UL Smart Robot Explores Irish Wrecks
An advanced âsmart technologyâ marine robot designed and built by University of Limerick researchers was recently deployed to explore wrecks of The Aud and WW1 U-Boat, UC42 outside Cork Harbour. The Aud was scuttled by its crew while under Royal Navy escort to Cork Harbour after it was prevented from landing guns in 1916 and the UC42 sank in 1917 while laying mines. With the help of the Irish Naval Service, the UL Marine Robotics team deployed the advanced Smart Remotely Operated Vehicle called ROV Latis which has patented technology featuresâŚ
Substandard Shipping Discussed in St. Petersburg
INTERTANKO's Managing Director, Peter Swift participated as a speaker and panelist in the 4th International "Substandard Shipping - Solution Through Partnership" seminar held this week in St. Petersburg. The seminar, sponsored by the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping, had as its theme "Implementation - Key Factor of Maritime Safety and Pollution Prevention". Organisations represented included the IMO, the EC, international shipowner associations and insurers, regional and international maritime registrations, shipowners and academics. Throughout the two days of meetings much attention was paid to thefailure of many states to ratify and/or implement Marpol and other key legislationâŚ
EU Erika I Proposals Close to Adoption
In line with the EU co-decision procedures both EU Member States (Council) and the European Parliament have to agree on proposed rules before final adoption. Last week the proposals of the Erika I package passed their last hurdle, and are now only subject to formal rubberstamping before entry into force in early 2003. After successfully bringing the phase-out of single-hull tankers to resolution in the IMO, the concept of separate rules in European waters was abandoned by the EU. The current EU Regulation will fully reflect the changes to the MARPOL 13G adopted earlier this year. The revised EU directive on port state control will be considerably sharpened.
Xantic and Turbo SI Offer New Service
Xantic has announced the signing of a contract with Turbo Service International Limited to provide both airtime and a custom-made combination of value added services. This bundled solution is set to pave the way for shipowners to see the benefits of the internet on board ship by offering them single click access to Turbo's "lite" diagnostic webtool via Inmarsat-A, -B, mini-M and Fleet. No additional software is required on board the vessel. Moreover, by offering its customers an even more efficient turbocharger operation, Turbo SI will further improve the safety and reliability of vessels at sea. Turbo SI has offices in Southampton (UK), Antwerp (Belgium), Dubai and Hong Kong, with more expected to be opened in the near future.
