US House Passes Bill to Harden Sanctions on Iranian Oil
The U.S. House of Representatives easily passed a bill on Friday to bolster sanctions on Iranian oil in a strong bipartisan vote.The Stop Harboring Iranian Petroleum (SHIP) bill, which passed 342-69, would impose measures on foreign ports and refineries that process petroleum exported from Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions.U.S. lawmakers are debating several pieces of legislation to pressure Iran after the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas that killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians.
Congress: Short-term Funding Decisions Create Long-term Domestic and National Security Issues
Year after year, America’s shipyards that make up the defense industrial base get their hopes up that the annual federal government funding process will produce stable and predictable budgets for the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard acquisition programs. Every year, the yards are disappointed as the U.S. Government bounces from spending crisis to spending crisis.At the same time, the yards look favorably upon the shipbuilding plans that significantly grow our Nation’s fleet beyond today’s 296 ships. However, to meet the increased demands that these plans would require, U.S.
New Legislation Seeks Timely Updates for Crew Families During Maritime Emergencies
New legislation introduced in the wake of the fatal Seacor Power tragedy would require commercial vessel owners to provide timely notifications to crew members’ families throughout search and rescue operations.The Vessel Response Plan Improvement Act was introduced by Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) after the 234-foot lift boat capsized in the Gulf of Mexico with 19 crewmembers on board last month. Six crew members were saved, and the bodies of six deceased personnel were recovered in the days following.
U.S. Dredgers Applaud President for Jones Act Support
Wednesday, 1 May: Late this afternoon, President Donald Trump met with Congressional leaders from the Senate and House to discuss U.S. Maritime Policy. On the table was the Jones Act. President Trump assured the Congressional leaders that he is not seeking any changes to the Jones Act, nor is he seeking any waivers.“President Trump had the Jones Act matters all under control from the get-go”, said William P. Doyle, CEO & Executive Director of the Dredging Contractors of America. “Mr. Trump is all about jobs and national security — he’s never wavered on this.
Senator Cassidy: No Jones Act Waiver
A Republican U.S. senator on Wednesday said President Donald Trump will not waive rules requiring that only U.S.-flagged ships move natural gas from American ports to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Northeast.The nearly 100-year-old Jones Act mandates the use of U.S.-flagged vessels to transport merchandise between U.S. coasts. Republican senators said the administration was seriously considering waiving the requirements for 10 years. Bloomberg News reported last week that Trump was leaning in favor of some kind of waiver.Senator Bill Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, told reporters on a conference call that Trump told Republican lawmakers he would not support a waiver.
Trump to Meet with GOP Senators on Jones Act
President Donald Trump is set to meet with Republican senators on Wednesday over a proposal to waive rules that only U.S.-flagged ships can move natural gas from American ports to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Northeast.The nearly 100-year-old Jones Act mandates the use of U.S.-flagged vessels to transport merchandise between U.S. coasts. Bloomberg News reported last week the administration was seriously considering waiving the requirements for some energy shipments and that Trump…
NOPB, Port NOLA Secure EPA Grant
The Port of New Orleans and project partner, the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB), were awarded a National Clean Diesel Funding grant from the United States Environmental Protection Agency.The EPA grant will provide 40% of total project cost, allowing NOPB to retrofit the engine of a conventional diesel locomotive to a cleaner engine with low emissions beyond current requirements. This will be the first locomotive of its kind in the New Orleans gateway.This eco-locomotive will meet ultra-low emitting standards (Tier 4) and result in immediate air quality benefits such as reducing ozone precursors, diesel particulate matter, as well as fuel consumption and corresponding greenhouse gas emissions. It will boast a sleek new paint scheme with green accents.
Mississippi River Ship Channel Deepening Project Moves Forward
The Mississippi River Ship Channel could be the first port complex on the Gulf Coast to reach a depth of 50 feet now that the Director’s Report has been signed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Elected officials and industry leaders have long worked to increase the channel’s depth to 50 feet, which is the same depth of the expanded Panama Canal.In signing the Report, Corps of Engineers Director of Civil Works James C. Dalton stated the project is “economically justified and…
Houston Welcomes Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line returned to Houston on Saturday, October 11. Its Norwegian Jewel arrived at the Bayport Cruise Terminal in Pasadena, Texas. This inaugural call marked the beginning of the 2014 Fall Cruise Season for the Port of Houston Authority, as it celebrates the centennial year of the Houston Ship Channel. During a ceremony onboard, Norwegian Jewel's Captain Kenneth Harstrom tipped his new cowboy hat to the great state of Texas, as he welcomed officials from the Port Commission, including Chairman Janiece Longoria and Port Commissioners Clyde Fitzgerald and John Kennedy. "We are excited about the impact Norwegian Jewel will bring to the city of Pasadena and the greater Houston region.
Lamprell First Half Results Beat Expectations
Lamprell today announced its financial results for the first half of 2014, reporting results ahead of expectations due to strong operational performance and early results from savings initiatives, generating improved margins. Revenues rose by $125.7 million against H1 2013 as a result of the high H1 activity levels and phasing of construction activity during the period. According to Lamprell, successful rights issue and refinancing provides a strong financial platform and enables delivery of long-term growth strategy.
UAE-based Lamprell Leadership Shake-up
Lamprell, provider of diversified engineering & contracting services to the onshore and offshore oil & gas industries makes sweeping Board changes. Nigel McCue is standing down as Chief Executive and as a director of the Company. Peter Whitbread, former Chief Executive who was with Lamprell from 1992 until 2009, has been appointed as Interim Chief Executive and will join the Board with immediate effect. Jon Cooper, Chief Financial Officer and Chris Hand, Chief Operating Officer, are also standing down as directors but will remain with the Company in order to ensure continuity in senior roles until such time as suitable replacements are recruited.
