Validation Study of Ballast Water Compliance Tools Begins
The U.S. Coast Guard Research Development Center (USCG RDC) and the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) cosponsored a validation study of the effectiveness of variable fluorescence-based instruments as compliance tools for ballast water checks. The study, which began June 1 in Key West, Florida, included blind testing of field and lab samples will be conducted through September, 2015, at three different sites in the U.S.
Global LNG Price Slide Resumes on Weak Demand
Asian spot liquefied natural gas (LNG) prices for July fell this week on continued weak demand and ample supply. The price of Asian spot cargoes slid to $7.40 per…
Ruscon Increases Business in Russian Market
Intermodal operator Ruscon reported it has increased its market share in Russia, maintaining a strong position in a country which has seen imports fall by 20 percent in the last 12 months. In the first quarter of 2015, Ruscon handled 32,250 laden containers compared to 28,497 in the same period last year. Vladimir Bychkov, CEO of GCS, Ruscon’s parent company, said that handling a higher than average volume of import goods also benefits its ability to handle export business.
Otto Marine Bags $27mln Charter Contract
Otto Marine Limited, a builder and charterer of complex offshore support vessels and specialized offshore services provider, announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary, Swordfish 1 Pte Ltd, has entered into a long-term bareboat charter contract worth $27 million. The 238-man work maintenance vessel measures 85 meters in length and 23 meters in width, and has a clear deck area of 635 square meters. It is DPS-2 classified, and is equipped with a deck crane of 80-ton lifting capacity.
Rules for Indian Naval Combat Ships Published
The “Rules and Regulations for Construction and Classification of Indian Naval Combatant Ships”, developed by Indian Register of Shipping were formally released by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Admiral RK Dhowan, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, ADC on June 9, 2015. The release took place in South Block, New Delhi, in the presence of Vice Admiral P Murugesan AVSM, VSM, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral AV Subhedar AVSM…
IMTRA Brings Lilaas Controls to US Market
IMTRA informs it has partnered with Lilaas to bring the latest controls to the U.S. market. With this exclusive distribution agreement, Lilaas products will enhance IMTRA’s line of OEM products. Lilaas has recently introduced its newest type-approved and compact controllers, the L01 and the L04. Already available in European markets, the new controllers are now also available in North America exclusively from IMTRA.
Enginei Fuel Management System Upgraded
Diesel power engineering specialist Royston has introduced a next-generation version of its fuel management system, Enginei. The new integrated system, with a range of enhanced fuel data analysis and reporting options, has been developed in consultation with vessel operators and owners who are putting greater importance on the availability of detailed engine and mission critical information. To meet these demands the new Enginei system uses data collection software to expand the range of fuel…
US Appeals Court Rejects Challenge to Shell Spill Plans in Alaska
A divided federal appeals court rejected an effort by environmental groups to void a U.S. agency's approval of two oil spill response plans by Royal Dutch Shell…
Crew Supply Vessel Delivered in Louisiana
Lady Tierney, a 205-foot monohull DP-2 crew supply vessel, has been delivered for Sea Supply, Inc., a B&J Martin Inc. subsidiary, of Galliano, Louisiana. With design expertise from Incat Crowther’s Lafayette, La. office, combined with concept design and standards from the Morgan City, La. based Halimar Shipyard and the vessel owner, the ABS-classed, USCG-certified vessel will work in the Gulf of Mexico’s deep water offshore industry.
54% of Tankers Comply with ECDIS Mandate
SOLAS regulations on the mandatory carriage of Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) for all tankers of 3,000 gross metric tons or more come into force July 1, 2015. Of the more than 8,750 tankers in the global fleet that are required to comply with these regulations by their first survey following this date, 54 percent are now using ENCs (Electronic Nautical Charts) on ECDIS, according to United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO).
Top US Shipping Execs to Receive USS Awards
Anthony Chiarello, Matthew J. Cox and James C. The United Seamen's Service (USS) 2015 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards (AOTOS) will be presented to Anthony Chiarello, President and CEO of TOTE; Matthew J. Cox, President/CEO of Matson Inc.; and James C. McKenna, President and CEO of Pacific Maritime Association. The maritime industry awards are to be presented at the 46th annual gala industry dinner and dance in New York on November 13, 2015.
Shippers Prosecuted for Garbage Dumping
Two shipping companies and their masters have been prosecuted by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) for two separate marine pollution incidents within the Great Barrier Reef. Tokyo based Perses Maritima Ltd and the master of its Japan registered vehicle carrier Asteria Leader were found guilty on May 18 in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on one charge each of illegally discharging garbage under the Protection of the Sea (Prevention of Pollution from Ships) Act 1983.
Stolt-Nielsen, Golar LNG Form Joint Venture
Stolt-Nielsen Limited and Golar LNG Limited have formed a 50/50 joint venture to pursue opportunities in small-scale LNG production and distribution, the companies announced today. Stolt-Nielsen Limited has invested in Golar LNG through open-market purchases, representing an ownership stake of approximately 2.3 percent in the company. Commenting on the investment, Niels G. Stolt-Nielsen, CEO of Stolt-Nielsen Limited…
CA Spill Clean-up Costs to Exceed $60 Million
Clean-up costs associated with a Californian oil pipeline rupture that dumped as much as 2,400 barrels of crude onto a pristine stretch of coastline and into the…
USS Rushmore Aids 65 People Near Indonesia
USS Rushmore (LSD 47) rendered assistance to 65 people on makeshift bamboo rafts in the waters between the Indonesian islands of Kalimantan and Sulawesi June 10.
IRClass Rules for Indian Naval Ships Released
The “Rules and Regulations for Construction and Classification of Indian Naval Combatant Ships”, developed by Indian Register of Shipping were formally released by the Chief of the Naval Staff…
Shelter-in-place lifted, Houston Ship Channel reopened
A shelter-in-place was lifted and the Houston Ship Channel was reopened at 2:08 p.m. Wednesday, after an incident in the upper ship channel that caused the release of as much as 23…
MHI Debuts Non-ozone-depleting Refrigerant
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has developed a new series of centrifugal chillers, dubbed the "ETI-Z Series," adopting a new refrigerant, HFO-1233zd(E)…
Former ST Marine Exec Faces Corruption Charges
On 12 September 2011, Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd announced that the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (“CPIB”) was investigating certain transactions…
Low Sulphur Fuel Regulation for Cruise Ships at NSW Ports
The Port Authority of New South Wales (NSW) has issued advice about the Consultation Draft of a new regulation requiring cruise ships to use low sulphur diesel fuel…
