Foss Maritime: Hard at Work in the Arctic
As the oil industry awaits a much-needed rebound, Foss Maritime’s robust presence in the Arctic region underscores its commitment to the region, the environment, and a business plan that looks ahead to the next chapter. Reports of the death of commercial Arctic activities have been greatly exaggerated. While Arctic energy projects have, by and large, been put on the back burner – like most things related to energy in other places – there are still many projects ongoing…
Canada Stands to Gain if NAFTA Reopened, Negotiators Say
Canada, fearful of talk by the U.S. presidential candidates to reopen the North American Free Trade Agreement, could use the opportunity to push for a better deal on worker mobility…
What the Heck is ‘Privity’?
Is the Limitation of Liability Act Still Relevant? In the aftermath of the El Faro disaster, that vessel’s owners exercised their right to file a petition to limit their liability in accordance with the U.S. Shipowner’s Limitation of Liability Act, 46 USC §30501, et seq. This evoked negative press and social media reaction with a now-familiar refrain: Why should a shipowner escape full liability for a disaster by hiding behind a 19th-century (i.e., outdated, antique, ancient) statute?
Measuring Noise Levels of Cavitating Propellers
As underwater radiated noise levels in the oceans increases, MARIN has investigated just how much cavitating propellers are to blame. Traditionally, underwater radiated noise is mainly of interest for naval vessels and fishery research ships. Nowadays, however, there is a growing concern that marine life is affected by the rise in background noise levels in the oceans. Marine mammals and fish use sound to communicate and to sense their environment and this requires low background noise levels.
Saudi Arabia Begins Naval Exercises in Gulf
Saudi Arabia began naval war games including live fire exercises on Tuesday in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important oil route, official media reported…
IBAIZABAL TANKERS Opts for SeaCURE BWTS
Spanish IBAIZABAL TANKERS has purchased two SeaCURE ballast water management systems (BWMS) from Evoqua Water Technologies to help ensure compliance with International Maritime Organization (IMO) ballast water regulations coming into force in 2017. The systems will be installed on two IBAIZABAL TANKERS Suezmax vessels – the Montestena and the Montesperanza – with preparation work due to be completed at the end of October 2016.
Op-Ed: Alaska's Golden Offshore Opportunity
Offshore energy presents a golden opportunity for Alaska and the United States. As we enter the final quarter of the year, one of the last and most pressing pieces of business facing the Interior Department is to finalize its next offshore leasing program, which will specify exactly which parts of the United States’ Outer Continental Shelf will be open to oil and gas development between 2017 and 2022.
ABB Reorganizes in Digital Push
ABB has launched Stage 3 of its so-called “Next Level” strategy which aims to drive company-wide growth via four entrepreneurial divisions, while realizing the group’s full digital potential and improving operational efficiencies. “Over the last two years, ABB has become faster, leaner and more efficient. We have continuously improved margins and further strengthened our cash generation,” said ABB CEO Ulrich Spiesshofer.
Remembering El Faro
From the desk of Rear Adm. Paul Thomas, U.S. It has been one year since the tragic loss of the cargo ship El Faro and her 33 crew members. I encourage everyone in the maritime community to take a few moments to remember them, and reflect on the hazards faced by all seafarers. This is an extremely difficult milestone for the families and loved ones. My thoughts continue to be with them. Many continue to question what happened on board the El Faro during its final voyage.
GP Group Expands Antwerp Bunker Operations
UAE based global bunker supplier Gulf Petrochem Group is now offering physical bunker supply in the port of Antwerp, Belgium from its existing office in Rotterdam, the Netherlands with immediate effect. The new offering will cater to the group’s global customers and provide them with a wide portfolio of marine fuel products such as RMG 380 and LSGO from two exclusive time chartered barges, the Valsinni and the Chardonnay.
OSK-ShipTech Appoints New CEO
Jacob H. Thygesen has been named the new CEO of Danish naval architecture firm OSK-ShipTech A/S, effective November 1, 2016. Thygesen comes to the role with a background as Sales Director of Wärtsilä Ship Design, and prior to that he was Managing Director of Wärtsilä Denmark. As CEO of OSK-ShipTech A/S, he will be responsible for continuing the direction the company has taken since Anders Ørgård became majority shareholder 13 years ago.
Test Bed for Autonomous Shipping Opens in Norway
An extensive area of the Trondheimsfjord in Northern Norway was designated as an official test bed for autonomous shipping by the Norwegian Coastal Authority (NCA), during a special event in Trondheim, Norway on Friday, September 30th 2016. As potentially the first coastal area in the world officially dedicated to the development of technology for autonomous ships, the new test bed is set to become a vital facility for the future of shipping.
Volvo Penta Debuts New Ergonomic Controls
Volvo Penta of the Americas will showcase its new-generation mechanical controls for gasoline sterndrives at IBEX 2016. The new controls feature ergonomic levers and grips…
Hajioannou Takes on Safe Bulkers Newbuilds
Safe Bulkers, Inc. announced today that the Company has agreed to novate an existing newbuild contract for Hull No. S835, a Japanese Panamax class vessel, and sell, upon delivery, Hull No.
ABB, Microsoft Partner to Drive Digital Industrial Transformation
ABB and Microsoft Corp. announced a strategic partnership to help industrial customers create new value with digital solutions. The offering is a unique combination…
Hanjin Chairman: Firm Lost a 'game of chicken' with Rivals
Hanjin's failure largest ever among container shippers; collapse has disrupted global trade networks. The collapsed Hanjin Shipping Co Ltd could not compete against…
Shippers Brace for IMO's New SOx Rules
IMO to decide whether to introduce rules in 2020, or 2025; EU, China already pushing for stricter regulation. The global shipping industry is bracing for a key regulatory…
US Warships Make Landmark Visit to Vietnam
Two U.S. warships made port calls at Vietnam's strategic naval base at Cam Ranh Bay, the U.S. navy said on Tuesday, in a brief but symbolic return for U.S. combat…
Concordia Maritime Sells IMOIIMAX Tanker
Concordia Maritime is selling the IMOIIMAX tanker Stena Image to a large Japanese financial institution. The transaction is a sale and leaseback agreement, which in this case means that the vessel will be chartered back to Concordia Maritime on a bareboat basis (i.e., without crew) for eight years, with annual purchase options from year four onwards. The sale price is $37.5 million and delivery to the buyer is scheduled for mid-October.
New Hamburg Terminal for OPDR
The short sea shipping expert OPDR, as part of the CMA CGM Group, will call a new terminal in the Port of Hamburg: the C. Steinweg Group’s Süd-West-Terminal (SWT). The first OPDR vessel will call the SWT on October 11th 2016. The Süd-West-Terminal is a highly flexible multi-purpose terminal that provides best conditions and features for the handling of short sea vessels. Situated in the heart of the port…
