Singapore Well-positioned to Benefit from Brexit Permutations
Singapore’s position as Asia’s leading maritime services hub is likely to be enhanced in a post-Brexit environment, according to Singapore-based Ince Law Alliance, comprising Ince & Co Singapore LLP and Incisive Law LLC. The UK’s decision to leave the European Union has seen Sterling fall to $1.30 against the US dollar, with many commentators predicting a recession that could negatively impact the country’s maritime sector, which contributes £4.4 billion to the UK economy. Like Singapore, the UK’s economy is services–focused, with London the centre of UK and European maritime services. However, according to Bill Ricquier, Managing Director at Incisive Law…
UK P&I: Communication, Team Work Vital During Pilot Operations
A joint study by UK P&I Club and Solis Marine Consultants found ‘human error’ and the breakdown of communications on the bridge is a major contributing factor in claims. Stuart Edmonston, Loss Prevention Director at UK P&I Club, and Captain John Simpson, Director at Solis Marine, examine the issues raised and highlight the relevant actions to take to reduce the risk of accidents. “Despite the falling cost of claims resulting from human error, good communication between masters and their bridge teams during pilot operations remains critical to avoid unnecessary accidents. “Even with the development of on-board sailing directions and port guides, together with what may have been provided by the local agent, there will still be areas where further detail is required by the bridge team.
Stennis Departs Dry Dock
The Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) has today departed the dry dock at Puget Sound Naval Shipyards and Intermediate Maintenance Facility (PSNS & IMF) . The event marked the conclusion of the 9-month dry dock portion of Stennis’ Docking Planned Incremental Availability (DPIA) maintenance period. “This milestone is a big win, not just for the Stennis and PSNS & IMF team, but also for the Navy,” said Stennis’ commanding officer, Capt. Michael Wettlaufer. To date, Stennis and PSNS & IMF personnel completed more than 11,000 critical repair jobs including the restoration of Stennis’ multi-ton propellers, shafts and rudders, as well as refurbishing all four aircraft catapults.
Feature: Aluminum Boats Prove Their Mettle
Technology, The Aluminum Association, Inc. Aluminum has been used in the marine industry for more than 100 years because of its light weight and ease of fabrication combined with good corrosion and fatigue resistance. However, for much of the past 30 years, fiberglass has been the material of choice of North American boatbuilders, particularly for higher-volume production lines. Competitively priced compared with boats made from most other materials, fiberglass boats can also be made from standardized molds that reduce their construction time and labor. Aluminum alloys, which are specified for marine use, offer many benefits, though, too.
Loss Of Contract Deals Blow To N. Ireland Economy
Northern Ireland's economy suffered a blow when the shipyard that built the Titanic lost its bid to build a new Queen Mary cruise liner. The loss to a French yard threatened the survival of Harland and Wolff, the shipyard that once employed 30,000 workers and symbolized Northern Ireland's industrial prowess. Today it is a shadow of its former self with 1,745 workers. "The impact that this has on the ability of the UK shipbuilding industry to compete for projects is now clear and needs to be urgently addressed if there is to be a future for the industry in the United Kingdom," he said. British Prime Minister Tony Blair rejected the criticism. "We're very disappointed at the decision. But it's a decision by a commercial company.
