Port of London Bridge Simulator Upgraded
The Port of London Authority (PLA) has invested £250,000 to upgrade its ship’s bridge simulator, adding a full tug bridge simulator in a move that is set to enable a boost in port trade and helps terminals verify their expansion plans. The Thames is the U.K.’s busiest waterway, handling more than 45 million metric tons of cargo a year. For over a decade the bridge simulator has been an essential tool for training the PLA pilots who guide ships to and from their berths on the Thames.
Veson Nautical Opens London Headquarters
Veson Nautical, a developer of software that propels the commercial maritime industry, announced the opening of a new office in London, just steps from London Bridge. The new office will serve as a headquarters for Veson Nautical in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and will house dedicated sales, consulting, and technical professionals for these regions. “Europe has always been a key market for Veson Nautical. The new London location will serve as a hub to the entire region. We’re delighted to expand our team to best serve our clients’ needs,” said President, John Veson.
Arctic Drilling Protesters Scale London Skyscraper
A group of activists from Greenpeace scaled the Shard, the tapered 310m glass tower next to London Bridge station, as a protest against oil and gas drilling in the Arctic. In an action that was perhaps inevitable at some point after the completion last year of western Europe's tallest building, visible across much of central London, the six climbers began their ascent in the early hours of Thursday morning. The activists reached the top of the building at around 7.10pm., reports The Guardian.
China – Australia Maritime Safety Exchange Program
Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) welcomes 6 delegates from the China Maritime Safety Administration in a 12-week maritime safety exchange program. The group had a very busy first week in Canberra, where they were able to meet with AMSA's Executive and most of the divisions at AMSA’s head office where they were briefed by AMSA's CEO Mr Graham Peachey on upcoming changes to Australian maritime legislation and future priority issues for AMSA. Mr Peachey and the delegates also discussed the mutual benefits of maintaining a close relationship for the two agencies.
