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West Gulf News

12 Apr 2022

Crowley and Shell Partner on Maritime Decarbonization

(Image: Crowley)

U.S.-based shipping and logistics form Crowley said it is teaming up with international energy major Shell to support alternative energy solutions for the future of shoreside and terminal operations.Under a new memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Crowley and Shell Trading (US) Company, the companies will look broadly at how they can jointly develop sustainable solutions across the U.S. maritime sector, possibly including lower-emissions vessels and technology at ports across the West…

27 Dec 2019

INSIGHTS: Niels Aalund

Niels Aalund was elected President of the International Propeller Club at their 93rd International Convention and Conference. The prominent maritime industry stakeholder will serve a two-year term, commencing from October 17th. Aalund, a well-known maritime subject matter expert and executive, also serves as an Officer and as Senior Vice President of the West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA). WGMA communicates and coordinates with various governmental entities throughout the West Gulf…

28 Oct 2019

Aalund Named International Propeller Club's President

Niels Aalund, President, International Propeller Club

Niels Aalund was elected at the 93rd International Convention and Conference in New Orleans on October 17th.New Orleans, LA: Prominent maritime industry stakeholder Niels Aalund has been elected President of the International Propeller Club. Mr. Aalund will serve a two-year term, commencing from October 17th. Aalund, a well-known maritime subject matter expert and executive, currently serves as an Officer and as Senior Vice-President of the West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA).

24 Nov 2017

Propeller Club elects RADM Whitehead as International President

At its 91st annual convention last month, the International Propeller Club of the United States elected and installed its leaders for the coming year and beyond. Representatives of the Club’s more than 75 chapters from around the world elected Rear Admiral Joel Whitehead, US Coast Guard (retired) to a two-year term as International President. RADM Whitehead is a member of the Club’s Port of New Orleans chapter. Niels Aalund, a member of the Club’s Port of Houston and the Senior Vice President, Maritime Affairs, of the West Gulf Maritime Association, was elected First Vice President and Philippe de Gauw (Algeciras, Spain) was reelected as Second Vice President. Both will serve terms expiring in 2019.

19 Jun 2016

Houston International Seafarers Centers to honor Aalund in September

On September 24, 2016 the Houston International Seafarers Centers will host their Annual Maritime Gala . Niels Aalund, Senior Vice President, West Gulf Maritime Association, will be honored as the " Bronze Anchor Award” recipient. Niels Aalund, serves as an Officer and as Senior Vice-President, West Gulf Maritime Association, with primary responsibility for advocating on behalf of member companies (steamship agents, vessel owners, and industry stakeholders) with local, state and federal agencies. From organizations such as Washington, D.C, based, National Maritime Association, to the commercial sector, Aalund has provided leadership for a variety of maritime related positions. He has extensive strategic planning experience in both operations and commercial maritime activities.

02 Mar 2016

Argosy Transportation Group Celebrates 20 Years

Image: ATG

As part of its 20th anniversary celebration, Argosy Transportation Group (ATG) is sponsoring various professional events, and contributing toward initiatives in education within the maritime industry. ATG said it appreciates the importance of investing in young professionals, and the group remains committed to developing a platform for the future of the industry. ATG said its commitment to trust and performance in transit is evidenced by its 20-year history. The company can trace its roots back to 1996 when Argosy Shipping was established by Rider Griswold…

07 Dec 2015

“Green” Inland Midstream Refuel Barge Delivered

Tres Palacios Marine/Stone Oil

John W. Stone Oil Distributor, LLC is taking delivery of its first “green” inland midstream refueling barge from Tres Palacios Marine in Palacios, Texas. The 160 x 54-ft. double hull barge is the latest addition to the fleet of equipment Stone Oil uses to support its customer base as well as its various terminal operations. Stone Oil discussed ways to improve the existing midstream fuel barge design with its marine personnel as well as its shore based maintenance staff. This was coupled with requests from customers to provide a means to deliver various grades of fuel…

30 Jul 2015

WGMA Urges Participation in Menhaden Survey

The West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA) is urging its members with ships arriving at any port in the western US Gulf to participate in the Menhaden survey. The annual Menhaden spawn (typically April through October) has created challenges for ships transiting local waterways, namely a potentially dangerous loss of propulsion caused by engine overheating resulting from sea chest strainers being clogged by hundreds of these small fish. Numerous warnings have previously been broadcast by the Coast Guard's Captain of the Port and the Presiding Officer of the Houston Pilots about this natural phenomenon and these incidents, however they continue to occur…

05 Sep 2014

Niels Lyngso Retires from West Gulf Maritime Association

Niels Lyngso

WGMA says Lyngso’s retirement effective October 1, 2014. Born and raised in Denmark and finishing his shipping education including maritime law studies in 1972, Niels Lyngso has been a longtime stalwart for WGMA. Arriving in the United States in 1972 as a management trainee for Olsen & Ugelstad, he has since filled many roles along the collective, domestic waterfront. Lyngso’s maritime career has spanned many decades and still many more roles, including the management of bulk vessels and a long history in liner agency work.

20 Jul 2014

Provision for Lightering Paroles for Joining Crew

The West Gulf Maritime Association (WGMA) has issued a reminder regarding lightering paroles for crewmembers joining vessels in the USA. There have been instances where crewmembers joining a lightering vessel have been denied parole when applying at the airport of arrival and admitted on their C1 transit visa. Efforts by agents to obtain corrections have been difficult in many cases and WGMA recommend the following steps be taken. During the inspection, if the crewmember believes that a misunderstanding has occurred they should request to speak with a CBP Chief, Supervisor, or a Passenger Service Manager. If the agent believes that an error has occurred…

05 Jul 2014

SMART Institute Conference Focuses on Skilled Professionals

After 20 days offshore, Colton Hendrick and Blake Snapp are back on land, preparing for their next journey out on the water as new maritime interns with Higman Marine Services. And they love it. "It can be tough work at times, but the beauty is seeing the sun rise and set each day," said Snapp. Plus, the money and job security are incentives as well. Both Snapp and Hendrick stand to earn approximately $100,000 by the fifth year of their first maritime job. Also, with many fellow mariners talking about upcoming retirement, the idea of becoming captains isn't far-fetched either, especially when they will hold associate degrees in maritime technology.

04 Feb 2014

MARAD's Jaenichen to Open NAMEPA 'Winds of Change' Conference

Paul “Chip” Jaenichen: Photo credit NAMEPA

Acting Maritime Administrator, Paul “Chip” Jaenichen will open the “Winds of Change in Shipping” conference being hosted by NAMEPA (North American Marine Environment Protection Association) in Houston along with the WGMA (West Gulf Maritime Association) on February 19, 2014. The next day, February 20th, NAMEPA is partnering with NOIA (National Ocean Industries Association) to present the “Winds of Change in Offshore Oil and Gas”. Adding even more luster to this period is the inaugural Lloyd’s List North American Awards Dinner on February 19th, where winners of 17 categories will be presented.

03 Apr 2013

Port of Houston Upcoming Youth Maritime Expo

The third annual Maritime Youth Expo will be held at the Port of Houston's Bayport Cruise Terminal, Saturday 6, April 2013. Hundreds of area high school maritime students and Sea Scouts will have the opportunity to hear mariners talk about opportunities on tow boats, harbor tugs and barges, learn about maritime salvage and see salvor equipment in action, and watch state-of-the-art Coast Guard helicopters and small boats perform on-water demonstrations. The Port Authority's M/V Sam Houston, fireboats and the Emergency Command Center will be on display. Representatives from the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Texas General Land Office…

17 Jan 2013

Dean Corgey to Serve on Port of Houston Commission

Dean Corgey: Photo credit Port of Houston

Houston City Council appoints Dean Corgey, V-P of the Seafarers International Union Gulf Coast Region, to serve as member of the Port Commission of the Port of Houston Authority. Corgey's appointment fills the seat previously held by Janiece Longoria, who was named Port Commission Chairman January 8 during a joint session of the Houston City Council and Harris County Commissioners Court. She had served as the city appointee to the commission since 2002. Corgey, a longtime organizer for the Seafarers Union and lifelong Houston resident…

01 Nov 2012

Newly Christened ATB Marks Milestone

The crew of the Legend/750-2 and Crowley friends and employees.

Crowley Maritime Corporation recently welcomed a new addition to its American-made and operated  fleet of petroleum tank vessels, the 750-class articulated tug-barge (ATB) Legend/750-2. The milestone came exactly five years after Crowley first announced plans to build the 750-class, which is considered one of largest, fastest and safest in the industry. The latest vessel is the second of three in the class, and will transport petroleum products – including gasoline – along the U.S. West, Gulf and East Coasts.

26 Mar 2012

Cargotec Names Buffers as North American Distributor

Buffers USA Inc. appointed as distributor for MacGregor and Allset ship Lashings in North America from 1 April 2012. Cargotec has appointed Buffers USA Inc as distributor for its MacGregor and Allset brands of lashing equipment for the US East and Gulf coasts, Canada and Mexico from 1 April 2012. Established  in 1989 to develop Intermodal hardware for the North American market, Buffers USA  teamed up with Allset Marine  in 1991 and successfully changed the US marine twistlock market from the manual type to the semi- automatic. Today Buffers USA handles over 6,300 part numbers and carries over 6.5 million parts at any given time in their four warehouses on the West, Gulf and East coasts of USA.

04 Nov 2011

Nagel Presented with the Breakbulk Lifetime Achievement

Jerry Nagel was presented with the Breakbulk Lifetime Achievement Award at the Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference & Exhibition in New Orleans October 25-27 2011.

Jerry Nagel, Chairman of Rickmers-Linie (America), was presented with the 8th annual Lifetime Leadership and Achievement Award at a ceremony celebrating the opening of the 22nd annual Breakbulk Transportation Conference and Exhibition at the New Orleans Convention Center on 26 October. This is an event attended by more than 3,600 breakbulk and heavy-lift industry executives. Nagel, 62, has spent much of the past decade working as president and CEO at Rickmers-Linie (America) in Houston, where he oversaw the expansion of the German carrier's business in the Americas.

03 Nov 2011

Jerry Nagel Receives Breakbulk Lifetime Achievement Award

Jerry Nagel, chairman of the board at Rickmers-Linie (America)

Jerry Nagel, chairman of the board at Rickmers-Linie (America) was the recipient of the 8th annual Lifetime Leadership and Achievement Award at the Wed., Oct. 26 kickoff of the 22nd annual Breakbulk Transportation Conference and Exhibition at the New Orleans Convention Center, attended by more than 3,600 breakbulk and heavy-lift industry executives. Nagel, 62, has spent much of the past decade working as president and CEO at Rickmers-Linie (America) in Houston, where he oversaw the expansion of the carrier's business in the Americas.

08 Mar 2001

Galveston, Houston and Texas City Ports Guide Now Available

The Houston/Galveston Navigation Safety Advisory Committee (HOGANSAC) has compiled the first-ever Facility Information Guide for the ports of Galveston, Houston and Texas City. The Guide provides specific navigation information for every facility in the three-port area. Information in the Guide was contributed by terminal owners and operators and organized by staff members at Coast Guard Vessel Traffic Service Houston/Galveston. Copies of the Guide are currently available and may be purchased from the Marine Exchange of the West Gulf, Inc. The guide's cost is $16.24 per copy, plus shipping and handling. The Guide is intended to enhance the safety of marine operations in the region by providing important data on channel-side facilities.

25 May 2000

Offshore News

The Department of the Interior's Minerals Management Service (MMS) has disbursed $65 million to six coastal states: Alabama, Alaska, California, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. This is the fourteenth installment in a series of annual payments based on 1985 settlement legislation regarding the allocation of royalties, rents and bonuses from certain federal offshore oil and gas leases. The 1978 Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Lands Act Amendments provided for certain coastal states and the federal government to share revenues earned from OCS leases, generally, three to six miles beyond a state's coastal boundary. This area, known as the 8(g) zone, is named after the enabling paragraph of that legislation.

30 Jun 2011

HMM Elects New Officers

The Houston Maritime Museum (HMM) has elected new officers to its Board of Directors. Niels A. Aalund, Senior Vice President of Maritime Affairs for the West Gulf Maritime Association, (WGMA) will serve as Chairman to advocate on behalf of the WGMA members with local, state and federal agencies. Steve Stewart, President and Co-Founder of Gulf Winds International, Inc., will serve as Vice Chairman for the board, specializing in international logistics within the shipping industry. He is actively involved in numerous associations in and around Houston. Michelle C. Hundley, J.D., Manager of Community Relations at Port of Houston Authority, will serve as Secretary for the board. Hundley is responsible for advancing PHA’s corporate social responsibility initiatives.

08 Jun 2006

Navy to Commission New Guided-Missile Destroyer

The book cover of “Farragut, America’s First Admiral” by Naval Historical Center historian Robert J. Schneller, Jr. Adm. Farragut was appointed the U.S. Navy’s first four-star Admiral in 1866, but is most famous for his cry at the Battle of Mobile Bay on August 1864: “Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!” U.S. Navy photo. The Navy will commission the newest Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, Farragut (DDG 99), June 10, during a ceremony in Mayport, Fla. Sen. Mel Martinez will deliver the ceremony's principal address. Sen. Susan Collins will serve as the ship’s sponsor. The ship’s name honors Adm. David Glasgow Farragut (1801-1870). One of the Union's great heroes, Farragut gained fame for his exploits while in command of the West Gulf Blockading Squadron during the Civil War.

18 Nov 2003

Maritime Exchange VP Elected to Head MISNA

At their fall meeting, members of Maritime Information Service of North America (MISNA), a non-profit association dedicated to promoting safe, secure, efficient and environmentally sound maritime operations, elected Lisa B. Himber, vice president of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, to serve as the organization's president for 2004. Other officers include: Immediate Past President - Liz Wainwright, Merchants Exchange of Portland, OR; Vice President - Ed Page, Marine Exchange of Alaska; Lynn Korwatch, Marine Exchange of San Francisco Bay; and Alastair MacNab, Marine Exchange of the West Gulf. The Maritime Exchange…