Northern America News

The World Ports and Trade Summit (WPTS) 2012, which recently concluded in Abu Dhabi, has asserted the strategic importance of the Emirate in marine transport, and the need to tackle accelerated growth requirements of the industry while mindful of mounting concerns about sustainability. The participants at the Summit were in consensus about achieving a strategic vision for the long-term development of the industry, being clearly aware of the effects of climate change and energy requirements. Participants said the current situation is a dilemma of growth confronting the shipping and port industry, nevertheless  aspirations for 2040 make it imperative for the industry to start acting today, especially considering the massive ecological impact of its activities.

Moore Stephens Brokers Limited, a source of general insurance products tailored for Superyachts, has appointed Kathy Kennedy as its new executive vice president it was announced today. She will be based in the USA. A US based yachting industry veteran, Kathy most recently worked with the Ferretti Group on North American market development and with Derecktor Shipyards as director of marketing during the M/Y CAKEWALK build. - jewellery.

A new installation of Transas VTS system took place in the middle of August at Heimaey, the main populated island in Vestmanneyjar archipelago southwest of the Icelandic mainland. The history of this project goes back several years, when the Icelandic Telecommunication Company were interested in acquiring a system intended to supervise/protect national submarine communications. A huge submarine cable integrated with the transatlantic submarine communication line between Europe and Northern America connects Iceland with the rest of the Globe. This cable has been damaged several times because of incorrect fishing and anchoring operations, consequently causing very expensive repair works often running into millions of US dollars.