Underwater Fire - Exploring Submarine Volcanoes
Most of Earth’s volcanoes are in the oceans, yet scientists know very little about them compared to volcanoes on land. Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor recently completed a 41-day expedition near Tonga, using cutting-edge technology to map, view, and sample underwater volcanoes while sharing observations with the public using real-time video streaming and chat programs. Findings include detecting widespread evidence of deep sea explosive volcanism…
Denmark: New Regulations for Operating Personal Watercraft
When new regulations of the Danish Government become effective from 1 January 2018, operators of personal watercraft must complete a theoretical as well as a practical test. As part of the Danish Government’s efforts to enhance the safety of those using the sea for recreational purposes, the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) will now require operators of personal watercraft and the like to hold a special personal watercraft license.
USS James E. Williams Returns Home
The guided-missile destroyer USS James E. Williams (DDG 95) returned to its Naval Station Norfolk homeport Dec. 23, completing a seven-month deployment to the U.S. 5th and 6th Fleet areas of operation. The ship departed May 23, to support anti-submarine exercises and operations in the North and Norwegian seas, as well as maritime security operations in the Arabian Gulf. The ship and crew of more than 300 Sailors…
Space X Launches Fourth Set of Iridium NEXT Satellites
Iridium Communications announced that, SpaceX successfully launched the fourth set of 10 Iridium NEXT satellites into orbit from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California. The launch marks the midway point of the Iridium NEXT launch program, and was the first Iridium launch to use a SpaceX flight-proven rocket. The first stage booster for Iridium-4 was previously used for Iridium-2, making Iridium the first company to reuse the same rocket booster.
ABS Grants AIP to DSLB150 Self-Elevating Unit
ABS, the leading provider of classification and technical services to the global offshore industry, granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. (DSIC) for its Self-Elevating Unit Design (DSLB150), in accordance with the applicable requirements of ABS Rules for Building and Classing Mobile Offshore Drilling Units 2017. The unit also meets IMO Resolution A.1023 (26) “Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units, 2009”.
ABS Approval Advances Tension Leg Platform Concept
ABS granted approval in principle (AIP) for a Tension Leg Platform (DSTLP500) design developed by Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co., Ltd. (DSIC). “ABS and DSIC have a long relationship and have worked closely on a broad range of offshore projects, semi-submersible units, jackups and drill ships,” said ABS Executive Vice President for Global Offshore Kenneth Richardson. “Gaining ABS approval is an important step in helping bring this project closer to realization…
HSH Nordbank to Exit First Ship Lease
HSH Nordbank AG's subsidiary Godan GmbH, the controlling unitholder of First Ship Lease Trust (FSL Trust), is looking to divest all its shares in FSL Holdings, the sponsor of the trust, reported Business Times. The report quoted FSL Trust as saying that Godan GMBH is in discussion with shortlisted strategic investors for a potential sale of all of its shares in FSL Holdings. FSL Holdings also owns all shares of the trustee-manager of FSL Trust through FSL Asset Management Pte Ltd.
Keppel O&M to Pay US$422m to Resolve Petrobras Issue
Keppel Corporation Limited (Keppel Corporation or Keppel) today confirmed that KOM has reached a global resolution with criminal authorities in the United States, Brazil and Singapore in relation to corrupt payments made by KOM's former agent in Brazil, Zwi Skornicki. As part of the global resolution, KOM has accepted a conditional warning from the Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) in Singapore, and entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with the U.S.
