Marine Link
Thursday, March 28, 2024
SUBSCRIBE

Gulf Maritime News

05 Jun 2023

UAE Stops Taking Part in US-led Gulf Maritime Coalition

Š mrnai / Adobe Stock

The United Arab Emirates said on Wednesday it was no longer taking part in operations by a U.S.-led task force protecting Gulf shipping, which has been subjected to renewed tanker seizures by Iranian naval forces in recent weeks.The UAE was responding to a Wall Street Journal report on Tuesday which, citing U.S. and Gulf sources, said the Gulf state was frustrated by the lack of U.S. response to recent tanker seizures by Iran.This was a "mischaracterisation" of conversations between the two countries…

27 Dec 2019

INSIGHTS: Niels Aalund

Niels Aalund was elected President of the International Propeller Club at their 93rd International Convention and Conference. The prominent maritime industry stakeholder will serve a two-year term, commencing from October 17th. Aalund, a well-known maritime subject matter expert and executive, also serves as an Officer and as Senior Vice President of the West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA). WGMA communicates and coordinates with various governmental entities throughout the West Gulf…

28 Oct 2019

Aalund Named International Propeller Club's President

Niels Aalund, President, International Propeller Club

Niels Aalund was elected at the 93rd International Convention and Conference in New Orleans on October 17th.New Orleans, LA: Prominent maritime industry stakeholder Niels Aalund has been elected President of the International Propeller Club. Mr. Aalund will serve a two-year term, commencing from October 17th. Aalund, a well-known maritime subject matter expert and executive, currently serves as an Officer and as Senior Vice-President of the West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA).

05 Aug 2019

UK joins U.S. in Gulf Maritime Security Mission

A UK Naval Warship on Patrol (File Image / AdobeStock / Š Peter Cripps)

Britain on Monday joined the United States in a maritime security mission in the Gulf to protect merchant vessels travelling through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran seized a British-flagged vessel.British officials stressed that there was no change to London's policy on Iran but joining the United States is the most significant non-Brexit foreign policy move to date of Prime Minister Boris Johnson's 12-day-old government.Just two weeks ago, Britain was calling for a European-led naval mission. Now, it has joined what it said was a U.S.-led "international maritime security mission".

24 Nov 2017

Propeller Club elects RADM Whitehead as International President

At its 91st annual convention last month, the International Propeller Club of the United States elected and installed its leaders for the coming year and beyond. Representatives of the Club’s more than 75 chapters from around the world elected Rear Admiral Joel Whitehead, US Coast Guard (retired) to a two-year term as International President. RADM Whitehead is a member of the Club’s Port of New Orleans chapter. Niels Aalund, a member of the Club’s Port of Houston and the Senior Vice President, Maritime Affairs, of the West Gulf Maritime Association, was elected First Vice President and Philippe de Gauw (Algeciras, Spain) was reelected as Second Vice President. Both will serve terms expiring in 2019.

06 Jul 2016

Neptune Lines Appoints Agent in Arabian Gulf

Photo: ISS

Maritime and logistics service provider Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) has been appointed agent for Neptune Lines’ new Arabian Gulf short sea car transportation service in Kuwait, Iraq and Qatar. As agents for Neptune Lines in these three countries, ISS will provide full port agency, vessel husbandry and liner services, as well as vehicle documentation, on the new Arabian Gulf short sea service. The vessel Neptune Ploes, which can accommodate up to 750 units at a time, is connecting eight countries and ports across the Arabian Gulf on its new…

19 Jun 2016

Houston International Seafarers Centers to honor Aalund in September

On September 24, 2016 the Houston International Seafarers Centers will host their Annual Maritime Gala . Niels Aalund, Senior Vice President, West Gulf Maritime Association, will be honored as the " Bronze Anchor Award” recipient. Niels Aalund, serves as an Officer and as Senior Vice-President, West Gulf Maritime Association, with primary responsibility for advocating on behalf of member companies (steamship agents, vessel owners, and industry stakeholders) with local, state and federal agencies. From organizations such as Washington, D.C, based, National Maritime Association, to the commercial sector, Aalund has provided leadership for a variety of maritime related positions. He has extensive strategic planning experience in both operations and commercial maritime activities.

30 Jul 2015

WGMA Urges Participation in Menhaden Survey

The West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA) is urging its members with ships arriving at any port in the western US Gulf to participate in the Menhaden survey. The annual Menhaden spawn (typically April through October) has created challenges for ships transiting local waterways, namely a potentially dangerous loss of propulsion caused by engine overheating resulting from sea chest strainers being clogged by hundreds of these small fish. Numerous warnings have previously been broadcast by the Coast Guard's Captain of the Port and the Presiding Officer of the Houston Pilots about this natural phenomenon and these incidents, however they continue to occur…

05 Sep 2014

Niels Lyngso Retires from West Gulf Maritime Association

Niels Lyngso

WGMA says Lyngso’s retirement effective October 1, 2014. Born and raised in Denmark and finishing his shipping education including maritime law studies in 1972, Niels Lyngso has been a longtime stalwart for WGMA. Arriving in the United States in 1972 as a management trainee for Olsen & Ugelstad, he has since filled many roles along the collective, domestic waterfront. Lyngso’s maritime career has spanned many decades and still many more roles, including the management of bulk vessels and a long history in liner agency work.

20 Jul 2014

Provision for Lightering Paroles for Joining Crew

The West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA) has issued a reminder regarding lightering paroles for crewmembers joining vessels in the USA. There have been instances where crewmembers joining a lightering vessel have been denied parole when applying at the airport of arrival and admitted on their C1 transit visa. Efforts by agents to obtain corrections have been difficult in many cases and WGMA recommend the following steps be taken. During the inspection, if the crewmember believes that a misunderstanding has occurred they should request to speak with a CBP Chief, Supervisor, or a Passenger Service Manager. If the agent believes that an error has occurred…

05 Jul 2014

SMART Institute Conference Focuses on Skilled Professionals

After 20 days offshore, Colton Hendrick and Blake Snapp are back on land, preparing for their next journey out on the water as new maritime interns with Higman Marine Services. And they love it. "It can be tough work at times, but the beauty is seeing the sun rise and set each day," said Snapp. Plus, the money and job security are incentives as well. Both Snapp and Hendrick stand to earn approximately $100,000 by the fifth year of their first maritime job. Also, with many fellow mariners talking about upcoming retirement, the idea of becoming captains isn't far-fetched either, especially when they will hold associate degrees in maritime technology.

04 Feb 2014

MARAD's Jaenichen to Open NAMEPA 'Winds of Change' Conference

Paul “Chip” Jaenichen: Photo credit NAMEPA

Acting Maritime Administrator, Paul “Chip” Jaenichen will open the “Winds of Change in Shipping” conference being hosted by NAMEPA (North American Marine Environment Protection Association) in Houston along with the WGMA (West Gulf Maritime Association) on February 19, 2014. The next day, February 20th, NAMEPA is partnering with NOIA (National Ocean Industries Association) to present the “Winds of Change in Offshore Oil and Gas”. Adding even more luster to this period is the inaugural Lloyd’s List North American Awards Dinner on February 19th, where winners of 17 categories will be presented.

12 Nov 2013

Offshore Projects Shore Up Demand for MPVs

Regional maritime industry to converge on Sharjah to discuss new opportunities generated by offshore projects. The regional maritime industry is facing a demand surge for multi-purpose vessels on the back of dramatic growth being witnessed by the offshore sector. According to statistics revealed recently, 2013 is set to see massive expansion for the region’s oil and gas industry, with regional players going on a spending spree on offshore projects. Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company…

03 Apr 2013

Port of Houston Upcoming Youth Maritime Expo

The third annual Maritime Youth Expo will be held at the Port of Houston's Bayport Cruise Terminal, Saturday 6, April 2013. Hundreds of area high school maritime students and Sea Scouts will have the opportunity to hear mariners talk about opportunities on tow boats, harbor tugs and barges, learn about maritime salvage and see salvor equipment in action, and watch state-of-the-art Coast Guard helicopters and small boats perform on-water demonstrations. The Port Authority's M/V Sam Houston, fireboats and the Emergency Command Center will be on display. Representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Texas General Land Office…

21 Oct 2012

MASTECH Sharjah Conference 2013

Industry rofessionals will confer at ‘MASTECH 2013’ on naval architecture, shipbuilding, oil & gas during the Gulf Maritime Trade Fair in UAE. For the second consecutive edition, MAST the Middle East Alumni of Ship Technology and Expo Centre Sharjah, have entered into an agreement to organize the MASTECH conference at Expo Centre Sharjah during the Gulf Maritime 2013 trade fair. MASTECH is organized by MAST an alumni association of naval architects graduated from the department of ship technology, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Kerala, India. MASTECH 2011 saw about 638 delegates attending the presentation of nearly 20 technical papers focusing on next generation ship design…

04 Nov 2011

Nagel Presented with the Breakbulk Lifetime Achievement

Jerry Nagel was presented with the Breakbulk Lifetime Achievement Award at the Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans October 25-27 2011.

Jerry Nagel, Chairman of Rickmers-Linie (America), was presented with the 8th annual Lifetime Leadership and Achievement Award at a ceremony celebrating the opening of the 22nd annual Breakbulk Transportation Conference and Exhibition at the New Orleans Convention Center on 26 October. This is an event attended by more than 3,600 breakbulk and heavy-lift industry executives. Nagel, 62, has spent much of the past decade working as president and CEO at Rickmers-Linie (America) in Houston, where he oversaw the expansion of the German carrier's business in the Americas.

03 Nov 2011

Jerry Nagel Receives Breakbulk Lifetime Achievement Award

Jerry Nagel, chairman of the board at Rickmers-Linie (America)

Jerry Nagel, chairman of the board at Rickmers-Linie (America) was the recipient of the 8th annual Lifetime Leadership and Achievement Award at the Wed., Oct. 26 kickoff of the 22nd annual Breakbulk Transportation Conference and Exhibition at the New Orleans Convention Center, attended by more than 3,600 breakbulk and heavy-lift industry executives. Nagel, 62, has spent much of the past decade working as president and CEO at Rickmers-Linie (America) in Houston, where he oversaw the expansion of the carrier's business in the Americas.

30 Jun 2011

HMM Elects New Officers

The Houston Maritime Museum (HMM) has elected new officers to its Board of Directors. Niels A. Aalund, Senior Vice President of Maritime Affairs for the West Gulf Maritime Association, (WGMA) will serve as Chairman to advocate on behalf of the WGMA members with local, state and federal agencies. Steve Stewart, President and Co-Founder of Gulf Winds International, Inc., will serve as Vice Chairman for the board, specializing in international logistics within the shipping industry. He is actively involved in numerous associations in and around Houston. Michelle C. Hundley, J.D., Manager of Community Relations at Port of Houston Authority, will serve as Secretary for the board. Hundley is responsible for advancing PHA’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.

28 Jul 2009

Shoaibi Group, GMS in Joint Venture

A new joint venture between Saudi Arabia’s Shoaibi Group (SG) and the UAE’s Gulf Marine Services (GMS) has been created to provide offshore barge operation services. The new company, named “Gulf Maritime Services Saudi Arabia Ltd” (GMSSA), will be based in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, and will allow the JV partners to expand their off-shore operations of barge charters and avail from the scale of opportunity and future potential for all offshore areas arising in the region. Gulf Marine Services is currently the largest elevating support vessel operator in the Middle East…

26 Mar 2008

Gulf Region Turning into Hub for Ship Repair Services

The Gulf region is fast turning into a major hub for ship repair services and conversion projects, with Dubai Drydocks in the UAE and the Arab Ship Repair Yard (ASRY) in have been experiencing a significant increase in business volumes, AME reported. There are several reasons for the growing interest of ship owners and management companies in GCC-based ship repair yards, the most important being the cost factor. It is but obvious that ship owners will always seek the best deal possible when negotiating repair operations. Labor and steel parts are the most important components of any basic repair operation, and therefore hold the key to competitive pricing.

06 Dec 2005

Gulf Maritime 2006 Attracts 180 Exhibitors

According to a Trade Arabia report, more than 180 leading marine companies from 28 countries will participate in the fourth edition of Gulf Maritime to be held at Expo Centre Sharjah from April 24-26, 2006. Gulf Maritime 2006 will showcase the latest vessel building designs and technology, equipment for fishing, offshore support vessels, cargo ships, tankers, tugs, ferries, patrol boats, all types of ship repair and port operations products, and cargo handling services. The Gulf's maritime sector generates over $1 billion worth of business annually. The last edition of Gulf Maritime attracted a total of 2,401 trade visitors from the global maritime community. Source: Trade Arabia

16 Apr 2007

Fifth edition of Gulf Maritime Exhibition Opens at Expo Centre Sharjah

The Fifth edition of the Gulf Maritime exhibition, the region's only maritime event dedicated to meeting the complete requirements of the commercial, government, and the military maritime industry, got underway at Expo Center Sharjah on Monday, April 16, 2007.

24 Apr 2007

Strike Group Commanders Visit Oil Terminals

As the sun-sets over the Khawr Al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT), another day passes safely under the watchful eye of masters-at-arms assigned to Mobile Security Detachment Two Five (MSD-25). MSD-25 members are currently training the Iraqi military on proper watch standing and security procedures during their six-month deployment to the Iraqi oil terminals. Mobile Security Detachment Two Five is combining efforts with coalition forces under the flag of Commander Task Force Five Eight (CTF-58) in support of maritime security operations (MSO) by standing security watches on KAAOT and Al Basrah Oil Terminal (ABOT). U.S. From U.S. Naval Forces Central Command/U.S. Two U.S.