Maritime Industry Top News
Do Propellers Sing?
Yes, sometimes they sing: Some propellers in service produce a high-pitched noise, often referred to as “singing.” This sound typically is a clear harmonic tone much like a humming or a ringing wine glass. More of an annoyance than anything harmful, the causes of singing are not completely understood. Many theories have been put forward to account for the phenomenon of singing, but it appears to be affected by critical factors for which the theories make no allowance.
Liberian-Flag Fleet Doubles in 10 Years
The Liberian-flag fleet posted record growth figures in 2010 and has now doubled in size in the ten years since the management of the Liberian Registry was assumed…
USCG Safety Alert: Inspection of Fuel Oil Quick-Closing Valves
U.S. Coast Guard Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) are discovering Fuel Oil Quick-Closing Valves (QCVs) intentionally blocked, modified, and poorly maintained preventing them from operating as designed during an emergency. QCVs are positive shutoff valves on fuel oil systems serving to isolate fuel tanks in the event of a fire and also prevent “fueling” of a fire in circumstances where system piping and components are compromised.
Maritime Coalition’s Congressional “Sail-In,” May 4, 2011
The U.S. Maritime Coalition has announced that this year’s Congressional “Sail-In” will take place on Capitol Hill on May 4, 2011. The Sail-In will look to build…
Costamare Invests in Fleet Expansion
Costamare Inc. (NYSE: CMRE) announced that it has contracted with Sungdong Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd. for the construction and purchase of two newbuild containerships…
Report: Ship Delivery Underperformance in 2010
Industry concerns over the glut of newbuilding deliveries last year may have been overplayed as the three major shipping market segments - dry bulk, container and…
Veson Nautical Expands, Opens Oslo Office
Veson Nautical expanded its corporate HQ and opened a new office in Oslo, Norway, to accommodate growth of more than 410% over the past five years and 70% in the past year, according to the company.
NITC: Piracy Prevention is Priority One
While the National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) is a proponent of weapons on commercial ships as a means to thwart piracy, it respects and stays in compliance with international and port-state mandates that reject lethal force in the hands of mariners, and pushes the use of non-lethal methods to stop potential attacks. NITC currently has a fleet of 43 ships (including 28 VLCCs) totalling 10.6mdwt, but aims to grow its fleet to 74 ships and 18mdwt by 2013. According to A.R.
NITC: Aims to Grow Fleet to 18mdwt by 2013
The National Iranian Tanker Company (NITC) based in continues to invest significantly in its fleet of ships, aiming to grow its fleet to 74 ships and more than 18mdwt by 2013, said Captain R. Ghareh, Area Manager based in the company’s Dubai, UAE office, during a recent interview. This level is a sharp increase from its current fleet, which includes 43 ships (including 28 VLCCs) total 10.6mdwt. Making up the bulk of the new fleet is an existing order for 22 new VLCCs costing a cumulative $3.3b.
Construction Begins on Washburn & Doughty Hull 101
On January 4, 2011, Washburn & Doughty Associates, Inc. of East Boothbay, Maine began construction of a 93-ft by 38-ft, 6,000 hp Z-Drive tug for Moran Towing Corporation of New Canaan, Conn. Washburn & Doughty is building the vessel to its newest in-house design based upon the yard’s previous 92-ft by 32-ft design, of which there are 22 tugs in operation. The increased length and beam will allow for increased horsepower while maintaining the maneuvering characteristics and handling capabilities.
Sungdong Shipbuilding Wins $583M Order
According to a Jan 31 report from Reuters, South Korea's small and medium-sized shipbuilder Sungdong Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co Ltd won orders worth…
First Kongsberg K-Chief 600 Equipped Vessel Delivered
The first vessel to sail with Kongsberg Maritime's new K-Chief 600 marine automation system was delivered to its owner on 10th January 2010. The Korean Built VLCC features an extensive Kongsberg Maritime package, led by the K-Chief 600 with integrated Vessel Performance System (VPS), which supports reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions. The new K-Chief 600 was announced early in 2010 with a pilot project aboard 'MV Sia' completed in May 2010.
Daewoo Drillship Order from U.S.
According to a Jan 31 report from Reuters, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering said that it had won an order to build a drillship from Atwood Oceanics Inc. (Source: Reuters)
Austal Launches Its Largest Catamaran
The final stages of construction of Austal’s largest catamaran to date were celebrated this week with a traditional coin ceremony, followed by the vessel’s successful launch. Placing a coin at the foot of the mast of a newly constructed ship is an ancient maritime tradition which is believed to bring good luck to the vessel and its crew. Senior Captain Soren Schow travelled from Denmark with a coin from the year 1660.
GL Noble Denton Guidelines: Float-Over Installations, Moorings
GL Noble Denton has issued new guidelines for float-over installations and for moorings. They are now available for oil and gas companies, designers and contractors…
Nordic Tankers Activity Up in Stainless Steel Segment
Nordic Tankers has taken two chemical tankers of 16,000 tons deadweight (dwt) on time charter. The sister vessels, which were built in Italy in 2001 and 2004, are…
MAN PrimeServ Engine Management Contract
Nakilat’s wholly owned fleet of LNG ships is now covered by MAN PrimeServ, MAN Diesel & Turbo’s after-sales division, after an EMC maintenance agreement signed with…
Call for Comment: Deepwater EA for BOEMRE Exploration Plan
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) announced that public comment is invited with respect to the Environmental Assessment…
NG Shipbuilding Spinoff Gets Junk Bond Rating
According to a report from the Daily Press - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services, the nation's three credit ratings agencies gave Northrop Grumman Corp.’s spin…
Assembly Line For Tugs
The shipyards of Sarawak are particularly adept at meeting the demands of multiple tug orders. Kian Juan Dockyard in Miri is currently in the midst of a ten-boat order all of which are built to the same design. As of late January this year two units had been delivered and six were scheduling for sea trails. The balances of two units had already been launched and were fitting out alongside. The large open area…
