BROWN MARINE SERVICE

Babcock & Brown to Acquire Bluewater Wind

International investment firm Babcock & Brown (ASX: BNB - News), announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Bluewater Wind Delaware LLC and its parent holding companies, including Bluewater Offshore Holdings LLC and Bluewater Wind Holdings, LLC, in an effort to expand its portfolio of wind energy projects and contribute to its goal of developing offshore wind. Hunter Armistead, head of Babcock & Brown's North American Energy Development Group added that Bluewater will continue with negotiations with Delmarva Power toward executing a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), in a process that is being overseen by the Delaware Public Service Commission and three state agencies. [Source: PRNewswire]

Brown Appointed as Asia Pacific Regional Director for U.K. P&I Club

Christopher Brown has been appointed Asia Pacific Regional Director of the UK P&I Club from October 1st. He will also be responsible for providing services to all Thomas Miller’s managed Clubs, particularly UK P&I, TT, UK Defence, ITIC and the Lloyd’s insurer Dex. Based in Hong Kong, Brown will head Miller’s regional management team, leading the offices in the region and supported by experienced managers Nick Sansom in Singapore and Barton Phillips in Sydney.

ACP Awards Legal Counsel Contract for Expansion

Panama Canal Authority (ACP) announced today that it has awarded the legal counsel contract for the Panama Canal expansion to Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw LLP. A total of seven top-tier international law firms participated in the bid for this contract, and after careful evaluation of the proposals, the contract was awarded to Mayer, Brown, Rowe & Maw based on the firm's reputable qualifications and previous work experience with similar projects.

FGH Elects New COO

Friede Goldman Halter has appointed Anil Raj as its COO, effective immediately. Raj, who served previously as the company's senior vice president, Government Projects, joined Halter Marine in 1987 as director of Engineering. Raj has also held positions at Brown & Root, and Gulf Fleet Marine Corp. He holds a BSE degree in naval architecture and marine engineering from the University of Michigan.

Brown, Director of Underwriting, UK Club

Christopher Brown will lead underwriting policy for the UK Club with effect from 20th February 2009 in the new role of Director of Underwriting. Christopher Brown, previously Claims Director in London, will be taking over from Hugo Wynn-Williams who has led underwriting policy as chief executive of Thomas Miller P&I Ltd. He is central to the claims analysis process that supports the Club's claims reserving activity

Coast Guard Investigates Slick off U.S. Gulf Coast

According to an Oct. 23 report from Reuters, the U.S. Coast Guard is investigating a large brown slick floating near the mouth of the Mississippi River and said it could be weathered oil from the BP spill or just algae bloom. A Coast Guard vessel went out to the orange-brown substance, which stands around 2-3 miles (3-5 km) offshore at Tiger Pass, northwest of Venice, Louisiana, according to spokesman Jeff Hall. (Source: Reuters)

Shipowners Begin Updating Fleets Under Jones Act

Totem Ocean Trailer Express (TOTE) recently contracted National Steel and Shipbuilding (NASSCO) to build two new RoRo vessels for TOTE’s Alaskan service. The vessels will replace three smaller, older ships. This is the first of many expected orders placed by Jones Act ship owners to update aging fleets, according to Cynthia Brown, president of the American Shipbuilding Association (ASA). The $300 million contract illustrates that investment in new

News: Newport Shipyard Announces Promotions

Bruce Brown, Chief Operating Officer, announced a number of new staff appointments at the Newport Shipyard. The shipyard is expanding its management team so that the yard can better handle an influx of new work. Mr. Brown said, "These senior staff appointments greatly enhance the shipyard's ability to successfully contract and manage both yacht and commercial work." Mark Mutty, with over 28 years in the boating industry and well versed in both yacht and commercial applications of yacht

Tamburrino is New NAVSEA Executive Director

Vice Adm. Philip M. Balisle, commander, Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), announced the selection of Pat Tamburrino as the organization's new Executive Director - NAVSEA's senior civilian position. "Pat brings experience doing business with and among the Pentagon senior leaders - both Flag and SES," said Balisle. "He has a solid background in the intricate workings of the Pentagon, NAVSEA and the Program Executive Offices- from both an organizational and programmatic point

Whittel Criticizes Port Security

Robert Whittel expressed his serious concern that, with only two weeks until the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) code goes into effect, most American ports and ships remain inadequately secure against potential terrorist attacks. Whittel, a Naval Reserve Officer and former American Maritime Officer, stressed that the security of American maritime facilities is one the most critical -- yet overlooked -- elements of U.S. homeland security.