Port of New Orleans Leader Accentuates Positives in Annual Address
Port of New Orleans President and CEO Gary LaGrange cited numerous Port and industry-wide accomplishments, while challenging local business leaders to think big and act as ambassadors for the maritime community during today’s 27th Annual State of the Port Address hosted by the International Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers Association of New Orleans at the Marriott Convention Center. LaGrange ticked through a series of best rankings – most notably the No.
Navy Hospital Ship Ordered to Ready for Philippines Support
Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, has directed the activation of the hospital ship 'USNS Mercy' (T-AH 19) to be ready to support ongoing disaster relief efforts in the Philippines in the wake of Typhoon Haiyan. Berthed in San Diego, USNS Mercy has been in a reduced operating status, which is normal for a hospital ship. Harris' activation order accelerates Mercy's ability to attain full operating status to include moving necessary personnel and equipment to the ship.
U.S. Crude Oil Production October Exceeded Imports Reports EIA
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) releases latest short-term energy outlook. Monthly estimated domestic crude oil production exceeded crude oil imports in October 2013 for the first time since February 1995. The weekly U.S. average regular gasoline retail price has fallen by more than 40 cents per gallon since the beginning of September. EIA's forecast for the regular gasoline retail price averages $3.24 per gallon in the fourth quarter of 2013…
Grounded Vessel Leaked 6,000 Gallons
According to the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), grounded fishing vessel Arctic Hunter has leaked approximately 6,000 gallons of diesel fuel and 400 gallons of hydraulic lubricating oil, and a light sheen was seen surrounding the vessel. Resolve-Magone Marine Services has secured pollution sources on the vessel, the report said, and the company will conduct further salvage operations as weather conditions allow.
BV Accepts Standardized CFD Predictions
Bureau Veritas (BV) has authorized on an “Approval in Principle” basis a new Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)-based performance prediction methodology developed by Robert Allan Ltd. as the basis for formally granting the service notation Escort Tug. While previously some classification societies have approved computer-based escort predictions for new tugs on a case by case basis, the majority still require a full-scale trial before issuing an escort notation and the associated escort numeral.
U.K. Offshore Oil and Gas Interim Report
The U.K. Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) issued a news release stating that the interim report on the economic and energy security opportunities still available from the U.K.’s offshore oil and gas resources has been completed. Among other things, the report recommends a new arm’s length regulatory body to oversee and develop a program to maximize the economic recovery of oil and gas for the U.K.
Dolphin Reports Improved Operating Margins
Seismic vessel operator Dolphin Group AS reported its financial results for the third quarter 2013. Atle Jacobsen, Dolphin Group CEO commented, "Dolphin delivered solid operating margins for third quarter with EBIT of 25%, driven by improved contract prices and high vessel efficiency. As for the entire seismic industry, Dolphin also experienced low Multi-Client late sales and a competitive market for new projects in the quarter.
Coast Guard Tows Disabled Boat off Cape May
The U.S. Coast Guard towed a disabled catamaran with one person aboard Tuesday after the boat lost steering approximately six miles offshore from Cape May Inlet. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Station Cape May received a mayday call from the captain of the 44-foot Empire State reporting the boat lost steering, and the man needed assistance. A 45-foot Response Boat ─ Medium crew from the station responded, and once on scene, took Empire State into a 300-foot stern tow.
Remote Monitoring: The Bottom Line for Fleet Optimization
By any yardstick, remote monitoring is fleet optimization in the new millennium. You’re all over it: optimizing your fleet. But, what does that mean? For some operators…
Northrop Grumman Names Mehltretter VP
Northrop Grumman Corporation has appointed Robert J. Mehltretter as vice president of the company's Navigation and Positioning Systems (NAPS) business unit. In his new position, Mehltretter will have executive responsibility for all domestic and international programs within the NAPS business area, which is a leading provider of inertial navigation and positioning systems and sensor technologies for fixed- and rotary-wing aircraft, missiles, spacecraft, ships and land vehicles.
Wärtsilä Awarded TT-Line Exhaust Gas Cleaning Retrofit
Wärtsilä has been contracted by German-Swedish ferry operator TT-Line to retrofit an exhaust gas cleaning system to its Ro-Pax vessel, the M/S Robin Hood as part of TT-Line's Green Ship strategy. The full turnkey project will be managed by Wärtsilä thereby minimizing downtime and risk, while guaranteeing performance and regulatory compliance. The contract was signed in October 2013, and delivery and installation will take place during summer 2014.
Today in U.S. Naval History: November 13
Today in U.S. 1776 - Capt. John Paul Jones in Alfred with brig Providence captures British transport Mellish, carrying winter uniforms later used by Washington's troops. 1942 - Loss of USS Juneau (CL-52) during Battle of Guadalcanal results in loss of Five Sullivan Brothers. 1943 - Fifth Fleet carriers begin long range night bombing attacks on Japanese positions in Gilberts and Marshalls in preparation for landings. 1957 - First firing of Regulus II bombardment missile.
Arctic Sea Routes of Limited Use to China
As China’s international trade remains seemingly ever-growing, the country continues to seek diversified options for expanding its global trade. The prospect of Arctic shipping passages have generated much discussion throughout the industry, especially as weather trends seem to implicate a potentially vast opening of passable routes, most specifically for China in the Northern Sea Route. Executive Director of The Arctic Institute…
Clean Marine to Supply EGCS for Hyundai Heavy Gas Carriers
Clean Marine has been selected by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea to supply exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS) for a Very Large Gas Carrier (VLGC) being built for Dorian LPG Ltd. The order will enable the new Dorian LPG vessel to comply with future legislation relating to sulphur emissions without switching to more expensive fuels. Dorian LPG has offices in the U.S., U.K. and Greece and is an owner and operator of modern VLGCs.
First Vessel Launched for Oman's National Ferries
Asian shipbuilder Strategic Marine launched the Shanna, the first of two 45-meter ro-pax catamarans to the National Ferries Company of Oman. The vessel is the first of its kind built by Strategic at its Vietnam shipyard, underscoring the operation's multi-markets shipbuilding capability. The sister vessel, the Jawharat, will deliver at the end of November. "The global ferry market is of significant…
Transas Equips Arabian Gulf Academy in Basra
Arabian Gulf Academy For Maritime Studies, situated in Basra - the biggest Iraqi port and one of the biggest cities of the country - will soon be able to offer its students a hands-on training using three simulators from Transas: Engine Room simulator ERS 5000, GMDSS simulator and Radar/ARPA simulator. The simulators will provide trainees with a wide range of navigational and engineering skills. Engineers will acquire knowledge of operating an engine room, using ERS 5000.
IMCA Meeting to Focus on Offshore Renewables
Offshore renewable energy will be very much on the agenda when the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) holds the first ever meeting of its long-established Europe & Africa Section in Germany. With speakers from Technip, the German Shipowners Association, German Shipbuilders, Workships Contractors, Seaway Heavy Lifting, Bluewater, RWE, Vattenfall, ER Offshore and Global Maritime the meeting on Thursday…
First Candidates Complete International Group P&I Qualification
The first group of candidates has successfully completed the full Protection and Indemnity Qualification (P&IQ). The examination program was launched in 2010 by the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG) to support education in P&I insurance. The successful candidates were presented with their certificates by Grantley Berkeley, Chairman of the IG and of Tindall Riley (Britannia) Limited, at an awards…
Great Lakes Coal Trade Up Slightly in October
Shipments of coal on the Great Lakes totaled 2.8 million tons in October, an increase of 92,000 tons compared to a year ago. Shipments were up 135,000 tons compared to September. Shipments from Lake Superior ports totaled 1.7 million tons, a slight increase (54,000 tons) compared to a year ago. Coal transshipped from Superior, Wisconsin, to Québec City, Québec, for loading into oceangoing colliers totaled 122,000 tons. Exports to Europe from Superior total 1,376,000 tons through October.
New EnQuest HQ Taking Shape in Aberdeen
Work is now well underway to build a new North Sea headquarters in Aberdeen for the U.K. independent oil producer EnQuest. Aberdeen’s Lord Provost yesterday, Tuesday, November 12, gave his seal of approval to what is set to become a new landmark building in the city. EnQuest’s new HQ will replace the derelict Aberdeen Seafood Park in the city’s harbor area. The company currently employs around 500 people at two locations in Aberdeen…
