USCG, EPA Cleaning up a Dozen Texas Chemical Spills after Harvey
The U.S. Coast Guard and the Environmental Protection Agency are working with Texas state regulators to clean up oil and chemicals spilled from a dozen industrial facilities after flooding from Hurricane Harvey, authorities said. The spills came from oil refineries, fuel terminals and other businesses, but EPA spokeswoman Terri White said it was not possible to provide an estimate for the amounts spilled. "Initial reports were based on observation," White said. Refineries owned by Valero Energy Corp in Houston, Motiva Inc in Port Arthur, and Exxon Mobile Corp in Baytown, were among the facilities that had reported spills, according to White. Representatives for those companies did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
London Port's Trade Jumps to Record 50 mi tonnes
Trade in the Port of London in 2016 reached the highest this decade, rising 10% to top 50 million tonnes for the first time since 2008. The strong performance reflects continued growth at terminals along the Thames. The volumes of oil, containers and building materials all rose markedly. Prior to 2016, port throughput had been increasing at between two to three percent, year-on-year. PLA chief executive, Robin Mortimer said, "Our long term Vision is for 60 to 80 million tonnes of cargo to be traded every year through the Port of London - more than at any time in the Thames' history. The tonnage of cargo handled at terminals on the Thames last year was 50.4 million tonnes, five million tonnes (or 11%) up on 2015.
BP Whiting Refinery Cleanup Winds Down
An assessment team, comprised of representatives from the Coast Guard, Environmental Protection Agency and BP, stated Friday that no further cleanup actions were recommended following a scheduled return visit to the BP Whiting Refinery to conduct a Determination of Clean survey. The visit was originally scheduled to take place Thursday but was postponed due to heavy rains and high water levels. After an inspection of the rocky shoreline on the southeast wall of the cove near the refinery, it was determined that the small areas of the oiled pebbles identified Sunday had all been removed by cleanup crews. On Sunday, the assessment team also conducted underwater surveys that included probing in 36 different locations on the bottom of Lake Michigan near the area of discharge.
Low Cost Alternative to Fuel Oil on Commercial Track
Quadrise International Limited agrees with AB Orlen Lietuva to proceed with fuel manufacturing and assessment programme with Mærsk. Quadrise International Limited (QIL) is the emerging supplier of MSAR®, a low cost alternative to heavy fuel oil in the shipping, refining, and power generation markets. QIL earlier reported that the limited 'in service' adjustments available on the A.P.Møller-Mærsk test vessel prevented the full optimisation of engine performance during the first 'seaborne' assessment earlier in 2012. The positive results and associated information have, however, led to re-confirmation of support by all partners to the Joint Development Agreement and their commitment to the programme to commercialisation.
DCT Gdansk Heavylift Cargo Capabilities
Since it opened in 2007, the new DCT Gdansk container terminal has had several opportunities to demonstrate its versatility, notably with the transhipment of motor vehicles from deepsea to feeder car carriers and even the handling of a cruise vessel. It has also handled several heavylift vessels including, of course, the vessels that delivered its ship-to-shore cranes and RTGs. More recently though, the terminal has handled a number of very heavy pieces destined for the adjacent Gdansk oil refinery, operated by Group Lotos, and further shipments are programmed for later in 2009.
