Commissioner Doyle: China Clarifies VAT
Last week Commissioner William P. Doyle of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) briefed the full Commission with a report on his work seeking clarity and certainty on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC’s) implementation of the Value Added Tax (VAT) as it relates to maritime commerce. Doyle informed the Commission that the Chinese government was expected to clarify its position on the VAT that has confused the shipper and carrier communities.
Oleum Enters West Africa as Physical Bunker Supplier
Oleum DWC-LLC is a new physical supplier focussing on supply of marine fuel and gas-oil offshore the West African coastline. All products; 380 cst, 180 cst and MGO are meeting full ISO:2010 specifications. “We will be operating a 'one-stop-shop' and we have full control of the entire supply chain. Oleum will control every aspect of the operation, from the sourcing and loading of our cargo to the actual delivery to the end user.
Euronav NV: Conversion of Convertible Bonds Issued in 2013
Euronav NV announces that on December 19, 2013 its share capital was increased following the exercise of the conversion option of 64 convertible bonds issued in 2013 and maturing in 2018.
Teekay Offshore Issues $53.4 Million Equity Private Placement
Teekay Offshore GP LLC., the general partner of Teekay Offshore Partners L.P. announced that it has agreed to issue 1.75 million common units in a private placement…
Nontank Vessel Response Plan Required by January 30, 2014
The "Nontank Vessel Response Plans and Other Response Plan Requirements" (NTVRP) final rule, which was published in the Federal Register on September 30, 2013, requires vessel owners or operators of nontank vessels 400 gross tons and above to prepare and submit oil spill response plans for vessels operating on the navigable waters of the United States by January 30, 2014. Because many of the requirements…
IACS Council Adopts New Common Structural Rules
At its 68th session of the IACS Council meeting, held December 18-19 in London, IACS has unanimously adopted new harmonized Common Structural Rules (CSR) for oil tankers and bulk carriers.
Navis Builds on Singapore Success
Navis Engineering has completed work on its latest project involving fast-growing Singaporean offshore specialist Miclyn Express Offshore (MEO), following the commissioning of the DP2 system on board the 70m ROV and diving support vessel Resolution. After successful sea trials and a christening ceremony at the Keppel Bay Marina, Singapore, the vessel has departed for Indonesia, on a three-year charter to Seascape Surveys.
MHI Tables Ships Built in Year 2013
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) announce its (diminished on 2012) vessel construction figures during the calendar year 2013 as follows:
New Orleans Coast Guard's In-House College
Coast Guard Station New Orleans has received a new wave of fresh recruits from Cape May, N.J. In preparation to train them, Station New Orleans planned and organized a “boat crew college” in the station's pilot house. Petty Officer 3rd Class Jacob Mullins, a boatswain’s mate and primary instructor for the boat crew college at Station New Orleans, explains, “Five new members have reported to Station New Orleans in the last month…
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…