of six ordered from Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding Company, reports CanIndia. These warships, part of the largest construction programme in the Middle East, have multi-mission capabilities, including coastal patrol and surveillance, mine detection and avoidance, helicopter operations, as well as anti-air and anti-surface capabilities.
Australian Contract for an Armada of Dockwise Vessels
Dockwise, a subsidiary of Royal Boskalis Westminster N.V. (Boskalis) has been awarded a contract by Bechtel for shipping modules for the Chevron-operated LNG production Wheatstone Project in Western Australia. The contract value is estimated at approximately USD 275 million, making it the largest contract ever for Dockwise and work will commence in early 2014. The scope of work includes logistical…
Christmas Cruise Ship Beset by Antarctic Ice
Seventy four people spent Christmas aboard the Russian cruise ship 'MV Akademik Shokalskiy' beset by ice in a remote region off the coast of Antarctica. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is co-ordinating the search and rescue operation, and 3 ice-breaking vessels in the area are now en route, although all are at least two days sailing away. The ship is in the Australian Search and Rescue region…
