MARAD and AAPA Working to Identify US Port Cargo Handling Needs
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) and the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) announced they are surveying port authorities and marine terminal operators to identify national port cargo handling needs over the next five to 10 years.In addition, through interviews with ports and U.S. manufacturers, this effort will assess the interest and capability of American and foreign manufacturers to produce cargo handling equipment and other relevant port equipment in the U.S.
US Steel Producers Win Anti-dumping Case
The United States has approved anti-dumping duties against South Korea and other producers of steel pipes for the energy sector, a victory for domestic producers hoping to benefit from a boom in the U.S. shale oil and gas industry. U.S. steel companies lodged a complaint in 2013 as foreign manufacturers cashed in on soaring U.S. energy infrastructure demand. Imports doubled last year and accounted for nearly two-thirds of the domestic market, according to the American Iron and Steel Institute. Although subject to appeal, the decision puts the U.S. Department of Commerce closer to imposing tariffs as high as 118 percent on "oil country tubular goods" (OCTG).
Russia Will Need 512 New Offshore Vessels Says President Putin
Development of offshore fields in the Arctic with the active use of the Northern Sea Route in Russia would require 512 new vessels by 2030, with a total cost of 6.5 trillion rubles, report Arctic-Info, citing an announcement by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The largest Russian companies Rosneft, Gazprom and Sovcomflot are forming a solid long-term portfolio and the President opined that the Russian shipbuilding has traditionally had a stable position in the ice-class and sea-river class segment…
Port of Huename Chalks Up Best Cargo Year Ever
The Port of Hueneme, California, realized the best cargo year it its 76 year history announcing all-time increases in import/export trade. The total tonnage for FY 2012-2013 jumped to 1,438,596 metric tons representing a 9.2% increase over FY 2011-2012, and a 2.8% increase over the Port’s previous record of 1,399,670 metric tons set in FY 2005-2006. This represents a continuing path to economic recovery bringing the Port beyond trade levels realized prior to the economic downturn. Port Commission President Jason Hodge comments on the rising figures, “The success of the Port ties directly to our community and strategic partners. The growth in freight activity was seen in the Port of Hueneme’s niche markets of automobiles…
U.S. Coast Guard Provides Guidance on Ballast Water AMS
The US Coast Guard issues a policy letter describing procedures for obtaining an Alternative Management System (AMS) determination of a foreign type-approved ballast water management system (BWMS). Foreign approved systems in accordance with applicable IMO standards must be as effective as traditional ballast water exchange for the prevention of introductions of aquatic nuisance species, says the Coast Guard. Foreign manufacturers of type-approved BWMS can request a Coast Guard determination that the BWMS is an AMS for purposes of the federal regulation. Applicants are also required to apply for USCG type-approval. Use of an AMS will be allowed for up to five years after the vessel is required to comply with the federal ballast water discharge standards.
YMD of China Completes First Mitsubishi-UE Engine
Yichang Marine Diesel Engine Co., Ltd. (YMD), a group company of China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC), has completed production of its first Mitsubishi-UE low-speed marine diesel engine under a technology licensing arrangement with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI). YMD, located in Yichang, Hubei Province, is expected to complete three more Mitsubishi-UE engines within this year, with plans calling for progressive expansion of engine production going forward. The first Mitsubishi-UE engine completed by YMD is the 6UEC43LSII, featuring a power output of 6,300 kW or 8,580 PS (pferdestarke) at 160 rpm (revolutions per minute).
Feature: Secure Seas, Open Ports
As new international and domestic regulations regarding shipping security enter force, the focus is not simply on security, but also on maintaining a healthy flow of commerce to keep the U.S. and world economy humming. U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge recently announced the implementation of new security measures designed to build upon the layers of security that are already in place at the nation's ports. The new measures, required by the Maritime Transportation Security Act, add additional security protections to every port in the United States. Port and vessel protection continues to remain one of the Department of Homeland Security's highest priorities.
Crowley Valid with C-TPAT
(C-TPAT) Program. validation audit, which can provide a host of benefits for customers. transfer of cargo from point of origin loading to delivery destination. Customs targeting and inspection of their shipments upon arrival in U.S. Ports. move to the head of the line for inspection scheduling. preference in restarting trade operations. Commissioner Robert Bonner. sector partnership program between U.S. worldwide supply chain. program's inception. threat awareness and personnel background clearances and identification. years," said Ed Alford, Crowley's Director of Security. security standards in the industry. manufacturers. validated. years. recognized by Customs. international operation areas. security regulations.
NEVA 2003 Slated for September 22-25
Another big increase in exhibitors is already a reality for the NEVA 2003 Exhibition in St Petersburg, Russia, 22 - 25 September. "The message is clear the doors for new business are open, the time is right", announced the Exhibition Organisers at their recent Press interviews in St Petersburg. It is understood that Russian industries by themselves cannot meet the demand for shipbuilding, ship equipment, port developments, inland waterways and offshore energy facilities. Foreign manufacturers and suppliers are required to join in these modernisation plans. New National Pavilions are expected from Italy, Holland and USA this year, joining the enlarged traditional groups from Germany, Finland, Croatia, Ukraine, Denmark, Norway and the Baltic States.
C-TPAT Draws Positive Industry Response
A panel of National Security experts released a report concluding that the United States seaports, among other things, are still vulnerable to a major terrorist attack. While this may be true, since over 200 million containers move through top American seaports annually and only a small number of ships and containers are actually inspected, the industry seems to be responding positively to the war on terrorism. Over 750 importers and transportation providers (Ocean, air, and rail) have signed up for the U.S. Customs Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and over half of the 20 mega-ports have signed up for U.S. Custom's Container Security Initiative (CSI).
