Ship Management News

Fire Hits PDVSA Tanker at Amuay Bay

A fire swept through the engine room of a tanker owned by Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA on Monday while it was anchored at Amuay Bay near the country's largest refinery, three sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Tuesday.The extent of the damage to the Panama-flagged Aframax tanker Proteo was not immediately clear. But it highlighted the poor state of much of the fleet belonging to PDV Marina, PDVSA's shipping subsidiary, at a time when U.S. sanctions are complicating its ability to lease vessels from third parties.Even before this fire…

ABB’s Digital Solution Helps to Reduce Fuel Costs

ABB secured its first contract for ABB Ability Tekomar XPERT for fleet of 55 vessels with Hamburg based ship manager CPO Containerschiffreederei (CCPO).CCPO offers high quality service to its charter clients and professional ship management for 111 of own and third-party ships. They were an early adopter of the smart engine performance diagnostics software, Tekomar XPERT, during its initial release in 2015. The latest Tekomar XPERT for fleet web application launched in June this…

Seven Vessels Added to CTM's RSA

C Transport Maritime (CTM), the vessel management company in the dry cargo ocean transport industry, announced that four of its current members have added seven more vessels to the Supramax Revenue Sharing Agreement (RSA) in July and August 2019.According to the Monaco-based provider of ship management service, Chandris (Hellas) added the M/V Serene Juniper (57,185 dwt, 2011 built at STX Dalian).D’Amico Group added the M/V Medi Hakata (58,078 dwt, 2014 built at Shin Kurushima)…

Wilhelmsen Bags Stove Shipping Contract

Norway-based Wilhelmsen Ship Management (WSM) announced that we have been selected as the technical manager for the Stove Shipping AS (Stove) vessels, Stove Friend and Stove Tide.The two supramaxes are the newest addition to the Stove fleet built in 2016 by Tsuneishi shipbuilding Co, Ltd. Eastern Bulk Carriers will be the commercial manager of both vessels and technically managed by WSM in Singapore, said a press note from the third-party ship manager with a portfolio of more…

LGL Announces Retirement of Robert G. Wellner

Liberty Global Logistics LLC (LGL) announced today that Robert G. (Bob) Wellner, its current President, will retire effective December 31, 2019. Mr. Wellner is a widely respected industry veteran with more than 46 years of experience in the U.S.-flag shipping and logistics industry and was a key player in the formation and growth of LGL.Mr. Wellner joined forces with Philip J. Shapiro in 2003 which led to the formation of LGL. LGL commenced operations in 2004. Mr. Shapiro had previously formed Liberty Maritime Corporation in 1988…

Crowley Announces Additional Promotions

Crowley Maritime Corp. announced new leaders in its Solutions group to support the continuing focus and growth in its government service offerings. This enhanced alignment will leverage commercial best practices in the transportation, energy and technology sectors to drive innovation and value for customers in the public sector.Chris Goss has been promoted from director to vice president of business development, to lead contract capture and proposals, and expeditionary logistics…

MOL Indonesia Celebrate 25th Anniversary

Japanese shipping major Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) celebrated a major milestone-25 years since the launch of MOL business operations in Indonesia.The carriers of containerized and other cargo said in a press note that it has hosted a party in Jakarta for about 200 attendees, including customers to celebrate 25th anniversary. Among those on hand for the party were Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Masafumi Ishii, and representatives of MOL's business partners.MOL President & CEO Ikeda addressed the gathering…

NYK-Fil Celebrates Its 30th Anniversary

NYK-Fil Ship Management, the provider of qualified Filipino seafarers to international-going vessels of NYK Line, held a ceremony in Manila to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the company’s establishment and the completion of a renovation of the head office.The NYK Group company said in a press release that The ceremony was attended by Yasumi Kudo, NYK senior adviser; J. Roberto C. Delgado, chairman of the Philippine-owned business group  Transnational Diversified Group (TDG);  Josephine J.

Boxship Operators Opt for Navis Loading Computers

Twenty newly built container vessels in the size ranging from feeder segment 2,300 TEU to 15,100 TEU have been selected to be equipped with MACS3.Oakland, CA and Flensburg, Germany—July 2nd, 2019—Navis, the leading provider of maritime software solutions for efficient and compliant cargo and vessel performance, has announced that it has been selected as a partner for liner operator, Yang Ming and ship owner and ship manager ChinaNavigation and Eastern Pacific. Through this partnership…

A Call to Action to Address Seafarer Suicides

Mental health awareness should be made a core component of first aid seafarer training, according to Captain Rajesh Unni, CEO and Founder of leading shipmanager Synergy Group.Speaking last week at a day-long training session designed to further the understanding of mental health at sea, he told delegates in Mumbai, India, that more must be done to understand and alleviate the mental strains of life at sea as the dangers became more apparent.He noted that 5.9% of all deaths at sea were proven suicides.

Yang to the Helm at Singapore Shipping Assoc.

The Council of the Singapore Shipping Association (SSA)—the industry voice of Singapore’s maritime community— made history by nominating the association’s first-ever female President since its founding in 1985.At SSA’s 23rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 26 June 2019, the 2019/2021 Council elected Ms. Caroline Yang, Chief Executive of Hong Lam Marine, as the association’s President. Ms. Yang started her career with Hong Lam Marine as their in-house counsel in 1991, and has more than 25 years’ experience in the shipping industry.As President of SSA, Ms.

Box Ship Rescues 6 in the Gulf of Aden

On June 20, 2019, Ocean Network Express (ONE) operated vessel, NYK EAGLE, was involved in a combined rescue operation involving Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) and regional Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers. NYK EAGLE safely rescued 6 crew members from a sinking coastal vessel in the Eastern Gulf of Aden.NYK EAGLE was navigating the ocean when it received a request from CMF to assist a small sinking coastal vessel, as NYK EAGLE was closest to the affected vessel.

Two Tankers Attacked in Gulf of Oman

Two oil tankers were attacked in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday, leaving one ablaze and both adrift, shipping firms said, driving oil prices as much as 4% higher over worries about Middle East supplies.The Front Altair, carrying petrochemical feedstock, was on fire in waters between Gulf Arab states and Iran after an explosion that a source blamed on a magnetic mine. The Norwegian owner said its crew were safe.A second Japanese-owned tanker was abandoned after being hit by a suspected torpedo, the firm that chartered the ship said.

NorSea Wind Appoints Pedersen CEO

NorSea Wind, part of the Wilhelmsen Ship Management (WSM) Group, has named Anders Peter Pedersen as its new chief executive officer (CEO). Pedersen  has extensive experience from the green energy sector. A lot has happened in the harbor since Anders Peter Pedersen as 17-year-old started his career on his first ship in Esbjerg, but now the circle is in many ways closed for the new CEO of NorSea Wind.He is practically back at the same harbor quay, where he boarded MS Stafford in the fall of 1982, but now it is as captain of NorSea Wind, and the view goes far from the bridge.

Wilhelmsen Acquires 50% of NorSea Wind

Norway-based global maritime industry group Wilhelmsen Ship Management (WSM) has announced the acquisition of a 50% stake of NorSea Wind and it’s subsidiaries to expand its offerings in the the renewable wind energy market.NorSea Wind, founded in 2016 as a subsidiary of  Norsea Group, provides project management and logistics planning throughout all stages for on and offshore wind farm projects.It is the focal element within Norsea Group where it integrates all service offerings for the wind energy segment as it’s go-to-market strategy.

OSM Maritime Launches OSM ON

Ship management company OSM Maritime has launched a portfolio of ‘industry first services’ with the introduction of OSM ON. The new product will be offered to a customer base that not only includes owners, but also insurance companies, financial institutions and brokers. It utilizes the company’s recently opened Maritime Operations Center in Singapore – which digitally connects all vessels under OSM management, and all activities with real-time visibility and transparency – to provide 24/7 response and risk management support services.

MOL Releases 'Fleet Viewer' Application

Japanese marine transport company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced that MOL, Mitsui E&S Shipbuilding, and Weathernews Inc. jointly released "Fleet Viewer," as part I of MOL's "FOCUS" Project intended to enhance the collection and application of ship operation data.Ensuring safe vessel operation, and in turn safeguarding the transport of people and cargo is the foundation of the ocean shipping industry.For the most part, however, maintaining safety and addressing problems onboard have relied on the skills and experience of seafarers on the front lines…

Grool Named CEO at ZEABORN Ship Management

Rob Grool has taken over the leadership of ZEABORN Ship Management from Holger Strack, who has been acting as the company’s interim CEO since the beginning of the year.“With the appointment of Rob Grool, we are very excited to have found an internationally renowned executive for our company’s top management. Rob has an excellent industry network, possesses extensive know-how in all areas of ship management and operations, as well as international expertise and many years of leadership experience. He is renowned for managing clients’ vessels with an owner’s view.

Euronav Taps SQLearn for Training

SQLearn announced its collaboration with tEuronav, providing e-learning courses from its Dolphin Library and Dolphin System for the EURONAV Ship Management Hellas & SAS operating fleet of 52 vessels.SQLearn’s Dolphin Library is consisted of interactive e-learning courses that cover the training needs of the shipping companies. The e- learning courses are based on STCW topics that cover national, international and flag requirements.

Naming Ceremony for New LNG Carrier

On May 14, a naming ceremony was held at the Nagasaki shipyard of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. for a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier that NYK and JERA Co. will jointly own. The ceremony was attended by Satoshi Onoda, president of JERA Co. Inc.; Tadaaki Naito, president of NYK; and a number of related parties.At the ceremony, the ship was named “Bushu Maru” by Mr. Onoda, and the ceremonial rope holding the vessel in place was cut by his wife. The ship derives its name from Musashi province…

Schulte Launches VC Fund for Maritime

Germany’s Schulte Group has launched a venture capital unit - INNOPORT - to identify investment opportunities in the global maritime start-up eco-system.The INNOPORT team, based in Hamburg, Limassol and Singapore, is headed by Yiannis Sykas, Director of Strategy and Product Development at Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM).INNOPORT will support high-potential early-stage maritime and logistics startups predominantly in Europe and Asia, with the flexibility to collaborate with startups from all geographic areas.“At INNOPORT, we want to build bridges and open doors wherever possible.

Saudi Tankers Among Those Hit off UAE Coast

Saudi Arabia said on Monday that two of its oil tankers were among those attacked off the coast of the United Arab Emirates and said it was an attempt to undermine the security of crude supplies amid tensions between the United States and Iran.The UAE said on Sunday that four commercial vessels were sabotaged near Fujairah emirate, one of the world's largest bunkering hubs lying just outside the Strait of Hormuz, but did not describe the nature of the attack or say who was behind it.The UAE had not given the nationalities or other details about the ownership of the four vessels.

Wilhelmsen Reduces Plastic Usage Onboard

Wilhelmsen Ship Management (WSM), a global maritime industry group, headquartered in Lysaker, Norway, is taking measures to reduce plastic waste from its ships enforcing new criteria for its vendors in its selection process,  as part of their commitment to make maritime trade sustainable."Vendors supplying spare parts, stores and consumables will be required to demonstrate that they have a viable plan to reduce plastic usage on the products delivered to us. This will apply to all existing and new vendors…

ShipMoney Crew Payment Solutions for Tsakos

Seafarers employed on Tsakos-owned vessels operated under its management arrangement with Columbia Shipmanagement will now be paid electronically as opposed to by ‘Cash-by-Master’, under an agreement signed with ShipMoney.The deal means crew members will have control and access to their wages while onboard ship, including the timing and currency of remittances sent home. It will  reduce the need for large amounts of cash to be delivered to ships and eliminate the need for Tsakos to administer individual crew wire payments sent to home bank accounts.

Konecranes Cranes for Winning Int'l Group

A fleet of specially-designed, durable and productive Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Cranes is enhancing supply chain efficiency for Winning International Group.The cranes play a critical role in Winning International Group’s supply chain, by loading 30,000 tonnes per day of bauxite from feeder barges onto a mother vessel, ready for shipment between China and West Africa.“Our Konecranes Gottwald Mobile Harbor Cranes have proven themselves in a rough open-sea environment. They have been custom-tailored to our bauxite handling application…

A Fish Out of Water

Over the past decade, the shipping industry has witnessed an increasing trend towards shore-based roles where many experienced personnel, particularly Chief Engineers, are looking to bring their technical skills from the ship to the office and become tomorrow’s Superintendents or Fleet Managers.However, Tony Browne, Course Director at Lloyd’s Maritime Academy, believes that caution is needed. Although prized with outstanding technical and analytical skills, these Engineers often lack the interpersonal skills needed in a client-facing environment.