Posidonia 2008: A success beyond any doubt

This year’s Posidonia proved to be more than a handful as usual for most professionals in the maritime industry.

With more than 17,000 visitors, a record since the fair is beginning some decades ago, Posidonia 2008 lived up to the expectations. Special events were held, with classification societies and Asian shipyards proving to be among the most active exhibitors, at least in terms of announcements made and deals closed. DNV for instance announced a series of initiatives, not to mention the small event held at its stand, in order to give away the “Green Award Certification” to Aegean Bulk’s M.V. Afovos. It was the first time that this prestigious award, is being handed out for a bulk carrier, currently operating in the fleet of Aegean Bulk and classed by DNV. Germanischer Lloyd also announced a series of deals, among which was the use of CO2 index, a special tool provided by the group, by Costamare, headed by Cpt. Vassilis Constantakopoulos. But classification societies weren’t the only ones. Dozens of service providing companies were also at center stage of Posidonia, showcasing their products and meeting with potential customers. After all, that’s the purpose of every fair and this proved to be right also for Posidonia this year.
Read More

First ship made in Subic passes sea trial

M/V Argolikos, the first ship to be built in this freeport, not only passed its recent test for seaworthiness, but also performed "well beyond expectations" at Manila.

Pyeong Jon Yu, an executive of South Korean shipbuilder Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp.-Philippines, said the $60-million container carrier successfully passed the required sea trial prior to its delivery this month. In a letter to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman Feli-ciano Sa-longa, Yu said the sea trial last May 27-29 was witnessed by representatives of Dioryx Maritime Corp., the Greek shipping firm that ordered the vessel, and Bureau Veritas, a Paris-based conformity assessment, certification and inspection and testing firm. "It is worthy to note that the required speed as per contract is 24.5 knots, but the ship's actual speed is 24.6 knots," Yu said. "We are pleased to inform you that the owner's representative on board, and Bureau Veritas remarked that the ship performed well beyond their expectations," he said.
Read More

Schlumberger, Maersk beat record

Oilfield services giant Schlumberger and the Qatar arm of Denmark's Maersk Oil teamed up to drill the longest well in the world – in the Al Shaheen field offshore Qatar.

The well reached a total depth of 40,320 feet (12,289.57 metres), breaking the previous record length by 2000 feet (609.6 metres). In addition to being the longest well ever drilled, the well set nine other records.
Read More

Bollinger delivers the second 35,000-barrel tank barge to Bouchard

Bollinger Marine Fabricators has delivered ‘B. No. 233', the second of two double hull, 35,000 barrel oil tank barge units at Lockport, USA.

It is built to meet the requirements of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA'90), to Bouchard Ocean Services, Melville, USA. The ‘B. No. 233' is a manned, clean oil, oceans tank barge measuring 91.4 metres with a 19.5-metre beam and a depth of 6.4 metres. The barge has ten cargo tanks, with Byron Jackson cargo pumps, driven by John Deere engines. The barge has accommodations with full galley for four, and is classed ABS, +A1 Oil Tank Barge, Manned Oceans. BMF delivered the sister ship, ‘B. No. 231' in July of 2007. BMF is building the 'B. No. 262' and the 'B. No. 264', both 60,000 BBL OPA'90 tank barges that are scheduled for delivery during the first quarter of 2009 and first quarter of 2010. Bollinger will also deliver the 'B. No. 260', a 60,000 BBL OPA'90 tank barge, in the third quarter 2008, and the 'B. No. 284', an 80,000 BBL OPA'90 tank barge, during the second quarter of 2009 from the Bollinger Gretna facility for Bouchard.
Read More