NOAA Intros New OceanReports Tool
A new web-based interactive tool for ocean mapping and planning created by NOAA and the Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, will give everyone from ocean industries to coastal managers, students, as well as the general public the opportunity to be an ocean explorer from their own computer.U.S. ocean waters comprise nearly four million square miles and is one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) in the world. Now, when users outline any area in the U.S. EEZ using the OceanReports tool, they can get detailed information about habitats and species, industries in the area, potential hazards such as undersea cables or shipwrecks…
Chinise Maritime Activities under US Surveillance
Nothing escapes the constant vigilance of US surveillance activities near the Chinese coast and the Pacific First Island Chain which extends from Alaska to the Philippines, according to the Beijing Morning Post. A Pathfinder-class oceanographic survey ship USNS Bowditch is in charge of operations in the Asia-Pacific. It is also part of the Special Mission Ship program established to collect intelligence over the disputed South China Sea. The USNS Bowditch is described by the Chinese as the "vacuum of ocean intelligence." It is also equipped with ocean depth multi-beam and single-beam sonar systems. With intelligence provided by the USNS Bowditch, US nuclear-powered attack submarines are capable of intercepting PLA Navy submarines in the disputed waters.
Outlook for India’s Seaborne Dry Bulk Trade
The Hinode’s 2nd Conference on “Outlook for India’s Seaborne Dry Bulk Trade” held at the Hotel Vivanta by Taj President saw a significant gathering of shipowners, charterers, agents, ship managers, exporters, importers, bankers, legal experts and those in other allied fields. Though the bulk trade worldwide has been at an ebb the conference was seen as an opportunity to network and gather views that could help place participants in a stronger position once the turnaround takes place. According to T. V. Shanbhag, Ex Chief Commissioner of Chartering, Government of India the trade is likely to see a sea-change soon. He felt there is plenty of scope if one develops non-traditional items besides the government has also been doing its best to give boost to the economy.
Open Ocean Welcomes IMO Stance on Private Security Teams
Open Ocean’s maritime risk management alliance welcomes IMO’s statements on use of private maritime security on vessels. Murray Hammick, Managing Director of Chenega Federal (UK) Ltd, the company behind the Open Ocean maritime risk management alliance, welcomed the IMO Secretary General’s recent comments on the use of private maritime security companies (PMSC), made at the commencement of Maritime Safety Committee 90 last week. In particular he endorsed the view that PMSC on board…
New Management for Ocean Intelligence
In support of global growth opportunities, the Singapore-based marine credit analysis company, has appointed John Phillips Manager Director. Phillips will also become a member of the Petromedia Group Board and will be based in Singapore. John Phillips comes to Ocean Intelligence from his own consulting company, Awyr Las Pte Ltd, which will continue to be run autonomously. Phillips was Global Credit Manager for leading marine fuels supplier Chemoil, before he left to set up Awyr Las Pte Ltd, and before that Phillips was Operations Manager for Lloyds MIU.
