Russia Struggles to Modernize its Navy
President Vladimir Putin calls improving the Russian navy's combat capabilities a priority.The unfinished husks of three guided-missile frigates that have languished for three years at a Baltic shipyard show that is easier said than done.Earmarked for Russia's Black Sea Fleet, the frigates fell victim to sanctions imposed by Ukraine in 2014 after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula, prompting Kiev to ban the sale of the Ukrainian-made engines needed to propel them.With Moscow unable to quickly build replacement engines for the Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates, construction stopped.
IACS Nears Completion of Requirements
Shipowners want stronger ships. Regulators want stronger ships. Both want new requirements to apply across the industry - a level playing field. In response, the 10 Members of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) are progressing technical programs that will lead to more uniform scantling requirements and wastage limits for bulk carriers, oil tankers and, eventually, other ship types. At Posidonia, IACS Chairman Igor Ponomarev outlined work in progress that will culminate in new Unified Requirements (URs) for stronger vessels. For bulk carrier newbuildings, a major initiative - concerned with strength and safe operation - consists of new…
New IACS Chairman Sets Out Priorities
Alan Gavin, Lloyd’s Register of Shipping’s Marine Director, became chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) on July 1, 2002. He succeeds Igor Ponomarev, of the Russian Maritime Register of Shipping. Gavin stated that during his year of tenure there are two main issues that need to be addressed in addition to progressing the existing major work programs in areas such as bulk carrier safety. These priorities will address transparency and closer relations with leading industry associations. He said: “Transparency of class and statutory information is seen as a means of exposing sub-standard shipping and allowing flag and port state to target these ships.
International Maritime Prize Awarded Posthumously
The prestigious International Maritime Prize for 2006 has been awarded posthumously to Mr. Igor Ponomarev (Russian Federation), who was the serving chairman of IMO's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at the time of his sudden death in October 2006, age 41, and who had already given distinguished service to the shipping industry in a variety of senior positions both within and outside IMO. Mr. Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, presented the prize to Mr. Ponomarev's widow, Mrs. Elena Ponomareva, during a special ceremony during the 83rd session of the MSC, held in Copenhagen, Denmark.
