Maritime Ministry News

The global oil market was thrown into chaos on Thursday after Russia invaded Ukraine, with top buyers of Russian oil struggling to secure guarantees at Western banks or find ships to take crude from one of the world's largest producers.At least three major buyers of Russian oil have been unable to open letters of credit from Western banks to cover purchases on Thursday, four trading sources said, citing market uncertainty after the Russian invasion.Russia produces every 10th barrel in the world and oil prices jumped to above $105 per barrel on Thursday, their highest since 2014, due to fears of disruptions.In the Black Sea, a Turkish-owned ship was hit by a bomb off the coast of Ukraine's port city Odessa…

The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) announced that Clay Maitland will receive the organization’s Lifetime Achievement Award at an awards dinner in New York on October 26. Maitland, who is a Managing Partner of International Registries, Inc (Marshall Islands Ship Registry), is being recognized for his many industry accomplishments including being a NAMEPA co-founder. “Clay is one of the finest examples in our industry of a successful businessman who expends nearly as much energy on philanthropy,” said NAMEPA Chairman Joe Hughes. Maitland has worked in the shipping industry since graduation from law school in 1968. He was employed by International Registries, Inc.

Cash from top shareholder, executives should cover offload costs. South Korea's government said cash held by Hanjin Shipping Co Ltd and funds pledged by its parent group should meet the costs of unloading some $14 billion in cargo stranded on vessels operated by the troubled container line. The collapse of South Korea's biggest shipping operator late last month has plunged the shipping industry into chaos ahead of the crucial year-end holiday shopping season as dozens of vessels and their crews wait for money needed to pay for port and handling fees. The government said a 60 billion won ($54 million) loan pledged by Korean Air Lines Co…

As most of  Hanjin Shipping Co's assets are stranded at sea or in ports world-wide, the the South Korean company is seeking to protect assets world-wide. Hanjin Shipping’s government-backed creditors are ready to provide the collapsed carrier with roughly 100 billion won ($90.60 million) of loans if Hanjin’s parent provides collateral, Fortune reports South Korean government officials as saying. Hanjin's collapse has left much of its fleet stranded at sea, unable to dock over fears that vessels be seized by creditors. According to BBC Seoul could give 100bn won ($91m; £68m) or more in long-term funding at low interest rates if Hanjin provided the necessary collateral.

About 10 Hanjin vessels effectively seized at China ports; Court says plans to start rehabilitations proceedings soon. Hanjin Shipping Co Ltd vessels have been seized at Chinese ports in the wake of the South Korean firm's collapse, further roiling the industry as freight rates jump and manufacturers scramble for alternatives. Seeking to contain the fallout, a South Korean court said it would soon begin proceedings to rehabilitate the carrier - which would allow Hanjin to take legal action in other countries to keep its ships and other assets from being seized. Rival Hyundai Merchant Marine will also deploy at least 13 of its ships to two routes exclusively serviced by Hanjin, while the South Korean government also plans to reach out to overseas carriers for help.

A sailboat carrying migrants sank in in the Aegean sea between Turkey and Greece on Tuesday and at least 17 people were missing, Greek authorities said. Greece's maritime ministry said Greek and Turkish rescue efforts had saved 16 of the between 33 and 37 migrants believed to be on board when the boat went down between the Greek islands of Farmakonisi and Agathonisi. Their nationalities were not known. "The operation is ongoing," said a spokeswoman for Greece's maritime ministry. More than 135,000 refugees and migrants have arrived in Europe by sea in the first half of this year, many of them fleeing war, repression and poverty in Africa and the Middle East. Most are Syrians.

South Korea would propose a joint research with North Korea to develop marine resources and ocean tourism, reports Korea Herald. South Korea’s Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry pointed out the need of an excavation of North Korea’s marine resources, and development of ecotourism content and infrastructure to attract Asian tourists. The plan is to work together on eco-friendly marine tourism measures with North Korea, and designate uninhabited islands as “Islands of Peace” where they can develop resources together. North Korea’s project on the Daedonggang River, which runs through Pyongyang, will have official developmental assistance from Seoul. The North previously asked to join a Yellow Sea ecosystem preservation project, in which South Korea and China are collaborating.

Acting Maritime Administrator, Paul “Chip” Jaenichen will close the “Safety at Sea” Seminar being hosted by North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) at the National Press Club from 2:30-6:00pm. NAMEPA’s seminar will join industry and governmental leaders as they discuss issues of the day surrounding Safety at Sea. The seminar is designed to highlight both best practices and opportunities for improvement. Immediately following the “Safety at Sea” seminar is the AMVER Awards Dinner where over 150 companies will be recognized for their participation in the United States Coast Guard’s (USCG) Automated Mutual-Assistance Vessel Rescue (AMVER) system.

A culture of cosy personal ties that can blur the lines between businesses and those regulating them, of profit over safety, and soft courts is in focus as South Korea demands answers over the sinking of a ferry with the loss of more than 300 lives, mainly high school students. Prosecutors are investigating two shipping trade organisations responsible for vessel safety checks and for certifying ships that operate in domestic waters. Two officials at the Korea Shipping Association (KSA) have been arrested on charges of obstructing justice for destroying documents related to a probe into lobbying government officials. A third official was arrested for alleged influence peddling and embezzlement. Prosecutors are also investigating Korean Register (KR), which tests and certifies ships.

Horizon Lines, Inc. has announced that William A. Hamlin has been named Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Mr. Hamlin will continue to report to Sam Woodward, President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Hamlin joined Horizon Lines in March 2011 as Senior Vice President of Operations. His responsibilities include ocean transportation services, inland transportation, terminals, equipment management, maintenance, network management, labor relations, security, safety and environmental.

Clay Maitland is a ubiquitous figure in the global shipping circuit, never shy to share his accrued maritime experience of more than 40 years, ask the tough questions or supply the blunt opinion. Set to celebrate his 70th birthday later this year but not slowing a step, Maritime Reporter & Engineering News caught up with Maitland in his Manhattan office late last month. Most anyone who has seen Clay Maitland address a crowd; watched him grill a conference panel; or taken him one-on-one in conversation to discuss some nuance of the industry…

Joins More than 30 International Maritime Industry Speakers. Clay Maitland, managing partner of International Registries, Inc., which administers the Marshall Islands Ship Registry, the third largest registry in the world, will be the keynote speaker at the SHIPPINGInsight 2012 Fleet Optimization Conference, Oct. 8-10 in Stamford, Conn. As keynoter, Maitland, a distinguished veteran in the shipping industry, will set the tone in addressing the challenges and solutions for improving ship efficiency and fleet operations – the central theme of the conference.

NAMEPA’s May 21st Event features Shipboard Safety, Piracy and  Seafarer Issues. Just months after the Costa Concordia accident, and amid daily reports of piracy and needless accidents at sea, the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) will be offering a seminar “Environmental Intelligence in Maritime:  Safety at Sea, featuring shipboard safety, piracy, and an update on issues for seafarers. The seminar will take place on May 21st at the National Press Club in Washington DC commencing at 3:00pm.

Robert J. Flynn Elected Chairman of the Board. ADM Thad Allen and Clay Maitland among an impressive slate of of 11 others. The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced today that in accordance with its bylaws, a new slate of officers has been elected to serve on the Board of Trustees, beginning January 1, 2012. Robert J. Flynn was elected Chairman of the Board at the organization’s annual meeting in the fall. Joining Mr. Flynn as officers are Al J. Bernard, vice chairman; William E.

North American World Maritime Day Observance and US Coast Guard Missions Conference to feature Piracy, Stewardship, Safety and Security. Two day event draws maritime industry, regulators and regional representatives. Piracy will be the focus of this year’s North American World Maritime Day Observance being held in Tampa, FL on October 27th followed by a US Coast Guard Missions conference on October 28th which will feature panel discussions on the stewardship, safety and security missions of the Coast Guard. Both events will be held at the Marriott Waterside in Tampa and are free and open to the public. North American regional representatives from industry, government and NGO’s will dialog on these critically important regional issues.

Piracy will be the focus of this year’s North American World Maritime Day Observance being held in Tampa, FL on October 27th followed by a US Coast Guard Missions conference on October 28th which will feature panel discussions on the stewardship, safety and security missions of the Coast Guard. Both events will be held at the Marriott Waterside in Tampa and are free and open to the public. North American regional representatives from industry, government and NGO’s will dialog on these critically important regional issues. The events directly follow the USCG Flag Officer’s conference and Innovation Expo. For the past several years, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has promoted awareness about the maritime community through World Maritime Day.

April 22, 2011- While Earth Day was being celebrated around the world, a young maritime industry led agency added to the festivities by announcing it now has over 100 members. The North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) was officially launched in 2007 under the watchful eyes of  IMO Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos and USCG Vice Commandant Vivien Crea . In keeping with the mission of MEPAs worldwide, this   industry-led initiative is dedicated…

The Coast Guard Foundation, a non-profit organization committed to the education, welfare and morale of all Coast Guard members and their families, announced that board member, Guy Edison Clay Maitland, was the recipient of the Coast Guard’s Distinguished Public Service Award. Presented by Coast Guard Commandant ADM Robert Papp, the honor for “personal and direct contributions” was bestowed following remarks at the Foundation’s 30th Annual Salute to the United States Coast Guard, which took place on Tuesday, October 5, 2010 in New York City.

The Seamen’s Church Institute of Philadelphia & South Jersey (SCI) announced this year’s recipient of the 2006 Spirit of the Port award will be Dennis J. one of the largest Customs Brokers and Freight Forwarders in the United States. The award will be presented to Mr. Colgan at the 18th Annual Spirit of the Port Award luncheon to be held March 29 in Philadelphia. In addition to his duties as chairman and CEOL, Colgan, is a national authority in the area of US Customs automation and a proponent of port automation. He is also a director of Nazareth Hospital and vice Chairman and trustee at Holy Family University, as well as serving as a member of the Board of Directors of the New Jersey Aquarium…

Reuters reported that South Korea will ban single-hulled tankers from traveling in its waters by 2011, earlier than the international regulation that calls for a ban from 2015, Seoul's maritime ministry said. A single-hulled tanker was involved in South Korea's worst oil spill last month, leaking around 10,500 tons of crude oil after a sea-bound crane mounted on a barge punched holes in the tanker's hull. As of January, 43 per cent of the crude imported into South Korea was carried by single-hulled tankers. This is the first time the ministry has officially set a time frame for banning the tankers. The ministry had previously said it was aiming to phase out single-hulled tankers as soon as 2010.

The North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA) announced that Hapag-Lloyd and the United States Coast Guard are the recipients of this year’s maritime ministry awards. The awards are given to a corporation and an individual or organization who demonstrate a commitment to benefit seafarers. The awards will be presented on October 23 in at  the World Maritime Day Observance. Hapag-Lloyd will receive NAMMA’s Seafarer’s Salute Award for its programs and practices benefiting its seafarers. The United States Coast Guard is the 2008 recipient of the Joe R. Gerson Humanitarian Award for their efforts on behalf of seafarers. The Hapag-Lloyd group focuses on global container liner shipping.

Organized by the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA) and the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA), World Maritime Day Observance will be held in on October 23th at the Union League Club. This event will be the third World Maritime Day Observance held in the United States, which will be hosting the parallel World Maritime Day event in 2009. This year’s theme is “IMO: 60 years in the service of shipping”, which follows previous years’ focus on environmental issues. NAMEPA joins the North American Maritime Ministry Association in hosting the event which commences with a worship service at Church of our Saviour on , followed by a luncheon presentation of NAMMA’s annual Seafarer Salute and Joe Gerson Humanitarian Awards at the Union League Club.

Maritime leaders will gather to discuss critical industry security issues in a seminar being held on May 21st in Washington DC in conjunction with National Maritime Day. Key industry and government representatives will meet to discuss “Security and the Seafarer:  A Cautionary Tale”. The event will be held at the National Press Club in the Holeman Room commencing at 3:00p.m. and ending at 5:00p.m. The seminar is being presented by the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA), and the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA). “This is a timely opportunity to have both government and industry stakeholders discussing their roles and challenges in providing security for our nation and her citizens…