EIA Release Short-Term Energy Outlook
The U.S. Energy Information Administration released its Short-Term Energy Outlook. • North Sea Brent crude oil spot prices averaged $52 per barrel (b) in April, $1/b higher than the March average and the fifth consecutive month that Brent crude oil spot prices averaged between $50/b and $55/b. EIA forecasts Brent prices to average $53/b in 2017 and $57/b in 2018. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices are forecast to average $2/b less than Brent prices in both 2017 and 2018.
Energy Island: Europeans Mull North Sea Hub
A plan set in motion by three European transmission system operators (TSO) aims to develop mammoth offshore wind farm infrastructure in the North Sea supported by at least one manmade island. First unveiled in June 2016, plans for the North Sea Wind Power Hub project will now press ahead to develop a large offshore renewable European electricity system following the signing of a trilateral agreement by TenneT TSO B.V.
New Containership Design is Self-steering and Emissions Free
Norwegian fertilizer producer Yara and maritime technology firm Kongsberg Gruppe are teaming up to build what they said would be the world's first fully electric and self-steering containership. "The new zero-emission vessel will be a game-changer for global maritime transport contributing to meet the United Nations sustainability goals," the companies said on Tuesday. Automobile makers and technology companies are already working on the development of self-driving cars and trucks…
Cuban Refined Oil Product Exports Drop Sharply
Cuban exports of refined oil products fell about 97 percent between 2013 and 2016, according to a United Nations trade report released this week, reflecting falling…
Flores Named VP at NETSCo
Engineering, design and maritime consulting services provider NETSCo, Inc. has recently promoted Jan Flores to vice president, and welcomed new additions Trish McIntyre as engineering manager and Matt Davidson as junior naval architect/marine engineer. “In recent years, Jan has been instrumental in the success and growth of NETSCo and I am excited to promote him to this important position,” said Rich Mueller, founder, president and CEO of NETSCo.
NSSLGlobal Launches Cellular/VSAT Hybrid System
VSAT provider NSSLGlobal has launched its first-ever hybrid cellular/VSAT solution for maritime vessels, the Cellular Marine System. This service will complement NSSLGlobal’s airtime VSAT offering…
New Double Drum Bow Winch from JonRie
JonRie Marine Winches has launched its new Container Master Series “220” double drum bow winch, currently installed on the tug Independent, a new ASD for Marine Towing of Tampa. The new winch is designed for a larger capacity rope. This concept has been used on the Panama Canal for many years as a redundant line tethered to the ship also acts as an escort bridle, making the tug more stable in prop wash during long escorts. The twin drums also afford less loading on each rope under braking.
The Digital Future of Exhaust Gas Temperature Sensors
CMR Group’s chief technical officer, Patrice Flot, considers the current approach to sensing exhaust gas temperature (EGT) on high horsepower engine platforms and the capabilities provided by new digital technology. An EGT sensor measures the temperature of the engine exhaust gas to prevent damage to critical components such as the after treatment system, turbines and cylinder head exhaust valves. It can also be used inside the combustion chambers where hot gases are generated.
GE Gas Turbines Power Japanese Destroyer
GE's Marine Solutions reports that the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) commissioned its second Izumo-class helicopter-carrying destroyer. The new JS Kaga (DDH 184) is powered by four GE LM2500 marine gas turbines, and was commissioned at the Japan Marine United Corporation shipyard in Yokohama on March 22, 2017. First-in-class JS Izumo (DDH 183) and JS Kaga are the largest surface combatants in the JMSDF fleet.
Baltic Index Up On Higher Capesize Rates
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, tracking rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, crawled up for the second straight session on higher rates for capesize vessels. The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax, supramax and handysize shipping vessels, was up six points, or 0.6 percent, at 1,007 points. The capesize index rose 64 points, or 4.07 percent, to 1,635 points.
Kongsberg Camera System for Canadian Navy Vessel
Aberdeen based Kongsberg Maritime camera systems group has delivered a new large network IP CCTV system to Chantier Davie Canada for installation aboard the new Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) Auxiliary Naval Replenishment Ship, known currently as ‘Project Resolve’. Project Resolve was established to develop an interim fleet supply vessel for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN). The project purchased MS Asterix…
New Commanding Officer at USCG Sector North Carolina
Coast Guard Capt. Jerry Barnes assumed command of Coast Guard Sector North Carolina in Wilmington, N.C., Tuesday. Barnes reported to Sector North Carolina after…
Yemen War Adds to Shipping Fears in Horn of Africa
Yemen's worsening conflict is contributing to a spike in piracy in the region, with Somali pirates taking advantage of a reduced international naval presence and more readily available weaponry to carry out attacks. "The regional instability caused by Yemen is important," Colonel Richard Cantrill, chief of staff with the European Union's counter piracy mission EU NAVFOR, told Reuters last week. Fighting…
Meyer Turku Delivers Mein Schiff 6 for TUI
Finnish shipbuilder Meyer Turku said it has delivered the newly built cruise ship Mein Schiff 6, the fourth in a series for Germany’s TUI Cruises. “We are very happy about the delivery of Mein Schiff 6 in time and excellent quality,” said TUI Cruises CEO, Wybcke Meier. The vessel was handed over to its new owners during a ceremony at the Meyer Turku shipyard. Meyer Turku CEO, Jan Meyer, noted the importance of continuous improvement of technology…
Fast Ferry Contract for Incat
Australian shipbuilder Incat has been awarded a contract for the design and construction of a large new vehicle-passenger ferry for a major European operator. The new vessel for Naviera Armas is the second vessel in Incat’s new generation 109 meter high speed wave piercing catamaran range and will operate in Spanish waters when delivered in early 2019. Born out of theIncat 112 meter, the concept was…
New ASD Tug for Saam Smit in Panama
Saam Smit Towage has ordered a new ASD (Azimuth Stern Drive) 2411 tug from Damen Shipyards, for operations in the port of Colón, Panama. Built for stock at Damen Song Cam Shipyard in Vietnam, it was subsequently transported to the Netherlands for finishing. With the agreement in place the new vessel, named the SST Portobelo, is now underway to join the 11-strong Saam Smit tug fleet in Panama. The SST Portobelo is the first ASD 2411 for Saam Smit in Panama.
Kenny to Take the BMT Helm
When BMT Group Ltd (BMT) current CEO Peter French retires in September, he will be succeeded by Sarah Kenny, who joins BMT on August 1. “Sarah is well qualified to take on this role," said BMT’s Chairman, Sir John Hood. "She is ambitious for BMT and her extensive background in the marine and defence industries means she is ideally positioned to ensure that BMT’s research and development roots are cultivated and innovation nurtured.
Strike to Disrupt Operations at Jakarta's Main Port
A union workers' strike next week is expected to disrupt shipping operations at Jakarta's main port, which handles the bulk of international shipments for Southeast Asia's biggest economy…
Akzo Nobel Rejects Third PPG Takeover Bid
Marine coating major AkzoNobel announced it has declined a third unsolicited, non-binding and conditional proposal submitted by PPG Industries on April 24, 2017…
Demand for Chemical Tanker Fleet Looks Up
Demand for methanol and vegoil will moderately support global seaborne trade causing the shipping fleet trading in chemicals and vegoils to expand, according to…
