Government Update News


Hong Kong Establishes New Maritime Body

Jan 15, 2016

Hong Kong is to establish a new government body - Hong Kong Port and Maritime Board - this year that oversees the local maritime sector, in a bid to enhance the city’s shipping sector. Hong Kong's chief executive Leung Chun-ying in his…

Former Antipiracy Boss Warns Against Piracy in 2016

Jan 14, 2016

Dom Mee, founder and former president of Protection Vessels International (PVI) who commanded more that 1,000 former Royal Marines in the fight against piracy in the Indian Ocean, warns the maritime community on complacency. “The main thrust…

Singapore's Sops to Ailing Shipping

Jan 14, 2016

The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) of Singaporehas announced an additional 10 per cent concession on port dues for container vessels calling in Singapore, with port stays of up to five days, to help the shipping industry tide over the current economic downturn…

Opportunity to Promote a Broad-Based Energy Policy in SOTU Missed

Jan 13, 2016

NOIA President Randall Luthi issued the following statement following President Obama’s 2016 State of the Union Address: 'The President missed a golden opportunity to promote a broad-based energy policy consisting of both traditional and non-traditional sources of energy…

CNO Makes First Visit to Ingalls Shipyard

Jan 11, 2016

Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division hosted Adm. John Richardson Thursday as part of his visit to shipyards in the region. This was his first visit to Ingalls as Chief of Naval Operations. Richardson received updates…

India Court Jails 25 from 'Seaman Guard Ohio'

Jan 11, 2016

An Indian court on Monday sentenced crew members of a private American ship, including 25 foreigners, to five years in prison for illegal possession of arms in Indian waters in a verdict that could spark diplomatic tension.The crew, which included foreign nationals from Ukraine…

U.S. Questions Chinese Submarines on Anti-Piracy Missions

Jan 11, 2016

U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander, Admiral Scott Swift questioned the motive behind China deploying submarines for anti-piracy operations in the Indian Ocean, reports PTI. The comments come in the backdrop of India’s growing concerns over rapid…

New Entry Criteria for vessels calling French Ports

Jan 08, 2016

The French State has implemented new provisions regarding tax exemptions on commercial vessels of at least 15 meters in length, including yachts.  The provisions came into force on the 1st January 2016. These provisions can be found in…

Abu Dhabi Ports' Maqta Gateway Starts Operations

Jan 07, 2016

Abu Dhabi Ports, the master developer, operator and manager of ports and Khalifa Industrial Zone in the Emirate, has started initial trial operations of its Port Community System, ‘Maqta Gateway’, following the successful completion of Stage1 of the overall project development…

U.S. Shipbuilding: Funds Available for Small Shipyards

Jan 06, 2016

Maritime Administration announced funding availability for small U.S. shipyards; grants aim to help yards modernize and improve efficiency The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) today announced the availability of $4…

Commercial Ships Makes a Comeback to Iran

Jan 06, 2016

With MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has resumed vessel operations to Iran, after services were suspended in 2012 in response to trade sanctions, Some of the world’s largest container shipping lines are pursuing business in Iran, reports WSJ…

Denmark Tightens Sulphur Emissions Rules

Jan 05, 2016

A new action plan published today by the Danish Maritime Authority (DMA) and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) aims to strengthen enforcement of regulations on ships' sulphur emissions in both Denmark and the SECA countries for 2016 onward…

Sedgwick LLP Adds Five Maritime Lawyers

Jan 05, 2016

Sedgwick LLP has announced that five San Francisco-based attorneys, nationally recognized for their work in maritime law, joined the firm on January 1, 2016.Eric Danoff, Andrew Port, James Tamulski, Cheryl Morris and Katharine Essick have…

IIMS Prepares to Celebrate Silver Jubilee

Jan 04, 2016

The International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS) is set to celebrate its Silver Jubilee in 2016.  Marine surveyors continue to provide a pivotal and vital role to the world's shipping, maritime, boat and yachting industry sectors.…

NTSB Releases El Faro Images & Video

Jan 04, 2016

Subsea images and video released as part of NTSB public docket on investigation into the sinking of U.S. cargo ship El Faro.Underwater video and images of the sunken cargo ship EL Faro have been released by the U.S. National Transportation…

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