Technological Equipment News

The Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI) will now gain university status, following the passage of legislation in both Houses of Parliament to effect this. Not a single senator opposed the bill to make way for the Caribbean Maritime Institute Act, to now be known as the Caribbean Maritime University Act. Government Senator Kavan Gayle has suggested that lending institutions offer preferential terms and interest rates to students who are pursuing courses at CMI. Opposition Senator Angela Brown Burke advised that CMI also stressed the importance of financing, and that it should not become a barrier to access given the critical role of the CMI in the country’s development.

With its coastline of 7,800 km, Italy is expediently nestled in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea with the surrounding waters creating a tremendous resource for Italian economy. Businesses linked to the sea, including ocean technology firms, contribute significantly to Italy’s gross domestic product totaling more than $40 billion and representing 2.6% of total GDP. The Italian shipyard industry ranks among the top 20 in the world with ship building and boat-building accounting for 64% of the industry turnover, totaling 6.3 billion Euro in 2012, and Technological Equipment placed at 2.2 billion Euro. Italy is also a world leader in yacht production with more than 49% of the market share.

Drydocks World– Dubai delivered a 3D seismic vessel, Polarcus Asima, to Polarcus, a Dubai-based marine geophysical company. Polarcus Asima is the third in a series of six seismic vessels being built at the yard for Polarcus, following the vessels Nadia and Naila. The double-hulled, DP2 class Polarcus Asima incorporates many features to enhance performance with improved safety and comfort elements while ensuring minimum emissions. The 12 streamer vessel has Ulstein SX134 design and is purpose-built for high-end 3D marine seismic operations.

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) today announced 2003 fiscal year metrics, ending in September. These metrics indicate that the ACP's recent operational and capital improvements continue to yield positive results, with the Canal safer and more efficient than it has ever been in its 89-year history. Year-end statistics reveal an increase in tonnage flow through the Canal and a reduction in Canal Waters Time (CWT), the average time it takes a vessel to navigate the Canal including waiting time for passage. Furthermore, safety has improved on the waterway, with a significant decline in accidents in 2003, compared with those registered in 2002 and 2001.

Setting the scene for the premiere of the new 2003 line of Meridian Yachts, a clear, blue sky served as the backdrop at New York City's Chelsea Piers, as these new innovative, and technologically sound vessels were introduced, by Meridian's president and master of ceremonies, William J. Barrington. The vessels, which join the ranks of their elite sister companies (all governed by the Brunswick Boat Group), of Sea Ray, Hatteras, Maxum and Sealine, range in size from 34 to 58 ft. (10.3 to 17.6 m) and include the latest technological and design innovations - specifically Meridian's own unique Docking on Command (DOC) system, which allows the most novice of boaters to guide their vessel into the tightest of spaces.