Nations Seek Protected Marine Areas in the Southern Ocean
Australia, the European Union, France, New Zealand and the United States jointly call for the establishment this year of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the Southern Ocean…
Piracy at Sea Falls to Lowest Level in Seven Years
The International Chamber of Commerce's International Maritime Bureau (IMB) has revealed that piracy on the world's seas is at its lowest third-quarter level since 2006…
Kongsberg Launches Laser-based Reference System
Kongsberg Seatex launched SpotTrack, a multi-target laser based relative position reference system. SpotTrack delivers accurate range and bearing measurements and is primarily intended for Dynamic Positioning (DP) operations. Kongsberg Describes SpotTrack as a robust, lightweight, motion stabilized rotating laser sensor offering precision range and bearing readings to one or multiple retro-reflective targets.
Port Operations Halted as Baltimore Strike Continues
Multiple sources reported that a longshoremen labor strike at the Port of Baltimore Wednesday morning has forced the closure of the port’s major terminals. All cargos at the port's public marine terminals continue to be affected and no ships are operating. The strike was brought into effect by a vote held Tuesday night where the International Longshoremen's Association Local 333 rejected a local contract with the Steamship Trade Association of Baltimore…
Sofware Solutions Picking up Steam
A new study from Germany show rapid expansion in the maritime fleet management software sector. While shipowners are generally classified conservative in the uptake of new technology…
Amber Coast Logistics Hosts Coaching Workshop
The EU-subsidized logistics project Amber Coast Logistics (ACL) has made its first appearance at Belarusian Transport Week, which was held just recently in Minsk.
LeBeouf Celebrates Double Christening
Last month a special pair of towboats were celebrated, as LeBouef Bros. Towing of Houma, La., welcomed to its fleet the MV Karl Senner and MV Dickie Gonsoulin in a festive ceremony at the home of Jon Gonsoulin, President, Lebeouf Bros. Towing. While the boat represent many things – a continued boom in the U.S. energy transport business; a nod to the modern mariner as both are seamlessly outfitted for…
CNOOC: Two New Oil Fields Start Production
Hong Kong - CNOOC Limited (NYSE: CEO, SEHK: 00883) announced that, Wenchang 19-1 North and Weizhou 12-8 West oil fields have recently commenced production. Wenchang…
Long Beach Container Terminal Goes Live with Navis TOS
Navis announced that Pier F at Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT) has gone live with Navis’ N4 terminal operating system (TOS). This implementation allows LBCT…
AVEVA Upgrades Engineering Software
AVEVA announced productivity improvements in its latest release of AVEVA Engineering, the multi-discipline software that enables engineering teams to work collaboratively on plant or marine projects. Responding to customer feedback, the new enhancements to AVEVA Engineering means it is the only product which combines powerful features such as datasheets, project breakdown structures with 2D and 3D visualization, the developer said.
Victaulic Valves Type Approved
Victaulic, a manufacturer of mechanical pipe-joining systems, has received Type Approvals from DNV (Det Norske Veritas) for its Vic-300 MasterSeal butterfly valves - Series 761 and Vic-Check check valves - Series 716 and 716H. The approval certificates are valid until the end of June 2017 and cover Class III piping systems for fresh water cooling, condensate return, non-essential systems, sanitary drains and nonessential service air.
Congress Should Enhance OPA 90 Responder Provisions
The Benefits to the Scope of Coverage in an Expanded Responder Immunity Regime are many. The response industry has been extremely supportive of a coalition effort…
Keeping up with the Jones (Act)
The continued existence of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 carries with it substantial economic and financial benefits. Its repeal could be catastrophic. The three-legged stool commonly referred to as the Jones Act is officially known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920. For the purposes of national defense and growth of domestic commerce, it most simply calls for the waterborne transport of cargo and/or passengers between U.S. ports to be limited to U.S. flagged vessels.
Another North Sea Contract for AquaTerra
Mock-ups, practice and repetition are just some of the key elements of how AquaTerra’s Rope Access team prepare for any major job where there is the requirement to enter a potentially hazardous environment and the latest contract win for work within the concrete leg of an offshore platform is no exception. The Aberdeen Specialist Access company said it won the contract worth over £5 million based on their experience and history within these offshore structures…
Today in U.S. Naval History: October 17
Today in U.S. 1922 - LCDR Virgil C. Griffin in Vought VE-7SF makes first takeoff from U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, USS Langley (CV-1) anchored in York River, Virginia. 1941 - U-568 torpedoes and damages USS Kearny (DD-432) near Iceland, resulting in 11 killed and 22 injured. 1944 - Naval Forces land Army rangers on islands at the entrance to Leyte Gulf in preparation for landings. 1989 - Following San Francisco earthquake, 24 Navy and Military Sealift Command ships rendered assistance.
Oceana Selects Ulstein’s PSV Designs
The Brazilian shipowning company Oceana Offshore will be building two platform supply vessels (PSV) with an option for two additional vessels based on the PX105 design from Ulstein. The vessels will be built at the new yard, Oceana Shipyard in Itajai, Brazil and are scheduled for delivery in April and May 2016, respectively. The vessels for Oceana are purposed for work in the Brazilian oil industry. The PX105 design is a large platform supply vessel with accommodation for 23 people.
Seatorque Boosts Brazilian Superyacht Performance
Brazilian superyacht builder MCP Yachts has credited Seatorque Control Systems for contributing to the outstanding performance of its latest launch – the Hemisphere 140 Raffaella II. Incorporating Seatorque’s unique enclosed drive shaft system, the 43-meter aluminum vessel, powered by twin Caterpillar C32 1825 HP engines, achieved a top cruising speed of 22 knots during sea trials with an 85 percent load and 167 metric tons displacement, reported MCP president Manoel Chaves.
DDW & MW Chairman Visits Jadaf Shipyard
Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World & Maritime World, the international service provider to the maritime and oil and gas sectors, visited Jadaf shipyard, one of the oldest such yards in the region addressing the repair and maintenance of small to midsize vessels. The visit to the shipbuilding and repair yard Jadaf Dubai, the oldest facility in the Gulf region, was aimed at inspecting the facility…
Olmsted Lock and Dam Project Proceeds
The passage of last night’s Continuing Resolution to fund the Federal government and raise the debt ceiling contained a provision to raise the 902(b) cap on the amount that can be spent on the Olmsted Project in Illinois to $2.9 billion from the current $1.56 billion. The measure does not appropriate funds, but allows work on the project to continue. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers informed the Inland…
SS United States: When Washington Got Things Done
Susan Gibbs is the Executive Director of the SS United States Conservancy and granddaughter of William Francis Gibbs, designer of America’s Flagship. Here Ms. Gibbs shares her opinions on the intersection of U.S. politics and America’s historical flagship, SS United States, while addressing the American condition, past and future. With the government shutdown having sent Washington into a tailspin…
