Maritime Industry Top News
Gnostech President Takes Controlling Ownership
Current president of Gnostech Inc., James Espino, has acquired the controlling ownership of the company from Braxton Science & Technology Group (BSTG) on May 19, 2017. As the president and controlling owner of Gnostech, Espino will lead the company into the future. “This is an exciting time for Gnostech. We can pursue new and emerging government contracting opportunities that leverage our diverse range of capabilities,” he said.
Cannon Tapped to Lead FLIR Systems
FLIR Systems, Inc. has appointed James J. “Jim” Cannon as its new president and chief executive officer, effective June 19, 2017, succeeding Andy Teich, who will retire after 33 years of service. Cannon previously served for more than 16 years in a variety of senior leadership positions at Stanley Black & Decker, Inc., most recently as president of Stanley Security North America & Emerging Markets.
ABS Mobile App Simplifies Subchapter M Compliance
NS Workboat, a new mobile application from ABS Nautical Systems (NS) purpose-built for the workboat/inland sector, aims to streamline onboard tasks for Subchapter M compliance. “This app answers the growing demand for easy-to-use point solutions – a need that is particularly pronounced in the workboat sector, where many companies have little to no IT support on their boats,” said ABS Nautical Systems Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Stephen Schwarz.
Weaker Vessel Rates Weigh on Baltic Index
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, tracking rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, fell for the seventh session on Tuesday, weighed down by falling rates for most vessels. The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax, supramax and handysize shipping vessels, fell to its lowest since early March. The index was down 5 points, or 0.52 percent, at 949 points. The panamax index was down four points, or 0.47 percent, at 850 points.
Norway Oil Ministry: No Plan to Cut Output
Norway has no plans to cut its oil output, the country's oil and energy ministry said on Tuesday. "The Ministry has a good dialogue with other countries about the oil market. We are not in a situation in which regulating production is on the agenda for Norway," the ministry said in a statement. Kuwait's oil minister said earlier on Tuesday that Saudi Arabia's oil minister had spoken to countries including Norway, Turkmenistan and Egypt which had signalled a willingness to join oil output cuts.
Gulf Bidders Emerge for UASC-linked Shipping Unit
Gulf-based bidders have emerged for the part-owned subsidiary of United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) whose sale is key to finalising the merger between UASC and German container shipping line Hapag Lloyd , sources close to the matter said. Last week, sources told Reuters that Hapag Lloyd was close to completing the 7-8 billion-euro merger after UASC shareholders agreed terms to repay outstanding debt.
OPEC Set to Prolong Oil Cuts
OPEC will likely agree to extend production cuts for another nine months, delegates said on Tuesday as the oil producer group meets this week to debate how to tackle a global glut of crude. OPEC's de facto leader, Saudi Arabia, favours extending the output curbs by nine months rather than the initially planned six months, as it seeks to speed up market rebalancing and prevent oil prices from sliding back below $50 per barrel.
OSC Launches VLCC Chartering Business
Oman Shipping Company (OSC) has officially set up a new commercial chartering desk offering its Very Large Crude Carrier (VLCCs) to major traders and charterers covering VLCC routes worldwide. OSC, one of the biggest ship owners in the MENA region, has a diversified and young fleet of 50 vessels. OSC owns 16 VLCCs within the fleet out of which OSC is now commercially managing 15 VLCCs through its subsidiary Oman Charter Company (OCC).
Kalmar Delivers RTGs to Evergreen
Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has successfully delivered five rubber-tyred gantry (RTG) cranes to Evergreen International Storage & Transport Corporation in Taiwan.
Samsung Heavy Bags Order for 2 LNG Carriers
South Korea’s Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has won a $100 million order to build two liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers for Korea Line, reports Yohnap. Korea Gas Corp.
GOGL Adds Dry Bulk Vessel
Norway-based dry bulk shipping company Golden Ocean Group Limited (GOGL) has taken delivery of a dry bulk which it bought in March 2017. On 14 March 2017, GOGL announced…
ASCO's New Service to Arctic Ocean
The Russian Arctic Shipping Company (ASCO) operates between the port of Antwerp and the Arctic region of Russia. Its ice-reinforced vessels with a capacity of 7…
Denmark Paving Way for Digitalization
The Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) has launched pilot project to examine the value of blockchain technology. When they want to register ships today, shipowners…
DNV GL Rolls Out Forecasting Platform
DNV GL has announced its launch of Forecaster NOW, the industry’s first forecast on-demand web portal with e-commerce enabled transactions. Forecaster NOW is part…
NMTP Training in Antigua and Barbuda
A three-day National Maritime Transport Policy (NMTP) workshop has been held in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda (16-18 May). The event provided valuable knowledge…
Panama Frees Vessel Held in Western Sahara Claim
Panama authorities have released a Moroccan phosphate shipment from the disputed Western Sahara territory after it was temporarily held by a legal challenge from the Polisario independence movement…
Future USS Omaha Passes Acceptance Trials
The future USS Omaha (LCS 12) has completed its final significant milestone before delivery to the U.S. Navy, having passed its acceptance trials May 12 after completing a series of graded in-port and underway demonstrations for the Navy's Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV). During the trial, the Navy demonstrated the performance of the propulsion plant, ship handling and auxiliary systems via a series of comprehensive tests.
Vancouver: Maritime’s New Home Address
The Vancouver International Maritime Centre (VIMC) is on a mission to grow the city and port into one of the world’s premiere maritime centers. Maritime Reporter & Engineering News recently spoke with Kaity Arsoniadis-Stein, Executive Director of the newly re-established VIMC, for her insights on the pace and direction of the initiative. Let’s start out easily. Why Vancouver? Why now? Why Vancouver?
Subchapter M Survey Reports
The advent of the subchapter M towboat rules – even though the bulk of the rules don’t come into effect until July of 2018 – requires a close look at your equipment. How you go about that important task will make all the difference. Towing vessels should be surveyed for Subchapter M regulatory compliance, regardless of the compliance option chosen, so companies can budget and plan for upgrades between now and July of 2018.
Cyber Vigilance at Sea: The New Norm
The risk of cyber attacks on vessels at sea continues to be significant, and it’s not going away any time soon. Each year, it seems, there are more and more reports of hacks that have resulted in loss of critical data, financial loss or problems with IT systems or shipborne systems functionality. Shipowners have been reluctant to share information on actual or attempted breaches for fear of being identified. However, there’s no shortage of examples of cyber attacks on vessels.
