Gulf Marine Services Bags MENA Contract

Vessels provider to the oil & gas industry Gulf Marine Services (GMS) said that it was awarded three long-term contracts in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.The provider of advanced self-propelled self-elevating support vessels said in a press release that the new charters, which are subject to the completion of legal documentation and finalisation of the vessel delivery schedule, are for one Small Class and two Mid-Size Class SESVs and are currently expected to commence in Q4 2018/Q1 2019.

Kwispaa LNG Signs FEED Contract of Two At-Shore LNG Hulls

The Kwispaa LNG Project achieved a significant milestone in its development this week as Kwispaa LNG signed a contract with Hyundai Heavy Industries for the Front-End Engineering and Design (FEED) of two At-Shore LNG hulls.This follows the recent Invitation to Tender to shortlisted EPC (engineering, procurement, and construction) contractors for the FEED work on the At-Shore LNG topsides, marine facilities, pre-treatment, and balance of onshore plant facilities. EPC contractor tenderers include Black & Veatch / Samsung Heavy Industries / PCL Industrial Management Inc.…

Gulftainer Wins Contract to Operate U.S. port of Wilmington, Delaware

As first reported in the JULY / AUGUST edition of Maritime Logistics Professional magazine, Gulftainer through its subsidiary GT USA, Wilmington had inked a tentative deal with the State of Delaware which would grant GT USA, Wilmington exclusive rights to operate and develop the Port of Wilmington, on the Delaware River downstream from Philadelphia for the next 50 years. That deal is now official.Privately-owned Gulftainer today operates the Canaveral Cargo Terminal in the Port of Canaveral, Florida.

Gulftainer Signs 50-year Lease for Port of Wilmington

Gulftainer, the world’s largest privately-owned independent port operator and logistics company based in the United Arab Emirates, finalized a 50-year concession agreement with the state of Delaware to operate and develop the Port of Wilmington, significantly expanding the company’s global footprint and reach.The agreement, signed by Gulftainer’s subsidiary GT USA, will see an expected investment of up to $600 million in the port to upgrade and expand the terminal and to turn…

Keppel Partners GTT on LNG Solutions

Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M) has signed a Technical Assistance and License Agreement (TALA) with Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT) that will enable the companies to jointly market liquefied natural gas (LNG) solutions leveraging GTT's membrane containment systems and Keppel's shipyard expertise.Keppel O&M's network of global yards will be able to offer GTT's LNG systems in the design, construction and maintenance of LNG carriers, LNG Bunker vessels, LNG-fuelled vessels, and floating storage and regasification units (FSRU).Since completing its first LNG carrier repair in 1990…

Diana Shipping Signs TC Contract for m/v Artemis with Ausca

Diana Shipping announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with Ausca Shipping Limited, Hong Kong, for one of its Panamax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Artemis.The global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels said in a press release that the gross charter rate is US$12,600 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum 12 months to maximum 15 months.The charter is expected to commence on September 18, 2018.

Zennor Petroleum Acquires Stake in Britannia Field

North Sea oil company Zennor Petroleum has entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement with Mitsui E&P UK in respect of its interests in United Kingdom Continental Shelf Licences P.213, Block 16/26a, Area B and P.345 Block 16/27b Area B which represent an 8.97% working interest in the Britannia Field.Completion of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory and partner consents.The acquisition of the Britannia Field interest is strategic for Zennor given its 100% operated working interest in the nearby Finlaggan Field.

China Harbour Engineering to Build Berri Field in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian oil giant Saudi Aramco has awarded a contract to China Harbour Engineering Arabia for the construction of two  drilling islands under the company’s Berri Increment Program (BIP).The objective of the BIP is to produce an additional 250,000 barrels per day of Arabian Light crude oil from the Berri Oil Field to reach 500,000 barrels per day to maintain Saudi Aramco’s maximum sustained capacity by early 2023.A signing ceremony to mark the contract award was held in Dhahran.

ABS to Class Singapore's First LNG Bunker Barge

Singapore’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker barge scheduled to begin construction in January 2019. The 7,500 cubic meter capacity barge will be owned and operated by a joint venture between Shell and Keppel Offshore & Marine, FueLNG Pte Ltd, who selected ABS to class the vessel.To help spur the project, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) recently granted up to $3 million to FueLNG Pte Ltd to build the barge. The vessel will be based in the Port of Singapore…

Total E&P South Africa Contract for Solstad Farstad

Norwegian offshore vessel owner Solstad Farstad has been awarded contact  for two of its vessels by French oil major Total Total E&P South Africa."Total has awarded Solstad a contract for one Large Anchor Handling Vessel (AHTS) Normand Ranger (2010, VS 491 Design) and one Platform Supply Vessel (PSV) Far Starling (2014, PSV 08 CD Design)," said a press release from the company.The contracts are to support Total E&P South Africa’s drilling campaign in Block 11B/12B for 1 well firm + 1 well option, which is expected to commence Q4 2018. The duration of the contracts are likely to be approx.

Novatek, Rosatom Plan LNG-Powered Icebreaker Fleet

Russia’s natural gas producer and the operator of the giant Yamal LNG export project Novatek, has signed an agreement of intent with Russian state nuclear firm Rosatom to establish a joint venture (JV).The JV plans to establish a long-term partnership to jointly develop, finance and implement a project to create a liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fuelled icebreaker fleet.

Teekay Tankers Completes of Sale-Leaseback of Six Vessels

Teekay Tankers announced that it has completed and closed the previously-announced sale-leaseback transaction for six Aframax tankers, the Whistler Spirit, Blackcomb Spirit, Emerald Spirit, Garibaldi Spirit, Tarbet Spirit and Peak Spirit. The marine energy transportation said in a press release that, as a result, it has increased its liquidity position by approximately $60 million after the repayment of outstanding debt related to these vessels. This financing was part of the Company’s financing initiatives announced on August 2…

Novatek Signs Pact for Kamchatka LNG Transshipment Complex

Russia’s natural gas producer Novatek has signed an agreement of intent on implementing a project for the construction of a marine liquefied natural gas (LNG) transshipment complex in the territory of Kamchatka.PAO Novatek, the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Government of the Kamchatka Territory signed an agreement of intent on implementing a project for the construction of a marine LNG transshipment complex in the territory of Kamchatka.The Agreement provides for Novatek’s investment in the amount of approximately RR 70 billion.

Essberger Tankers Sign Deal with GAC

Chemical tanker operator Essberger Tankers has signed a ship agency deal with GAC throughout Scandinavia. Under the agreement, GAC will handle an estimated 600-800 port calls a year for Essberger’s fleet of vessels carrying a wide range of high-grade chemicals.The deal comes after more than 20 years of GAC managing Essberger’s port calls in Finland. The shipping and logistics service provider’s ability to deliver the same level of support from its expanding network of offices in Sweden…

Djibouti Nationalizes Stake in Doraleh Container Terminal

Djibouti has nationalized the two-thirds stake in its Doraleh Container Terminal held by the Port of Djibouti, the government said in a statement, the latest twist in a dispute with Dubai's government-controlled DP World dating back six years.In February, Djibouti ended a contract with DP World, one of the world's biggest port operators, to run its Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT), and seized control of the terminal.A London court later said DP World's contract to run the terminal was still valid.The port of Djibouti, PDSA, is itself majority-owned by the Djibouti state and in turn owns a two-

Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-Kg Signs BWTS Deal with Erma First

German based company, Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG signed an Agreement with Erma First S.A., manufacturer of Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS), for the installation of BWTS onboard its vessels.Erma Firstis represented in Germany by MOE Marine & Offshore Equipment, who has handled this prestige project during the last 18 months.After a thorough review of the different Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS), Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG has decided to partner with Erma Firstfor the delivery of its approved BWTS on their entire fleet…

Repsol to Buy LNG from Venture Global

Venture Global LNG announced that it has entered into a 20-year, binding Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Repsol for the supply of one million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquefied natural gas from the Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LNG export facility, currently under development in Cameron Parish, Louisiana, USA.Under this agreement, Repsol will purchase LNG on a free on board (FOB) basis for a 20-year term, starting from the commercial operation date of the Venture Global Calcasieu Pass LNG export facility…

Wintershall Awards Frame Deal to DOF Subsea

Norwegean-based  international subsea operating company DOF Subsea said in a press release that  it has been awarded frame agreement for marine subsea services from Wintershall."The Atlantic region has been awarded a Frame Agreement for marine subsea services from Wintershall. During the course of the Contract, Wintershall may call-of services as required within Survey, IMR and Light Construction using DOF Subsea's integrated PM&E teams and fleet of subsea vessels," said the release.The duration of the agreement is 3 years firm…

Stena Bulk Charters Out MR Tanker Pair to Petrobras

Stena Bulk said it has signed a contract with Brazil's state-owned oil company to charter out a pair of MR product tankers for transporting refined products along the Brazilian coast. The two-year deal includes the option to extend the charters for another 11 months.The 47,000 dwt tankers, Stena Conqueror and Stena Conquest, were built in 2003 and 2004 respectively.“We have a long-standing, highly-valued relationship with Petrobras when it comes to both Suezmax and MR tankers and we are committed to continue to provide them with safe and efficient deliveries.

Contract Extension for Tanker Stena Provence

Concordia Maritime said it has signed a contract to charter out the P-MAX tanker Stena Provence for another year from September 2018.The contractual partner is one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, who has used the vessel since 2014 for niche transportation of refined petroleum products, mainly in the Asia Pacific region.“This customer has a specific transport need, for which the large load capacity of our P-MAX vessels are well suited,” said says Kim Ullman, CEO of Concordia Maritime.

Azerbaijani Vessels Completes Filanovsky Mission

The vessels of Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company (ACSC) have successfully completed their mission at the “Filanovski” oilfield  in the Russian sector of the Caspian Sea.A press statement from ACSC said that the towing vessel “Yarnega”, owned by Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company and lift vessel “Gurban Abbasov” expolited by Shipping Company in alliance with Caspian Marine Services (CMS) successfully completed their missions in “Filanovski” oil field in the Russian sector of the Caspian Sea…

Diana Shipping Signs TC m/v Medusa with Cargill

Diana Shipping announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with Cargill International, Geneva, for one of its Kamsarmax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Medusa.The global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels said that the gross charter rate is US$14,000 per day, minus a 4.75% commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum 13 months to maximum 15 months.The new charter period commenced yesterday.

Bristow Commences New Contract in Barents Sea

Bristow Norway AS is commencing a previously announced five-year contract today (September 1, 2018), from its Hammerfest base. Bristow will provide helicopter offshore crew change services and search and rescue (SAR) services to support Eni Norway and Equinor."We are very proud of the recognition we have received in securing this work in the Barents Sea," said Area Manager Norway Heidi Wulff Heimark. "This confirms that the work our employees do every day brings results. The contract…

Marlink VSAT Ensures Global Connectivity for Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Marlink has re-established its commitment to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises to provide its Sealink services on the fleet of four cruise vessels, plus two new cruise ships which are due to enter operational service in 2019. The contract renewal reflects Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' desire to meet the requirements of the growing market for adventure and expedition cruises, as the ships are now in remote areas that were previously considered inaccessible for cruise ships, such as Arctic and the Antarctic.Marlink’s global Sealink services provide stable…

Port of Rotterdam Pact for Brazil's Pecém Port

As shareholders in the Port of Rotterdam Authority, the Municipality of Rotterdam and the Ministry of Finance have approved the participation in the Port of Pecém, a rapidly growing port in Northeast Brazil.The participation involves an investment of some 75 million euros and, in addition to holding 30% of the shares, the Port of Rotterdam Authority will have joint control of strategic decisions and positions at Executive Board, Supervisory Board and management level.The Port of Rotterdam Authority and Ceará State are expected to sign the decision next month…

Maersk Rig Contracted to Aker BP

Maersk Drilling and Aker BP have agreed to a new two-year contract to reactivate and quickly deploy jack-up rig Maersk Reacher in the Norwegian part of the North Sea.Maersk Reacher will be deployed as an accommodation rig, with the option of repurposing the rig for plugging & abandonment for the final phase of the contract. The rig is expected to commence operations in its new role by October, 2018.The flexible contract is agreed upon in continuation of the alliance between Maersk…

Weaker Demand for Larger Vessels Weighs on Baltic Index

Baltic Exchange's main sea freight index, which tracks rates for ships ferrying dry bulk commodities, dipped on Thursday, pressured by weaker demand for capesize and panamax vessels.The overall index, which factors in rates for capesize, panamax and supramax vessels fell for the sixth straight session, by 47 points, or 2.8 percent, to 1,614 points.The capesize index shed 168 points, or 5.6 percent — its largest daily percentage fall since July 10 — to 2,826 points. Average daily earnings for capesizes…

Galloper Contract Goes to Granada

Galloper Wind Farm Limited Ltd has awarded a contract to Granada Material Handling Ltd for service and maintenance of all 58 davit crane units installed on the 353MW project, 56 on wind turbine foundations and two on the offshore substation.Situated 27km off the Suffolk coast, the Galloper Offshore Windfarm Limited (GOWL) already has one of Granada’s unique Python cranes fitted to each of the 56 wind turbine foundations, with another two on the OTM platforms."Building on the success of their 2016 contract to design…

Noble Chooses Kongsberg for Drillship Monitoring Package

Noble Corporation has contracted Kongsberg Maritime to deliver an advanced new real-time monitoring and advisory solution for the Noble Tom Madden drillship.The contract reflects a growing requirement for deep technology integration on drilling platforms and ships, where sharing vital data on board and ashore results in a state-of-the-art real-time monitoring and advisory solution that will provide significant benefits for operational safety while reducing non-productive time (NPT).The Gusto P10000 design Noble Tom Madden deepwater drillship will join Noble Corporation’s Noble Bob Douglas…

"Huge amount of work to do" in NAFTA talks -Canadian minister

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said on Wednesday she remained optimistic about progress on negotiations with the United States over a revamp of the North American Free Trade Agreement, but said there was a "huge amount of work to do.""We have had a good meeting yesterday. We've had another good meeting today," Freeland told reporters after emerging from a meeting with U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

HullWiper Secures Business at New Australian Base

HullWiper Ltd’s underwater hull cleaning technology is marking a successful first month of operations at the Port of Townsville, Australia, with initial contracts already secured following its July 2018 launch. HullWiper’s Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) provides affordable and eco-friendly hull cleaning services for all kinds of vessels calling at Townsville, the largest multi-cargo port north of Brisbane, a transport hub for bulk exports, and a popular stop for cruise vessels. ROV cleaning operations at the Port of Townsville are managed by HullWiper’s leasing partner K ROV.

Ocean Installer Wins First Contract in China

Ocean Installer has been awarded a contract for 3rd Party Verification and Engineering Support work for the Liuhua 29-1 Gas Field Development located in the South China Sea.The work scope encompasses 3rd party verification of detailed design and subsea construction engineering, as well as various other support functions to the client’s engineering team.This is the company’s first job in China, and Ocean Installer will conduct the work as a subcontractor to COOEC Subsea Technology Co.…

Doubling Down on Domestic Dredging

U.S. Dredgers Weigh in on Infrastructure, U.S. Capabilities and the road ahead.Domestic dredging firms face many challenges in the coming months and years. At the same time, opportunities abound in a market and political climate that seems to beg for infrastructure upgrades, especially when it comes to harbors and inland waterways. Weighing in this edition on all of that – and more – are three U.S.-based dredging firms; Callan Marine, Cashman Dredging, and Weeks Marine.Cranford, NJ-based Weeks Marine, Inc.

Total Pact with Stena Drilling for Laggan Well

Aberdeen-based Stena Drilling has announced that it has signed a deal with French oil giant Total to drill one well at the west of Shetland, Laggan field.A press release from Stena Drilling said: "We have signed a contract with Total E&P UK Ltd. for the Stena Don in 2019 to drill one well on the Laggan field located west of the Shetland Islands in water depths of up to 650m."The Stena Don is currently working for Total E&P UK on an Exploration well which is also located west of the Shetland Islands.

Oldendorff Inks Transhipment Deal in Vietnam

Oldendorff Carriers said it has signed an integrated coal transport and transhipment agreement for a new power station project to be built in the North of Vietnam at Nghi Son. The customer is a consortium between Marubeni Corp of Japan and Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco) named Nghi Son 2 Power Limited Liability Company (NS2PC).The agreement is expected to include the transportation of about 100 million metric tons of coal over 25 years. Oldendorff Carriers signed the 25-year agreement with NS2PC…

Solstad Farstad Bags Contract with Fairfield Industries

Solstad Farstad ASA (SOFF) has entered into a contract with Fairfield Industries Inc. for the CSV “Normand Tonjer”. The contract will commence in 3Q 2018 and has a duration of one year firm plus two yearly options.Fairfield will use the vessel to support their innovative worldwide ocean bottom seismic survey using node-based technology.Solstad Farstad has updated other contracts too. The key contracts in the subsea construction segment include Far Saga contract extension with Petrobras until 2Q’20…

Konecranes to Install Container Cranes in Lithuania

JSSC Klaipedos Smelte in the Port of Klaipeda, Lithuania, has placed a large repeat order with Konecranes for ten Rubber Tired Gantry (RTG) cranes and two Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes.The delivery of the RTG cranes will be completed in November 2019 and the STS cranes in December 2019. The parties have agreed not to disclose the value of the order.In August 2018 Konecranes signed a contract with JSSC Klaipedos Smelte in the Port of Klaipeda, Lithuania, for the supply of ten Konecranes…

ZIM Revenue Up by 7.7% for Q2 2018

ZIM Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM) reported total revenues were $803.2 million in Q2 2018, compared to $745.7 million in Q2 2017, an increase of 7.7%. It  carried 772 thousand TEUs, an all-time record (reflecting a growth of 17.1% compared to Q2 2017).However, the operating cash flow was $52.6 million, compared to $88.9 million in Q2 2017.Eli Glickman, ZIM President & CEO, said: “Q2 2018 was characterized by the continued rise in fuel prices and chartering rates, as well as low freight rates…

Diana Shipping Signs TCC for m/v Semirio with Pacific Bulk

Diana Shipping announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract (TCC) with Pacific Bulk Cape Company Limited, Hong Kong, for one of its Capesize dry bulk vessels, the m/v Semirio.The global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels said that the gross charter rate is $20,050 per day, minus a 5 percent commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum 10 months to about 12 months.The charter is expected to commence on August 30, 2018.

Ship Finance International Acquires Three Box Ships

Ship Finance International Limited said it has agreed to acquire three large containerships in combination with long term time charters.The vessels were built in 2015 with approximately 10,600 TEU carrying capacity. The company expects to take delivery of the vessels in the near term, and the purchase price is confidential.The charters will run for a period of minimum six years, with options for the charterer to extend the charters up to 10 years. There is also a purchase option with profit split at the end of the initial period.

Hansa Heavy Lift Delivers Egina Carousel to Nigeria

Hansa Heavy Lift  has transported a giant carousel together with eight reels, weighing a total of 3,508.7 metric tonnes, from Newcastle, United Kingdom to Lagos, Nigeria destined for the Egina Oil Field.The voyage took place on board the super heavy lift vessel HHL Lagos, which was mobilised in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, to prepare the vessel with additional deck strength for the extralarge carousel, which weighed over 2,200 metric tonnes including spooled product and had a diameter of over 25 metres.“Close connection between the Hansa Heavy Lift engineering…

Carnival May Homeport its Largest Ship in Canaveral

The Canaveral Port Authority said it has reached an agreement in principle with Carnival Cruise Line principle on a new state-of-the-art terminal able to accommodate Carnival’s new 180,000-ton ship, the largest ever constructed for the line, set to debut in 2020.The terms of the agreement are expected to be included on the agenda of the Canaveral Port Authority Board of Commissioners’ meeting on August 29, 2018. If approved, the deal will clear the way for the world’s largest cruise operator to homeport its as-yet-unnamed 5…

PDVSA to Resume Use of Caribbean Oil Terminal

Venezuela's PDVSA and NuStar Energy LP have reached an agreement over outstanding storage fees, allowing the state-run company to resume use of a key storage terminal in the Caribbean, the U.S. energy firm said on Monday.NuStar had suspended PDVSA several times since 2017 from using its St. Eustatius facility over millions of dollars in missed payments.The terminal played a role in a legal dispute between PDVSA and ConocoPhillips, which earlier this year tried to enforce a $2…

Subsea 7 Awarded Substantial Contract

Norwegian subsea services provider Subsea 7 announced the award of a substantial offshore Conventional contract. Subsea 7 defines a substantial contract as being between USD 150 million and USD 300 million.In a press release, the company said that the offshore execution is planned for 2019 and 2020. No further details are disclosed at this time due to contractual obligations. Early this month, Subsea 7 announced the award of a sizeable contract by Nexen as part of the Buzzard Phase 2 Project, located approximately 55 kilometres off the north-east coast of Scotland.

GasLog Orders LNG Duo at Samsung Heavy Industries

Monaco-based LNG shipper GasLog  has ordered two 174,000 cubic meter LNG carriers (HN 2300 and HN 2301) with low pressure two stroke (“LP-2S”) propulsion at Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, with expected delivery in late 2020.GasLog will use these vessels to fullfill the two new charter party agreements, each for a firm period of seven years, that it had signed with a wholly owned subsidiary of Cheniere Energy.The rate of hire for the Charters is broadly in line with mid-cycle rates and delivers returns in line with GasLog’s financial strategy.In addition to the Charters…

AET and Shell Sign DPST Contract

Shuttle tanker owner AET, a wholly-owned subsidiary of  Malaysia's MISC Group, has won its first contract with Shell in Brazil to time charter one new-build dynamic positioning shuttle tanker (DPST).AET earlier this year sealed a long-term charter for two newbuild LNG-fuelled Aframax tankers with Shell that is set to begin in the fourth quarter of this year.AET President & CEO Capt. Rajalingam Subramaniam said: “Shell has chosen to use our shipping services for many years and…

Mitsubishi to Acquire 25% Take in Bangladesh LNG Terminal

Japan’s Mitsubishi Corp has agreed to take a 25% interest in Summit's Bangladesh LNG import terminal project - which will be the country's second such terminal.The other 75% of the Summit LNG terminal will remain with Summit Corp.Mitsubishi is planning to help in the development of an offshore receiving facility in the country. It will also develop a liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal that uses a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) in Bangladesh.Under the project…

Diana Shipping TC Contract for M/V Coronis

Diana Shipping announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with CJ International Italy Societa Per Azioni for one of its Panamax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Coronis, for a period of minimum 12 months to maximum 15 months.The global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels said that the gross charter rate is US$8,300 per day for the first sixty (60) days of the charter period and US$11,300 per day for the balance period of the time charter…

Roll Group Awarded Contract for Shipment of Three Boilers

Roll Group has been awarded a contract by Fagioli and Macchi for the transportation of three large boilers for the Gulf Coast Growth Ventures project. Presently the voyage from Porto Marghera (Italy) to Corpus Christi (USA) is scheduled to take place between August and September 2019. Each of the three boilers weigh in excess of 1000 metric tons.The dimensions of the boilers to be transported in 2019 are all identical with a length of 30.30m, a width of 16.40m and a height of 22.70m.

Yang Ming Orders Ten 2,800 TEU Containerships

Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp. (Yang Ming) signed a contract with CSBC CORPORATION, TAIWAN (CSBC) for the construction of a total of ten 2,800 TEU class full container vessels. The contract was signed by Yang Ming’s Chairman Bronson Hsieh and CSBC’s Chairman Cheng Wen-Lon.The new ships are due for delivery starting in the second quarter of 2020 and will help to meet the future demand for medium and long-term vessel deployments, and improve competitiveness, Yang Ming said.In the meantime…

Konecranes to Deliver RTGs to Slovenia

The Port of Koper operator in Slovenia, Luka Koper d.d., has ordered five electric Konecranes RTG cranes. The cranes will be equipped with cable reels featuring an auto plug-in system.They will be delivered in the summer of 2019. The contract was signed in June and the order was booked in Q2 2018.Luka Koper’s new Konecranes RTGs will offer important environmental benefits thanks to their electric operation: regenerative power feedback to the local grid, ambient lighting with LED lights and low noise.The cranes will also have driver-assistance features that boost productivity: Auto-steering…

Genco Shipping & Trading Adds Two Vessels to its Fleet

Genco Shipping & Trading  announced that it has taken delivery of the Genco Endeavour and the Genco Resolute, both of which are 2015-built 180,000 dwt Capesize vessels.The Genco Endeavour and the Genco Resolute are the second and third of six vessels to be delivered to Genco as part of its recent agreements to acquire six high specification, fuel efficient Capesize and Ultramax vessels, which, together with the recent or expected sale of three older vessels, are expected to reduce…

Intermarine UK Investment Boosts Portland Port Activities

UK-based Portland Port leverages new fabrication and welding facility to win a bigger share of ship repair, refit, conversion and shipbuilding markets.Polish-owned maritime engineering company Intermarine UK has unveiled major growth plans after investing a six-figure sum in a new 2,400 square meter (26,000 sq ft) fabrication and welding facility at Portland Port in Dorset, UK. The move will create up to 60 new jobs in the area over the next two years. Along the way, the company has signed a 20-year lease and moved its UK head office from Bridgend to Portland Port…

Danaos Corporation Slashes Debt

Danaos Corporation, a leading international owner of containerships, has announced the consummation of its previously announced debt refinancing , significantly strengthening the Company's capital structure and reducing its outstanding debt by approximately USD 551 million.The debt refinancing strengthens the Company's financial position through the significant debt reduction, reset financial and certain other credit facility covenants, modified interest rates and amortization profiles and the extension of existing debt maturities by approximately five years to December 31, 2023.

Ampelmann Wins North Sea Contracts

Ampelmann has strengthened its position in the North Sea this year after being awarded four new contracts and two extended scopes of work in the basin.The projects will see six E-type gangway systems deployed for planned shutdown campaigns and ongoing fabric maintenance support by different major operators across the UKCS.Utilising motion compensation technology, Ampelmann’s E-type is the largest system in the company’s portfolio and is ideally suited for the harsh environment of the North Sea…

Diana Shipping, Hudson Shipping Lines Pact for Time Charter

Diana Shipping announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has agreed to extend the present time charter contract with Hudson Shipping Lines Incorporated for one of its Panamax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Protefs.The global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels said that the gross charter rate is US$11,000 per day, minus a 3.75% commission paid to third parties, for a period of about 12 months to maximum 15 months.The new charter period will commence on September 19, 2018.

From Desert to Delaware

Gulftainer strives for top six in terminals.Sharjah is a glimmering city-state carved from the desert, the third largest emirate in the United Arab Emirates and the only one to have land on both the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. And soon, within weeks, a company based in Sharjah could control one of the most strategically located marine ports in the United States. Gulftainer through its subsidiary GT USA, Wilmington has inked a deal with the State of Delaware, USA, which would grant GT USA…

Sovcomflot's Pskov Loads First Cargo from Yamal LNG

The liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier Pskov completed loading at the Port of Sabetta (YNAD), with the first cargo of LNG produced from the second high-tech production line at the Yamal LNG plant.August 08 marked the launch of the second production train at Yamal LNG, which happened six months ahead of schedule.Pskov is a state-of-the-art Atlanticmax LNG carrier with a cargo capacity of 170,000 cubic metres. She was built to order for Sovcomflot Group in 2014, to transport LNG under a long-term time charter agreement with Gazprom.

WFW Advises CMBFL on Sale, Leaseback of 15 Dry Bulker

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has advised CMB Financial Leasing (CMBFL) on a US$180.4m sale and leaseback transaction with Star Bulk Carriers Corp, a Nasdaq-listed global shipping company providing worldwide seaborne transportation of dry bulk cargoes.The funds obtained by Star Bulk under this new five-year capital lease of US$180.4m entered into with CMBFL were used to part-finance the cash portion of the consideration with regards to Star Bulk’s acquisition of 15 dry bulk vessels from Norwegian shipowner Songa Bulk ASA.Founded in 2008…

Kalmar and HHLA in Straddle Carrier Pact

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has concluded a deal with Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), the leading European port and transport logistics group, to supply a total of 10 new straddle carriers.This brings the total number of Kalmar straddle carriers ordered by HHLA in the last two years to 30, further demonstrating the strong relationship with Kalmar and the company's commitment to Kalmar equipment. The order was booked in Cargotec's 2018 third quarter order intake, with delivery scheduled to take place in Q1 2019.

Diana Containerships TC Contract for m/v Pamina with HMM

Diana Containerships announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., Ltd., Seoul, for one of its Panamax container vessels, the m/v Pamina.The global shipping company specializing in the ownership of containerships said that the  gross charter rate is US$11,950 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum eight months to maximum 12 months.The charter will commence on August 24, 2018.

Diana Containerships Announces Time Charter

Diana Containerships Inc. announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with Hyundai Merchant Marine Co., Ltd., Seoul, for one of its Panamax container vessels, the m/v Pamina. The Pamina is a 5,042 TEU container vessel built in 2005.The gross charter rate is $11,950 per day, minus a 5 percent commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum eight months to maximum twelve months. The charter will commence on August 24…

HHLA Orders 10 Kalmar Straddle Carriers

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has concluded a deal with Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA), a leading European port and transport logistics group, to supply a total of 10 new straddle carriers. This brings the total number of Kalmar straddle carriers ordered by HHLA in the last two years to 30, further demonstrating the strong relationship with Kalmar and the company's commitment to Kalmar equipment. The order was booked in Cargotec's 2018 third quarter order intake, with delivery scheduled to take place in Q1 2019.

d’Amico International Sells, Leaseback MT High Loyalty

d’Amico International Shipping, an international marine transportation company operating in the product tanker market, announced that its operating subsidiary d’Amico Tankers (Ireland) signed a memorandum of agreement and bareboat charter contract for the sale and leaseback of the MT High Loyalty, a 49,990 dwt medium-range product tanker vessel, built in 2015 by Hyundai-Mipo, South Korea for a consideration of US$ 28.5 million.Thistransaction allows d’Amico Tankersto generate at the Vessel’s delivery around US$ 13.3 million in cash…

MSC Cruises Pact for USD 1.7bln Loan for New Seaside EVO Ships

Cruise liner MSC Cruises has reached an agreement for an EUR 1.5 billion (USD 1.74 billion) financing for two new Seaside EVO class cruise ships.BNP Paribas, Unicredit and Cassa Depositi e Prestiti will provide EUR 1.5bn in financing for two Seaside EVO class passengerships. The financing syndicate of lenders also include SACE SIMEST, the Italian ECA, fully backing the credit line and stabilising the interest rate.The first ship is expected to be delivered in May 2021 and the second in February 2023.

DOF Bags Subsea Contracts

DOF Subsea has been awarded several contracts securing utilisation of personnel and vessels in the Subsea IMR Projects segment. DOF Subsea has been awarded a contract in the Atlantic region by MHI Vestas Offshore Wind for the Skandi Constructor. The contract will commence at the end of Q3 and secures utilisation until the end of 2018. The Asia Pacific region has been awarded several contracts securing ROV and diving work for Skandi Singapore through Q4 2018 for several clients in the Asia Pacific region.A month ago…

McDermott Wins Shell Contract for Gulf of Mexico

McDermott International announced a contract from Shell Exploration and Production Company, a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell (Shell) plc, for subsea umbilical and flowline installation at the Perdido development, located 230 miles south of Galveston, Texas, in the Gulf of Mexico."This award strengthens McDermott's relationship with Shell as we work together to safely and competitively deliver this next-generation deepwater energy project," said Richard Heo, McDermott's Senior Vice President for North, Central and South America.

WFW Advises ING Bank on USD 220mln Nine Vessel Financing

Watson Farley & Williams (WFW) has advised ING Bank, London Branch (ING) in connection with a US$87m increase to a US$131m loan facility originally granted to Latsco Shipping Ltd (Latsco) to finance the construction of five new high-spec MR product tankers.The increase has been used to up the number of modern tankers being financed to nine, the last of which was financed in May 2018.This now takes Latsco to a fleet of 27 vessels, a significant increase over the past three years since it agreed the original loan facility with ING in 2015.

Arcadia Shipmangement Signs ABS Advanced Solutions EAM Agreement

Arcadia Shipmanagement Co. Ltd. selected ABS Advanced Solutions to implement an Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Program to further enhance the reliability of its fleet of 15 tankers.The Advanced Solutions EAM program is designed to aid owners and operators with managing physical assets from design to decommissioning to optimize use, reduce costs, and improve vessel reliability and efficiency.According to ABS, the program addresses core elements established over more than a decade of experience: asset lifecycle management strategy…

Braemar Shipping Services Adds New LNGC 'LNG Schneeweisschen'

Braemar Shipping Services announced the successful delivery of the 180,000m3 Liquid Natural Gas Carrier (LNGC) called “LNG Schneeweisschen” from Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), South Korea, as part of the ongoing LNGC newbuilding project between Uniper Global Commodities SE (Uniper) and Braemar.The international provider of broking, financial, consultancy, technical and logistics services to the shipping, marine, energy, offshore and insurance industries said that the vessel has been built for Japan based owners…

Scorpio Bulkers Gets New Build Financing form Nordic Banks

Scorpio Bulkers announced that it has received a commitment from Nordea AB (publ), acting through its New York branch, and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (publ) for a loan facility of up to $184.0 million.The loan facility will be used to finance up to 60% of the fair market value of six Ultramax dry bulk vessels (SBI Athena, SBI Thalia, SBI Zeus, SBI Hera, SBI Poseidon and SBI Apollo) and six Kamsarmax dry bulk vessels (SBI Conga, SBI Bolero, SBI Sousta, SBI Rock, SBI Reggae and SBI Mazurka).The loan facility…

Kalmar Fleet Solution for Australian Container Freight Services

Kalmar, part of Cargotec, has won an order to provide Kalmar Fleet Solution of mobile equipment to Australian Container Freight Services (ACFS) operations in Adelaide, Fremantle and Melbourne.This order, comprising a total of three units of DCG100 Empty Container Handlers and two units of DRG450- Reachstackers, has been booked into Cargotec 2018 Q2 order intake.ACFS is the largest privately owned Container Logistics operator in Australia. With extensive knowledge and experience across the warehousing, transport and freight logistic sectors.

UASC Sues World Fuel Services

Dubai-based shipowner United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) has filed suit against Miami-based marine fuels provider World Fuels Services (WFS) seeking relief from damages incurred through the bunkering of off-spec fuel oil in 2016, reports Arabian Industry.UASC is seeking relief from damages incurred through the bunkering of the off-spec fuel oil, according to the suit filed in the US District Court for the Southern District of Florida on 27 June, 2018.The Middle East shipping giant claims that on or about 21 September 2016…

Höegh LNG Secures Debt Financing for 9th FSRU

Norway's floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) giant Höegh LNG said it has secured a USD 177 million debt financing for its FSRU delivery unit number 9. The FSRU is scheduled to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2018. The facility comprises a 12-year tranche of USD 132 million guaranteed by K-SURE (South Korean export credit agency) and a five-year non-amortising commercial bank tranche of USD 45 million. A combination of existing and new lenders are participating…

Teekay Offshore Orders two LNG-fueled Aframax at Samsung Heavy Industries

Teekay Offshore GP entered into shipbuilding contracts to construct two LNG-fueled Aframax DP2 shuttle tanker newbuildings from Samsung Heavy Industries for delivery in late-2020 and early-2021, bringing the Partnership’s orderbook to six shuttle tankers.These newbuildings will be constructed based on Teekay Offshore’s New Shuttle Spirit design which incorporates proven technologies to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, including LNG propulsion technology.Upon expected delivery in late-2020 through early-2021…

DNV GL Secures Shell Penguins Contract

DNV GL has won a cross-service contract to support Shell's Penguins Field redevelopment on the UK Continental Shelf.The contract with Shell involves a team which will deliver an integrated verification and class project for the operator's Penguins floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel.DNV GL is providing integrated Verification and Class services to the project. This will be led by a team in UK Oil & Gas, collaborating with the DNV GL Offshore Class unit in Norway and the DNV GL yard team in China and the Philippines.Justin Fletcher…

London Court Rules DP World Djibouti Contract "valid and binding"

Dubai's government said on Thursday the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) has ruled DP World's port container terminal contract in Djibouti was valid and binding.The government of Djibouti seized the Doraleh Container Terminal from DP World in February over a dispute dating back to at least 2012. Dubai government-controlled DP World has called the seizure illegal."The LCIA Tribunal has ruled that Doraleh Container Terminal's Concession Agreement 'remains valid and binding ...'" Dubai's government media office said in a statement, which did not state when the ruling was made.

FSL Trust Pact with Heidmar’s Sigma Pool for Two Vessels

Singapore-based FSL Trust Management (FSLTM), as trustee-manager of First Ship Lease Trust  announced a new pool agreement for the two LR2 vessels, 2006 built and each 109,672 DWT, FSL Piraeus (ex-Torm Margrethe) and FSL Perth (ex-Torm Marie), which have recently returned from their bareboat charters and have now been renamed.The Trust has established a new business relationship with Heidmar as these vessels enter into the Sigma Pool.Heidmar Inc, founded in 1984, is one of the world’s leading commercial tanker operators with a fleet of approximately 80 ships…

Hafnia Tankers in Leaseback Deal with Sole Shipping Fund

Denmark's Hafnia Tankers has completed two sale and leaseback transactions with a Sole Shipping fund."Hafnia Tankers has successfully completed two sale and leaseback transactions with Skaatholmen Shipping Ltd, a company owned by Sole Shipping Special Opportunities Fund II of its 2010 built LR1 tankers, Hafnia Asia and Hafnia Arctic," said a press release from the company.The vessels have been sold to Skaatholmen Shipping with a seven-year bareboat charter back with annual purchase…

Cruise Industry Embraces Transcritical CO2 Technology

International technology group GEA signed a contract for its new transcritical CO2 industrial refrigeration technology, with P&O Cruises, part of Carnival Corporation & PLC.The green refrigeration technology has already been installed on board P&O Cruises 2,000-passenger ship Arcadia, where it will deliver the energy-efficient cooling supply for all of the ship’s food and beverage refrigeration units. Discussions between GEA and P&O Cruises are ongoing with a view to rolling out the state-of-the-art transcritical CO2 refrigeration plants to additional cruise ships in the existing fleet…

Port of Duqm Signs Land Lease Agreement with Petrojet

Port of Duqm Company SAOC, a 50:50 joint venture between the Omani Government and the Consortium Antwerp Port (CAP) under its subsidiary called Duqm Industrial Land Company (DILC), has signed a 25 years usufruct land lease agreement for a 50,000 sqm. plot with The Petroleum Projects & Technical Consultations CO. (PETROJET ).Port of Duqm Company (PDC) is fast becoming an important reality of the Middle East region’s rapidly transforming maritime landscape. PDC also holds under…

Diana Shipping Signs TC Contract for M/V Seattle with Koch

Diana Shipping announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with Koch Shipping Pte. Ltd., Singapore, for one of its Capesize dry bulk vessels, the m/v Seattle.The global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels said that the gross charter rate is US$24,000 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum four months to maximum six months.The m/v Seattle was chartered…

Shell Hires Velesto Energy for Malaysia Drilling

Velesto Energy was awarded a RM 101 million (USD 25 million) contract from Sarawak Shell Bhd (SSB) and Sabah Shell Petroleum Company Ltd (SSPC) for the provision of jack up drilling rig services.Velesto Energy was formerly known as UMW Oil & Gas Corp  and a wholly owned subsidiary Velesto Drilling Sdn Bhd (VED). SSB/SSPC are subsidiaries of Royal Dutch Shell Plc.Velesto said it would deploy the Naga 7 jack-up rig for the contract, with the start date to be between August 1, 2018, and  September 30, 2018.The Naga 7, designed by Gusto MSC, was built in China in 2015.

Liebherr Bags Order to Deliver Heavy Lift Crane

Switzerland based Liebherr Group together with the Norwegian companies OHT, Ulstein Design & Solution BV, DNV-GL as well as Chinese shipyard CMHI are working to manufacture a unique vessel for applications in the wind energy sector, decommissioning, the installation of offshore platforms and for heavy-duty transports. CMHI, a well known manufacturer of offshore equipment and large vessels, is going to build the 216.3 meter long ship at its dockyard in Haimen on behalf of the heavy transport vessel operator, OHT.

VTS Vasiliko Terminal Services Orders ASD Tug

On July 24, Damen Shipyards Group signed a contract with Cyprus-based VTS Vasiliko Terminal Services, the supplier of marine services to the Port of Vasiliko and the VTTV Oil Terminal Jetty, for a Damen ASD Tug 2310.Attending the contract signing event was Cyprus’ Minister of Transport Ms. Vassiliki Anastassiadou, who congratulated VTS Vasiliko Terminal Services on its high standard of service, which concurrently enhances Cyprus’ image in the marine services sector.The new ASD Tug 2310…

Wison Bags FEED Contract for FLNG Project from Western LNG

Wison Offshore & Marine and Western LNG signed a technical service agreement (TSA) for the new floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) project that Western is developing in British Columbia, Canada.Pursuant to the TSA, Wison will develop the basis of design (BOD) and carry out front-end engineering design (FEED) for the proposed FLNG to be sited at the proposed facility.Western has also agreed to the appointment of Wison as the EPC service provider for the floating liquefaction plant upon project FID.Under the terms of the TSA…