Coastal and Inland News

The Port of Oakland had its busiest November ever for imports in 2018, shattering an 11-year-old record. The Port said today that it handled the equivalent of 83,364 loaded 20-foot import containers last month. That beat the old November record of 76,902 containers set in 2007. November imports were up 15 percent over the same period in 2017.The Port attributed the increase in cargo volume to continued strong U.S. consumer spending. It added that importers are rushing cargo into the U.S.

APM Terminals set a new North American operations record this month with 27,846 TEUs handled on one vessel.This represents a complete discharge of the vessel for import cargo and a complete new load of export containers, in addition to empty containers needed back in Asia to balance the container equipment flow, said a press release.Steven Trombley, APM Terminals Pier 400 Los Angeles Managing Director said, “Our terminal operations team works closely with our customers to optimize their peak season needs to ensure the port productivity and yard…

Moody's Investors Service reaffirmed the Panama Canal Authority's (ACP) A2 long-term rating with a stable outlook, based on its distinctive position as an infrastructure asset with a unique geographic advantage and business model, and its strong historical operational and financial performance.According to Moody's, the ACP's strong financial performance has resulted in better than anticipated financial metrics, driven by the successful operations of the Expanded Panama Canal.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced that its group company, Mitsui O.S.K. Passenger Line (MOPAS) was recognized for its "efforts on market development by the Nippon Maru One Night Cruise," and received the award for outstanding performance in the "Cruise of the Year 2018" program.MOPAS was honored for its One Night Cruise programs based on three themes, which attracted a majority of passengers (70%) who boarded the Nippon Maru for the first time.While elaborately planned, all of the cruise themes offered a casual atmosphere…

Her Majesty Queen Máxima performed the christening ceremony for Van Oord's trailing suction hopper dredger Vox Amalia in Rotterdam this afternoon in presence of 1,400 employees and guests. This was also the final event in the celebrations marking Van Oord's 150th anniversary in 2018.The vessel was moored along Wilhelminakade next to the Cruise Terminal in Rotterdam for this special event. After the christening ceremony, the Rotterdam Philharmonic Orchestra and the Dutch DJ duo Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano gave a spectacular musical performance.

Campbell Transportation Company, Inc. said that Kyle Buese will be joining the company as Executive Vice President of Operations effective January 7, 2019.Buese is a graduate of Tulane University where he received his Master of Business Administration degree and a graduate of Loyola University of New Orleans where he received his Bachelor of Business Degree. Buese is also an active CFA charterholder.Buese has worked at Kirby Corporation since 2006 where he has served in several key roles including General Manager, River Vessel Operations; General Manager, Vessel Operations; and Regional General Manager, Marine Systems Inc. In addition to Buese’s various roles within Kirby Corporation…

Dr. Lorry Wagner has served as president of the Cleveland-based Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation (LEEDCo) since May of 2010.LEEDCo is the public private partnership behind the effort to construct Icebreaker Wind, a 6 turbine 20.7 megawatt offshore wind energy demonstration project in Lake Erie, 8 miles off the shore of Cleveland. LEEDCo has received funding from the U.S. DOE under its Advanced Technology Demonstration Projects award and has partnered with Fred. Olsen Renewables of Norway. Dr.

French start-up Traxens and  MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company is cooperating with its partner in a pilot project in Valencia to use an Internet-of-Things (IoT) network to improve the operational efficiency of the port.MSC is already working with Traxens, which provides data and services for the supply chain industry, on smart container solutions using IoT for customers around the world. The use of such real-time tracking technologies brings unprecedented visibility of cargo flow from door-to-door…

Global mobility solution provider Bombardier Transportation's Chinese joint venture (JV) has won a $453 million contract to supply 168 high-speed train cars to state-owned China Railway Corp (CRC).According to Bombardier Sifang (Qingdao) Transportation (BST), the JV, it is the second order win this year for China’s growing high-speed network."The new contract, awarded by CRC, is to supply 168 CR400AF new Chinese standard high-speed train cars and is valued at approximately CNY 3.1 billion ($453 million)…

Scorpio Bulkers Inc, shipping company, owns and operates dry bulk carriers,  announced that it has entered into a time charter-out agreement with an unaffiliated third party for SBI Hera, one of its Ultramax drybulk carriers.According to a press release from the provider of marine transportation of dry bulk commodities, the charter is for a period of between four and six months at a rate of $14,850 per day.Recently, it has entered into a time charter-out agreement with an unaffiliated third party for SBI Libra…

The Panama Canal has signed a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Itaqui to promote the shipment of grains and other cargoes in the commercial route from Brazil through the Panama Canal to destinations located in the Pacific Ocean.Itaqui, located in São Luís, Maranhão, is the Brazilian port closest to the Panama Canal. It  has the infrastructure and connectivity necessary to move these exports to markets in Asia."With this agreement, the Panama Canal looks to promote…

The operationalizing of three investment projects will begin in Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar this week, said a communication from the Iran government.Behrooz Aghaee, Director General of Ports and Maritime Affairs of Sistan and Baluchestan Province, announced the operationalization of three investment projects with the presence of the deputies of the Ministry of Roads and Urban Development and members of the board of directors of the Ports and Maritime Organization at Shahid Beheshti port of Chabahar.Three investment projects of construction of oil products reservoirs…

Shahid Ali has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Office of Maldives Ports Limited.Maldives Ports Limited annouced the appointment through a twitter message which read: "On behalf of all the staff and management of Maldives Ports Ltd, we would like to send a hearty congratulations to our newly appointed CEO, Shahid Ali"Shahid previously held the position of Managing Director at State Trading Organization.The Port was established in September 1986 under a Presidential decree as…

Singapore's port operator PSA Corporation Limited (PSA) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) to develop a pipeline of talent for the future mega port in Tuas.The MoU is aimed at producing data science, info-communications and engineering professionals for the Tuas port, said a joint statement by PSA and SUTD.The new Tuas Port will harness big data, and leverage automation technologies and smart systems to raise terminal productivity and service quality…

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced 14 grants, which go to port-related projects, are made through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Transportation Grants program.Port-related projects will receive a total of $229.23 million, said a press release from American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA).“BUILD transportation grants are major investments in road, rail, transit, and port projects that serve as a down payment on this administration’s commitment to America’s infrastructure…

The Port of Algeciras Authority (APBA) Chairman, Manuel Moron, and the Ningbo Zhoushan Port Group Chairman, Mao Jianhong, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that is set to formalize co-operation between both of the logistics powerhouses and increase commercial flow between Southern Europe and Asia. According to the port and harbour of Algeciras, the MoU was rubber-stamped during the official state visit to Spain of the Chinese President,  Xi Jinping, who - together with the Spanish Prime Minister…

Octaviano Alimuddin, the Indonesia ambassador to Iran,  has visited Abadan Ports in the  Khuzestan Province of Iran.According to a release from Ports & Maritime Organization, he stated that the aim of visiting Abadan port is to get familiar with the capacities, investment advantages and development of more trade relations between the two countries.‘We will inform Indonesian Investors about the investment capacities of Abadan ports” said Indonesia ambassador to Iran.The development…

The marine industry equipment manufacturer Kalmar has delivered a total of 18 forklift trucks to Algeria's leading drilling contractor Entreprise Nationale des Travaux aux Puits (ENTP).According to a press release from Kalmar, part of Cargotec, the company  will also support ENTP with parts supply and provide operator training to their staff. The machines, ordered in the first quarter of 2018, were delivered during the third quarter.Established in 1981, ENTP is the leading drilling contractor in Algeria with a market share of close to 45 percent.

Indian Shipping Minister Nitin Gadkari Wednesday flagged off the maiden container mainline vessel at VoC Port (Tuticorin Port), opening direct shipping route to eastern countries.Calling the step a "gamechanger in container traffic of South India", Gadkari said that Tuticorin has the potential to become a "major industrial hub".At present containers from Tuticorin to Far East countries viz Malaysia, Singapore, China and Hong Kong are transited by the feeder vessels to Colombo where they are further connected to the mother vessel .With Mainline call being done directly at Tuticorin…

On October 16, 2018, after 38  years in the dredging industry, David Miller, SVP/COO and part owner of DSC Dredge, LLC  announced his retirement. Miller embarked on his career in the early 1980’s when he began working for Kenner Marine & Machinery (KMM). Following several consecutive KMM positions, David completed his final 10 years there as a field service specialist.Miller was one of the original founders of Best Equipment Technologies, Inc. (BEST), established in 1998, located in Poplarville, MS. BEST operated as a steel fabrication shop and dredge manufacturer.

Liebherr Maritime Cranes already delivered two Liebherr mobile harbor cranes LHM 800 in container configuration to Montecon in Uruguay. End of November Liebherr received an order from Montecon for the third LHM 800 that will start operation in Montevideo, Uruguay next year.In 2015 Montecon ordered the first giant mobile harbor cranes, type LHM 800 in container operation. Due to their increasing demand for mobile container handling solutions, they subsequently ordered a second unit. Both cranes were delivered in 2016.

On December 10th, Damen sales manager Sjoerd de Bruin signed a contract with Port Nelson CEO Martin Byrne in New Zealand. Damen will deliver an ASD Tug 2411 to Port Nelson in support of the port’s expansion strategy.As part of the expansion, Damen’s client will increase its wharf in order to accommodate vessels up to 280 meters in length. For this, the port requires additional bollard pull. The ASD Tug 2411, with its 70 tonnes bollard pull, will replace two tugs from Port Nelson’s…

Carnival Corp on Wednesday launched its first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered ship in Germany as the world's largest cruise operator tries to cut its carbon footprint.Addition of LNG ships are part of Carnival's ongoing fleet enhancement strategy and 20 new vessels are scheduled for delivery between 2018 and 2025.The shipping industry have been forced to look for cleaner options such as LNG after the International Maritime Organization introduced tough new rules on use of marine fuel.Strategically important ports such as Gibraltar are already preparing to offer upgraded facilities to meet

Committed to providing tugboat and towing vessel operators with a platform to meet regularity requirements and collaborate with local resources, the annual event also reminds us that Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance.On September 28 2018, American Marine Associates, LLC (AMA) coordinated and hosted the 3rd annual Green Apple Spill Response Exercise in Bayonne, NJ. The Green Apple Spill Response exercise was established specifically for the tugboat and towing vessel industry operating in New York Harbor.

The Galveston Bay Foundation recently honored the volunteer efforts of Aramco Services Company (ASC) with its “Guardian of the Bay” award. This award recognizes ASC’s “leadership, work, and commitment for the betterment of Galveston Bay.”According to a press note  the director of Public Affairs Abdulrahman A. Bayounis and Strategic Communications supervisor Alma S. Kombargi accepted the award on behalf of ASC.“ASC is proud to partner with the Galveston Bay Foundation to revitalize such a precious resource,” said Bayounis.

Florida-based shipbuilder Eastern Shipbuilding Group announced the launch of the Escort/Rescue ZDrive Tug Ava M. McAllister for McAllister Towing & Transportation Company, Inc. on December 7, 2018, 58 days after Hurricane Michael devastated the Florida Panhandle.The family held shipbuilding company said in a press note that this Escort/Rescue Z-Drive Tug design provided by Jensen Maritime Consultants is currently under construction at Eastern’s Allanton facility.The vessel arrived at Eastern earlier this year and is scheduled to deliver the 2nd quarter of 2019…

The Georgia Ports Authority is on track to reach 4.36 million twenty-foot equivalent container units handled in 2018, its highest volumes ever in a calendar year. The performance would mean an increase of 8 percent (312,385 TEUs) compared to CY2017.“Cargo expansion related to growth in inland markets, as well as increased demand right here in the U.S. Southeast have shifted the global logistics arena in Savannah’s favor, with more port users choosing to serve their customers via Georgia’s deepwater terminals…

A ship wreck can be a hazard to navigation. Other vessels and their crews can potentially be endangered, and, depending on the nature of the cargo and remaining fuel on board, a wreck may also cause damage to marine environments and other coastal interests. Then there is the issue of costs and risks involved in marking and removing hazardous wrecks.To help resolve these issues, International Maritime Organization (IMO)'s Nairobi Wreck Removal Convention, covers the legal basis for States to remove…

Delegates from the world’s leading ports have come together to examine their role in the rapidly evolving maritime logistics landscape and in particular to coordinate their contribution to the establishment of an interconnected maritime supply chain at the Port of Barcelona.The multilateral partnership of the world leading ports, ChainPORT, has just concluded its 4th Annual Meeting which was hosted last week by the Port of Barcelona.ChainPORT was initiated in 2016 by the Port…

Insufficient Maintenance Program, Lack of Guidance Led to Passenger Vessel Fire. The National Transportation Safety Board determined during a public meeting held Tuesday that an insufficient preventative maintenance program and lack of guidance for responding to engine high-temperature conditions, led to the Jan. 14, 2018, fire aboard the small passenger vessel Island Lady, in the waters of the Pithlachascotee River, near Port Ritchey, Florida.The Island Lady was a 72-foot-long passenger vessel operated by Tropical Breeze Casino Cruz…

MetalCraft Marine’s 10 Meter Interceptor model is a formidable workboat. Defined by the sum of its myriad parts, it really can be seen that ‘the equipment makes the boat.’ This month, we ask "What's in Your workboat?"In a business where there is rarely any shortage of pretty boats, cutting edge designs and equally impressively performing workboat tonnage, it is also true that the real value to any design is cemented by the very equipment that makes it run. Typically, however, comparing apples to apples when it comes to selecting your next patrol, fire, SAR or pilot boat is almost impossible.

UK-based containership lessor Global Ship Lease (GSL) has agreed five-year charters with CMA CGM for the 2015-built, 6,882 TEU containerships UASC Bubiyan and UASC Yas.The containership charter owner said in a release that the new charters, which are in addition to the four similar charters announced on November 9, 2018, will commence upon the expiry of the current charters during the second quarter of 2019, are for a period of five years and are at a rate of $25,910 per day, up from $20…

Abu Dhabi Ports on Monday inaugurated the new Cosco Shipping Container Terminal at Khalifa with a capacity of 2.5 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units).The new CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal, which includes the largest container freight station in the Middle East, is expected to boost Abu Dhabi’s position as a global maritime hub and support China’s One Belt One Road initiative.CSP Abu Dhabi Terminal is the first international green-field subsidiary of Cosco Shipping Ports; water…

India’s 12 major ports witnessed a 4.83 per cent rise in cargo traffic at 461.21 million tonnes (MT) during April-November of the current fiscal, said the government.These state-run top ports had handled 439.96 MT cargo during the corresponding eight-month period of the last fiscal.For the period from April- November 2018, Nine Ports Kolkata (incl. Haldia), Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Kamarajar, Chennai, Cochin, New Mangalore, JNPT and Deendayal have registered positive growth in traffic.The highest growth was registered by Kamarajar Port (20.15%)…

Incat Crowther announced the design of a double-ended Ro-Pax Ferry to operate to Bruny Island in Tasmania.The vessel will be operated by Sealink Travel Group – one of Australia’s largest vessel operators – and will be built by Richardson Devine Marine in Hobart. The first vessel will go into service in December 2019.The vessel is unusual for a double ended vehicle ferry in that it is a robust aluminium catamaran. In addition, the vessel is designed for the later fitting of an extra vehicle deck should the vehicle patronage increase…

The U.S. Coast Guard said it is monitoring the salvage of a partially-sunken commercial fishing vessel in Manasquan Inlet, N.J.Watchstanders in the Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay command center received notification at 2 a.m. Saturday that the 44-foot fishing vessel Miss Kathleen allided with the northern Manasquan Inlet jetty and was taking on water with three people and a dog aboard.The Miss Kathleen’s captain intentionally grounded the vessel on Dog Beach, about 20 yards outside the channel.

Freight shipping on the river Rhine in Germany has returned to normal after heavy rain in the past week raised water levels, traders said on Monday.Water levels on the Rhine had been low for around six months after a hot dry summer and a dry autumn, forcing vessels to sail only partly loaded and increasing the cost of commodity deliveries."The heavy, repeated rainfall in the past days was just what was required," one grains trader said.

The U.S. Coast Guard said on Sunday it is responding to a crude oil discharge in Rattle Snake Bayou, southwest of Port Sulphur, La.Coast Guard watchstanders in New Orleans received a report from the National Response Center that the well was reported to be leaking.It is unknown when the discharge began, and the amount discharged has not been determined. The well is rated to produce 5,476 gallons of oil per day.Responders are working to locate and secure the source of the discharge. The well's owner Hilcorp has contracted ES&H as an oil spill response organization.

Estonian port authority Tallinna Sadam (Port of Tallinn) announced that starting from next year the ships that have joined the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) can apply for discount on tonnage fees of up to 8%.The Baltic Sea port said in a press release that the new port pricing system involving differentiated port fees is aimed at encouraging shipping companies to adopt environmentally friendlier technologies and thus also contribute to the health of Baltic Sea ecosystem.The head…

The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) has planned to retrofit its work boats with green fuel and also placed orders with Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) for procuring six new vessels, based on methanol mix.CSL will get the work done by Hooghly Dock and Port Engineers Ltd (HDPEL) in Howrah, with which it has formed a joint venture, said sources.The PTI reported that IWAI has also planned to retrofit its work boats with green fuel.The shipyard has a tie-up with Sweden based company which is a leading entity in the use of methanol for marine fuel…

About 80% of world trade is carried by sea, but the maritime industry handling these goods is on the frontline of climate woes, unless it adapts - fast.United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) said that the transformation is needed if the world trade system is to cope with the projected impacts of climate change.“The hardest hit areas, coastlines, will affect us all since the lion’s share of trade itself is managed through international shipping and ports,” said UNCTAD’s chief of policy and legislation…

The government of Panama gave a US$1.4 billion contract to build a bridge over the Panama Canal to Panama Cuarto Puente, a Chinese consortium.Panama Cuarto Puente consortium or so-called Panama Fourth Bridge Consortium,  composed of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) and its unit China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), will design and build a bridge over the Panama Canal.According to a report in Reuters, the 6.5-km (4-mile) bridge will have six car lanes and a two-way metro line.

Marine simulators are commonplace in the training and development of crew for large vessels. Not so much for small, fast patrol and attack craft.From the mid to late 1970s, marine simulators developed into a viable training tool for trainee mariners. Their initial popularity developed as opportunities for practical training became scarcer and a lot costlier, too. Since then, however, the advancement of the technology has brought a new dimension to professional crew training for small, fast craft.

This week, on December 4, 2018, President Trump signed into law the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA): Title IX of the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2018.VIDA establishes a new framework for the regulation of vessel incidental discharges, adding a new Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 312(p): Uniform National Standards for Discharges Incidental to Normal Operation of Vessels. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) are…

The International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) warns that a major accident on the Panama Canal could be imminent, highlighting the serious health and safety concerns related to the fatigue of tugboat captains.The new report  takes the Panama Canal Authority (PCA) to task with tiredness, rather than the protocols in place for the physical transfer of vessels as was the case previously.Fatigue of Panama Canal tugboat poses a major threat to safety in the operation of the canal’s Neopanamax locks…

ADNOC Logistics & Services (ADNOC L&S), a wholly-owned subsidiary of UAE's ADNOC, has signed an agreement with Japan's Inpex Corp to collaborate on LNG bunkering activities.Under the agreement, ADNOC L&S and Inpex will explore opportunities for LNG bunkering in the UAE as well as the potential to jointly expand LNG bunkering activities to cover other regions, including Southeast Asia, said a press release from the Abu Dhabi-based integrated shipping and logistics company.The use…

Eastern European country Ukraine has acceded to an important International Maritime Organization (IMO) ship safety treaty – the 1988 Protocol relating to the International Convention on Load Lines.Limitations on the draught to which a ship may be loaded make a significant contribution to the ship's safety, said a press release from IMO.These limits are given in the form of freeboards, which constitute, besides external weathertight and watertight integrity, the main objective of the Convention.

The recently signed smart carrousel plan in the Waalhaven is expected to give breakbulk and heavy cargo companies space for further growth in Rotterdam’s Waalhaven.In the coming three-and-a-half years, 12 hectares of industrial site and 1,155 metres of quay will undergo a user change. The industrial sites and port infrastructure will also be renovated by the Port of Rotterdam Authority. The aim is to give an additional growth incentive to the Rotterdam breakbulk sector."This operation…

Florida-based Crowley Logistics has added 400 new refrigerated (reefer) cargo containers to its industry-leading equipment fleet just in time for the peak perishables shipping season beginning in Central America.The additional units, all 40-foot-long, high cubes built to Crowley’s exacting standards, further demonstrates the company’s focus on offering customers the most reliable and efficient equipment in the market. These units have wireless asset monitoring technology, which will provide continuous monitoring of the equipment as it transits from origin to destination…

Patna, capital of Indian state of Bihar, will witness a new landmark in the country’s Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector with 16 TEUs of container cargo (equivalent to 16 truckloads), belonging to food majors PepsiCo India and Emami Agrotech will reach the city's Gaighat IWT Terminal from Kolkata on river Ganga next week.Inland Waterways Authority of India’s (IWAI) vessel MV RN Tagore sailed from Kolkata’s Garden Reach Jetty on December 6th. It will reach the IWT terminal at…

The United States last week exported more crude oil and fuel than it imported for the first time on record, underscoring the nation's growing influence as a supplier of oil to the world.Exports of crude surged in the week to Nov. 30 to more than 3.2 million barrels per day, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said on Thursday.When adding in all imports and exports of crude and refined products, for the week the U.S. exported a net 211,000 bpd – the first time that has happened, according to U.S.

The Southwest Alaska Pilots Association has taken delivery of a new pilot boat from Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, Duclos Corporation. The vessel was delivered to Fort Lauderdale, where it was loaded on a ship bound for the West Coast.With a length overall of 75.7’, beam of 20.6’ and draft of 3.11’, the all-aluminum  pilot boat features the Ray Hunt-designed Deep V hull. It is powered by twin Cummins QSK38-M1, EPA Tier 3 diesel engines, each delivering 1,400 Bhp at 1,800 rpm and connected to twin ZF-5000 gear boxes. The launch is propelled by a pair of Hamilton HM651 water jets.

Choosing the ‘top stories of 2018’ was, this year, a difficult task. Many compelling story threads played out, dramatically impacting the North American waterfront, and in particular, the workboat sector – each in their own unique way. Read on to find out how and why.Autonomous Vessels: Ready or Not, Here They ComeFuturistic, remote-controlled autonomous marine vehicles aren’t coming. They are here. As the pace of change quickens, autonomous vessels are already providing service and value on the water.

Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems Association (EGCSA) has attacked Singapore's restrictions on open-loop versions of the systems as "disappointing" and "politically motivated."The scrubber manufacturing industry body said in a press release: "The recent announcement by the outgoing CEO of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) banning the discharge of process water from open loop scrubbers for vessels visiting Singapore came without prior notice or discussion with the IMO…

Port of Hamburg terminal operator Hamburger Hafen und Logistik Aktiengesellschaft (HHLA) joined force with Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HyperloopTT/HTT) to form a new company.According to a press release from HTT, the company will focus on integrating the latest container movement innovations with hyperloop technology into the largest rail port in Europe. Additionally, the new company will bring this new technology to ports, shipping, and logistics companies around the…

Port of Rotterdam to grant nine  licenced liquified natural gas (LNG) bunkering licences by 2020, a port official has said.Six of the licenses are already for regular use in port LNG bunker operations to refuel LNG-powered cruise, cargo, tanker and container vessels, said Cees Boon, Senior Policy Advisor at the Harbourmaster Policy Department of the Port of Rotterdam. Three licenses will be for bunker vessels that will operate on the spot market.“By using best practice guidelines in the IAPH audit tool developed by ports for port authorities…

The Coast Guard and partner agencies located the missing barge, Dredge 200, Wednesday after it capsized and sank earlier this week in Broad Sound approximately two miles southeast of Nahant.The barge's location was confirmed by a contracted company using multi-beam sonar just north of the North Channel, the major shipping lane into Boston Harbor, in approximately 100-feet of water.Close coordination with the Boston Harbor Pilots was crucial to ensure maritime commerce impacts…

Biosecurity New Zealand has directed a vehicle carrier to leave New Zealand waters following the discovery of stink bugs and other regulated pests.Biosecurity officers intercepted 3 live and 39 dead brown marmorated stink bugs and 69 other dead regulated stink bugs after the Carmen arrived in Auckland from Europe on Wednesday morning.The vessel was carrying a range of vehicles from Europe and the United States."The interceptions indicated the cargo was likely to be infested with stink bugs.

Nine or more tankers on the way or discharged into Asia, while at least five still holding LNG off Singapore.Several liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes that had been stored on vessels in Asian waters are now heading towards buyers' terminals in China, Japan or South Korea as spot prices for the super-chilled fuel have plunged this week to multi-month lows.At least nine LNG tankers are now on their way or have already offloaded cargoes to buyers after floating off Singapore, Malaysian or South China waters for up to two months…

Russia-Ukraine naval clash followed shipping holdups Ships bound for Ukrainian ports say they are held up while those bound for Russian ports go through.When the Island Bay cargo ship arrived from Beirut at the Kerch Strait, gateway to the Azov Sea, it sailed into a perfect storm of geopolitics and bad weather.The following day, Russia opened fire on three Ukrainian naval ships, impounded them and detained their sailors, some of them wounded. It then blocked the strait by putting a tanker underneath a new bridge it has built linking the Russian mainland to the Crimean peninsula it annexed from Ukraine in 2014.While the world digested the implications of the Nov.

A ship loaded with 4,500t of equipment by BAM Construct UK has been sent on a month-long journey to Antarctica, where it will be used for building a new wharf at Rothera Research Station.The new wharf, being built over the next two Antarctic seasons, will provide safe berthing and efficient unloading for the new polar research vessel the RRS Sir David Attenborough. The Rothera Research Station is a British Antarctic Survey (BAS) base on the Antarctic Peninsula, located at Rothera Point…

The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA)  and the World Shipping Council (WSC) welcome the adoption of a General Approach on the proposal for a European Maritime Single Window environment by Transport Ministers.European co-legislators have been working intensively to reduce the administrative burden shipping faces. This burden stems from today’s unharmonised and inefficient reporting obligations and mechanisms within the EU."ECSA and WSC are pleased with the progress…

The Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) has met for its milestone 100th session, with a busy agenda encompassing maritime autonomous surface ships, fatigue guidance for seafarers, polar shipping, goal-based standards and other agenda items.According to a International Maritime Organization (IMO) press release, the MSC will receive the report of a correspondence group which has been testing the proposed methodology for the regulatory scoping exercise on maritime autonomous surface ships…

Time has come to apply for renewal of CLC, Bunker, Athens and Wreck Removal Certificates from the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA). The certificates must be renewed once a year when the underlying insurance expires.According to DMA, ships that are required to hold a certificate must not operate without valid certificates.Many certificates expire on 20 February 2019.These are typically  CLC, Bunker, Athens and Wreck Removal Certificates based on P&I insurance.Some CLC, Bunker, Athens and WRC Certificates expire on dates other than 20 February 2019.

Cenac Marine Services and its dynamic, third generation leader, Arlen “Benny” Cenac Jr., continue to flourish, in good times and bad. Through it all, leadership, philanthropy and investments that extend far beyond the company’s gates have made all the difference.As this year quickly churns to its inevitable close, Cenac Marine Services isn’t the nation’s biggest towboat operation, but its profound impact on the people and environment of the U.S. Gulf Coast and beyond is unquestionable.

Legislation that sets standards for incidental water discharges from vessels passed the House on Nov. 29.The Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018, S. 140, which includes the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA), passed the Senate two weeks earlier and now moves to the President to be signed.The provision places the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the lead role of establishing standards for ballast water discharge, and the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) will monitor and enforce compliance.

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, tracking rates for ships transporting dry bulk commodities, marked its first gain in five days on Tuesday, helped by firmer rates across vessel segments.The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, rose 34 points, or 2.8 percent, to 1,237 points.The capesize index snapped four straight sessions of losses and gained 6.2 percent, or 101 points, to 1,739 points. Average daily earnings for capesizes…

Ice-class passenger ferry Suomenlinna II was remotely piloted through test area near Helsinki harbor, proving that human oversight of vessels from anywhere is achievable with today’s technologies.With this historic trial in the Finnish capital’s port last week, ABB and Helsinki City Transport took the next step in autonomous shipping. In the remote trial, the world’s first for an existing passenger ferry, ABB successfully tested the enhancement of ship operations with technologies…

The global shipping sector outlook remains negative reflecting the demand-side risks of protectionism and slower economic growth, Fitch Ratings says. Higher fuel costs and sulphur regulation will also put pressure on shippers.Partly offsetting an unfavourable environment are emerging signs of better capacity management by shipping companies, which is key to a sustainable balance and freight rates that support consistent profitability. We expect better fundamentals in container and dry bulk…

Carnival Corporation-owned Princess Cruises said that Regal Princess will be the second ship in its fleet to offer the Princess Medallion wearable technology.Regal Princess will be fully activated for her Caribbean Season starting February 17, 2019. The Princess OceanMedallion, included complimentary, is a wearable device that elevates the guest experience by delivering enhanced experiences and personalized service resulting in high guest satisfaction scores, claimed the company.The fully automated gadget has no visible technology…

South Korea's largest shipping firm Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) is likely to part ways with the 2M Alliance which will expire in April 2020 and join  a new ocean alliance said a local media report.According to a report in Business Korea, the 2M Alliance (consists of Maersk Line and MSC) is disadvantageous to HMM as it is not a full member of the alliance. HMM's status fell as the 2M Alliance inked a partnership deal with Israel's Zim Integrated Shipping Services, the report…

A liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel, the Maria Energy, arrived at Cheniere Energy Inc's $15 billion Corpus Christi LNG export facility in Texas on Saturday, according to Reuters vessel tracking data.This is the second vessel to visit Corpus since Cheniere started producing LNG in November at the plant's first liquefaction train, a building-sized unit used to cool natural gas into LNG. It could be the first vessel to pick up a cargo there.Cheniere said the first vessel, LNG Golar Tundra, did not pick up LNG.

Last week Marine Jet Power (MJP) announced in New Orleans that it had taken the first order for its new X Series waterjets.MJP will deliver the first two production units of the 310 X to Metal Craft Marine (MCM) for the Kuwait 50-ft. Firestorm vessel it is building. The fire boat features Volvo D13 735 kW diesel engines and MJP 310 X stainless steel waterjet propulsion.Capable of 43 knots, this vessel is the fourth in a series of boats previously installed with MJP Ultrajet propulsion.

Rolls-Royce received Approval in Principle (AIP) from classification organization ABS for its novel hybrid propulsion system for tractor tugs.The AIP was granted following an evaluation of the world’s first hybrid tug, a unique vessel designed by Jensen Maritime and which Nichols Brothers Boat Builders will deliver to Baydelta Maritime LLC in February 2019. The vessel will be the first tug boat installed with the Rolls-Royce hybrid propulsion system.ABS considers the Rolls-Royce hybrid system is…

Rolls-Royce and Finnish state-owned ferry operator Finferries have successfully demonstrated the world’s first fully autonomous ferry in the archipelago south of the city of Turku, Finland.The car ferry Falco, used a combination of Rolls-Royce Ship Intelligence technologies to successfully navigate autonomously during its voyage between Parainen and Nauvo. The return journey was conducted under remote control.During the demonstration, the Falco, with 80 invited VIP guests aboard, conducted the voyage under fully autonomous control.

The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, tracking rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, fell for the fourth straight session on Monday, pressured by waning demand for capesize vessels.The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax shipping vessels, lost 28 points, or 2.3 percent, to 1,203 points. The capesize index dipped 6.7 percent, or 117 points, to 1,638 points.Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 170,000-180…

Lynn Rohrscheib, Illinois Soybean Growers (ISG) chairwoman and a soybean farmer from Fairmount, Ill., released the following statement in response to U.S. and China announcing continued trade discussions: “As the nation’s top soybean-producing state, we are encouraged that talks are occurring between the United States and China leaders with hopes that our soybean market can be restored. Free trade and access to markets are critically important to producers’ livelihoods and profitability. We echo the need for the tariffs to be rescinded. We also need to see the promise of a Farm Bill delivered.

ASL Environmental Sciences said that Dr. David Holland of New York University, in collaboraon with Dr. Natalya Gomez at McGill University, is leading an invesgaon of sea level variaons in the Disko Bay region of western Greenland.According to a statement from the company with over 40 years of experience in oceanographic, acoustic, remote sensing and ice research products and scientific consulting services, a shore-based system compares the direct arrival of GPS signals to the…

Copenhagen Malmö Port said that Denmark’s most modern container port will be completed by the end of 2021 – the futureproof, modern, sustainable and automated container terminal in Copenhagen. The terminal substantially strengthens CMP’s role as the leading actor within freight handling in the capital region and throughout Eastern Denmark.The area in Outer Northern Harbour is fairly anonymous, however, the on-going groundworks are a reminder that this is where the container terminal of the future will be just three years from now.“We are making a major investment.

Dutch petroleum storage company Royal Vopak announced that it will acquire in total 44% in Elengy Terminal Pakistan Ltd  (ETPL) in separate transactions with International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Engro Corporation Ltd (Engro Corporation). This includes the acquisition of a 29% share announced in July.ETPL's wholly owned subsidiary, Engro Elengy Terminal (Pvt) Ltd (EETPL) owns an LNG facility which is located in Port Qasim in Pakistan, adjacent to the Engro Vopak chemical…

The Port of Vancouver USA Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the port’s tax levy and 2019 budget during its regularly scheduled board meeting.The U.S. West Coast port's commission voted to hold the port levy steady for the seventh year in a row, meaning annual taxes on a $350,000 home – the median price in Clark County – will be approximately $85 in 2019.At $58.4 million, the port’s 2019 budget is $10.1 million less than its 2018 budget. The decrease is primarily due…

Damen Shipyards Group, Adriatic Marinas and the Montenegrin Government have signed a contract for redevelopment of Bijela shipyard. The consortium will transform site into superyacht repair and refit facility.According to a press release from the Dutch shipyard group, the consortium of superyacht marina development and operating group Adriatic Marinas and the global ship and superyacht builder Damen, have been working with the Government of Montenegro.Since 2012 the parties have been developing plans to bring about the redevelopment of the former Bijela shipyard in Boka Bay…

Thailand’s first all-electric commuter ferry was recently placed into service by the Bangkok Metropolitan Authority (BMA), powered by Torqeedo. Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha celebrated the launch, giving his symbolic approval to the city’s efforts to ease congestion and improve air quality through investments in green transportation. The Prime Minister commuted by skytrain, subway and foot through Bangkok’s crowded streets, before ending his mixed-mode commute with a trip aboard the emission-free passenger ferry.The 47.5-ft fiberglass vessel was repowered by MariArt Shipyard…

Virgin Voyages, formerly Virgin Cruises, has unveiled its plans for a new terminal at PortMiami.Sir Richard Branson's cruise line said in a press release that the new Virgin Voyages Terminal will be located on the northwest side of the port in Miami, giving it incredible views of the city’s skyline. Construction is due to start next year and will be completed by November 2021, the beginning of the year’s cruise season.“Miami is an incredible city and one of my favourite places to work and play,” Richard Branson said.

Nieuw Statendam, the new cruise ship of Holland America Line, was presented at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice. Holland America Line is a brand under Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise operator.The vessel is the 16th Holland America Line ship built by Fincantieri and is the line’s second Pinnacle-class ship after Koningsdam, delivered in 2016.The 99,902-ton vessel accommodates 2,666 guests and is the ultimate expression of the Holland America Line brand.

Australia's Gladstone Ports Corporation (GPC) is continuing to progress its renewable energy initiatives, with a tidal turbine deployed at its Barney Point Terminal in Gladstone.It is part of a six month trial aimed at demonstrating how tidal flows at the Port of Gladstone can be harnessed to produce electricity, according to a press release from the Queensland's largest multi-commodity port and the fifth largest multi-commodity port in Australia.GPC has partnered with MAKO Turbines Pty Ltd for the demonstration, which is the first of its kind in Australian tropical waters using port infrastru

German shipping company Hamburg Süd is resuming its weekly direct service from Peru’s Port of Paita to Philadelphia just in time for the forthcoming mango and grape season in South America.The international logistics service provider said in a press release that with a transit time of eleven days, the service provides exporters in Peru and US importers a premium product designed specifically with these sensitive cargoes in mind.The release quoted Frank Smet, Chief Commercial Officer…

The super luxury passenger vessel MV Mein Schif 3 of TUI Cruises with 2,430 passengers and 995 crew on board made her maiden call at the Port of Colombo on 26th November 2018. The vessel was welcomed at the East Container Terminal (ECT) of Sri Lank Ports Authority (SLPA).Chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) – Dr.Parakrama Dissanayake said that the Port of Colombo was honored by the presence of Mein Shiff 3 in Colombo. “The Port of Colombo has become an extremely busy port and this year the port also became the fastest growing port in the world in terms of handling containers.

Canada's energy-rich province of Alberta is in talks to buy rail cars to transport 120,000 barrels per day of crude oil and expects a deal to conclude within weeks, Premier Rachel Notley said on Wednesday.Notley, who says the cars are needed to help deal with a glut of oil that has slashed the price of Alberta oil, told a business audience in Ottawa she was disappointed the federal government was not helping fund the purchase.Full pipelines have stranded much of Western Canada's expanding crude output, driving down the price U.S. refineries are willing to pay.

The Grand Elena tanker, carrying 145,000 cubic meters of liquefied natural gas (LNG), has hit a loading berth at Russia's Sakhalin Energy project on Tuesday and its departure has been delayed, a spokeswoman for the project told Reuters.She said it was not yet clear when the vessel would depart the port. Japan is the main consumer of the Sakhalin Energy LNG, which produces more than 10 million tonnes of the frozen gas per year.There has been no leaks of gas from the tanker and no one was injured, the spokeswoman added.(Reporting by Vladimir Soldatkin; Editing by Gopakumar Warrier)

Baleària shipping company, based in Dénia and a world pioneer in the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuel, has launched Marie Curie, its new smart ship with LNG engines.The launching ceremony took place at Cantiere Navale Visentini in Italy. The newbuilding is the company’s first ferry fueled by LNG that will operate in the Mediterranean.Marie Curie is one of two dual-fuel, gas-powered ferries being built at the yard, located near Venice. The sister vessel, Hypatia de Alejandria, is also nearing completion.

A full house at the IMO side event at the Sustainable Blue Economy Conference has brought together experts in the maritime sector, trade and development.Member States of the African Union, United Nations agencies, national governments, regional and international development agencies, development and financial institutions, maritime professionals and experts, civil societies, port authorities, port management associations, shipowner and fishing vessel owner organizations, as well as relevant universities…

Canada-based provider of oil cargo transportation services Island Tug and Barge Ltd informed that s new ATB push tug the Island Raider has entered service pushing the double hulled refined petroleum products barge, ITB Resolution.The Island Raider is the first of two, twin Z-drive, ATB push tugs for service on the West Coast of North America. Constructed at Island Tug’s Annacis Island Shipyard on the Fraser River, the Island Raider is connected by an articulating pin system to…

Swedegas, the owner of the gas grid in Sweden, conducted the first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation at its new facility at the Port of Gothenburg.Gothenburg-based shipping company Terntank was the very first operator to take on  LNG at a new bunkering facility, said the Swedish owner and operator of the high-pressure gas grid.Not only liquefied natural gas, LNG, but also liquefied biogas, LBG, it added.“Being able to offer this unique opportunity represents a major breakthrough…

Indian Minister for Shipping Nitin Gadkari has said that Blue Economy is very crucial for India’s economic development. said India has a strategic location in the Indian Ocean region, and on this basis, it endorses the growth of the Blue Economy in a sustainable, inclusive and people centred manner through the framework of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).He said, India is developing its maritime infrastructure as well as its inland waterways and coastal shipping through…

The safety statistics released by the National Workboat Association (NWA) demonstrate progressive improvement in the Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) safety performance of workboat crews and operators, with a considerable drop in the rate of incidents between 2014 and 2017.This four-year statistical summary has been compiled using annual accident data submitted by the NWA’s membership of workboat owners and operators, working in a range of maritime sectors including offshore wind…

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has hosted the 44th ASEAN Ports Association (APA) Meeting on 27 and 28 November 2018. The annual meeting was officially opened by the Chairman of MPA, Niam Chiang Meng, at the Conrad Centennial Hotel.About 100 key port executives and decision-makers from the nine member nations of the APA  attended the event, which serves as a platform for ASEAN ports to cooperate in areas such as port development, operations and management.The nine member nations of the APA are Brunei Darussalam…

Hutchison Ports Thailand (HPT) recently welcomed M.V. ONE Columba, the largest vessel to ever call Terminal D at Laem Chabang Port. HPT’s new Terminal D played host to Ocean Network Express’ (ONE’s) M.V. ONE Columba.The vessel was met by delegates of Terminal D in the morning of 24 Nov, and the vessel departed Laem Chabang Port one day later. M.V. ONE Columba, with a total length of 364 meters and a total gross tonnage of 145,647 tons, it is the largest container vessel ever to call at Laem Chabang Port in Thailand.

International Maritime Organization (IMO)  has provided fellowships to ten female officials attending a Port Senior Management Programme held at the Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI) in Nahalal, Israel, (14 -27 November). "A successful and well-run port contributes to the sustainable economic development of its region. But what is also an economic no-brainer is female empowerment. We provide fellowship to address both these points," said a statement from IMO.The two-week course provides participants with key information and updates on innovations in the port industry.

Northern Norway's small port of Honningsvag will host between 150 and 160 ship-to-ship transfers of liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargos from Russia's Yamal by mid-2019, the local council that owns the port told Reuters on Tuesday.The first transfer in Norwegian waters took place last week as part of Yamal operator Novatek's plan to free up its specialised ice-breaker LNG vessels, allowing them to return sooner to the plant to pick up more cargos.From Honningsvag, shipments to global…

Tsakos Energy Navigation (TEN) has announced the charter with profit sharing provisions of one suezmax tanker for 18 months to a major oil concern.The Greek shipping company pointed out hat this increases the number of vessels fixed on secured revenue contracts since the beginning of the year to 24, the majority of which on rates with upside optionality.These charters have an average duration of two years and are expected to add a minimum of $250 million to fleet revenues, it…

On 24 November 2018, the LNG carrier Pskov successfully completed the first LNG ship-to-ship transfer operation for the Yamal LNG Project. Pskov loaded some 170,000 cu. m. of liquefied gas, which was delivered from the Port of Sabetta (Yamal Peninsula) to the transshipment point by one of the Arctic LNG carriers chartered by Yamal LNG.The cargo transshipment was carried out at the safe anchorage off the port of Honningsvåg, Norway. Upon completion of the transshipment, Pskov proceeded…

Damen Shipyards Group has unveiled a new vessel design geared toward the developing offshore wind market in North America: the Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 3410 service accommodation and transfer vessel (SATV).The new design builds on Damen designs that have been proven in the European renewables market. The main premise is the patented Damen Twin Axe bow design, which combines the Axe Bow with a catamaran hull to allow the vessel to cut through waves instead of slamming, thereby improving seakeeping and onboard comfort.