Maritime Pilots Recognized with IMO Bravery Accolade
Two maritime pilots who defied fire to bring a burning ship to safety, averting a major maritime catastrophe, received the 2017 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea during the 2017 IMO awards ceremony, held on Monday (27 November). Pilots Captain Michael G. McGee and Captain Michael C. Phillips, from Houston, United States, were recognized for their role in averting a major tragedy in September 2016. The ship they were piloting, the 247 meters-long tanker Aframax River, broke down in the Houston Ship Channel in the middle of the night and burst into flames after colliding with mooring dolphins. Captain McGee and Captain Phillips were surrounded by a towering wall of burning fuel as the raging fire quickly spread across the channel…
Star Cruises Unit Sells $1b Stake to Apollo
Star Cruises Ltd unit NCL Corporation Ltd (NCL) is selling a 50 percent stake to a global private equity group, Apollo Management LP, for $1b. Star Cruises said the proceeds of the Apollo investment would be used to refinance existing NCL indebtedness, greatly increasing the liquidity available to fund a continuation of the dramatic new shipbuilding program. Under the agreement, Star Cruises and the New York-based Apollo — which manages more than $33b in funds — would each hold 50 percent of NCL. The transaction is expected to be completed early in the fourth quarter of 2007 and is subject to regulatory approval, Star Cruises’ shareholder approval, and Star Cruises and NCL lender consent. (Source:http://www.theedgedaily.com/)
Richardson and Veitch to Receive Awards
The United Seamen’s Service (USS) 2006 Admiral of the Ocean Sea Awards will be presented to container shipping pioneer Paul F. Richardson, President of Paul F. Richardson Associates Inc., and Colin Veitch, President and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line, which has commenced new American-flag passenger ship activity. The maritime industry honor will be awarded at a gala industry dinner and dance to be held at the Sheraton New York Hotel and Towers, New York City, on November 3, 2006. John Bowers, Chairman of the USS AOTOS Committee and President of the International Longshoremen’s Association, AFL-CIO, made the announcement on Maritime Day May 22, 2006. Richardson and Veitch led the field of nominees for the award, sought by USS from over 150 maritime management, labor and government officials.
Ganger Rolf Acquires Cruise Vessel
Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Singapore which is 50 percent owned by each of Ganger Rolf ASA and Bonheur ASA, has entered into an agreement with a subsidiary of Star Cruises Ltd. to purchase the 1988 built 34242 grt. cruise vessel MV Norwegian Crown, with delivery late August 2006. The vessel will upon delivery be chartered back to the sellers for a 14 months' period until around 1 November 2007. The vessel will be re-named at re-delivery. commence operations for Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines in early 2008. Total project costs amount to about USD 130 million. Upon completion of this acquisistion Fred. Black Watch, MV Braemar and MV Boudicca.
