Government & Military News

The Council for Dredging and Marine Construction Safety (CDMCS) convened this week in Washington, DC on the heels of its Pipeline Task Force Meeting to discuss OSHA regulatory updates, best practices for employee training documentation, opioid identification and prevention, and incident/injury trends in the industry.Representatives from The Dutra Group, Inland Dredging, Great Lakes Dredge & Dock, JT Cleary, Manson Construction Co., Mike Hooks, Norfolk Dredging, and Weeks Marine attended…

Representatives from the Coast Guard, offshore oil and gas industries, recognized organizations and numerous industry associations attended the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee semi-annual public meeting in Houston, Texas Sept 11, 2018.Rear Adm. John Nadeau, assistant commandant for prevention policy, attended the meeting and discussed with the Committee the new Coast Guard commandant’s strategic vision for the service as well as the reorganization within the Office of Commercial Vessel Compliance to put an increased emphasis on Third Party Organization oversight.During the meeting…

The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) conducted a ferry emergency exercise  to test the readiness of various agencies in responding to ferry mishaps in the Port of Singapore.More than 100 personnel from ten organisations (Annex) took part in the exercise at sea near Kukor Buoy. The exercise scenario involved the evacuation of 72 passengers on-board a domestic ferry after her grounding on a large underwater object.Passengers were then evacuated onto life rafts and a rescue ferry alongside the grounded vessel.

Flooding is expected to worsen in the coming days as the Coast Guard continues its relief efforts.The emergency is by no means over in North Carolina. As flooding is expected worsen across the Carolinas later this week in the choppy wake of Hurricane Florence, Coast Guard units across North Carolina are continuing to assess damage, and respond over a wide geographic area. Florence, responsible for 36 deaths in three states, continues to impact the Carolinas. Major waterways across the tri-state area of North Carolina…

A Final Rule eliminating the requirement for certain vessels that operate on voyages exclusively within a single Captain of the Port Zone to submit an Annual Ballast Water Summary Report for calendar year 2018 has been published.The Coast Guard views this current reporting requirement as unnecessary in order to analyze and understand ballast water management practices. This final rule will reduce the administrative burden on this regulated population of U.S. non-recreational vessels equipped with ballast tanks. The final rule is effective Oct. 1, 2018.

The Coast Guard has developed two separate mitigation system prototypes specifically designed for inland and offshore environments and tested them in the Kalamazoo River and Lake Huron.Whenever there is a need for oil, there will always be a risk of oil spills. This is no less true for bituminous sands, commonly known as oil sands or tar sands. Oil sands are mostly found in Alberta, Canada, and comprised of bitumen, sand, clay and water. They are typically viscous, with a texture similar to peanut butter.

The U.S. Navy awarded a contract modification to shipbuilder Austal USA to build two additional Independence-variant Littoral Combat Ships, LCS 32 and 34, its 16th and 17th vessels in the class. The specific value of each contract is under the congressional cost cap of $584 million per ship.“To be awarded these contracts in such a highly competitive environment is a great honor,” said Austal USA president, Craig Perciavalle. “This is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our talented employees and dedicated supplier network…

After more than 30 years of frustratingly slow progress, cost overruns and more than a few mistakes, Olmsted is finally poised for success. That’s something to celebrate.It is official: The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) wants Olmsted operational by October. After more than 30 years, the ribbon cutting to officially open the Olmsted Locks and Dam took place on August 30. The very old (1929) upstream locks and dams – Nos. 52 and 53, which Olmsted is replacing – will be dismantled by December 2020. Before that happens, Olmsted’s performance will be tested and confirmed.

Gulftainer, the world’s largest privately-owned independent port operator and logistics company based in the United Arab Emirates, finalized a 50-year concession agreement with the state of Delaware to operate and develop the Port of Wilmington, significantly expanding the company’s global footprint and reach.The agreement, signed by Gulftainer’s subsidiary GT USA, will see an expected investment of up to $600 million in the port to upgrade and expand the terminal and to turn…

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced that six MOL-operated/managed vessels have received commendations from the commanders of the 3rd and 4th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters of the Japan Coast Guard (JCG).Vessels commended by 3rd Regional Coast Guard Headquarters are: VLCC Altair Trader, VLCC Yufusan, VLCC M. Star, LNG carrier Energy Advance, and LNG carrier Energy Frontier. The vessel commended by 4th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters is VLCC Shizukisan.To mark Japan Hydrography Day…

The blue economy can be the engine of economic growth, the basis of socio-economic development and industrialization for many African countries, if well utilized.The maritime industry, for example, is estimated at over $1 trillion, and there are other related and emerging sectors of tourism, offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, seabed extractive industries, marine biotechnology and bio prospecting.Said Adejumobi, Southern Africa Director, UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) said that  the Economic Commission for Africa is fully committed to supporting the African Union…

China set a 10 percent tariff on U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports, extending a trade dispute into energy and casting a shadow over U.S. export terminals that would propel the United States into the world's second-largest LNG seller.Beijing on Tuesday said it would tax U.S. products worth $60 billion effective Sept. 24 in retaliation for tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump in an escalating trade war.The rate was smaller than the 25 percent tariff China had touted earlier, which offered some relief and helped shares in listed U.S.

British aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth arrived in Norfolk, Va. a bit later than planned on Monday after evading Hurricane Florence, which devastated large areas of the U.S. East Coast.The Royal Navy said HMS Queen Elizabeth skirted south of the hurricane, but sailed close enough for the effects of a four meter swell, five meter wave height and winds gusting 40 knots to be felt throughout the carrier, as the 65,000-metric-ton ship rolled around the Atlantic.The 'WESTLANT 18' Task Group…

On August 24, 2018, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) faced a problem that didn’t have a quick solution: A bolt from a hangar bay door roller assembly was stressed to the point of breaking, rendering the door unable to perform its basic task of opening and closing. In order for Chung-Hoon to get this one bolt, they would need to order a whole new roller assembly, which would take time Chung-Hoon didn’t have.Underway as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, Chung-Hoon was in close proximity to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C.

The Government of Canada is acting to preserve and restore marine ecosystems that are vulnerable to increased marine shipping and development.Transport Canada has awarded a contract to ESSA Technologies Ltd. under the Oceans Protection Plan to look at methodologies and tools to assess the cumulative impacts of marine shipping on coastal marine ecosystems.Transport Canada’s national cumulative effects assessment framework for marine shipping will identify regionally specific tools…

Incat Crowther signed a design contract with Cape Town based shipbuilder Veecraft Marine for the supply of a 20m monohull workboat for the South African National Defense Force, tasked to transport personnel and equipment and support training activities in coastal areas up to 10 miles off the coast under inclement weather conditions often experienced in the area. The vessel is designed in accordance with BV requirements and in compliance with flag state rules as defined by South…

The greening of America’s energy signature will not come without the usual discussions, regulatory oversight – and opposition from a raft of special interests.Amidst an atmosphere of possible resurgence in the domestic offshore oil energy, maritime stakeholders are also reminded that there is more than one kind of energy available for development off the four collective coasts of the United States. That process is underway in the Great Lakes; it has already happened off of New England.

The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $480.6 million contract modification to continue the development of the lead Columbia-class submarine, the nation’s next-generation sea-based strategic deterrent. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).The modification includes funding for advance procurement, advance construction and long lead time material for Columbia (SSBN 826). Construction of the lead ship of the class is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2020. The Navy plans to build a fleet of 12 new SSBNs.Initially awarded in September 2017, the overall contract has a potential value of $6.1 billion.

U.S. companies expect to begin delivering liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Germany in four years at the latest and will challenge Russia which now accounts for 60 percent of German gas imports, the deputy U.S. energy secretary told a German newspaper."U.S. liquefied natural gas is coming to Germany. The question is not if, but when," Dan Brouillette told the mass circulation daily Bild in an interview published on Monday.U.S. President Donald Trump in July accused Germany of being a "captive" of Russia due to its energy reliance and urged it to halt work on the $11 billion…

UK Chamber of Shipping said that no deal could limit the opportunities for UK seafarers. A no-deal Brexit would also potentially inconvenience operators of UK-flagged ships, the UK Chamber says.On Thursday, the UK Government published another 28 technical notices, which advise on how potential disruption from a no-deal exit from the European Union can be minimised. The latest batch includes two important shipping-related notices: one on seafarer certification and one on maritime…

U.S. Coast Guard 17th District Alaska medevaced a woman from a cruise ship near Ketchikan, according to an official press release.A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Ketchikan medevaced the 71-year-old passenger displaying stroke symptoms and brought her to awaiting EMS in Bar Harbor, Ketchikan.Coast Guard watchstanders in the Sector Juneau command center received the request for the medevac from the cruise ship Nieuw Amsterdam at about 9 p.m.The Coast Guard boat crew met up with the cruise ship in Revillagigado Channel where the patient…

Canada’s lead Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel, the future HMCS Harry DeWolf, was launched at Halifax Shipyard on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) and the revitalization of the Royal Canadian Navy’s combatant fleet.At 103 meters and 6,615 metric tons, the future HMCS Harry DeWolf is the largest Royal Canadian Navy ship built in Canada in 50 years. The ship was transitioned from the builder's land level facility to a submersible barge on Friday…

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Navigation Center (NAVCEN) is involved in a number of activities that have an impact on all Americans, even if they don’t realize it.From motorists checking directions with their Global Positioning System (GPS) to boaters to ships coming and going to U.S. ports, the NAVCEN plays an unseen but vital role.With a staff of19 officers, 17 enlisted personnel and 19 civilians, NAVCEN falls under the Director of Marine Transportation Systems (CG-5PW) at USCG Headquarters…

The Coast Guard Captain of the Port of Hampton Roads has reopened the ports in Virginia, which saw limited impacts after Hurricane Florence made landfall as a category 1 storm on Friday morning.“Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads is coordinating very closely with our port partners to ensure a quick and safe recovery from Hurricane Florence,” said Capt. Kevin Carroll, the commander of Sector Hampton Roads. “Our number one priority is saving lives and preventing life-endangering activities on our waterways.

Video marks Academy's 75th year and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.Alumni of the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) released an inspiring video to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the institution and memorialize midshipmen who have died in service to the nation. Over the summer, the USMMA Alumni Association and Foundation (USMMA-AAF) has been executing a multi-faceted campaign to mark the federal academy's decades of service and the foundational role it plays…

The Buckeye Terminal in the Arthur Kill Waterway near Port Reading, N.J. was reopened Thursday, following last week's diesel oil spill.The terminal has resumed full operations with the opening of the south dock Thursday afternoon, the U.S. Coast Guard said.The Unified Command that had been established in response to the September 6 spill is now stood down as the Coast Guard continues to work with NJ/NY State agencies and the EPA to monitor continuing cleanup efforts.As of Thursday morning, an estimated 56,000 gallons of oily product has been recovered.

The number of seafarers in India has increased by over 60,000. According to Union Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh L Mandaviya, while only about 92, 000 people were engaged in ship related jobs, their number has gone up to 1,54,000 now.The Minister said, the government has taken steps to increase employment opportunities for the youth in this sector. The reforms under this include improving the sea farers examination.He said, while earlier only one to two per cent applicants could clear the said examination, with improved curriculum the pass percentage has gone up to 10 per cent now.

Like many boys, Charles. F. “Bud” Kirby, Jr. loved ships. He had drawings, models, pictures, newspaper clippings, and scrapbooks. And, as his son, Don, recently learned, he had cachet covers of submarines.Bud would send stamped envelopes to the Electric Boat Company that he had addressed to himself in Watertown, Mass. These envelopes would be stamped with a commemorative cachet and then appropriately cancelled at Groton, Connecticut, where the EB shipyard was located, or on the ship if it had been commissioned.Each ship has its own post office, and its own cancellation stamp.

With a motto of Always Ready, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has 11 missions specified by law including drug and migrant interdiction; ports, waterways and coastal security; fishery patrols; search and rescue; and national defense. The USCG’s newest ships including 22 Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) recently entered service with 36 more on order and six new National Security Cutters (NSCs) with two more in the process of being built. Oil analysis plays a critical role in the…

Duke Energy Corp started to shut the Brunswick nuclear power plant in North Carolina ahead of Hurricane Florence, which is expected to strike the coast near the plant on Friday.Florence is currently a Category 2 storm with maximum sustained winds of 110 miles per hour (177 kph), according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC). On its current track, the storm will hit the coast on Friday with maximum sustained winds of about 105 mph.Duke spokeswoman Mary Kathryn Green said the company was following its procedures and is shutting Unit 1 now and would start shutting Unit 2 at the 1…

Preparations underway all along the Eastern Seaboard. As Hurricane Florence threatens a wide swath of the U.S. East Coast, the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard are taking no chances as the dangerous storm advances westward. As that happens, most Navy ships are departing ports in Virginia. As many as 30 vessels from Naval Station Norfolk and Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek on Monday. Following close behind, the Coast Guard’s medium endurance cutter Bear could also be seen heading…

Two tankers carrying Iranian condensate, a type of ultra-light oil, have been floating off the United Arab Emirates for about a month as demand for the oil fell ahead of U.S. sanctions.The tankers, carrying about 2.4 million barrels of South Pars condensate combined, have been floating off the UAE since August after South Korea halted imports from Iran while China's demand dropped during summer, according to several industry sources and shipping data.The build-up in Iranian oil…

As in most if not all industries, the maritime sector experiences many more near-misses than actual casualties. And yet, information regarding near-misses is seldom shared outside the particular company or vessel/facility involved. This is a needless waste of valuable learning opportunities.The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established the first formal confidential near-miss reporting system in the federal government in 1975. The Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) was transferred in 1976 to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for collection of information…

The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decision to implement a 0.50 percent cap on sulphur emissions has created uncertainty among vessel operators. Questions are already being asked about how to comply with the changing emissions target, what types of fuels will be available and where. However, ensuring compliance isn’t just about fuel selection; the actual switchover process from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to new, low-sulphur alternatives needs careful management. There are…

A section of the lower Mississippi River has been closed to vessel traffic after a tug caught fire near mile marker 673 on Wednesday. All crew is reported safe, and there have been no reports of pollution.The U.S. Coast Guard said it is responding to a fire on board the uninspected towing vessel Jacob Kyle Rusthoven near West Helena, Ark. after being notified of the incident at 10:30 a.m.The stricken vessel has been pushed to the Arkansas bank of the river where firefighting efforts continue.

The international conference on maritime security and defense (MS&D), held for the seventh time in Hamburg during the SMM maritime trade fair, focused on current and future challenges to maritime security and defense. Twenty naval, industrial and science experts discussed topics such as how to protect international ocean trading routes, when and how to deploy naval forces on crisis missions, as well as cyber security issues.The welcome address opened the event with somber words as Rear Admiral Thorsten Kähler…

Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited, proposes to open on September 24, 2018, an initial public offering of equity shares of Face Value of Rs. 10 each (“Equity Shares”) for cash at a Price per Equity Share (including a Share Premium) (“Offer”) comprising a offer for sale 29,210,760 Equity Shares by the Promoter, The President of India, acting through the Ministry of Defense, Government of India (“The Selling Shareholder”).The offer includes a reservation of up to 572,760 equity shares for subscription by eligible employees (as defined herein) (“Employee Reservation Portion”).

Thai shipbuilder Italthai Marine Limited in July hosted a keel laying ceremony for a new 32-meter tug that it is building for the Royal Thai Navy (RTN).The builder was awarded the construction contract for this second RAmparts 3200 tug earlier this year after delivering the first, Panyi 857, in 2016.Designed by Canadian naval architect and marine engineering firm Robert Allan Ltd., the tugs are built for handling large navy vessels and submarines coming in and out of port, as well as supporting oil recovery operations…

The North Carolina State Ports Authority continues to closely monitor Hurricane Florence. The Port of Wilmington and the Port of Morehead City are currently at Condition Zulu and closed to all vessel traffic.NC State Ports Authority continues its Hurricane Preparation Plan and is taking all necessary steps to protect cargo, facilities and equipment.NC Ports' terminals in Wilmington and Morehead City are CLOSED to commercial truck traffic Wednesday, September 12, however, tenants have access to both Ports but must complete any storm preparations by 5:00 pm.

As Florence bears down on the North Carolina coastline, the Category 4 storm is being compared to the worst storm ever to hit the Tarheel State - Hurricane Hazel, occurring back in 1954.Hurricane Florence, packing winds of more than 130 mph. Hazel, in comparison, brought winds of 150 mph, causing 19 deaths and destroyed thousands of buildings as it bulled its way inland.As many as 1.5 million residents have been told to evacuate coastal and low lying areas in South Carolina and North Carolina.

Russia’s natural gas producer Novatek has signed an agreement of intent on implementing a project for the construction of a marine liquefied natural gas (LNG) transshipment complex in the territory of Kamchatka.PAO Novatek, the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Government of the Kamchatka Territory signed an agreement of intent on implementing a project for the construction of a marine LNG transshipment complex in the territory of Kamchatka.The Agreement provides for Novatek’s investment in the amount of approximately RR 70 billion.

Scottish Government identifies Dales Voe in Lerwick in Shetland  as “preferred site” for an "ultra deep water" decommissioning port after UK-wide feasibility study.Scotland’s supply chain could be set to win more large scale decommissioning projects, after Dales Voe in Shetland has been identified as the optimal location for an ultra-deep water port.The Lerwick location was selected following a UK-wide feasibility study, conducted by Ernst and Young, has as the optimal and most…

DP World said on Tuesday it would continue to pursue all legal means in its dispute with the government of Djibouti which seized a port terminal operated by the company earlier this year.Djibouti this week nationalized shares held by the Port of Djibouti in the Doreleh Container Terminal, a joint venture operated by DP World until February when the government seized the terminal.(Reporting by Alexander Cornwell; editing by Jason Neely)

Qatargas, the world’s largest LNG producer,  has announced a long-term Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with PetroChina International Company Limited, a unit of PetroChina Company Limited (PetroChina), to supply China with around 3.4 million tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per annum.Under the 22-year SPA, which ends in 2040, Qatargas will supply LNG from the Qatargas 2 project, a joint venture between Qatar Petroleum, ExxonMobil and Total, to different receiving terminals across China…

More than 100 migrants died in early September when their crowded rubber boats were wrecked off the coast of Libya, the MSF aid agency on Monday quoted survivors as saying.The two vessels had set out from the Libyan coast early on Sept. 1, each carrying scores of people, mostly African, Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) said in a statement on its website.One boat's engine failed later that day and the other began to deflate, it quoted a survivor as saying. Some survived by clinging to floating wreckage.A survivor told MSF that “European rescuers" had come by aircraft and thrown life rafts, but migrants remained in the water for hours."On our boat, only 55 people survived. Many people died, including families and children.

Djibouti has nationalized the two-thirds stake in its Doraleh Container Terminal held by the Port of Djibouti, the government said in a statement, the latest twist in a dispute with Dubai's government-controlled DP World dating back six years.In February, Djibouti ended a contract with DP World, one of the world's biggest port operators, to run its Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT), and seized control of the terminal.A London court later said DP World's contract to run the terminal was still valid.The port of Djibouti, PDSA, is itself majority-owned by the Djibouti state and in turn owns a two-

The cruise ship Star Pride has regained power after becoming disabled about two miles off the coast of Cuttyhunk, Mass. last week.The ship’s captain reported to U.S. Coast Guard watchstanders at Sector Southeastern New England at about 3:20 p.m., Friday that the vessel had lost power and was disabled.Coast Guard crews and the Buzzards Bay Task Force launched and surrounded the 440-foot, 9,975-grt cruise ship to ensure the safety of 191 passengers and 160 crewmembers on board the ship.

Eight vessels were stalled on Friday at the Sabine Pass Channel on the Texas-Louisiana border after 37-foot draft restrictions were put in place this week to allow search operations for a displaced pipeline, the U.S. Coast Guard said.One liquefied natural gas (LNG), one liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and two oil tankers were waiting to leave the Sabine Pass, while one LNG and three oil tankers were waiting to enter the channel, a Coast Guard spokesman said on Friday.(Reporting by Liz Hampton; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)

More than 2,500 AK-47 automatic rifles were seized from a stateless skiff in the international waters of the Gulf of Aden at the end of August.U.S. Navy sailors aboard the guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) discovered the illicit weapons shipment during counter-trafficking mission on August 28.The Navy said 2,521 guns were confiscated from the skiff, which was determined to be stateless following a flag verification boarding conducted in accordance with international law.

The chairman and owner of Damen Shipyards Group met with the Romanian Minister of Economy this week to discuss the future of the shipyard jointly operated by the shipbuilding conglomerate and the Romanian government.The Dutch shipbuilding group became joint venture partners with the Romanian government in July when it acquired Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering's (DSME) share in the Romanian shipyard formerly known as Daewoo Mangalia Heavy Industries. Damen has taken over operational management of the yard…

Coral Leader, a Pure Car and Truck Carrier (PCTC) owned by NYK supported the rescue operation of five people including two children onboard yacht. The yacht was in distress in the Mediterranean Sea, just off Corsica.The operation was conducted by French Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) on August 26 (local time) off the coast of France. The vessel Coral Leader is managed by Wallem Shipmanagement LimitedWhile Coral Leader was sailing from the port of Livorno, Italy, to the port of Tarragona…

The Major ports in India have recorded a growth of 5.13% and together handled 288.38 MTof cargo during the period April to August, 2018 as against 274.32 MThandled during the corresponding period of previous year.For the period from April-August 2018, nine Ports Kolkata, Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Kamarajar, Chennai, Cochin, New Mangalore, JNPT and Deendayal have registered positive growth in traffic.According to a statement from the Ministry of Shipping, the highest growth was registered by Kamarajar Port (17.24%)…

Several vessels, including two oil tankers and one carrying liquefied natural gas, were stalled and unable to enter the Sabine Pass shipping channel near the Texas-Louisiana border due to draft restrictions, the U.S. Coast Guard said on Thursday.Port Arthur's Vessel Traffic Service implemented 32-foot restrictions on draft, or vessel depth, on Wednesday, after a 24-inch steel dredge pipeline was struck and pulled out to sea by a ship moving through the Sabine Pass Channel to the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, the Coast Guard said in a notice.As much as 1,000 feet of pipeline is missing, prompting the limits on vessel draft in order that surveys could be carried out to locate the displaced line…

Brazil's policy of setting minimum freight rates is reducing the volume of cargo at Brazilian ports as farmers and agricultural exporters have difficulty arranging transportation at higher cost, according to the head of a Brazilian ports association.The country instituted minimum rates for freight above the previous market rate as part of a deal to end a truckers' strike over high diesel prices in May. The strike paralyzed the country's roadways, preventing agriculture exports…

The first warship to be built in Egypt was launched during a ceremony on September 6, 2018 in Alexandria. The Port-Said Gowind corvette was constructed by Alexandria Shipyard through an industrial cooperation with France’s Naval Group.The new warship will contribute to increase the Egyptian Navy Power alongside the first ever delivered Gowind corvette, El-fateh, which is already already deployed by the Egyptian Navy. The newest corvette is the fifth ship designed by Naval Group to be operated by the Egyptian Navy…

The investment needs of European ports over the next ten years amount to 48 billion EUR. Many port investments score high in creating societal value but the return on investment for the investor, the port managing body, is often low and slow.For these investments, external funding is needed. Ports have only been able to obtain 4% of the CEF transport budget over the last three years. These are the main results from the Study European Seaports Organisation (ESPO) launched in spring…

Four U.S. Coast Guard crew members were injured in a collision between two tactical boat crews during training off Falmouth, Mass. Wednesday.The Coast Guard said the injuries were non-life-threatening.Both 29-foot response boat small vessels were damaged when they collided at around 1:30 p.m. in Buzzards Bay. The boats returned to Station Woods Hole under their own power.The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Indian Ministry of Shipping, through its flagship programme Sagarmala, is closely working with Government of Gujarat state and other stakeholders to showcase India's rich maritime heritage through development of a World Class Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in the state of Gujarat.Preliminary work on design elements of the proposed heritage complex has been completed and consultations from experts are now under process. In order to further plan and take the project forward, a one day consultation workshop was held at Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralaya in Mumbai.

The technology group Wärtsilä’s Aquarius EC Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) has been granted Type Approval by the United States Coastguard (USCG) authorities.This approval verifies that the product has met the specified regulatory, technical, and safety requirements, and represents an endorsement of its design and efficiency principles.As part of the approval process, the Aquarius EC (Electro-Chlorination) system’s technology underwent an extensive land and sea test programme…

Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) has selected Optimarin to supply the ballast water treatment systems (BWTS) for nine Offshore Patrol Cutters (OPC) to be built for the U.S. Coast Guard at the builder's Panama City, Fla. shipyard.The agreement with ESG will see the Optimarin Ballast Systems (OBS) fitted in the new OPCs, designed to support the nation's maritime security and undertake vital border protection duties. Equipped to carry helicopters, Over-the-Horizon (OTH) boats and featuring sophisticated combat systems…

The dredger Gypsey Race rescued a woman who'd fallen from Berwick Pier, UK yesterday (September 02) morning. She was in the water for 1 1/2 hrs before the dredger crew saved her life. Unfortunately their vessel grounded and they are now waiting for high water to refloat.The crew of the dredger, Gypsey Race, noticed the woman clinging to the wall at 8.30 this morning and made an immediate call to the Coastguard whilst going to her aid. The Coastguard requested the Berwick RNLI…

Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) made public 13 standardised state-of-the-art ship designs suitable for large barge haulage on river Ganga (National Waterway-1).This marks attaining of a critical milestone in the growth of the country’s Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector as it will help overcome the unique navigation challenges river Ganga throws due to its complex river morphology, hydraulics, acute bends, shifting channels, meanders and current.It will serve as an…

The Ronald Reagan Strike Group and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Escort Flotilla 4 Battle Group, participated in bilateral training Aug. 31 while underway in the South China Sea.During the training, units from the two maritime forces sailed in formation, participated in replenishment-at-sea training, exchanged Naval Liaison Officers and practiced maneuvering procedures.Additionally, Rear Adm. Karl O. Thomas, Commander, Task Force 70, and CTF 70 personnel visited JS Kaga to speak with JMSDF Rear Adm. Tatsuya Fukuda, Commander, Escort Flotilla 4, about JMSDF and U.S.

Hungarian operator MOL Norge has permission from Norway’s Petroleum Safety Authority (PSA) to drill an exploration well in the southern Norwegian North Sea.The jackup Rowan Viking will spud well 2/6-6 S in license PL 860 next month, targeting the Oppdal/Driva prospect.The location is 45 km (28 mi) east of the Valhall and Ekofisk fields and 20 km (12.4 mi) north of the offshore median line with Denmark, in a water depth of 70 m (229 ft).Drilling is scheduled to begin in September…

The future USS Charleston (LCS 18) delivered to today will be the 16th littoral combat ship (LCS) to enter the U.S. Navy fleet.The Independence-variant LCS is the ninth delivered by Austal USA, the American branch of Australian shipbuilder Austal, and the third LCS delivered by the Alabama shipyard this year.Five LCS remain under construction at Austal’s Alabama shipyard. Cincinnati (LCS 20) is preparing for sea trials. Assembly is underway on Kansas City (LCS 22) and Oakland (LCS 24) and modules for Mobile (LCS 26) and Savannah (LCS 28) are under construction.

Clean up efforts are underway after a vessel collision caused an oil spill near Port Arthur, Texas.The U.S. Coast Guard said an estimated 13,272 gallons of marine diesel fuel was discharged after an accident involving the towing vessel Savage Pathfinder and the motor vessel Endurance on Wednesday evening. No injuries were reported.Containment boom was placed around the vessel, and the source of the leak has been secured, the Coast Guard said.Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Port Arthur and Texas General Land Office personnel are involved in the investigation and response efforts."We are working with TGLO, the responsible party and all maritime stakeholders to minimize impact as quickly as possible," said Capt.

Construction of the U.S. Navy’s second Gerald Ford class aircraft carrier has reached its midway point following the installation of one of the ship’s largest units.Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Newport News Shipbuilding said it has installed one of the heaviest of the planned steel structures, known as superlifts, that will be joined together to make up nuclear-powered aircraft carrier John F. Kennedy (CVN 79). The superlift of the aft section between the hangar bay and flight deck weighs approximately 905 metric tons…

Workers at Croatia's largest shipbuilding group Uljanik, who have been on strike for more than a week, began receiving their delayed July salaries on Friday and are set to return to work on Monday.Union leaders and Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic, whose government struck a deal with a local bank, confirmed the payments for some 4,500 workers at the docks, located in the northern Adriatic cities of Pula and Rijeka.Last Monday the workers protested in Zagreb demanding the government's help.Despite the funds secured for July and August salaries…

The U.S. Coast Guard has cleared the Carnival Horizon to sail after the 133,500 GT cruise ship struck a pier at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal earlier this week.The Coast Guard conducted an extensive investigation and examinations on the ship and required multiple technical surveys, including an underwater hull survey and operations testing of essential equipment, before it ultimately determined that the ship was safe depart the Port of New York and New Jersey on its scheduled eight-night Caribbean cruise.Minor structural damage to the ship’s bow was discovered…

The 12 Indian major ports run by the state will raise the wages of its more than 32,000 port and dock workers and some 105,000 pensioners by 10.6 per cent beginning January 2017, according to a five-year agreement signed on Thursday."A new wage settlement agreement has been signed for Group C & D category of Port and Dock Workers in Mumbai in the presence of Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Shipping," said a press statement from the government.More than 32,000 Port and Dock workers and 1…

The U.S.

China's COSCO Shipping Holdings Co Ltd on Thursday said first-half profits fell 97.8 percent as it grappled with higher costs and a slide in freight rates.China's largest shipping group, which has bought a Hong Kong peer to become the world's third-largest container liner, said January-June net profit was 40.8 million yuan ($6 million), down from 1.86 billion yuan in the same period last year.After a prolonged slump, the global container shipping industry entered a period of recovery last year.

Seven people have died after a cargo ship sank in the Beijiang River, in south China's Guangdong Province, Chinese official media said quoting local authorities.The report said that the ship, Yueyingde Cargo 8030, capsized and sank at 11:30 p.m. on Monday. All the seven bodies had been recovered by 5:45 p.m. on Tuesday.The maritime rescue center of the city of Qingyuan initiated an emergency response and dispatched search vessels to the site. The rescue is still on-going, it said.A team will be sent to salvage the wreck of the ship and further investigation will follow.

A Russian-flagged passenger vessel that went aground in the Canadian Arctic last week has been refloated and is in stable condition.The 117-meter, 6,230 gt polar expedition cruise ship Akademik Ioffe had about 160 people on board when it ran aground in the western Gulf of Boothia on the morning of August 24.Canadian operator One Ocean Expeditions said it diverted Ioffe’s sister vessel, Akademik Sergey Vavilov, to assist. By August 25, all passengers disembarked by zodiac onto Sergey Vavilov for transport to Kugaaruk, Nunavut, before traveling to Edmonton, Alberta for flights home.

BAE Systems said it has been awarded a $146.3 million contract from the U.S. Navy to modernize the USS Gettysburg (CG 64).The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser will undergo about 15 months of work at the company’s shipyard in Norfolk, Va., the ship’s homeport. The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $151.3 million.Starting in January 2019, the Gettysburg will undergo extensive repair and upgrade work that will return the ship to full capability after nearly four years of inactive status under the Navy’s cruiser modernization program.

Finland is a traditional marine tech hub, with almost 90 company members in the Finnish Maritime Industries association. While the country has a storied maritime history across many sectors, based on geographic locale, it’s Arctic and ice marine technology is second to none, and it’s hoping the U.S. Coast Guard is taking notice.The Finnish maritime industry is hoping to get involved in developing the new icebreakers for the U.S. Coast Guard polar icebreaker program. Ulla Lainio…

Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPT), Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Railways and state governments of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra will enter into a pact tomorrow for implementing a new Indore- Manmad Railway Line Project.The project will be implemented through Indian Port Rail Corporation Limited on joint venture special purpose vehicle (SPV) model."An MoU will be signed tomorrow between JNPT- Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Railways, Govt of Maharashtra and Govt of Madhya Pradesh for implementation of 362 km Indore- Manmad New Railway Line Project…

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced leadership changes to the submarine construction programs at its Newport News Shipbuilding division.Jason Ward has been promoted to vice president of Columbia-class submarine construction. Dave Bolcar, who served as vice president of all submarine construction, encompassing both the Virginia- and Columbia-class submarine programs, has assumed the role of vice president of Virginia-class submarine construction.Both leaders will report to Ken Mahler…

A new batch of response boats have been delivered to U.S. Coast Guard stations in Alaska this summer as part of the service's initiative to replace older vessels that have reached the end of their planned service life.The five new 29-foot Response Boat-Smalls, also known as Response Boat-Small IIs, were constructed by Louisiana boatbuilder Metal Shark Aluminum Boats and delivered to the Coast Guard's 17th District starting in May.Station Ketchikan received two new boats May 17…

After 10 years at the helm, Harry Bolton handed over command of the Training Ship Golden Bear Wednesday at California State University Maritime Academy.Bolton, a 1978 graduate of the Academy, returned to Cal Maritime on May 1, 2008 after a 30-year career with American Maritime Officers. Twenty of those years were with American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA) aboard the original preposition ships based out of Guam, Saipan and Diego Garcia. Bolton began sailing as Master in 1985, only seven years after graduation.Dr.

Birkenhead-based shipbuilder Cammell Laird is attracting international interest after it proposed the T31 Leander in the UK competition for five Royal Navy frigates.The business believes the low price point and proven technology makes the Type 31e frigate extremely attractive to the international market.The Ministry of Defense took its first steps to reopening competition for the frigate shipbuilding contracts and Cammell Laird now using that momentum to demonstrate its global…

The U.S. Coast Guard coordinated the tow of a disabled 611-foot freighter into the port of New York and New Jersey after it lost propulsion over 100 miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday, August 21.At around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector New York received a report that the Panama-flagged bulk carrier GDF Suez North Sea with 21 crew aboard, was disabled. The Coast Guard monitored the situation over the following days as the crew attempted to repair the propulsion system.By Thursday night…

Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) delivered the future USS Sioux City, Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 11, and future USS Wichita, LCS 13, to the U.S. Navy.LCS 11 is the sixth Freedom-variant LCS designed and built by the Lockheed Martin-led industry team and will be commissioned at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, on Nov. 17. LCS 11 will be the first combat ship ever commissioned at the Naval Academy.LCS 13 is the seventh Freedom-variant LCS designed and built by the Lockheed Martin-led industry team…

Qatar is planning to increase maritime shipping lines between with Iran, reported Iran's official media quoting Hadi Haqshenas, deputy head of Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization (PMO) for Maritime Affairs.According to Fars News Agency, Hadi Haqshenas announced: "The Qataris who met the demand for their goods from Saudi Arabia and the UAE before (the siege and sanctions) have now requested increased maritime shipping between Iran and Qatar to bolster mutual trade."He added…

The Clean Arctic Alliance welcomes the joint statement by  Russian President Vladimir Putin and Finnish President Sauli Niinisto on the need to move to cleaner ships’ fuels such as LNG in the Arctic.Speaking on behalf of the Clean Arctic Alliance, Alexey Knizhnikov of WWF Russia said that “the risks of using heavy fuel oil in the Arctic are too high, and we welcome President Putin and President Niinisto’s vision and leadership in seeking to move to cleaner fuels for Arctic shipping.

Following the publication of the UK Government’s advice on contingency planning for a ‘no deal’ Brexit outcome, the British Ports Association (BPA) has suggested that negotiators have it in their power to agree a deal that would end months of uncertainty regarding the future arrangements at UK and EU borders.Highlighting the merits of the UK Government’s proposal agreed at Chequers and subsequently set out in the Brexit White Paper in July, the BPA is urging both sides to rally and agree.

The U.S. Navy has called off its search for a sailor missing from USS Lake Erie (CG 70) after four days scouring the eastern Pacific Ocean.U.S. Navy and Coast Guard assets suspended search and rescue operations at sunset, approximately 7:30 p.m. local time, Thursday, after an extensive search was unable to locate the sailor who was first reported missing Sunday.The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser was deployed on routine training operations with John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group (JCS CSG) when it initiated man overboard procedures Sunday, at approximately 7 a.m.

A fishing vessel went up in flames about 65 miles off the coast of of Chatham, Mass. on August 23, 2018.The four fisherman aboard the 23-meter Rose Marie at the time of the fire were rescued by the crews of three nearby fishing vessels.A U.S. Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry air crew from Air Station Cape Cod and the crew of Coast Guard Cutter Legare, 270-foot Medium Endurance Cutter also diverted to evaluate the scene.The cause of the incident is under investigation.

A barge has run aground in Coney Island Channel near Brighton Beach, N.Y., Wednesday morning.At approximately 9 a.m., a tug, the Eastern Dawn, was pushing the barge Port Chester when it ran soft aground near Coney Island Channel Buoy 3.The tug and barge crew confirmed there were 14,000 barrels of fuel oil on board the barge and reported no pollution.Crewmembers from U.S. Coast Guard Station New York responded to ensure the safety of the barge and surrounding vessel traffic.Pollution response teams and investigation officials from Coast Guard Sector New York were also on scene to assess the incident and confirmed no fuel entered the water.The barge Port Chester was able to refloat during high tide at approximately 2:30 p.m., and arrived at its destination in Jamaica, Queens, N.Y.

Hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) will deploy to Central America and South America in late September to begin a two-month humanitarian mission with stops in Colombia and the region, the U.S. Navy said.The USNS Comfort support in Colombia was requested by the Colombian government to relieve the pressure of increased population flows from Venezuela on their national health system.During the deployment, military medical personnel will work alongside our partners to provide needed medical assistance…

Norwegian shipowner Østensjø Rederi said it has signed a contract to sell the light construction vessel Edda Fonn to the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN).The purchase price, including modifications and other services, is reportedly $103 million.The 84.7-meter vessel will be outfitted with dive-, ROV- and hydrographic system by Østensjø Rederi early next year, before being delivered to the RNZN in Auckland in May 2019. The modifications are as per RNZN specification and will be carried out in close cooperation with the purchaser.

Welcoming the Department for International Trade’s new Export Strategy the British Ports Association (BPA) has highlighted the role that ports play handling 95% of the UK’s International trade in goods.Commenting on the Strategy the BPA’s Chief Executive, Richard Ballantyne said: “The new Export Strategy outlines how Government and businesses can work together to promote UK products and exports globally, as well as improving supply chains. In terms of goods, the UK is an import driven economy, however, there are real opportunities to increase exports to Europe and beyond.

Significant moments in naval architecture & marine engineeringUSS Enterprise (CVN-65), formerly CVA(N)-65, was commissioned November 25, 1961 as the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The longest naval vessel ever built, "The Big E" was constructed at the Newport News shipyard in Virginia and cost nearly $451.3 million, or roughly $4 billion in 2018 dollars.The October 2018 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News, the world’s largest audited circulation maritime magazine serving the maritime b2b space…

The U.S. Coast Guard on Tuesday took delivery of the 30th Fast Response Cutter (FRC), USCGC Robert Ward, in Key West, Fla.The 154-foot patrol craft, built by Louisiana shipbuilder Bollinger Shipyards based on the Damen Stan Patrol Boat 4708 design, is the 30th vessel in the Coast Guard's Sentinel-class FRC program. USCGC Robert Ward is scheduled to be commissioned in California in February 2019. It will be the second of four FRC’s to be stationed in San Pedro, Calif.“Previous cutters have been stationed around the nation including Alaska and Hawaii…

The United States on Tuesday announced sanctions on two Russian shipping companies and six vessels it said were involved in the transfer of refined petroleum products to North Korean vessels in violation of United Nations. restrictions.Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called the sanctions as well as other U.S. steps over alleged hacking, groundless, and promised a response.The U.S. Treasury identified the shipping firms as Vladivostok-based shipping companies Primorye Maritime Logistics Co Ltd (Primorye) and Gudzon Shipping Co LLC (Gudzon).

The United States on Tuesday announced sanctions on two Russian shipping companies and six vessels it said were involved in the transfer of refined petroleum products to North Korean vessels in violation of U.N. restrictions.The U.S. Treasury identified the firms as Vladivostok-based shipping companies Primorye Maritime Logistics Co Ltd (Primorye) and Gudzon Shipping Co LLC (Gudzon).It also named six Russian-flagged vessels: Bella, Bogatyr, Neptun, Partizan, Patriot and Sevastopol."Ship-to-ship transfers with North Korea-flagged vessels from Russia or elsewhere of any goods being supplied, sold, or transferred to or from (North Korea) are prohibited under the U.N. Security Council resolutions on North Korea and are sanctionable under U.S. law," U.S.

Protection and indemnity club Steamship Mutual P&I Club has been given a licence in Hong Kong by Hong Kong Insurance Authority , its third in the Far East after Singapore and Tokyo."Hong Kong Insurance Authority has formally authorised the Club to establish a Branch in Hong Kong from 17 August 2018," said a press statement.Steamship Mutual is the first P&I Club to gain authorisation from the independent statutory authority, which commenced operation in 2017.The Club has maintained a presence in Hong Kong for almost 30 years…

The U.S Navy is searching for a sailor who is believed to have fallen overboard from USS Lake Erie (CG 70) in the eastern Pacific Ocean.The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser began man overboard procedures after the sailor failed to report for duty at approximately 7 a.m. local time, August 19.The ship's crew has completed multiple extensive searches of the ship, and all attempts to locate the sailor on board have been unsuccessful, the Navy said.USS Lake Erie, which is currently operating with the John C.

The Mississippi River Ship Channel could be the first port complex on the Gulf Coast to reach a depth of 50 feet now that the Director’s Report has been signed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Elected officials and industry leaders have long worked to increase the channel’s depth to 50 feet, which is the same depth of the expanded Panama Canal.In signing the Report, Corps of Engineers Director of Civil Works James C. Dalton stated the project is “economically justified and…

The Cemtex Pioneer, a vessel carrying U.S. soybeans that was caught up in the China-U.S. trade row, has left east China's port of Nantong near Shanghai, according to shipping data on Thomson Reuters Eikon on Sunday.The vessel's draft is now at 58 percent of its maximum, indicating that it has unloaded its cargo, according to the Eikon data, which showed the ship now headed for the Australian port of Abbot Point.Cemtex Pioneer, which was previously fully laden in port, is the third vessel to unload a U.S.

Chinese buyers of Iranian oil are starting to shift their cargoes to vessels owned by National Iranian Tanker Co (NITC) for nearly all of their imports to keep supply flowing amid the re-imposition of economic sanctions by the United States.The shift demonstrates that China, Iran's biggest oil customer, wants to keep buying Iranian crude despite the sanctions, which were put back after the United States withdrew in May from a 2015 agreement to halt Iran's nuclear program.The United…

The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard completed a trilateral exercise with Iraqi navy and Kuwaiti navy partners in the Northern Arabian Gulf, August 15.The exercise focused on improving collective proficiency in maritime security tactics between the three nations and ensuring the freedom of navigation throughout the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations. Participants included the guided-missile destroyer USS The Sullivans (DDG 68), U.S. coastal patrol ships USS Tempest (PC 2) and USS Chinook (PC 9), U.S.

Japan and Russia plan to officially develop a freight transport route between the two countries via the Trans-Siberian Railway, the Yomiuri newspaper reported.The report said that the two governments aim to foster mutual economic cooperation by energizing the “third distribution channel,” after sea and air routes.Now cargo between Japan and Russia are delivered mainly either by air or by sea. According to the Japanese Ministry of transport, terms of delivery of goods by sea ranged from 53 to 62 days.