Regulatory Environment

Improving Vessel Efficiency a Focus at GL North America Meeting

Germanischer Lloyd’s (GL) North American Committee, considered current topics & challenges to the shipping industry at its recent Texas meeting. The challenge of improving vessel efficiency heads the agenda of every ship owner and operator. With sailing speeds reduced across the board, fuel efficiency has become the biggest lever to increase cost competitiveness. Both regulatory agencies and the industry are developing mechanisms to improve efficiency and in 2013 the IMO’s EEDI and SEEMP regulations will enter into force, in an effort to spur innovation and reduce CO2 emissions. David Greening of Seaspan, one of the world’s largest independent containership companies, set out his firm’s response to the challenge of rising bunker prices and a tighter regulatory environment. Seaspan was investing in highly efficient designs for new vessels, while undertaking a system to improve operational energy use, including draft and trim optimization, and using vessel based monitoring to track KPIs. In a multi-tier market that differentiates between vessels based on their efficiency, improved energy use can result in significantly improved employment opportunities and earnings. One under utilised area in shipping to realise such gains is the implementation of software systems. Kristinn Aspelund, of GL partner firm Marorka, examined some of the systems available to owners and operators to boost efficiency and cut fuel use.

New MITAGS Course on Environmental Regs

The Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) and Pacific Maritime Institure (PMI) announced their upcoming “Introduction to the Maritime Environment and EPA General Permit” Course. With the introduction of the Vessel General Permit the EPA has captured an estimated 70,000 additional regulated units that have previously been exempt from permitting requirements in U.S. waters. This new universe of permitees, while previously subject to many international

ABS Elects Tony Nassif as Executive Vice President

In response to its continued global expansion, leading international classification society ABS has strengthened its executive leadership team with the election of Tony Nassif as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the society. The election was made by the ABS Board of Directors at its meeting this week. Nassif moves to ABS from his position as President and CEO of the society’s wholly owned affiliate, ABS Group of Companies Inc.

Consolidation Likely as U.S. Oil and Gas Operators Grapple with New Regulation

New research reveals the impact of post-Macondo reform U.S. oil and gas professionals are losing their appetite for risk and are worried about rising operating costs, as they grapple with the consequences of a tougher, post-Macondo regulatory regime, according to new research published today by GL Noble Denton. Despite the new regulations, the vast majority believe that the U.S. will continue to be a leading investment destination

Drilling Moratorium Suspended with Higher Standards

On October 12, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar determined it is appropriate that deepwater oil and gas drilling resume, provided that operators certify compliance with all existing rules and requirements, including those that recently went into effect, and demonstrate the availability of adequate blowout containment resources. Secretary Salazar reached his decision after reviewing a report from Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEM) Director Michael R

Salazar Announces Regs to Strengthen Drilling Safety

The Department of the Interior announced on Sept. 30 two new rules that will help improve drilling safety by strengthening requirements for safety equipment, well control systems, and blowout prevention practices on offshore oil and gas operations, and improve workplace safety by reducing the risk of human error. “These new rules and the aggressive reform agenda we have undertaken are raising the bar for the oil and gas industry’s safety and environmental practices on the Outer

Industry Leaders to Meet in Dubai

With a weakening dollar, predictions oil could hit $100 a barrel, and a boom in multi-billion dollar refinery construction, finance and shipping leaders will be meeting in Dubai this November to assess the impact on the regional and global maritime industries. The Middle East shipping industry is dominated by the tanker trade. Bookings for supertankers sailing from the Middle East to Asia account for 47% of global demand for the carriers, compared with shipments to the US and Caribbean

Matterhorn Project Benefits from Integration

Paragon Engineering Services, Inc. recently offered support of Atlantia Offshore on the TotalFinaElf E&P USA, Inc. Matterhorn project in the Gulf of Mexico. "Atlantia is focused on delivering a turnkey package for a reliable, fit-for-purpose solution for deepwater field developments, with strong emphasis on cost, schedule and operational success," said , Bill Wenger, Paragon project manager. "Paragon has adapted to this culture

Heyerdahl Award 2005 to Japanese NYK Line

The Japanese shipping company, NYK Line, was today announced as winner of the Heyerdahl Award 2005. The Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Børge Brende, presented the Award during an Award Ceremony in Tokyo. The Heyerdahl Award honours the spirit of the Norwegian explorer Dr. Thor Heyerdahl and inspire the world maritime community to innovative actions to protect the environment. - NYK Line demonstrates a remarkable commitment to ceaselessly improving its environmental performance

New York Assembly Seeks New Regulatory Scheme for Oil Spill Prevention

New York Assembly Bill 5175 (AB 5175), sponsored by Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli (D), requires the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to develop, draft and implement a regulatory program to address the prevention of oil spills on state waterways. The existing regulations provide DEC a degree of discretion which permits the agency to consider federal and local programs that may address issues related to oil spills, such as pre-deployment of booming equipment, contingency plans