Sivandran Named Managing Director of BMT Asia
Suba Sivandran has been appointed the new Head of Asia for BMT based in Singapore, a move that coincides with the organization’s growth initiative in the region launched this month. He will oversee all commercial operations with a focus on driving new business into more complex, emerging markets including defense, offshore renewable energy and marine infrastructure engineering and advisory offerings.With more than a decade of consulting experience throughout Europe and the APAC region…
Elakha: Repowering a Valued Research Vessel
Ocean science is in high demand by scientists studying ocean acidification, wave energy, seabed composition, changing water temperatures, fish populations and dozens of other research projects. The Oregon State University (OSU) has a proud history in the field. The wide variety of research project require a variety of vessels.One boat that has made large contributions to research is the 54- by 16.5-foot Elakha which was built in 2001 at Rozema Boat Works of Mount Vernon, Wash.
Cruise Lines Extend Operational Pause Through Year End
The cruise industry will extend its suspension of U.S. cruise operations through Dec. 31, an industry group that represents 95% of global ocean-going cruise capacity said on Tuesday.The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said its members will use the remainder of the year to prepare for the implementation of measures to address COVID-19 safety issues.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention…
Engine Management System Promises 10% Fuel Savings
A new patented and class-approved on-top system for intelligent engine management promises a 10% reduction in a ship’s fuel consumption with a payback period less than 18 months, says the solution's developer Frugal Technologies. To date, the system, Frugal Propulsion, has been installed and tested on four cargo ships at different shipping companies, resulting in average fuel consumption savings of 10-15% after a run-in period.
Australia Aids Listing Livestock Carrier
A Marshall Islands flagged livestock carrier listing from hull damage off Australia's western coast was directed to the Port of Geraldton.On Monday night, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) tasked its Challenger search and rescue jet to fly over the vessel Barkly Pearl, and it was able to confirm damage to the starboard side of the vessel, which was listing to port.AMSA General Manager…
Britain's New Polar Ship Sir David Attenborough Starts Sea Trials
Britain’s new polar ship, the Sir David Attenborough, headed for the open seas on Tuesday to start trials after a storm delay, before making its maiden voyage to Antarctica next year for climate change research.The 200 million pound ($260 million), state-of-the-art, polar research vessel, with its red hull and a bright yellow crane on its stern, sailed past Liverpool’s historic docks and out into the sea…
Putin Pledges Russian Superiority in the Arctic with New Icebreakers
President Vladimir Putin said on Tuesday Russia wanted to retain its "superiority" in the Arctic and that it planned to renew its icebreaker fleet to bolster its presence there.Moscow has stepped up its efforts to tap the region's commercial potential, including by increasing freight traffic on the Northern Sea Route, which runs from Murmansk in the Russian Arctic to the Bering Strait near Alaska.In recent years Russia has also reopened abandoned Soviet military…
First Flag State Joins Getting to Zero Coalition
The Isle of Man Ship Registry has become the first flag state to join the Getting to Zero Coalition, an industry-led alliance working toward decarbonizing the international maritime shipping sector.Established in 2019, the coalition is a partnership between the Global Maritime Forum, the Friends of Ocean Action and the World Economic Forum. Its members include more than 120 organizations from the maritime…
Baltic Index Hits Over Four-month Low
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index fell to a more than four-month low on Tuesday as weak demand from China dragged down vessel rates across all segments.The Baltic dry index, which tracks rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels, was down 21 points, or 1.6%, at 1,263, its lowest since mid-June.The lack of demand from China has pulled out freight rates from a period of little movement seen in the third quarter and sent prices to multi-month lows, said Peter Sand, the chief shipp
Aker Arctic Designs New Swedish and Finnish Icebreakers
Aker Arctic Technology Inc announced Tuesday it has signed a contract with the Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) and the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency (FTIA) to develop new icebreakers to meet new challenges in Baltic Sea escort operations.The “next generation” icebreaker design will be capable of assisting the larger merchant ships entering Finnish and Swedish ports, incorporate latest environmental technologies and be ready for future fossil-free fuels…
The Shipowners' Club Promotes Hamblin
P&I insurer The Shipowners' Club announced it has appointed its chief information officer, Mark Hamblin, to its management board.Hamblin’s appointment comes after eight years working for the club, in which time he has become integral to the successful IT function, developing strategies and systems that have enhanced the club’s fundamental operations. Hamblin’s appointment to the board signifies the…
Marcelo Penna, Safeway Design Trimaran SOV for Offshore Wind Sector
Spanish engineering company Marcelo Penna Engineering and the Dutch offshore gangway specialist Safeway have designed what they say is "an intelligent Service Operation Vessel" for the offshore wind industry."The outcome of the collaboration is the DP2 MP625 SOV combined with the recently introduced Safeway Gannet 3D motion-compensated offshore access system with its unique features such as ‘zero impact…
Damen Shipyards to Build Nine Ferries for Aqualiner-Swets
Dutch shipbuilder Damen Shipyards has signed a contract to build nine passenger vessels for Dutch ferry joint venture Aqualiner-Swets.The nine vessels will be used to provide the public transportation service between Rotterdam and the Drecht cities on behalf of the Province of South Holland and the region from 2022.Of the nine vessels, six are hybrid and carbon fiber Waterbuses which will serve the fast ferry Intercity routes primarily between Sliedrecht…
U.S. Tells Eni Repairs to Venezuela Floating Oil Facility Not Barred by Sanctions
The United States has assured Italian oil company Eni SpA that efforts to prevent a spill at a floating crude facility in Venezuela would not run afoul of sanctions, the company, and the U.S. State Department said on Monday.Images in recent months showing the Nabarima floating storage and offloading facility (FSO), part of the Petrosucre joint venture between Eni and Venezuela's state oil company Petroleos de Venezuela…
