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Facilities Management News

10 May 2023

US Forms Council to Advise on USMMA Improvements

(File photo: USMMA)

The U.S. Department of Transportation has formed a new advisory council to help drive improvements at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA), a service academy in Kings Point, N.Y.According to the DOT, establishment of the USMMA Advisory Council fulfills a key recommendation from the National Academy of Public Administration’s (NAPA) November 2021 report entitled “Organizational Assessment of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy: A Path Forward.” Specifically, NAPA’s report recommended…

03 Nov 2022

NYC's First Zero-emissions Passenger Ferry Slated for 2024 Launch

(Image: Green City Ferries)

A newly announced zero-emissions electric ferry scheduled for launch in 2024 will be the first to service New York City as the marine industry continues to make strides to decarbonize its operations.The high-speed passenger vessel is the result of a partnership between local operator New York Cruise Lines and Stockholm-based Green City Ferries AB (GCF). It will be operated by New York Cruise Lines subsidiary New York Water Taxi on the Hudson River between Brooklyn and Manhattan.The newbuild, a Beluga24 catamaran developed by GCF, will have a capacity of 147 passengers and 28 bicycles.

31 Aug 2022

More Needs to Be Done to Improve Gender Equality in the Maritime Sector

Lungiswa Nyembezi is Servest Marine’s branch manager, a division of the facilities management company Servest.

Maritime transport is the backbone of international trade and the global economy. Approximately 80% of global trade by volume and in excess of 70% of global trade by value is carried by sea, and millions of tons of goods are handled by ports worldwide according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).South Africa is positioned on a major shipping route with an expansive coastline that traverses two oceans and spans nearly 4 000 kilometers. The country has a vibrant maritime sector that boasts eight commercial ports and 44 non-commercial harbors…

20 Apr 2021

SeaspanLNG Secures AIP for LNG Bunker Vessel

(Image: SeaspanLNG)

SeaspanLNG said it has secured an approval in principle (AIP) with Bureau Veritas for the design of a 7,600 cubic meter capacity liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker vessel.The LNG bunker vessel has been designed for ship-to-ship LNG transfer as well as well as coastal/short sea shipping operations by Seaspan Ferries’ partner Vard Marine Inc. Seaspan Ferries’ class of dual fuel hybrid electric ferries were developed by Vard in 2014 and included a new method of bunkering the vessels.

23 Jul 2020

New CEO Takes the Helm at RMK Merrill-Stevens Shipyard

William Clewes (Photo: RMK Merrill-Stevens)

Industry veteran William Clewes has been appointed CEO of Miami yacht repair yard RMK Merrill-Stevens, charged with leading Florida's oldest shipyard through a period or redevelopment, reopening and beyond.“I am excited about building a team and a new facility to bring the RMK Merrill-Stevens facility back to its former glory and beyond,” said Clewes in January after accepting the position. Clewes will lead the North and South yards, which straddle the Miami River, the ongoing redevelopment of both…

12 Jun 2020

Brandes to Lead Port of Oakland

(Photo: Port of Oakland)

Longtime shipping industry executive Bryan Brandes has been named Maritime Director at the Port of Oakland. The port said today he was selected following a nationwide search. Brandes, a 25-year maritime veteran, replaces John Driscoll who left to manage the Alabama State Port Authority.Brandes will lead a staff of 20 responsible for one of the nation’s 10 largest container seaports. Oakland’s Maritime Director oversees everything from facilities management to real estate negotiations.“Bryan is coming in at a crucial time for us and we’re eager to put his skill and industry experience to work…

26 Feb 2018

Massachusetts Maritime Academy Launches Third Master's Degree

MMA Launches Third Graduate Degree, M.S. Maritime Business Management. The Massachusetts Maritime Academy has announced the launch of their third Graduate Degree, the Master of Science in Maritime Business Management. MMA developed the MSMB over a four-year period as a campus-wide collaborative effort with the Academic Dean, the Dean of Graduate & Continuing Education, the undergraduate International Maritime Business Department faculty and input gathered from employers, prospective students, the Graduate Education Council, and MMA graduate and undergraduate alumni. The MSMB program is certified by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

25 Jun 2015

Portsmouth Naval Base Harnesses Sun Power

Ken Hobbs, Head of Energy Solutions and Services at BAE Systems Maritime Services in Portsmouth Naval Base (Photo: BAE Systems)

BAE Systems has completed a large scale installation of solar panels at Portsmouth Naval Base to increase energy efficiency and generate savings. In total, almost 2,000 solar panels comprising the latest photovoltaic technology have been installed on two key Portsmouth Naval Base buildings. The new 500kW system is expected to generate energy savings worth more than £1million over the next 20 years. Ken Hobbs, Head of Energy Solutions and Services at BAE Systems Maritime Services said, “We are proud to be managing this important project for the Portsmouth Naval Base estate.

17 Jun 2015

Euronav in $384m Deal for 4 VLCCs

Euronav has entered into an agreement for the acquisition through resale of four VLCCs which are completing construction at Hyundai Heavy Industries for an aggregate purchase price of $384 million or $96 million per unit. The vessels are due to be delivered as early as September 2015, January, March and May 2016. In addition and against the payment of an option fee of an aggregate amount of $8 million, the seller has also agreed to grant Euronav an option to acquire up to a further four VLCCs sisters of the ones acquired at a price of $98 million each. This transaction is consistent with three core company principles, Euronav said. Firstly…

05 Feb 2015

MHI Consolidates 5 In-house R&D Facilities

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) will reorganize its research and development structure. The reorganization initiative calls for the creation of a new Research & Development Center consolidating the five currently existing Research & Development Centers. According to MHI, the move is targeted at shifting to a cross-organizational system based on companywide business units, timed to coincide with the company's transition from its earlier structure of business segments to its current systems of business domains and strategic business units (SBU). By consolidating its research and development operations, MHI anticipates new synergies in technologies and skills, enhanced development of human resources and greater efficiency in work performance and facility utilization, the company said.

01 Dec 2014

Keppel Infrastructure Sheds Facilities Arm

Keppel Infrastructure Holdings Pte Ltd (KI), through its wholly-owned subsidiary, has signed an agreement for the sale of its entire stake in Keppel FMO (KFMO) to Cofely GDF SUEZ for a cash consideration of S$44.72 million, subject to a post-closing adjustment for working capital and a deferred consideration amount of up to S$9.72 million. KFMO provides integrated facilities management services for clients across various industries and business segments in both the public and private sectors. The purchaser, Cofely South East Asia Pte. Ltd. is a subsidiary of the GDF SUEZ Group. Cofely GDF SUEZ is one of Europe's leading facilities managers, involved in the design, implementation and delivery of integrated facilities management solutions.

06 Feb 2014

Two Management Changes at Ellicott Dredge

Rob Schettle (left) and Gert de Vries

Ellicott Dredge Enterprises announced two personnel changes to its senior management team. Gert de Vries has joined as Senior Director of Engineering, in which capacity he will be supporting the engineering departments of all of Ellicott's brands, principally Ellicott and Rohr-Idreco. He will also be mentoring the company’s engineering teams. Additionally, Rob Schettle has been promoted to General Manager at Ellicott's subsidiary Liquid Waste Technology. He will now be responsible for running Ellicott’s plant in New Richmond, Wisconsin.

07 Jan 2014

Port of Oswego Appoints New Executive Director

The Port of Oswego Authority has announced the appointment of Zelko N. Kirincich to the position of Executive Director. He assumed his new responsibilities on January 6, 2014. Mr. Kirincich comes from the Port Authority of Tampa, Florida, where he worked from 1996-2013. He most recently served there as Deputy Port Director and Chief Operating Officer. Prior to his 17 years at the Port of Tampa, Mr. Kirincich worked for 14 years at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where he specialized in engineering, project management and facilities management. Mr. Kirincich received a bachelor’s degree in engineering from Manhattan College, and a master’s degree in business administration from Manhattan College/Fordham University.

12 Nov 2013

Moore Begins as Port of L.A. Interim Director

Gary Lee Moore

Gary Lee Moore, who has served as Los Angeles City Engineer and General Manager of the city’s Bureau of Engineering for the past decade, has started his duties as interim executive director of the Port of Los Angeles. “Gary is a trusted public servant, with a 28-year track record with the City,” said Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, who appointed Moore to the position last month. “The port is a critical economic engine for the city and region,” said Moore. Moore replaces Geraldine Knatz…

09 Sep 2013

SUNY Maritime President Announces Departure

Rear Admiral Wendi B. Carpenter, USN (Ret.)

SUNY Maritime College President Rear Admiral Wendi B. Carpenter, USN (Ret.), announced on Friday, September 6, 2013, that she will step down shortly after the completion of the Fall semester. Admiral Carpenter has served as President since August 31, 2011, and has decided to step down in order to have more time for family and to pursue both personal and professional priorities and passions. SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher will work with the College to form a search committee and will ensure leadership at the campus continues uninterrupted.

21 May 2013

Ingalls Appoints Mathieu as VP and GM of Avondale

René Mathieu

Huntington Ingalls Industries announced that René Mathieu has been named vice president and general manager, Avondale Industries Inc., effective May 20. He is responsible for all non-Navy aspects of HII's energy infrastructure business in Avondale, La., including production operations, human resources, business management, engineering and design, facilities management and fabrication. Mathieu will work in Avondale and at Avondale's business development office in Houston. He will report directly to Chris Kastner, HII's corporate vice president and general manager, corporate development.

31 Jul 2012

Inchcape Shipping Services Wins Major UN Contract in Somalia

Inchcape Shipping Serviceshas been awarded a major three year contract with the United Nations to supply food and bottled water to thousands of AMISOM troops in Somalia. The UN chose ISS as the preferred provider to deliver its food rations to the 12,000 troops currently deployed by AMISOM (The African Union Mission in Somalia). AMISOM conducts peace support operations to stabilise the country and is a regional peacekeeping mission approved by the United Nations. On signing the contract at the UN Building in New York, Jesper Steenbuch, Executive Vice President for ISS Supply Chain Solutions, said: “This award signifies ISS’ continued expansion into supply chain management and is a major milestone directly in line with our overall business strategy.

09 Jun 2010

New Command at CG Yard Baltimore, Md.

Photo courtesy USCG

Captain Richard Murphy, United States Coast Guard (USCG), recently assumed command of the U.S. Coast Guard Yard in Baltimore, Md. He is the 40th Commanding Officer in the 111-year history of the shipyard, the only shipbuilding and ship repair facility of the United States Coast Guard. Captain Murphy took charge of the Coast Guard Yard from Captain John Kaplan who served as the shipyard’s Commanding Officer from May 2008 to May 2010. Captain Kaplan retired from the U.S. Coast Guard with 28 years active duty service.

16 Sep 2010

Fetter New Director of Halcrow Navy Programs

Halcrow announced the addition of Robert Fetter, PE, CAPT, CEC, USN (ret) as director of navy programs for Halcrow in North America. In this newly created position, Fetter will be responsible for building upon Halcrow’s relationship with the U.S. Navy and its engineering operations. Fetter is a retired Civil Engineer Corps captain who brings more than 25 years of Navy facilities management and capital improvement experience to Halcrow. He has extensive federal acquisition experience with a proven track record of team building, process improvement, and cost savings. His expertise is wide-ranging and includes skills in the areas of, project management, planning and asset management, facilities management, energy efficiency/sustainability, and investment strategy.

14 Dec 2000

'All-Hands' Ceremony Held at Coast Guard Yard

During an "All-Hands" celebration held at the Coast Guard Yard on Oct. 2, four members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation and the Coast Guard's Assistant Commandant for Systems presented three prestigious awards to the shipyard's work force. Employees of the yard, its tenants commands and invited guests numbered nearly 900 and enjoyed the mid-morning festivities on the parade grounds of the 101 year old shipyard in Baltimore, Md. The honors recognized outstanding achievements by Yard employees in the areas of government reinvention, environmental management, and maritime excellence. The ceremony opened with U.S. Senators Paul Sarbanes and Barbara Milkulski's presentation of the Vice President's Hammer Award to the Coast Guard Yard.

11 Dec 2001

VT Acquires Merlin Communications

Vosper Thornycroft (VT) announces that it has agreed to acquire Merlin for approximately $136 million USD ($94 million GBP). Merlin’s principal business is the facilities management of communications operations, primarily for the BBC in relation to the BBC World Service and for the Ministry of Defense (MOD). It also operates a global short wave and medium wave transmission network. Merlin will complement and extend VT’s existing skills and experience in the provision of technical services and is and important step towards VT’s target to more than double turnover from its support services business over the next 3 financial years. For the year ended March 31, 2001, Merlin reported operating profit, excluding a business to be discontinued, of $7.2 million on turnover of $74.6 million.

27 Feb 2008

FSL Celebrates 10 Years

Naval support company Fleet Support Limited (FSL) celebrates its tenth anniversary at the end of February with the satisfaction of having played a key role in the renaissance of Portsmouth Naval Base. The Joint Venture between BAE Systems and VT Group was established originally to manage the former Fleet Maintenance and Repair Organization (FMRO). Some 1,000 employees, primarily involved in ship repair, transferred to the new company as the private sector became tasked with improving efficiency and reducing costs in the Base.

04 Mar 2009

SPS Overlay Reduces Impacts Offshore

SPS Overlay has recently been used to reinstate the starboard box girder walkway on the Northern Producer. This Aker H-3 Semi Submersible type Floating Production Facility is operated by Petrofac Facilities Management. The project was executed in South Shields, UK by McNulty Offshore Construction with support from SPS Overlay specialist. Greig Ritchie, Petrofac Facilities Management confirmed that SPS Overlay is an easy and fast method for reinstating steel to as-built condition with minimum disruption when he said: “For our application a conventional crop and replace repair would not have been possible due to knock-on implications. The ongoing demand for energy has led to a boom in the offshore oil and gas industry.