SERVICE MARINE INDUSTRIES

Litton Integrates Marine Ops In New Company

The consolidation of marine industry assets in the U.S. has taken a rather unique twist, as Litton Industries — with a strategy of becoming the marine industry's full-service leader — announced the formation of a new company, the Litton Ship Systems Full Service Center (LSS FSC). Litton, which for years has been amassing an impressive arsenal of marine equipment builders and suppliers from around the globe, formed LSS FSC to operate as a stand-alone business within the existing Litton Ship Systems (LSS) organization, with headquarters in Pascagoula, Miss. LSS FSC will provide its customers a full range of research and development, design analysis and life cycle support services. These services will be offered in conjunction with the two LSS shipyards — Litton Avondale Industries in metro New Orleans, Louisiana, and Litton Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula — as well as a worldwide network of fleet support offices already in place. "Through our two shipyards, Litton is already one of the nation's leading companies for the design, engineering, construction, and life cycle support of major surface ships for the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard and international navies, as well as commercial vessels of all types," said Michael R. Brown, Litton chairman, president and CEO. "In forming this company, Litton is taking the next step in broadening our ability as a significant industry partner in R&D, as a prime contractor for design and production

Ieva And Cassaras Promoted At Ashland Specialty Chemical

Drew Marine, a division of Ashland Specialty Chemical Company, recently announced two promotions in its Boonton, N.J., headquarters. Ron Ieva, who has held positions at Drew Marine as senior product manager, area manager for the Southeast and Caribbean, and cruise industry business manager, has been promoted to regional sales manager for the Americas. Mike Cassaras, who has been southeast and Caribbean area manager and regional sales manager for the Americas

PPL Shipyard Completes Acquisition of Sabine Industries

Further to its announcement dated September 22, 2005, “SembCorp Marine’s PPL Shipyard Acquires Sabine Shipyard in Texas, USA”, SembCorp Marine is pleased to announce that its subsidiary PPL Shipyard has completed the acquisition of a 100 per cent equity interest in Sabine Industries, Inc. (SII) and its subsidiaries Sabine Offshore Services, Inc (SOSI) and Sabine Shipyards, Inc (SSI) and a 25 per cent equity interest in Sabine Vessels, Inc (SVI) for a total consideration of US$6.4 million.

U.K. Manufacturers Seek to Forge New Partnerships

Launched in March 2001, The Marine Export Partnership (MEP) is a new initiative designed to assist British marine companies in their exporting efforts and to raise the profile of the British marine industry to potential overseas customers. The partnership was formed under the auspices of Trade Partners U.K. (part of the British government department for trade and industry) to encourage all sectors of the U.K. marine industry to work together to promote itself overseas

Japan Calls For Measures To Ensure Shipping Competitiveness

The Transport Ministry released a report calling for ''comprehensive'' efforts to maintain the international competitiveness of Japan's shipping industry. Cooperation among shipping companies and related businesses, such as shipbuilders, port operators and marine insurance companies, is necessary to maintain the competitiveness of the shipping industry, the ministry said in its annual white paper on shipping. Among specific measures

Brynjar Gevelt Takes on Head Role at MTS

Brynjar Gevelt, who brings with him 14 years in the maritime software and service arena, has been appointed CEO of Marine Transaction Services (MTS). Gevelt's experience includes Corporate Software Development Manager in Marinor Shipping and Offshore Services AS, Technology Director Visma Marine AS (Spectec), and the last three years as Director of products and projects in MTS. The company has added to its product development department with Roger Werner Laug who comes from IT consulting

MariTEL Discontinues Voice Network

After over 30 years of service to mariners across the United States, MariTEL is discontinuing Marine radio voice communications service, effective June 6, 2003, citing rising operating costs and declining service revenues. “MariTEL appreciates the opportunity to serve the marine industry over the years. I sincerely hope that MariTEL service has been useful and regret that this action is necessary,” said Dan Smith, President and CEO of MariTEL

Sperry Marine to Perform VDR Annual Inspections

Northrop Grumman Corporation's Sperry Marine business unit has received service approval from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) to conduct annual performance testing of shipboard voyage data recorder (VDR) installations. Sperry Marine is the first company in the marine industry to obtain classification society approval for VDR performance testing as required by the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention. According to Andy Fraser, director of worldwide service for Sperry Marine

O'Neill to Head Vessel Operations at Ingram

Ingram Marine Group, one of America's leading inland marine transportation companies, today announced the appointment of David O'Neill as Vice President of Operations for Ingram Barge Company. Ingram Barge Company's Operations hub is located in Paducah, Kentucky, and is the largest employer in the region. Mr. O'Neill will oversee all vessel operations in addition to Ingram Support Services, Ingram Towing and Emergency Response. He

Francois Named CEO of Delta Towing

Hercules Offshore, Inc. has appointed Larry Francois as Chief Executive Officer and President of Delta Towing effective August 20. Delta Towing, a subsidiary of Hercules Offshore, operates a fleet of 96 marine vessels, including 42 inland tugs, 18 offshore tugs and 36 crew boats, as well as 60 barges, including 30 deck barges, 17 shale barges, four spud barges and one offshore barge in the Gulf of Mexico. Larry has over 30 years of industry experience, most recently serving as Sr