The European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) explains its role in support of marine safety, pollution, maritime security & vessel monitoring in a new brochure.EMSA operates maritime information systems to support the maritime monitoring activities of the Commission and Member States…
The Kiel Canal, one of Europe's most vital shipping waterways, shut down after two neglected locks finally gave up the ghost.It's the world's most heavily trafficked man-made shipping lane, but since Wednesday few ships have been seen on the 100-kilometer (62-mile) long Kiel Canal…
Royal Caribbean cruise ship 'Vision of the Seas' hit by virus; 105 passengers, 3 crew sick.The 108 people on board fell sick with a gastrointestinal illness believed to be a norovirus on the cruise ship which docked in Port Everglades, Florida…
Chemical tanker 'MV Royal Grace' unexpectedly sailed out of pirate's anchorage, then assisted by EUNAVFOR warship.The pirates had held the vessel after attacking it over a year earlier, on 2 March 2012 in the Gulf of Oman. Early in the morning of 8…
Greek Shipping Minister urges owners to choose country's flag as registry gets revamp.Greek Shipping Minister Constantinos Mousouroulis has unveiled a plan to modernize the Greek Shipping Registry that will come into effect imminently. Greece's…
FLEX LNG (HQ in Tortola) is in continuing dispute with Samsung Heavy Industries and briefs its shareholders as follows:'As previously announced, FLEX LNG considers the four shipbuilding contracts and the EPCIC that were entered into with SHI in 2008…
Due to an increase in tourism, Egyptian coral reefs are important to its economy: official records show 170 damage incidents.The UK P&I Club has issued the following advisory circular to its members: Vessel groundings are a large threat which coral reefs face…
The vessel 'Long Beach' reportedly loaded at Vancouver's Mitsui-UGC terminal where union dockworkers are locked out.The ITF is keeping the port under close watch. Following the Long Beach incident it will be contacting the vessel’s owners…
The Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) clarifies & recommends minimum scope of statutory Emergency Response Services (ERS).According to current regulations oil tankers must have prompt access to computerized, shore-based damage…
'Financing Charters' may now be treated as 'Preferred Mortgages' — The Republic of the Marshall Islands passes Maritime Amendment Act (No. 1), 2013.The Republic of the Marshall Islands’ Nitijela has passed the Maritime Amendment Act (No. 1)…
Two tugboats detained in a Westcountry fishing port and condemned as unseaworthy slip out unseen, believed bound for Africa. An investigation has been launched after the sudden disappearance of the two 151-tonne former Ministry of Defence (MoD) 'dog class' boats…
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reports another foreign vessel in trouble off Palawan, to be taken in tow.The Chinese cargo ship M/V Tai An Hai reported engine trouble and was drifting late some 96 kilometers south of Tubbataha Reef, reports The Philippine Star…
A group of shipping sector directors urge the future direction of HK's maritime industry to be set out and implemented by the government.A blueprint setting out the future direction of Hong Kong's maritime industry should be prepared and the…
Government minister Alistair Burt officially opened the Regional Anti-Piracy Prosecution and Intelligence Coordination Centre (RAPPICC) in the Seychelles. The RAPPICC will bring together experts from around the world to share intelligence…
Preliminary results from the Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Fire Safety Systems, underline fire safety concerns.The results are based on the CIC survey carried out between 1 September 2012 and 30 November 2012 in the Paris MoU region…
