NSRP to Launch Shipbuilding Research Project
On April 3, 2014, The National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) issued a pre-solicitation notice in anticipation of Research Announcement 13-01 being issued in June 2014. This Research Announcement will be soliciting summary proposals that respond to priorities in the program’s Strategic Investment Plan, including areas of particular interest that will be identified in the Research Announcement.
Chinese Soy Project in Brazil: Just an Empty Field
No signs identify a barren field in northeastern Brazil that was meant to be the center of one of China's most ambitious agricultural forays into South America.
Icebreaking Postponed in Saginaw Bay
The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) postponed an icebreaking operation originally scheduled to begin Sunday morning in the vicinity of the Saginaw Bay Entrance Channel.
US Flies Italian Exec to Florida in Extradition
The United States has extradited a former executive of an Italian marine hose manufacturer to face price-fixing charges in what the Justice Department said was its…
Ashton Hosts Maritime Security Event
Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, hosted a meeting on Tuesday in Brussels…
NOAA's Paper Charts are here to Stay
It won't be long before mariners and the boating public will have a wider choice of options and special services when they purchase NOAA paper nautical charts, thanks to NOAA's expanded "print-on-demand" chart production and distribution system, Coast Survey officials announced today. This week, Coast Survey certified new print-on-demand chart printing agents, and gave them the flexibility to offer different color palettes, various papers, a cleaner margin, and a range of services.
Today in U.S. Naval History: April 4
Today in U.S. 1854 - Sailors and Marines from sailing sloop, Plymouth, protect U.S. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.
Fluxys Terminal to Tranship LNG for Yamal
Yamal LNG, a Russian project to produce liquefied natural gas from 2017, has chosen Fluxys' terminal in Zeebrugge, Belgium, as the transhipping point for gas from the peninsula in northern Russia.
Russia Sacrifices Gazprom Profit for Politics in Ukraine
Russia's top natural gas producer, Gazprom, will eventually lose more than it gains from raising the gas price for Ukraine by 80 percent, analysts said on Friday…
W.Africa Crude-Traders on Sidelines
West African oil differentials were unchanged on Friday, with traders on the sidelines as they assessed the impact of lower North Sea supply and awaited a clearer outlook for Libyan exports.
Rolls-Royce Secures Offshore Vessel Order
Global power systems company Rolls-Royce signed an £11 million contract with Spanish shipyard Gondan for a wave piercing offshore vessel to be delivered to Simon Møkster Shipping in Norway. According to Rolls-Royce, the vessel is designed to pierce through the waves under harsh weather conditions, making it possible to keep a more constant speed, reduce the use of fuel and increase on board safety.
Moroccan Wheat Trade Pushes for Longer Import Window
Millers and wheat importers in Morocco have asked the government to establish a longer annual window for imports after scrambling to secure shipments this season, trade sources said.
U.S. Maritime Advisory Panel Names 10 New Members
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today announced the appointment of 10 new members to the Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC). Established in 2010, MTSNAC is comprised of leaders from commercial transportation firms, trade associations, state and local public entities, labor organizations, academics, and environmental groups that advise the Secretary on policies to ensure that the U.S.
New Low-emissions Fuel Patented
Maine Maritime Academy faculty member, Dr. George Harakas, has coauthored a patent with colleague and business partner, Scott Eaton, for glycerol-containing fuel…
Baltic Sea Freight Index Down
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, fell for a ninth straight session on Friday on lower vessel activity.
Ukraine in "Emergency" Talks Over Gas Imports
Ukraine is in emergency talks with European neighbours on the possibility of importing natural gas from the West, following "political" rises in the price it pays for Russian gas…
Euro Coal Prices Rise after Pause in Trading
European physical coal prices for May were slightly higher on Friday afternoon in the first trade since Monday as traders said coal prices had probably reached a floor.
Bestobell Exhibits LNG Technology
Bestobell Valves, part of the President Engineering Group (PEGL), attended the Gastech 2014 exhibition in South Korea recently and said it had a great response from visitors across the globe, including a significant number from South Korea and Japan. The company showcased its cryogenic valves, which are already widely used for industrial gas, LNG marine and land-based LNG (liquefied natural gas) applications across the world.
China to Close Nearly 2,000 Coal Mines
China will close 1,725 small-scale mines with a total capacity of 117.48 million metric tons in 2014 as part of its program to phase out low-quality coal production…
First Vessel of 2014 Arrives at St. Lambert
Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) advised that the St. Lawrence Seaway has now opened for its 2014 season at St. Lambert by accepting the first vessel of the year…
