Island Services News

Overcrowding is dangerous. Listen to crew. Follow instructions. It could save your life. These simple but key messages to ferry passengers are included in a new one-minute animated International Maritime Organization (IMO) safety video, to be shown in ferry terminals across the Asia and Pacific region and on national TV channels. The video was commissioned following a series of IMO-sponsored regional discussion forums on ferry safety held in the Asia and Pacific region. Overloading and overcrowding were highlighted as common and potentially deadly problems for passenger ships plying inland waterways or on domestic and inter-island services.

Avalon Freight Services co-founded by Greg and Tim Bombard and Harley Franco, will debut freight service on Friday, April 1, 2016. Currently scheduled to operate a minimum of five days a week, year round, the company will transport freight from Berth 95 in San Pedro and the Pebbly Beach freight facility in Avalon. In addition to scouring the country seeking the best Landing Craft and Tug and Barge systems, the new company will provide the safest, fastest, quietest, most efficient…

CMA CGM is offering more Reunion Island services as it positions the French department to be its hub in the Indian Ocean. CMA CGM presented its new strengthened services offer linking the Reunion Island during the inauguration of the Group’s new offices, on Tuesday 26th January. The event took place the day before the inauguration of the New Port Reunion. The Reunion Island now becomes CMA CGM Group’s maritime hub in the Indian Ocean. CMA CGM positions the Reunion Island as a strategic hub in the Indian Ocean: by offering 5 weekly calls compared to 3 previously, the Group links Reunion Island with Europe, Australia, Asia, India, East Africa, West Africa and South Africa. The weekly NEMO service now allows direct links between Europe, the Reunion Island and Australia.

Matson, Inc. agrees to acquire the primary assets formerly owned by Reef Shipping, a South Pacific shipping company based in Auckland, New Zealand. The assets to be acquired include four vessels and approximately 1,500 pieces of container equipment. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed and the closing of the transaction is expected to occur on or about year-end. "With this acquisition, Matson continues to expand its geographic reach into the South Pacific, and build on its well-earned expertise as a Pacific island carrier," said Matt Cox , president and CEO.

Crowley Maritime Corporation has announced  that Steve Demeroutis will now assume the role of vice president, marine operations, for the company’s petroleum and chemical transportation group. Rudy Leming will assume Demeroutis’ former position of vice president, labor relations. In their new positions, both employees will remain domiciled in Jacksonville, Fla., Demeroutis will report to Crowley’s Rob Grune, senior vice president and general manager, petroleum services, while Leming now reports to Bill Pennella, vice chairman and executive vice president.

Crowley Maritime Corporation announced that Wendy MacDonald has been promoted to vice president of procurement, replacing Matt Jackson who has been named vice president, Caribbean island services. MacDonald will remain domiciled in Jacksonville and report to Susan Rodgers, Crowley's senior vice president of corporate services. MacDonald is responsible for all materials management and purchasing for the corporation. She also oversees facilities development and travel. MacDonald…

Crowley's Puerto Rico/Caribbean liner services group announced two management appointments on Feb. 9 — Rudy Leming to vice president, marine & terminal operations, and Matt Jackson to vice president, Caribbean Island services. Both will report to John Douglass, senior vice president and general manager, and remain domiciled in Jacksonville. In filling a newly created position, Leming, who previously served as vice president, Caribbean Island services will be responsible for terminal operations and maintenance at Crowley's Jacksonville…

The Hawaii Superferry's fate in Hawaii is uncertain. All eyes are on the legal courts on the island of Maui, who are still in the midst of deciding the legality of the Hawaii Superferry's inter-island services. The Hawaii State Legislature, meanwhile, is preparing to call a special session to vote on the same topic should the local court ban the Hawaii Superferry. And environmentalists throughout the island state are pushing for the public to voice their disapproval of the ferry. Meanwhile, the island of Kauai is preparing for the Hawaii Superferry's return after being forced away last month by environmental activists in kayaks and on surfboards blocking the Hawaii Superferry's port at Nawiliwili Harbor.