ZODIAC OF NORTH AMERICA
Seigal Appointed VP at Zodiak
Zodiac of North America, Inc., manufacturer of military and commercial inflatable boats and rigid-hull inflatable boats (RIBs), has hired Commander (Ret.) Steve Seigel to lead their military and professional business unit. Seigel’s Naval career includes both enlisted and commissioned service in multiple SEAL and Underwater Demolition Teams, and the US Special Operations Command. Following his operational and command tours, he reported to the USSOCOM acquisition and logistics directorate after completing the Defense Systems Management College. “Commander Seigel was assigned to the program management office responsible for the development, testing, full rate production and delivery of the MK V Special Operations Craft, so we’re excited about the experience and leadership he will bring to our team,” commented J.J. Marie, President and CEO of Zodiac of North America. As the Program Manager, Seigel established the Combatant Craft Program Management Office (CCPMO), which combined the MK V, Naval Special Warfare RIB, and eventually, the SOC-R under one management effort. The CCMPO streamlined various independent levels of effort for each craft by defining commonalities and leveraging program funding. “This is a unique opportunity to join Zodiac. The Homeland Security and Homeland Defense organizations as well as DOD use Zodiac boats to complete critical missions and tasking
Brunswick, Zodiac Drop Suit
A lawsuit filed by Zodiac and its affiliated companies against Brunswick Corporation will be dismissed, according to an agreement reached last week by the two companies. Last summer, Zodiac of North America Inc., Zodiac International and its AVON Inflatables Ltd. Subsidiary filed a lawsuit against Brunswick Corporation that alleged Brunswick's Amanzi 380 Deluxe rigid-hull inflatable boat (RIB) infringed on a Zodiac patent and AVON's trade dress. The suit, filed in the U.S.
ZNA’s J.J. Marie Inducted into French Legion of Honor
J.J. Marie, president and CEO of Zodiac of North America (ZNA), was inducted into he French Legion of Honor, holding the title Chevalier de la Legion d’Honneur. He was presented with the award in January at a private ceremony in the residence of Francois Bujon de L’Estang, French ambassador to the U.S. in Washington, D.C. The Legion of Honor, which is considered France’s highest honor, was created by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802.
People & Company News
D.F. Young Moves Headquarters International logistics service provider D.F. Young, Inc. has announced the relocation of its headquarters office from New York City to Jersey City, N.J. in the first quarter of 2001. The company is leasing 14,000 sq. ft. at 1 Journal Square in Jersey City, after operating from downtown New York for most of its 97-year history. "When this company was started in 1903, all the shipping companies and banks were located in downtown Manhattan
Zodiac of North America, Marie Retires
Zodiac of North America, Inc. announced that Jean-Jacques (J.J.) Marie, its President and Chief Executive Officer, is retiring from the company at the end of February. The company plans for Howard French to lead their Recreational Products division and Steve Seigel to lead their Military Products division. Marie, who will assist with the transition as a consultant, will also remain on the Board of Directors. Marie has been with the Zodiac family of companies for 25 years including serving as
Zodiac Recreational Acquired by OpenGate Capital
OpenGate Capital, LLC, a private investment and acquisition firm, acquires Zodiac Recreational from Zodiac Marine & Pool. Zodiac Recreational designs, manufactures and distributes inflatable and Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs). Zodiac is a recognized brand in the nautical industry with an extensive range of products including RIBs, recreational tenders, inflatable boats, jet tenders, life rafts, and related boat accessories as well as two other branded lines of products
Zodiac Aids With New Self-Righting Design
Zodiac International has developed a new patented, self-righting technique to comply with the updated RoRo ferry liferaft regulations. Formulated by a team of technical engineers, the design is patented in both France and the U.S. - to be followed shortly by other jurisdictions. The self-righting design enables liferafts to automatically turn from a capsized position to an upright position on the surface of the water, regardless of whether they inflate in the inverted position underwater or on
Iveco Opens N. American Ops
Iveco, a leading Italian manufacturer of commercial vehicles and diesel engines, announced the opening of its U.S. engine operations, Iveco Motors of North America, in conjunction with the unveiling of their new brand name, Iveco Motors. Serving 79 countries with their acclaimed diesel engines, Iveco Motors opened North American operations in Carol Stream, IL to respond to the demands of the growing Canadian and the U.S. marketplace. The new U.S
MCA Approves First Ship Security Plans
The United Kingdom’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has recently approved the first two Ship Security Plans for UK flagged vessels. It expects these to be the first of many before the implementation date of the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) on 1st July 2004. The first verifications of ships security systems have been scheduled for early November. The plan approved was for the vessel CMA – CGM Normandie
MOL, Changes to N America Sales Team
MOL (America) Inc.’s Product Management Team has announced changes to its North America Sales Management. Effective immediately, Dennis Sheehan, Vice President Atlantic Services will direct MOL’s sales activities in the US Northeast, Midwest and Southeast regions, while Jim Galligan, Vice President Pacific Services will lead sales activities in the US Western States and Mexico. In their new assignments both gentlemen will report directly to Thomas M
ISA Establishes U.S. Office
Edward R. Sacks Named as President of North American Operations On 10 May 2013, International Shipyards Ancona (ISA) announced the grand opening of its North American operations with an office at the Portside Yachting Center on at the 17th Street Causeway in Fort Lauderdale
Harris Pye Opens New Office in Dubai
Harris Pye marked another milestone in their bid for further global expansion last week with the opening of their brand new company in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This company was established to centralize engineering teams to support global business dealings with regard to
Global Freight Rates Plunge, Report Finds
Average global freight rates have fallen to a 15-month low, according to Drewry’s new online Container Freight Rate Insight. Drewry’s Global Freight Rate Index fell 12% in April to reach its lowest level since February 2012, when container shipping was still recovering from the last
W&O Realizes SeaCor Pipe-dream
W&O designated preferred North American distributor of first United States Coast Guard-approved marine plastic piping system. W&O, a global supplier of marine pipe, valves and fittings, valve automation, and engineered solutions, has partnered with Georg Fischer Piping Systems to bring to
ISS Hires New Vice President
Maritime service provider Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) appointed Tim Cahill to a new role as Vice President Bulk Commodity Business Development, to target future growth in cargo services. Tim comes to the role with over thirty years’ experience in business development
Dometic Marine Appoints Haynes
Dometic Marine signaled its intent to focus on the commercial market with the appointment of 25-year company employee Ben Haynes to the Commercial and Military Marine portion of Dometic Americas. International Technical Sales Manager Haynes
Rickmers-Linie Adds Vessel on Pearl String Service
Rickmers-Linie added a 10th vessel on its eastbound Round-the-World Pearl String Service as part of its continuing program of investment in its services. The global breakbulk, heavylift and project specialist has taken the Rickmers Savannah on long-term charter to help it meet customer demand
AWEA Chicago Conference & Expo Kicks Off
New American Wind Energy Association (AWEA) leadership takes helm with EDPR’s Gabriel Alonso chairing the board. Tom Kiernan to speak as incoming CEO. Generating a sense of electricity like the thousands of wind turbines in the region
Seaspan Mark NAOSH Week with Walter Gretzky
During North American Occupational Health and Safety (NAOSH) week Seaspan welcomed Walter Gretzky on a tour of its Vancouver Shipyards. For those not in the know, Walter Gretzky, is a Canadian who is best known as the father of NHL legend Wayne Gretzky
Seaspan, Walter Gretzky Celebrate NAOSH Week
With North American Occupational Health and Safety (NAOSH) week well underway across the continent, Seaspan welcomed Walter Gretzky to its Vancouver Shipyards to underscore the importance of health and safety in the workplace. Hockey’s most famous father addressed Seaspan employees with
Aker Wins Big EPCI Contract Offshore Canada
Aker Solutions awarded contract for offshore engineering services to support Husky Energy at White Rose field. The scope of work includes studies, modifications (EPCI) and campaign maintenance services. The duration is five years with an option to extend the contract for as many as 10 one-year
Houston Ship Channel Expansion Planned
Kinder Morgan announces land purchase, plans to construct dock and expand terminal capacity on Houston Ship Channel. Kinder Morgan Energy Partners say they will invest $106 million to purchase approximately 20 acres adjacent to its Pasadena, Texas, terminal
North American Oil Supply Shocks Markets
IEA’s Medium-Term Oil Market Report sees companies overhauling global investment strategies; meanwhile, surge in non-OECD refining capacity shakes up product market The supply shock created by a surge in North American oil production will be as transformative to the market over the next
Today in U.S. Naval History: May 14
This Day U.S. Naval History - May 14 1801 - Tripoli declares war against the United States 1836 - U.S. Exploring Expedition authorized to conduct exploration of Pacific Ocean and South Seas, first major scientific expedition overseas. Lt
Tidewater to Acquire Troms Offshore Supply
US Firm, Tidewater, agrees with HitecVision to purchase Norway's Troms offshore, including 5 large PSV's. Tidewater say that the acquisition of Troms Offshore, headquartered in Tromsø, Norway, will expand their global footprint into the Norwegian sector of the North Sea and supplement