BAE Systems Gets $1.3b for New UK Warships
The U.K. Ministry of Defense has signed a $1.3 billion contract with BAE Systems for equipment to build the next generation of warships for the British navy, Prime Minister David Cameron announced today. BAE Systems has been working on plans to provide Britain with 13 new warships since 2010, Reuters reported, adding that the new contract enables the shipbuilder to continue developing the project by investing in the equipment and facilities needed before building can begin. According to the U.K.
Tanker Crewmember Medevaced off Galveston
A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter crew medevaced a crewmember off a tanker in the Galveston Fairway Anchorage Thursday morning. The captain of the Zambezi Star, a 604-foot chemical tanker, contacted Sector Houston-Galveston watchstanders via VHF channel 16 at approximately 11:30 a.m., stating that a crewmember fell off a ladder and began showing heart attack symptoms. The Coast Guard Cutter Manowar responded…
Tug Owner Jailed for Crewman’s Death
A tugboat owner was given an eight-month custodial sentence after his crew member died trying to reattach a tow line in a violent storm. Martin Richley, owner and…
North American Rig Counts Continue Decline
The number of U.S. oil and gas rigs declined by 48 last week, according to data released today by Baker Hughes, which shows the number of U.S. rigs is now down to 1…
ClassNK, Makita Expand Engine Monitoring
ClassNK and Makita have agreed to bring the condition-based engine monitoring system ClassNK CMAXS e-GICSX to Mitsui-Makita MAN B&W main engines. The system assists…
Vessel Aground in Badcall Bay
A Norwegian-flagged fish carrier vessel, Viktoria Lady, ran aground on a rock in Badcall Bay about 20 miles northwest from Ullapool this morning, the U.K Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) reported.
Cold Snap has European Traders Eyeing Diesel Exports to US
Diesel and heating oil exports will increase to the United States from Europe, traders said, reversing the usual flow, as refineries on the U.S. East Coast struggle…
USCG Commandant Visits Port of San Diego
Admiral Paul Zukunft, Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, visited the Port of San Diego’s administrative offices on February 12. The Commandant was in town to participate in the 2015 Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association /U.S. Naval Institute Conference held at the San Diego Convention Center. During his visit to the port, the Commandant participated in a briefing that included Dan Malcolm…
Retailers to Obama: Bring ILWU, PMA to Washington
“It has been nearly a week since President Obama dispatched Labor Secretary Perez to the West Coast to help settle the protracted contract dispute between the ILWU and PMA. While the Secretary has said the meetings have been productive, we have yet to see a final deal. “We understand the Secretary has given the parties a deadline to reach an agreement. If a deal is not reached today, we support the…
Brazilian Fast Supply Vessel Delivered
Baru Mucura, the second in a series of 12 UT4000 Monohull Fast Supply Vessels built by ETP Engenharia Ltda. in Brazil, has undergone launching and trials, Incat Crowther announced. The vessel’s earlier successor, Baru Gorgona, was the first delivery in the series. Incat Crowther said the vessel’s design has been optimized to comply with the UT4000 Fast Supply Vessel specification. Ships fuel is in excess of 40,000 liters, with a cargo fuel load of 90,000 liters.
Brazilian Grain Trucker Blockade Continues, Threatens Harvest
Truckers protesting high diesel prices in Brazil used road blocks to restrict the flow of soy, corn and other commodities in a key grain-growing region for a third day on Friday…
Status of US West Coast Port Dispute Unclear
The status of a dispute between shipping executives and union leaders for dock workers at 29 U.S. West Coast ports was unclear on Friday, with the Journal of Commerce, which earlier reported a deal may have been reached, saying conflicting reports had emerged on the status of the nine-month-old talks. "There is no deal as it stands right now," Journal of Commerce Chief Content Officer Peter Tirschwell told Reuters.
Baltic Index Edges Higher on Capesize Gains
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, rose for the second consecutive day on Friday on higher…
Dive Inspection Continues on Lysblink Seaways
The dive inspection on behalf of the salvors will continue today on the cargo ship Lysblink Seaways that ran aground Wednesday near Ardnamurchan Point in the west Highlands, and is now anchored close to the location of the grounding, the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) reported. The 120-meter-long vessel is stable, though still leaking a small amount of oil, after self-floating just before 9 last night from the foreshore at Kilchoan.
West Coast Port Talks Break Without Settlement
Shipping executives and union leaders for dockworkers at West Coast ports ended a third day of contract talks presided over by the U.S. labor secretary late on Thursday without reaching a settlement…
BP Bid to Cut Gulf Spill fine Denied
A U.S. judge on Thursday rejected BP Plc's attempt to reduce the maximum civil fine it could face for its role in the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill, leaving it potentially…
Union Rejects Oil Refinery Contract Offer
Union negotiators on Thursday rejected the latest contract offer from oil companies and said the largest U.S. refinery strike since 1980 may spread to more plants…
Australia Outlines Submarine Acquisition Strategy
The Australian government announced its acquisition strategy for the Future Submarine Program, setting out further details of the competitive evaluation process…
Spain's First Pure-Gas Marine Engine
Rolls-Royce has signed a collaboration agreement with Spanish energy company Gas Natural Fenosa to develop and install a pure-gas Bergen engine aboard the Baleària-operated ferry Abel Matutes. According to Rolls-Royce , the contract gives the company its first reference for a pure-gas engine installation on a European-flagged ferry operating outside of Norwegian waters. The 29,670 metric ton ROPAX ferry…
L-S MSI to Exhibit at Cruise Shipping Miami
L-3 Marine Systems International (L-3 MSI) will showcase a range of systems and services for cruise ship operations, including automation, integrated navigation, dynamic positioning, onboard entertainment and drive systems, in Hall C, Stand 1931, at Cruise Shipping Miami, March 16-19. L-3 noted that its highlights will include live demonstrations of the advanced NACOS Platinum series. Also featured…