International towage and salvage specialist Multraship and Belgian salvage operator URS Salvage & Maritime Contracting have refloated the vehicle carrier ‘Grand Dubai’ in Belgium.
The 25,615GT vessel grounded in the River Scheldt on July 18 while outbound from Antwerp in ballast. The salvors mobilized tugs and salvage teams which succeeded in refloating the 1973-built ‘Grand Dubai’. They then towed the Panamanian-flagged vessel to Flushing where, upon inspection, no serious damage was found. The salvors also retrieved the vessel’s anchor & chain, which it had let go at the casualty site.
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Thursday, July 31, 2008
'Seven Atlantic' launched at IHC Merwede
Diving support vessel ‘Seven Atlantic’ was recently launched at the IHC Merwede yard in Hardinxveld Giessendam, the Netherlands.
The vessel is under construction for Subsea 7. The ‘Seven Atlantic’ was named by Mrs Hanne Reymert, wife of Mr Didrik Reymert, Project Engineering Manager, EP Europe, Shell UK Limited. The vessel was designed by Merwede Shipyard in close liaison with Subsea 7 and the dive spread manufacturer. The vessel has an overall length of 141.55 metres on a moulded beam of 26 metres. The vessel can accommodate 150 persons and was built in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of Lloyd’s Register, to obtain Lloyd's Register of Shipping X100A1, Diving Support Vessel, UD strength for load of 10t/m2, Helicopter Landing Area, XLMC, UMS, DP(AAA), CAC(2), EP, ICCand further to the regulations of the Isle of Man Authorities. ‘Sevan Atlantic’ is a fully Dynamic Positioned Diving Support / Offshore Construction Vessel, suitable for worldwide operations. The introduction of this DSV to the market will provide Subsea 7 with one of the most versatile and advanced diving vessels currently available. The vessel has been designed for saturation and air diving support work. The ship exceeds all current safety standards due to the fact the layout of the 6.6kV integrated electric power generation and propulsion system is for DP3 with triplicate redundancy. The ship has three electro-motor driven fixed pitch propellers in azimuthing nozzles aft.
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The vessel is under construction for Subsea 7. The ‘Seven Atlantic’ was named by Mrs Hanne Reymert, wife of Mr Didrik Reymert, Project Engineering Manager, EP Europe, Shell UK Limited. The vessel was designed by Merwede Shipyard in close liaison with Subsea 7 and the dive spread manufacturer. The vessel has an overall length of 141.55 metres on a moulded beam of 26 metres. The vessel can accommodate 150 persons and was built in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of Lloyd’s Register, to obtain Lloyd's Register of Shipping X100A1, Diving Support Vessel, UD strength for load of 10t/m2, Helicopter Landing Area, XLMC, UMS, DP(AAA), CAC(2), EP, ICCand further to the regulations of the Isle of Man Authorities. ‘Sevan Atlantic’ is a fully Dynamic Positioned Diving Support / Offshore Construction Vessel, suitable for worldwide operations. The introduction of this DSV to the market will provide Subsea 7 with one of the most versatile and advanced diving vessels currently available. The vessel has been designed for saturation and air diving support work. The ship exceeds all current safety standards due to the fact the layout of the 6.6kV integrated electric power generation and propulsion system is for DP3 with triplicate redundancy. The ship has three electro-motor driven fixed pitch propellers in azimuthing nozzles aft.
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Maersk plans to use 3,430 TEUs capacity vessels
Maersk Line will deploy larger vessels on its routes between Europe and West Africa.
The larger ships will have a capacity of 3,430 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and each will operate routes connecting the southern Spanish port of Algeciras and the northern Moroccan port of Tanger with African ports such as Abidjan, Tema and Dakar. The capacity of the ships previously used did not exceed 2,800 TEUs. The new vessels are set to be the largest ever deployed on routes between Europe and West Africa Denmark-based AP Moeller-Maersk, owner of the world's biggest container-shipping line, said that the market between Asia and Europe may grow as much as eight per cent this year. The firm cut its capacity on Asia-Europe routes last month to counter rising fuel costs. The price of bunker fuel used by container ships has jumped by 57 per cent this year, adding to Maersk's costs, while the US dollar, the currency most widely used to pay for shipping services, has dropped 6.9 per cent against the Danish krone. Maersk Line recently ordered 16 ships from Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering for delivery in 2010-2012. The ships are destined for transportation of goods between the East Coast of South America and Asia and Europe.The container ships have individual capacities of 7,450 TEUs and can carry a record 1,700 refrigerated containers each.
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The larger ships will have a capacity of 3,430 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and each will operate routes connecting the southern Spanish port of Algeciras and the northern Moroccan port of Tanger with African ports such as Abidjan, Tema and Dakar. The capacity of the ships previously used did not exceed 2,800 TEUs. The new vessels are set to be the largest ever deployed on routes between Europe and West Africa Denmark-based AP Moeller-Maersk, owner of the world's biggest container-shipping line, said that the market between Asia and Europe may grow as much as eight per cent this year. The firm cut its capacity on Asia-Europe routes last month to counter rising fuel costs. The price of bunker fuel used by container ships has jumped by 57 per cent this year, adding to Maersk's costs, while the US dollar, the currency most widely used to pay for shipping services, has dropped 6.9 per cent against the Danish krone. Maersk Line recently ordered 16 ships from Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering for delivery in 2010-2012. The ships are destined for transportation of goods between the East Coast of South America and Asia and Europe.The container ships have individual capacities of 7,450 TEUs and can carry a record 1,700 refrigerated containers each.
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Indian Seafarer Unions to protest Hebei Spirit detentions
The National Union of Seafarers of India and the Maritime union of India are to mount a joint demonstration at the Korean consulate in Mumbai in support of the two Indian seafarers connected to the Hebei Spirit case.
Despite being acquitted by a Korean court on charges of violating the ocean pollution law, Jasprit Chawla, master of the tanker Hebei Spirit, and chief officer Syam Chetan are still under detention in Korea pending an appeals process that could take up to a year. The unions are of the opinion that this action is unjustified and violates the seamen’s basic human rights. The demonstration carries the support of the Indian National Shipowners Association. The 269,605dwt Hebei Spirit suffered a collision with a barge on December 7, spilling about 10,900 tonnes of crude oil, linked to fouling along the Yellow Sea coast. The skippers of the Samsung Heavy Industries-owned barge and of one of the tugs have been arrested and charged with negligence and violating anti-pollution laws. The seamen have the right to pursue the matter in a high court under Korean law. The second tugboat captain was not detained but indicted on similar charges. The VLCC's insurer Skuld has agreed to pay up to 12bn won ($12.5m) for clean-up costs by February 4, up till which time the VLCC has been impounded.
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Despite being acquitted by a Korean court on charges of violating the ocean pollution law, Jasprit Chawla, master of the tanker Hebei Spirit, and chief officer Syam Chetan are still under detention in Korea pending an appeals process that could take up to a year. The unions are of the opinion that this action is unjustified and violates the seamen’s basic human rights. The demonstration carries the support of the Indian National Shipowners Association. The 269,605dwt Hebei Spirit suffered a collision with a barge on December 7, spilling about 10,900 tonnes of crude oil, linked to fouling along the Yellow Sea coast. The skippers of the Samsung Heavy Industries-owned barge and of one of the tugs have been arrested and charged with negligence and violating anti-pollution laws. The seamen have the right to pursue the matter in a high court under Korean law. The second tugboat captain was not detained but indicted on similar charges. The VLCC's insurer Skuld has agreed to pay up to 12bn won ($12.5m) for clean-up costs by February 4, up till which time the VLCC has been impounded.
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Wednesday, July 30, 2008
South African naval exercises a success
The seventh series of naval exercises between South Africa, Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, called Atlasur VII, took place over two weeks ending in June.
Since 1993, the bi-annual series of exercises has existed between these countries, and this year it was South Africa’s turn to play host. According to Lieutenant Commander Greyling van den Berg, Media Liaison Officer at the Naval Base Simon’s Town, some twelve ships took part in the exercises, and the aim of which was to improve relations between the different countries and also to improve the professionalism and competency of all the sailors involved. Some of the exercises that were conducted include live weapons firings (at both air and ground targets), helicopter exercises, anti-submarine exercises, communications exercises and Officer of the Watch maneuvering. The exercises were held off the Cape of Good Hope and saw see nearly 900 foreign sailors visiting Cape Town. Although they had a very busy time during the exercises, the sailors still had the opportunity to see the sights and sounds of the host city while the ships were in Cape Town Harbour. The Argentinean Navy deployed two MEKO 140 corvettes, the ‘ARA Rosale’s and ‘ARA Robinson’, both with helicopters. The Brazilian Navy had two NITEROI Class frigates, the ‘BNS Independencia’ and the ‘BNS Defensora’, with one Lynx and one general purpose helicopter. The two Uruguayan Navy frigates were the ‘ROU Uruguay’ and the ‘ROU Commandante Pedro Campbell’.
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Since 1993, the bi-annual series of exercises has existed between these countries, and this year it was South Africa’s turn to play host. According to Lieutenant Commander Greyling van den Berg, Media Liaison Officer at the Naval Base Simon’s Town, some twelve ships took part in the exercises, and the aim of which was to improve relations between the different countries and also to improve the professionalism and competency of all the sailors involved. Some of the exercises that were conducted include live weapons firings (at both air and ground targets), helicopter exercises, anti-submarine exercises, communications exercises and Officer of the Watch maneuvering. The exercises were held off the Cape of Good Hope and saw see nearly 900 foreign sailors visiting Cape Town. Although they had a very busy time during the exercises, the sailors still had the opportunity to see the sights and sounds of the host city while the ships were in Cape Town Harbour. The Argentinean Navy deployed two MEKO 140 corvettes, the ‘ARA Rosale’s and ‘ARA Robinson’, both with helicopters. The Brazilian Navy had two NITEROI Class frigates, the ‘BNS Independencia’ and the ‘BNS Defensora’, with one Lynx and one general purpose helicopter. The two Uruguayan Navy frigates were the ‘ROU Uruguay’ and the ‘ROU Commandante Pedro Campbell’.
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Captains of regional shipping industry to steer maritime event
A steering committee of major Middle East shipping industry leaders has been formed by the region's premier maritime event to focus on the challenges faced by the rapidly expanding sector in Dubai.
The steering committee has been formed for Seatrade Middle East Maritime 2008, which runs from 14-16 December at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. The committee will help direct the high level conferences alongside Seatrade Middle East Maritime which will examine the implications of the upsurge in maritime activity and the challenges presented by the global economic climate. 'The maritime industry in the Middle East is growing rapidly, not only in the UAE but throughout the region. It is vital that we adhere to international standards and employ industry best practice. By bringing key figures together to form a steering committee for Seatrade Middle East Maritime, the event will ultimately provide a platform for all maritime professionals to network and examine the issues that confront the industry today and the challenges that we will all face in the future,' said Captain Jitendra Misra, - General Secretary, UAE Shipowners Association. Besides Captain Misra, the committee is made up of other senior executives of Vela International Marine; Dubai Maritime City; Topaz Energy and Marine, one of the leading marine oil and gas fabrication companies in the Middle East; Mideast Ship Management, a subsidiary of the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia; Quadrant Marine Consultancy; Det Norske Veritas, the maritime classification and risk management company and Drydocks World. The Seatrade Middle East Maritime exhibition and conference is held every two years and has evolved into one of the world's fastest-growing maritime events, ranking among the industry's Top 10 largest.
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The steering committee has been formed for Seatrade Middle East Maritime 2008, which runs from 14-16 December at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. The committee will help direct the high level conferences alongside Seatrade Middle East Maritime which will examine the implications of the upsurge in maritime activity and the challenges presented by the global economic climate. 'The maritime industry in the Middle East is growing rapidly, not only in the UAE but throughout the region. It is vital that we adhere to international standards and employ industry best practice. By bringing key figures together to form a steering committee for Seatrade Middle East Maritime, the event will ultimately provide a platform for all maritime professionals to network and examine the issues that confront the industry today and the challenges that we will all face in the future,' said Captain Jitendra Misra, - General Secretary, UAE Shipowners Association. Besides Captain Misra, the committee is made up of other senior executives of Vela International Marine; Dubai Maritime City; Topaz Energy and Marine, one of the leading marine oil and gas fabrication companies in the Middle East; Mideast Ship Management, a subsidiary of the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia; Quadrant Marine Consultancy; Det Norske Veritas, the maritime classification and risk management company and Drydocks World. The Seatrade Middle East Maritime exhibition and conference is held every two years and has evolved into one of the world's fastest-growing maritime events, ranking among the industry's Top 10 largest.
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IMO calls for increased damage stability of cargo and passenger vessels
The International Maritime Organization has resolved to step up protection of new cargo and passenger vessels in the case of accident at Hamburg.
Accordingly, all new vessels built from 1 January 2009 will be governed by new technical design regulations to ensure a higher level of stability in a damaged state. In the recently revised SOLAS regulations, the previous concept of risk assessment has been extended. On the basis of current average statistics, IMO saw itself obliged to devise a better method of assessing the residual stability of damaged vessels. This now applies not only to cargo vessels, but also to passenger vessels. The new regulations clearly stipulate that these vessels must have a double bottom that extends over their entire breadth. Vessel designs without a double bottom are only permitted if a comparable level of safety in the event of grounding is proven by means of additional calculations. No exceptions apply to lubricating oil circulation tanks arranged under the main engine. With regard to their arrangement, it is important that a minimum distance of 500mm to the keel line of the vessel is always ensured. The specification in the new SOLAS 2009 regulations has been agreed in order to prevent lubricating oils from escaping or the engine from sucking up seawater in the event of a vessel striking the ground. The IMO committees have been working since 2005 on improving the technical protective measures with regard to damage stability. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is a UN convention governing ship safety. The convention creates international minimum standards on merchant vessels and stipulates binding rules governing all conceivable preventive measures.
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Accordingly, all new vessels built from 1 January 2009 will be governed by new technical design regulations to ensure a higher level of stability in a damaged state. In the recently revised SOLAS regulations, the previous concept of risk assessment has been extended. On the basis of current average statistics, IMO saw itself obliged to devise a better method of assessing the residual stability of damaged vessels. This now applies not only to cargo vessels, but also to passenger vessels. The new regulations clearly stipulate that these vessels must have a double bottom that extends over their entire breadth. Vessel designs without a double bottom are only permitted if a comparable level of safety in the event of grounding is proven by means of additional calculations. No exceptions apply to lubricating oil circulation tanks arranged under the main engine. With regard to their arrangement, it is important that a minimum distance of 500mm to the keel line of the vessel is always ensured. The specification in the new SOLAS 2009 regulations has been agreed in order to prevent lubricating oils from escaping or the engine from sucking up seawater in the event of a vessel striking the ground. The IMO committees have been working since 2005 on improving the technical protective measures with regard to damage stability. The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) is a UN convention governing ship safety. The convention creates international minimum standards on merchant vessels and stipulates binding rules governing all conceivable preventive measures.
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Security drill at SPM in Cochin Port
A mock security drill was carried out at the Single Point Mooring (SPM) of BPCL Kochi Refinery in the Cochin Port area to check the security preparedness and alertness at Cochin Port.
The drill was performed jointly by Cochin Port Trust, BPCL-Kochi Refinery and Coast Guard. The procedure of the drill was as follows. On receiving information that one suspicious boat was intruding into the security zone of the SPM facility located about 20 kms off Cochin Port, a team of Officers from the Marine Department of Cochin Port and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Cochin Port Unit set out to the SPM in the Tug Ocean Symphony at 8 AM. Meanwhile the Maintenance Vessel manned by the staff and security personnel of Kochi Refinery, positioned at SPM had chased the intrusion boat away from the security zone. Later another boat was found to be intruding into the security zone and since that boat refused to move away from the area irrespective of the efforts made by the Maintenance Vessel and the security personnel who reached there in the Tug. Then the Coast Guard station was informed about the situation and the Coast Guard swung into action immediately by sending one Helicopter and a ship to the SPM. On reaching the location, the Coast Guard helicopter took measures to keep the boat away from the SPM installations. The Coast Guard vessel reached the location and Commandos from the vessel apprehended the boat and the crew immediately. The drill was successfully completed by 1 PM.
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The drill was performed jointly by Cochin Port Trust, BPCL-Kochi Refinery and Coast Guard. The procedure of the drill was as follows. On receiving information that one suspicious boat was intruding into the security zone of the SPM facility located about 20 kms off Cochin Port, a team of Officers from the Marine Department of Cochin Port and the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) at Cochin Port Unit set out to the SPM in the Tug Ocean Symphony at 8 AM. Meanwhile the Maintenance Vessel manned by the staff and security personnel of Kochi Refinery, positioned at SPM had chased the intrusion boat away from the security zone. Later another boat was found to be intruding into the security zone and since that boat refused to move away from the area irrespective of the efforts made by the Maintenance Vessel and the security personnel who reached there in the Tug. Then the Coast Guard station was informed about the situation and the Coast Guard swung into action immediately by sending one Helicopter and a ship to the SPM. On reaching the location, the Coast Guard helicopter took measures to keep the boat away from the SPM installations. The Coast Guard vessel reached the location and Commandos from the vessel apprehended the boat and the crew immediately. The drill was successfully completed by 1 PM.
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Profit surge for Bharati Shipyard
India’s Bharati Shipyard announced a substantial 33.5% increase in net profits for the quarter ended June 2008 to Rs. 296.8m ($6.9m).
The increase is as a result of increased orders and income from its new operations. Its new Rs 6bn ($140m) plant at Dabhol in Maharashtra is slated to be fully operational by 2010 and will feature both rig-making and ship-repair facilities. The yard has already begun filling its orderbook and has substantially contributed to the company bottom line. Total income for the quarter also saw a 41.6% increase to Rs 2,225.16m.
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The increase is as a result of increased orders and income from its new operations. Its new Rs 6bn ($140m) plant at Dabhol in Maharashtra is slated to be fully operational by 2010 and will feature both rig-making and ship-repair facilities. The yard has already begun filling its orderbook and has substantially contributed to the company bottom line. Total income for the quarter also saw a 41.6% increase to Rs 2,225.16m.
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Famous Pacific Shipping Expands in Zhongshan
Fast-growing Asia Pacific-based NVOCC and freight services provider, Famous Pacific Shipping has established a new office in Zhongshan, a leading industrial city which hosts some of the world’s largest shoe factories.
“Famous Pacific Shipping has branch offices throughout China and has developed into a leading provider of international freight forwarding and NVOCC services. The increase in demand for our services has meant that we have had to open this office in Zhongshan,” says Benny Ling, Director of Famous Pacific Shipping Hong Kong. “All of our offices are strategically placed, with direct connections to the main trading areas of the world. We will continue developing our transport hubs throughout South East Asia for the benefit of our customers,” adds Mr Ling. Zhongshan is close to Hong Kong and Macau, which it has used to its advantage in its economic development, especially in the manufacturing industries. It has a good reputation for production in the electronic acoustics sector and has 400 sq km of land available for further industrial expansion. Says Mr Ling: “China is fast cementing its reputation as a major player on the world market. Its dedication to industrial added value, low labour costs, access to quality materials, stable freight infrastructure and geographic location are driving and supporting its strong export performance.
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“Famous Pacific Shipping has branch offices throughout China and has developed into a leading provider of international freight forwarding and NVOCC services. The increase in demand for our services has meant that we have had to open this office in Zhongshan,” says Benny Ling, Director of Famous Pacific Shipping Hong Kong. “All of our offices are strategically placed, with direct connections to the main trading areas of the world. We will continue developing our transport hubs throughout South East Asia for the benefit of our customers,” adds Mr Ling. Zhongshan is close to Hong Kong and Macau, which it has used to its advantage in its economic development, especially in the manufacturing industries. It has a good reputation for production in the electronic acoustics sector and has 400 sq km of land available for further industrial expansion. Says Mr Ling: “China is fast cementing its reputation as a major player on the world market. Its dedication to industrial added value, low labour costs, access to quality materials, stable freight infrastructure and geographic location are driving and supporting its strong export performance.
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Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Zim to dock at new Jamaican terminal
Israeli container shipping line, Zim Integrated Shipping Services, has been allocated space at the new US$ 248 million Western Berth at Jamaica's Kingston Container Terminal.
Port Authority of Jamaica president Noel Hylton said Zim has a 10-year agreement with PAJ to use Kingston as a hub. The new berth marks phase five of the port's 14-year expansion program. The ten-year Zim contract has been in effect since 2006, noting the Israeli line has been in business with Jamaica since 1975 and was one of the first lines to call on Jamaica. The new Western Berth is to be used exclusively by Zim. The Kingston Container Terminal (KCT) is managed under contract by APM Terminals Limited, and currently has an annual container handling capacity of 3.2 million TEU. Mr. Hylton said the PAJ is targeting annual business of 5 million TEU by 2014. The report added that the expanded port facility adds 475 metres of berth, with a depth of 15 metres; an extended 65-metre container yard; ten trailer trains; 976 reefer plugs; six super post-Panamax ship-to-shore gantry cranes, two of which have already been commissioned into service; 24 straddle carriers and one 4,475KW tug. The PAJ is the largest port operation in Jamaica, handling 1.8 million TEU last year, down from 1.98 million TEU in 2006.
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Port Authority of Jamaica president Noel Hylton said Zim has a 10-year agreement with PAJ to use Kingston as a hub. The new berth marks phase five of the port's 14-year expansion program. The ten-year Zim contract has been in effect since 2006, noting the Israeli line has been in business with Jamaica since 1975 and was one of the first lines to call on Jamaica. The new Western Berth is to be used exclusively by Zim. The Kingston Container Terminal (KCT) is managed under contract by APM Terminals Limited, and currently has an annual container handling capacity of 3.2 million TEU. Mr. Hylton said the PAJ is targeting annual business of 5 million TEU by 2014. The report added that the expanded port facility adds 475 metres of berth, with a depth of 15 metres; an extended 65-metre container yard; ten trailer trains; 976 reefer plugs; six super post-Panamax ship-to-shore gantry cranes, two of which have already been commissioned into service; 24 straddle carriers and one 4,475KW tug. The PAJ is the largest port operation in Jamaica, handling 1.8 million TEU last year, down from 1.98 million TEU in 2006.
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Samudera Shipping launches new service to Myanmar
Container shipping firm Samudera Shipping Line, Singapore has launched a new service to Myanmar, connecting it with other markets in the region.
Dubbed the Yangon Express, the new line kicks off from Singapore today. Plying the route will be one 1,100 teu capacity container ship, which will call at Port Klang, Yangon and Singapore on a round trip over 12 days. Samudera Shipping is seeking to expand its Asian network. Three weeks ago, it launched an express service to the Bangladeshi port of Chittagong.
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Dubbed the Yangon Express, the new line kicks off from Singapore today. Plying the route will be one 1,100 teu capacity container ship, which will call at Port Klang, Yangon and Singapore on a round trip over 12 days. Samudera Shipping is seeking to expand its Asian network. Three weeks ago, it launched an express service to the Bangladeshi port of Chittagong.
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ZPMC to establish parts plant in Singapore
Zhenhua Port Mechanic Corporation of China has recently set up a new spare parts centre in Singapore to meet the requirements of its clients in the region.
Zhenhua Port Mechanic Corporation of China is the world’s largest port cranes and equipments producer. It is also the first subsidiary of ZPMC established in Southeast Asia. Since 1995, ZPMC has provided more than 60 gantry cranes to PSA in Singapore. As its port business moves on, PSA will order more equipment from ZPMC. Besides the new one in Singapore, ZPMC also has parts plants in Amsterdam and Los Angeles.
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Zhenhua Port Mechanic Corporation of China is the world’s largest port cranes and equipments producer. It is also the first subsidiary of ZPMC established in Southeast Asia. Since 1995, ZPMC has provided more than 60 gantry cranes to PSA in Singapore. As its port business moves on, PSA will order more equipment from ZPMC. Besides the new one in Singapore, ZPMC also has parts plants in Amsterdam and Los Angeles.
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New Ship Class Begins Logistics Operations in 7th Fleet
Military Sealift Command dry cargo/ammunition ship USNS Richard E. Byrd entered the waters of the U.S. Navy’s 7th Fleet, marking the first Lewis and Clark-class multi-product combat logistics support ship in service to the 52 million-square-mile region.
Byrd replaces MSC combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls, which has been forward, deployed supporting 7th Fleet since 1994. Though the entry into the fleet’s territorial waters was unceremonious, it signals a significant change for Logistics Group Western Pacific, also know as Commander Task Force 73, which will operationally control the ship while in theater. The 689-ft.-long underway replenishment vessel, known as a T-AKE, replaces the current capability of the Kilauea-class ammunition ships and Mars-class combat stores ships, and it also possesses the capability to refuel ships at sea. Byrd has a crew of 124 civil service mariners working for MSC as well as a military detachment of 11 sailors who provide operational support and supply coordination. When needed, Byrd can also carry a supply detachment.
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Byrd replaces MSC combat stores ship USNS Niagara Falls, which has been forward, deployed supporting 7th Fleet since 1994. Though the entry into the fleet’s territorial waters was unceremonious, it signals a significant change for Logistics Group Western Pacific, also know as Commander Task Force 73, which will operationally control the ship while in theater. The 689-ft.-long underway replenishment vessel, known as a T-AKE, replaces the current capability of the Kilauea-class ammunition ships and Mars-class combat stores ships, and it also possesses the capability to refuel ships at sea. Byrd has a crew of 124 civil service mariners working for MSC as well as a military detachment of 11 sailors who provide operational support and supply coordination. When needed, Byrd can also carry a supply detachment.
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Keppel secures three upgrade projects
Keppel Shipyard has secured contracts for the upgrading, modification and conversion of three vessels, bringing in US$110 million.
The first contract is from Bumi Armada Bergad for the upgrading of a tanker into a floating production storage and offloading facility (FPSO). When completed in the first half of 2009, FPSO Armada Perdana will have a storage capacity of 1 million barrels of oil and be capable of processing 40,000 b/d. The scope of work includes the fabrication, installation and integration of a 12-point spread mooring system, riser balcony, topside facilities and upgrade of accommodation and auxiliary support systems. The second contract is for the enlarging or "jumboisation" of a dredger from Boskalis Westminster Shipping, and operating company of Royal Boskalis Westminster in the Netherlands. The project will enhance the dredging capabilities of trailing suction hopper dredger Queen of the Netherlands, making it one of the largest of its type. The third contract is from BW Offshore for the upgrading and modification of an FPSO for the Tupi field offshore Brazil. FPSO BW Peace will be renamed BW Cidade de Sao Vicente, and converted according to Petrobras' specifications. It will be the first FPSO in the Tupi deepwater field.
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The first contract is from Bumi Armada Bergad for the upgrading of a tanker into a floating production storage and offloading facility (FPSO). When completed in the first half of 2009, FPSO Armada Perdana will have a storage capacity of 1 million barrels of oil and be capable of processing 40,000 b/d. The scope of work includes the fabrication, installation and integration of a 12-point spread mooring system, riser balcony, topside facilities and upgrade of accommodation and auxiliary support systems. The second contract is for the enlarging or "jumboisation" of a dredger from Boskalis Westminster Shipping, and operating company of Royal Boskalis Westminster in the Netherlands. The project will enhance the dredging capabilities of trailing suction hopper dredger Queen of the Netherlands, making it one of the largest of its type. The third contract is from BW Offshore for the upgrading and modification of an FPSO for the Tupi field offshore Brazil. FPSO BW Peace will be renamed BW Cidade de Sao Vicente, and converted according to Petrobras' specifications. It will be the first FPSO in the Tupi deepwater field.
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Monday, July 28, 2008
Keppel to build eco-friendly multi-purpose vessel for Romanian GSP
Keppel Singmarine has secured a US$132.86 million contract to build a multi-purpose heavylift / pipelay vessel for Romanian drilling contractor, Grup Servicii Petroliere.
GSP is a member of the Upetrom Group, a privately-owned company. Headquartered in Constanta Harbour, Romania, GSP is a regional leader in offshore drilling, providing a wide range of offshore drilling and drilling connected services, engineering solutions and technical consultancy. To be classed by the American Bureau of Shipping, the vessel will be designed and built to meet international environmental standards. The vessel will be certified with the new Environmental Safety notation, which provides stringent guidelines on preventing pollution, minimizing the discharge of harmful substances and emissions, and the treatment of sewage, among others. Well-suited for unrestricted service worldwide, GSP’s new vessel is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2011, and will be deployed to the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions. With accommodation for up to 290 persons, the heavylift / pipelay vessel will be equipped with three offshore cranes, the largest of which has a lifting capacity of 1,800 tonnes, and it will be fitted with a ten-point mooring anchor system. The machinery systems onboard will include three units of Voith Schneider propellers for main propulsion, five retractable azimuth thrusters for positioning, and a Class 3 certified dynamic positioning system.
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GSP is a member of the Upetrom Group, a privately-owned company. Headquartered in Constanta Harbour, Romania, GSP is a regional leader in offshore drilling, providing a wide range of offshore drilling and drilling connected services, engineering solutions and technical consultancy. To be classed by the American Bureau of Shipping, the vessel will be designed and built to meet international environmental standards. The vessel will be certified with the new Environmental Safety notation, which provides stringent guidelines on preventing pollution, minimizing the discharge of harmful substances and emissions, and the treatment of sewage, among others. Well-suited for unrestricted service worldwide, GSP’s new vessel is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2011, and will be deployed to the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions. With accommodation for up to 290 persons, the heavylift / pipelay vessel will be equipped with three offshore cranes, the largest of which has a lifting capacity of 1,800 tonnes, and it will be fitted with a ten-point mooring anchor system. The machinery systems onboard will include three units of Voith Schneider propellers for main propulsion, five retractable azimuth thrusters for positioning, and a Class 3 certified dynamic positioning system.
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DP World and Port of Brisbane sign new lease agreement
DP World has reaffirmed its commitment to Brisbane, when it signed an Agreement to Lease for a new 40-year lease at the Port of Brisbane.
DP World also announced that it is looking at investing $250m in the port over time in response to market demand. Port of Brisbane Corporation CEO Jeff Coleman said that the Corporation was delighted by the length of DP World's commitment and the size of its proposed investment, and, in particular, by its willingness to embrace the inclusion of a 'Good Environmental Practice' clause in the lease. 'The 'Good Environmental Practice' clause enables the Corporation to impose a 'Port Requirement' regarding environmental and sustainability enhancements, subject to a reasonableness and parity test. 'This is the time first that a lessee has contractually undertaken to pursue environmental enhancements that it may implement on its own initiative or that may be required by the Corporation', Mr Coleman said. DP World currently leases container Terminals 4, 5 and 6 at the port. 'With the recent completion of Berth 10 (the port's seventh dedicated container terminal), the port's other terminal operator, Patrick, will vacate Terminal 7, enabling DP World to take it over. 'Under the existing leases, the Corporation owns the improvements in the form of pavements, lighting, buildings, etc.
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DP World also announced that it is looking at investing $250m in the port over time in response to market demand. Port of Brisbane Corporation CEO Jeff Coleman said that the Corporation was delighted by the length of DP World's commitment and the size of its proposed investment, and, in particular, by its willingness to embrace the inclusion of a 'Good Environmental Practice' clause in the lease. 'The 'Good Environmental Practice' clause enables the Corporation to impose a 'Port Requirement' regarding environmental and sustainability enhancements, subject to a reasonableness and parity test. 'This is the time first that a lessee has contractually undertaken to pursue environmental enhancements that it may implement on its own initiative or that may be required by the Corporation', Mr Coleman said. DP World currently leases container Terminals 4, 5 and 6 at the port. 'With the recent completion of Berth 10 (the port's seventh dedicated container terminal), the port's other terminal operator, Patrick, will vacate Terminal 7, enabling DP World to take it over. 'Under the existing leases, the Corporation owns the improvements in the form of pavements, lighting, buildings, etc.
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Preparations on for Volvo Ocean Race
The final plan for the Rave Village to be built near BTP Berth of the Kochi Port for the Volvo Ocean Race India Stopover in December here has been finalized by Volvo Event Management U.K and the Cochin Port Trust.
Locations for the finish of the second leg of Volvo Ocean Race arriving from Cape Town and the Start line for the third leg from Kochi to Singapore have also been finalized. Race Director Jacj Lloyd, Director, Planning & Operations, Jeremy Troughton, Events Manager, Allison Crook and Operations manager Rosie Julian were in the city to hold discussions with the Stopover Team. They reviewed the ongoing development activities for the Volvo Ocan race Stopover, the first of its kind experience for an Indian Port. The most important of the preparation works in the construction of the Race Village and the team Area at the Port premises, which among others will have the state-of-the-art media centre to cater to the needs of hundreds of global and national media persons who are expected to converge at Kochi for the event. Te event will be beamed to 200 countries and will feature a live feed on the Internet.
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Locations for the finish of the second leg of Volvo Ocean Race arriving from Cape Town and the Start line for the third leg from Kochi to Singapore have also been finalized. Race Director Jacj Lloyd, Director, Planning & Operations, Jeremy Troughton, Events Manager, Allison Crook and Operations manager Rosie Julian were in the city to hold discussions with the Stopover Team. They reviewed the ongoing development activities for the Volvo Ocan race Stopover, the first of its kind experience for an Indian Port. The most important of the preparation works in the construction of the Race Village and the team Area at the Port premises, which among others will have the state-of-the-art media centre to cater to the needs of hundreds of global and national media persons who are expected to converge at Kochi for the event. Te event will be beamed to 200 countries and will feature a live feed on the Internet.
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Hopefuls queue up for Singapore LNG
Contractors are lining up for the main engineering and construction package on Singapore’s maiden liquefied natural gas import terminal, with seven consortia set to move into the penultimate round.
According to contracting sources, about seven teams have already been pre-qualified for the 3 million tonnes per annum project being developed by Singapore Power subsidiary PowerGas. Four consortia known to be in the race include KBR and Samsung Corporation, with Kogas Technology on board for the storage tanks; Korean outfits SK Gas and LG with Whessoe Oil & Gas; Technip with Daewoo; and Saipem with India’s Punj-Lloyd and local outfit Sembcorp. Other industry names said to be involved could include US-based CB&I and Japan’s TKK. It is possible that last month’s deal, which brought in European utility Gaz de France as a minority partner in the project, could open the way for French contracting input. However, three names understood to have stayed out of the contest are IHI, Chiyoda and Foster-Wheeler.
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According to contracting sources, about seven teams have already been pre-qualified for the 3 million tonnes per annum project being developed by Singapore Power subsidiary PowerGas. Four consortia known to be in the race include KBR and Samsung Corporation, with Kogas Technology on board for the storage tanks; Korean outfits SK Gas and LG with Whessoe Oil & Gas; Technip with Daewoo; and Saipem with India’s Punj-Lloyd and local outfit Sembcorp. Other industry names said to be involved could include US-based CB&I and Japan’s TKK. It is possible that last month’s deal, which brought in European utility Gaz de France as a minority partner in the project, could open the way for French contracting input. However, three names understood to have stayed out of the contest are IHI, Chiyoda and Foster-Wheeler.
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Merchant Navy Officers Welfare Association Inauguration
The inaugural function was held at Merchant Navy Club, Willington island, Kochi on Friday, 25th July 2008 at 1700 hrs.
The inauguration was done by Mr. P.M. Mohammed Haneef (N.S.W.B. Member ITF Worldwide Dockers Section Expert member, General Secreatary, All India Port & Dock Workers Federation, Working President, Cochin Port Staff Asoociation). President,Capt. K.P. Sardar gave the presidential address. Mr. P.M. Mohammed Haneef gave the inaugural sppech and the inauguration of the website was done by Capt. Subhash Kumar, Deputy Chairman, Cochin Port Trust.
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The inauguration was done by Mr. P.M. Mohammed Haneef (N.S.W.B. Member ITF Worldwide Dockers Section Expert member, General Secreatary, All India Port & Dock Workers Federation, Working President, Cochin Port Staff Asoociation). President,Capt. K.P. Sardar gave the presidential address. Mr. P.M. Mohammed Haneef gave the inaugural sppech and the inauguration of the website was done by Capt. Subhash Kumar, Deputy Chairman, Cochin Port Trust.
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Sunday, July 27, 2008
Aker to build well intervention unit for Island Offshore
Aker Yards has signed a contract with fellow Norwegian company Island Offshore for the building of a well intervention unit.
The vessel will be based on the same design as ‘Island Wellserver’, delivered from Aker Yards earlier this year. The value of the contract is approximately US$240 million included equipment supplied by the owners. The well intervention unit is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2011. The new vessel will be based on the same design as ‘Island Wellserver’, upgraded with increased length, engine capacity, thrusters capacity and topside capacity. The vessel will measure 130.3 metres in overall length with a 25-metre moulded beam, and a depth to main deck midship of 11.2 metres. The well intervention unit will be of Rolls-Royce UT 767 CDL design, and will be built at Aker Yards in Norway.
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The vessel will be based on the same design as ‘Island Wellserver’, delivered from Aker Yards earlier this year. The value of the contract is approximately US$240 million included equipment supplied by the owners. The well intervention unit is scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of 2011. The new vessel will be based on the same design as ‘Island Wellserver’, upgraded with increased length, engine capacity, thrusters capacity and topside capacity. The vessel will measure 130.3 metres in overall length with a 25-metre moulded beam, and a depth to main deck midship of 11.2 metres. The well intervention unit will be of Rolls-Royce UT 767 CDL design, and will be built at Aker Yards in Norway.
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Rolls-Royce wins Specialist Vessel Order
Rolls-Royce has won a $33.4m follow-up order to design and equip a specialist well intervention vessel.
The latest order, from Island Offshore, follows the successful delivery of the first well intervention vessel, Island Wellserver, in March this year. The new 130 m long UT 767CDL vessel, which will drill in ultra deep waters, offers single cabins for 97 crew members. As with the UT 767CD Island Wellserver, the vessel meets cruise ship standards for noise and vibration.The vessel, to be delivered in 2011, will be built at Aker Yards, Langsten, Norway. In addition to design, Rolls-Royce will also deliver four main engines, propulsion, deck machinery and automation systems.The contract brings the total number of Rolls-Royce UT Design offshore vessels under construction worldwide to 120. Around 650 of these ships have been built or ordered since the mid 1970s.
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The latest order, from Island Offshore, follows the successful delivery of the first well intervention vessel, Island Wellserver, in March this year. The new 130 m long UT 767CDL vessel, which will drill in ultra deep waters, offers single cabins for 97 crew members. As with the UT 767CD Island Wellserver, the vessel meets cruise ship standards for noise and vibration.The vessel, to be delivered in 2011, will be built at Aker Yards, Langsten, Norway. In addition to design, Rolls-Royce will also deliver four main engines, propulsion, deck machinery and automation systems.The contract brings the total number of Rolls-Royce UT Design offshore vessels under construction worldwide to 120. Around 650 of these ships have been built or ordered since the mid 1970s.
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Massive bulker order from Dalian
The Haichang Group, headquartered in Dalian, has placed one of the biggest orders of the year in China.
The firm, founded in 1992, is spending $900m on 20 bulkers to be built at Co has clinched a huge bulker order for 20 panamax ships at a domestic shipbuilder Jiujiang Yinxing Shipyard, according to local news outlet SinoCast. Haichang is also involved in petrochemicals and property. Sea Fortune is perhaps its best known shipping subsidiary. Its last notable order was six years ago for a quartet of 300,000 dwt VLCCs.
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The firm, founded in 1992, is spending $900m on 20 bulkers to be built at Co has clinched a huge bulker order for 20 panamax ships at a domestic shipbuilder Jiujiang Yinxing Shipyard, according to local news outlet SinoCast. Haichang is also involved in petrochemicals and property. Sea Fortune is perhaps its best known shipping subsidiary. Its last notable order was six years ago for a quartet of 300,000 dwt VLCCs.
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Asian port operators scoop up Greek port tenders
A group including Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH), Hong Kong, and Greek pharmaceuticals group Alapis, has made the highest bid to run and upgrade cargo facilities at the Greek port of Thessaliniki.
The Government plans to turn the outdated port facilities into a new modernised facility, with the aim of becoming a regional hub while boosting cargo business. HPH offered US$4.85 billion over the 30-year duration of the project and is guaranteeing 70 percent of the offer prices, even if revenues from the port fall short of expectations. HPH also plans to invest US$766.85 in upgrading the port’s facilities. Meanwhile, COSCO Pacific has won the tender to run Piraeus Port. COSCO Pacific offered US$1.38 billion with a 70 percent guarantee and said it would invest US$519.8 million in upgrades.
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The Government plans to turn the outdated port facilities into a new modernised facility, with the aim of becoming a regional hub while boosting cargo business. HPH offered US$4.85 billion over the 30-year duration of the project and is guaranteeing 70 percent of the offer prices, even if revenues from the port fall short of expectations. HPH also plans to invest US$766.85 in upgrading the port’s facilities. Meanwhile, COSCO Pacific has won the tender to run Piraeus Port. COSCO Pacific offered US$1.38 billion with a 70 percent guarantee and said it would invest US$519.8 million in upgrades.
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China Coal, China Shipping team up to ship coal
China National Coal Group Corp and China Shipping (Group) Company will cooperate on coal transportation and the establishment of coal transfer centres, the China Securities Journal reported on Thursday.
The newspaper also said the two companies would form a joint venture in the future. Chronic transportation bottlenecks have constrained the flow of coal from China's resource-rich north to the south, partly contributing to a serious power shortage. China Shipping, one of China's largest shipping groups, is the parent of China Shipping Development Co and China Shipping Container Lines Co. China Coal Energy Co is the listed arm of China National Coal Group Corp, the country's No. 2 coal producer.
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The newspaper also said the two companies would form a joint venture in the future. Chronic transportation bottlenecks have constrained the flow of coal from China's resource-rich north to the south, partly contributing to a serious power shortage. China Shipping, one of China's largest shipping groups, is the parent of China Shipping Development Co and China Shipping Container Lines Co. China Coal Energy Co is the listed arm of China National Coal Group Corp, the country's No. 2 coal producer.
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Saturday, July 26, 2008
Management fees “must rise”
SHIPOWNERS can expect to pay more for shipmanagement according to Ole Stene, President of the ship managers association InterManager.
In an InterManager statement he says that ship owners must realise that shipmanagement fees need to increase otherwise the majority of professional managers will become reluctant to take on more ships for management. Claiming that ship owners still had to recognise the valuable role that third party managers play in today’s shipping industry, Mr Stene complains that owners still “did not want to pay the fees that managers’ deserve for taking care of their assets”. He adds “I have not seen much improvement in the management fee structure since it first started to be debated in the media and when you see how the shipping market has improved coupled with the concerns we have on recruiting and manning and taking care of the asset value of the ships, we are surprised owners are not prepared to share their fortune with us in taking care of their ships.” Despite this reticence on the part of the owners, he claims it is inevitable that fees will rise and that owners will start to realise they have to invest in manning but also in paying for the management services they are receiving.
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In an InterManager statement he says that ship owners must realise that shipmanagement fees need to increase otherwise the majority of professional managers will become reluctant to take on more ships for management. Claiming that ship owners still had to recognise the valuable role that third party managers play in today’s shipping industry, Mr Stene complains that owners still “did not want to pay the fees that managers’ deserve for taking care of their assets”. He adds “I have not seen much improvement in the management fee structure since it first started to be debated in the media and when you see how the shipping market has improved coupled with the concerns we have on recruiting and manning and taking care of the asset value of the ships, we are surprised owners are not prepared to share their fortune with us in taking care of their ships.” Despite this reticence on the part of the owners, he claims it is inevitable that fees will rise and that owners will start to realise they have to invest in manning but also in paying for the management services they are receiving.
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Subsea 7 wins EPIC US$70 million contract
Subsea 7, UK, has been awarded an engineering, procurement, installation and commissioning (EPIC) contract valued at US$70 million by Centrica Resources Limited for the Grove Extension and Seven Seas Development Projects in the Southern North Sea.
The EPIC contract is a tieback of new gas production wells to the existing Grove and West Sole Alpha Platforms via 15.2cm and 20.3cm carbon steel production pipelines and integrated service and control umbilicals. Engineering will commence immediately and will be performed at Subsea 7’s Aberdeen offices. Fabrication of the pipelines will be carried out at Subsea 7’s new North Sea pipeline fabrication and spoolbase facility at Vigra, on the west coast of Norway. Offshore operations are due to take place during the second and third quarters of 2009 and will utilise a number of Subsea 7’s vessels, including the recently acquired ‘Seven Navica’.
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The EPIC contract is a tieback of new gas production wells to the existing Grove and West Sole Alpha Platforms via 15.2cm and 20.3cm carbon steel production pipelines and integrated service and control umbilicals. Engineering will commence immediately and will be performed at Subsea 7’s Aberdeen offices. Fabrication of the pipelines will be carried out at Subsea 7’s new North Sea pipeline fabrication and spoolbase facility at Vigra, on the west coast of Norway. Offshore operations are due to take place during the second and third quarters of 2009 and will utilise a number of Subsea 7’s vessels, including the recently acquired ‘Seven Navica’.
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GE to Power Royal Australian Navy’s LHD Ships
GE Marine announced that it will supply the Spanish shipbuilder, Navantia, Madrid, with two LM2500 aeroderivative gas turbines.
The LM2500s will power two new Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) amphibious ships. In February 2007, Navantia and Australia’s Tenix Group announced the two companies will jointly construct the two new LHD vessels. Navantia will oversee the ships’ design and construction, power plants and platform control system. The Tenix Group will handle the construction of the superstructure and the bulk of the fit-out at its Melbourne facility. The two Canberra-class LHD ships – to be named HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide – will rely on one LM2500 gas turbine in a COmbined Diesel Electric And Gas turbine (CODLAG) configuration with diesel engines. The new LHD ships are expected to carry 1,000 personnel, six helicopters and 150 vehicles, and replace both HMAS Manoora and HMAS Kanimbla. GE will manufacture the=2 0LM2500 gas turbines at its Evendale facility, and will deliver the gas turbine-generator sets in August 2009 and November 2010. The RAN is slated to launch the first LHD in March 2009, with commissioning in January 2013. The second LHD will be launched in October 2010, with commissioning to follow in June 2014.
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The LM2500s will power two new Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Landing Helicopter Dock (LHD) amphibious ships. In February 2007, Navantia and Australia’s Tenix Group announced the two companies will jointly construct the two new LHD vessels. Navantia will oversee the ships’ design and construction, power plants and platform control system. The Tenix Group will handle the construction of the superstructure and the bulk of the fit-out at its Melbourne facility. The two Canberra-class LHD ships – to be named HMAS Canberra and HMAS Adelaide – will rely on one LM2500 gas turbine in a COmbined Diesel Electric And Gas turbine (CODLAG) configuration with diesel engines. The new LHD ships are expected to carry 1,000 personnel, six helicopters and 150 vehicles, and replace both HMAS Manoora and HMAS Kanimbla. GE will manufacture the=2 0LM2500 gas turbines at its Evendale facility, and will deliver the gas turbine-generator sets in August 2009 and November 2010. The RAN is slated to launch the first LHD in March 2009, with commissioning in January 2013. The second LHD will be launched in October 2010, with commissioning to follow in June 2014.
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Gulf Island boosts profits despite sales slip
US offshore fabricator Gulf Island Fabrication boosted year on year income in second quarter despite a slide in revenue in the period.
Houma, Louisiana-based Gulf Island reported net income of $11.9 million, or 83 cents per diluted share, in the quarter on revenue of $117.9 million, compared with net income of $7.9 million, or 55 cents per diluted share, on revenue of $137.6 million in the same period last year. For the six month period to the end of June, Gulf Island reported net income of $25.3 million, or $1.77 per share, compared with net income of $12.3 million, or 86 cents per diluted share, in the first half of last year, despite a slip in revenue to $241.7 million from $246.9 million previously. The company reported a revenue backlog of $437.7 million and a labour backlog of about 4.6 million work hours, including work outstanding to 30 June 2008 and new commitments from that date.
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Houma, Louisiana-based Gulf Island reported net income of $11.9 million, or 83 cents per diluted share, in the quarter on revenue of $117.9 million, compared with net income of $7.9 million, or 55 cents per diluted share, on revenue of $137.6 million in the same period last year. For the six month period to the end of June, Gulf Island reported net income of $25.3 million, or $1.77 per share, compared with net income of $12.3 million, or 86 cents per diluted share, in the first half of last year, despite a slip in revenue to $241.7 million from $246.9 million previously. The company reported a revenue backlog of $437.7 million and a labour backlog of about 4.6 million work hours, including work outstanding to 30 June 2008 and new commitments from that date.
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ISA opens new “After Sales & Refit” division
ISA - International Shipyard Ancona, known all over the world for its production of luxury yachts from 36 to 90 meters in fibreglass and in steel, announces a new division dedicated to maintenance and refitting of any kind of yachts, including sailing yachts.
The new “After Sales & Refit” division will utilize the huge structures of the shipyard based in Ancona: 50,000 sqm with three covered areas of 13,000 sqm, workshops for any kind of metal works, fibreglass lamination and joinery, technical and administrative offices. The new division, that make use of the know-how of the engineers and workers which built 21 yachts in the last 7 years, also has a technical marina with 10 berths for yachts up to 90 meters in length at works or just in transit. Already at the beginning of this summer the “After Sales & Refit” division gave assistance to the mega yacht Alfa Nero, 82 meters by Oceanco, that choose ISA shipyard for a quick stop for some maintenance. Also Wally decided to make use of the ISA structures for the final outfitting of the 45 meters mega sailer Saudade. The responsible of the new “After Sales & Refit” division is Mr Alfonso Postorino, who has a long time experience in the most important Italian shipyards and will coordinate a highly skilled team. The division was created after the successful execution of some refitting , such as, for example, the latest M/Y SonKa, earlier M/Y April Fool.
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The new “After Sales & Refit” division will utilize the huge structures of the shipyard based in Ancona: 50,000 sqm with three covered areas of 13,000 sqm, workshops for any kind of metal works, fibreglass lamination and joinery, technical and administrative offices. The new division, that make use of the know-how of the engineers and workers which built 21 yachts in the last 7 years, also has a technical marina with 10 berths for yachts up to 90 meters in length at works or just in transit. Already at the beginning of this summer the “After Sales & Refit” division gave assistance to the mega yacht Alfa Nero, 82 meters by Oceanco, that choose ISA shipyard for a quick stop for some maintenance. Also Wally decided to make use of the ISA structures for the final outfitting of the 45 meters mega sailer Saudade. The responsible of the new “After Sales & Refit” division is Mr Alfonso Postorino, who has a long time experience in the most important Italian shipyards and will coordinate a highly skilled team. The division was created after the successful execution of some refitting , such as, for example, the latest M/Y SonKa, earlier M/Y April Fool.
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Friday, July 25, 2008
Australian submarine first to fire new heavyweight torpedo
Australian submarine ‘HMAS Waller’ is the first submarine to successfully fire a new heavyweight torpedo that has been jointly developed by Australia and the United States.
The firing occurred during the Rim of the Pacific 2008 (RIMPAC 08) exercise, involving multiple navies off the coast of Hawaii between June and July. This controlled exercise resulted in the planned sinking of a retired US warship. “This represents the first new heavyweight torpedo warshot to be fired by either Navy. Just as significant is the fact that the warshot torpedo was assembled in Australia,” said the Australian Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP. The MK 48 Mod 7 Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) torpedo is the latest enhancement for the MK 48. Considered the world’s premier submarine-launched torpedo, the MK 48 Mod 7 represents a superior capability against both surface ships and submarines with sonar enhancements that make the torpedo an effective weapon in shallow water and in a countermeasure environment. The development of the CBASS torpedo has been achieved under an Armaments Cooperative Program between the United States Navy (USN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). This partnership has established common requirements, interfaces, configurations and maintenance standards enabling any Australian or US submarine to load torpedoes prepared by any Australian or US torpedo maintenance facility.
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The firing occurred during the Rim of the Pacific 2008 (RIMPAC 08) exercise, involving multiple navies off the coast of Hawaii between June and July. This controlled exercise resulted in the planned sinking of a retired US warship. “This represents the first new heavyweight torpedo warshot to be fired by either Navy. Just as significant is the fact that the warshot torpedo was assembled in Australia,” said the Australian Minister for Defence, the Hon. Joel Fitzgibbon MP. The MK 48 Mod 7 Common Broadband Advanced Sonar System (CBASS) torpedo is the latest enhancement for the MK 48. Considered the world’s premier submarine-launched torpedo, the MK 48 Mod 7 represents a superior capability against both surface ships and submarines with sonar enhancements that make the torpedo an effective weapon in shallow water and in a countermeasure environment. The development of the CBASS torpedo has been achieved under an Armaments Cooperative Program between the United States Navy (USN) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). This partnership has established common requirements, interfaces, configurations and maintenance standards enabling any Australian or US submarine to load torpedoes prepared by any Australian or US torpedo maintenance facility.
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Bandar Abbas port changes name to Shahid Rajaee SEZ
Iran's Bandar Abbas port now requires ship cargo documents to mention the discharge port as Shahid Rajaee Special Economic Zone with effect from July 22.
The announcement was made by the country's related ministry. Operators are now "checking at the site" on the details of such modification, such as the background of the name change and the entailing changes related to documentation. Bandar Abbas port has two new and old container terminals (CT), with the new terminal named Shahid Rajaee SEZ and the old one named Bahonar.
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The announcement was made by the country's related ministry. Operators are now "checking at the site" on the details of such modification, such as the background of the name change and the entailing changes related to documentation. Bandar Abbas port has two new and old container terminals (CT), with the new terminal named Shahid Rajaee SEZ and the old one named Bahonar.
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SCI to build country’s largest container terminals
Shipping Corporation of India Ltd, India’s shipping major, will build two of the country’s largest container terminals - one each at Navi Mumbai and Ennore ports.
The Navi Mumbai port is managed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT). “We are planning to set up a fourth terminal in JNPT and a container terminal at Ennore, each having a capacity of four million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). These will be the largest terminals in the country, said S. Hajara, chairman and managing director of SCI on the sidelines of logistics colloquium organized by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). At present, three terminals each of both JNPT and Ennore together have capacity of four million TEUs. SCI plans to set up the terminals through a joint venture consortium with partners such as Mediterranean Shipping Company, Concor, and CWC. SCI would have a participatory stake in this joint venture. “We are actively looking at greater participation in the feeder routes both to west and to east,” he said. “We are also very actively looking at the possibility of getting involved in inland container depots and container freight stations (ICD/CFS),” Hajara added. SCI expects that all orders would be delivered by 2014 which would help it to double its capacity from around 5 million deadweight tonnes (DWT) at present to 10 million DWT in 2014. He said SCI and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) have signed a memorandum of understanding for floating a joint-venture project which would allow SAIL to run its own fleet of vessels for importing coking coal. It would be a public-private-partnership project, where both SCI and SAIL would have 25 percent stake each and the rest would be with the private partners.
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The Navi Mumbai port is managed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT). “We are planning to set up a fourth terminal in JNPT and a container terminal at Ennore, each having a capacity of four million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU). These will be the largest terminals in the country, said S. Hajara, chairman and managing director of SCI on the sidelines of logistics colloquium organized by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII). At present, three terminals each of both JNPT and Ennore together have capacity of four million TEUs. SCI plans to set up the terminals through a joint venture consortium with partners such as Mediterranean Shipping Company, Concor, and CWC. SCI would have a participatory stake in this joint venture. “We are actively looking at greater participation in the feeder routes both to west and to east,” he said. “We are also very actively looking at the possibility of getting involved in inland container depots and container freight stations (ICD/CFS),” Hajara added. SCI expects that all orders would be delivered by 2014 which would help it to double its capacity from around 5 million deadweight tonnes (DWT) at present to 10 million DWT in 2014. He said SCI and Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) have signed a memorandum of understanding for floating a joint-venture project which would allow SAIL to run its own fleet of vessels for importing coking coal. It would be a public-private-partnership project, where both SCI and SAIL would have 25 percent stake each and the rest would be with the private partners.
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Engines start on Port Botany expansion
New South Wales Premier Morris Iemma has announced the start of construction on one of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia – the A$1 billion (US$960 million) expansion of Port Botany.
Mr. Iemma started the engines on the project which will almost double the capacity of the Port Botany container terminal. “This exciting new project will see the development of 60 hectares with five new shipping berths and 1,850 metres of new wharves,” Mr Iemma said. “More than 2,000 jobs will be created during the project’s construction with 9,000 permanent jobs once the third terminal is up and running. “The local community is also going to benefit from the extra business generated by the large workforce and activity on the site during the next couple of years. “Port Botany is Australia’s second largest container port and trade is expected to double by 2020. “Already the port is a crucial hub for more than $40 billion in trade each year, with port-related activity currently employing up to 10,000 people.” Mr Iemma said with 99 percent of Australia’s international trade transported by sea, Sydney’s ports were pivotal to the nation’s economic future. Site preparation was completed at Port Botany last week, with project offices in place, the preparation of environmental plans, hiring of staff, progression of the design and consultation with community and stakeholders continues.
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Mr. Iemma started the engines on the project which will almost double the capacity of the Port Botany container terminal. “This exciting new project will see the development of 60 hectares with five new shipping berths and 1,850 metres of new wharves,” Mr Iemma said. “More than 2,000 jobs will be created during the project’s construction with 9,000 permanent jobs once the third terminal is up and running. “The local community is also going to benefit from the extra business generated by the large workforce and activity on the site during the next couple of years. “Port Botany is Australia’s second largest container port and trade is expected to double by 2020. “Already the port is a crucial hub for more than $40 billion in trade each year, with port-related activity currently employing up to 10,000 people.” Mr Iemma said with 99 percent of Australia’s international trade transported by sea, Sydney’s ports were pivotal to the nation’s economic future. Site preparation was completed at Port Botany last week, with project offices in place, the preparation of environmental plans, hiring of staff, progression of the design and consultation with community and stakeholders continues.
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Fleet Management in hot water over San Francisco cover up
The Hong Kong company that managed the Cosco Busan, the ship that struck the Bay Bridge and spilled fuel oil into the water last November, has been indicted on new charges.
The Department of Justice said Wednesday that a federal grand jury in San Francisco indicted Fleet Management Ltd. with negligently causing the fuel spill -- 50,000 gallons that contaminated the bay and killed about 2,000 birds -- and with falsifying documents after the accident to try and hide its negligence. The DOJ said in the charges that Fleet Management "created falsified plans after the crash and covered up the real ship records." Fleet Management was charged with six felony counts in the indictment for making false statements and obstructing justice. The company is charged as a co-defendant with Captain John Cota, the pilot on the ship at the time of the crash. The felony charges carry a maximum penalty of $500,000 per count or twice the gross loss caused by the offense. No date for the company to appear in court to answer the charges has been set.
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The Department of Justice said Wednesday that a federal grand jury in San Francisco indicted Fleet Management Ltd. with negligently causing the fuel spill -- 50,000 gallons that contaminated the bay and killed about 2,000 birds -- and with falsifying documents after the accident to try and hide its negligence. The DOJ said in the charges that Fleet Management "created falsified plans after the crash and covered up the real ship records." Fleet Management was charged with six felony counts in the indictment for making false statements and obstructing justice. The company is charged as a co-defendant with Captain John Cota, the pilot on the ship at the time of the crash. The felony charges carry a maximum penalty of $500,000 per count or twice the gross loss caused by the offense. No date for the company to appear in court to answer the charges has been set.
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Thursday, July 24, 2008
Strategic Marine expands shipbuilding capacity
Australia’s Strategic Marine has expanded the capacity of its Singapore facility and officially opened its new yard in Mexico.
The company has doubled the size and capacity of its shipyard at Tuas in Singapore by leasing a 3,000-square metre open area adjacent to its existing facility and erecting a 1,200-square metre covered area which is expected be operational by August this year. The increased capacity will allow Strategic Marine to make an early start on the six 40-metre crew boats it has announced it will build ‘on spec’. Two of these vessels have already been ordered by Australian marine service company Samson Maritime in a contract worth US$9.8 million. The aluminium utility vessels, which have seating for 50 rig crew and ten crew members, are scheduled for delivery in May and July next year. Work is already under way to lay a 75-metre by 22-metre concrete slab on the new site, which will then have a marquee-type shed erected as a temporary measure, with a permanent shed on the newly leased site to be constructed next year. The expanded yard is expected to employ an additional 80 welders, fabricators and shipyard workers on top of its existing 120-strong workforce. Meanwhile, Strategic Marine’s shipyard at Matazlan in Mexico has officially been opened with a keel-laying ceremony for the first vessel to be built at the facility.
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The company has doubled the size and capacity of its shipyard at Tuas in Singapore by leasing a 3,000-square metre open area adjacent to its existing facility and erecting a 1,200-square metre covered area which is expected be operational by August this year. The increased capacity will allow Strategic Marine to make an early start on the six 40-metre crew boats it has announced it will build ‘on spec’. Two of these vessels have already been ordered by Australian marine service company Samson Maritime in a contract worth US$9.8 million. The aluminium utility vessels, which have seating for 50 rig crew and ten crew members, are scheduled for delivery in May and July next year. Work is already under way to lay a 75-metre by 22-metre concrete slab on the new site, which will then have a marquee-type shed erected as a temporary measure, with a permanent shed on the newly leased site to be constructed next year. The expanded yard is expected to employ an additional 80 welders, fabricators and shipyard workers on top of its existing 120-strong workforce. Meanwhile, Strategic Marine’s shipyard at Matazlan in Mexico has officially been opened with a keel-laying ceremony for the first vessel to be built at the facility.
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Volvo Ocean Race India stopover
The final plan for the Race village for the Volvo Ocean Race India Stopover has been finalized by Volvo Event Management UK and the Cochin port Trust.
A team comprising Mr Jack Lloyd, Race Director, Mr Jeremy Troughton, Director Planning and Operations, MsAllison Crook, Events Manager and Ms Rosie Julian, Operations Manager currently on visit to Cochin Port , held discussions with the Stopover Team and reviewed the ongoing development activities in this connection. The locations for the finish of the second leg of the Race arriving from Cape Town and the Start line for the third leg from Cochin to Singapore have also been finalized. Discussions were held regarding various sponsorship and marketing avenues related to the stopover event, which is happening for the first time in India. The most important activity is the construction of the Race Village and the Team Area in the Port premises, which among others, will have a state of the art media centre, to cater to the needs of hundreds of global and national media persons, from the print, broadcast and new media sectors. The event would be beamed across 200 countries and also feature a live feed on the internet. This will house the major offices of the Volvo Ocean race Stopover, like the International Jury Office, Race Management Office, Events and Operations Office, Logistics Office etc., besides the media and accreditation offices. A major item of work in progress is the lengthening of the berth for boats/yachts in the Race Village area. Four major international luxury cruise vessels are landing at Cochin port during the Stopover period. The cruise vessels are: Legend of the Seas (Dec 3) Celebrity Quest, Seabourne Spirit and Nautica (Dec 10).
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A team comprising Mr Jack Lloyd, Race Director, Mr Jeremy Troughton, Director Planning and Operations, MsAllison Crook, Events Manager and Ms Rosie Julian, Operations Manager currently on visit to Cochin Port , held discussions with the Stopover Team and reviewed the ongoing development activities in this connection. The locations for the finish of the second leg of the Race arriving from Cape Town and the Start line for the third leg from Cochin to Singapore have also been finalized. Discussions were held regarding various sponsorship and marketing avenues related to the stopover event, which is happening for the first time in India. The most important activity is the construction of the Race Village and the Team Area in the Port premises, which among others, will have a state of the art media centre, to cater to the needs of hundreds of global and national media persons, from the print, broadcast and new media sectors. The event would be beamed across 200 countries and also feature a live feed on the internet. This will house the major offices of the Volvo Ocean race Stopover, like the International Jury Office, Race Management Office, Events and Operations Office, Logistics Office etc., besides the media and accreditation offices. A major item of work in progress is the lengthening of the berth for boats/yachts in the Race Village area. Four major international luxury cruise vessels are landing at Cochin port during the Stopover period. The cruise vessels are: Legend of the Seas (Dec 3) Celebrity Quest, Seabourne Spirit and Nautica (Dec 10).
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Chennai port in dispute with DP World
Dubai Ports World is embroiled in a legal dispute with Chennai port authorities regarding the Dubai-based company's contract to operate a container terminal at the port.
The Chennai port informed DP World of their desire to terminate the contract signed in 2001, leading DP to approach the high court to obtain a stay on the port's plan to end their contract. DP World also resorted to proceedings under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act in order to resolve the issue. Chennai's desire to terminate the contract lies in DP World's failure to honor one of the clauses regarding transhipment for the past three years. According to non-negotiable terms in the contract, DP World agreed that within three years of commencing operations, mainline vessels would call at the port to haul cargo directly without being transshipped to other ports in the region. Furthermore, the contract stipulated that 20 percent of all cargo handled by DP World had to be shipped on mainline vessels direct to destinations within the first three years, 25 percent in the fourth year, 30 percent in the fifth year, and so on until expiration of the contract. The move was intended to save time and costs, increasing India's competitiveness in the global market. Chennai's aim is to become a hub port for container cargo on the eastern coast of India. DP World insists they fulfilled their contractual obligations and the port authorities have incorrectly interpreted the contract.
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The Chennai port informed DP World of their desire to terminate the contract signed in 2001, leading DP to approach the high court to obtain a stay on the port's plan to end their contract. DP World also resorted to proceedings under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act in order to resolve the issue. Chennai's desire to terminate the contract lies in DP World's failure to honor one of the clauses regarding transhipment for the past three years. According to non-negotiable terms in the contract, DP World agreed that within three years of commencing operations, mainline vessels would call at the port to haul cargo directly without being transshipped to other ports in the region. Furthermore, the contract stipulated that 20 percent of all cargo handled by DP World had to be shipped on mainline vessels direct to destinations within the first three years, 25 percent in the fourth year, 30 percent in the fifth year, and so on until expiration of the contract. The move was intended to save time and costs, increasing India's competitiveness in the global market. Chennai's aim is to become a hub port for container cargo on the eastern coast of India. DP World insists they fulfilled their contractual obligations and the port authorities have incorrectly interpreted the contract.
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Gazprom and Iran sign package agreement
Russian Gazprom has signed an agreement with the National Iranian Oil Company to cooperate in the production and transportation of oil and gas production.
Tehran has offered Gazprom a full package of projects to develop oil and natural gas fields, and to build processing facilities to transport oil from the Caspian Sea to the Gulf of Oman. However, analysts have said that the agreement will only exist on paper unless the political situation changes. Iran is under three sets of UN Security Council sanctions for its refusal to stop uranium enrichment while the US and Israel have refused to rule out military strikes in Iran continues its nuclear program.
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Tehran has offered Gazprom a full package of projects to develop oil and natural gas fields, and to build processing facilities to transport oil from the Caspian Sea to the Gulf of Oman. However, analysts have said that the agreement will only exist on paper unless the political situation changes. Iran is under three sets of UN Security Council sanctions for its refusal to stop uranium enrichment while the US and Israel have refused to rule out military strikes in Iran continues its nuclear program.
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Collision between tug, tanker closes Mississippi River at New Orleans
The Coast Guard closed 29 miles (47 kilometers) of the Mississippi River at New Orleans after a 600-foot tanker and a barge loaded with fuel oil collided.
The collision broke the barge in half. Nobody was injured, but more than 419,000 gallons (1.5 million liters) of heavy fuel oil spilled from the barge, said Lt. Cdr. Cheri Ben-Iesau, a Coast Guard spokeswoman. The double-hulled tanker Tintomara was loaded with about 4.2 million gallons (15.9 million liters) of biodiesel bound for Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and nearly 1.3 million gallons (4.9 million liters) of styrene bound for Hamburg, Germany, but was not leaking, said Michael Wilson, president of ship management company Laurin Maritime (America) Inc. in Houston. The company is a subsidiary of Goteborg, Sweden-based Laurin Maritime AB. The Liberian-flagged tanker is owned by Whitefin Shipping Co. Ltd. of Gibraltar. The tanker had only minor damage, the management company said. The collision occurred about 1:30 a.m. CDT (0630 GMT) just upriver from the Crescent City Connection, a pair of bridges between New Orleans' east and west banks. Tug boats were holding the halves of the barge in place. Ben-Iesau said the state Department of Environmental Quality made sure that all water intakes and sensitive environmental areas downriver from the spill were boomed off to keep the fuel oil out.
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The collision broke the barge in half. Nobody was injured, but more than 419,000 gallons (1.5 million liters) of heavy fuel oil spilled from the barge, said Lt. Cdr. Cheri Ben-Iesau, a Coast Guard spokeswoman. The double-hulled tanker Tintomara was loaded with about 4.2 million gallons (15.9 million liters) of biodiesel bound for Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and nearly 1.3 million gallons (4.9 million liters) of styrene bound for Hamburg, Germany, but was not leaking, said Michael Wilson, president of ship management company Laurin Maritime (America) Inc. in Houston. The company is a subsidiary of Goteborg, Sweden-based Laurin Maritime AB. The Liberian-flagged tanker is owned by Whitefin Shipping Co. Ltd. of Gibraltar. The tanker had only minor damage, the management company said. The collision occurred about 1:30 a.m. CDT (0630 GMT) just upriver from the Crescent City Connection, a pair of bridges between New Orleans' east and west banks. Tug boats were holding the halves of the barge in place. Ben-Iesau said the state Department of Environmental Quality made sure that all water intakes and sensitive environmental areas downriver from the spill were boomed off to keep the fuel oil out.
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Nacchatar Singh Johal ventures into difficult territory
Indian sailors are still at sea in the Olympic yachting arena.
Success at the Asian level, in the form of medals at numerous Asian Games, popped up Olympic hopefuls who found it tough to keep in step with world-class competition. Nachhatar Singh Johal ventures into difficult territory as the lone Indian sailor at Beijing, competing in the Finn category (heavyweight dingy), featuring double Olympic yachting champion Ben Ainslie of Great Britain. The sport is so competitive at the Olympic level that qualifying is the first hurdle for Indians. Johal is the highest ranked Asian (No. 53) on the International Sailing Federation July 2008 list (ahead of China’s Zheng Peng who is 57) and got the nod on the basis of Unused Quota Positions (UQP) allotted by the ISAF.
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Success at the Asian level, in the form of medals at numerous Asian Games, popped up Olympic hopefuls who found it tough to keep in step with world-class competition. Nachhatar Singh Johal ventures into difficult territory as the lone Indian sailor at Beijing, competing in the Finn category (heavyweight dingy), featuring double Olympic yachting champion Ben Ainslie of Great Britain. The sport is so competitive at the Olympic level that qualifying is the first hurdle for Indians. Johal is the highest ranked Asian (No. 53) on the International Sailing Federation July 2008 list (ahead of China’s Zheng Peng who is 57) and got the nod on the basis of Unused Quota Positions (UQP) allotted by the ISAF.
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Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Sinotrans and CTS merger to create the second largest Chinese shipping organization
Sinotrans, one of the leading Chinese tanker owners, has set its sights on merging with China Yangtze (Changjiang) Transportation (CSC).
The merger of two companies would form the second largest shipping organization in China after COSCO. However, Sinotrans is required to first seek approval from the Central Government's State Council State Assets Committee for the proposed merger. CSC's large shipping division focuses on the international trade in oil, containers and bulk. It also offers logistics services related to its shipping operations. It has a strong presence in the Yangtze River Delta, which is regarded as especially important, given the Chinese government's policy to develop the economy of the area. Sinotrans revenue from its main businesses in 2007 totalled US$8.44 billion and the group is targeting a revenue of US$11-14 billion in 2010.
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The merger of two companies would form the second largest shipping organization in China after COSCO. However, Sinotrans is required to first seek approval from the Central Government's State Council State Assets Committee for the proposed merger. CSC's large shipping division focuses on the international trade in oil, containers and bulk. It also offers logistics services related to its shipping operations. It has a strong presence in the Yangtze River Delta, which is regarded as especially important, given the Chinese government's policy to develop the economy of the area. Sinotrans revenue from its main businesses in 2007 totalled US$8.44 billion and the group is targeting a revenue of US$11-14 billion in 2010.
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OOCL launches Indian Subcontinent East Coast Express Service (IEX)
OOCL is pleased to announce the launch of its new Indian Subcontinent East Coast Express (IEX) connecting India and Pakistan to the US East Coast.
This direct weekly service is in response to customers’ increased demands for a quality service to and from this fast-growing market, and to provide additional capacity from the US East Coast to India, Pakistan and Jeddah. The IEX service will commence in Week 32, with an estimated departure date from Karachi on Aug 8, 2008. The service will have a fixed weekly schedule with the following port rotation like Karachi, Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Damietta, New York, Norfolk, Charleston, Port Said, Jeddah and Karachi. Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hong Kong Stock Exchange-listed Orient Overseas (International) Ltd. Headquartered in Hong Kong, OOCL is one of the world's leading container transport and logistics service providers, with more than 280 offices in 58 countries. Linking Asia, Europe, North America, the Mediterranean, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East and Australia/New Zealand, the company offers transportation services to all major east/west trading economies of the world. OOCL is one of the leading international carriers serving China, providing a full range of logistics and transportation services throughout the country.
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This direct weekly service is in response to customers’ increased demands for a quality service to and from this fast-growing market, and to provide additional capacity from the US East Coast to India, Pakistan and Jeddah. The IEX service will commence in Week 32, with an estimated departure date from Karachi on Aug 8, 2008. The service will have a fixed weekly schedule with the following port rotation like Karachi, Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Damietta, New York, Norfolk, Charleston, Port Said, Jeddah and Karachi. Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hong Kong Stock Exchange-listed Orient Overseas (International) Ltd. Headquartered in Hong Kong, OOCL is one of the world's leading container transport and logistics service providers, with more than 280 offices in 58 countries. Linking Asia, Europe, North America, the Mediterranean, the Indian Subcontinent, the Middle East and Australia/New Zealand, the company offers transportation services to all major east/west trading economies of the world. OOCL is one of the leading international carriers serving China, providing a full range of logistics and transportation services throughout the country.
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Kerala planning to invest Rs120b to develop ports
Kerala government will be investing Rs.120 billion for developing ports in the maritime state within the next three years.
Disclosing this in response to questions in the state assembly yesterday, Ports Minister M Vijayakumar said the investments would be made with the participation of private parties. He said the state government had plans to set up a maritime board for the comprehensive development of the ports. The ports to be developed under the project include Azheekal, Kottayam and Beypore. Detailed project reports are already in place in respect of Azhikkal and Beypore ports and the government is in search for consultants to implement the project. The federal government has included Azhikkal port in its National Maritime Development Programme (NMDP). The port is proposed to be developed to the maximum possible capacity in phases and on modular basis at an investment of Rs.20 billion. The Beypore port, which is the second biggest in the state after Cochin port, is proposed to be developed as an all-weather port through public-private partnership. The port now handles around 100, 000 tonnes of cargo annually. The ports are being developed under the government's attempt to make Kerala a port state. With a coastline of around 590 km, Kerala has 17 intermediate and minor ports. The major port of Cochin is under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India while the intermediate and minor ports are under the administration of the Government of Kerala.
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Disclosing this in response to questions in the state assembly yesterday, Ports Minister M Vijayakumar said the investments would be made with the participation of private parties. He said the state government had plans to set up a maritime board for the comprehensive development of the ports. The ports to be developed under the project include Azheekal, Kottayam and Beypore. Detailed project reports are already in place in respect of Azhikkal and Beypore ports and the government is in search for consultants to implement the project. The federal government has included Azhikkal port in its National Maritime Development Programme (NMDP). The port is proposed to be developed to the maximum possible capacity in phases and on modular basis at an investment of Rs.20 billion. The Beypore port, which is the second biggest in the state after Cochin port, is proposed to be developed as an all-weather port through public-private partnership. The port now handles around 100, 000 tonnes of cargo annually. The ports are being developed under the government's attempt to make Kerala a port state. With a coastline of around 590 km, Kerala has 17 intermediate and minor ports. The major port of Cochin is under the Ministry of Shipping, Government of India while the intermediate and minor ports are under the administration of the Government of Kerala.
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Strong protests from shipping world at unfair detention of seafarers in Korea
A strong statement in support of the Hebei Spirit officers being held in Korea was made yesterday by the Round Table of international shipping associations, the ITF, the International Group of P&I Clubs and the Hong Kong Shipowners' Association.
The statement issues a vigorous joint protest at the continuing unjust and unreasonable detention of two merchant ships' officers from the tanker Hebei Spirit , who were recently acquitted by a South Korean court as being innocent of all charges of violating the nation's ocean pollution law following last year's oil spill when a floating crane collided with the Hebei Spirit. "We - the Round Table of international shipping associations (BIMCO, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Shipping Federation (ISF), INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO), the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG), and the Hong Kong Shipowners' Association - wish to convey to the government and authorities of the Republic of Korea our surprise, disappointment and great concern at the news that Korea's courts have determined to continue to detain the ship's officers, despite their acquittal, for possibly as long a year pending further hearings. Such measures appear to be unjustified, unreasonable and in contravention of the men's rights. We strongly believe that they should be permitted to leave the country," the group said in a statement. "We appeal to the Government of the Republic of Korea to take the necessary action to ensure that the seafarers are immediately permitted to return to their homes," the group concluded.
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The statement issues a vigorous joint protest at the continuing unjust and unreasonable detention of two merchant ships' officers from the tanker Hebei Spirit , who were recently acquitted by a South Korean court as being innocent of all charges of violating the nation's ocean pollution law following last year's oil spill when a floating crane collided with the Hebei Spirit. "We - the Round Table of international shipping associations (BIMCO, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), International Shipping Federation (ISF), INTERCARGO and INTERTANKO), the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF), the International Group of P&I Clubs (IG), and the Hong Kong Shipowners' Association - wish to convey to the government and authorities of the Republic of Korea our surprise, disappointment and great concern at the news that Korea's courts have determined to continue to detain the ship's officers, despite their acquittal, for possibly as long a year pending further hearings. Such measures appear to be unjustified, unreasonable and in contravention of the men's rights. We strongly believe that they should be permitted to leave the country," the group said in a statement. "We appeal to the Government of the Republic of Korea to take the necessary action to ensure that the seafarers are immediately permitted to return to their homes," the group concluded.
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Shipping Australia rejects proposal to cease container shipping in Fremantle Inner Harbour
“Shipping Australia would urge the Opposition in Western Australia to rethink its announced policy of a strategic relocation of significant port operations out of Fremantle”, said CEO of Shipping Australia Limited, Llew Russell.
“SAL members believe that the economic prosperity of Western Australia will only be enhanced by Fremantle Ports’ current project to deepen and expand the Inner Harbour and this work should be progressed as quickly as possible. “This is not to say that in due course, there will definitely be an important role for Fremantle Ports to expand port facilities at Kwinana to take additional trade from the Inner Harbour when it reaches capacity in about 2015. “Irrespective of that the Inner Harbour will continue to be needed, with future trade being handled from both sites operating in tandem” he said. Mr Russell pointed out that it would not be economically viable to move virtually all heavy port operations to Kwinana as suggested, as it would cost an estimated US$4.89 to US$9.7 billion to replace the deep water port infrastructure built at Fremantle Inner Harbour over the past 110 years. This would include costs involved in the early termination of leases at Rous Head and the container terminals, involving compensation, relocation and rebuilding.
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“SAL members believe that the economic prosperity of Western Australia will only be enhanced by Fremantle Ports’ current project to deepen and expand the Inner Harbour and this work should be progressed as quickly as possible. “This is not to say that in due course, there will definitely be an important role for Fremantle Ports to expand port facilities at Kwinana to take additional trade from the Inner Harbour when it reaches capacity in about 2015. “Irrespective of that the Inner Harbour will continue to be needed, with future trade being handled from both sites operating in tandem” he said. Mr Russell pointed out that it would not be economically viable to move virtually all heavy port operations to Kwinana as suggested, as it would cost an estimated US$4.89 to US$9.7 billion to replace the deep water port infrastructure built at Fremantle Inner Harbour over the past 110 years. This would include costs involved in the early termination of leases at Rous Head and the container terminals, involving compensation, relocation and rebuilding.
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Kerala mulls passenger ship service to the Gulf
Kerala Chief Minister V. S. Achutanandan told the state assembly that the government was exploring the possibility of resuming passenger ship service to Gulf countries from the state.
Keralites working in Gulf countries have been demanding the ship service, as many of them are not able to afford the airfare. We will look into the demand,’’ he said in a written reply. The Chief Minister pointed out that a company had operated passenger cruises from Dubai to Cochin during 2001-02. They discontinued the service after it ran up huge losses.
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Keralites working in Gulf countries have been demanding the ship service, as many of them are not able to afford the airfare. We will look into the demand,’’ he said in a written reply. The Chief Minister pointed out that a company had operated passenger cruises from Dubai to Cochin during 2001-02. They discontinued the service after it ran up huge losses.
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
APA aims to tap Narrabri CBM flows
Joint venture partners Eastern Star Gas and Gastar Exploration have agreed with Australia gas transport giant APA to explore arrangements to bring coalbed methane from the Narrabri project in northern New South Wales.
APA said that it would investigate a plan to tap the proposed pilot production project at Narrabri for delivery to its major markets in New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory. The company said it would initially tie production in to its existing New South Wales transport infrastructure and would expand capacity and build new laterals to supply new regions as output from the projects increased. “This is the first step in a relationship that has significant growth potential, as the Narrabri Coal Seam Gas Project aims to become a major supplier of gas to meet New South Wales’ requirement,” said APA managing director Mick McCormack.
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APA said that it would investigate a plan to tap the proposed pilot production project at Narrabri for delivery to its major markets in New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory. The company said it would initially tie production in to its existing New South Wales transport infrastructure and would expand capacity and build new laterals to supply new regions as output from the projects increased. “This is the first step in a relationship that has significant growth potential, as the Narrabri Coal Seam Gas Project aims to become a major supplier of gas to meet New South Wales’ requirement,” said APA managing director Mick McCormack.
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Egyptian Drilling Company to build new jack-up rig at PPL Shipyard
PPL Shipyard, Singapore, has secured a contract from repeat customer, Egyptian Drilling Company to build a jack-up rig at a contract value of US$220 million.
Scheduled for delivery in mid-2010, this latest jack-up rig order is the second consecutive newbuild jack-up rig that EDC has placed with PPL Shipyard. It will be built based on the same PPL Shipyard’s proprietary Baker Marine Pacific Class 375 (BMC Pacific 375) Deep Drilling design and proprietary components. The rig will be equipped to drill high pressure and high temperature wells at 9,140 metres whilst operating in 115 metres of water. It will have accommodation with full catering and amenities for 120 persons. The first rig, currently under construction in PPL Shipyard is scheduled to be delivered to owner in December 2009.
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Scheduled for delivery in mid-2010, this latest jack-up rig order is the second consecutive newbuild jack-up rig that EDC has placed with PPL Shipyard. It will be built based on the same PPL Shipyard’s proprietary Baker Marine Pacific Class 375 (BMC Pacific 375) Deep Drilling design and proprietary components. The rig will be equipped to drill high pressure and high temperature wells at 9,140 metres whilst operating in 115 metres of water. It will have accommodation with full catering and amenities for 120 persons. The first rig, currently under construction in PPL Shipyard is scheduled to be delivered to owner in December 2009.
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Singapore Clinches Three Awards at the TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2008
The Singapore Tourism Board was conferred three awards at the TravelWeekly (Asia) Industry Awards 2008 ceremony held at Bar None, Marriott Hotel Singapore, last Thursday evening (17 July).
Pitted against the best of the best from around the region, the STB emerged triumphant in the Best National Tourism Organisation category. Singapore also picked up the top honours in the Best Business & MICE Destination and Best Medical/Wellness Destination categories. Celebrating exemplary achievements in the tourism industry, the TravelWeekly Awards was established to recognise the finest of Asia’s tourism industry players. The winners were chosen by the public through an online voting process which attracted an unprecedented number of votes this year. At the awards ceremony, Singapore was also recognised as the Best Business & MICE Destination for catalysing business success for business event organisers and business travellers. Recent key milestones in the Singapore MICE industry include the hosting of the largest corporate meeting, the 2007 Herbalife Asia Pacific Extravaganza in July 2007, which drew 16,000 Herbalife delegates from 14 countries in the Asia Pacific region, and the successful inaugural staging of Singapore Airshow, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence event. These high-profile international events draw a robust stream of business visitors who converge in Singapore to network, exchange ideas and explore new business opportunities.
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Pitted against the best of the best from around the region, the STB emerged triumphant in the Best National Tourism Organisation category. Singapore also picked up the top honours in the Best Business & MICE Destination and Best Medical/Wellness Destination categories. Celebrating exemplary achievements in the tourism industry, the TravelWeekly Awards was established to recognise the finest of Asia’s tourism industry players. The winners were chosen by the public through an online voting process which attracted an unprecedented number of votes this year. At the awards ceremony, Singapore was also recognised as the Best Business & MICE Destination for catalysing business success for business event organisers and business travellers. Recent key milestones in the Singapore MICE industry include the hosting of the largest corporate meeting, the 2007 Herbalife Asia Pacific Extravaganza in July 2007, which drew 16,000 Herbalife delegates from 14 countries in the Asia Pacific region, and the successful inaugural staging of Singapore Airshow, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence event. These high-profile international events draw a robust stream of business visitors who converge in Singapore to network, exchange ideas and explore new business opportunities.
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Former marine minister arrested on graft charges
South Korean prosecutors have arrested a former maritime minister.
Kang Moo-Hyun stands accused of taking KRW 90m ($90,000) in bribes from six or seven owners. In exchange he offered more relaxed regulations. Between 2004 and 2008 Kang served as a deputy maritime minister and then minister under the Roh Moo-Hyun presidency. He is the first minister from the Roh government to be arrested on graft charges. Roh's five-year term ended in February.
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Kang Moo-Hyun stands accused of taking KRW 90m ($90,000) in bribes from six or seven owners. In exchange he offered more relaxed regulations. Between 2004 and 2008 Kang served as a deputy maritime minister and then minister under the Roh Moo-Hyun presidency. He is the first minister from the Roh government to be arrested on graft charges. Roh's five-year term ended in February.
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Rickmers-Linie continues its fleet expansion
Germany-based Rickmers-Linie has increased the number of multi-purpose heavylift newbuildings from ten to 14 for its expanding liner service network.
The latest quartet has been ordered from Wuhu Xinlian Shipbuilding by Polaris Shipmanagement, a Rickmers Group company, and will be taken on long-term charter by Rickmers-Linie. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in December 2010 and all four should be in service by September 2011. The contract also includes an option for four additional vessels to be delivered in 2012. "Since we launched our Round-the-World Pearl String service in 2003, demand for our scheduled liner services has grown rapidly, especially between Europe, India and the Middle East, Asia and North America" said Jan Boje Steffens, President & CEO of Rickmers-Linie. The newbuildings have been purpose-designed for the carriage of breakbulk, heavylift and project cargo. With a deadweight of 24,000 tonnes, an overall length of 175 metres and a beam of 26.5 metres, they will be fitted with variable height tweendecks for maximum cargo flexibility. The vessels will be equipped with three cranes, one capable of lifting 100 tonnes and two 350 tonne units that can be combined to handle loads of up to 700 tonnes. Service speed of the vessels will be up to 18 knots. Electronic control of the main engine reflects the latest in technological development for the reduction of bunker consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
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The latest quartet has been ordered from Wuhu Xinlian Shipbuilding by Polaris Shipmanagement, a Rickmers Group company, and will be taken on long-term charter by Rickmers-Linie. The first vessel is scheduled for delivery in December 2010 and all four should be in service by September 2011. The contract also includes an option for four additional vessels to be delivered in 2012. "Since we launched our Round-the-World Pearl String service in 2003, demand for our scheduled liner services has grown rapidly, especially between Europe, India and the Middle East, Asia and North America" said Jan Boje Steffens, President & CEO of Rickmers-Linie. The newbuildings have been purpose-designed for the carriage of breakbulk, heavylift and project cargo. With a deadweight of 24,000 tonnes, an overall length of 175 metres and a beam of 26.5 metres, they will be fitted with variable height tweendecks for maximum cargo flexibility. The vessels will be equipped with three cranes, one capable of lifting 100 tonnes and two 350 tonne units that can be combined to handle loads of up to 700 tonnes. Service speed of the vessels will be up to 18 knots. Electronic control of the main engine reflects the latest in technological development for the reduction of bunker consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
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Second Vietnamese box terminal for APM Terminals
APM Terminals and Pharung Shipyard Company, part of the Vietnam's Vinashin, have signed a joint venture to build and operate a new container terminal in the Dinh Vu Industrial Zone.
Construction of the new facility, which will serve the capital Hanoi and the country's Red River Delta region is due to start later this year. It is APM Terminals’ second container development in Vietnam and is expected to open for business in late 2010. Construction of the Cai Mep International Terminal (CMIT) in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province in the south of the country, a joint venture with Saigon Port and Vinalines, began in May. That terminal is also scheduled to start operations in late 2010. APM Terminals becomes just the second foreign operator to move into northern Vietnam after SSA of the US, which has a concession in Cai Lan. The move by APM Terminals comes against a darkening economic backdrop in Vietnam, however. The country's stellar performance over recent years in which GDP has climbed by more than 7% annually, has given way to soaring inflation, a run on the dong and a growing trade deficit. The Government has now adopted a tighter fiscal policy in the hopes of reining in inflation.
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Construction of the new facility, which will serve the capital Hanoi and the country's Red River Delta region is due to start later this year. It is APM Terminals’ second container development in Vietnam and is expected to open for business in late 2010. Construction of the Cai Mep International Terminal (CMIT) in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province in the south of the country, a joint venture with Saigon Port and Vinalines, began in May. That terminal is also scheduled to start operations in late 2010. APM Terminals becomes just the second foreign operator to move into northern Vietnam after SSA of the US, which has a concession in Cai Lan. The move by APM Terminals comes against a darkening economic backdrop in Vietnam, however. The country's stellar performance over recent years in which GDP has climbed by more than 7% annually, has given way to soaring inflation, a run on the dong and a growing trade deficit. The Government has now adopted a tighter fiscal policy in the hopes of reining in inflation.
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Monday, July 21, 2008
Dubai Maritime City to handle sea-related tourism activities
The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has announced that it has recently signed an agreement with Dubai Maritime City Authority which enables the Authority to handle registration and licensing of all maritime tourism activities within Dubai.
The move is part of a series of initiatives aimed to consolidate the emirate's maritime industry by providing a centralized point of access for all maritime-related activities in Dubai. Khalid Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Director General of DTCM and Amer Ali, CEO of DMCA, signed the agreement. DMCA will regulate maritime tourism businesses in Dubai including floating hotels, tour operators, floating restaurants, yacht rentals and leisure boat trips. "We believe in the expertise of Dubai Maritime City Authority and have high hopes for their plans and vision. As such, we are confidently entrusting the affairs of the maritime business community into their care and look forward to exciting new developments within this critical sector with Dubai Maritime City at the helm," said Bin Sulayem. DTCM will train DMCA employees to handle the registration and licensing process of maritime-related tourism businesses. DTCM will provide relevant resources and will extend ongoing support to facilitate the transition.
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The move is part of a series of initiatives aimed to consolidate the emirate's maritime industry by providing a centralized point of access for all maritime-related activities in Dubai. Khalid Ahmad Bin Sulayem, Director General of DTCM and Amer Ali, CEO of DMCA, signed the agreement. DMCA will regulate maritime tourism businesses in Dubai including floating hotels, tour operators, floating restaurants, yacht rentals and leisure boat trips. "We believe in the expertise of Dubai Maritime City Authority and have high hopes for their plans and vision. As such, we are confidently entrusting the affairs of the maritime business community into their care and look forward to exciting new developments within this critical sector with Dubai Maritime City at the helm," said Bin Sulayem. DTCM will train DMCA employees to handle the registration and licensing process of maritime-related tourism businesses. DTCM will provide relevant resources and will extend ongoing support to facilitate the transition.
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Sinotrans to increase fleet
Sinotrans Shipping has acquired two 176,000DWT capesize newbuilding resales at a total price of US$194 million.
According to Lloyds' List, the ships, on order at China's Zhoushan Jinhaiwan Shipyard and due for delivery in November and December 2009, were initially ordered by FFDAX, a Panamanian company linked to Shenzhen Da Xi Marine Shipping, a company based in Shenzhen in southern China. Sinotrans Shipping said the vessels would be dedicated to China's iron ore trade. Currently the company has an owned fleet of 34 ships totaling 2.2million DWT. In addition to the two latest acquisitions, Sinotrans has twelve newbuildings on order.
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According to Lloyds' List, the ships, on order at China's Zhoushan Jinhaiwan Shipyard and due for delivery in November and December 2009, were initially ordered by FFDAX, a Panamanian company linked to Shenzhen Da Xi Marine Shipping, a company based in Shenzhen in southern China. Sinotrans Shipping said the vessels would be dedicated to China's iron ore trade. Currently the company has an owned fleet of 34 ships totaling 2.2million DWT. In addition to the two latest acquisitions, Sinotrans has twelve newbuildings on order.
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Charting India’s maritime tradition
Two fortified ammunition bunkers built prior to World War II by the British in Fort Kochi have been turned into a maritime museum of the Indian Navy.
One of the bunkers charts the maritime history of Kerala, while the other details the history and evolution of Indian Navy. The museum located within INS Dronarcharya (the Navy’s gunnery and missile school) took shape in 2001, after Rear Admiral (retd) Kirpal Singh donated Rs.5 lakh. Among the outdoor exhibits is a huge missile like the one that was used to bombard Karachi harbour in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, depth charges, mines, huge guns used by old Delhi-class warships, models of warships made in India and anti-aircraft guns used by the British to guard Fort Kochi. The museum is among those mentioned in Kerala Tourism’s official website and is a storehouse of information on India’s maritime history since the Indus Valley Civilization and other prominent world civilizations. Among the exhibits is the detailed map of the route that adventurers from the west took to sail to the east, following the Ottoman Turks blocking the land route. Visitors would never miss the model of the menacing-looking Kunjali Marakkar, Kerala’s proud sea warrior, located alongside that of Vasco Da Gama. Cdr A.N. Satish of INS Dronacharya spoke of how Marakkar harassed the Portuguese Navy using many small boats under the camouflage provided by big ones.
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One of the bunkers charts the maritime history of Kerala, while the other details the history and evolution of Indian Navy. The museum located within INS Dronarcharya (the Navy’s gunnery and missile school) took shape in 2001, after Rear Admiral (retd) Kirpal Singh donated Rs.5 lakh. Among the outdoor exhibits is a huge missile like the one that was used to bombard Karachi harbour in the 1971 Indo-Pak war, depth charges, mines, huge guns used by old Delhi-class warships, models of warships made in India and anti-aircraft guns used by the British to guard Fort Kochi. The museum is among those mentioned in Kerala Tourism’s official website and is a storehouse of information on India’s maritime history since the Indus Valley Civilization and other prominent world civilizations. Among the exhibits is the detailed map of the route that adventurers from the west took to sail to the east, following the Ottoman Turks blocking the land route. Visitors would never miss the model of the menacing-looking Kunjali Marakkar, Kerala’s proud sea warrior, located alongside that of Vasco Da Gama. Cdr A.N. Satish of INS Dronacharya spoke of how Marakkar harassed the Portuguese Navy using many small boats under the camouflage provided by big ones.
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ICTSI unit services biggest vessel to call at Port of Guayaquil
Contecon Guayaquil SA (CGSA), manager and operator of Guayaquil Container and Multipurpose Terminals, recently serviced the 3,630 TEU ‘BahÃa Castillo’.
It is the biggest vessel to ever dock at the Guayaquil Container and Multipurpose Terminals (GMCT) in the Port of Guayaquil in the Philippines. Luis Cao, CGSA Chief Executive Officer, thanked Hamburg Sud for giving CGSA the opportunity to service the vessel. After the ceremony, guests toured the Hamburg Sud-owned vessel. Present at the ceremony were Jaime RamÃrez and Iliana González, CAMAE representatives; Marcio Rocchi, Hamburg Sud general manager; Luis Cao, CGSA CEO; Alex Villacrés, Port Authority of Guayaquil President; and Javier Moreira, Hamburg Sud Logistics Manager.
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It is the biggest vessel to ever dock at the Guayaquil Container and Multipurpose Terminals (GMCT) in the Port of Guayaquil in the Philippines. Luis Cao, CGSA Chief Executive Officer, thanked Hamburg Sud for giving CGSA the opportunity to service the vessel. After the ceremony, guests toured the Hamburg Sud-owned vessel. Present at the ceremony were Jaime RamÃrez and Iliana González, CAMAE representatives; Marcio Rocchi, Hamburg Sud general manager; Luis Cao, CGSA CEO; Alex Villacrés, Port Authority of Guayaquil President; and Javier Moreira, Hamburg Sud Logistics Manager.
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Stellar line up for Seatrade Sustainability Seminar
Big name speakers are confirmed for one of the highlights of this year's Maritime Week in Singapore, namely the inaugural Seatrade Sustainability Seminar.
Delegates are signing up fast for the innovative program. Dr Glenn Frommer, Sustainability Development Manager at Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway Corporation has agreed to speak, presenting tips for shipping from his firm, the world's most sustainable transportation system. After his address a host of well known shipping executives will debate the broad topic of sustainability in shipping here on the morning of October 14, followed by a networking lunch. Shipping may have been slower than other industries to recognize the importance of CSR but it is making up for lost time now. For the new generation of Greek owners, as much as for the more conservative Japanese shipping companies, 'ethical' is the new buzz word. Our event, hosted by PSA Corporation and sponsored by Lloyd's Register, will be a round table debate chaired by Seatrade's Asia Editor Sam Chambers. Confirmed speakers include Mohammad Souri, chairman & ceo, NITC; Andreas Sohmen-Pao, md of BW Shipping; Jesper Praestensgaard, Chief Executive for Maersk Line Asia-Pacific; Koay Peng Yen, group ceo, IMC Corp; and Arthur Bowring, managing director of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association.
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Delegates are signing up fast for the innovative program. Dr Glenn Frommer, Sustainability Development Manager at Hong Kong's Mass Transit Railway Corporation has agreed to speak, presenting tips for shipping from his firm, the world's most sustainable transportation system. After his address a host of well known shipping executives will debate the broad topic of sustainability in shipping here on the morning of October 14, followed by a networking lunch. Shipping may have been slower than other industries to recognize the importance of CSR but it is making up for lost time now. For the new generation of Greek owners, as much as for the more conservative Japanese shipping companies, 'ethical' is the new buzz word. Our event, hosted by PSA Corporation and sponsored by Lloyd's Register, will be a round table debate chaired by Seatrade's Asia Editor Sam Chambers. Confirmed speakers include Mohammad Souri, chairman & ceo, NITC; Andreas Sohmen-Pao, md of BW Shipping; Jesper Praestensgaard, Chief Executive for Maersk Line Asia-Pacific; Koay Peng Yen, group ceo, IMC Corp; and Arthur Bowring, managing director of the Hong Kong Shipowners Association.
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Sunday, July 20, 2008
Oslo taken to task over Gassled
Some of the world's biggest energy producers - including supermajors Shell, ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips - have accused Norway of giving its own companies too much say in running the Gassled pipeline system that carries nearly all Norwegian gas to the UK and continental Europe.
The supermajors were joined by Total, Eni and Dong in filing a joint complaint to Norway's Petroleum & Energy Ministry about what they claim is the overly dominant role of StatoilHydro and state-run Petoro in Gassled. Industry-owned Gassled supplies some 15% of European Union natural gas needs through a 7800 kilometre pipeline system across the North Sea. It is operated by Gassco. The complaint, which seeks to gain more rights for minority investors to safeguard their interests, follows a unilateral decision by the ministry last month over how Gassled passes resolutions, a Reuters report said. The ministry made the decision itself because Gassled shareholders failed to find a compromise in the wake of Statoil's 2007 takeover of Norsk Hydro's oil and gas assets, which effectively increased the say of Norwegian state-controlled companies. "Majority state-owned StatoilHydro and fully state-owned Petoro together have control have about 70% of Gassled," an official from one of the foreign companies issuing the complaint on condition of anonymity. "For the rest of the owners, it is difficult to have any influence and that is not what we are used to in Norway." Unlike many other oil- and gas-rich countries which have succumbed to resource nationalism as energy prices soar, Norway prides itself on equal treatment of all market.
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The supermajors were joined by Total, Eni and Dong in filing a joint complaint to Norway's Petroleum & Energy Ministry about what they claim is the overly dominant role of StatoilHydro and state-run Petoro in Gassled. Industry-owned Gassled supplies some 15% of European Union natural gas needs through a 7800 kilometre pipeline system across the North Sea. It is operated by Gassco. The complaint, which seeks to gain more rights for minority investors to safeguard their interests, follows a unilateral decision by the ministry last month over how Gassled passes resolutions, a Reuters report said. The ministry made the decision itself because Gassled shareholders failed to find a compromise in the wake of Statoil's 2007 takeover of Norsk Hydro's oil and gas assets, which effectively increased the say of Norwegian state-controlled companies. "Majority state-owned StatoilHydro and fully state-owned Petoro together have control have about 70% of Gassled," an official from one of the foreign companies issuing the complaint on condition of anonymity. "For the rest of the owners, it is difficult to have any influence and that is not what we are used to in Norway." Unlike many other oil- and gas-rich countries which have succumbed to resource nationalism as energy prices soar, Norway prides itself on equal treatment of all market.
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Dalian maritime portal closes in on 50,000 members
A subsidiary of Dalian shipping conglomerate Winland Group has become one of the stars of the maritime online world.
Shipping Online is rapidly approaching the 50,000 mark in terms of members and its range of services continues to diversify. The landmark membership figure should be hit by year end, officials at the firm reveal. The bilingual site provides industry news, a huge contact database plus a trading section where parts, cargoes and even ships are sold. It now claims to be the largest shipping e-commerce company in China.
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Shipping Online is rapidly approaching the 50,000 mark in terms of members and its range of services continues to diversify. The landmark membership figure should be hit by year end, officials at the firm reveal. The bilingual site provides industry news, a huge contact database plus a trading section where parts, cargoes and even ships are sold. It now claims to be the largest shipping e-commerce company in China.
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GE Shipping targets spot market
Great Eastern Shipping has announced plans to offer a big chunk of its dry bulk and tanker fleet in the spot market in order to take advantage of strong shipping rates.
“We can reprice our ships every few days depending on the market conditions,” GE Shipping spokesperson Anjali Kumar told DNA. The tactic is one that has already paid off for the Mumbai based company: last year, an estimated 60% of its dy bulk fleet plied the spot market. Although the majority of its tankers were chartered out, the company has indicated a decision to move the vessels over to the spot market when they end their charter contracts. GE Shipping currently has a fleet of 41 vessels, comprising 30 tankers and 11 dry bulk carriers.
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“We can reprice our ships every few days depending on the market conditions,” GE Shipping spokesperson Anjali Kumar told DNA. The tactic is one that has already paid off for the Mumbai based company: last year, an estimated 60% of its dy bulk fleet plied the spot market. Although the majority of its tankers were chartered out, the company has indicated a decision to move the vessels over to the spot market when they end their charter contracts. GE Shipping currently has a fleet of 41 vessels, comprising 30 tankers and 11 dry bulk carriers.
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Genco Takes Delivery of Vessel
Genco Shipping & Trading Limited announced that it has taken delivery of the Genco Cavalier, a 2007-built Supramax vessel.
The Genco Cavalier is the second vessel to be delivered to the Company under Genco's agreements previously announced on May 12, 2008 to acquire three drybulk vessels from Bocimar International N.V. and Delphis N.V. The Genco Cavalier is expected to be delivered to its charterer, Samsun Logix Corporation, on or about July 19, 2008, to commence a time charter for 24 to 26.5 months at a cash rate of $48,500 per day, less a 5 percent third party brokerage commission. The charter is due to expire between July 2010 and October 2010.
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The Genco Cavalier is the second vessel to be delivered to the Company under Genco's agreements previously announced on May 12, 2008 to acquire three drybulk vessels from Bocimar International N.V. and Delphis N.V. The Genco Cavalier is expected to be delivered to its charterer, Samsun Logix Corporation, on or about July 19, 2008, to commence a time charter for 24 to 26.5 months at a cash rate of $48,500 per day, less a 5 percent third party brokerage commission. The charter is due to expire between July 2010 and October 2010.
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Saturday, July 19, 2008
Boat India 08' international conference at Kochi
Around 300 delegates are expected to participate in the 'Boat India 08' International Conference on Boating and Yachting, from December 14 to 16 at Kochi.
The conference is organised by Marine BizTV, the Global Maritime Television Channel. Speaking to media persons on Friday, S K Sohan Roy, CEO, Marine BizTV, said the event will provide an excellent platform for the water sports enthusiasts of India, especially Kerala to learn more techniques on yachting. Another highlight is the introduction of Marinas (parking space for yachts) to India, particularly Kochi. The importance of Marinas in India has been re-established with the upcoming events like Boat India 08 and Volvo Ocean Race. An exhibition showcasing the latest information and products in the boat and yacht industry and the inaugural International Boating Awards, are also planned, he said. An added attraction during the Boat India 08 is the commencement of Maritime Cultural Olympics and Marine Film Festival. The conference along with the exhibition will provide information and business networking opportunity to its delegates and top players in the boat and yacht industry. The presence of prominent names like Gulf craft, Fincantieri Yachts and others will make the event an international convergence of lead players in the industry drawing worldwide attention, he said.
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The conference is organised by Marine BizTV, the Global Maritime Television Channel. Speaking to media persons on Friday, S K Sohan Roy, CEO, Marine BizTV, said the event will provide an excellent platform for the water sports enthusiasts of India, especially Kerala to learn more techniques on yachting. Another highlight is the introduction of Marinas (parking space for yachts) to India, particularly Kochi. The importance of Marinas in India has been re-established with the upcoming events like Boat India 08 and Volvo Ocean Race. An exhibition showcasing the latest information and products in the boat and yacht industry and the inaugural International Boating Awards, are also planned, he said. An added attraction during the Boat India 08 is the commencement of Maritime Cultural Olympics and Marine Film Festival. The conference along with the exhibition will provide information and business networking opportunity to its delegates and top players in the boat and yacht industry. The presence of prominent names like Gulf craft, Fincantieri Yachts and others will make the event an international convergence of lead players in the industry drawing worldwide attention, he said.
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Boat India 08' international conference at Kochi
Around 300 delegates are expected to participate in the 'Boat India 08' International Conference on Boating and Yachting, from December 14 to 16 at Kochi.
The conference is organised by Marine BizTV, the Global Maritime Television Channel. Speaking to media persons on Friday, S K Sohan Roy, CEO, Marine BizTV, said the event will provide an excellent platform for the water sports enthusiasts of India, especially Kerala to learn more techniques on yachting. Another highlight is the introduction of Marinas (parking space for yachts) to India, particularly Kochi. The importance of Marinas in India has been re-established with the upcoming events like Boat India 08 and Volvo Ocean Race. An exhibition showcasing the latest information and products in the boat and yacht industry and the inaugural International Boating Awards, are also planned, he said. An added attraction during the Boat India 08 is the commencement of Maritime Cultural Olympics and Marine Film Festival. The conference along with the exhibition will provide information and business networking opportunity to its delegates and top players in the boat and yacht industry. The presence of prominent names like Gulf craft, Fincantieri Yachts and others will make the event an international convergence of lead players in the industry drawing worldwide attention, he said.
Read More
The conference is organised by Marine BizTV, the Global Maritime Television Channel. Speaking to media persons on Friday, S K Sohan Roy, CEO, Marine BizTV, said the event will provide an excellent platform for the water sports enthusiasts of India, especially Kerala to learn more techniques on yachting. Another highlight is the introduction of Marinas (parking space for yachts) to India, particularly Kochi. The importance of Marinas in India has been re-established with the upcoming events like Boat India 08 and Volvo Ocean Race. An exhibition showcasing the latest information and products in the boat and yacht industry and the inaugural International Boating Awards, are also planned, he said. An added attraction during the Boat India 08 is the commencement of Maritime Cultural Olympics and Marine Film Festival. The conference along with the exhibition will provide information and business networking opportunity to its delegates and top players in the boat and yacht industry. The presence of prominent names like Gulf craft, Fincantieri Yachts and others will make the event an international convergence of lead players in the industry drawing worldwide attention, he said.
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Spanish Research Vessels to get Kongsberg and Simrad Systems
The Spanish sales division for Simrad and Kongsberg Maritime have signed contracts for one of its biggest projects to date; the supply and installation of navigation, positioning and research systems on two newbuilds for the Spanish Oceanographic Institute (I.E.O).
The twin 45m research vessels are specifically designed for research on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal areas although both will call the port of Vigo home. The first vessel is expected to be delivered in December 2009 and the second, a year later in December 2010. Both vessels will be silent, in accordance with the noise reduction recommendations set out by ICES 209. The first contract, signed with M Cies Shipyards in Vigo at a value of $5m, is for the supply and installation on each vessel of the Kongsberg Maritime Integrated K-Bridge, VDR, K-Pos with C-Joy (Dynamic Positioning), Seapath 200, SSU (Sonar Sychnronising Unit), MDM400 (Marine Data Management), EA600 single beam echo sounder and navigation sensors. Simrad equipment is also included as part of this contract in the form of the multi frequency EK60 echo sounder, FS20/25 and ITI trawl monitoring and other fishery research systems. The second contract, worth $6m was awarded directly by the I.E.O and consists of the supply and installation of an extensive scientific research equipment package on both vessels, consisting of the EM710 0.5º x 1º multibeam echo sounder, Simrad ME70 scientific multibeam, HiPAP 500 Acoustic Positioning System and TOPAS PS18 Parametric Profiler.
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The twin 45m research vessels are specifically designed for research on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal areas although both will call the port of Vigo home. The first vessel is expected to be delivered in December 2009 and the second, a year later in December 2010. Both vessels will be silent, in accordance with the noise reduction recommendations set out by ICES 209. The first contract, signed with M Cies Shipyards in Vigo at a value of $5m, is for the supply and installation on each vessel of the Kongsberg Maritime Integrated K-Bridge, VDR, K-Pos with C-Joy (Dynamic Positioning), Seapath 200, SSU (Sonar Sychnronising Unit), MDM400 (Marine Data Management), EA600 single beam echo sounder and navigation sensors. Simrad equipment is also included as part of this contract in the form of the multi frequency EK60 echo sounder, FS20/25 and ITI trawl monitoring and other fishery research systems. The second contract, worth $6m was awarded directly by the I.E.O and consists of the supply and installation of an extensive scientific research equipment package on both vessels, consisting of the EM710 0.5º x 1º multibeam echo sounder, Simrad ME70 scientific multibeam, HiPAP 500 Acoustic Positioning System and TOPAS PS18 Parametric Profiler.
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Mexican navy nabs drug-laden homemade submarine
The Mexican navy has seized a homemade submarine carrying a drug shipment off the Pacific coast.
The 10-metre makeshift submarine had a crew of four, and the vessel was detected about 320km off the southern state of Oaxaca. The four crew were taken into custody without resistance, and were later flown by helicopter to the city of Huatulco. The crewmembers said that they were fishermen who were forced to become drug mules when drug traffickers threatened to harm their families. “We didn’t know what was on board because we never saw it. It was sealed,” one of the crew, Jose Felix Enriquez was quoted in CNN. The Mexican navy said it was still determining how much cocaine was on board. The submarine was towed to a military base at Santa Cruz de Huatulco Bay.
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The 10-metre makeshift submarine had a crew of four, and the vessel was detected about 320km off the southern state of Oaxaca. The four crew were taken into custody without resistance, and were later flown by helicopter to the city of Huatulco. The crewmembers said that they were fishermen who were forced to become drug mules when drug traffickers threatened to harm their families. “We didn’t know what was on board because we never saw it. It was sealed,” one of the crew, Jose Felix Enriquez was quoted in CNN. The Mexican navy said it was still determining how much cocaine was on board. The submarine was towed to a military base at Santa Cruz de Huatulco Bay.
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Baosteel to take stake in Zhanjiang Port
China's biggest steelmaker Baosteel Group is to buy an eight percent stake in Zhangjiang Port Group Co. to facilitate imports of raw materials for its planned steel plant in Guangdong province.
Zhanjiang, the nearest Chinese port to Australia, can handle as much as 200,000 metric tons of iron ore and 300,000 tons of crude oil, Shanghai-based Baosteel said. Baosteel received government approval in March to start work on its 10m tonne capacity Zhanjiang plant, which will increase total steelmaking capacity by a third to meet rising demand. The project could cost 60bn yuan ($8.8bn), Chairman Xu Lejiang said in April. Zhanjiang Port is spending 4 bn yuan to expand the port including the construction of two docks for containers and two for receiving pellets, Baosteel said. The steel producer didn't say how much the investment would cost or who the seller of the stake is.
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Zhanjiang, the nearest Chinese port to Australia, can handle as much as 200,000 metric tons of iron ore and 300,000 tons of crude oil, Shanghai-based Baosteel said. Baosteel received government approval in March to start work on its 10m tonne capacity Zhanjiang plant, which will increase total steelmaking capacity by a third to meet rising demand. The project could cost 60bn yuan ($8.8bn), Chairman Xu Lejiang said in April. Zhanjiang Port is spending 4 bn yuan to expand the port including the construction of two docks for containers and two for receiving pellets, Baosteel said. The steel producer didn't say how much the investment would cost or who the seller of the stake is.
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Foss Maritime wins major clean air award
The ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach have praised the Seattle-based Foss Maritime Company, calling its innovative approach to reducing air pollution in southern California, USA, an outstanding example of corporate leadership.
Among Foss’ initiatives: Developing the world’s first hybrid tug, the ‘Green Dolphin’, a low-emission vessel that company officials expect to deploy in San Pedro Bay by the fall of 2008. Earlier this year, the federal Environmental Protection Agency gave Foss and the ‘Green Dolphin’ its Clean Air Technology Award. Foss announced in March 2007 that it was collaborating with the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to build the ‘Green Dolphin’, part of the ports’ ongoing efforts to clean air in the region. Industry analysts and environmental officials alike have praised the low-emission ‘Green Dolphin’;. It reduces nitrogen oxide, particulate emissions, sulphur dioxide and carbon emissions and will exceed the EPA’s Tier 2 emissions requirement for marine engines.
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Among Foss’ initiatives: Developing the world’s first hybrid tug, the ‘Green Dolphin’, a low-emission vessel that company officials expect to deploy in San Pedro Bay by the fall of 2008. Earlier this year, the federal Environmental Protection Agency gave Foss and the ‘Green Dolphin’ its Clean Air Technology Award. Foss announced in March 2007 that it was collaborating with the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to build the ‘Green Dolphin’, part of the ports’ ongoing efforts to clean air in the region. Industry analysts and environmental officials alike have praised the low-emission ‘Green Dolphin’;. It reduces nitrogen oxide, particulate emissions, sulphur dioxide and carbon emissions and will exceed the EPA’s Tier 2 emissions requirement for marine engines.
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France offers India partnership to export submarines
France has offered India a partnership to export hi-tech submarines to third countries.
Our strategy is not only to be in India for developing products for India but to develop for others because we think that a submarine is astrategic defense system which a lot of navies are interested in developing,” Chairman and Chief excecutive Officer of DCNS Jean Marie Poimbeuf told. Submarines are counted as among the most potent defense platforms as they can operate undetected far beyond a country’s shores. The DCNS, 75 per centowned by the French government is currently building six submarines for India at Mazgaon Dock Limited (MDL), Mumbai at a cost of about Rs. 15,000 crores.
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Our strategy is not only to be in India for developing products for India but to develop for others because we think that a submarine is astrategic defense system which a lot of navies are interested in developing,” Chairman and Chief excecutive Officer of DCNS Jean Marie Poimbeuf told. Submarines are counted as among the most potent defense platforms as they can operate undetected far beyond a country’s shores. The DCNS, 75 per centowned by the French government is currently building six submarines for India at Mazgaon Dock Limited (MDL), Mumbai at a cost of about Rs. 15,000 crores.
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