Maritime Security Conference Underway in Abu Dhabi
As policy leaders wrapped up the Manama Dialog, an international security conference in Bahrain, maritime and naval leaders commenced their meetings in Abu Dhabi to discuss practical implementation of those policies and improving abilities of nations and partners to meet growing challenges to maritime security, safety and sovereignty. The IQPC Offshore Patrol Vessel conference at the Jumeirah at Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi is being attended by naval…
CMA CGM Rearranges its Services
The CMA CGM Group announced the reshuffling of its services from Europe and Med to West Africa which will allow the Group to adapt to the market and serve the heart of Africa by Through Bill of lading (TBL) to land lock countries. CMA CGM is pleased to announce the PC Weekly service improvement with the insertion of UK and Nigeria call in the rotation. The first voyage will start on December 14, 2013 with M/V Hammonia Antofagasta vge 8D001S.
Videotel Security Training MCA Approved
Videotel has been granted MCA approval on a new training suite designed to meet the forthcoming STCW rules on Ship Security Training. From January 1, 2014, security training will fall into three categories, in that all seafarers must demonstrate an understanding of the security threats to their vessels whatever their role. Prior to this, security related training was a requirement only for the Ship Security Officer. The Videotel Ship Security Officer course, which complies with STCW Reg.
Azipods Earn US$180-Million for ABB in 2013
Pod propulsion system Azipod® was the propulsion system of choice for 6 new cruise liners in 2013, say manufacturers, ABB. The company won orders worth $180 million in 2013 to deliver complete electrical power plants and propulsion systems for six new cruise liners that include its latest-generation Azipod XO units.The six ships include two for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), two for Royal Caribbean International and one each for Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Lines.
Vietnam Authorities Blame Watchkeeper for Fishermen's Deaths
Vietnamese authorities have concluded that a collision between a Singaporean container ship and a local fishing boat that killed eight people in September, 2013…
Global Trade Boost: WTO Strike US$1-Trillion Doha Deal
Ministers from 159 countries have reached agreement on a deal intended to boost global trade at a meeting in Bali, Indonesia. The World Trade Organization's (WTO) first comprehensive agreement involves an effort to simplify the procedures for doing business across borders. According to the WTO the Bali Package is described as the first major agreement among its members since it was formed in 1995 under agreements from the 1986-94 Uruguay Round negotiations.
Kuwait Oil Tanker Co. Aims for 30 Ship Fleet
Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) has put into service a new VLCC and named another as part of a strategy aimed at increasing its tankship fleet to 30 by the end of 2014…
USCG Extend Ship-to-Ship Oil Transfer Comment Period
The US Coast Guard (USCG) inform it has extended the comment period related to proposed new measures to reduce the risks of oil spills in oil transfer operations from or to a tank vessel.
New Missile Range Ship Passes Final Navy Trials
The missile range instrumentation ship 'USNS Howard O. Lorenzen' (T-AGM 25) successfully completed its final contract trials (FCT) in San Diego. FCTs, run by the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV), mark the final review in a series of post-delivery tests and trials exercising all aspects of the vessel and its systems, including main propulsion, damage control, supply, deck, navigation, habitability, electrical systems and operations.
Scorpio Bulkers IPO to Fund Multi-Newbuilding Orders
The bulk ship owners announce its initial public offering of 15,500,000 common shares, granting the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to 2,325,000 additional common shares. Scorpio say that the net proceeds of this public offering are expected to be used to fund newbuilding vessel capital expenditures, including capital expenditures related to the Company's initial fleet, and for general corporate purposes, including working capital.
Lloyd's Register Dusts Off 253-Year-Old Brand Image
Lloyd's Register (LR) unveils a refreshed brand identity, with the introduction of a new logo that celebrates the culture of innovation built over the company’s 253-year history. LR explains that the organisation has undergone significant change and growth over recent years, having grown to a £1-billion-turnover service provider with over 9,000 employees worldwide and undertaken the acquisitions of ODS, Human Engineering, ModuSpec, Scandpower and West Engineering.
Sustainable Marine Energy Lab Established in Japan
KEI System Ltd (KEI) and Eco Marine Power (EMP) have jointly established the Aquarius Innovation Lab in Osaka, Japan, which includes an indoor test centre plus an outdoor area for evaluating the performance of hardware such as solar panels, rigid sails & wind power devices. The Aquarius Innovation Lab will conduct research & design plus product development activities related to marine renewable energy systems and fuel saving technologies.
Alfa Laval Wins 5-Ship EGCS Order
Alfa Laval has won an order to supply its PureSOx exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) to 5 ships in the fleet of the Dutch ship owner Spliethoff. Delivery is scheduled for 2014. The manufacturer's say that they delivered their first PureSOX exhaust gas cleaning system to Spliethoff in 2012. Since then, the system has logged more than 7000 hours in compliance with IMO regulations for Emission Control Areas (ECAs).
BIMCO, Fathom, to Publish Ballast Water Management Guide
BIMCO & Fathom have joined forces to provide comprehensive information on ballast water treatment, to help shipowners make wise decisions in advance of new Ballast Water Management Regulations which are likely to be implemented in 2014. The publishers explain that the Guide will give shipowners and operators full understanding of how ballast water management regulations and options affect their operations. Regulatory requirements and what they mean.
Today in U.S. Naval History: December 6
Today in U.S. 1830 - Naval Observatory, the first U.S. national observatory, established at Washington, D.C., under commander of Lieutenant Louis Malesherbes. 1901 - First report of Ship Model Basin at Washington Navy Yard issued by Naval Constructor David W. Taylor who designed the basin. First facility of this type in U.S. to test hull shapes. 1917 - German submarine torpedoes sink USS Jacob Jones (DD-61) off England.
Fast Ferry Gets a New Power Package
While many owners discuss ideas to suitably maintain maritime service while slashing operating costs, Seasteak LLC, owners a 43m fast ferry Wall Street, put words into action with a dramatic propulsion switch that saw the company maintain sailing schedule and speed while reducing fuel consumption 30% and CO2 emissions 50%. Wall Street, a 43m fast ferry owned by Seastreak LLC of Atlantic Highlands, NJ…
Cat tackles Tier 3 and Tier 4; Completes Berg Deal
Caterpillar Marine and Power Systems was one of the most active companies at the 2013 International Workboat Show in New Orleans, debuting several new products that are compliant with EPA Tier 3 and 4 regulations, and finalizing the acquisition of propulsion equipment manufacturer Johan Walter Berg AB. Caterpillar Inc., which is one of the biggest names in industrial equipment, engines and turbines, recorded 2012 sales revenues of $65.9 billion.
Newport News Shipbuilding Apprentice School Opened
Huntington Ingalls Industries has announced that its Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) division has officially opened its new Apprentice School, located at 3101 Washington Ave. in downtown Newport News. Apprentices, faculty and staff were joined by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, U.S. Reps. Bobby Scott and Rob Wittman, Virginia Delegate Chris Jones, Newport News Mayor McKinley Price, HII President and CEO Mike Petters, NNS President Matt Mulherin, Armada Hoffler Holding Co.
Drydocks World Claim Shipyard Heavy Lift Record
The company says it created history in marine and offshore operations when they lifted the 10,000-tonne topside of the first gravity base of the semi-submersible (and world’s largest offshore HVDC platform structure) 'DolWin Beta' to a height of 52.8 metres from the dock bottom. The complex mating operation was carried out on DolWin beta which is under construction at the shipyard. The environmentally…
RAN Diver Training Complex Officially Opens
After two years of construction, the upgraded Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Diving School and the Submarine and Underwater Medicine Unit (SUMU) have been officially opened at a ceremony at HMAS Penguin.