MV ARCTIC

Excel Maritime Takes Physical Delivery of MV Princess I and MV Angela Star

Excel Maritime Carriers Ltd, an owner and operator of dry bulk carriers and a provider of worldwide seaborne transportation services for dry bulk cargo has announced today that it has taken physical delivery of two vessels, MV Princess I at the port of Izmit in Turkey and MV Angela Star at the port of Taean in South Korea. MV Princess I is a Handymax bulk carrier of 38,858 dwt built in 1994 and MV Angela Star is a Panamax bulk carrier of 73,798 dwt built in 1998. Both vessels were built in Japan. The company agreed to acquire MV Princess I on February 21, 2005 and MV Angela Star on March 23, 2005. CEO Christopher Georgakis commented: "We are very pleased to have taken delivery of MV Princess I and MV Angela Star. With these deliveries in place the company has successfully taken physical delivery of 14 vessels within the past six months."

Aker Arctic secures contract on Arctic Tanker Design

Samsung Heavy Industries and the Russian shipowner JSC Sovcomflot have signed a contract for the construction of three high ice class 70.000 tdw Arctic shuttle tankers. This contract is based on a conceptual design developed by Aker Arctic. SHI will work under a co-operation and licence agreement with Aker Arctic, according to which Aker Arctic has given and will give support to SHI in designing and constructing these vessels.

Scientists to Simulate Arctic Spills

According to CBC, a group of Arctic oil spill experts who recently met in Halifax say they plan to create artificial spills in northern waters to learn how to clean them up. Six oil companies are backing a series of international experiments aimed at improving technology for cleaning up spills. Norwegian scientist Evor Sinksus says more oil production and shipping traffic in the Arctic has During the next three years

Arctic Ice Retreat Continues

Yellow line: Northwest Passage. Blue line: Northern Sea Route The International Ice Charting Working Group (IICWG), meeting at ESRIN in Frascati, issued the following statement on October 26, 2007: “In September 2007, the Arctic sea ice reached the minimum extent in the history of ice charting based on satellite, aircraft and surface observations, continuing a recent trend of diminishing sea ice that began in the 1980’s and has accelerated

Aker Arctic to Design Drillship Enhancements

Frontier Drilling USA Inc, Houston, has engaged Aker Arctic of Helsinki, Finland to proceed with the initial design and conceptual development of the modification work for their turret moored Drillship Frontier Discoverer. The work includes development of a modified hull form and protection to the riser to suit the harsh environment of the Beaufort Sea. Aker Arctic will also conduct a series of ice model tests in their brand new model testing facility

TBS International Takes Delivery of Bulk Carrier

TBS International Limited announced that it has taken delivery of its the M.V. Arapaho Belle, formerly the M.V. Elsa Oldendorff, an acquisition that it had announced in July 2007. The M.V. Arapaho Belle is a 1998 built, 24,021 dwt handysize bulk carrier the Company agreed to acquire charter free for $29m. With the delivery of the M.V. Arapaho Belle, TBS' current fleet consists of 36 multipurpose, handymax and handysize vessels

Arctic Policy Outlined by European Union

Knowledge, responsibility, engagement: the EU outlines its policy for the Arctic The European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy have outlined the way forward for the EU's constructive engagement in the Arctic. The Arctic region is a vital component of the Earth's environment. Climate change in the Arctic is advancing dramatically, with change visible on a yearly basis

Arctic Risk Management Study Released by DNV & FNI

A new study about crucial risk management issues relating to Arctic operations is released by DNV and the Fridtjof Nansen Institute (FNI). The study concludes that, in order to safely develop Arctic resources, there is a need for improved technology, oil spill preparedness and close cooperation between the authorities, industry and society. DNV’s CEO, Dr Henrik O. Madsen, presented the study entitled ‘Energy and the environment – Arctic resource development

Aker Kvaerner Awarded contracts for Arctic Shuttle Tankers

Aker Kvaerner has been awarded contracts from Russian Admirality Shipyards to supply equipment for two shuttle tankers destined to operate in Arctic waters. The contracts include bow loading systems and complete mooring and emergency towing systems. The equipment is designed for the extreme low temperature conditions in the Arctic areas. The vessels are being built for the Russian Shipowner Sovcomflot to service the Prirazlomnaya field in the Pechora sea.

Canada Further Protects Arctic Waters

Canada’s Transport Minister, John Baird, today introduced legislation in the House of Commons to enhance Canada’s sovereignty over Arctic waters and protect them from pollution. This coverage will give Canada greater and more effective control over marine activity in the Canadian Arctic while enhancing environmental protection in Canada's North. This marks an important step forward in the federal government's integrated Northern Strategy.