Poor Conditions, Better Communications
Industry and the federal government continue to work together to improve less than optimal conditions on the U.S. inland waterways. Measurable, although slow progress is being achieved. The summer of 2012 brought drought and poor navigating conditions to the inland waterways. Low water levels continued into the fall and threaten to move into winter, but the event has demonstrated how barge industry and government relations have changed over the years and what challenges remain.
Floating Production
Douglas-Westwood forecast that between 2013 and 2017, $91bn will be spent on floating production systems (FPS) â an increase of 100% over the preceding five-year period. A total of 121 floating production units are forecast to be installed â a 37% increase. This growth is driven by multiple factors, such as a larger proportion of newbuilds and conversions compared to redeployments, a greater degreeâŚ
Shipbuilders HII, NNS Make Charitable Donation
Huntington Ingalls Industries donate US$ 2.1-million to the United Way of the Virginia Peninsula. The donation is a combined contribution from the HII corporate office and its participating employeesâŚ
No Light at End of World Shipbuildersâ Tunnel
Drewry Maritime Researchâs âAnnual World Shipbuilding Market Review & Forecastâ highlights bleak prospects for the worldâs shipbuilders. Shipbuilding productionâŚ
Shanghaiâs New Shipping Bourse Faces Off London
Shanghai Shipping Exchange launches the mainland's first dry bulk and oil import indices. The new bourse will track bulk carrier and tanker trades with the world's largest consumer of commodities.
Atlantic Offshore Wins ERRV Shell Contract
Norske Shell AS award Atlantic Offshore an 18 months ERRV contract to support drilling operations. Atlanticâs Offshore Emergency Response Rescue Vessel (ERRV) âOcean Skyâ will start work in accordance with the contract in mid-January 2013. The owners say the same vessel has worked for Norske Shell AS since 2000, and they are very pleased to continue this long partnership.
Subchapter M & the Towing Vessel Bridging Program: Whatâs Next?
This time last year, the U.S. Coast Guard was busy taking comments on the proposed rulemaking for Subchapter M. A very vocal discussion ensued, with the predominant comments focused on impending requirements for rebuilding vessel electrical systems, the standard six on six off âboxedâ watch schedules and whether elements of the Crew Endurance Management Systems (CEMS) should be included in the rulemaking.
Forth Ports Group Invests in 14 New Kalmar Staddle Carriers
Cargotec has secured an order for 14 Kalmar straddle carriers from UK based Forth Ports as part of a major investment and upgrade program at its London Container Terminal (LCT) at Tilbury. Forth Ports is investing in substantial equipment and site upgrading to LCT to ensure customers continue to receive a first rate and enhanced service. It is also integrating LCT with the busy short-sea terminal, also located at Tilbury.
New Endurance Event Set to Test Maritime Companies
The Seamenâs Church Institute (SCI) announces the SCI Mountain Challenge, a first-of-its-kind event in North America supporting the Instituteâs mariner welfare programs and services.
Jensen Maritime Continues to Grow
Jensen Maritime Consultants, Crowley Maritime Corporationâs naval architecture and marine engineering firm, continues to grow its new office in the New Orleans business district with the hiring of Senior Administrator Lauren Gulkus. Reporting to General Manager Sergio Fifi, she is the latest addition in a string of recent hires positioned to fully staff this new office with industry leading expertise.
Dutch/Bangladesh JV Delivers Dredges
In late 2008 a joint venture was formed between the Netherlands based Vosta LMG and the Bangladesh Karnafuly Shipyard to build three CSD450 cutter suction dredgers for the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority. At the same time construction was underway to an agreement that had been signed with the Bangladesh Water Development Board for two CSD650 cutter suction dredges under the same joint venture.
Uncharted Dubai Wrecks Pinpointed
Royal Naval survey ship 'HMS Enterprise' discovers two previously uncharted wrecks in Port Rashid Harbour. Making use of its new hi-tech, smaller motor launch, the Plymouth-based ship discovered two sunken dhows in one of the world's busiest ports at the beginning of a nine-month deployment. Spitfire, the new survey motor boat, can be sent off independently to gather data at the same time as the mother ship - effectively doubling the ship's capacity to chart the seas.
Wärtsilä to Present 'New Maritime Era for Gas' at IWBS
Wärtsilä's John Hatley PE, Americas VP Ship Power, will talk on the subject at upcoming International Workboat Show (IWBS), New Orleans. Wärtsiläâs gas systemsâŚ
Jensen Maritime Makes New US Gulf Office Appointment
Jensen Maritime Consultants, a Crowley Maritime Corporation subsidiary firm. hires Lauren Gulkus as Senior Administrator. Reporting to General Manager Sergio Fifi, she is the latest in a string of recent hires positioned to fully staff this new office with industry leading expertise. In her new role, Gulkus will be responsible for project and departmental administrative duties while also assisting in the development and documentation of business procedures.
JW Fishers ROV's Provide 'In Depth' Solutions
US-based ROV provider, JW Fishers, report its Sea Otter ROV's go deep for government & industry. The company report that many and varied organizations are acquiring ROVs to assist in their underwater operations. These highly maneuverable remote operated vehicles perform a variety of tasks at depths of 1,000 feet or more. Deploying an ROV instead of a diver can reduce the cost and increase the safety of any search or inspection operation.
ITF Applauds Release of Moroccan Seafarers' Union Leader
Mohamed Chamchati, general secretary of the Moroccan merchant seafarersâ union, has been released after June 2012 detention. Like his colleague Said Elhairech, who was freed in OctoberâŚ
New Cummins EPA Tier 3 Marine Engines Ready
Cummins Inc. annnounce its U.S. EPA Tier 3 certified QSK19 and QSK60 marine engines market-ready. Cummins Tier 3 solutions apply advanced combustion technology to reduce emissions in-cylinder without the need for aftertreatment and the company intends these engines to serve as the platform for future, more stringent emissions in the U.S. and globally. âWe are excited to be actively quoting and sellingâŚ
Containership Design
Seaspan Saver, a 10,000 TEU container vessel is setting new standards in container ship design. MARIN and Marine Design and Research Institute of China (MARIC) developed the hull lines of this unique vessel, which has been entirely designed with a low operational cost profile in mind. Canadian owner Seaspan requested a hull form that facilitates very low fuel consumption in the operational speed range, but at the same time it had to be able to keep an acceptable top speed.
Lessons Learned From the North American ECA
With the North American ECA (Emission Control Area) now in force, Hans Staal, Branch Manager, OW Bunker USA explains the lessons that must be learned and why collaboration within the shipping supply chain is going to be key to meeting new regulatory challenges. Since the outset, the introduction of the North American Emission Control Area (ECA) in August 2012 has been an issue of some concern for many ship owners and operators.
New Fuels, New Rules & New Tools
Helping the Maritime Community adapt to strict emission regulations. What has changed during 2012 in the maritime world and how has it impacted industry? It is recent IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC), changes. IMO has adopted amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). These changes will have a vast and fundamental impact on the maritime industry and the world over the next few years.
