Watermark News

Guangzhou Shipyard delivered a pair of innovative ships recently: the 274m, 157,300 dwt Greenway reported to be the world’s first LNG dual fuel Suezmax tanker built for Singapore headquartered shipowner Eastern Pacific Shipping Pte. Ltd.; and the 49,990 dwt tanker Stena Pro Marine, the second methanol-fueled ship ever built in China.The Stena Pro Marine was handed over to Proman Stena Bulk, a joint venture between Sweden’s Stena Bulk AB and Switzerland-headquartered Proman, with…

The United Kingdom Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has observed an increase in the number of counterfeit versions of ADMIRALTY charts and publications in circulation and is re-issuing a warning over the dangers they pose to the safety of vessels, crew and cargo. These counterfeit items have not been assessed by UKHO experts, who cross check and quality assure ADMIRALTY Maritime Products & Services to ensure mariners receive up-to-date and accurate information. Information contained within counterfeit products has also not been issued officially by or on the authority of a Government…

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) sees an increase in the number of counterfeit versions of its Admiralty charts & publications. Counterfeit documents do not satisfy SOLAS carriage requirements, as they have not been issued by an officially approved government body or authorised hydrographic office. They may also fall foul of Flag State Authorities and Port State Control rules, as well as increasing the safety risk for vessels, crews and cargoes. UKHO's John Dawson said: ‘We urge purchasers, users, inspectors and regulators to be vigilant for counterfeit Admiralty charts and publications. Because counterfeit versions have not been through the same rigorous checking procedures as official charts and publications, they cannot be trusted for voyage planning or navigational purposes.

The U. S. House of Representative’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Safety and Transportation held a hearing last month on the TWIC program. Debbie Gosselin, president of Watermark Cruises, testified on behalf the Passenger Vessel Association stating that changes to TWIC are necessary to keep small American businesses like hers from being harmed. Specifically, she stressed the need to put seasonal employees to work quickly; to reduce the costs associated with the TWIC; to allow employers to define secure areas; and, to thoroughly test the TWIC readers in a marine environment before requiring them. Gosselin emphasized that she and PVA members support rational security measures.

MultiPlus Solutions in Norway was awarded a contract in China for the delivery and implementation of an ERP system at SinoPacific Shipbuilding Group. The committed order value of $1.9m in 2007 may increase to over $5.2m in the upcoming years. Since the merger of Qurius and Watermark on December 18, 2006 MultiPlus is a subsidiary of Qurius.