VT Halter Lays Keel for Crowley LNG ConRo Ship
The keel for the first of two liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered, combination container – Roll-On/Roll-Off (ConRo) ships for Crowley Maritime Corp.’s liner services group was laid during a ceremony at ship-builder VT Halter Marine, Inc.’s facility in Pascagoula, Miss. The keel laying ceremony marked the next step in the construction of Crowley’s first Commitment Class ship, which will exclusively serve the U.S.-Puerto Rico trade lane…
Lightweight Composite Approved for Ship
For the first time, combustible, fibre-reinforced, lightweight composite has been approved for use in a SOLAS ship. Panama's flag authority has accepted a design where hatches in fibre-reinforced plastic composite replace steel hatches. Research and fire risk analyses at SP have helped in making this possible. Lightweight composites have a number of advantages compared with steel; among others, ships can be made lighter, which reduces fuel consumption and emissions, and there is no corrosion.
CMA CGM to Inaugurate In-house University
The CMA CGM Group announced the opening of the CMA CGM Academy, its new in-house university, located in its Marseilles (France) headquarters. The first in-house…
Van Oord Chooses Marlink VSAT Services
Marlink has been selected to provide Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) services for the fleet of the international dredging and offshore contractor Van Oord. The contract is expected to include 30 vessels being supported by Marlink’s customized VSAT services by the end of 2015. Marlink’s VSAT services have provided voice and data connectivity services for three Van Oord vessels as from June 2013.
New UK Tax Could Hit Offshore Sector
Companies in the offshore maritime sector could be among those hit by a 25 percent Diverted Profits Tax (DPT) charge under draft UK legislation scheduled to enter force in April 2015, international accountant and shipping adviser Moore Stephens said. Under the draft legislation published by the UK government in December 2014, the new DPT could potentially apply to many UK companies transacting with overseas connected parties.
Piracy Violence Continues Against Seafarers
The MPHRP highlights the hardship inflicted upon seafarers and families. Responding to recent reports on current levels of international maritime piracy, the Maritime Piracy Humanitarian Response Program (MPHRP) noted the trend that they appear to avoid the word "piracy" in favor of new forms of criminality, specifically "attacks" and "hijacking". The technical differences denoted by these terms aside, MPHRP said a basic truth is veiled: that violent crime is committed against seafarers.
US Visa Initiative for Ethiopian Seafarers
The Ethiopian Maritime Training Institute (EMTI) has welcomed an initiative by the United States that will provide Ethiopian seafarers with a new class of C1/D visas. The new C1/D visas issued to Ethiopian crewmembers will now be valid for two years. Effective January 2015, the US extended the term period of C1/D visas for Ethiopian nationals, primarily for the purpose of facilitating transit to and from the US by the crews of merchant ships.
DNV GL Opens New Central China Office
DNV GL has opened a new office in Nanjing, China, covering most of the Jiangsu Province and following the Yangtze River upstream to Chongqing and Sichuan. Headed by area manager Chen Keng, DNV GL Central China aims to support business growth in the area and act as center for operations in Central China. “Central China is home to dozens of shipyards, many industry manufacturers and is therefore one of the most important areas for DNV GL to focus on in China…
New Satellite System to Track Illegal "Pirate Fishing"
Run by the British technology firm Satellite Applications Catapult and backed by environmental groups, Project 'Eyes on the Sea' will open a "Virtual War Room".
Avante Expands VSTEP Simulator
Following the installation of a VSTEP desktop trainer classroom last year, the Avante Escuela de la Marina Mercante in Colombia has now purchased a Class A Full Mission Bridge Simulator to further expand its simulator training capacity. The follow-up order for an additional VSTEP NAUTIS Class A Full Mission Bridge simulator was placed following the delivery of a desktop trainer classroom at the Avante…
Alaska: No Rush for Canada Ferry Project Resolution
Alaska can use an existing British Columbia ferry terminal for several more years if Canada enforces an order blocking so-called "Buy America" purchasing rules from…
Infigen Energy Mulls Shedding U.S. Wind Farms
Australia under pressure to fix renewable energy target deadlock; 45 wind farm projects stalled. Australian wind farm operator Infigen Energy Ltd is exploring the sale of 18 U.S.
Wartsila Wins LNG Systems Contracts for Four Ships
A series of four LNG carriers being built by the Hudong-Zhongua Shipbuilding yard in China will feature Wärtsilä LNG reliquefaction plants and gas handling systems. The ships are owned by Bermuda based Teekay Corporation, China LNG Shipping (CLNG), CNOOC Energy Technology Co of China, and BW Gas of Norway. The contracts with Wärtsilä were issued by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding and were signed during the fourth quarter.
Port of Montreal Plans $132m Expansion
Ottawa government has announced a multimillion-dollar investment for the Port of Montreal, meant to facilitate exports following a new trade deal with Europe. The…
Chilean President Visits Port of Wilmington
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet paid a long-postponed visit to one of her nation's top export destinations, an official call at the Port of Wilmington that ended…
Konecranes Agilon Wins Quality Innovation Award
Konecranes’ Agilon material management solution has won the Quality Innovation award in the Large companies series in The Quality Innovation Award of the Year competition…
Ship-to-ship Transfer Clause for Dry Bulk
A new clause for dry cargo voyage charters is set to plug the gap in contracts that do not address ship-to-ship transfer (STST) cargo operations. STST cargo operations…
“Jag Vidhi” Delivered to Buyers
The Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd. (G E Shipping) delivered its 1990-built Very Large Gas Carrier “Jag Vidhi” (49,701 dwt) to the buyers on 21st January, 2015.
Change in CEO at Golar LNG
Golar LNG Limited today announced that Doug Arnell has decided to step down as CEO of Golar on February 1, 2015. Mr. Arnell's decision is driven by a personal wish…
Kalmar Automation System for Melbourne's CT
Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has been awarded a contract to provide an integrated automation system to handle operations at Victoria International Container Terminal…
