Maritime Industry Top News
Houston Ship Channel Reopened After Ship Fire
The Houston Ship Channel was re-opened after a burning tanker prompted a nearly three-hour shutdown of a two-mile-long (3.20-km-long) section of the largest petrochemical port in the United States.
New Floating Drydock for Detyens
Detyens Shipyards, Inc., a staple in Charleston’s maritime community since 1962, took delivery of a newly constructed floating drydock on December 11, 2015. The new 400’ x 108’ floating drydock, which will eventually replace Detyens’ existing floating drydock, was built by Corn Island Shipyard in Indiana. The drydock was pushed down the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers by Excell Marine’s inland tug boat, the Arthur E Snider.
As Oil Plunges, Traders Generate Record Earnings
Oil traders are profiting handsomely from a crude price crash to near an 11-year low, even as it forces energy companies around the globe to slash costs and postpone projects.
Largest Cargo Ship Ever to Call at a US Port
18,000-TEU container ship CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin will make its first U.S. The CMA CGM Benjamin Franklin, an 18,000-TEU vessel named in honor of one of the United States’ founding fathers, will call at the port of Los Angeles on December 26, 2015, becoming the largest containership of this capacity ever to call at any port in the United States. The vessel will later call at the Port of Oakland on December, 31. Jacques R.
Tanker Blaze Shuts Part of Houston Ship Channel
A burning tanker in the Houston Ship Channel on Monday prompted the U.S. Coast Guard to close a two-mile-long (3.20-km-long)section of the largest petrochemical port in the United States.
Management Shuffle at Atlas Elektronik
Dr. Rolf Wirtz will become Chief Executive Officer of the naval electronics systems provider Atlas Elektronik GmbH, with effect from January 1, 2016. He will succeed…
Morocco Orders Navy Vessels from Damen
In a third recent construction contract with Damen Shipyards Group, the Royal Moroccan Navy has ordered five Interceptor 1503 vessels. The vessels will be mobilized to combat illegal activities such as terrorism and smuggling in Moroccan waters. Designed for ultra-fast operations, the Interceptor 1503 can reach speeds of up to 60 knots thanks to its propulsion system and lightweight composite materials. The power originates from three diesel engines, each driving a separate stern drive.
Harding Initiates Its Cruise Comeback
Harding has been awarded contracts to deliver lifeboats, tender vessels and davits to a major cruise line. Out of the cruise segment since 2013, SOLAS leader Harding used the timeout to rethink its relationship to cruise owners and shipyards, and redesign its core products to meet the latest demands of the industry. The first deliveries will go to an undisclosed cruise line. “To become the chosen supplier for this prestigious project…
Ship Officers Charged in Oil Discharge Cover Up
A federal grand jury in Greenville, North Carolina, has returned a nine-count indictment charging two engineering officers employed by Oceanfleet Shipping Limited…
Dual-fuel Engines for DEME’s New Dredger
Anglo Belgian Corporation, a manufacturer of medium speed diesel engines, announced the sale of two 16VDZD dual fuel engines that will power a new build vessel for the Belgian dredging, environmental and marine engineering group DEME. This agreement was officialized with the Dutch shipyard Royal IHC. The commissioning of the dredger Minerva is scheduled for late 2016, making it the first dredging vessel that will be equipped with dual fuel engines…
Baltic Index Down on Weak Capesize Demand
The Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index tracking rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities fell on Monday, reflecting poor demand for large capesize vessels which typically transport 150…
Containers Lost in Rough Seas
The search is on for 12 containers swept overboard from motor vessel Manoa in heavy weather and seas late Friday evening. An environmental contractor has been hired…
Dover, London CGOC Join National Network
Press release - Dover and London Coastguard Operations Centers (CGOC) have become part of the new Coastguard national network. Work has been carried out at both search and rescue coordination centers to upgrade the technology and introduce new systems. This means Dover and London CGOC will be connected to the National Maritime Operations Center (NMOC) in Hampshire and other Coastguard stations around the country, which will be able to offer mutual support and share work during busy periods.
Dynagas Contracts ABB for Turbocharger Maintenance
ABB Turbocharging, a provider for the manufacture and maintenance of turbochargers for 500 kW to 80+ MW diesel and gas engines, has signed a long-term Maintenance Management Agreement (MMA) with Dynagas Ltd. The service contract covers all Dynagas TFDE (tri-fuel diesel electric) vessels: Arctic Aurora, Yenisei River, Lena River, Clean Planet, Clean Ocean, Clean Horizon and Clean Vision. In order to ensure the reliability of operation of all the 42 turbochargers operating on Dynagas Ltd vessels…
Russians Force Turkish Ship to Change Course in Black Sea
A Russian Black Sea corvette and a coast guard boat have forced a commercial vessel under a Turkish flag to change course after it got in the way of a Crimean energy firm's boats towing oil rigs…
Asia Fuel Oil Dragged Down by Crude Drop
Asia's fuel oil prices continued their downward trend towards new seven-year lows and at levels not seen since early 2005 amid a growing global oil glut that saw…
MSC to Start Cuba Cruise Operation
MSC Cruises will this week become the first major liner to start operations in Cuba, part of its efforts to grow a global presence, the Swiss group's chief executive said. U.S.
Trafigura Expects Tougher Shipping Markets in 2016
Commodities trading firm Trafigura expects tougher conditions in tanker markets next year as weaker world economy prospects and a slide in oil prices are set to take their toll on shipping.
DNV GL RP On Thermoplastic Composite Pipes
The oil and gas industry invests billions annually in offshore pipelines and risers. DNV GL has launched a recommended practice (RP) that allows operators to choose…
Maiden voyage of Wartsila LNG Powered Vessel
The first ever newbuild liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuelled German seagoing vessel, which is powered by a complete Wärtsilä LNG propulsion solution, had its maiden voyage on December 11.
