Guinea President Seeks Greater Counter-piracy Cooperation
Equatorial Guinea 's President, Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, called on the Gulf of Guinea heads of state to maintain stronger vigilance and create a maritime security…
Panama Canal Authority to Invest Heavily in Maintenance
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will invest in its fiscal year (FY) 2014 (October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014) approximately US$238-million in maintenance of structures and equipment to continue providing an efficient service to the international maritime community. “The key to the Panama Canal’s operational excellence is a combination of its committed workforce and constant maintenance,” Executive Vice President for Operations Esteban Saenz said.
Long Beach President Commissioner Makes Inaugural Speech
Thomas Fields, President of the Long Beach Board of Harbor Commissioners, has given his official inaugural speech, outlining his plans to launch a 100-day "listening tour" with Port customers and other stakeholders, and to pursue the development of "maritime industry clusters" to enhance the Port's economic benefits to the region. Fields was elected as Board President on June 17, 2013, by his fellow board members, to a one year term from July 2013 through June 2014.
Redwise Report Recent Vessel Delivery Voyages
An OSV, a dredger and a landing craft have been recently added to the Dutch vessel delivery firm Redwise’s track record of completed ocean passages. The newly built landing craft “ESNAAD 1010” of 1.334 gt and installed propulsion power of 1696 BHP was successfully delivered on her maiden passage during the monsoon season from the Sealink Yard at Miri (Malaysia) to Abu Dhabi (UAE). The newly built Offshore Support Vessel “OCEAN STAR”…
Japanese Town to Scrap 'Tsunami Boat'
A Japanese town has decided to scrap a marooned fishing boat which has become a symbol of the devastating 2011 tsunami reports the BBC. Residents of Kesennuma in Miyagi prefecture voted to scrap the Kyotoku Maru No 18 which was swept inland by a giant wave triggered by the earthquake although there had been plans to preserve the vessel as a monument. after the disaster, according to the BBC report…
China Plans Bohai Bay Economic Hub in the North
The central government is considering plans to upgrade regional cooperation between Beijing, Tianjin and Hebei province to build a trilateral economic sphere in the Bohai Bay area…
Indian Navy Submarine Explodes, Catches Fire
A loud explosion accompanied by a fire rocked Indian Navy submarine 'INS Sindhurakshak' docked at the high security naval dockyard in Mumbai early on Wednesday (14-08-2013) reports The Times of India, citing government officials. Many sailors on board the submarine reportedly jumped off to safety, but an official defence ministry statement added that there was a likelihood of some personnel being trapped inside.
Murray, Cantwell to Unveil American Ports Legilation
On Thursday, August 15th, at 10:00 AM, U.S. Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani, and Port of Tacoma CEO John Wolfe will hold…
Betty Sutton Sworn in as Saint Lawrence Seaway Administrator
U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx today administered the oath of office to former U.S. Congresswoman Betty Sutton who becomes the tenth Administrator of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (SLSDC). “We are pleased to welcome Betty Sutton to the Department as the new Administrator of the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation,” said SLSDC Deputy Administrator Craig H. Middlebrook.
Contract Awarded for Rescue 21 in the Western Rivers
As part of the ongoing National Distress and Response System (NDRS) Modernization Project (Rescue 21), the U.S. Coast Guard competitively awarded a contract August 5, 2013, to Eyak Technology LLC for design, delivery, installation and support of Rescue 21 capabilities in the Western Rivers. Rescue 21, the Coast Guard’s advanced command, control and communications system, was created to better locate mariners in distress and save lives and property at sea and on navigable waterways.
Coast Guard to Test Oil Spill Technologies in Arctic
The U.S. Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC) plans to test and evaluate oil spill detection and recovery technologies in the Arctic Ocean as part of Operation Arctic Shield 2013. A multi-agency team of engineers and scientists led by RDC researchers will conduct a series of demonstrations in September aboard Coast Guard Cutter Healy to test and evaluate capabilities of various unmanned aerial systems (UAS)…
Heavy Duty Wiper Motor from Schmitt & Ongaro
Visibility in all conditions is essential for a safe, enjoyable boating experience. Schmitt & Ongaro knows that a boat's windshield wipers are only as effective as the motor that powers them. That's why the company's new Heavy Duty Waterproof Wiper Motor comes packed with features that ensure dependable, trouble-free operation—all at an economical price. Living up to its heavy duty description, the wiper motor produces an impressive 15 N·m of torque when driving a wiper arm and blade.
New Cargos Boost St. Lawrence Seaway Commerce
Despite a downturn in overall cargo movements through the St. Lawrence Seaway in July (down 12.5% over 2012), new cargos and new vessels signaled continued confidence…
True North Announces New Flagship for 2014
True North Yachts, a Division of US Watercraft, LLC, announced its new flagship, the True North 50, the newest 50 foot power yacht to be added to the 2014 product line. The True North line currently consists of 34 foot and 38 foot model yachts. In coordination with Langan Design Partners, True North Yachts designed the TN50 to revolutionize their line by making the appearance more contemporary, focusing on the enjoyment of being outdoors…
Bestobell Valves Used on High-speed LNG Ferry
Bestobell Valves, part of the President Engineering Group (PEGL), has supplied valves to what has become the fastest LNG (liquefied natural gas) fuelled ferry ever built. The specialist cryogenic valve manufacturer produced 70 globe, check and thermal relief valves, which were supplied to Chart Ferox, a company based in the Czech Republic, which manufactured the fuel system for the ferry. Bestobell Valves has enjoyed a long working relationship of over 20 years with Chart Ferox…
Today in U.S. Naval History: August 13
Today in U.S. Naval History - August 13 1777 - American explosive device made by David Bushnell explodes near British vessel off New London, Conn. 1846 - Joint expedition led by Commodore Robert Stockton seizes Los Angeles, Calif. 1870 - Armed tug Palos becomes first U.S. Navy ship to transit Suez Canal For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.
Flexlife Makes Double Management Appointment
Flexlife, the subsea flexible pipes specialist, has strengthened its management organization with two senior appointments. Simon Hounsome joins Flexlife’s Aberdeen headquarters as integrity and projects director, responsible for the policy, strategy and technical services delivered globally from the firm’s Aberdeen, Newcastle and Houston offices. Mr. Hounsome brings more than 20 years’ oil and gas experience in construction projects and operations management.
Underwater Repairs to all Propellers
Over the years the Hydrex R&D department has continuously improved underwater repair techniques to make it possible for Hydrex diver/technicians to perform permanent repairs on seals, thrusters, rudders and almost any other part of the underwater vessel without the ship needing to go to drydock, the company said. According to Hydrex, the final step has now been taken by the development of a repair…
ITG Orders Two Ulstein PSVs
The ROC yard, China, will construct two platform supply ships of Ulstein’s PX121 designs for the ITG Group. The contract includes an option for two additional vessels. According to Ulstein, the PX121 has become very popular among various ship-owners and investment companies, and ROC is a new yard entering the stage of constructing vessels carrying the X-BOW hull line design from Ulstein. This inverted bow leads to reduced speed loss in waves…
Coast Guard Foundation Hires Northeast Director
The Coast Guard Foundation, a nonprofit organization committed to the education and welfare of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today the addition of Susan Ludwig to its staff as Regional Director of Philanthropy. Based in Fairfield County, Ms. Ludwig will work in the northeastern United States, concentrating on New York, Connecticut and New Jersey to engage individual, corporation and foundation donors and prospects to broaden the reach of the Foundation in the region.