Maritime Security: Neo-colonialism in the Gulf of Guinea
Is neo-colonialism in the Gulf of Guinea the answer to West Africa’s maritime crime crisis?In October 2020, China’s transport ministry established an ad hoc workgroup to lay down precautionary measures for ships and seafarers passing through high piracy risk West African waters.The move came as China told its vessels to up vigilance and implement a series of precautionary measures to ensure the security of ocea-going vessels and seafarers amid rising attacks and a surge in kidnaps in the Gulf of Guinea.Plans outlined by Wu Chungeng…
Icebreaking LNG Carrier Named Vladimir Vize
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced that a naming ceremony for a new icebreaking liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, which was jointly ordered by MOL and China COSCO Shipping Corporation, was held at Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME) on September 11.The newbuild was named the Vladimir Vize by Irina Ershova of PAO Novatek, the major shareholder in the Yamal LNG project. The name was chosen in honor of the Russian Arctic explorer and oceanologist.The Vladimir Vize is the sister vessel of the Vladimir Rusanov, which started transport service at the end of March 2018 under a long-term charter contract to transport LNG for the YAMAL LNG Project.The Vladimir Vize is also scheduled to go into service for the Yamal LNG project following its delivery at the end of September…
Maersk’s SeaLand Sets Leadership Team
SeaLand, the newly founded intra-Americas regional carrier of the Maersk Group, announced today the appointment of its executive team which the company sais will fulfill its mission of delivering greater service stability and commitment, as well as a higher level of customer-focused service tailored to the customer’s needs. The new appointees are Alfredo Di Palma, Maria Batista, Shane Sawyer, Thiago Covre and Timothy Child, who will all be on board within the next two-three months, joining SeaLand CEO Craig Mygatt. Alfredo Di Palma will join SeaLand as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) in charge of all commercial efforts for the company.
Panama Canal Implements Just-in-Time Service Trial Period
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) has implemented the just-in-time service (JIT) that they say will allow vessels to have a more efficient transit. The new service will allow the vessels to arrive at the Panama Canal much closer to their scheduled transit time. This value-added service will allow vessels to have a more efficient fuel usage by having to remain at anchor for less time before actually beginning transit. "This new service is part of our efforts to explore new options in order to better serve our customers,” Panama Canal Administrator Jorge L. Quijano said.
New Warship Sails Off to Join US Fleet
Huntington Ingalls Industries announce that the company's sixth amphibious transport dock, San Diego (LPD 22), has sailed from their yard en route to her commissioning site in San Diego. San Diego was delivered to the Navy in December following acceptance sea trials. Ingalls' test and trials team thoroughly tested the ship's main propulsion, steering, communications suite and deck missions systems. LPD 22 is scheduled to be commissioned on May 19 in San Diego.
Coast 2050 Study Agreement Signed
The New Orleans District, USACE and the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources held an historic signing ceremony to launch a major coastal wetlands study. With the signing of the Coast 2050 Feasability Cost Share, the agencies will initiate a $6 million feasibility study of the Barataria Basin. The study will be completed in September 2001. "This is more than just another study," sais Congressman Billy Tauzin of Chackbay, who headed the effort to secure federal funding. The Barataria Basin was selected as the first area for study because it is the most critical, losing about 11 square miles annually. The study will focus on marsh creation, barrier island restoration and river diversion strategies. Other coastal feasibility studies are planned in the future.
