Metro Ports Celebrates 90 years
Metropolitan Stevedore Co., established in 1923 in Southern California and with business roots dating back to the 1850s gold rush era through its original San Francisco parent corporation, California Stevedore and Ballast Co., is celebrating its 90th anniversary. Through the years, Metropolitan Stevedore Co. became known as Metro, so in 2008 the decision was made to use Metro Ports as the new brand for the various key operating companies of Wilmington, Calif.-based Nautilus International Holding Corp.
Crescent takes delivery of new design ships
U.K. shipping and transport group Crescent PLC has added two 2,670 dwt bulk carriers to the fleet of ships operated by Crescent Shipping, the group's dry cargo shipping division. "The Crescent Seine and the Crescent Rhine are of a brand new design and are exceptionally flexible ships. Both have low air draft designs, allowing them to trade on combined river-sea routes. Fully loaded with 134,800 cu ft of grain, for instance, they will still only have a draft of 4.05 m and an air draft of 5.2 m. Moreover, both are fully fitted to carry 84 teu boxes," says Jim Stewart, managing director of Crescent Shipping. The Crescent group of companies comprises four distinct divisions operating throughout Europe.
Seatruck supports Mersey shiprepair
Heysham-based Seatruck Ferries has drydocked its freight ferry MV Moondance with newly formed North Western Ship Repairers, using Birkenhead's Bidston dock. The dock is not far from the Camell Lairds facility, and North Western is led by John Syvret (ex-MD of Camell Lairds. Seatruck is the first company to use North West for a full drydocking. Kevin Hobbs MD of Seatruck, says, "We are delighted that North Western has stepped in to offer the quality service that we require. Merseyside has once again proved itself as a center of excellence for ship repair and conversion. Seatruck welcomes the new facility that is well placed to provide for its needs on their Irish Sea route.
