Iran Looks to Expand Offshore Oil Work
According to a Nov. 2 report from United Press International, Iran expects to increase its offshore oil production for the Iranian calendar year by 20% compared with the previous year, an energy director said. Iran is rushing to increase its domestic production of oil and gas as international producers shy away from the sanction-strapped Islamic republic. (Source: United Press International)
Tanker Crew Robbed in Latest Piracy Attack
According to a Sept. 24 report from United Press International, Asia, armed pirates boarded a tanker in the South China Sea, assaulted a crew member and robbed the rest of the crew. The six pirates were armed with knives and machetes as they boarded the Singapore-registered Prospect, the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) said. The ship carrying liquefied petroleum gas was boarded just off Anambas Island. (Source: UPIasia.com)
Lawmakers Push for Shipbuilding Plan
According to a June 3 report from United Press International, several Republican congressmen are pushing to get U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates to put together a 30-year plan for building warships. Adm. Gary Roughead, chief of naval operations, said a quadrennial defense review to be presented to Congress early next year will lay out the shipbuilding issues. (Source: United Press International)
Teekay to Buy Four LPG carriers
Teekay LNG Partners LP, a Bahamas maritime firm, will pay $106m to buy four liquefied petroleum gas carriers. Upon their delivery to Teekay LNG, all of the vessels will run on long-term, fixed-rate time-charters, Teekay said Wednesday. The company expects that each ship will generate about $11.6m per year in revenues. Three of the LPG carriers are under construction and will be purchased from IM Skaugen ASA upon their delivery from the shipyard between early 2008 and mid-2009. Source: United Press International
MarAd: Calif. Ghost Ships are Safe
The U.S. Maritime Administration (MarAd) says World War II-era ships are safe to move from Suisun Bay, Calif., to Texas scrap yards, a report said. The U.S. Department of Transportation six years ago found the 77 ghost ship at Walnut Creek, Calif., 'an immediate environmental threat.' However, acting Maritime Administration Director Julie Nelson last week insisted the ships are safe enough to move. Nelson`s visit was in response to a request by Knight Ridder reporters who were refused permission by the Maritime Administration to tour the Suisun Bay fleet, the Contra Costa (Calif.) Times reported. MarAd says ships in Virginia`s James River are a higher removal priority. Source: United Press International
