PACIFIC

SS&Y Pacific Capesize Index Rises 179 Points

Shipbrokers Simpson, Spence and Young's Pacific Capesize Index rose 179 points to 4,378 in the week ending Oct. 18. "After last week's record rise (912 points), the Pacific Capesize index has continued on a more moderate upward path this week," an SS&Y spokesperson said. "Current Pacific trade and activity looks steady with the volume of Japanese and Chinese cargoes remaining strong, but Atlantic direction cargoes are not holding as high a premium as trans-Pacific, although brokers feel that this could alter soon," he added.

Five-year Contract for Pacific Drilling Vessel

Pacific Drilling S.A. announce a five-year contract from Chevron USA for its ultra-deepwater drillship 'Pacific Sharav' Pacific Sharav is scheduled for delivery by Samsung Heavy Industries in Korea in the fourth quarter of 2013, upon completion of construction and client requested modifications. The drillship will be capable of operating in water depths of up to 12,000 feet and drilling wells up to 40,000 feet deep.

U.S. Pacific Fleet Receives Meritorious Unit Commendation

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Shane Tuck, Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Public Affairs Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet Adm. Robert F. Willard presented a Meritorious Unit Commendation to his staff during a morning colors ceremony held July 27 at the Makalapa Compound here. On behalf of the Secretary of the Navy Donald C. Winter and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Mike Mullen, the commendation awarded was presented to all personnel permanently assigned to the Pacific Fleet

EMMF Strengthens Global Bunkering Team

EXXONMOBIL Marine Fuels (EMMF), a world leading supplier of marine fuels, has undertaken a strategic reorganisation and strengthening of its bunkering team worldwide with effect from January 1, 2004. Dan Bryce is to leave his post as EMMF Americas General Manager to become Adviser, LNG/PGS Business Planning and Support, ExxonMobil Gas and Power Marketing, based in Houston. Meanwhile, Joe Rud, currently EMMF Manager for

PFI Marine Electric, Eltech Electric Partnership

Pacific Fishermen Shipyard and Electric LLC announced that it has agreed to sell its marine electrical operation, PFI Marine Electric, to a new company owned by the manager of the business, James Kaldestad, and George Hancock, owner of Eltech Electric Inc, another Seattle-based marine electrical contractor. Kaldestad will be President of PFI Marine Electric LLC, which will continue to operate at the Pacific Fishermen Shipyard in Ballard, Seattle and at Dutch Harbor, Alaska

Matson Acquisition Extends South Pacific Reach

Matson, Inc. agrees to acquire the primary assets formerly owned by Reef Shipping, a South Pacific shipping company based in Auckland, New Zealand. The assets to be acquired include four vessels and approximately 1,500 pieces of container equipment.  The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed and the closing of the transaction is expected to occur on or about year-end. "With this acquisition

Todd Awarded Navy Contract

Todd Shipyards Corporation announced today that the U.S. Navy has awarded to its wholly owned subsidiary, Todd Pacific Shipyards Corporation ("Todd Pacific"), a modification to previously awarded contract N00024-00-C-8514 in support of repairs and alterations performed during the Selected Restricted Availabilities ("SRA's"), the Docking Selected Restricted Availabilities ("DSRA's"), and the Continuous Maintenance Availabilities ("CMA's") of the surface combatants (frigates and destroyers)

Chris Brown to join Miller's

Christopher Brown, formerly Claims Director for Gard, will bring his experience to the UK P&I Club when he joins managers Thomas Miller on August 1. Mr. Brown, 40, trained and qualified as a maritime lawyer in the United States. A Norwegian speaker, he has been with Gard since 1989 and was stationed at its Hong Kong office after 1997. Brown leaves Norway for family reasons and is greatly looking forward to working for the world's largest P&I club.

Todd Shipyards to Overhaul CVN-72

Todd Shipyards Corporation said that the U.S. Navy has awarded to its wholly owned subsidiary, Todd Pacific Shipyards Corporation, a $10,949,272 modification to previously awarded contract N00024-00-C-4152. This modification represents the exercise of an option for the Docking Planned Incremental Availability ("DPIA") for USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN- 72), at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard commencing on September 5, 2006 and is expected to be completed March 15, 2007

Swire Announces Rebranding

The China Navigation Co Ltd (CNCo) has announced plans to consolidate the majority of its liner shipping services under a new entity, Swire Shipping Ltd, a new company recently incorporated in the United Kingdom. The service framework and existing network of management offices will not be affected by this change. Under the new entity, Swire Shipping will become the new brand, meaning that the current brands APIL, Chief Container Service, Crocodile Line,