Houston Ship Channel Closed after Benzene Spill
A section of the Houston Ship Channel has been closed following the release of approximately 500 gallons of benzene from the tanker Maritime Jingan while moored at Vopak Terminal Thursday afternoon.
Carnival Opens High-tech Training Center
Carnival Corporation & plc today announced the official opening of its Arison Maritime Center, a world-class facility dedicated to providing safety training for its bridge and engineering officers responsible for the navigation and operation of the company’s fleet of cruise ships. Located in Almere, Netherlands just outside Amsterdam, the new 75-million-euro facility features some of industry’s most advanced simulators and training equipment to provide annual training to more than 6…
Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding Implements FORAN
The SENER engineering and technology group signed a contract last year with the U.S. based shipbuilder Fincantieri Marine Group for the license to use SENER’s FORAN System. FORAN is currently in use at one of the company’s shipyards, Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding (FBS), located in Sturgeon Bay, Wisc. The scope of the contract included the installation, setup, training and support for the three main FORAN disciplines: Hull Structure, Machinery & Outfitting, and Electrical Design.
Iron Ore Surge Could Boost Asia Bulk Capesize Rates
Freight rates for large capesize dry cargo ships on key Asian routes could rise next week on higher volumes of iron ore cargoes, ship brokers said. "It's a bit more positive…
Japan Regulator Investigating LNG Shipping Restrictions
Japan's anti-monopoly regulator is investigating whether clauses in liquefied natural gas (LNG) contracts preventing buyers from selling the fuel to third parties hurts competition, Bloomberg News reported on Thursday, citing unidentified sources. The investigation by the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) is in the early stages and may be completed by the end of year, the report said. A spokesman for the JFTC would not comment on the issue when contacted by Reuters…
This Day In Naval History: July 14
1813 - During the War of 1812, Lt. John M. Gamble becomes the first Marine to command a ship in battle, USS Greenwich, when she captures British whaling ship Seringapatam. 1853 - Commodore Matthew C.
Raytheon Anschütz Reports 100 NSX Radar Installs
German navigation system manufacturer Raytheon Anschütz reports that its NautoScan NX (NSX) network radar transceivers have exceeded 100 installations. With the launch of Raytheon Anschütz’s new NSX radar transceivers, state-of-the-art network radar technology has replaced the analog data transmission alternative. Now, radar status and video are generated in the transceiver, shared by a digital interface…
UK Convicts Captain, First Mate of Drug Trafficking
The captain and first officer of an ocean going tug boat have been found guilty of drug trafficking following the biggest ever U.K. seizure of class A drugs, the country’s National Crime Agency (NCA) announced. The cocaine, worth an estimated potential street value of £512 million once adulterated, was found hidden aboard the Tanzanian flagged MV Hamal in April 2015. The vessel had been intercepted…
Fire at Brazil's Rumo Sugar Terminal Disrupts Operations
A fire at the Rumo sugar and grain terminal in Brazil's Santos port that started early Thursday restricted operations but caused no injuries, according to a spokesman…
LUKOIL Marine Lubricants Opens Hong Kong Office
LUKOIL Marine Lubricants has opened a new branch office in Hong Kong to tap into an increasing market share in Hong Kong and the greater China area. The official opening ceremony was held on Friday, May 27, 2016, and was attended by more than 50 guests from Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as LUKOIL Marine’s Managing Directors, June Manoharan and Jan Thiedeitz. The celebration also provided an opportunity to showcase the latest iCOlube and EAL technology during technical seminars.
Newest Merchant Ship to Fly SA Flag at Port of Port Elizabeth
The Port of Port Elizabeth is home port of a third ship to be registered on the South African Ships Register. This marks another step in South Africa’s drive to become a recognized Maritime Nation in line with the government’s Operation Phakisa initiative which aims to unlock the potential of the country’s ocean economy. On Wednesday, 13 July 2016, oil tanker MT LEFKAS docked at the port’s berth 100 where a ceremonial plaque exchange ceremony was officiated.
Baltic Index Rises on Freight Rates
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, tracking rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, extended its rally on Thursday, driven by higher rates across all vessel types.
EU's Silence on South China Sea Ruling Highlights Inner Discord
European governments are torn over how to respond to China's defeat in a legal battle over the South China Sea, fearful of alienating their second-largest trading…
Hyundai Merchant Marine to Join 2M Alliance
South Korean shipper Hyundai Merchant Marine Co Ltd said on Thursday that it had signed a preliminary deal to join a 2M vessel-sharing alliance of Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Co (MSC), the world's two largest container shippers. The deal with the "2M carriers," which would take effect in April 2017, would enable the South Korean firm to strengthen its service offering and achieve improved cost competitiveness, the company said in a statement.
China Protests Australia's Freedom of Navigation Comment
China said on Thursday it had issued a formal protest after Australia announced it would continue to exercise its right to freedom of navigation and overflight in…
Two more Cranes for APM Terminals Cotonou
APM Terminals Cotonou, operating as Coman SA at Benin’s primary port, adds two new cranes, the largest mobile cranes in the Benin port. Cotonou, Benin- Coman SA…
Hill Dickinson Strengthens Commodities Team
International law firm Hill Dickinson continues to strengthen its growing commodities team with the return of partner Andrew Buchmann. Following qualification in South Africa…
G E Shipping Acquires Bulk Carrier
The Great Eastern Shipping Company Ltd. (G E Shipping) took delivery of a Secondhand Capesize Dry Bulk Carrier “Jag Anand” (2011 built) of about 179,250 dwt. The…
Senior Appointments at IRClass
In a move to strengthen its senior management structure, The Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) has made significant changes at its top level. As a part of its…
Volvo Penta’s IPS System a Boon to Ferries Operators
A new passenger ferry, Antares, has been launched from the Italian city of Naples and is the first boat of its kind in the region to be installed with Volvo Penta’s…