Largest Vessel

Coast Guard Conducts Operation "Make Way"

Coast Guard to conduct Operation Make Way on Columbia and Willamette Rivers.   The Coast Guard is stressing the importance of the law requiring smaller vessels to stay out of the path of larger oncoming vessels by conducting Operation Make Way this fall fishing season. Operation Make Way is a joint recreational boater education and enforcement campaign designed to help boaters understand the need to give way and stay clear of commercial deep draft vessels on the Columbia and Willamette Rivers.Rule 9 in the Navigational Rules of the Road requires recreational boaters to give way to larger vessels restricted in their ability to maneuver. Recreational fishermen, often caught up in the excitement of a day on the water, frequently neglect to give way to larger vessels in a timely manner. Waiting until the last second to move from the path of these larger vessels is illegal and highly dangerous. “Large congregations of boaters recklessly put themselves and their passengers at risk this time of year, waiting until deep draft vessels sound their warnings the second time before moving,” said Capt. Bruce Jones, Sector Columbia River commander and Captain of the Port. “These boaters are essentially playing chicken and pilots of larger vessels have expressed deep concern.”Commercial vessels such as tug and tows, deep draft vessels and passenger cruise vessels cannot maneuver quickly and must stay on course to remain in deep water

ADED Releases Mid-Season Report

The Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) released its Mid-Season Cruise Ship and Ferry Report for 2002. The report covers 25 large vessels, 14 small vessels, and 5 ferries. Compliance with air quality standards by these vessels was very encouraging. ADEC remains concerned, though, that some large passenger vessels are discharging wastewater outside state waters so as to avoid state requirements. Wastewater problems were also noted with small passenger vessels.

Houston Pilots Accept 45 ft. Fresh Water Draft

Effective immediately, the Houston Pilots will accept vessels with drafts up to 45 ft. (13.7 m) in fresh water. In the wake of the crisis along the U.S. Gulf Coast, the Houston Pilots are foregoing a previously scheduled phased-in approach to larger vessels, as the maritime industry needs to divert many deep draft loaded vessels from ports affected by Hurricane Katrina. The Houston Pilots are comprised of 81 pilots; including two deputy pilots still in training.

Work begins on Asry upgrade

Construction work on the $20m Arab Shipbuilding and Repair Yard Co. (Asry) slipway project started yesterday. The contract for the project, to be completed by February 2008, was awarded to Ahmed Mansoor Al A'ali Company. The project, comprising two slipways, each with a dry berth length of 255 m, is designed to handle vessels of up to 15,000 dead weight (dwt). A company spokesman said this would enable Asry to free about 30 per cent capacity in its existing larger docks

Vessels: First Rigdon Vessel

The first of 10 Rigdon Marine vessels being launched at Bender Shipbuilding and Repair, Mobile, ALa. The Orleans is 210- by 54 ft. wide and features DP-2 navigation and has liquid mud holding capacities of much larger vessels. The Orleans in now in service and will be followed by Bourbon in May. All 10 yessels will be delivered by Summer 2005.

Samsung Deliver Suezmax Tanker to Concordia Maritime

Suezmax tanker 'Stena Supreme'  delivered to Sweden's Concordia Shipping by Samsung Heavy Industries of Geoje, South Korea The Stena Supreme is a crude oil tanker and with a length of 274 m, largest vessel in Concordia Maritime’s fleet. The vessel, represents an investment of around SEK 500 million, will be employed in the open market via the Stena Sonangol Suezmax Pool. With the delivery, Concordia Maritime’s fleet consists of one crude oil tanker

Munson Deliveres 150th Packman

The William E. Munson Company delivered its 150th Packman High Performance Landing Craft to Mike Hansen, of Kodiak, Alaska. Powered by a single Yamaha 225 hp outboard, the 24 ft. Packman has a top speed of 45 knots and a maximum load capacity of 3,000 lbs. Outfitting includes a standard 52 in. bow door with winch, console T-top , 100 gallon fuel system and Caulkins galvanized bunk trailer. Hansen purchased an 18 ft. Packman in 1995

Shannon Tugs Signs Three-Year Extension

Shannon Tugs, a 50/50 joint venture between Cory Towage and Marine Transport Services, has signed a three-year extension to its existing contract with Foynes Port Authority. The company has upgraded its tug fleet to accommodate larger vessels, which are expected to be calling at Foynes. Currently expanding its facilities, the Port of Foynes has just finished a $16.6 million extension to its main jetty, bringing the quay length to 886 ft. (270 m). An additional $3

Europe to Africa Route On Table

Hydro Air, a South African company, is mulling the possibility of launching a sea-air service between Europe and Africa in the longer term. Hydro Air, will launch its first-ever cargo service and first Africa-European air service in the first week of November with a Boeing 747-200 freighter. Hydro Air cargo's commercial director Louis van Deventer said the company was considering the possibility of a sea-air service in the future

Austal Makes Progress with Ferry

Austal USA is making progress with their latest project, the 192-ft. vehicle passenger ferry for Lake Express. The tunnel has been stood and all of the piping and electrical wiring within the tunnel has been installed. Ninety percent of the hull frames have been stood in preparation for fitting to the main deck. The wheelhouse module is 90 percent complete and plating has started. Prefabrication work on the ferry is also in its early stages.