Grimaldi Christens Grande New York

The Grande New York, part of the new fleet of the Grimaldi Group, was christened in the Port of NY-NJ at Port Newark Auto Marine Terminal (FAPS). Godmother was Amanda Matilda Cuomo Cole, granddaughter of former late NY Governor, Mario Cuomo and niece of current NY Governor Andrew Cuomo. Father Peter Haldás of St. John Paul II blessed the ship during a short ceremony to a distinguished delegation composed of maritime authorities, customers, port operators and managers of Grimaldi Group and daughter company Atlantic Container Line.

ExxonMobil Rolls Out New Hydraulic Oils

ExxonMobil said its new Mobil SHC Aware HS (Hydraulic System) Series hydraulic oils are specially formulated to offer excellent protection, even in marine operating environments. The oils meet the U.S. Vessel General Permit (VGP) requirements for Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants, making them suited for operators in U.S. inland and coastal waters.According to ExxonMobil , the new oils’ balanced formulation helps to offer a range of performance benefits, including protection across a wide temperature range…

Vopak to Invest in Rotterdam Terminal

Vopak Rotterdam Botlek is investing in 63.000 cbm state-of-the-art stainless steel capacity (15 tanks) for the storage of Styrene and other hazardous chemicals. Styrene is a vital product used in manufacturing of a wide variety of consumer goods serving markets such as packaging, construction (for example isolation) and automotive. The new infrastructure will be fully insulated to allow for product temperature control and is designed to prevent any emissions to the environment.

IMarEST CEO David Loosley Appointed to Government Maritime Panel

Working in partnership with industry, the government aims to challenge the sector to think about what it will look like in 2050. This vision will reinforce the development of Maritime 2050, a long-term strategy by the end of 2018 that emphasises the opportunities for the UK maritime sector. The expert panel will offer advice and look strategically at the issues that will be of critical importance to the maritime industry, and all the industries it sustains, up to 2050. David leads the Institute…

U.S. Coast Guard Honors Foss Exec Johnson

The U.S. Coast Guard awarded Grant Johnson, Foss Maritime's Vice President for Health, Safety, Quality and Environment (HSQE), with a Meritorious Public Service Award in recognition of his achievements as a member and Vice Chair of the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee. The award is the Coast Guard’s second highest service award, and was presented at a meeting of the National Offshore Safety Advisory Committee on March 28, in New Orleans. Johnson joined the committee in 2011 and has served as Vice Chair for the last five years.

IACS Chairman Unveils Future Vision

Quality, modernisation and transparency have been the three fundamental themes of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) during DNV GL’s Chairmanship, and this approach is widely reflected in IACS’ 2017 Annual Review which was presented in London today by IACS Chairman Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen. Looking back at IACS’ development and successes over the past year, Mr Ørbeck-Nilssen said that during these dynamic times, both IACS and its twelve Member societies need to act as a guide for the shipping industry, identifying the path for others to follow.

Concordia Maritime, Swedish Institute to Measure Microplastics in the Oceans

Together with the Swedish Institute for the Marine Environment, Concordia Maritime initiated a preliminary study to determine the feasibility of gathering important information on the volume of micoplastics in the oceans. By installing a collection device on a tanker, water samples can be collected while it is under way for subsequent analysis by researchers. The aim is to draw conclusions as to the extent, distribution of microplastics and potential consequences for living organisms.

NYK Green Bonds Issue a Global Shipping First

NYK will publicly offer Green Bonds (Unsecured Corporate Bonds No.40) within the Japanese domestic market in May, becoming the world’s first company to issue labelled Green Bonds in global shipping business sector. A green bond is one in which the proceeds are used solely for the purpose of funding environment-friendly projects. NYK’s new medium-term management plan “Staying Ahead 2022 with Digitalization and Green” positions the company to integrate environmental, social, and…

Thompson takes over from Founder Heavey, Tullow Oil

Tullow Oil plc (Tullow) announced the appointment of Dorothy Thompson as independent non-executive Director and Chair-designate of Tullow with effect from the conclusion of the Group’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 25 April 2018. It is anticipated Thompson will succeed Aidan Heavey, Tullow’s current Chairman and Founder, as Chair at the conclusion of the Board meeting scheduled for 20 July 2018. Aidan will retire from the Board at the same time. Thompson (57) brings extensive experience to Tullow having served for 12 years as CEO of Drax Group plc…

BIMCO applauds IMO for setting emission target

"The IMO has done something no one has done before: set an absolute target for emission reductions for an entire industry. It is a landmark achievement in the effort to reduce emissions, and something that every other industry should look to for inspiration," says Lars Robert Pedersen, BIMCO Deputy Secretary General and delegate at the IMO meeting. BIMCO is very satisfied with the Green House Gas (GHG) strategy adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) at the Marine Environment Protection Committee on April 13.

Stena Drillship First to Receive DNV GL MPD Class Notation

DNV GL has revised its classification rules for Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) systems and introduced two new class notations DRILL(MPD) and DRILL(MPD READY). Stena Drilling Ltd. (SDL) is the first drilling contractor to receive the notation Drill(MPD) for their harsh environment drillship Stena Carron. Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) is an adaptive drilling process that allows greater control of the annular pressure profile throughout the wellbore. This can help operators drill new wells safely and more efficiently and in some cases to drill previously undrillable wells.

Autonomous Container Truck Makes a Debut in Zhuhai Port, China

Westwell recently developed a driverless container truck, introduced in China's Zhuhai Port, in January. Adopting the latest artificial intelligence applications, it is a self-driving vehicle in a port environment. Artificial intelligence is changing the world of container shipping. It is estimated that there are over a thousand overseas container terminals and that many of these call for cutting-edge technology, such as driverless vehicles, more than automation. Westwell's driverless…

IMO Reaches Deal to Cut CO2 Emissions

The United Nations shipping agency reached an agreement on Friday to cut carbon emissions, following years of slow progress. The compromise plan, which will cut emissions by at least 50 percent by 2050 compared with 2008 levels, fell short of more ambitious targets. Kitack Lim, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), said the adoption of the strategy "would allow future IMO work on climate change to be rooted in a solid basis". The IMO said it would also be pursuing efforts towards phasing out CO2 emissions entirely.

Monjasa Group Improves Results

Danish bunker and tanker group Monjasa Group improved profitability in our operations and we continued making progress in optimising operational expenditures in 2017. Together, this led to a financial turnaround compared to an unsatisfactory 2016. Monjasa Group's annual report for 2017 displays growth in revenue to USD 1.4bn (USD 1.2bn) primarily caused by a 19% increase in oil prices. The Group delivered EBIT of USD 7m (-17m) and a net profit of USD 7m (USD -26m), which is in line with management expectations.

Shell, AET Deal for LNG Aframaxes

Malaysian-owned global shipping company specialising in the ocean transport of crude oil and refined products  AET Tankers and Shell International Trading and Shipping Company  formalised arrangements for the long-term charter of AET’s two newbuild liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuelled Aframax tankers. AET’s two 113,000 dwt vessels are currently being built by Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea and are due for delivery from Q3 of 2018. The arrangements will see Shell take both vessels on a long-term charter commencing in Q4 of this year.

Real-world Training in Environmental Compliance

In order to provide cadets with hands-on environmental compliance training with the latest technology, State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College will install a digital environmental compliance tool aboard the Training Ship Empire State (T/S Empire State) for Summer Sea Term 2018.Ocean Guardian is a digitization tool developed by Total Marine Solutions to match a vessel’s location to a comprehensive regulatory database of international, national, regional, port and company regulations for discharge streams.

Partners Eye Autonomous Vessel Technology for UK Ports

Peel Ports Group and ASV Global (ASV) have launched a partnership which will develop the use of autonomous vessel technology for U.K. port operations.The partnership kick-started with a visit from ASV’s team to the Port of Liverpool, to demonstrate the C-Cat-3, an autonomous vessel ideal for shallow survey operations.The C-Cat 3 operated in Brocklebank Dock carrying out seabed survey using a Norbit iWBMS multibeam echo sounder.The successful demonstration has led Peel Ports Group…

Port NOLA awarded for leading Clean TRIP program

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) received an Environmental Leadership Award from the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) on April 10, 2018, for the success of its Clean Truck Replacement Incentive Program (Clean TRIP) which used federal and state clean diesel grants to voluntarily improve air quality by replacing old diesel cargo trucks with new, cleaner-burning models. The cost-share program allowed eligible truck owners to receive up to $35,000 or half the cost of a new truck towards the replacement.

IRClass is Authorized RO for Netherlands

Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass) classification society has received authorization as a Recognised Organisation (RO) from Netherlands’ flag administration. The authorization comes just months after IRClass received authorization from Europe’s largest flag Malta in December last year. Netherlands ranks fourth according to performance ranking released by Paris MOU. To date, IRClass has secured authorization from four European flags including Latvia and Bulgaria – all within the past year or so.

DP World Australia Extends Partnership with CMA CGM

DP World Australia announced the signing of a long-term partnership extension regarding service of CMA CGM Group vessels by DP World Australia at its terminals in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle. This partnership extension brings two market leaders of the Australian port logistics sector closer together. CMA CGM Group’s high-quality shipping services, which include ANL and APL, will leverage DP World Australia’s container terminal and intermodal footprint. DP World Australia’s CEO and Managing Director…

HMM to Order 20 Mega Containerships

South Korea’s largest shipping line Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) announced it will order 20 new containerships, including eight 14,000 TEU vessels and 12 ships above 20,000 TEU. The announcement comes less than a week after the South Korean government unveiled its Five-year Plan for Rebuilding Korean Shipping. HMM said it has sent a request for proposal (RFP) to eligible shipbuilders. Once a builder is selected, HMM will decide between scrubbers or liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering in order to comply with the environmental regulations due to enter force in 2020.

KR Releases KR-CON V16

Classification society Korean Register (KR) announced that it has released the 16th version of its KR-CON software. First launched in 1997, the software program set out to help surveyors, shipbuilders and PSC officers to search for IMO instruments more accurately, quickly and conveniently. The original database program provided all IMO conventions, codes, resolutions and circulars in a CD-ROM format. Since then, KR-CON has been revised and updated 15 times and is now available in English, Korean and Chinese and is accessed on USB, via the web and a mobile application.

Furetank Fleet Adds LNG-fuelled Fure Vinga

Swedish shipping company Furetank Rederi AB, a part of the Gothia Tanker Alliance, has taken delivery of its latest vessel, Fure Vinga, the first in a series of six 17.999 DWT product tankers with LNG operation. "We welcome Fure Vinga to our alliance! We wish the ship and her crew fair winds and good fortune!," said Gothia Tanker Alliance in a Twitter message. The vessel has been transferred to Furetank following successful sea trials and started its trip from the shipyard of Avic Dingheng Shipbuilding in China, sailing to Europe.

Oceanographic Icebreaker Kronprins Haakon Delivered

A new icebreaking research vessel built for the Norwegian governmental body for oceanographic research and fishing, was delivered this week in Norway. After the building process was completed at Fincantieri’s Integrated shipyard of Riva Trigoso and Muggiano in Italy, the new vessel, named Kronprins Haakon, sailed to the Vard Langsten shipyard in Norway for final tests and preparation for delivery to the Institute of Marine Research (IMR). The 9,000-gross-ton icebreaker is more than 100 meters long, 21 wide and can reach speeds up to 15 knots.

Crowley Logistics Expands Miami Ops

Crowley Logistics opened its newly expanded Medley warehouse in Miami this week to provide more seamless and efficient supply chain services to South Florida customers. The project, which began in November 2017, consolidates the company’s Medley and Doral facilities into the Medley warehouse (10205 NW 108th Ave.), after adding 60,000 square feet to the location. Now at 180,000 square feet, the warehouse has double the previous number of receiving doors, and features over 5,000 pallet rack positions and 95 container parking spots along with an improved…

SUNY Maritime to Honor Capt. Robert Johnston

Capt. Robert Johnston ’69 will be awarded an honorary doctoral degree from the State University of New York at SUNY Maritime College’s May commencement ceremony. Johnston will receive the degree and give the commencement speech, addressing the class of 2018 and offering them advice and wisdom as they begin their careers and the next chapter of their lives. “Capt. Johnston is widely respected for his business acumen and comprehensive understanding of the maritime industry,” said Rear Adm. Michael Alfultis, president of SUNY Maritime. “In addition to his contribution to our industry, Capt.

Abu Dhabi Ports, EGA Open Freight Station at Khalifa Port

Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA), the largest industrial company in the United Arab Emirates outside oil and gas, and Abu Dhabi Ports have opened a facility which will reduce trucking of EGA’s aluminium within Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD) by over 290,000 kilometres per year, reducing costs and environmental emissions. The new container freight station will be used to load metal into containers for transfer onto ships for export. It has been purpose built by Abu Dhabi…

Boreas Maritime Names Bounin Operations Director

Netherlands based full-service crewing agency Boreas Maritime has appointed Pascal Bounin as Operations Director as the company ramps up for projected growth from 2018 and beyond. In addition, Eric Nijman has been named Senior Account Manager. Both men joined the company April 1, 2018 and bring professional experience in the crewing industry to their roles at Boreas Maritime. “There couldn’t be a better time for Boreas Maritime to add both Bounin and Nijman to the team, and I’m excited to welcome such impressive talent.

Ecosystem based Adaptation to Climate Change

Building community resilience through ecosystem-based adaptation (EbA) is a new application of BMT’s climate change capabilities. In the Pacific, climate change resilience and adaptation is increasingly being considered in the context of EbA, which concentrates on ecosystem services in adapting to the adverse effects of climate change. This contrasts with the infrastructure or property emphasis of traditional climate change adaptation assessments, and is particularly pertinent to Pacific Islands where communities rely heavily on their local natural resources.

CARENA Acquires New Dock

The Compagnie Abidjanaise de Réparation Navale et de maintenance industrielle (CARENA), subsidiary of the Bolloré Group and the SOFIA Group, just acquired a 3rd dock, enhancing the operational capacity of West Africa’s biggest shipyard. With this new dock, CARENA is increasing its hosting capacity by over 40 %. With this 175-metre-long and 26-metre-wide piece of equipment – a nearly 5 billion CFA Franc investment – CARENA’s teams now have more space to accommodate larger ships and receive new clients.

New Crane for OCHA Training Center

The Belgium port worker training center OCHA recently received a new Liebherr mobile harbor crane type LHM 120. The machine will be used for practice-based trainings of crane operators. Located in the heart of the Port of Antwerp OCHA offers various trainings for port workers. OCHA specializes in practical crane training. Crane operators can train their driving skills in a realistic environment and get down to business with state-of-the-art material. OCHA belongs to CEPA, a cooperative organization of private port operators.

NYK: Staying Ahead with Digitalization, Green

Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha ( NYK ) announced that NYK has formulated the new medium-term management plan “Staying Ahead 2022 with Digitalization and Green”. The new medium-term management plan states NYK’s corporate vision and management approach over the next five years from April 2018, which are designed to achieve sustainable growth by expeditiously adapting to thealtering business environment. The business environment surrounding NYK group is increasing its uncertainty as a consequence of today’s volatile shipping market condition…

Supporting Women in Transport EU Platform for change

On behalf of the British Ports Association (BPA), Shoreham Port attended the first meeting of The European Sea Ports Organization (ESPO) European HR network today. The meeting took place at ESPO in Brussels and brought together HR professionals of European ports that had travelled far and wide in order to exchange experience, best practice and share current concerns. The European network has been established following a European Commission initiative that was introduced at the end of 2017, to set up a high-level network ‘Women in Transport – EU platform for change’.

Marcura Names Bell Data Protection Officer

The Marcura Group, a Dubai-based group of companies focused on providing business solutions to the maritime industry, today announced the appointment of TenIntelligence Limited's Richard Bell as its external Data Protection Officer (DPO). The appointment follows the recent hiring of Peter Meyer as a Data Protection Specialist working under the Group's Legal & Compliance Department. According to Marcura, the appointments are aimed at strengthening the group's ability to comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and similar international data protection regulations…

Hapag-Lloyd to Unveil Plan for 2020 Fuel Regs in 2018

German shipping company Hapag-Lloyd plans to give details within three to six months on compliance with tighter shipping fuel regulations that will kick in from 2020, its chief executive Rolf Habben Jansen said on Wednesday. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has ruled that heavily polluting high sulphur fuel will be banned for parts of the global industry from that date. Habben Jansen told an investor and analyst call there were three options to cut emissions - more expensive low sulphur fuel, so-called scrubbing or using liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Hapag-Lloyd Announces Surprise Dividend After Earnings Double

Container shipping line Hapag-Lloyd announced a surprise dividend to shareholders on Wednesday and forecast a rise in annual earnings this year thanks to synergies from its merger with Gulf peer UASC. Hapag-Lloyd merged with UASC last year, becoming the world's No. 5 container shipper after overcapacity, price wars and freight rates far below break-even levels fanned industry consolidation. The German group said it would pay its shareholders 0.57 euro per share for 2017 - its…

IUMI Cautions about Global Marine Insurance

Against the backdrop of encouraging global economic growth and an improved outlook for the shipping industry, the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) gives expert opinion on the current state of the hull, cargo and offshore energy insurance markets at its Spring Conference in Hamburg. The past three years has seen the frequency of total losses within the global fleet stabilise at 0.13% by number (0.05% by tonnage). This is largely attributable to an improved safety climate, improvements in naval architecture and marine engineering; and more effective regulation.

Cloud MRV Collects Data for IMO-DCS Regulation

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has introduced a mandatory Data Collection System (DCS) for international shipping, which requires ships above 5,000 gross tonnage to start collecting and reporting fuel consumption and CO2 data to an IMO database from 2019. To help companies comply with the new regulation, German software provider Hanseaticsoft has updated its Cloud MRV module to allow companies to capture and report the data required for IMO-DCS in the same place.

Ardent, Vernicos, EPE Partner

Ardent, Vernicos Tugs and Salvage, a Greek-based tug & salvage service provider and Environmental Protection Engineering (EPE) a Greek-based Oil Spill Response provider, have formally partnered for future operations within Eastern Mediterranean and the adjacent waters. The three companies signed a cooperation agreement on 20th March 2018 to closely work together on future opportunities and at the same time retain their own corporate identities. Ardent, announces the formation of a partnership with Vernicos Tugs and Environmental Protection Engineering S.A. (EPE).

Rotterdam Authority Invests in Port Railway Line

The Port of Rotterdam Authority has awarded consortium SaVe the contract to construct the substructure for the Theemsweg route. The re-routing of part of the Port railway line will result in the increased freight train traffic no longer being hindered by shipping traffic. This will improve the railway connection between the western port area and the hinterland. The SaVe consortium comprises construction companies Besix, Mobilis, Dura Vermeer, Hollandia and Iemants. The contract comprises the construction of a raised railway viaduct of four kilometres in length…

Global Ports Collaborate on Clean Air Solutions

Participants from ports around the Pacific Rim, Asia, the Americas, and Europe gathered in Los Angeles this week to discuss innovations and best practices for reducing emissions from port-related operations. The two-day Pacific Ports Clean Air Collaborative conference was hosted by the Port of Los Angeles in collaboration with the Commission for Environmental Cooperation and the US-China Green Ports and Vessels Initiative. The conference included representatives from shipping and cruise lines, terminal operators, regulatory agencies, trucking and logistic companies, and universities.

Cepsa Debuts South Europe's First Multi-product LNG Supply Vessel

Cepsa presented in the Port of Huelva the first multi-product marine fuel supply vessel in southern Europe. The vessel, based in the port of Huelva, will provide ship to ship Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), in addition to traditional fuels: fuel oils and diesel. State-of-the-art technology has been used in its construction including a new fuel measurement system, based on Mass Flow Meters technology, which guarantees the accuracy in the supply of fuel to vessels. The new multipurpose vessel (OIZMENDI)…

ZIM Turns Around, Posts Profit for 2017

The biggest cargo shipping company in Israel ZIM Integrated Shipping Services (ZIM) has posted adjusted net profit of $50 million in 2017, compared to adjusted net loss of $150 million in 2016. The net Profit was $11 million, compared to net loss of $163 million in the comparable period of 2016. It has recorded a total revenues were $2.99 billion in 2017, compared to $2.54 billion in 2016, registering a 17% increase. During 2016-2017, the container shipping industry went through…

British Ports Association Calls for ‘Frictionless’ Brexit

The British Ports Association has published a new strategic report - ‘A Brexit Dividend’, which calls on the UK Government to deliver on the Prime Minister’s pledge of ‘frictionless’ trade after Brexit. Following Monday's (March 19) agreement between UK and EU negotiators on the terms of a transition deal and ahead of the EU Council meeting later this week, the British Ports Association has published ‘A Brexit Dividend’. Ports are calling for a pragmatic deal with the EU on both…

Mariners Warned of Strong Storm in US Northeast

The U.S. Coast Guard is warning mariners and the public Tuesday to exercise caution along the coasts of Rhode Island and Massachusetts Wednesday into Thursday as a strong winter storm is forecast in the area. Conditions are expected to deteriorate Wednesday night, with hazardous wind and sea conditions throughout Southern New England waters. Operation for any craft in the maritime environment will be dangerous, as there is high marine impact expected with 50 knot wind gusts and 20+ foot seas Wednesday into Thursday.

Deadline Looms for Lifeboat Hook Replacement

Norsafe, global Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) manufacturer, has advised the industry that it needs to ensure that all ships’ on-load LSA release mechanisms comply with SOLAS Resolution MSC.317(89) by 1st July 2019. In some instances, this may mean that a lifeboat’s release and retrieval system needs to be modified or replaced on or before that date, normally at the next scheduled dry-docking, as only hooks certified and tested in compliance with the aforementioned SOLAS resolution and named in the IMO GISIS database will be allowed on any lifeboat with onload hooks.

CNCo, SPREP Ink Recycling MOU for Pacific Islands

The China Navigation Company (CNCo) and the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment (SPREP) have today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to address critical waste management issues in the Pacific islands. Known as the “Moana Taka Partnership”, this MOU allows for CNCo vessels to carry containers of recyclable waste from eligible Pacific island ports, pro bono, to be sustainably treated and recycled in suitable ports in Asia Pacific. “This historic partnership will be of great benefit to our Pacific islands…

Keel Laid for National Geographic Polar Ship

Lindblad Expeditions Holdings, Inc., a global provider of expedition cruises and adventure travel experiences, and Ulstein Group, Norwegian shipbuilder and ship designer, celebrated the keel laying of Lindblad’s first polar new build. The keel laying at the CRIST shipyard in Gdynia, Poland, marked a milestone in the construction of the sophisticated expedition ship, and served as the official naming ceremony of the line’s latest addition to the Lindblad-National Geographic fleet.

Kuwait Oil Tanker Signs Financing Deal for 8 Tankers

Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) said on Thursday it had signed a 140 million dinar ($467 million) financing deal with three local banks for eight oil tankers, state news agency KUNA reported. The 10-year financing was obtained from Warba, Ahli United and Kuwait International banks, KUNA said. Earlier, KOTC and South Korean construction firm Hyundai Heavy Industries have co-signed a contract worth USD 213.36 million to build three immense gas tankers, as part of a major KOTC fleet overhaul.

DP World's Earnings Grow 15.1%

Global trade enabler DP World today announces strong financial results for the twelve months ending 31 December 2017. The company delivered earnings in excess of $1 billion and above 50% EBITDA margin for the full year. Revenue grew 13.2% and adjusted EBITDA increased 9.1% with adjusted EBITDA margin of 52.4%, delivering profit attributable to owners of the Company, before separately disclosed items of $1,209 million, up 7.3%, and EPS of 145.6 US cents. On a like-for-like basis…

Port Security Training in Dominican Republic

International Maritime Organization (IMO) maritime security training is underway for port facility security officers, managers and designated authority officials in Santo Domingo City, Dominican Republic (12-16 March). Run by IMO in collaboration with the Dominican Republic Ministry of Defence (Cuerpo Especializado de Seguridad Portuaria), the workshop is training participants on how to perform their duties in line with IMO’s code on International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS Code) and SOLAS Chapter XI-2 (click for details).

Latin America Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre Lanched

The Latin America Maritime Technology Cooperation Centre, part of a global network established under an ambitious International Maritime Organization (IMO)-European Union (EU)  project to further efforts to combat climate change, has been launched in Panama (13 March). The centre, hosted by the Universidad Marítima Internacional de Panamá (UMIP), is one of five such centres established under the GMN project, which is funded by the EU and run by IMO. The centres, in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Pacific regions, act as regional focal points for a wide range of activities.

Ørbeck-Nilssen Sets Out Transformation of IACS at CMA

Speaking at Shipping 2018, the Connecticut Maritime Association’s (CMA) annual conference, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime and IACS Chairman, looked at some of the initiatives taken at the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) that were changing the organization. “It is my duty and honor to encourage the world’s biggest classification societies to pull together to adapt to this rapid pace of change and create a strong foundation for IACS as the leading maritime technical association,” Ørbeck-Nilssen said.

LISCR, NAMEPA, PROSEA Join Forces

The Liberian Registry, the North American Marine Environment Protection Association (NAMEPA), Netherlands-based ProSea Marine Education, and Maritime Training Services (MTS) of Seattle, Washington, have jointly developed a ground-breaking marine environmental awareness training program for seafarers and shoreside staff. The computer-based training program provides a comprehensive overview of the complex and diverse marine environment, explaining how it is impacted by shipboard waste, discharge and spills, and by shipping generally.

UK Ports to Invest $2.36 Bln in Infrastructure

Newly published research shows that U.K. ports and terminals have an estimated £1.7 billion ($2.36 billion) of port infrastructure investment in the development pipeline. The research is part of the British Ports Association’s ‘Port Futures’ program and was undertaken by infrastructure advisory firm Moffatt & Nichol. It captures significant schemes all over the U.K. and highlights how ports in all parts of the U.K. are investing in new facilities to foster growth in the U.K. market.

Navios Maritime Partners to Acquires a 2005 Panamax

Navios Maritime Partners, an owner and operator of drybulk and container vessels, announced today that it agreed to acquire a 2005-built Panamax Vessel for $12.95 million, with delivery expected in March 2018. It also announced that its board of directors has adopted a distribution policy of $0.08 per common unit annually. Angeliki Frangou, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Navios Partners stated, “I am pleased we were able to restore distributions for our unit holders.

Seaspan Shipyards Gets Orders for LNG Vessel Engine Conversions

Seaspan Shipyards demonstrates its capabilities with liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel engine conversions in the wake of a major project milestone. Victoria Shipyards (VSL) was selected by TOTE Maritime Alaska to carry out the yard production work and docking necessary for the conversion of their two TOTE Orca class vessels to dual-fuel systems, a process which is being carried out in four phases and will enable the two ships to use LNG as fuel. The ‘North Star’, the first of the two 839-foot-long roll-on…

Responders Tracking Containers Lost off North Carolina

The U.S. Coast Guard, NOAA and Environmental Protection Agency are monitoring the tracking and assessment of more than six dozen stray cargo containers lost due to high winds and heavy seas about 17 miles off Oregon Inlet, N.C. On Sunday, March 4, the cargo ship Maersk Shanghai alerted watchstanders at Sector North Carolina’s command center that they lost about 70 cargo containers during a heavy roll. Maersk later confirmed the total number of containers lost overboard was 76 as well as their contents. A. P.

Bollinger Announces Promotions

Bollinger Shipyards President and CEO Ben Bordelon announced the promotions of two key leaders. Jerome Eymard has been promoted to the position of Director of Human Resources, and Rachael Battaglia to the position of General Counsel. Jerome Eymard has a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources and a Master of Business Administration from Nicholls State University, and received his Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification in 2012. He joined Bollinger in 1999 and has been an integral component in the HR group’s success.

Frank Coles Delivers Keynote at the Transas Global Conference

You know if Elon Musk was to attend a plenary session of the IMO, he could be forgiven if he thought he was watching a reenactment of the Charles Dickens book Hard Times, with Mr. Gradgrind the Headmaster. What a sad reflection of our industry. Imagine instead! Imagine a world where logistics companies and cargo owners drive ship design, innovation and demand the level of quality in ship management. Where maritime assets are operated in a global ecosystem of tracking, monitoring and safety. Imagine a world where ships are operated in a “ship as a service” or “system of systems” infrastructure.