MARAD Seeks Comments on Proposed Policy for Deepwater Export Applications
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) is seeking comments on the agency’s proposed policy to accept, evaluate and process license applications for the construction and operation of offshore deepwater export facilities. The agency is proposing to use the existing Deepwater Port License regulations, found in 33 CFR Parts 148, 149 and 150, for such purposes. However, due to the considerable technical, operational, and environmental differences between import and export operations for natural gas or oil projects, a separate and complete license application, conforming to all licensing requirements and regulations, is required for export applications. The Federal Register Notice may be viewed at https://federalregister.gov/a/2014-24609
Deepwater Gulf of Mexico: Bright Future
Quest Offshore characterizes the U.S. Gulf of Mexico as a deepwater region that is “Transitioning into a Bright Future.” According to the recently released 116-page Quest Deepwater Review Gulf of Mexico report, the Gulf of Mexico has experienced massive changes in the last 5 years with long-term implications for the region and the wider deepwater oil and gas market. The worldwide financial crisis and subsequent recession, shale gas’ implications on U.S. natural gas prices, the Macondo incident and changes to the regulatory regime have been the prime movers.
Maersk N. American HQ welcomes HRH The Prince Consort of Demark
HRH The Prince Consort of Denmark visited the North American headquarters of Maersk in Madison, NJ, today. The Prince Consort met with Chairman and CEO of Maersk Inc. J. Russell Bruner, Chief Financial Officer Maersk North America Morten K. Nicolaisen, President of Maersk Line North America Michael J. White, and President of Damco North America, Jeremy T. Haycock to discuss the history and current activities of A.P. Moller Maersk companies in the U.S. The Prince Consort was escorted by the Deputy Consul General and Head of Trade Thomas Rizk. The purpose of the U.S. visit was to increase focus on trade relations between Denmark and the U.S. and recognition of the importance of the internationally operating Danish companies for the continued development of Denmark.
Landmark LNG Carrier Launched by IZAR
To great fanfare, Iñigo Tapias, the new 138,000 cu. m. liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier was launched on January 29 by IZAR's Sestao yard in Bilbao. The ship — standing in testament to the 1,213 workers at Sestao who physically made the ship a reality as well as the underlying strength of the IZAR company — is a highly significant one for many reasons, both technical and business. The 933-ft. (284.4-m), 19.5 knot ship embodies the hopes of a shipbuilding nation that is seeking to re-establish its presence in the LNG niche that it has not occupied for more than three decades, as the production of gas ships generally lays in the hands of Far East builders today.
