ABA Launches First International Vessel
Aluminum Boats Australia’s (ABA) latest vessel, for Chinese Owners, was launched at a ceremony at the shipyard on Thursday 23 September. The vessel was named Carrie by Miss Madeline Whitewood, daughter of ABA’s Roy and Karen Whitewood. Also present for the traditional breaking of a champagne bottle on the bow of the vessel was Pan Hengli, Vice President, Ramu NiCo Management (MCC) Ltd, the Hon. Paul Lucas, Queensland Deputy Premier and Queensland government’s Special Trade Representative to China, the Hon. Steve Bredhauer.
Bid To Re-float MISC Ship Fails
A second bid failed on Thursday to refloat a Malaysian ship carrying dangerous chemicals stranded on Australia's Great Barrier Reef but authorities said they would launch a new all-out effort on the weekend, Reuters reported. Queensland state Transport Minister Steve Bredhauer said three ocean-going tugs were unable to pull the 184-metre (600-ft) Bunga Teratai Satu off Sudbury Reef, despite early indications of improved buoyancy at high tide. "It is expected the next refloat operation will take place on the weekend, possibly early on Sunday morning when the tides will be more favorable," he said. An initial bid to move the stranded ship failed on Wednesday.