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Frontline owner, the Norwegian-born John Fredrikson noted that leasing their ships to oil companies is currently facing a weak market and forces the company to become more passive, and possibly even sell assets, including vessels. The tanker industry is at the start of a 5-year downturn, according to Tor Olav Troeim, who is a director at Frontline and several other companies at a conference near Oslo on Tuesday. According to the Baltic Exchange, VLCCs that reaped $177,036 a day in 2008 were last at $8,900. These vessels would need $29,700 a day in order to simply break even for Frontline. Frontline will pay a dividend of 10 cents a share for the first quarter after net profit dropped from over $79 million to $15.5 million in one year, as released in a statement. In a statement released by Frontline, the board explained the low results from the first... Read More>>> Back to Top |  A container fuel leak leaves one person hospitalized Wednesday morning at the Port of Palm Beach, Florida. Port workers were transporting fuel from one container to another, when one of the hoses in use came apart, causing a fuel leak. Only one person was exposed to the fumes and was treated on the scene, but was still taken to a hospital for further examination, according to Riviera Beach spokesperson Rose Anne Brown. Riviera Beach Rescue unites and Hazard Materials crews were dispatched to the scene immediately, where the units contained the leak. Brown commented that no further action was required. Read More>>> Back to Top |  Public comment sought on cost-saving method to calculate billions in annual royalties from oil and natural gas produced on public lands WASHINGTON, DC – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced that the Department is evaluating the potential streamlining of regulations that govern the calculation of royalties owed to the United States from oil and natural gas produced offshore and on federal lands. Current regulations require complex, transaction-by-transaction evaluations of the negotiated price for the oil and gas produced on public lands, followed by an analysis of the costs associated with transportation and gas processing. Under today’s notice, Interior will explore the use of geographically-based market prices as the presumptive value of oil and gas produced in that region, thus removing the need to undertake a transaction-by-transaction, fact-specific... Read More>>> Back to Top |  Nor-Shipping has released names of the winners of the 2011 Clean Ship and Next Generation Ship Awards. The winners were announced today at the Nor-Shipping Opening Conference on May 24, 2011. The awards, which showcase industry excellence, were presented by Norwegian Minister of Trade & Industry Trond Giske and Henrik Madsen, CEO of Det Norske Veritas (DNV). An independent jury considered a total of 40 candidates for the 2011 awards. The Clean Ship Award honors the shipowner and ship that has contributed to the greatest reduction of emissions to air or discharges to sea in relation to its function and operation. The inaugural award went to Vale S.A. for the Vale Brasil, an ore carrier with low emissions per ton of cargo that is expected to set a new standard for long-distance dry bulk carriers. The Next Generation Ship Award recognizes the yard, designer or owner with the... Read More>>> Back to Top |  Washington, DC Area (Linthicum Heights, Maryland), USA
June 6-7, 2011
MITAGS
An international survey (Michel et al., 2005) has identified over 8,500
sunken shipwrecks in marine waters around the world, including more than 1,500 sunken tank vessels (≥ 150 gross tons) and nearly 7,000 sunken non-tank vessels (≥ 400 gross tons). These wrecks may contain as much as 20 million tons (140 million barrels) of oil and other hazardous materials. Sporadic or continuous leakages or potential sudden massive spillages from these wrecks, 75 percent of which stem from World War II, pose a con/nual risk across the globe.
The problem of potentially-polluting wrecks has long been discussed and recent incidents around the world have caused government agencies and responsible parties to look... Read More>>> Back to Top |  Federal regulations of the U.S. maritime industry must be based on common sense and not stifle the industry’s ability to compete, expand and provide jobs, particularly given the fragile state of the economy, said U.S. Rep. Howard Coble (R-NC) and Members of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee today.
The Subcommittee conducted a hearing entitled “Creating U.S. Maritime Industry Jobs by Reducing Regulatory Burdens” to review current and pending U.S. Coast Guard regulations and examine maritime industry impacts. More information and testimony by the U.S. Coast Guard can be found here.
The following is the opening statement of Rep. Coble, who chaired today’s hearing in place of Subcommittee Chairman Frank LoBiondo (R-NJ):
“The Subcommittee is meeting today to review the Coast Guard’s regulatory program and examine ways... Read More>>> Back to Top |  The history of using electrical storage batteries for marine propulsion dates back for almost a century. Batteries allowed the early submarines to travel submerged until the development of snorkels that could carry air for diesel engines from above the water surface. Lead-acid batteries also stored propulsive power for low-speed trolling fishing vessels. Modern electrical storage battery technology has evolved beyond the limitations of the early lead-acid battery and can find application in large-scale marine transportation. The development of renewable energy technologies such wind energy, ocean wave and ocean tidal current conversion has created a demand for grid-scale energy storage. Several companies are developing a variety of electro-chemical storage batteries that are capable of grid-scale energy storage capacity. The volume (size) of these technologies and their storage capabilities allow for possible... Read More>>> Back to Top |  Hefty fines, detention and possible arrest are looming for ship owners/operators who fail to meet new ship emissions requirements. In accordance with MARPOL (Marine Pollution) Annex VI regulations, new Emissions Control Area (ECA) regulations for sea areas within 200 nautical miles from the coasts and ports of the U.S. and Canada go into effect on August 1, 2011. Even with an exemption clause that extends the regulations enforcement date to Aug. 1, 2012, the time window is short for outfitting thousands of vessels. Regulatory bodies are urging companies to put in place emissions measurement and control capabilities now. The regulations are designed to limit sulfur oxides (SOx), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and particulate matter air pollution. Requirements for NOx emissions will affect most U.S. and foreign-flagged diesel-engine vessels of 400 gross tons constructed after Jan. 1, 2000. SOx limits are irrespective of a... Read More>>> Back to Top |  In May, Portonave S.A. – Terminais Portuários de Navegantes will become th only terminal in the south of Brazil to receive ships from a new Asian line run by PIL, NYK, "K" Line and Hyundai and calling at Ningbo, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore and Kelang. The cargo vessels, of the so-called NHX/SSA/AESA–2 line, have an average length of 221.2 meters and a width of 30 meters, with a capacity of 2,824 TEUs (20-foot containers).] The existing NHX/SSA/AESA line already stops at Portonave on a weekly basis, and the new NHX/SSA/AESA–2 line will initially call once every two weeks. This service is offered due to the high volume of imports from Asia and increasing exports to the continent. With the Chinese market opening its doors to Brazilian pork in early April, boosting the country’s exports to China, exporters now have yet another option to ship... Read More>>> Back to Top |  Nine partners from seven countries have joined in an innovative project to show that ethanol, biodiesel and bioproducts can be produced from algae on a large scale. The BIOfuel From Algae Technologies (BIOFAT) project, largely funded by the European Commission’s Seventh Framework Program, aims to demonstrate that biofuels made from microalgae can offer energy efficiency, economic viability and environmental sustainability. Algae’s potential for providing high-energy-yield products with low greenhouse gas emissions has been long understood, but the potential downside from such development is less clear. BIOFAT seeks to maximize the benefits from algae while minimizing environmental impacts. Along the way, the project will introduce the world to the algorefinery, a facility that can produce high-value co-products in addition to biofuels. Abengoa Bioenergía Nuevas Tecnologías... Read More>>> Back to Top |  Maersk Oil is participating in a new deepwater well in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico after operator Chevron received a drilling permit from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE). The permit marks the restart of the drilling campaigns Maersk Oil has been a part of in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico after deepwater activities were suspended last year as a consequence of the Deepwater Horizon accident. “We are very pleased that this permit has been issued as it will allow us to move forward with appraisal activities on the exciting Buckskin prospect,” said Bruce Laws, President at Maersk Oil in the U.S. “The U.S. Gulf of Mexico remains a world class region for exploration and production and we look forward to continuing our work there with our partners.” The Buckskin appraisal well is located in the Keathley Canyon in Block 785,... Read More>>> Back to Top |  As the International Oil Spill Conference kicks off in Portland, Ore. today, co-sponsors the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced that they have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to increase their coordination and collaboration to ensure the environmentally sound offshore energy development. “BOEMRE and NOAA have enjoyed a long and productive relationship, but there is room for improvement. We can and will broaden and enhance the communication, cooperation and collaboration between our agencies,” said BOEMRE Director Michael R. Bromwich. “This MOU creates new mechanisms to ensure the early and close coordination of BOEMRE and NOAA science and agency priorities to promote stronger environmental stewardship and stimulate greater efficiency in developing and... Read More>>> Back to Top |  Mr. Yoshio Sasamura of Japan, a veteran of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and a major contributor to its work over many decades, has died. He was 84 and had been battling with cancer.
In a long and illustrious career, Mr. Sasamura dedicated more than 50 years' service to improving maritime safety and the protection of the marine environment.
A graduate of Tokyo University’s Department of Engineering and Naval Architecture, Mr. Sasamura joined the IMO Secretariat in 1964 after a career of some 15 years as an engineer and a surveyor with the Japanese classification society Nippon Kaiji Kyokai.
Six years later he was appointed Director of IMO’s Marine Science and Technology Division and subsequently became Director, first of the Organization’s Marine Environment Division and, latterly, its Maritime Safety... Read More>>> Back to Top |  Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) announces an important new component of a comprehensive program for combating piracy on the high seas, by providing mariners with global, reliable, cost-effective voice and data communications. Effective immediately, all calls from ships equipped with Iridium's reliable communications terminals to the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center are now free of charge. "As a service to our important maritime customers, we strongly support the improvement of communications for ships who may encounter piracy," said Dan Mercer, vice president and general manager, Europe, Middle East, Africa & Russia, Iridium. Ships are increasingly using 'citadels,' where crew can take refuge and wait safely for rescue when pirates board. A key element in the citadel strategy is a stand-alone, secure Iridium communications link to the outside... Read More>>> Back to Top |  Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL, President: Koichi Muto) today announced the completion of a table top drill based on the scenario of the MOL-owned and operated bulk carrier Mona Linden being involved in a collision that resulted in flooding and oil spill off Takamatsu, Inland sea, Japan. The drill involved about 60 participants including executives from MOL and MOL Group companies. The three-hour drill, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 19, was aimed at strengthening MOL's our emergency response structure based on the MOL Group Corporate Principles — protecting the environment by maintaining strict, safe operation and navigation standards. Specifically, the drill was designed to confirm precise, smooth communication and response so critical in case of an oil spill incident involving MOL-owned and operated vessels. Main participants included:
• Mitsui O.S.K.... Read More>>> Back to Top |  The world’s largest ore carrier, Vale Brasil, was loaded for the first time this morning (Tuesday, May 24) at Pier I at Ponta da Madeira Port Terminal (TPPM) in São Luís, Maranhão. The ship, which was loaded with 391,000 tons of iron ore, will now sail for Asia. Vale Brasil is the latest milestone in Vale’s long history of investment in infrastructure, a key element for the competitiveness of Brazilian iron ore on the international market. “We don’t stop investing and innovating. Vale’s investments in infrastructure are the biggest ever made in the country, resulting in efficient logistics for our customers. We invested US$9 billion over the last six years and, in 2011 alone, a further US$5 billion will be invested in the integrated mine-railroad-port-shipping chain,” explained Integrated Operations executive director, Eduardo... Read More>>> Back to Top |  The provision of a healthy and workable on-board environment is essential in the maritime market to ensure crew comfort and productivity. Today’s commercial vessels demand the highest standards in every aspect of production - inside and out - and working alongside specialist system suppliers could be critical to achieving this. With today’s tug, workboat and commercial vessels becoming increasingly sophisticated, crew are now expecting to have access to facilities aboard that are more closely aligned with their experiences ashore. The availability of a modern and comfortable working and living space is a key element of this expectation and a hot, stuffy and smelly environment on-board can have a detrimental impact on crew retention and productivity. This combined with advances in legislation for vessel operators to provide workable surroundings has meant air temperature and quality have become... Read More>>> Back to Top |  Canadian researcher based at University of California wins prestigious international award for identifying influences that shape sustainable mobility decisions. The winner of the International Transport Forum’s 2011 Young Researcher of the Year Award is being honoured in a ceremony at the annual summit of transport ministers from around the world held in Leipzig, Germany. The Award, which is open to researchers under 35 years of age and carries a prize of 5,000 Euros (US$ 7,000), goes to Canadian national Dr. Jonn Axsen of the University of California at Davis, USA for his contribution on understanding what shapes consumers’ decisions about sustainable mobility choices - such as buying a hybrid or an electric car. “I am truly thrilled about this award”, said winner Jonn Axsen. “It is deeply inspiring and validating to see behavioural research recognized as... Read More>>> Back to Top |  Harvey Gulf International Marine launched the first in a series of three Green 300’ Offshore Support Vessels in a ceremony at Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City, Florida. The HARVEY SUPPORTER, scheduled for delivery this November, will be the first Offshore Support Vessel in the U.S. to be constructed to the rigid regulatory standards required for “ENVIRO+, Green Passport (GP)” Certification by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), making her the most environmental friendly OSV in Gulf of Mexico. Among other enhancements, these vessels will be exclusively constructed with certified environmentally friendly materials that can either be completely recycled, or broken down without harm to the environmental, contain high-tech alarms for fuel tanks and containment systems, and be continuously manned with a certified Environmental Officer. Harvey Gulf simultaneously... Read More>>> Back to Top |  The ship will be of the new VS 485 Mk III design and it will be one of the most cost and fuel-efficient supply vessels ever to be launched. Wärtsilä, the marine industry’s leading solutions provider and system integrator, has been awarded the contract to supply the design and equipment for a new Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) for offshore operations. The order has been placed by Hellesøy Verft AS, the Norwegian shipyard that will build the vessel, which is to be owned and operated by Norwegian ship owner, Vestland Offshore. The vessel is scheduled to be delivered towards the end of 2012. In response to the customer’s demand for a modern, high quality, and fuel efficient PSV, Wärtsilä Ship Design has developed a highly energy and environmentally efficient vessel solution. Based on the well-proven VS 485 design, the new vessel has an optimised hull design for... Read More>>> Back to Top | | |
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