First Time

Navy Charters Kite-Powered Cargo Ship

For the first time, the U.S. Navy's Military Sealift Command (MSC) has chartered a kite-assisted, fuel-saving cargo ship to carry military equipment. MV Beluga SkySails departed , , Oct. 5 after the first of three European port calls to load U.S. Army and U.S. Air Force cargo before the ship's month-long voyage to the . The 400-foot Beluga SkySails is the world's first cargo ship to use a sky sail – a giant, computer-controlled kite that can rise 100 yards into the air and uses wind power to help propel the ship during long ocean transits. Though MSC frequently charters commercial ships to meet mission requirements, this is the first time the command has chartered such a ship. The ship operating company estimates that the sky sail can reduce fuel costs 20-30 percent, or roughly $1,600 per day. MSC operates approximately 110 noncombatant, civilian-crewed ships that replenish U.S. Navy ships, conduct specialized missions, strategically preposition combat cargo at sea around the world and move military cargo and supplies used by deployed forces and coalition partners.

HAL Ships Celebrate Historic Meeting

The meeting in Dubrovnik of the ms Amsterdam and the ms Prinsendam marked the first time in Holland America Line's 134-year history that two ships on simultaneous Grand Voyages met at a port of call. When Holland America Line's flagship the ms Amsterdam and the Elegant Explorer ms Prinsendam met today in Dubrovnik, Croatia, the combined 2,000 guests were treated to a special event commemorating the first time in the company's 134-year history that two ships on simultaneous Grand

Rolls-Royce has Successful First Run

The new Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine, which brings state-of-the-art aero engine technology to the marine market, has successfully run for the first time at the Rolls-Royce site in Bristol, U.K. Available for delivery from early 2004, the MT30 boasts a power rating of 36MW. According to the manufacturers, it is cost-effective and efficient compared to other marine gas turbines above 25MW. It is available for service in either mechanical or electrical genset applications for both commercial

This Day in Naval History - Jan. 10

From the Navy News Service 1847 - U.S. Naval forces occupy Los Angeles during the Mexican-American War for the first time. 1917 - The Navy places the first production order for aerial photographic equipment. 1934 - Patrol Squadron 10F flies the first non-stop formation flight from San Francisco to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, arriving Jan. 11. 1946 - The first Navy nuclear power school is established at Submarine Base New London, Conn.

Christening of AIDAluna in Palma de Majorca

Since the night of April 4, the newest ship of the AIDA fleet officially bears the name AIDAluna. At exactly 10:18 PM, international top model Franziska Knuppe smashed the champagne bottle across the bow and enunciated the talismanic christening words. About 2,100 guests celebrated a high-spirited party on board the new ship, enjoying tepid spring temperatures and the shining moon. The christening was topped off by gigantic fireworks that illuminated the night sky.

N. Korean Ship Searched

According to an August 10 report from The New York Times, Indian authorities have detained a North Korean vessel and are searching it for radioactive material, the first time a ship has been seized and boarded under sanctions adopted by the United Nations Security Council in June. The cargo ship, M/V San, was spotted August 7, officials said, and detained under the authority of the United Nations. (Source: The New York

Peri Yachts Picks Displays at MYS

For the first time, Peri brought one of its Turkish-built yachts to the Monaco Yacht Show. The newly built 29-metre yacht stood out with her golden-looking hull. Peri also announced it has a new 37-metre model under production and a triple deck 41-metre vessel, Peri’s largest, is being planned. The yard now offers 29-m, 33-mm, 37-m, 37-m triple and 41-m triple composite yachts.

Ship Values Rise

As the world has been beset by a wave of bad financial news -- from the looming financial crisis and credit crunch to the rapidly escalating cost of industrial materials, particularly steel -- Clarkson via its weekly Clarkson Index delivered some good news for a change, as the index, which is a measure of prices for all types of vessels, rose for the first time in more than three months. According to a Bloomberg report

This Day in Naval History – Oct. 18

1859 - U.S. Marines reach Harper's Ferry, VA and assault the arsenal seized by John Brown and his followers. 1867 - USS Ossippee and USS Resaca participate in formal transfer of to authority at and remain to enforce law and order in new territory. 1944 - 3rd Fleet Carrier aircraft attack Japanese ships in harbor and land forces around . 1968 - In Operation Sea Lords, the Navy's three major operating forces in (TF 115, 116

Korea Ship Exports to Hit $53b in 2009

According to a report from KBS, Korea’s domestic shipbuilding industry will lead the nation’s exports in 2009 as it is expected to exceed the $50b mark in exports for the first time. (Source: KBS)