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Canal Zone News

13 Dec 2023

Panama Canal Woes Mean Longer Haul for Many

Tanker Strinda inside the Gatun locks on the Panama canal. Copyright Moments by Patrick/AdobeStocks

As low water level continue to plaque the Panama Canal, shipowners and managers are paying the price in the form of longer hauls and higher fuel (and emissions) costs to deliver product to market.In one example, oil tanker Cururo is taking the long way from Houston to Chile: sailing the length of South America's Atlantic coast, across the Strait of Magellan and heading up the Pacific coast before discharging.The voyage could take 32 days and travel more than 10,000 nautical miles (18…

14 Feb 2022

Floating Power Plants: Is Nuclear the Key in the Net-zero Energy Transition?

Image courtesy NuScale Power, LLC

Floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs) may not immediately spring to mind as providing a solution to several of today’s key global challenges – but FNPP development is emerging as a means of decentralized stand-alone production of cost competitive hydrogen-based fuels and clean electricity and water, according to a new report by Intelatus Global Partners.The commercial case for deployment of FNPPs featuring small modular reactors is founded in the growing demand for hydrogen and…

29 Sep 2021

Liftal Acquires Damen Hoisting

(Photo: Damen)

Liftal Hijstechniek has acquired Damen Hoisting. The agreement will be effected on October 1, and the organization will be incorporated into the full-service specialist in lifting and hoisting technology.Damen Hoisting was established five years ago as a business unit of Damen Anchor & Chain Factory B.V., located on the premises of Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam in Schiedam. The hoisting division serves customers from various markets such as the maritime, offshore, industrial and…

14 Apr 2020

Suez Canal Zone Announces Deal to Boost Competitiveness, Investment

Š donvictori0 / Adobe Stock

Egypt's Suez Canal Zone and its Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT) announced an agreement on Tuesday committing to $50 million of investments that they said would help boost competitiveness at Port Said East port.SCCT opened in 2004 and is operated by majority shareholder APM Terminals, part of Denmark's A.P.Moller-Maersk. It has struggled to attract container and transshipment business in recent years.(Reporting by Patrick Werr Writing by Aidan Lewis; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)

04 Dec 2019

Port Said Tunnel to SCCT Opened

The opening of the Port Said tunnel, under the Suez Canal just south of Port Said last week is an important piece of the jigsaw required to position the Suez Canal Container Terminal (SCCT) as Egypt’s primary gateway terminal.Construction of the twin-tubed, 4-lane road tunnel began in 2017. Its inauguration follows the opening of the Ismailia tunnel earlier this year and the 30th June Axis road, a 10-lane highway with 2+2 dedicated lanes for trucks.With the terminals strategic location offering no deviation from the main routes on trade lanes between Asia and Europe, around 95% of SCCT’s traffic has historically been made up of transshipment volume.“The new tunnel…

05 Nov 2019

Maritime History & the Panama Canal

Grace Lines COLOMBIA transit of Panama Canal. Source: U.S.Merchant Marine Academy Maritime Museum.

The Panama Canal is a strategic crossroads for maritime traffic, and is arguably one of the most important maritime developments in the past century. Here we take a deeper dive into the history behind that famous strip of waterway.The present canal, which saw its first vessel transits in 1914, along with possible alternatives through Nicaragua and Mexico, had actually been on the minds of merchants, explorers and military/political strategists since the Age of Exploration in early 1500’s.

13 Aug 2017

DP World Forms JV with Egypt’s Suez Canal

DP World, has formed a joint venture (JV) company with Egypt’s General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone. The new venture will see the global terminal operator assist in developing projects in the SCZone, the main trade route between Europe and Asia, serving more than 8% of annual global trade. The new venture will develop projects in the Suez Canal Zone, one of the most promising trade zones given the calibre of its logistics facilities and its strategic location. The announcement of the joint company came during Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi's meeting today with DP World Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, and the Chairman of the Suez Canal Authority, Mohab Mamish.

08 Sep 2016

This Day In Naval History: September 8

1858 - The sloop-of-war USS Marion captures the American slave ship Brothers off the southeast coast of Africa. 1923 - At Honda Point, Calif., seven destroyers are run aground due to bad weather, strong currents, and faulty navigation. Twenty-three lives are lost during the disaster. 1933 - Six consolidated P2Y 1 flying boats of Patrol Squadron 5, under the command of Lt. Cmdr. Herman Halland, make a record formation distance flight of 2.059 miles from Norfolk, Va. to Coco Solo, Canal Zone in 25 hours and 19 minutes. 1939 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt proclaims limited national emergency and increases enlisted strength in the Navy and Marine Corps; also authorizes the recall to active duty of officer, men and nurses on the retired lists of the Navy and Marine Corps.

13 Jul 2016

This Day In Naval History: July 13

Richard Byrd (Photo courtesy of the Library of Congress)

1812 - The frigate, USS Essex, commanded by Capt. David Porter, captures the merchant brig, Lamprey, in the Atlantic. 1854 - The sloop of war, USS Cyane, bombards San Juan del Norte (Greytown), Nicaragua, in retaliation for ill-treatment of U.S. citizens. Marines and Sailors also seize weapons and powder in retribution for an attack on U.S. Consular officials for U.S. refusal to pay reparation. 1939 - Rear Adm. Richard Byrd is appointed to command the 1939-1941 U.S. Antarctic Service Expedition. Under objectives outlined by President Franklin D.

16 Feb 2016

Kongsberg Maritime Opens Office in Panama

Photo: Kongsberg Maritime

Kongsberg Maritime has established a new country office in the Republic of Panama. Opened in January 2016 and situated in the ‘Canal Zone’ close to Panama City, Kongsberg Maritime Panama will service merchant fleet customers transiting the Canal and the extensive tug sector in the region, in addition to providing support for ongoing or planned land reclamation dredging and new port and terminal construction projects. Kongsberg Maritime Panama expands the Norwegian headquartered maritime technology company’s global presence to 65 offices…

08 Jul 2015

Maritime Crime Still Rising in Southeast Asia

Ian Millen (Photo: Dryad Maritime)

New figures show that Southeast Asia continues to dominate maritime crime incidents globally, with 120 reports of piracy and maritime crime instances occurring in the region since January 1, 2015, an increase of 22 percent compared to the first six months of 2014, according to figures from U.K. maritime intelligence and operations company Dryad Maritime. Of these reported incidents, 12 were vessel hijackings – an increase of three compared to the same period last year. Dryad Maritime…

05 Mar 2015

Egypt: Suez Canal Zone to Make Up 30-35% of Economy

Egypt expects a planned economic zone near the Suez Canal to eventually make up about a third of Egypt's economy, the country's investment minister said on Thursday. Egypt plans to build an international industrial and logistics hub near the canal to attract foreign investment, alongside a separate scheme in which the army is digging a second canal to facilitate two-way traffic of larger ships. Investment Minister Ashraf Salman said the planned hub would be the centrepiece of a key economic conference planned for the end of next week, which Egypt hopes will draw investors back after four years of economic and political turmoil. "The main project that we'll show in the conference is the development of the Suez Canal…

27 Aug 2014

Panama Canal: The Billion Dollar Challenge

As the Panama Canal prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary, insurers are warning of the increased risks that will arise from the plan to double the cargo-carrying capacity of the world’s most famous canal. In a report entitled Panama Canal 100: Shipping Safety and Future Risks, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) identifies that the value of insured goods transiting the canal zone may increase by over $1 billion per day following completion of the Third Set of Locks Project, which will see two new sets of locks built, creating a third transit lane for larger ships.

05 Aug 2014

Panama Canal Expansion Poses Billion Dollar Challenge

Photo: ACP

As the Panama Canal prepares to celebrate its 100th anniversary, insurers are warning of the increased risks that will arise from its plan to double the cargo-carrying capacity of ships transiting one of the world’s most important waterways. In a new report entitled Panama Canal 100: Shipping Safety and Future Risks leading marine insurer, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) identifies that the value of insured goods transiting the canal zone may increase by more than $1 billion per day following completion of the Third Set of Locks Project…

24 Apr 2014

Today in U.S. Naval History: April 24

A U.S. Navy RH-53D sweeping the Suez Canal in 1974 (U.S. Navy photo)

Today in U.S. 1884 - USS Bear left the New York Naval Shipyard as part of the Greely Relief Expedition. USS Thetis would join the mission a week later, with USS Alert also joining on this mission. The Greely Expedition was marooned in the Arctic. Greely and six other survivors were found at Cape Sabine, 23 June 1884. 1959 - Organization of American States asks U.S. 1981 - RCA delivers to the Navy, NOVA I, the 1st production unit of the improved navigational satellite. For more information about naval history, visit the Naval History and Heritage Command website at history.navy.mil.

09 Jan 2014

Middle East Maritime Security: Cooperation is the Key Vital

An MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter, assigned to the "Sea Knights" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 22, transports supplies over the guided-missile cruiser USS Gettysburg (CG 64) during a replenishment-at-sea with the aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) in the Arabian Gulf. (U.S. Navy photo by Seaman Karl Anderson)

Vice Adm. John Miller, U.S. Navy, commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), U.S. 5th Fleet, Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) , spoke to delegates attending the IQPC Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Middle East 2013 conference just after participating in the 8th International Institute For Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue to discuss the development and implementation of regional security and provided a platform for leaders from more than 30 countries to engage in inter-governmental dialogue on sensitive regional issues.

18 Dec 2013

“No one likes piracy.”

"Egyptian forces are committed to making the canal safe and secure, in cooperation with our partners," said Vice Admiral Osama El-Gendy, Chief of Naval Forces for the Egyptian Navy in his keynote address to the delegates at OPV Middle East in Abu Dhabi, UAE. (IQPC photo)

Attendees at the IQPC Offshore Patrol Vessels Middle East 2013 conference, which concluded on Dec. 11, agreed that that the safety and security of maritime commerce in the Arabian Gulf, Res Sea and their approaches, is an international responsibility shared by regional and international partners. The conference was chaired by Rear Admiral (R) Ahmed Al Sabab Al Teneiji, former chief of naval forces for the UAE Navy. The event focused on regional security cooperation; offshore patrol vessel design, procurement and operations; coastal surveillance; and maritime domain awareness.

14 Oct 2013

Drydocks World in Talks With Suez Canal Authority

Consultation group: Photo courtesy of Drydocks World

Drydocks World and Maritime World have received a high-level delegation from the Suez Canal Authority, chaired by H.E Admiral Mohab Mohamed Hussien Mameesh, Chairman & Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority. The delegation was welcomed by HE Khamis Juma Buamim, Chairman of Drydocks World and Maritime World and senior executives of the Group. The parties discussed ways to strengthen maritime cooperation and integration in order to strengthen the Suez Canal Authority's new plans and future opportunities for cooperation between the two parties.

28 Jan 2013

State of Emergency Declared in Suez Canal Zone

Due to political unrest & public demonstrations a State of Emergency & curfew declared in Port Said, Ismailia and Suez. According to GAC, navigation in the Suez Canal is running normally, unaffected by the curfew. Transit registration formalities are being coordinated between the Suez Canal Authority and agents. All husbandry services in Port Said are suspended until the security situation in the city permits safe and secure handling. Husbandry services in Suez City can be arranged as usual, but will be partially affected by the curfew as movements within the city will not be permitted between the curfew hours of 2100 and 0600. Source: GAC

14 Feb 2011

GAC Keeps Shipping Moving in Egypt

As political developments continue to unfold in Egypt, GAC is playing its part in keeping shipping moving in the country, Group Vice President for Africa, Russia & Central Asia, Erland Ebbersten is assuring clients. Despite the unrest, transits through the all-important Suez Canal have continued as normal, and port operations are being conducted as much as possible under the circumstances, he said from his Cairo office. The biggest challenge that GAC and its clients faced was the shut-down of access to internet and mobile phone networks during the first week of the crisis. “Alternative means of keeping in touch with clients had to be immediately established,” said Ebbersten.

20 Dec 2010

This Day in U.S. Coast Guard History – December 20

1943-CGC Bodega grounded off the Canal Zone. No lives were lost. 1991- On 20 December 1991, the United Nations adopted General Assembly Resolutions (UNGAs) 44-225, 45-197, and 46-215, thereby establishing a worldwide moratorium on all high seas drift net fishing that was to be in effect by 31 December 1992. (Source: USCG Historian’s Office)

01 Oct 2008

Panama Canal Accepts Bids for Third Dry Excavation Project

Moving forward with the next phase of its Expansion Program, the Panama Canal Authority (ACP) released a request for proposals (RFP) soliciting bids for the third of four dry excavation projects. This dry excavation project will help to create expansion’s critical access channel that will link the new Pacific locks with the Canal’s existing Gaillard Cut (the narrowest stretch of the Panama Canal). Details of the RFP are available on the ACP’s Online Bidding System. The scope of work will include the excavation, removal and disposal of eight million cubic meters of material. Moreover, the RFP calls for demolishing the Cocoli Bridge and clearing 190 hectares of unexploded ordnances (UXOs), remnants from former United States training facilities in the Canal Zone.

24 Apr 2009

This Day in Naval History – April 24

1778 - Continental Navy sloop Ranger captures HMS Drake 1862 - Battle of New Orleans; Union Navy under David Farragut runs past forts into Mississippi River 1884 - USS Thetis, Bear, and Alert sailed from New York to search for Greeley expedition lost in Arctic 1906- Ceremonies at Naval Academy commemorate John Paul Jones; President Theodore Roosevelt delivers speech 1917 - Destroyer squadron departs Boston for European service 1959 - Organization of American States asks U.S. to establish naval patrols off east coast of Panama to prevent invasion of Cuban forces 1974 - Naval forces begin minesweeping operations in the Suez Canal Zone 1981 - RCA delivers to the Navy, NOVA I, the 1st production unit of the improved navigational satellite. (Source: Navy News Service)