Stranded Tanker Moved to Egyptian Port
A Liberian-flagged natural gas tanker that was stranded in the Gulf of Aqaba on Friday has been moved away, said two Egyptian sources at the southern Sinai nature reserves.One of the sources said the ship was moved to Sharm el-Sheikh port, with both sources saying the tanker had been empty and had suffered an engine malfunction.The Egyptian environment ministry said on Sunday that a state of environmental emergency had been imposed in the southern Sinai area in case of any pollution or leaks from the stranded ship.
Cameras to Replace Peacekeepers at Strategic Red Sea Strait
Remote-controlled cameras will take over responsibility from U.S.-led peacekeepers for ensuring international shipping retains freedom of access to the Gulf of Aqaba, whose coastline is shared by Israel and three Arab nations, officials said.Tiran island, which lies in the straits of the same name at the mouth of the gulf, was handed to Saudi Arabia from Egypt along with next-door Sanafir island in 2017.During a visit to Israel and Saudi Arabia last week, U.S. President Joe Biden…
Seaspan Financial Results, Three and Six Months
Seaspan Corporation (NYSE:SSW) announced the financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2010. Gerry Wang, Chief Executive Officer of Seaspan, stated, "During the second quarter, Seaspan achieved high utilization for its modern fleet and posted strong operating results while further expanding its contracted revenue streams. We took delivery of six newbuildings, four of which were delivered ahead of schedule, highlighting increased demand during the quarter. All six vessels commenced long-term time charters with top liner companies as planned. In addition, we capitalized on an attractive market opportunity by acquiring a 4250 TEU newbuilding, our first acquisition since late 2007.
DOT Offers Insurance For Commercial Ship Owners
Maritime Administrator William G. Schubert today announced that the Maritime Administration (MARAD) is now accepting applications for war risk insurance to cover commercial ship operations in the Middle East. President Bush authorized the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide the insurance at the request of Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta. U.S.-flag vessels are eligible, as are ships owned by U.S. companies. Other vessels may be covered if their cargoes are considered to be in the security interests of the United States. The insurance covers cargoes as well as the ships and crews. It is underwritten by DOT in return for a premium from shipowners.
Rodriquez Cantieri Navali Delivers The Princess
The newest Rodriquez fast ferry, The Princess, has been delivered Arab Bridge Maritime Company of Jordan in less than 12 months. Following the primary assembly and initial outfitting at the company’s Pietra Ligure shipyard, the ship was then launched and moved for final outfitting and commissioning to another Rodriquez yard, Intermarine, in La Spezia. The TMV 84, yard number 323, follows closely on the heels of another TMV 84, the “Ramon Llull” that was delivered only two months prior to Balearia. Main engines are the MTU 595 series instead of MAN B&W’s Paxman. All four waterjets are now steerable. The passenger capacity has grown from around 450 to 710. “The Princess” can carry 654 passengers in economy class, 48 in first class and there is a luxury VIP saloon for an additional 8 people.
