The Advent of Subchapter M
A primer: the new rule and guidance for operators as they search for the right mix of compliance options to meet their specific and unique needs. For several years, the towing vessel industry has been waiting for final publication of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Subchapter M regulation. While some have begun to proactively comply with the expected regulation, the unknowns of the new requirements have left many standing by for a final decision. With the final regulation being released to the public and entering into force on June 20, 2016, the time to act has arrived.
Coast Guard's Schedule of subchapter "M" Public Meetings
The U.S. Coast Guard has announced a series of public meetings to receive comments on a notice of proposed rulemaking entitled “Inspection of Towing Vessels” that was published in the Federal Register on August 11, 2011. As stated in that document, the regulations proposed in the NPRM would establish safety regulations governing the inspection, standards, and safety management systems of towing vessels. The proposal includes provisions covering: Specific electrical and machinery requirements for new and existing towing vessels…
Grandweld Wins Contract for Salvage Tugs
Grandweld, a United Arab Emirates-based shipbuilding, ship repair and conversion specialist, has secured a major contract worth $128m for the construction of three new Salvage Tugs for Sogeport-GICEP of Algeria. Grandweld is a division of GMMOS Group, a provider of marine services to the offshore oil & gas industry backed by Abraaj Capital and Waha Capital. "This contract for three 58m Salvage Tugs is yet another achievement for Grandweld and has helped us maintain a strong and healthy order book into 2012,"said Jamal Abki, General Manager of Grandweld. Contracts have been signed with the ports of Algiers, Arzew and Skikda for the three vessels intended for sea search-and-rescue operations in co-operation with the Algerian Coast Guard.
Self-Propelled 'Carwash' for Ships
Keeping a vessel's hull clean and free of debris has concerned owners and suppliers since the earliest days of the maritime industry. Today, increasing demands on speed and propulsive efficiency require owners to keep their hulls clean. Meanwhile, ever-restrictive legislation continues to limit the means by which this is accomplished. A New Zealand-based company had developed a solution to this timeless problem - a quasi "carwash" for ships, which according to its creators at Orca Marine Co., Ltd., will provide a faster, safer and more economical means of cleaning ship hulls. Hull surface roughness, particularly in connection with marine fouling, is a major contributor to ship powering requirements and fuel costs.
