US Navy Ship Pulls out of MH370 Search
The U.S. Navy announced that its ship USS Kidd and MH-60R helicopters will detach from the MH370 search and rescue (SAR) effort as of March 18 after searching a combined 15,000 square miles of the Andaman Sea since March 10. The decision was made in consultation with Malaysia’s government, the U.S. Navy said in a news release. So far no debris or wreckage associated with the missing aircraft was found, the Navy said. "The dedication of this crew is amazing.
Port of Hamburg Offers Environmental Discount
The Hamburg Port Authority (HPA) said its dedication to pursuing the highest standards of safety, quality and environmental protection led them to joining the Green Award scheme as an incentive provider for seagoing ships. From 2014, oil, product and chemical tankers, LNG and, after a launch of the certification program later this year, LPG carriers, that hold the Green Award certificate are eligible for a 3% reduction in port fees when calling at the port of Hamburg.
Drilling Tools International Acquires Reamco
Hicks Equity Partners (HEP), a private equity firm led by the Thomas O. Hicks family, announced that its portfolio company, Directional Rentals, Inc., has acquired Reamco, Inc., a company based in Lafayette, La., that manufactures, rents and refurbishes downhole drilling tools and related products used in the drilling industry. Directional Rentals, Inc., an oilfield services company, has also been…
Neptune Adds Staff in Asia
Neptune announced that Graham Storey has joined its team representing Asian and South East Asian clients. Graham has shipping industry experience in Singapore and will be working closely with Neptune’s representatives in Japan and Asia. Additionally, Neptune has moved its ISO 9001:2008 certification to LRQA, who certified the company to ISO PAS 28007 in January this year.
Jack-Up Barge Debuts New Offshore Installation Method
Jack-Up Barge, the offshore self-elevating platform supplier, has pioneered a new cost-effective installation method that the company said will revolutionize offshore wind turbine construction. The Netherlands-based based company, a supplier to the offshore energy markets, successfully completed seatrials at the beginning of March, on a new, first-of-its-kind, portable DP2 system. The new system, integrated to one of Jack-Up Barge’s platforms…
First Twin Axe Delivery for Njord Offshore
Njord Offshore from Essex, U.K., have taken delivery of their first 26m Twin Axe built by Damen Shipyards Group. The vessel was ordered early January 2014, and the delivery took place on February 27. During this seven-week period, the vessel was modified from a basic, standard vessel to suit the specific Njord Offshore requirements. Njord Offshore, established in 2011, focuses on the Offshore Wind industry and operates vessels ranging from 21-26m.
Greene's Energy Group Promotes McMillain
Greene’s Energy Group, LLC (GEG), a provider of integrated testing, rentals and specialty services has promoted Antwan McMillian to manager, testing and services. McMillian is responsible for the testing and services for blowout preventers (BOP) throughout 20 Houston-area counties. He will also manage the technicians and equipment within his geographic area. As an employee of GEG since 2007, McMillian has held positions such as a helper T1, T3 operator and sales representative for district 3.
ClassNK Acquires Maritime Software House NAPA
Classification society ClassNK agreed to acquire maritime software house NAPA in a deal that the classification society said aims to improve safety and performance for the whole maritime industry. According to ClassNK, the acquisition will enhance the success and capabilities of both organizations. For ClassNK, which has worked with NAPA for nearly 10 years, the deal is a chance to expand and improve the wide range of services it offers to shipowners and shipyards…
Pipelayer Towed from Genoa to Rotterdam
Tug Fairmount Glacier has towed pipelay-vessel Castoro Sei to Rotterdam, the Netherlands, from where the vessel will start her seasonal activities on the North Sea. The Fairmount Glacier hooked-up with Castoro Sei in Genoa, Italy. The Castoro Sei is a 28,000 ton DWT 152 meters long semi-submersible pipelay-vessel operated by Italian Saipem. For her towage from Genoa towards Rotterdam the Fairmount Glacier was mobilized from Las Palmas. The convoy reached Gibraltar within six days.
FSL Trust Sells Two Bulk Carriers
FSL Trust Management Pte. Ltd. (FSLTM), as trustee-manager of First Ship Lease Trust has sold its two dry bulk vessels, MT Stella Fomalhaut and MT FSL Durban. The…
ABS Report Addresses LNG Bunkering Regulation
ABS, a provider of classification services to the global marine and offshore industries, released a report entitled Bunkering of Liquefied Natural Gas-Fueled Marine Vessels in North America. The objective of the report is to provide guidance to potential owners and operators of gas-fueled vessels, as well as LNG bunkering vessels and facilities, to help them obtain regulatory approval for projects.
Two UK Ferries to Have Wärtsilä BWMS - When They Need It
Two Ro-Ro ferries owned by UK based Condor Ferries are to be retrofitted with Wärtsilä's new AQUARIUS READY ballast water management system (BWMS) solution. The AQUARIUS READY concept has been developed by Wärtsilä to prepare vessels for the fitting of BWMS, while minimising vessel downtime, thereby enabling more efficient operations. The actual equipment installation and commissioning will take place at a time convenient to the owners following ratification of the IMO Convention.
New Alliance to Develop Advanced e-Maritime Systems
An alliance between France's Orolia, and Transas Group, leaders in maritime simulation, navigation and surveillance systems, aims to integrate Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) and Search and Rescue (SAR) functionality into enhanced marine communication solutions. Creating Advanced SAR-enhanced MDA Systems. Adding McMurdo Group’s proven beacon technology and COSPAS-SARSAT/MESOAR satellite-based solutions…
New Arctic Spyship Hull Arrives at Norwegian Shipyard
The first photo of what is to be the most important military intelligence vessel for NATO in the Barents and Arctic Seas is to be seen on the right. “This is an important project to ensure Norway’s interests in the North. Control with the development there is strategically important for Norway,” says Head of the Norwegian Military Intelligence Lieutenant General Kjell Grandhagen. The hull was completed…
PMM Dips Into Chemical Ship Management Sector
Principal Maritime Management LLC (PMM) of Southport, Connecticut, a shipping company owned by affiliates of Apollo Global Management LLC, informs of its new business…
Mystik Lube Caters for Wider Marine Engine Range
Houston-based supplier Mystik informs that its lubricants will now be available in a wider range of 4-cycle FC-W marine engine oil viscosity grades, including full synthetics 10W-30 and 10W-40 as well as the new synthetic blends 25W-40 and 25W-50. Formulated to meet the demanding requirements of 4-cycle marine engines, Mystic say that the new products deliver unmatched performance, protection and cleanliness for engines requiring FC-W engine oils.
Ingalls Shipbuilding's 2014 'President's Awards for Excellence
Huntington Ingalls Industries' Ingalls Shipbuilding division has honored six teams and three individuals with "President's Awards for Excellence" for their outstanding and innovative work on shipbuilding projects. "We build some of the most complex, technologically advanced products in the world," said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Irwin F. Edenzon. "We need men and women who are innovative and engaged in their work.
Kirby Corp. Order Additional 29 Large Tank Barges
Kirby Corporation, based in Houston, Texas, the nation's largest domestic tank barge operator, informs it has signed agreements for the construction of 29 additional 30,000 barrel inland tank barges with a total capacity of 830,000 barrels for delivery throughout 2014. Of the 29 inland tank barges, 18 are through the assumption of shipyard construction contracts from another inland tank barge operator and 11 are new orders placed by Kirby.
UK Trade Deficit Worries Chamber of Shipping
In January 2014, the value of imports rose to £16.8bn, while exports showed a slight decrease to £14.5bn, compared with the previous month. Consequently, the difference between non-EU imports and exports (the trade gap) has increased. Mr. Platten added: “As a country, the recovery is driven heavily by consumer spending, much of which is through the purchase of imported goods. Noting that the shipping…
Transocean Latest Offshore Drilling Rig Fleet Summary
Transocean Ltd. has issued its monthly Fleet Update Summary which includes new contracts, significant changes to existing contracts, and changes in estimated planned out-of-service time of 15 or more days since February 18, 2014. The total value of new contracts since the February 18, 2014 Fleet Update Summary is approximately $14 million. GSF Galaxy III - Awarded an approximate two and one-half month contract extension for use as an accommodation unit in the U.K.