World's Largest Ship: Pioneering Spirit Awaits Completion
Final construction aboard the world’s largest vessel, Pioneering Spirit (formerly named Pieter Schelte), is wrapping up in the Port of Rotterdam before the vessel can be commissioned off Norway this summer. Built primarily at DSME’s Okpo Shipyard in South Korea, Allseas’ installation/decommissioning and pipelay vessel Pioneering Spirit was inaugurated with a ceremony in Rotterdam in February 2015.
Shipping Confidence Hits 2.5 Year Low
Overall confidence levels in the shipping industry fell to their lowest level for two-and-a-half years in February 2015, according to the latest Shipping Confidence Survey from international accountant and shipping adviser Moore Stephens. Respondents to the survey identified overtonnaging as the biggest factor behind the fall in confidence, but also expressed concern about the effect on the industry cause by lower oil prices and the growth of investment by financiers from outside shipping.
WaPo: Two German CEOs Launching Own Mediterranean Rescue
The Washington Post has a story today about two German men who are launching their own rescue mission to save migrants crossing the Mediterranean. Harald Höppner and Matthias Kuhnt are two CEOs of a mid-size company in eastern Germany. According to the Post, the two have invested $162,000 since October into a 21-meter vessel that they are going to use to conduct a three-month mission patrolling the area between Libya and Italy…
U.S. DoI Upholds 2008 Shell Arctic Lease
The U.S. Interior Department on Tuesday upheld a 2008 lease sale in the Chukchi Sea off Alaska, moving Royal Dutch Shell a step closer to returning to oil and gas exploration in the Arctic since it suffered mishaps in the region in 2012. "The Arctic is an important component of the Administration's national energy strategy, and we remain committed to taking a thoughtful and balanced approach to oil and gas leasing and exploration offshore Alaska," said Interior Secretary Sally Jewell.
All American Marine Delivers Ferry to Seattle
All American Marine, Inc. (AAM) today announced the delivery of a new passenger ferry that will serve the city of Seattle. The vessel, MV Sally Fox, was dedicated at a ceremony on Vashon Island on Saturday. The Sally Fox is the first of two new ferries ordered by King County’s Marine Division as replacement vessels for their scheduled water taxi service. All American Marine was awarded the contract and issued the Notice to Proceed for the identical vessels at the start of 2014.
Port St. John to Install KleinPort System
Klein Systems Group Ltd. announced today that it has entered into an agreement to install the KleinPort Port Management Information System at Port Saint John, New Brunswick. The Port will be using KleinPort to manage and track its operational activities and cargo data, invoice for services and perform in depth data analysis and reporting. “Port Saint John saw a clear need for a new Port Management Information System to address the needs of the Port and its stakeholders…
H2O’s Owens CrapZapper Offers More
H2O’s Owens CrapZapper marine sanitation device has dual certification to the latest IMO and USCG standards for operation anywhere in the world. Features include low maintenance, compact footprint, patented floating skimmer ensures optimum discharge water clarity, and corrosion proof operation in optional 316L Stainless Steel. H2O is a leading provider of potable water solutions, as well as comprehensive water safety products, services and rentals.
HEADHUNTER Marine Sewage Treatment Systems
Headhunter’s team of engineers, fabricators, and wastewater specialists work together to provide innovative and efficient sewage treatment solutions. Offering systems in three categories; STP, Physical Chemical MSD, Biological MSDs, all can be customized to fit customers’ needs. This includes space-saving modular unit designed for the bilge of a megayacht or a skid-mounted turnkey package complete with lift stations for a jack up rigs, and more.
Hermes Unit, Canadian Fund to Buy $2.4B Stake in UK Ports Group
The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) and Hermes Infrastructure are prepared to buy a 30 percent stake in Associated British Ports for about 1.6 billion pounds ($2.4 billion).
Port of Cleveland Taps Chris Ronayne to Lead Board
The Board of Trustees for the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority today unanimously elected Chris Ronayne as new board chair. As President and CEO of University Circle, Inc., which oversees the growth and direction of one of Ohio’s fastest growing employment district, Ronayne has led planning, development, education, marketing, police, and other shared services for the district over a decade of sustained growth.
Baltic Sea Freight Index Up on Higher Capesize Rates
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, rose on Tuesday, mostly on higher capesize rates. The index…
U.S. Submits Formal Plan for Paris Climate Talks
The United States on Tuesday formally submitted its climate change strategy to the United Nations, outlining domestic measures it is taking to achieve up to a 28…
Direct Le Havre to Charleston LCL Import Service
CaroTrans has announced the addition of an expedited Le Havre, France to Charleston LCL import service. This is the only direct, weekly Le Havre to Charleston LCL service available in the market. It is a 12 day transit to Charleston and a maximum of 3 additional days to destinations in the U.S. South Atlantic region. The Le Havre departure point eliminates the congestion, delays and additional handling associated with routing via Antwerp.
DryShips to Sell its Suezmax Tanker Fleet
DryShips Inc. (NASDAQ: DRYS), has announced that it has entered into firm sales agreements with entities controlled by the Company's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, George Economou, to sell its four Suezmax tankers, Vilamoura, Lipari, Petalidi and Bordeira, for an en-bloc sales price of $245 million. In addition, it has entered into agreements with entities controlled by Mr. Economou to potentially sell its six Aframax tankers, Belmar, Calida, Alicante, Mareta, Saga and Daytona.
Shipbuilding: Mitsui Delivers Bulk Carrier
Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. (MES) completed and delivered a 56,000 dwt type bulk carrier M.V. Desert Osprey (MES Hull No. 1862) at its Chiba Works on March 31 2015 to Lazio Shipping and Investment Limited, Republic of Marshall Islands. This is the 9th ship of our “neo56BC”, the new generation eco-ship. This keeps the superior usability and reliability of “Mitsui 56” which is highly appreciated in the market and more than 160 units have been delivered by MES.
ST Marine Celebrates Naming of Vessels
Singapore Technologies Marine Ltd (ST Marine), the marine arm of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd (ST Engineering), held the Naming Ceremony today for the second Patrol Vessel (PV), RNOV Shinas, and the interim delivery for the first vessel RNOV Al Seeb, built for Royal Navy of Oman (RNO). The Guest-of-Honour was the Commander of the Royal Navy of Oman, Rear Admiral (RADM) Abdullah bin Khamis bin Abdullah al-Raisi.
Viking Enters Ocean Cruise Industry
Viking Ocean Cruises has announced it took delivery of Viking Star, marking the company's official arrival into the ocean cruise industry. The delivery ceremony took place on March 28 when the ship was presented at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard outside of Venice, Italy. On April 11, Viking Star will set sail from Istanbul and will make her way through the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic on her way to be officially christened on May 17 in Bergen, Norway.
Palfinger Chooses NAMJet Waterjets
Netherlands-based Palfinger Boats has launched the first of two Damen-designed FRSQ 1200 fast-rescue/oil response vessels. Built in Harderwijk, Netherlands, the 12-meter (40-foot) vessel is powered by dual 440-horsepower (hp) Yanmar diesels mated to twin NAMJet TJ431 HH waterjets. Designed to be carried aboard larger ships as a “daughter-craft,” the 9.6-ton vessel’s primary mission is oil spill response, which will make exceptional use of the vessel’s 4.1-ton bollard pull capacity.
Japan, U.S. Look to Expand Naval Cooperation
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's push to allow Tokyo to come to the aid of an ally under attack will pave the way for closer cooperation between U.S. and Japanese forces across Asia, a top U.S.
Vanuatu Clean-Up: Rivergate Aids Residents
In the wake of Tropical Cyclone Pam, which hit landfall on March 13, 2015, latest reports indicate that more than 65,000 people are now homeless and over 110,000 are left without safe drinking water in Vanuatu. Australia's Rivergate Marina and Shipyard, working in conjunction with YachtAid Global, is doing what they can to provide relief to the disaster affected country. YachtAid representatives and…
