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New Zealand Herald News

23 Apr 2012

Al Capone's Yacht in New Panama Canal Role

Some 270 ships pass each week through the Panama Canal, but one now gives tourists the chance to experience the storied waterway on the Isla Morada, Al Capone's legendary rum-runner, says a report in the New Zealand Herald. The wooden ship, famous for smuggling liquor for the US mobster during the prohibition era, turned 100 this year and has been refurbished for guided tours of the canal's locks and shoreline wildlife. The 94-tonne, 96-metre-long Isla Morada began sailing in March 1912 under the name the "Santana," and has since earned the distinction of having passed through the Canal more than any other as the oldest vessel still on duty.

20 Dec 2010

New Zealand Oil Well Inspector Too Busy

According to a report from The New Zealand Herald, New Zealand has just one inspector to oversee safety in its oil exploration industry. A government-ordered review released last week found the inspectorate is significantly under-resourced. New Zealand has one inspector at least seven installations. Australia has one inspector for every three installations, Britain one for every two and Norway one per installation. (Source: The New Zealand Herald)

31 Jan 2006

New Zealand Mulls CNG Imports

New Zealand energy companies are considering importing compressed natural gas to help make up a possible gas shortfall when the Maui field runs dry in 2010, as reported in the New Zealand Herald. As the Maui gas field, off the south coast of Taranaki, nears the end of its life, concern is mounting about how to make up the energy shortfall if no new gas fields are found. CNG would overcome several objections to one of the alternatives gaining traction - the importation of liquefied natural gas. But it may be more complicated and expensive. If energy companies decide LNG is the most viable option, they would most likely - with Government help - spend as much as $684 million to build an LNG terminal at Marsden Point or New Plymouth.