US, Japan Pledge Maritime Support to Phillipines
The United States and Japan have renewed vows to secure the Pacific region, including the Philippines, from maritime threats. In separate speeches during the celebration…
Malaysian Submarine Maintenance Contract to Boustead DCNS
The Malaysian government has signed a new contract with Boustead DCNS Naval Corporation (BDNC) for through-life support for the two 2000 type Scorpene submarines of the Royal Malaysian Navy…
Ships, Tankers Diverting from Yemen
With violent conflicts and fighting continue at most Yemeni ports, shipping lines are pulling away from the country that’s devolved into chaos in past weeks. A report in Reuters…
'Great Dying' Caused by Ocean Acidification
Meet global warming's sister. Although global warming often makes headline news, acidic oceans can also have devastating effects on Earth's environment. They once triggered the "Great Dying…
Traffic is Up Aboard BC Ferries
Traffic is up on BC Ferries over the same period last year, with March showing increases of over 5 per cent for vehicles and nearly 4 per cent for passengers. In March 2015…
Semco Maritime strengthens Management Team
The international contracting and engineering company Semco Maritime has strengthened its Aberdeen team with three new appointments to support its continued growth.
Cochin Shipyard in Pact with Samsung Heavy Industries
India's state-owned Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Korean firm Samsung Heavy Industries for technology partnership…
New Rescue Mission Aims to Curb Migrant Death Toll
A new sea rescue operation is to be launched in May to try to reduce the number of refugees, migrants and asylum seekers killed making the treacherous crossing from Africa to Europe…
Who Should Pay to Prevent Further Damage of Stricken Ships?
Who – shipowner or insurer – should bear the costs of any action taken to prevent a stricken vessel from getting into further costly difficulties? A seminar organized jointly by the Association of Average Adjusters and the International Underwriting Association heard that the market had long wrestled with the arguments, and that considerable uncertainties remain. The London event was given an outline…
China Mounts Defence of South China Sea Reclamation
China on Thursday sketched out plans for the islands it is creating in the disputed South China Sea, saying they would be used for military defence as well as to…
LATC Orders Damen PSVs for Nigerian Offshore Sector
Africa-focused proprietary investment firm L.A.T Cleveson (LATC) has signed an order with Damen Shipyards Group for the supply of two PSV 3300 Platform Supply Vessels and two FCS 5009 Fast Supplier Vessels. This transaction will bring next generation Damen PSVs to the offshore industry of Nigeria and the Gulf of Guinea for the first time. The purchase is being made by LATC Marine Ltd, a subsidiary of L.A.T Cleveson…
Seminar to Cover Port Waste Facilities
The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) is set to host an Environmental Intelligence in Maritime Seminar Series to focus on Port Waste Reception Facilities. The seminar, to be held in Norfolk, Virginia on April 16, will include speakers and discussion from regulators, industry and port interests. “MARPOL regulations include requirements for port waste receptions facilities.
Spotlight on Intermodal River Transport
Ingram Barge Company’s towboat, the M/V Miss Shirley, arrived at America’s Central Port in Granite City, Illinois, transporting containers via barge as part of a demonstration to show the viability of intermodal river transportation. “Currently our nation’s highways and railways are operating near full capacity, while our inland waterways are vastly underutilized,” said Dan Mecklenborg, Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer, Ingram Barge Company.
Chesapeake Launches Tugboat for Vane Brothers
Chesapeake Shipbuilding has launched another tugboat for Vane Brothers, the builder announced today. The tugboat, named Fort Schuyler, represents the 11th tugboat that Chesapeake Shipbuilding has built for Vane Brothers of the 14 contracted. The new tugboat is nearly identical to the previous 10 tugboats built for Vane Brothers - equipped with twin Caterpillar 3512 main engines producing a combined 3,000 horsepower, and a single drum hydraulic towing winch.
Sovcomflot’s New LNG Carrier Named
A naming ceremony was held on April 9, 2015 in South Korea for SCF Mitre, the fourth vessel in a series of state-of-the-art Atlanticmax-type LNG carriers built for Sovcomflot (SCF Group). The vessel, as with her sistership SCF Melampus that joined SCF Group’s fleet in January 2015, will be operated under a long-term time charter to Royal Dutch Shell. A series of Atlanticmax-type LNG carriers have been constructed under a joint project developed by Sovcomflot and STX Offshore & Shipbuilding.
ClassNK Releases Steel Ships Rules and Guidance
Classification society ClassNK has released its 2015 Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships. The 2015 edition’s amendments, made between March 1…
Wheat Ship Barred from Entering Yemen Port
Warships from the Saudi-led coalition have blocked a vessel carrying more than 47,000 tonnes of wheat from entering a Yemeni port, demanding United Nations guarantees…
Two New Patrol Boats for Tunisian Navy
SAFE Boats International informs it has recently completed an order for two SAFE 65-Foot Full Cabin Inboard Boats for the Tunisian Navy. The first boat has recently arrived in Tunisia and the second boat is in the process of being delivered, the builder said. The new patrol vessels will provide the Tunisian Navy with enhanced capability to conduct search and rescue operations (SAR) and extended offshore patrols.
Hearing to Examine USCG's Missions
The Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, chaired by U.S. Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-Calif.), will hold a hearing next week to examine how the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) allocates hours and resources among its multiple statutory missions, as well as how the Service measures mission performance. The Subcommittee hearing, entitled, “An Overview of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Missions,” is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 in 2253 Rayburn House Office Building.
Baltic Sea Freight Index Steady, Vessel Activity Muted
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, remained flat on Thursday due to muted vessel activity.
