Government Update News


New Flag Program Honors US Merchant Marines

May 21, 2015

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration (MARAD) announced the launch of the United States Merchant Marine Flag Program, which will provide U.S. Merchant Marine Flags for display nationwide, honoring the historic and continuing contributions of U…

China Denies Kra Canal Deal

May 21, 2015

China has denied it is involved in work on the Kra canal, defusing hype over a project that purportedly lets ships bypass the Strait of Malacca and Singapore's port, reports Strait Times. There are no plans by the Chinese government to participate…

Petronet LNG appoints new chairman

May 21, 2015

India’s largest importer of the chilled gas Petronet LNG has appointed Kapil Dev Tripathi, Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum and Natural gas as Chairman and Director on the Board of the company. The appointment follows the former Chairman and Director of the company Board…

Joe Tofalo to Lead US Submarine Force

May 21, 2015

Rear Adm. Joe Tofalo will take command of Submarine Forces, a post that comes with a third star and oversees the submarine force's manning, gear and training. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced that the president has made the following nomination: 'Navy Rear Adm…

AAPA Chairwoman to Speak at National Maritime Day

May 20, 2015

Kristin Decas, port director and CEO of Southern California’s Port of Hueneme and chairwoman of the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA), has been chosen to speak at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Maritime Day ceremony on May 21…

NOIA Names New VP, Government and Political Affairs

May 20, 2015

The National Ocean Industries Association (NOIA) promoted Megan Bel Miller to Vice President for Government and Political Affairs to lead its Congressional relations and Political Action Committee.  Megan joined the NOIA staff in May 2013 as Senior Director…

Austal Launches USNS Brunswick

May 20, 2015

Austal launched the recently christened USNS Brunswick (JHSV 6) at its manufacturing facility in Mobile, Ala.With the 338-foot Joint High Speed Vessel entering the water for the first time, the ship will undergo final outfitting and testing before sea trials and delivery to the U…

Indian Prime Minister Visits HHI

May 19, 2015

Indian prime minister Narendra Modi visited Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI), seeking increased partnership between the India’s shipbuilding industry and HHI. HHI is reportedly the only Korean company the prime minister visits during his two-day stay in the country…

No Leakage from NYK Tanker in Tokyo Bay

May 19, 2015

On May 16 (Saturday) and 17 (Sunday), a few media outlets reported that crude oil had leaked from Takamine, a tanker operated by NYK Line, while the ship was discharging at JST 9:28 p.m. on May 15 (Friday) at Keihin Kawasaki sea berth (Kawasaki…

Thailand, China Teams Up on Kra Canal

May 19, 2015

Thailand and China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Guangzhou to jointly cut a shipping passage across Kra Isthmus in southern Thailand, the narrowest part of the Malay Peninsula. The canal, located at Kra Isthmus, will…

MCPON, CNO Honor Sailors of the Year

May 15, 2015

The Navy's 2014 Sailors of the Year (SOY) were meritoriously advanced to chief petty officer during a ceremony held at the Navy Memorial, May 14.Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jonathan Greenert served as guest speaker at the pinning ceremony…

UK Welcomes New Shipping Minister

May 15, 2015

Robert Goodwill, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, has been named as the UK’s new shipping minister. As Shipping Minister, he will have responsibility for completing the Maritime Growth Study.Earlier he was appointed as Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport on Tuesday…

Nomination for Next CNO Announced

May 14, 2015

Defense Secretary Ashton Carter announced today during a Pentagon press briefing that he has recommended Adm. John M. Richardson as the next Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). A career submarine officer, Richardson is currently director, Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program…

Philippine to Build Naval Base on Disputed Waters

May 13, 2015

Philippine military will soon build naval base on the country’s western coastline, opposite the disputed Spratly islands, Reuters reported Armed Forces chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. as saying. 'We feel this is the number one priority because of the emerging security situation…

‘Old Ironsides’ to Undergo 3-year Restoration

May 12, 2015

USS Constitution, ‘Old Ironsides’, will enter dry dock May 18 for a nearly three year restoration with most of the work being done below the waterline and the bow area. The timeline of events leading up to the ship’s dry docking can be found below…

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