ABB's New Azipod Thruster
ABB has released details on its latest generation Azipod thruster, a unit which ranges in power from 1.6 megawatts to 7 megawatts (MW) and is intended to serve a growing electric propulsion market. (According to Clarkson’s Research, the number of vessels with electric propulsion has been growing at a pace of 12% per year over the last decade). ABB said a significant development is the fact that Azipod D will allow for a wider range of vessel types to use the innovative propulsion system.
Long Beach Picketers Not Striking -Port CEO
Port of Long Beach CEO Jon Slangerup issued a statement addressing the status of picketing truckers at the harbor, pointing out that the demonstration is not a strike.
Ecochlor BWTS
Ballast water treatment technology developer Ecochlor Inc. presented a project case study at CMA Shipping 2015, a case study which covered the retrofit of Ecochlor’s ballast water treatment system (BWTS) aboard the 2007-built RoRo car carrier vessel M/V Green Bay following an order from International Shipholding Corporation (ISH) in 2013. ISH ordered Ecochlor systems for seven of its ships, including vehicle carriers and bulk carriers, to be installed between 2014 and 2016.
GEA UV Ballast Water Treatment
Earlier this year GEA won the first contract for equipping cruise liners with its UV ballast water treatment system, BallastMaster marineX, powered by Trojan Marinex. The contract is to equip two new vessels with one BallastMaster marineX each, as well as an option for equipping a third. The IMO-certified system, with a throughput capacity of 500 cu. m./hr., features two-phase operation with mechanical pre-filtration and subsequent disinfection of the ballast water by UV treatment.
New Water Maker
ACO Marine launched a new water recovery system that is designed to give vessel owners greater capacity to reuse the treated effluent from wastewater treatment plants.
Sludge Management System
Scienco/FAST has introduced a new way to deal with sludge with its standard MarineFAST Marine Sanitation Device, which meets MEPC.159(55) or providing secondary treatment, incorporating about one month of internal sludge storage or three months with larger systems. For vessels requiring a longer period, the MarineFAST BMS provides an aerobic sludge digester with long term internal storage to extend the sludge storage.
Baltic Index Flat on Muted Shipping Activity
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, remained flat on Monday on muted shipping activity. The overall index…
Ballast Water Technology Installation & Innovative Drive Contols
Specifying for ballast water treatment systems can be a difficult process. Ian Hamilton, sales manager for marine electrical wiring control and instrumentation specialists CMR Group, offers guidance. Ballast water, which is used to maintain balance and stability when a ship is empty of cargo, has been identified as a key factor responsible for bringing invasive species of microorganisms into non-indigenous environments, causing a major threat to marine ecosystems.
E-Procurement Streamlined via the Cloud
Marine Procurement Solutions (MPS) has built an electronic platform that aims to enhance the purchasing cycle for the maritime industry. MPS provides software, consultancy services and other customized solutions through its Direct Connect e-procurement trading platform that is designed to unite buyers, vendors and other members of the supply chain via a cloud-based interface that allows users to electronically process requests for quotations…
IMO Forum Aims to Rebuild Somalia's Maritime Sector
A three-day Stakeholders Forum will be held April 27-29 to review draft guidelines for the establishment of a Somalia Maritime Administration, coordinated and funded by the International Maritime organization (IMO), is being hosted by the Kenya Maritime Authority at the Sarova Whitesands Beach Hotel, Mombasa, Kenya. According to the IMO, the event aims to develop a framework for establishing a Somalia…
Online BWM Tools Launched
A new online learning portal including a free e-learning course on the Operational Aspects of Ballast Water Management (BWM) was launched today by the GEF-UNDP-IMO GloBallast Partnerships Program and the Global Industry Alliance (GIA). The online tools have been developed by the GloBallast project, with financial support from the GIA to assist with the wider implementation of the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, 2004 (BWM Convention).
AAPA Elects Quinn as Chairman of the Board
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) elected Jim Quinn, president and CEO of New Brunswick, Canada’s Port Saint John, to serve as the international trade association’s chairman of the board for the 2015-16 activity year. Elected at AAPA’s 2015 Spring Conference on April 21, Quinn is slated to be installed as AAPA’s chairman for a one-year term on the final day of the association’s 104th Annual Convention, set for Nov. 2-4, 2015, in Miami.
BHGI-designed ATB Unit Under Construction
Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. (BHGI) informs it is currently completing the detail design phase of a 399’ x 74’ x 30’ 80,000 BBL double hull oil tank barge and a 120’ x 40’ x 18’- 6” twin screw ocean service tug. Both vessels are currently being built under ABS survey at Conrad Shipyard, L.L.C. in Amelia, La. with a 2015/2016 delivery date. The new ATB Gulf Venture and Gulf Carrier will be operated domestically and internationally by John W.
Scorpio Bulkers Sells Three Newbuilds for $111m
Scorpio Bulkers Inc. announced that it has entered into agreements to sell three newbuild dry bulk vessels, including two Capesize ships and an Ultramax ship, for…
EPA Promotes Green Initiatives at Port of Houston
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy visited the Port of Houston April 24 to highlight grants aimed at improving air quality. The port will receive about $900,000 in funding as part of EPA’s Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant program for clean diesel projects at U.S. ports. “We celebrate that the Port of Houston is growing and thriving, while still reducing pollution,” Administrator McCarthy said.
London P&I Club Issues Recommendations on Bauxite Cargoes
The London P&I Club has issued a list of recommendations to owners contemplating the carriage of bauxite cargoes in the wake of renewed concerns about the dangers of cargo mis-declaration and potential liquefaction. In the latest issue of the club’s StopLoss Bulletin, Dr Martin Jonas, of international marine consultant and surveyor Brookes Bell, notes that grades of bauxite containing a high proportion of fines capable of retaining significant moisture are potentially at risk of liquefaction…
Horizon Delivers Second 80’ Towboat to FMT
Horizon Shipbuilding, Inc. announced the delivery of another 80’ Inland River Towboat, the M/V Chip Stiebing, to Florida Marine Transporters (FMT) of Mandeville, La. Delivered in March 2015, this is the second 80’ towboat of the three vessel contract with FMT. Horizon, a Bayou La Batre, Alabama shipyard has delivered several 140’ and 120’ inland river towboats over the eight-year relationship with FMT.
Milaha Reports Improved Net Profit for Q1
Qatar Navigation (Milaha) Q.S.C. has announced its financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2015, in which it reported operating revenues of QR 786 million vs. QR 699 million for the same period in 2014, an increase of 12% quarter over quarter. Operating profit of QR 279 million vs. QR 273 million for the same period in 2014, an increase of 2% quarter over quarter, net profit of QR 365 million vs.
SFL Acquires Eight Bulk Carriers from Golden Ocean
Ship Finance International Limited (SFL) has entered an agreement to acquire eight Capesize dry-bulk carriers from subsidiaries of Golden Ocean Group Limited, the company announced today.
Northrop Grumman Navigation Systems for Canadian Navy
Northrop Grumman Corporation's Sperry Marine business unit has been selected to design and supply gyrocompass navigation systems for 12 Kingston Class coastal defence vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy, as a subcontractor to SNC-Lavalin Defence Programs Inc. The contract will include Dual NAVIGAT X MK1 gyrocompass systems, NAVITWIN IV Heading Management Systems and a complete suite of Heading Repeaters. Installation will start in June 2015 and extend through early 2017.