First Class

This Day in U.S. Naval History - July 7

1798 - Congress rescinds treaties with France; Quasi War begins with Frigate Delaware capturing French privateer, Croyable.   1846 - Commodore John D. Sloat lands at Monterey and claims California for U.S.   1916 - Thomas A. Edison becomes head of Naval Consulting Board which screens inventions for use by the Navy   1948 - First six enlisted women sworn into Regular Navy. The Navy WAVES in Naval Reserve, who were the first to transfer to the Regular Navy, were Kay Louise Langdon, Aviation Storekeeper First Class; Wilma Juanita Marchal, Chief Yeoman; Frances Teresa Dovaney, Storekeeper, Second Class; Edna Earle Young, Yeoman, Second Class; Doris Roberta Robertson, Teleman, Second Class; and Ruth Flora, Hospital Corpsman, First Class.   Source: Navy News Service  

Beware of First-Class Charterers

The International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) has advised shipbrokers against using the term "first-class charterers" when conducting fixture negotiations, following a claim made by shipowners against one of its broker members in respect of the failure of charterers to perform a contracted fixture. Writing in the latest issue of its Claims Review, ITIC explained, “Norwegian shipbrokers were involved in negotiations for a voyage charter

Exxonmobil Signs Agreement

EXXONMOBIL Marine Fuels (EMMF), the world's largest supplier of marine fuels, has signed a supply agreement with NT Marine of Estonia, the biggest marine fuels trader in the region extending from Tallin in Estonia to St. Petersburg in Russia. The agreement initially covers St Petersburg and all the main ports in Estonia, including Tallin, Muuga, and Paldiski. It may be extended next year to cover other ports, depending on industry developments in the region.

This Day in Naval History - July 22

From the Navy News Service 1802 - Frigate Constellation defeats 9 Corsair gunboats off . 1905 - Body of John Paul Jones moved to for reburial. 1953 - U.S. ships laid down heavy barrage to support UN troops in Korea 1964 - Four Navy Divers (LCDR Robert Thompson, MC; Gunners Mate First Class Lester Anderson, Chief Quartermaster Robert A. Barth, and Chief Hospital Corpsman Sanders Manning) submerge in Sealab I for 10 days at a depth of 192 feet, 39 miles off Hamilton, Bermuda

This Day in Naval History - Sept. 03

From the Navy News Service 1782 - As a token of gratitude for French aid during the American Revolution, the United States gives America (first ship-of-the-line built by U.S.) to France to replace a French ship lost in Boston. 1783 - Signing of the Treaty of Paris ends the American Revolution. 1885 - First classes at U.S. Naval War College begin. 1925 - Crash of rigid airship Shenandoah near Byesville, Ohio. 1943 - American landings on Lae and Salamaua.

Statoil Employs Natural Gas Tugs

Statoil to Use Vessels Running on Natural Gas for Eco-Friendly Operations.   Statoil has awarded Buksér og Berging a contract for two escort tugboats to service the Kårstø processing plant on behalf of operator Gassco. The deal secures Kårstø new tugboat capacity with innovative technology for more environment-friendly operations. The two escort tugboats will assist the ships calling at Kårstø

Cloud X Discontinues Operations

The Cloud X, a 365-passenger fast ferry that has been operating between Port of Palm Beach and the Bahamas since August 2005, will discontinue operations at the end of May, the vessel’s owner said today. “Rising fuel costs and disruption of travel priorities caused by four hurricanes are among factors beyond our control that contributed to this decision,” said John Martin, owner of the vessel, which was operated by Party Line Cruise Co.

Demeroutis Joins Crowley

Crowley Maritime Corporation said that Steve Demeroutis has joined the company as director, labor relations. He is domiciled in Jacksonville and reports to Jerry Dowd, vice president, labor relations, in Seattle. Demeroutis is responsible for all labor relations activities for the East Coast terminal operations including grievance handling, negotiations contact administration, compliance resolution and relationship building with Crowley's union representatives and personnel.

Excel Maritime Enters into Time Charter Agreements

Excel Maritime Carriers Ltd. (NYSE: EXM), an owner and operator of dry bulk carriers and a provider of worldwide seaborne transportation services for dry bulk cargoes, announced that it has chartered M/V Birthday for a time charter consisting of two “laden legs” with an approximate duration of 60 days at a daily rate of $92,750 per day and the M/V Marybelle for a period of minimum 5 up to maximum 7 months at $50,650 per day, both to first class charterers.

Seaspan Container Lines Expands

Seaspan Container Lines has placed an order for nine new 4,250 TEU container ships. The new ships will be chartered to the Canadian shipping company, CP Ships. “It is an honor for us to expand our customer base to include CP Ships. Their people, performance, and history are all first class. We are extremely excited about this new relationship,” said Kyle Washington, CEO and chairman of the Washington Marine Group.