Whitaker News

The U.S. Coast Guard’s newest Legend-class national security cutter, Calhoun (WMSL 759), departed from HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division on Sunday, November 19.“We congratulate the NSC team of shipbuilders on a job well done,” said Ingalls Shipbuilding NSC Program Manager Amanda Whitaker. “Watching Calhoun sail away is a proud moment for us all and we look forward to watching this highly capable national security cutter serve for decades to come.”Calhoun is scheduled for commissioning in 2024 and will be homeported in Charleston…

The U.S. Coast Guard‘s newest national security cutter, Calhoun (WMSL 759) has successfully completed builder’s sea trials, HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division announced.The ship—the 10th Legend-class cutter built by Ingalls for the Coast Guard—successfully tested propulsion and auxiliary equipment, as well as various ship systems, the Pascagoula, Miss. shipbuilder said.“Every successful sea trial is a major accomplishment for our shipbuilders, and the NSC team has worked hard to ensure the Coast Guard receives another highly capable and advanced cutter for the fleet…

Greenpeace protesters have blocked the entry of a Greek tanker into a southern English port due to its Russian fuel cargo with police making arrests, the green group said on Monday.Britain and the EU have separately banned Russian-flagged vessels from their ports, with exemptions, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in what the Kremlin describes as a "special military operation."The UK has said it will phase out imports of Russian oil by the end of the year, which has meant that foreign-flagged vessels carrying Russian cargoes are still able to call at ports for the time being.Greenpeace said 12 activists occupied a jetty on Sunday evening in Navigator Terminals' Thames site in Essex…

A Dutch-flagged cruise ship will provide a temporary home to some 1,500 Ukrainians who fled their country in the wake of Russia's invasion.Holland America Line said its vessel Volendam will be used to accommodate Ukrainian refugees as part of an agreement announced by Netherlands and City of Rotterdam government officials. The ship will dock at Merwehaven, a cargo port on the north side of the River Maas in Rotterdam, for three months to provide a temporary home for approximately 1,500 Ukrainians, part of a larger commitment from the Netherlands to accommodate 50,000 people who fled the war in their homeland.“We are in a unique position to accommodate the immediate need for food and housing…

Construction of what has been described as the world's largest civilian/NGO hospital ship - the Global Mercy - is making progress and is nearing completion in China.Mercy Ships, an NGO which ordered the ship to deliver free healthcare services to those with little access in the developing world, and Stena RoRo, which leads the construction of the Global Mercy, on Tuesday shared a timelapse video of the construction along with the photos of the vessel in the shipyard in China."The Global Mercy will be a true modern marvel—a fully custom-built hospital ship with customized instruments…

PVA president Jeff Whitaker in December weighed in on his year as head of the nation’s passenger vessel advocacy group, where we are headed next, and what it will take to get there. The U.S. passenger vessel industry is looking forward to continued growth in the coming months. The past year was witness to solid economic conditions in the U.S., which added fuel to an already strong travel and tourism market, underpinning much of the U.S. passenger vessel industry. Ferry ridership continued to be strong with ferry systems in the Northeast…

Capturing complex bends on pipes is an art form members of the Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Pipe Group have harnessed for many years. Now entering a more modern era with a new dual-head pipe bending machine, NNSY is able to create more precise bends in a fraction of the time, thanks to modern, automated controls. Originally, pipe benders would have to work on a semiautomatic machine where everything would have to be measured exactly and each bend would have to be checked with a protractor to guarantee the needed dimensions were captured. It was tedious work and there was a risk of wasted material should the measurements not equate to what was needed.

Parker Kittiwake has  announced the launch of the Gold Guide – a definitive reference guide to fuel, hydraulic, and lubricating oil for the marine industry. This first-of-a-kind, comprehensive resource provides vessel owners and operators with all the information needed to understand all aspects of fuel, lube, and hydraulic oil from first principles to testing, monitoring, characteristics and specifications. Furthermore it gives a comprehensive insight into interpreting test results and understanding the potential impact these can have on operational performance and efficiency.

LIVERPOOL City Region has launched a new  £2.5 million maritime training academy which it believes is the only one in the U.K. to create vitally needed skills and become a beacon of international excellence. Hugh Baird College, Bootle, and its supporting partners officially launch the Port Academy Liverpool (PAL) with some 200 guests from across the U.K. representing the maritime industry, Merchant Navy, Royal Navy – both past and present - and charitable trusts. Port Academy Liverpool will provide first class academic…

During the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2016 held January 23-26 in Crystal City, Va., members of the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) elected Margo Marks of Beaver Island Boat Company, Beaver Island, Mich. as PVA President for 2016. Margo Marks is President/General Manager of Beaver Island Boat Company, Beaver Island, Mich. The company has provided passenger service, vehicle service and freight service between Beaver Island and Charlevoix, Mich. since 1984. The first ferry service to the island began in 1890.

Merseyside marine hydraulics specialist V&A announced it has completed a vessel repair package for Runcorn-based international fuel bunkering firm Whitaker Tankers. The Birkenhead-based family-run firm has delivered a series of complex hydraulic upgrades to the short haul fuel tanker, Keewhit. V&A Hydraulics managing director Vic Seddon said the project required a broad skill set and in-depth technical knowledge. "A key part of the repair package included work to a blown out cylinder,” he said.

At a formal event presided by ShriNitinGadkari, Union Minister of Road Transport,Highways and Shipping in the presence of ShriAnil Desai, Member of RajyaSabhainMumbai, India’s No.1 Container Terminal Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust,  have today signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with Major UK ports operator, Peel Ports, who own the Port of Liverpool . Measured by Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the UK is already the biggest G20 ‘maker’ in India. Last year the UK invested $3.2 billion in India accounting for almost 10% of all FDI flows into India, more than the second and third largest G20 investors into India combined. Likewise, Indian companies are amongst the biggest investors in the UK. The innovations developed through these collaborations have hugely benefited both countries.

British oil and gas producer BG Group Plc will delay until the next decade a proposed liquefied natural gas export terminal on Canada's Pacific coast, the Wall Street Journal reported, quoting the head of the company's Canadian unit. "We'd always said (construction would begin) as early as 2016, but we now recognize it'll likely be later, with commercial operations likely beginning early in the next decade," BG Canada President Madeline Whitaker said in an interview with the Journal. Kim Blomley, a spokesman for BG Group, said he could not immediately confirm if the project had slipped into the next decade, but he noted comments by interim Executive Chairman Andrew Gould during a post-earnings conference call on Tuesday.

Huntington Ingalls Industries' informs that its Ingalls Shipbuilding division raised $12,000 for Special Olympics of Mississippi at the company's third annual "5K on the Causeway" on Saturday. "It was a great turnout with more than 700 participants this year," said Edmond Hughes, Ingalls' vice president of human resources and administration. "We have a faithful contingent that continues to return every year, and that demonstrates our employees' dedication to a healthier lifestyle. All of that hard work and enthusiasm creates a very special event that raises money for a very special organization. The money raised by the 5K adds to the $30,000 Ingalls has given to Special Olympics of Mississippi in 2014.

Birkenhead  based engineering firm IPS Marine Fabrications has completed a series of contracts for three ship operators. IPS director Paul Smith said the contracts with Whitaker Tankers, and ferry operators Seatruck and Stena showcased the broad range of fabrication and insulation skills IPS can provide. “The job spec of these contracts was really varied and shows how we can save customers time and money,” he said. “For Seatruck we supplied high temperature ceramic fiber insulation for the main engine exhausts.

During the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2014, held January 18-21 in Houston, members of the Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) elected Terri Bernstein, BB Riverboats Newport, Ky., as PVA President for 2014. Dave Anderson, Fire Island Ferries, Inc., Bay Shore, N.Y. Margo Marks, Beaver Island Boat Company, Charlevoix, Mich. Captain Terri Bernstein is Vice President of Operations of BB Riverboats in Newport, Ky. This third-generation, family-owned business is the oldest riverboat company in the Greater Cincinnati Ohio Region.

ABS celebrated its 150th anniversary in Washington, DC on 31 January and was recognized by Members of Congress for the classification society’s proud history and unwavering commitment to the American and international maritime community. “I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating ABS on its 150th anniversary and in recognizing ABS’ significant service to the American marine and offshore industries and our sea services,” stated Congressman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, in remarks entered into the Congressional Record. Congressman LoBiondo was joined by Congressman Rick Larsen (D-WA)…

At the 2010 Passenger Vessel Association Convention at MariTrends in Tampa, Fla., the members of the PVA elected their new officers and board members. Captain Kevin Stier, River Cruises, Scales Mound, Ill. Captain Jay Spence, Massachusetts Bay Lines, Boston, Mass. Paul Belforti, Entertainment Cruises, Chicago, Ill. Captain Kevin Stier is the owner and operator of River Cruises. River Cruises offers two day overnight cruises on the Upper Mississippi River aboard the vessel Twilight. Captain Stier’s career started with him working on the Julia Belle Swain for the late Captain Dennis Trone, one of the original members of the PVA, throughout the span of his career Captain Stier has piloted the Julia Belle Swain, the Talisman and Twilight, of which he was instrumental in the construction.

PVA members, during the PVA Annual Convention at MariTrends 2010 in Tampa, Fla., elected Kevin Stier as President. Captain Stier is owner of River Cruises, Scales Mound, Ill.. River Cruises operates the 149 passenger Riverboat Twilight that offers two-day overnight cruises on the Upper Mississippi River. A longtime member of the PVA Regulatory Committee, Captain Stier has been a member of the PVA Board of Directors since 2003 and has served as PVA Vice-President and PVA Secretary-Treasurer. Captain Jay Spence was elected PVA Vice President. Captain Spence is General Manager of Massachusetts Bay Lines in Boston, Mass. This second-generation, family-owned business has operated since 1963 and is the oldest operating year-round commuter service in Boston.

window clean from salt spray. number of major companies to Preston-based company Kleentec Marine. improve their resilience to the elements. System I knew it was something which would benefit our members. underwent conversion work at ABP in Garston. pits and craters which hold onto water, dirt and salt. on the wiper blades. Towage, based at North Huskisson Dock.

The coastal tanker industry has been one of MMS Shiprepair’s (Hull) largest contributors during recent weeks, ships including Everard’s 3,778 dwt Asperity, and 3,778 dwt Audacity. The offshore industry has also been a contributor - the 3,115 dwt Safe Truck, this is owned by Sea Truck Ltd, Sutton UK and the 1,336 dwt Toisa Crest, owned by Toisa Ltd, in Hamilton. Also recently at the yard is the 1,308 dwt salvage tug Anglian Monarch this vessel is owned by Klyne Marine Services Ltd, Lowestoft and two dredgers - the 5,872 dwt Arco Beck, owned by Hanson Civil & Marine Ltd, Southampton and the 197 grt Sea Horse, which is owned by Crowley Marine Services Inc, Seattle. Recent projects have involved the 1,370 dwt Trobo, which is owned by Paul Wilson & Co.

Exxonmobil Marine Fuels (EMMF) has further improved its delivery capability on the UK south coast by taking under exclusive contract from Whitaker Tankers a new, 4,500-tonne-capacity, double-hulled bunker barge, to be based at Southampton. kind in the UK. fleets in Europe. optimum class notation for environmental protection. tanks are all fitted with in-tank blending capability. relationship. regard to the paramount importance of quality and safety.

features Cummins-powered generator sets. Trading, S.A. of Istanbul Turkey. joined the fleet of John H. Whitaker (Tankers) Ltd. of the U.K. Cargo holds total 4682 cubic metres with a 163 cubic metre slop tank.. Ballast tanks will accommodate 2000 tons. into a Rolls Royce 3:1 gear. 304/5 HX) each powered by a Cummins KTA19 D(M1). powered by a Cummins 6BT D(M).