Communications News

Cape Town Damen Shipyards Joins WISTA

South Africa's Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) has joined the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA). The yard is represented in the Association by Transformation and ESD Manager Eva Moloi.WISTA is an international networking organization whose mission is to attract and support women, at the management level, in the maritime, trading and logistics sectors.Transformation and ESD Manager Eva has been nominated to WISTA South Africa’s Executive Committee as the Cape Town Chapter Representative.Eva said…

Lefeber Named Port of Everett CEO

On August 13, the Port of Everett Commission voted 3-0 to approve a contract naming the Port’s Deputy Executive Director Lisa Lefeber the next CEO, effective October 16, 2019. Lefeber is the first female to be selected for this top leadership role in the Port’s 100-year history.Prior to her role as Deputy Executive Director, Lefeber served as the Port’s Chief of Policy and Communications, a position she held for more than 13 years. In this role, she managed the Port’s communication and government affairs program…

Kuebix Announces Rogers as CFO

Kuebix, a leading TMS software provider and creator of the largest connected shipping community, has announced the addition of John Rogers to the position of Chief Financial Officer on its expanding leadership team.Rogers is a seasoned executive with a wealth of experience growing companies into successful businesses. Rogers will oversee the rapid market growth of Kuebix to continue to build on the company’s financial strength. He will be in charge of overseeing the financial and administrative operations of the company.Prior to joining Kuebix…

Wallem Introduces Collaborative Inboxes

Wallem Group is introducing collaborative inboxes to its agency business line, in a move designed to enhance responsiveness in communications by overcoming the limitations of conventional end-to-end email. The rethink on how communication takes place between Wallem’s agents and its counterparties is part of a broader digital transformation championed by CEO Frank Coles aimed at streamlining interactions with customers and improving transparency through the intelligent use of technology.Wallem is modernizing the communication infrastructure by deploying a collaborative platform…

Mitigating Maritime Risk

“The First Steps in Mitigating Contemporary Risks to our Strategic Sea Lines of Communication”It is indisputable that the world’s economy floats on seawater. It is equally indisputable that international maritime transportation is the tool that keeps the global economy moving. The world economy has surged over the last half century, and that growth has been largely driven by globalization and the consequent reduction in barriers to trade. Any operational disruptions in maritime transportation have wider consequences for society…

Marad: Send Gulf Transit Plans in Advance

The U.S. maritime agency has told U.S.-flagged commercial vessels they should send transit plans in advance to American and British naval authorities if they intend to sail in Gulf waters following several incidents over tankers involving Iran.The seizure of commercial vessels and attacks on tankers near the Strait of Hormuz have unsettled shipping lanes that link Middle Eastern oil producers to global markets.The United States, which has increased its military forces in the region…

Cruise, Ferry Seafarers Among the Unhappiest

The seafarers working onboard cruise ships and ferries rank among the unhappiest in the industry, said a study.Seafarer happiness levels across tanker, bulk carriers and container ship sectors close to global average this quarter, it said.The latest Seafarers Happiness Index report, published by The Mission to Seafarers, showed that cruise and ferry crews had an average score of 5.3/10 on their general happiness level – 15 per cent less than the global average across all vessel types…

Report: Cruise Sector Seafarers Unhappiest

The latest Seafarers Happiness Index report, published by The Mission to Seafarers, has revealed that seafarers working onboard cruise ships and ferries rank among the unhappiest in the industry.The report, which is produced in association with leading mutual P&I insurer the Shipowners’ Club, is based on the responses of thousands of seafarers across the global maritime industry. The latest report showed that cruise and ferry crews had an average score of 5.3/10 on their general happiness level - 15 per cent less than the global average across all vessel types…

KVH Joins SMN for Tech Initiative

Maritime innovator KVH has announced it has joined the Smart Maritime Network (SMN) as one of the founding members of the initiative dedicated to supporting collaboration and standardization in the development of IT systems for the shipping sector. As a founding member, KVH will participate in Smart Maritime Council meetings with a select group of maritime technology developers, systems integrators, and vessel operators to discuss issues relating to the compatibility, standardization…

Interferry Charts a Course for Growth

Interferry CEO Mike Corrigan explains why the global trade association is poised to take its work to the next level.While I respect the mantra of cautious optimism, I can’t help feeling genuinely excited that 2019 could prove to be a milestone year in the continuing growth of Interferry’s influence as the global voice of the ferry industry. We’ve come a long way since our US origins in 1976 as what was essentially a networking movement, but developments in recent months already suggest we are on course for yet more enhancement of our present-day worldwide networking and lobbying relationships.

Hyundai Global Service, Intellian Partner

Intellian signed a strategic partnership  with Hyundai Global Service (HGS), a subsidiary of the shipbuilding company Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) group, on July 15 at Centum Science Park in Busan, Korea.As the first step of the cooperation, both companies will expand HGS’ innovative ‘Integrated Smart Ship (ISS)’ solution; a digital ecosystem for vessel and fleet management, incorporating a  data analysis platform. This solution supports optimal vessel operation and management and is expected to reduce fuel costs by over 6% per year.

SATCOM SOLUTIONS: Cruising in the Cloud

Turning a necessary cost center into a revenue stream is the new normal for savvy and successful cruise operators.As the flourishing expedition cruise market takes passengers on innovative itineraries to remote and untouched destinations, these well heeled guests want something else at the same time: a 24/7 quality internet connection. If Marlink gets its way, that sort of communications service will soon be the rule, and not the exception.In April, Marlink revealed that the expedition…

Baltic Sea will be the Worlds First Broadband Sea

“The need for data capacity is constantly increasing and the combination of sufficient reach and high capacity is a challenge," said Kenneth Påvall, IT infrastructure manager at Rederi AB Eckerö. "We have now chosen the solution that we believe will provide the best capacity. The projects have run smoothly and we are approaching our goal of having a stable and fast broadband to all passenger ships in our fleet. Cost-effectiveness is important and the fact that vessels operate…

Port Canaveral Wins Funding for Response Vessel

New fireboat will provide enhanced firefighting and rescue capabilities for maritime and commercial space. The Canaveral Port Authority will receive $1.5 million in funding from the State of Florida to support the acquisition of a specialized fireboat to provide marine firefighting and rescue capabilities for Port Canaveral and the surrounding communities. Port Canaveral’s Marine Firefighting Rescue Vessel (MFRV) will be purpose built to offer enhanced fire protection and response…

Telenor Maritime, Anek Lines Sign Pact

Greek passenger shipping company Anek Lines has partnered with Telenor Maritime, which builds 4G coverage offshore to support the oil & gas industry,  to upgrade the mobile ecosystem onboard all its ships.The connectivity platform with Mobile, Premium Wi-Fi, Ka-VSAT and mobile broadband backhaul improves the complete digital value chain with services enhancing operational efficiency and the passenger’s onboard experience.Lars Erik Lunøe, CEO of Telenor Maritime said: "This is an important step for Telenor Maritime’s service-expansion into the Mediterranean…

China, U.S. Trade Officials Talk Shead of Trump-Xi Meeting

Senior Chinese and U.S. trade officials spoke by telephone on Monday ahead of talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. President Donald Trump set for later this week, as the world's two largest economies remain locked in a tariff war.Trump and Xi are expected to meet on the second day of the Friday-Saturday Group of 20 summit in Japan, the first face-to-face meeting for the leaders since trade talks broke off in May.Chinese Vice Premier Liu He held a phone conversation with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and U.S.

RigNet Settles Inmarsat Arbitration

RigNet, Inc. announced that it has reached a settlement with Inmarsat Global Limited that concludes the GX Arbitration pending before the International Center for Dispute Resolution. Pursuant to the settlement, RigNet will pay Inmarsat $45 million immediately, $5 million in the third quarter of 2019, and $750,000 in the third quarter of 2020.“We are glad to put this matter behind us. While we are disappointed in the panel’s Phase I findings that a take or pay obligation under our January 2014 agreement had commenced…

Deal inked to Develop Digital Ships

DSME, Korea Maritime and Ocean University, NAPA and AVL announced a strategic cooperation agreement to develop digital ships and related strategic solutions. The agreement combines vast experience in naval architecture, shipbuilding, engines, big data and software development, and will cover all aspects of creating comprehensive digital twins: from the acquisition and processing of quality engine room data, ship performance and meteorological data to the training, simulation and…

Cyber Risk Management: What Maritime Professionals Need to Know Now

The IMO January 2021 deadline for shipping interests to incorporate cyber risk management into their existing Safety Management Systems is fast approaching. It is critical that stakeholders understand their vulnerabilities. The IMO has issued MSC-FAL.1/Circ.3 guidelines on maritime cyber risk management that does a good job of outlining the many vulnerable systems within marine operations, including:1.Bridge systems;2. Cargo handling and management systems;3.Propulsion and machinery management and power control systems;4.

Kalmar Showcases Eco-Efficient Future

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, will focus on driving the eco-efficiency of terminal operations at this year's TOC Europe, which will be held in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, on 18-20 June 2019.Kalmar will be showcasing its entire Eco Range - a wide portfolio of products and services that are designed to cut emissions in cargo handling operations. Several demos and collaborative sessions will be organised at the Kalmar stand to highlight the theme "Together for an eco-efficient future".Kalmar has been developing eco-efficient…

Using Technology to Streamline Operations in Container Shipping

That ‘Cloud’ on the horizon is closer than it looks.The container shipping industry faces many challenges, particularly when it comes to increasing uncertainty in the global political and economic environment. The issues between the US and China over trade relations and Brexit in Europe are testing the industry, plus increased regulations and market fluctuations are having a big impact.How container shipping companies operate now and in the future is changing and staying ahead of the curve is crucial for survival.

Marine Interiors 2019: Designers on Board

Ship designers and architects are experts at merging design and safety on board cruise ships. The considerations that make the difference will be on top of the agenda of the Marine Interiors specialist panel discussions during the Seatrade Europe conference program.To make sure that cruise passengers will feel comfortable in every respect, designers and architects leave nothing to chance when designing ship interiors. Based on the shipowner’s suggestions they develop restaurants, bars, suites and spas down to the tiniest detail.

Rotterdam Port Report Record Month

With 13.6 million tonnes of container freight handled, April of this year was the best month ever for the Port of Rotterdam. The previous record month was August 2018 (13.2 million tonnes)Measured in TEU, the standard unit for containers, April 2019 was the second-best month ever, with 1.3 million TEU, just a fraction lower than the record month of August 2018.Rotterdam has expanded to become Europe’s largest container port, partly because of its excellent depth, Europe’s largest…

Tolley to Join Intelsat as EVP & CFO

Intelsat has announced the appointment of David M. Tolley as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective June 3, 2019.Tolley will report to Intelsat’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Spengler, and oversee Intelsat’s global finance organization. He will serve on Intelsat’s Management Committee and be based in the company’s U.S. administrative headquarters in McLean, Virginia.Tolley brings over 20 years of financial experience to Intelsat. He most recently served…

Cosco Completes US$3bn Peru Port Deal

Hong Kong-based international port operator Cosco Shipping Ports has completed the equity transaction of project company responsible for its greenfield subsidiary at the Port of Chancay, Peru.With the equitytransaction of the Project Company was officially completed on 10 May 2019, Port of Chancay became the company’s first greenfield subsidiary in South America and COSCO Shipping Ports plans to developing the port to an important gateway port in South America.In January 2019…

Interview: Dan Skjeldam, CEO, Hurtigruten

Building on its 125-year heritage, Norwegian shipowner Hurtigruten has become a leader in exploration travel offering voyages to more than 200 unique destinations in more than 30 countries ranging across the globe from the Arctic to the Antarctic and including cruises in Norway, Greenland, Svalbard, Iceland, Western Europe, and the Americas. In an interview with Maritime Reporter and Engineering News, Dan Skjeldam, the company’s CEO, emphasizes the need for the cruise industry…