SEA FLEET

SNA Meeting Offers China Navy Insights

Though China’s navy is generally a mystery to the west, and its build-up and intentions are often characterized as lacking transparency, a Chinese navy official insists that the country’s intentions are purely defense orientated. In translating an explanation from a superior officer, Liu Hongwei, Senior Captain, Naval Attache at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the U.S., explained: We will not fire the first shot, but when fired upon, the aggressor will not fire a second shot. Liu Hongwei was the featured luncheon speaker at a Surface Navy Association’s (SNA) Greater Washington Chapter luncheon, held July 24, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. Though not able to provide specific numbers regarding the Chinese navy fleet and newbuilding program, Liu Hongwei shared with attendees some insights as to the decision making structure and composition of Chinese naval forces. The Chinese Navy – established April 23, 1949 – power structure consists of four departments: Headquarters, Political, Logistical and Armament. Major decisions are made by committee rather than by a single person, according to Liu Hongwei, and both the Headquarter and Political leaders share equal power. The Chinese Navy consists of three fleets: the North Sea fleet; the East Sea fleet and the South Sea fleet, with each fleet services by two or three naval bases

DSV Chartered by N-SEA, Wide Range of IMR Devices Fitted

N-SEA charters  DP2 DSV 'Northern River' from Serco’s Marine Services for the 2013 season, equipped for its expansion in the subsea IMR market. N-SEA will install a compliment of ROV's onboard including a high powered WROV and 2 SubAtlantic Mohican Inspection class ROV’s and will also mobilise a full survey suite and a TUP Diving System to cover the multitude of operations throughout the coming season.

Steering into the Future Aboard Lincoln Sea

By Don Sutherland Everyone knows everyone else's business in this industry, or at least they think they do, and certainly try to. Who owns this or is buying that is information as eagerly sought for tactical insight as it is for gossip, and is equally protected by those in the know. The ex-S/R Everett, lately known as the Lincoln Sea, has been a buzz on New York harbor ever since the newswires hummed with reports that K-Sea had bought the Mobil-built boat

Backing for NEVA 2011 Gathers Pace

Support for NEVA 2011, the international maritime conference and exhibition taking place in St. Petersburg between September 20th and 23rd this year, has gathered momentum both within Russia and internationally in recent weeks. Rod Keay, managing director of Dolphin Exhibitions, the event organiser, says: “Support in Russia, and the CIS as well, has grown exponentially since the beginning of the year.” The event, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year

Kirby Announces 2011 4Q & FY Numbers

Kirby Corporation Announces Record 2011 Fourth Quarter and Year Results.   2011 fourth quarter earnings per share were $1.00 compared with $.59 earned in the 2010 fourth quarter 2011 year earnings per share were $3.33 compared with $2.15 for 2010 2012 first quarter earnings per share guidance is $.86 to $.93 compared with $.60 earned in 2011 first quarter 2012 year earnings per share guidance is $3.85 to $4.05 compared with $3.33 earned in 2011  

Sea Star Enlarges Refrigeration Fleet, Preps for LNG Ships

Sea Star Line, LLC said that it has increased its refrigerated container fleet by 25% in the past year to better serve the Puerto Rico trade. Sea Star is also in year two of a five year refrigerated equipment replacement plan. The replacement plan aims to reduce the average age of the entire Sea Star Line refrigerated container fleet to less than three years. Additionally, Sea Star Line recently entered into a five year agreement to acquire new gensets to support the increased reefer fleet

CMS Fleet Strongest in Region

Crowley Marine Services' Southern California fleet recently confirmed its strength by demonstrating ABS certified bollard pull test measurements of more than 100,000 lbs. for every tug in the region. The CMS is fleet is the highest hp and highest bollard pull fleet of tugs in the Los Angeles and Long Beach harbors. Tugs serving the Los Angeles and Long Beach market range from 4,400-7,000 hp and include several of Crowley's newest Harbor Class cycloidal tractor tugs and on Z-drive tug

China to Build Deep Water Oil Exploration Fleet

China will build its own deep water oil exploration fleet in three to four years. The fleet will be able to work in deep waters all over the world, except for the north pole. China's Offshore Oil Company has launched the strategy for building such a fleet. The company's spokesman, Liu Junshan, said one of their future targets would be deep sea oil exploration. They will invest up to $1.33b in the construction of modern equipment for deep sea drilling, a laboratory, and a working fleet

Marlink Extends Crew Calling Programs

Marlink, a subsidiary of Telenor Satellite Services, announced that it is extending its "Super Quiet Time" and "Inmarsat A to Fleet" maritime communications programs offered via Telenor. Both programs, first offered in early 2003, are designed to make "at sea" satellite communications more affordable and easier for mariners. Marlink's Super Quiet Time (SQT) Program: Mariners can make calls for standard prices less than USD 0.99 per minute - all weekend

Navy to Assist in Disaster Response

By Second Fleet Public Affairs Three ships, USS Nassau (LHA 4), USS Ponce (LPD 15), and USS Bataan (LHD 5), were ordered Sept. 12 to increase readiness for possible disaster response support. Nassau, which was already at sea conducting routine operations, has been directed south to operate off the Florida coast. Since Hurricane Ike made landfall along the Gulf Coast of the United States, Nassau is positioned to provide assistance to civilian authorities if needed.