One-on-One: Rob Langford, VP, Global Offshore Wind, ABS
As the U.S. offshore wind industry endures a predictable number of stops and starts during its adolescence, common mantras are ‘learn from the established European model’ and ‘embrace technology transfer from the offshore oil and gas sector.’ In Robert Langford, the American Bureau of Shipping has all of that and more bundled in one neat package.Rob Langford has worked in the offshore industry for more than three decades, ‘cutting his teeth’ in a UK design firm working in the North Sea oil and gas platforms, the holy grail of rigorous conditions in offshore energy production.
Shipshave’s ITCH Put to the Test
Independent laboratory testing reportedly confirmed there is no decrease in the thickness of hull coatings from the use of Shipshave’s In-Transit Cleaning of Hulls (ITCH) solution, according to the company.The Endures laboratory in the Netherlands was enlisted by Norwegian technology developer Shipshave to perform tests to investigate the impact on the thickness and roughness of anti-fouling coatings from repeated brushing with the ITCH system.A number of coated panels treated…
Ship Recycling Endures a Turbulent 2022
Like much of the world, one word adequately describes the ship recycling market in 2022: turbulent.According to GMS, prices reached decade long peaks above $700/LDT in the first quarter of the year before crashing back down by about $200/LDT, with certain trades seeing below the $500/LDT barrier and even into the high $400s/LDT on certain occasions.On the West End, the situation was no different in Turkey, where levels too hit a record $500/Ton for a brief period, only to plummet about half in value (about $250/MT) in a rather short period…
Ship Recycling Prices Continue to Slide
According to GMS, "some unbelievably low and unrealistic offers" have started to emerge from sub-continent markets this week, and as such, both owners and cash buyers would be well advised to leave ship recycling destinations alone for the time-being, especially until some sort of floor is reached and stability regains a foothold.It has become increasingly difficult to obtain any firm or serious offers from any recycling market, GMS reports, as currencies continue to suffer across…
Ship Recycle Market Continues Downward Trend
The ongoing sub-continent collapse in prices fully materialized this week, with all sectors talking down the market and refusing to offer anew on any fresh tonnage whilst they wait for markets to stabilize. As the Ukraine conflict endures, fundamentals continue their collapse at all of the major recycling destinations, as plate prices take turns to precipitously plummet (in India this week) and a combination of the two have likewise afflicted Bangladesh.A global currency meltdown at the major recycling destinations has also been unfolding…
Beirut Marks Year Since Port Blast with Demands for Justice
Thousands of Lebanese gathered near the port of Beirut on Wednesday to mark the first anniversary of a catastrophic explosion that devastated the city, demanding justice for the victims.One year since the disaster, caused by a huge quantity of ammonium nitrate stored unsafely at the port for years, no senior official has been held to account, infuriating many Lebanese as their country also endures financial collapse.One of the biggest non-nuclear explosions ever recorded, the explosion wounded thousands and was felt in Cyprus…
Market Report: In the Ship Scrapping Business, it is "Covid Chaos"
The increasingly growing concern this week has been the number of mounting Covid-19 cases across the sub-continent, especially in India, where the country hit a daily record infection rate of over 200,000 cases per day, placing an increasing pressure on an already strained healthcare system that is fighting to keep up with the number of sick.There is talk in India of another nationwide lockdown, as only the worst hits states/provinces are under quarantine at present, with residents…
Two Dead, Two Missing in Corpus Christi Dredge Fire
The bodies of two of four workers missing after a dredging vessel caught fire and sank in Corpus Christi, Texas, were recovered on Saturday, the U.S. Coast Guard said.Four personnel working on the dredger Waymon L Boyd went missing and six were sent to the hospital on Friday after the vessel caught fire in the Corpus Christi Ship Channel. The search for the other two missing workers was suspended on Saturday night, Coast Guard officials said.Local authorities had said initially…
Marlink's Maritime President Discusses the Future of Communication
In maritime satellite communications, an industry sector defined by change, Tore Morten Olsen, President Marlink Maritime is a rock: a model of continuity and a wealth of knowledge. He has 22 years of experience in the satellite communications sector, starting out as a technical product manager in 1994 and moving on to hold several senior management positions with Telenor, Marlink and Astrium Services / Airbus Defense and Space and now Marlink again. While various sectors of the marine industry are suffering…
President Trump Commissions USS Gerald R. Ford
President Donald J. Trump commissioned the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) at a commissioning ceremony July 22. A commissioning is a day of celebration, and honors the dedication, team work, and collaboration of Sailors, legislators, shipbuilders, program managers, and the ship's sponsor in delivering the ship to the fleet. Trump landed on the flight deck in Marine One and was greeted by Secretary of Defense James Mattis, Acting Secretary of the Navy Sean Stackley, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson, and USS Gerald R. Ford Commanding Officer Capt. Rick McCormack. Over 10,000 friends and family members attended the event, watching the festivities from the hangar bay, the pier and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69).
Schottel's Strahberger: One Year at the Helm
Schottel, a ubiquitous German-based maritime propulsion company, is firing on all cylinders and preparing now for the inevitable maritime market upturn. As Schottel’s new Managing Director, Dr. Christian Strahberger, closes in on his first year at the helm, he discusses the strategy with Maritime Reporter & Engineering News. While the maritime industry endures an overall downturn, quality, long-term companies see opportunity amidst the challenge, using lean times to optimize operations and staff while plotting a course for the inevitable turnaround.
Fair Contracting in Casualty Response
ISU’s President weighs in on the current state of international salvage, a changing landscape and the need for mutual fairness from all stakeholders in the global salvage and response arena. The last three decades have seen a significant reduction in marine casualties which is to be welcomed by all. Better ships; better inspection and port state control; the SOLAS convention; improved operational practices, liability concerns – both civil as well as criminal – and better crew training have all played their part.
Liberia is Top Open Register for Greek Shipowners
Figures released by the Greek Shipping Co-operation Committee (GSCC) show that Liberia has cemented its position as the undisputed leading open registry of choice for Greek shipowners. The GSCC statistics show that, in the year to end-March 2016, the gross tonnage of Greek-controlled ships in the Liberian Registry increased by 995,781 gt. Liberia, with 744 vessels aggregating 54.74m dwt, is second only to Greece itself in terms of the number of Greek-owned ships flying its flag, and comfortably ahead of the Marshall Islands in third place.
This Day In Naval History: April 11
1783 - Congress declares the cessation of arms against Great Britain, just a few days after British Parliament passed a similar resolution, thus ending hostilities of the American Revolution. 1944 - USS Redfin (SS 272) sinks the Japanese destroyer Akigumo in the eastern entrance to Basilan Strait. 1945 - The kamikaze attacks during the Okinawa Campaign damage eight Navy ships. 1970 - Apollo 13 is launched, commanded by Navy Capt. James A. Lovell. The ship endures an explosion forcing an immediate return to Earth. Recovery is by helicopters from USS Iwo Jima (LPH 2). 1991 - The U.N.
Konecranes Debuts New Portal Cranes
Konecranes portal cranes have evolved into effective 21st century management tools. Konecranes, whose portal crane design has been a proven performer for nearly 40 years, continues to develop this workhorse crane for demanding applications and environments in the steel, forest products, intermodal, biomass/ pellet and concrete industries, the company said. Konecranes open lattice design is cost-effective compared to box-girder structures and allows easy inspection of critical welds throughout the life of the crane.
Brent Crude Slips Towards US$102
Brent crude fell towards $102 a barrel on Tuesday on concerns of slowing oil demand growth due to weak economic recoveries in China and Europe, although new unrest in OPEC oil producer Libya kept losses in check. Euro zone manufacturing growth slowed slightly more than initially thought in August, while growth in China's factory sector slipped to a three-month low last month, adding to concerns about oil demand. Brent prices have trended higher since mid-August as speculators have come back into the market following a drop of nearly $15 to around $101 a barrel over the previous two months. "Still, the economic recovery in Europe and especially in China is not strong, and we've seen no supply shortages in Iraq," said Ken Hasegawa, a commodity sales manager at Newedge Japan.
Exova Partners with Endures Center
Exova, the global testing, calibration and advisory services provider, has agreed a strategic partnership with Endures in the Netherlands, previously known as the TNO Maritime Material Performance Center. Endures’ Den Helder center is primarily focused on the marine and offshore industry, and its team of scientists oversees research and testing in microbiological corrosion through DNA analysis, bio and anti-fouling, and mechanical, chemical and electrochemical corrosion. The center’s…
Heavy Duty Floodlight Is a Match For Any Job
Working ships require reliable illumination that withstands the most demanding tasks in the harshest marine environments. Hella marine specifically addresses commercial vessel needs with its new ultra heavy-duty AS 5000 LED floodlight. This 5,000+ lumen LED lamp provides highly effective and dependable illumination while drawing only 60 W, or 5 amps at 12V and 2.5 amps at 24V. Hella's precision optical engineering a crisp white color that closely simulates daylight. Unlike some warmer halogen lighting, the 5700K color temperature reduces eye strain and fatigue.
UNO Researchers Develop Nontoxic Technology Against Corrosion
University of New Orleans (UNO) researcher Al Daech is afraid of heights; not a good phobia to have when your research involves space shuttles, fuel tanks, and other, big, space-age equipment. He's been trying to conquer his fears since 1981. That's when his work on corrosion fighting collided with his fear of heights. As a Martin Marietta (now called Lockheed Martin) consultant, Daech found himself on a narrow bit of scaffolding 450 ft. in the air, inspecting one of the external fuel tanks on STS-I Columbia, the first space shuttle. Three days before the launch, a pool table-size blister formed in the external tank of the STS-I. Daech's inspection showed an oily rag wiped across the tank caused the blister. He and a crew immediately went to work.
Last Call for Navy's Large Harbor Tugs
Large harbor tug Opelika (YTB 798) and Kittanning (YTB 787) follow alongside the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Mustin (DDG 89) as she gets underway on board Commander Fleet Activities Yokosuka. U.S. The U.S. Navy large harbor tugs seem to have all but disappeared from most U.S. ports over the last decade. But in a few ports around the world the Navy-owned and operated tug endures as the backbone of port operations. Fleet Activities Yokosuka happens to be one of the naval bases on which the legacy of the large harbor tug continues to influence not only the operations of the port, but the Sailors that work aboard these perennial workhorses of the Navy.
Chinese Shipyards Get Boost From Patrol Boat Orders
China's State Oceanic Administration has placed 8 orders with Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Co., & altogether 36 are to be built within two years. As the global shipbuilding industry endures one of its toughest spells in years, at least eight new orders for maritime surveillance ships have been secured by Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Co Ltd, a subsidiary of China Shipbuilding Industry Corp. The progress echoed an earlier statement from Liu Cigui, head of the State Oceanic Administration, which said that 36 patrol vessels are being built and will be put into operation within the next two years by China Marine Surveillance, the bureau's maritime law enforcement agency.
Mystic Seaport Waterways Exhibition
Building America’s Canals, an interactive exhibition revealing the construction and operation of the nation’s human-built waterways, opens January 30, 2010, at Mystic Seaport. Organized by the National Canal Museum of Easton, PA, Building America’s Canals blends history and science through hands-on activities and encourages visitors of all ages to step into the roles of lock tender, canal engineer, crane operator and canalboat captain. Divided into four sections relating to key canal structures – locks, masonry arches, cranes and aqueducts – each area will feature accompanying interpretive panels with photographs, diagrams and text detailing the historical context for America’s canals.