CLASSIC CHARTERS

New Shipyard for Belfast's Working Waterfront

According to the Marine Public Broadcasting Network, a new shipyard is opening in Belfast. Boat builders, led by J.B. Turner and partners Taylor Allen of Rockport Marine and Steve White of Brooklyn Boatyard, will construct composite and classic wooden yachts. The yard will have a retrofitting business, a full-service marina, some unique shipping ventures.    Source: Marine Public Broadcasting Network  

OceanConnect and Starsupply Launch Hedging Service

OceanConnect President Thomas Reilly today announced the launch of a new risk management service aimed at helping shipowners and suppliers protect their profits. "Financial derivatives have become an important tool in the risk management arena. OceanConnect, in partnership with Starsupply Petroleum, will offer the first derivative brokerage service focused exclusively on the world's bunker markets," Reilly said.

United States Lines Names First Ship ms Patriot

United States Lines, a subsidiary of American Classic Voyages, said the vessel it is acquiring from Holland America Line will be named ms Patriot. The vessel - being acquired for $114.5 million - will offer seven-night cruises year-round from Honolulu, Hawaii. The company will take delivery next October, with the inaugural voyage planned for December 9, 2000. During a planned renovation, new facilities will be added to the vessel to enhance the passengers' Hawaiian cruise experience

AMCV Awards Columbia Queen Contract

American Classic Voyages (AMCV), granted a $6.4 million contract for construction completion and outfitting on Columbia Queen to Nichols Brothers Boat Builders of Whidbey Island, Wash. The 161-passenger U.S.-flag riverboat, which will be readied by Nichols for service on the Columbia River system, will be operated under The Delta Queen Steamboat brand. Offering Pacific Northwest cruises beginning in April 2000, Columbia Queen will travel the Columbia

McGinnis Appointed VP Of Marketing

American Classic Voyages Co. has appointed Scott G. McGinnis vice president of marketing for its Delta Queen product group, which includes Delta Queen Steamboat Company and Delta Queen Coastal Voyages. McGinnis is responsible for all marketing activity on behalf of Delta Queen Steamboat Company's four riverboats, which cruise throughout the U.S. Heartland, South and Pacific Northwest, and Delta Queen Coastal Voyages' two ships

Star Cruises of Malaysia to Order Metso DNA System

The Star Cruises of Malaysia has chosen Metso to refurbish the automation system on its MS Star Pisces cruise ship that sails in the Far East.   The vessel's new automation will increase reliability and customer comfort. After docking in Hong Kong in February, the vessel will continue its cruise program from March 2013 onwards. Metso will supply its state-of-the-art Metso DNA system to replace the present Damatic Classic automation system that it had supplied earlier

OIG Issues Audit of Title XI Loan Guarantee Program

The Department of Transportation Office of Inspector General (OIG) issued its Report on the Audit of the Title XI Loan Guarantee Program The audit examined whether proper procedures were followed and the impact of recent bankruptcies. As of December 2002, the Title XI portfolio totaled approximately $4.3 billion in executed loan guarantees and loan guarantee commitments. The report discussed the impact of the American Classic Voyages Co. (AMCV) bankruptcy ($1

Kold-Draft Provides Quality Cubes

The Kold-Draft 350 Series "Classic" cuber produces up to 320-lbs. of ice per day, and is engineered with rugged unibody construction. Its time-proven design ensures reliable operation, greater water efficiency and maximum ice making capacity. Serviceability is from the front and the use of environmentally friendly R-404a refrigerant offers added efficiency. Kold-Draft's GT Series Slimline cuber measures only 28 x 3/8-in. wide and is engineered and built to fit in small areas

Blount-Barker Signs Contract For Sea Wolf Marine Tug

This past August, Blount-Barker Shipbuilding signed a contract with Sea Wolf Marine of Bayonne, N.J. to build a 2,400-hp, 85-ft. (25.9 m) double chine, all welded twin-screw tug set for delivery in April 2002. Bristol Harbor Group has been contracted to modify the Blount classic 85-ft. (25.9-m) tug design to take advantage of CNC (computerized numeric controlled) cutting. The tug will be powered by two CAT 3512 engines; 4:1 twin gears and two 65kW generators will supply ship service power

RCCL Names Pimentel President & CEO

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCCL) has announced the appointment of Larry Pimentel to the newly created position of president and chief executive officer of Azamara Cruises. Pimentel will have responsibility for the strategic direction and leadership of the deluxe brand to ensure its continuous growth and success. He will report directly to Richard D. Fain, chairman and chief executive officer of RCCL. Pimentel has more than 25 years of travel industry experience catering to the high-end