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DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2014 – 221

Distribution : daily to 30325+ active addresses 09-08-2014

Number 221 *** COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS *** Saturday 09-08-2014

News reports received from readers and Internet News articles copied from various news sites.

The ALPINE MATHILDE enroute Amsterdam – Photo : Simon Wolf ©

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EVENTS, INCIDENTS & OPERATIONS

Tugboat engineers cancel strike at Australia's top iron-ore port

Tugboat engineers at Australia's biggest iron-ore port have called off a strike that was due to hit exports from August 9, as the union missed a deadline for filing notice of the industrial action, the union said on Thursday. The union representing the tugboat engineers at Port Hedland, the Australian Institute of Marine and Power Engineers (AIMPE), filed notice to tugboat operator Teekay Shipping on Tuesday for planned four-hour work stoppages on August 9, 11 and 13. However, the union should have filed that notice on Monday, AIMPE senior national organiser Andrew Williamson told Reuters.

Statoil ends frontier Barents Sea program

Statoil leaves Barents Sea campaign after minor gas discovery.


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Norwegian energy company Statoil said Thursday it completed its exploration program in the Hoop area of the Barents Sea after making a small gas discovery. Statoil drilled three exploration wells in the frontier Hoop area of the Barents Sea. Small volumes were encountered, but nothing in the way of a commercial discovery. This completed its exploration program in the area for the season. Irene Rummelhoff, a vice president responsible for exploration programs on the Norwegian continental shelf, said Statoil was disappointed with the results. "Non-commercial discoveries and dry wells are part of the game in frontier exploration," she said in a statement. "We know from experience that exploring for hydrocarbons in the Barents Sea takes time and stamina." More than a dozen Greenpeace demonstrators boarded a rig contracted by Statoil from Transocean in May that was bound for the work in the northern reaches of the Barents Sea. Greenpeace said its protest was meant to draw attention to the risks of exploration in arctic waters. Source : upi

The VOS PROPERITY passing the Bosphorus – Photo : Cees van der Kooij ©

New all-weather lifeboat for Connemara coast Pride and Spirit will provide lifesaving cover in all weathers up to 160km off shore

The Connemara coastline has been allocated an all-weather lifeboat on a 12-month trial basis by the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI). The Mersey class all-weather craft will complement two inshore lifeboats at the RNLI’s Clifden station, which was established in early 1988. Named the Pride and Spirit, the vessel will provide lifesaving cover in all weathers up to 160km off the Connemara coast, according to Clifden RNLI lifeboat operations manager John Brittain. Four coxswains, four mechanics, four navigators and 16 all-weather lifeboat crew have been trained to respond to call-outs on the vessel, which has a top speed of 17 knots and is capable of self-righting in challenging conditions. Source : Irish Times

Death toll in Bangladesh's ferry capsizal rises to 21, 100 more feared dead

Three days after an overloaded ferry capsized in the Padma River in Bangladesh's central Munshiganj district, the death toll has swelled to 21, while 100 more were believed to be trapped inside the still unlocated sunken vessel. The overloaded ferry, carrying some 250 passengers on the Padma River in Munshiganj, some 27 km southeast of capital Dhaka, sank in at about 11:15 a.m. local time on Monday after it was caught in storm. "With the recovery of 10 more bodies, the toll in the ferry capsizal rose to 21 on Thursday morning," Tofazzal Hossain, officer-in-charge of Lauhajang Police Station in Munshiganj district, told Xinhua via mobile phone. According to officials, over 100 people are still missing. Hundreds of relatives of the ill-fated passengers are still awaiting at the accident site on adjoining river banks in the quest for missing persons. They thronged to the river shore and wailed for the bodies of their near and dear ones.

Some of them were searching the bodies of their relatives by hiring trawlers and boats as many bodies are feared to have floated far away. A pal of gloom, however, descended over people in Munshiganj and neighboring districts as most of the accident victims come from the region. Many of the victims' family members at the accident site have expressed sheer dissatisfaction and resentment with the slower pace of rescue operation which officials say were badly



hampered due to inclement weather. Three days after the accident occurred, rescuers despite hectic efforts failed to locate any trace of the sunken ferry. Hossain said divers from Fire Brigade and Civil Defence, Bangladesh Navy and Coast Guard have still been struggling to locate a sunken ferry. Many sunken ferry victims are believed to be trapped below deck. Ferry and boat disasters are common in Bangladesh, which is criss-crossed by about 250 rivers. Ferry is still a key means of transport in Bangladesh. Scores of people are killed each year in ferry disasters. Source : xinhuanet

On the entrance of the Maasvlakte we have seen a Meeting of Giants yesterday. "BERGE STAHL " came in and the "Dockwise Giant" DOCKWISE VANGUARD moved down to the City of Rotterdam Photo : Frank Behling ©

Costa Concordia captain's lecture sparks outrage

The captain of the sunken Italian cruise ship, the Costa Concordia, has sparked outrage after it emerged he delivered a lecture to university students on best emergency practices. Italy's education minister said the decision by a Rome university professor to invite Francesco Schettino to speak at a seminar was "disconcerting". Mr Schettino is currently on trial for manslaughter and abandoning ship when the luxury liner sank in January 2012. Thirty-two people died in the incident. The former captain denies that he left the luxury liner after it hit a reef near the island, before 4,229 people on board were taken off. Panic management

The Concordia Captain gave a two-hour lecture to criminal science postgraduate students of La Sapienza university last month, Italy's La Nazione newspaper reports."I was called to speak because I am an expert. I had to talk about panic management," Mr Schettino was quoted by the paper as saying.

He said he had used a 3D model of the Costa Concordia cruise liner to demonstrate how emergency evacuations were carried out. The decision to invite the former captain to speak was condemned by the university's dean, Luigi Frati, who said he was unaware it was taking place. He called it an "inappropriate and unworthy choice" of speaker.

The professor who arranged the lecture, Vincenzo Mastronard, is currently facing a disciplinary hearing, the university said on Wednesday. However, Mr Mastronard is quoted by Italy's La Repubblica newspaper as saying that the event was "reserved for experts" and that he would clear up any misunderstanding with the university. The 290m-long Costa Concordia - which is longer and heavier than the Titanic - was towed in July to the Italian port of Genoa to be broken up for scrap after a two-year salvage operation. Mr Schettino has already accepted some degree of responsibility, asking for forgiveness in a television interview as he talked of those who died. He maintains that he managed to steer the stricken vessel closer to shore so it did not sink in deep water where hundreds might have drowned. Source : bbc

Diana Containerships Inc. Announces Agreement to Acquire Two Post-

Panamax Container Vessels



Diana Containerships Inc. a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of containerships, today announced that it has signed, through two separate wholly-owned subsidiaries, two Memoranda of Agreement to purchase from an unaffiliated third party two Post-Panamax container vessels, the m/v “YM March” and the m/v “YM Great.” The m/v “YM March” and the m/v “YM Great” are both 2004-built vessels of 5,576 TEU capacity. The purchase price for each vessel is US$22.175 million. The sellers can deliver the vessels to the Company at any time between September 1, 2014 and October 31, 2014. The m/v “YM March” is currently expected to be delivered to the new owners by the end of September 2014 and the m/v “YM Great” by mid-October 2014. The two vessels are chartered to Yang Ming (UK) Ltd., at a net charter rate of US$12,000 per day each. Based on the existing time charterparties and their addenda, the charterer has the option to redeliver the m/v “YM Great” at any time between September 7, 2014 and March 7, 2015 and the m/v “YM March” at any time between November 6, 2014 and April 6, 2015. Including the aforementioned vessels, Diana Containerships Inc.’s fleet will consist of 10 container vessels (4 Post-Panamax and 6 Panamax). A table describing the current Diana Containerships Inc. fleet can be found on the Company’s website, www.dcontainerships.com. Information included on the Company’s website does not constitute a part of this press release. Source: Diana Containerships Inc.

The ARCADIA inbound to Southamptom. Photo: B v/h Padje ©

SBM Offshore Bribery Case Could Reach $240 Million

Dutch oil and gas company SBM Offshore disclosed in an earnings report yesterday that it could end up shelling out as much as $240 million to resolve an ongoing Department of Justice investigation concerning potential bribery payments made to government officials in Angola and Equatorial Guinea. In April 2012, SBM Offshore launched an

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internal investigation, which uncovered evidence that some of its agents may have made bribery payments to government officials in Angola and Equatorial Guinea. The company said it voluntarily reported its internal investigation to the Dutch Openbaar Ministerie and the Justice Department. Following the conclusion of a two-year internal investigation in April 2014, SBM Offshore revealed that it had paid approximately $200 million in commissions to agents from 2007 through 2011, the majority of which were made to three countries: Equatorial Guinea ($18.8 million); Angola ($22.7 million); and Brazil ($139.1 million). Additionally, SBM Offshore said evidence revealed that payments may have been made directly or indirectly to government officials in Angola and Equatorial Guinea.

With respect to Brazil, despite some red flags, the investigation “did not find any credible evidence” that the company or its agent made improper payments to government officials, including to employees of state-owned companies. “Rather, the agent provided substantial and legitimate services in a market that is by far the largest for the company,” SBM Offshore stated. In its latest earnings report, SBM Offshore said it is “discussing a potential settlement of the issues arising from the investigation.” Consequently, it recorded a non-recurring charge of $240 million in the first half of 2014, “reflecting the information currently available to the company.” “Until the matter is concluded, SBM Offshore cannot provide further details regarding a possible resolution of the issues arising from the investigation, and no assurance can be given that a settlement will actually be reached,” the company stated. For the time being, it will keep the market informed on any new developments. Source : complianceweek

The SAPURAKENCANA 3500 anchored South of Johor (Malaysia) – Photo : Capt. Jelle de Vries – Sunshine Maritime services ©

'Nederland bemoeit zich vast met tweede Suezkanaal'

Er is een gerede kans dat Nederlandse ondernemingen gaan helpen bij de aanleg van het tweede Suezkanaal bij Egypte.

"Bij alle grote waterbouwprojecten in de wereld zit er wel ergens een Nederlands bedrijf tussen. Je kan er vast wel van uitgaan dat er een Nederlandse bemoeienis zal zijn", zegt beleggingsstrateeg Maarten-Jan Bakkum van ING Investment Management dinsdag tegen NUzakelijk. Dinsdag maakte de Egyptische regering bekend een tweede Suezkanaal te willen aanleggen. Het gaat om een miljardenproject. Het bestaande kanaal levert nu al rond de 3,7 miljard euro per jaar op. Het bestaande kanaal is een belangrijke verkeersader. Schepen uit Azië kunnen via het Suezkanaal naar Europa varen. Voordat deze doorgang er was, moesten ze om Afrika heen varen.

Expertise



De strateeg Opkomende Markten kan het zich wel voorstellen dat ook Nederlandse bedrijven zullen helpen bij de aanleg. "Voor lastige infrastructurele projecten heb je toch wel expertise nodig." De regering wil het al over vier of vijf jaar af hebben en dat noemt de analist ambitieus. "Als je dat met goed fatsoen wil doen, dan kom je al snel uit bij Nederlandse bedrijven." Zo hebben de Nederlandse bedrijven Eurotech Benelux en IHC Merwede eerder opdrachten rondom de verbreding van het Panamakanaal binnengehaald. En Royal HaskoningDHV en Ecorys zijn betrokken bij onderzoeken naar een tweede Panamakanaal.

Leger

Bakkum verwacht dat het Egyptische leger een leidende rol gaat spelen bij de realisering van het kanaal. Daardoor zullen Egyptische bedrijven waarschijnlijk de meeste opdrachten krijgen. Het gaat dan met name om ondernemingen die eigendom van of gelieerd aan het leger zijn. Volgens de analist zijn de geldstromen tussen het leger en deze bedrijven obscuur. Een goed draaiend tweede kanaal zou direct financiële armslag voor het leger kunnen opleveren. "Je kunt ervan uitgaan dat vooral het leger er zelf beter van gaat worden", meent hij. Bovendien wordt er voor het gebruik van het huidige kanaal al een hoge tol gevraagd. Het zou kunnen dat die bedragen omhooggaan, schat de analist in. Ook dat levert extra inkomsten op. Capaciteitsprobleem

Bakkum is niet verrast dat Egypte deze stap zet. Het land was al een tijd bezig meer bedrijvigheid en steden rondom het bestaande kanaal te realiseren. "Dit is een stap verder. En ook wel een begrijpelijke stap, omdat er wel een capaciteitsprobleem is. De wachttijden bij het huidige kanaal zijn soms lang", zegt de beleggingsstrateeg.

De analist ziet het als "een goed economisch idee", omdat het geld kan opleveren, de werkloosheid op de korte termijn kan verminderen en een impuls aan de economie kan geven. Maar het is de vraag of Egypte, dat een begrotingstekort van boven de 10 procent heeft, wel geld voor een dergelijk project heeft. Als het bedrag uit het buitenland komt of als er ergens anders op bezuinigd kan worden, zou het volgens Bakkum verantwoord zijn. "Het land moet wel de financiën op orde krijgen."

Infrastructureel project

De Egyptische president Abdel Fatah al-Sisi presenteert het plan als een groot infrastructureel project dat veel werkgelegenheid kan opleveren. "Al-Sisi is de traditionele sterke man die de problemen van de normale Egyptenaar wel eventjes op gaat lossen, zo presenteert hij zich", zegt Bakkum.

Hij plaatst zichzelf daarmee in de traditie van de populaire voormalige president Gamal Abdel Nasser, die het Suezkanaal in de jaren vijftig nationaliseerde.

Arabische Lente

De Egyptische economie doet het al sinds begin 2011 niet goed meer. Het was de tijd van de grote demonstraties op het Tahrirplein. De economie heeft sindsdien veel last van de onrust onder de bevolking. Er komen minder toeristen en het land trekt minder buitenlandse investeringen aan. Toch ziet Bakkum dat de economie in het afgelopen jaar is gestabiliseerd. Het strakke regime heeft volgens de strateeg wat meer duidelijkheid en veiligheid gebracht, waardoor de investeringen wat zijn aangetrokken. Het geld komt vooral uit andere Arabische landen.

De strateeg wijst erop dat het huidige regime erg lijkt op dat van toenmalig president Hosni Mubarak. De Moslimbroederschap wordt onderdrukt en de oppositie is monddood gemaakt. "Maar puur economisch gezien pakt zo'n regime vaak heel positief uit", zegt Bakkum.

Groei

Als de rust in het land is teruggekeerd, zou het land "5 à 6 procent moeten kunnen groeien. Het is een land met een hoge bevolkingsgroei en veel mogelijkheden." Bakkum is er niet helemaal over uit of hij beleggers nu al zou adviseren te investeren in de Egyptische aandelenmarkt. "Het was een aantal jaren een no go, maar je zou het nu kunnen overwegen. Je kunt je natuurlijk afvragen of je wilt investeren in een land met een strak militair regime, dat zijn bevolking onderdrukt." source Tamara Awwad / Hollandse Hoogte



Laurie k. Gilbert MAERSK Photo shoot

A very nice flight with master Laurie K. Gilbert and get to know a great pilot, Cliff Fournier.

Tried to lens everything interesting. Lovely experience. CLICK on the photo above and open your sound Volume ! and see the MAERSK VALIANT passing the Malacca Straits

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Tembakau offshore Malaysia well confirms dry gas

Lundin Petroleum has completed drilling and testing of the Tembakau-2 appraisal well in block PM307 offshore Malaysia. The Seadrill jackup West Prospero drilled the well to a depth of 1,450 m (4,757 ft) in 68 m (223 ft) of water. The target was stacked gas reservoirs in Miocene-age sands, 3.7 km (2.3 mi) south of the discovery well. Tembakau-2 penetrated 22 m (72 ft) of gross gas sands in four sand intervals between 900 and 1,300 m (2,953 and 4,265 ft) subsea. During tests the “I20” sand produced 15.8 MMcf/d (447,406 cm/d) of gas over an eight-hour period on a 64/64-in. choke, while the “I10” sand flowed 15.9 MMcf/d (450,238 cm/d) over a similar period on a 72/64-in. choke.

Lundin says the gas was dry with a carbon dioxide content of around 0.5%. Samples and other data will be analyzed and integrated with 3D seismic to update the resource estimate (306 bcf/8.7 bcm pre-drilling), and to provide reservoir information for conceptual development studies. West Prospero has since moved to the Bertam oil field wellhead platform in the same block offshore peninsular Malaysia to start development drilling. Fourteen horizontal wells will be drilled and completed with electrical submersible pumps. The steel jacket for the wellhead platform was recently installed offshore and is expected to be followed during 4Q by the topsides, nearing completion at the TH Heavy Engineering yard in Pulau Indah, which is near Kuala Lumpur. Upgrades and life extensions works on the Bertam FPSO (ex-Ikdam) continue at the Keppel shipyard in Singapore and should be completed later this year. Lundin estimates reserves at the Bertam field at 18 MMboe, and puts the total development cost at $400 million, excluding any FPSO-related costs. First oil is expected to flow in 2Q 2015, peaking at 15 MMb/d. Later this year, the company

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plans two more exploration wells on block PM307. One will be on the 22-MMboe Rengas prospect and the other on the 21-MMboe Mengkuang-1 prospect. West Prospero will drill both during the window for installing the Bertam topsides. Offshore Sabah in eastern Malaysia, the company continues to evaluate commercialization of the Berangan, Tarap, Cempulut, and Titik Terang gas discoveries in block SB303, probably via a cluster development. Combined resources could be 347 bcf (9.8 bcm). Last year, the company completed processing of the 500-sq-km (193-sq-mi) Emerald 3D survey on blocks SB307/308, with two prospects, Maligan and Kitabu, identified for drilling. Kitabu, which could hold 71 MMboe, is on trend with the Shell-operated producing fields SF30 and South Furious. It will likely be drilled during 4Q. Elsewhere in the region, Lundin is engaged in geological and technical studies on the Cendrawasih VII block offshore eastern Indonesia. Source : offshore magazine

The MSC BEATRICE outbound from Rotterdam-Europoort – Photo : Krijn Hamelink ©

Construction of Flotel Ship for Pemex With traditional keel laying, began work today mount flotel tier ship for worker accommodation platforms Pemex Exploration and Production. The vessel, to be delivered in July 2016, measured 131 meters in length and 27 meters wide, and will accommodate 700 people. The event was held at the Children J. Barreras shipyard in Vigo SA, which Petróleos Mexicanos, through its subsidiary PMI Comercio Internacional, maintains control since December 2013, when it acquired the majority of shares. Thus, you can transfer technology and knowledge to Mexican naval sector.

The event was attended by the CEO of PMI, José Manuel Carrera. Note that the last February took place the first cut sheet for the manufacture of the ship and have since performed the engineering design, preparation of steel for the hull fitting and equipment purchases. Its design includes the installation of two cranes, each with a lifting capacity of 15 tons to a height of 20 meters. The vessel will be equipped with a helipad and a telescopic offshore for the transfer of personnel to the oil rig walkway. It also will feature cabins, offices, locker rooms, workshops, conference room, meeting room, nursing, medical office and kitchen. Barriers president, José García Costas, said that this event confirms that the yard is kept in full swing. Among the projects is the construction of a tuna boat Processes for Mexican company, which will work on the Pacific coast of Mexico and other offshore vessels, as a vessel for Diavaz setter and passenger vessels. Hijos de J. Barreras, founded in 1892, is one of the world leaders in manufacturing large boats equipped with advanced technology; throughout its history has produced more than 1,500 boats. Source : MarineLink

Zeiler met armletsel van boord gehaald door KNRM Harlingen

In het zicht van de harlinger haven raakte een solozeiler gewond aan zijn arm bij een ongelukkige zeilmanouvre en vroeg om hulp via de marifoon. Via het kustwachtcentrum werden de vrijwilligers van het Harlinger KNRM-station

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gealarmeerd. De reddingboot Wiecher en Jap Visser-Politiek werd gelanceerd en zodra zij langszij van het zeiljacht lag stapten 2 KNRM-ers over. Aangezien het nog amper 1,5 mijl was naar de haven werd besloten dat de KNRM-ers het roer overnamen en het zeiljacht naar de haven voeren waar een ambulance gereed stond. Nadat de onfortuinlijke solozeiler met de ambulance naar het ziekenhuis werd gebracht, meerden de KNRM-ers het zeiljacht af in de jachthaven. Bron: KNRM.nl

The DOCKWISE VANGUARD enroute Rotterdam- City Centre - Photo : Jan Oosterboer ©

Anti-piracy firm’s implosion leaves Malta staff in the lurch

A Malta-based, industry-leading and highly profitable maritime security company – Gulf of Aden Group Transits (GoAGT) – abruptly closed its doors this week and went into administration, leaving hundreds of employees across the globe in the lurch, some literally at sea. The Seychelles-registered GoAGT and its Maltese company, Maritime Guard Group (MGG) was used by the likes of Shell to provide armed security staff to protect ships and tankers from pirates off the coasts of Somalia. But despite raking in approximately $1 million every month, hundreds of its security employees have been left scattered at sea, after the tier one, maritime security company ceased trading, while allegedly owing millions in unpaid salaries. Other security officers have been stranded in Djibouti, Mauritius, South Africa and the UAE, all several months of salaries in arrears, with no way of getting back to their homes without paying thousands in air fares. While its sole beneficial owner, CEO Nicholas Davis, has told the UK Independent that he was trying to sort out a financial black hole after a creditor called in a debt, some of GoAGT’s 30 Malta-based staff have been busy finding vessels – unpaid – willing to take the stranded guards to other ports for free. While the sudden implosion of GoAGT – whose ISO28007 accreditation requires a clean bill of financial health – has rocked the shipping world, it comes as no surprise to many people who have worked there. Former employees who spoke on condition of anonymity recall haphazard management, whimsical promotions and knee-jerk changes in company policies. “Promotions, both at sea and on land were often not easily explained and implied menace mixed with blind confusion seemed to be company management policy,” one employee said. Ongoing staff cuts and un-replenished resignations at the Malta headquarters added more responsibilities on the operational support staff, longer and more punishing shift patterns, heavier workload and stress from senior management. One former employee currently embroiled in a court case with the company, explained: “Alarm bells started ringing after Davis called a full company meeting in 2013 and, in effect, admitted to using company money to fund his other projects. He promised that he would ‘repay GoAGT’ with all the money that he had taken to start other companies.” GoAGT was the brainchild of retired RAF helicopter pilot Davis. He founded Anti Piracy Maritime Security Solutions (APMSS) in 2008, being a proponent of sending unarmed teams of ‘security advisors’ on ships. That was until November 2008, when one of Davis’ teams were protecting the MV Biscaglia using a sonic crowd control device. It was successfully boarded by a group of Somali pirates and the unarmed team, deciding discretion to be the better part of valour, jumped overboard to avoid capture, much to the amusement of the industry. Unsurprisingly, after this incident Davis became a vocal advocate for armed guards on merchant vessels, heralding a golden age for MARSEC. Davis then appointed Cmdr. Gerry Northwood– a former commander of the UK counter-piracy task group – as chief officer operations. Northwood’s expertise was expected to deliver professionalism and gravitas to GoAGT, but instead Davis alone called the financial shots: striking deals, buying equipment, presenting them as a fait accompli to his COO,



leaving him no option but to pay out. Ex-employees report late pay was the rule, not the exception, the only variable being by how many weeks. In comments to MaltaToday, Northwood said he had resigned over two weeks ago. “GoAGT is in administration. The company was operationally sound, profitable and had one of the best reputations in the industry. CEO Nick Davis was the sole shareholder… and had total authority over finance. He worked up $7 million in debt to suppliers, deployed staff, a debenture holder and ultimately to HQ employees on the back of other failed business ventures. As COO I resigned over two weeks ago when I lost confidence in his ability to raise a rescue package and found out the full extent of the debt.” Davis spent the last two years setting up 888 aero, which for a flat fee of more than £20,000 advises on buying and selling aircraft. He also said he had plans to create ‘collection pods’ on the high streets for internet shoppers in the UK. Davis remains adamant about the legitimacy of his schemes: he is often seen defending his actions and reputation with contributors on the CloseProtectionWorld.com internet forums. Not two weeks before GoAGT folded, he vehemently denied bankruptcy: “GoAGT is indeed restructuring over this weekend with new investment and will focus on trying to ensure business continuity… There are pay arrears and these are the ultimate first priority, however I will not address on an open forum individual cases nor remedies. “I will state again, I’m not going to keep coming on the forum to justify or explain as currently I’m trying to turn a mess into not such a mess, for the benefit of those that have delivered an outstanding service both on board and ashore.” Source: Malta Today

The OOCL ISTANBUL passing the Bosphorus – Photo : Cees van der Kooij ©

Japan's operators in wait-and-see mood on PCTC orders

Placement of orders for pure car/truck carrier (PCTC) newbuildings remains sluggish in Japan. After the 2008 Lehman shock, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha (K Line) and Nippon Yusen Kaisha (NYK) ordered 10 and six post-Panamax-type newbuildings with loading capacities in excess of 7,000 units, respectively. But the two operators say no decision has been taken as to whether or not they will hereafter order PCTC newbuildings. Mitsui OSK Lines (MOL) has put no PCTC orders since the Lehman shock. It seems that it will take time before MOL resumes ordering activity. The "Big Three" Japanese operators appear likely to consider consolidating their fleets after cautiously assessing the impact on bottoms demands by changes in completed car trades. With no PCTC orders from overseas operators and owners these days, either, a wait-and-see mood is widespread in the PCTC sector at large.

Given the sudden plunge in maritime cargo traffic of completed cars in the aftermath of the Lehman shock, the Big Three operators temporarily suspended PCTC order placement. Of these, NYK took the lead in resuming order placement. In 2012, it became Japan's first operator to order post-Panamax-type PCTCs. Specifically, NYK ordered six

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such units for delivery in 2014-2015. The first of them was completed in May 2014 and the second one is due for completion within 2014. The remaining four units are slated to be completed in 2015. K Line in 2013 ordered four 7,500-unit PCTC newbuildings. It later piled up its PCTC newbuildings on order to 10 units via additional orders. The 10 units are due for delivery in the second half of 2015 through 2017. Regarding the reasons for ordering the 10 7,500-unit PCTCs, Jiro Asakura, president of K Line, explained, "We have judged that it is necessary to secure at least that number of carriers of such large size in order to stably book cargoes for large-size RORO cargo on which we put priority." He added, however, "Though we have up to date consolidated our PCTC fleet as planned, we will maintain a wait-and-see stance for the time being while operating the 10 units. That's because it is still uncertain how the trade pattern of completed cars will change from here on." As to order placement after one for the six 7,000-unit PCTCs, NYK also is expected to keep a low profile for a while. Koichi Chikaraishi, corporate officer & chief executive of Automotive Transportation Headquarters of NYK, said, "We are still static for now. We are willing to make investment in ship replacement when necessary. But, the average age for our ships has got younger and our transport quality has improved. So, we are in no rush to make fresh investment," adding that, "We have no choice but to remain cautious regarding the fleet consolidation as we perceive that maritime cargo flows of completed cars are unlikely to grow strongly." NYK forecasts that global car output will expand 25% in 2017 compared to 2012, but due to the advancement of "local production for local sales" policy taken by carmakers, maritime cargo flow of completed cars will increase only 11%, and only 8% for trades on deep-sea (long-distance) routes in particular. Among major Japanese PCTC operators, MOL is the sole one that has put no PCTC newbuilding orders after the Lehman shock. It currently has no ships remaining on order. In the period from 2010 through 2014, however, MOL took delivery of 34 PCTC newbuildings, thus rejuvenating its PCTC fleet. As to its next-generation core PCTCs, MOL has yet to reach a conclusion whether it will deploy conventional 6,400-6,500-unit ships or post-Panamax ones. MOL intends to make a judgment on the issue by taking into consideration three main factors comprising user-friendliness, fuel efficiency and ship prices. As of March 31, 2014, NYK and MOL operated 125 units each and K Line 98 units. To maintain the current fleet size on the premise that the ships are used until they become 25 years old, the trio need to deploy a combined 10-plus newbuildings every year. On top of the fleet size, what types of PCTCs should be deployed in response to changes in completed car trades has become a challenge for the Big Three. With the expansion of car production and consumption areas, completed car trades have got ever more segmentalized. Yet, there are few players who perceive that demands for small/midsize PCTCs will increase. One Japanese shipping official points out, "Even though the trade has got segmentalized, we won't see a freight structure in which the PCTC business is supported largely by small-size vessels. Even in the atomized trades, the key point is to consider how to deploy large-size ships via a combination of various trades." In recent years, the Big Three operators have been bolstering transport services via PCTCs for large-size cargo such as heavy equipment and construction machinery. The post-Panamax-type PCTCs which NYK and K Line have ordered will have enhanced transport capacities for high and heavy cargoes, by increasing liftable decks whose heights can be changed according to cargoes. From here on, PCTCs capable of hauling high and heavy cargoes are highly likely to become the standard-type PCTC for the Big Three. Meanwhile, demands for conventional PCTCs with two layers of liftable decks are on the decline. "In the short-term charter market for PCTCs, gaps are emerging in charterage between ships with two layers of liftable decks and those with three to four layers of such decks," said one market source. Source : Kaiji Press News via Justus Schoemaker - Dutch - Japanese Maritime Desk K.K

Deep Sea Supply announces fleet growth to 40 vessels and re-introducing

dividends In 2Q 2014, Deep Sea Supply reports consolidated revenues of MUSD 39.7, EBITDA of MUSD 20.3 (51%) and pre-tax profit of MUSD 4.1, the company said in its press release. For the six months period ended 30 June 2014, the Company reports consolidated revenues of MUSD 75.0, EBITDA of MUSD 38.8 (52 %) and pre-tax result of MUSD 8.1. The Board of Directors has decided to re-introduce quarterly dividend payments and has declared USD 0.02 in dividend per share for 2Q 2014. The ex-dividend date has been set to 14 August 2014 and the payment date will be on or about 26 August 2014. Comparing 2Q 2014 financial figures with 1Q 2014, revenues increased by MUSD 4.3 or 12%. Main reasons for the increase are the commencement of term contracts for PSVs and improved utilization of large AHTS vessels. The vessels' operating expenses increased with MUSD 2.3 from 1Q 2014 to 2Q 2014. Main reasons for



the increase are the new vessels coming into operation during first half of 2014, combined with higher maintenance costs in 2Q 2014 than in 1Q 2014. Activity levels are quite high in the OSV markets internationally. In Brazil, Petrobras has increased their tendering activity, and the Company also sees good activity levels for long term contracts for PSVs in the North Sea, Asia and Africa. The spot market for both AHTS and PSV in the North Sea remains volatile and has been disappointing in 2Q 2014. The Company has limited exposure with only 1 vessel operating in the North Sea spot market. The Company's high contract coverage and firm contract backlog of MUSD 211 as of 1 July 2014 provides good earnings visibility. The key focus going forward will be to further build on this by ensuring swift delivery, efficient mobilization and attractive long term employment for the remaining newbuildings. The Company is working on several promising long term employment opportunities. However also expect to see some short and medium term employment in the coming months. Source : PortNews

The COSTA FORTUNA arriving in Oslo – Photo : Philip Scott ©

CSCL must pay US$2 million after ship crashes into Genoa quay crane

CHINA Shipping Container Lines (CSCL), the owners of the 5,551-TEU XIN XIA MEN , has been ordered by the British court to pay EUR1.5 million (US$2.1 million) to the Terminal Contenitori Porto Di Genoa for damage to its crane.

In June 2011, the Xin Xia Men was berthed in Genoa, discharging containers in high winds. While high winds are common in Genoa, a warning was issued for the port. During a three minute period, winds rose from seven kilometres an hour from the north, to Force 9 winds in excess of 75 kph from the South-West, according to a newsletter published by London law firm Clyde & Co.

As a result of the sudden squall, the vessel was blown off the quay at the container terminal and impacted with the terminal's 70-metre quay crane resulting in severe damage. The judge found that the vessel had not been taken back in a proper seamanlike way. It should have been parallel before being brought back alongside the quay, and that the re-berthing was carried out negligently. The court further held that, even if there had been no negligence in the re-berthing, the damage would have been caused by the initial negligent mooring of the vessel and her being blown off the berth. CSCL's case of contributory negligence was rejected as it was deemed that no further precaution could have been reasonably taken by the terminal in the time available, and the terminal was entitled to damages. Source : Asian Shipper

KNRM en Reddingsbrigade samenvoegen

De samenvoeging van KNRM en Reddingsbrigade Nederland die op dit moment door beide organisaties wordt onderzocht, kan zeker voordelen opleveren. ,,Bij sommige reddingen zoals voor surfers bij Wijk aan Zee, vaart een KNRM-boot met 2000 pk vanuit IJmuiden, terwijl je die surfer ook kunt oppikken met twee man op een waterscooter die de reddingsbrigade heeft. Bij samenvoeging kunnen we de reddingsmiddelen en vrijwilligers veel efficiënter inzetten’’, zegt Kees Brinkman van KNRM.

Op naar één nationale reddingsorganisatie op het water



Oorspronkelijk richt de Koninklijke Nederlandse Redding Maatschappij (georganiseerd in een stichting) zich op de scheepvaart. Maar de laatste jaren schuiven de zeeredders op naar het strand; van oudsher het domein van de reddingsbrigade. Op de Friese Waddeneilanden heeft KNRM posten ingericht voor ’lifeguards’. KNRM stuurde deze week zelfs een berichtje uit over de Pieterman, een visje dat in je voet kan prikken als je door de branding loopt. Zoiets deden de zeeredders van de KNRM vroeger nooit.

Voordelen

Inmiddels zijn er al reddingsposten zoals bij Katwijk en Egmond waar de redders intensief samenwerken. Hoorn huurt een KNRM boot met bemanning van de reddingsbrigade. Bij Wassenaar werkt de reddingsbrigade zelfs onder KNRM-vlag.

Zwemmend De reddingsbrigades langs de kust zijn vooral zomers actief, georganiseerd in verenigingen en sterk in zwemmend redden. Sinds een jaar zijn de reddingsbrigades officieel partner bij ’search and

rescue-acties’ van de Kustwacht. Directeur Raymond van Mourik van Reddingsbrigade Nederland: ,,We hebben al vaker meegemaakt dat jongens van een strandpost een KNRM-boot over het duin zagen komen om een zeiler vlak voor de kust te redden, terwijl wij de boot al in het water hadden. Op het water telt iedere seconde. Als ze ons hadden gealarmeerd, waren we veel eerder uitgerukt. We moeten meer samenwerken en dat samengaan, zal er vast een keer van komen.’’

In 2008 werd al eens onderzoek gedaan naar ’incidentenbestrijding op het water’. Maar de organisaties kwamen toen niet tot elkaar. ,,Door verschillen van inzicht over de organisatie dreven we wat uit elkaar’’, zegt Kees Brinkman van de KNRM. Terwijl bij beide reddingsclubs soms dezelfde vrijwilligers actief zijn.

Prullenmand Op bestuurlijk niveau is er nog wat ’animositeit’ over de samenwerking. Er is al eens een convenant opgesteld dat later weer in de prullenmand verdween. Ook steekt het de Reddingsbrigade dat bij Wassenaar en op een deel van de Waddeneilanden de KNRM-vlag wappert. Van Mourik: ,,Op de werkvloer is geen discussie, maar bestuurlijk wel. De gesprekken worden binnenkort weer opgepakt. De samenwerking moet van twee kanten komen en het doel zal altijd verbetering van het reddingswerk moeten zijn.’’ Mede door afbouw van subsidies aan de reddingsbrigades zullen de organisaties wel naar elkaar toe groeien, verwacht Brinkman. De kunst is om op een gezamenlijke koers uit te komen. Brinkman verwacht dat de veiligheidsregio Noord-Holland Noord, toonaangevend voor hulpverlening op het water, als proeftuin zal worden gebruikt om de verschillende reddingsclubs te laten samensmelten. Bron : Haarlemsdagblad

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Click at the Photo above to see the DISNEY WONDER outbound in Vancouver harbour playing WISH UPON ON A STAR movie : Robert Etchell ©

SBM Offshore revenue up 6% in H1 2014 SBM Offshore’s execution of projects on hand in the first six months of the year led to better than expected revenue growth, the company said in its press release. The Company is making progress towards resolving its compliance issue, as evidenced by the US$240 million provision, secured US$1.45 billion of financing for Cidade de Maricá and signed the Operations & Maintenance contract for FPSO Turritella. Directional¹ Backlog stands at US$21.5 billion. SBM Offshore continued to achieve over 99% uptime across the fleet. The Company delivered the Kikeh brownfield extension project on time and on budget while also reaching a settlement of claims arising from the Deep Panuke project. Bruno Chabas, CEO of SBM Offshore commented: “In financial and operational terms, the first half of 2014 has been a period of solid performance. We have also made progress towards the closure of our final legacy issue with a provision against a potential settlement. The period also presented a significant challenge: our withdrawal from two current tenders in Brazil pending the outcome of the compliance investigation. Nevertheless, the Company has built a decades-long track record of close cooperation with Petrobras. We believe this will provide a basis to resume a successful working relationship, once the investigation is properly completed. Tendering activity remains high, and there is industry consensus on a substantial number of new FPSOs and turrets due for award in the coming years. Thus, while we remain cautious on the timing of individual awards in the short term, we have a sound basis for confidence in our medium and long term prospects.” Source : PortNews

EMAS awarded contracts worth close to US$110 million

EMAS, the operating brand of Ezra Holdings, has announced that its subsea arm, EMAS AMC, has been awarded several projects around the world worth close to US$110 million, including options. The scope of work for the projects include the transport and installation of subsea structures in Africa, inspection, maintenance and repair work in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as support services for a deep-water project with an oil major in the Asia Pacific.

“I am very pleased and encouraged that EMAS AMC has continued its winning momentum globally,” said Mr Lionel Lee, EMAS Group CEO and MD. “This comes on the back of successive operationally profitable quarters and as our extensive global client base is steadily endorsing our subsea capabilities, I am confident that EMAS AMC’s business will continue to grow in terms of contract value and project complexity in the coming years.” The group recently announced that its 9MFY14 revenue had crossed the US$1 billion mark due to EMAS AMC’s strong operational performance, which in turn had boosted its contribution to overall revenue with an additional US$200.6 million compared with the same period last year. Source : Offshore shipping Online

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Land Voyage for "Jubilee Hope" Floating Medical Centre

The 24m, 155 tonne JUBILEE HOPE is an ex Royal Navy ship newly decked out with state-of-the-art medical quipment by The Vine Trust charity. This floating medical and dental centre set sail from Glasgow on the 22nd of January 2014, and after 101 days arrived at Comarco Base in Mombasa, Kenya on 2nd of May. Her final destination is the Tanzanian waters of Lake Victoria where, perhaps as many as 500,000 people, in over 150 island communities are living without access to basic health care. JUBILEE HOPE will allow medical professionals to travel to many of them and provide primary health care to over 100,000 people annually. More photos of the tandem lift of the vessel out of the water using 2 X 250T Kobelco cranes at

the Comarco base can be viewed here: http://comarcogroup.com/news/jubilee-hope-heavy-lift/

Rotterdam, Hamburg congestion grows

as Maersk adds own surcharge MAERSK says it will levy a EUR80 (US$107) congestion surcharge per on-truck container in and out of Hamburg from August 14, citing the impact of traffic jams and dwell times. The additional cost for truckers will be on top of the EUR40 congestion charge for loads within Hamburg and EUR80 for loads beyond the city limits.

Hamburg and Rotterdam appear hobbled as increased seasonal volumes are discharged in sudden bursts because new larger ships are coming in greater numbers. A month ago Hapag-Lloyd dropped Rotterdam from its four-ship Europe-Asia Loop 4 service, operated with G6 partners, said Lloyd's List, adding that will instead use Antwerp's PSA Deurganck Terminal. Dutch barge operator Contargo has been levying a EUR15 per box congestion surcharge for Rotterdam and Team Lines adds a 75 per cent surcharge for the Port of Hamburg. In June, Rotterdam was suffering from congestion while upgrades were being made at ECT's Delta Terminal as five new quay cranes were added. Contargo and Hamburg feeder Team Lines say that since mid-April there has been increasing dwell times of 50-90 hours. Source : Asian Shipper

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MDPL takes delivery of DUO - Dedicated to Care and Performance

Ordered 2 years ago this pair of 4000 DWT pair PSVs, MDPL RANDEEP and MDPL ANJALI, is the newest addition to existing fleet of MDPL. These new breed of Multi Role Vessels are ergonomically designed and built with the idea of CARE and SAFETY of all Personnel working within an Oil field / offshore installations ‎meeting the demanding

emergency response /safety requirements set by the Oil Companies for their care and concern of personnel working offshore. First of its kind with high Survivor Rescue Facilities (SSR) MPSV, MDPL Randeep, was delivered in June 14 and has arrived ‎West Africa for further deployment. The sister unit, MDPL ANJALI was recently delivered on 4th August 2014.

Having arrived in West Africa recently, MDPL Randeep was very well received by Oil Companies, and has been welcomed with much appreciation of the modern and versatile design of the vessel with her enhanced features and multi role / flexible capabilities – for PSV supply roles, accommodation support (SPS), may undertake ROV/deepwater inspection duties and perform complete SSR. The multi-functional vessels are innovatively designed and operated to fulfil the performance requirements of the Oil Majors and to meet the much-emphasized safety aspects of Offshore operations - by offering one full deck dedicated to its SSR / ERRV capabilities with special features for evacuation and receiving personnel working on offshore installations. MDPL ANJALI is on her Maiden Voyage to Singapore and it is expected that she would receive as much fanfare as the first unit. Built for Care and Performance, these vessels with their cutting-edge designs have set high standards for the industry, exceedingly meeting the diverse demands of the OSV market. Having undergone Major modifications and upgrades to the basic / original design on the duo, they stand out to be highly sophisticated vessels as we see today, and the pair is proving to be a remarkable competition for many competitors in the market. Looking forward to further deliveries in 2015.

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Whistleblowers got millions to reveal the shipping company from Bergen

Two sailors on a chemical tanker which belonged to shipowner Odfjell received 1.4 million kroner each from the United States to warn of emissions from ship. A chemical tanker from the listed company was investigated for three discharges between 2011 and 2012 of the American coast. The company agreed to pay a fine of $ 900,000 (5.6 million). They also agreed to pay $ 300,000 (1.9 million) to an environmental fund, writes the newspaper Dagbladet. Odfjell admits that the log was incorrect so that emissions could be detected. Half of the fine is now the two sailors who alerted about the emissions. The others took video footage revealing by a mobile phone. According to the prosecutor in the case was that those who "took the biggest risk and put the wheels in motion." The company from bergen has struggled against the reward, but lost in court. It is not yet clear whether the company will appeal, according to the head of Odfjell's operations department, Hege Olsen. - We believe this is a very unfortunate practice.

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When you get a reward, there is a risk that it will be speculated in not to notify the shipping company but notify the American authorities instead, he says. Source: NTB scanpix / Norway Today

Allseas CALAMITY JANE operating near the L8 / P4 platform.

Photo : FLYING FOCUS luchtfotografie www.flyingfocus.nl ©

Fraudulent use of Vroon name Vroon is aware of email and internet fraud that involves criminals who are using the Vroon name to contact seafarers with fictitious job opportunities. If you are contacted by someone who you suspect may not be appropriately

representing Vroon, please let us know immediately.

These criminals will use mobile telephone numbers and non-company email accounts, such as gmail. They will try to obtain money from seafarers for UK or EU visa or other travel clearance. All applicants should note that Vroon and other genuine shipping companies never charge money to seafarers for recruitment services, visa or other immigration-clearance activities. Specifically, we can confirm that ‘Wayne Johnson’ is not connected to Vroon. If you suspect that you have been contacted by these criminals, do not

provide any personal information, documentation or money, but report the matter directly to the UK authorities’ ‘Action Fraud’ office. The Action Fraud office can be contacted on telephone number are 0300 123 2040 (if calling from the

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UK) or +44 161 234 9230 (if calling from outside the UK). You can also reach Action Fraud online at www.actionfraud.police.uk. All seafarers interested in employment with a Vroon company should ensure any contact is made directly with a bona-fide Vroon office. All contact details and our on-line application form can be found on the Vroon website (www.vroon.nl ).

The CREST NAUTILUS 1 at Singapore West Jurong anchorage

Photo : Piet Sinke © – CLICK on the photo !

Gevolgen EU-sancties tegen Rusland Op 1 augustus zijn economische sancties van kracht geworden tegen Rusland vanwege de Russische bemoeienis in buurland Oekraïne. Voor de maritieme sector zullen deze sancties ook gevolgen hebben. De sancties omvatten export van strategische goederen en technologie voor het winnen van olie. Intussen bereidt ook Rusland sancties voor, die de maritieme export kunnen raken.

Netherlands Maritime Technology informeert haar leden over de details van de sancties middels berichtgeving op de website. Daarin werken we samen met brancheorganisatie FME. Daarnaast verzamelen we informatie over mogelijke gevolgen voor de exporterende leden. Dat met het oog op het opstellen van een analyse en het voorbereiden van eventuele acties vanuit de brancheorganisatie. Bedrijfsspecifieke informatie wordt niet gebruikt in een dergelijke analyse, we trachten een branchebrede visie te formuleren.

Graag vernemen we van u of en op welke wijze de sancties uw bedrijf raken en of u actie verwacht van de brancheorganisatie. Neem hiervoor contact op met Ralph Dazert, Market Analyst Netherlands Maritime Technology, via E [email protected] of T 010 44 44 333. Uiteraard zijn wij graag bereid u advies en ondersteuning te geven.

NAVY NEWS USS Cowpens skipper retreated to cabin

for weeks Navy commanders relieved of duty after inspections on USS Cowpens

A Navy investigation finds the ailing skipper of a San Diego-based Navy cruiser retreated to his cabin for several weeks in the middle of a deployment, leaving the 330-member crew leaderless. The probe also revealed that the skipper of the USS Cowpens, Capt. Gregory W. Gombert, was having an improper and "unduly familiar" relationship with the cruiser's acting executive officer, U-T San Diego reported Wednesday. The Navy removed Gombert and the ship's command master chief, Master Chief Petty Officer Gabriel J. Keeton, from their positions on June 10. The reason given at the time was poor ship condition. Gombert's medical problems were not disclosed, but investigators said they

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should not have left him unable to lead. They also shouldn't have required him to retreat to his cabin from early January through March, officials said. "The violations revealed by the investigation, especially the blatant abdication of command responsibility on the part of the (commanding officer), are among the most egregious I have encountered in my 32-year career," wrote Vice Adm. Tom Copeman, the three-star admiral in charge of the Navy's Pacific surface ships. At a July 25 administrative hearing, Gombert was found guilty of several counts of disobeying an order and conduct unbecoming an officer. So was the former acting executive officer, whom the newspaper identified in a Navy photo from March as Lt. Cmdr. Destiny Savage. Neither Gombert nor Savage could immediately be reached for comment Thursday. Keeton was found guilty of two counts of disobeying an order, apparently because he failed to notify anyone outside the ship of the troubles on board — despite telling crew members that he would. The investigation found the skipper's unacceptable absence from the bridge predated his illness.

Of the 48 "special evolutions" that the ship performed — tricky maneuvers such as getting close to a refueling ship — Gombert was on the bridge for just 27, according to U-T San Diego. His health-related seclusion began in mid-January, when he came down with an illness that required bed rest for 10 to 20 days, according to the investigation. Gombert told his superiors that he questioned his ability to lead on two of those days and later said he considered asking for convalescent time, but decided against it. As for Gombert's relationship with Savage, the newspaper reported that starting in December, the crew noticed the two officers spent evenings alone in Gombert's cabin, with the door closed. Savage frequently was seen making dinner for Gombert in his cabin and keeping her toiletries in his private bathroom there, according to investigators. Also, the investigation said, the two went away for days together during port visits. Source : cbs8

the USS VELLA GULF passing Rumeli Kavagi at the northern end of the Bosphorus on Wednesday. The Ticonderoga-class guided missile destroyer was bound for Constantza. Photo : Simon Smith ©

Joint anti-submarine exercise to be held near Guam

The U.S. Navy announced that a joint military exercise, involving the U.S., New Zealand, Japan and Australia will begin this weekend in the waters around Guam. "GUAMEX 2014" is an anti-submarine warfare exercise, scheduled to take place from Aug. 9 to Aug. 15. "The biggest take away is building experiences together and operating away from our home bases in an expeditionary style," said Lt. Jon Torbett, attached to Task Force 72 and the U.S. action officer for GUAMEX 2014. "We don't often get a chance to all operate together and the end goal of this exercise is to be able to perform anti-submarine operations." The exercise will involve submarines and aircraft from the U.S., Australia and Japan, with observers from the Royal New Zealand Air Force.

According to the Navy, the exercise will include 25 operational scenarios, aircraft familiarization tours and social gatherings. According to the Navy website, the GUAMEX exercise -- the first of its kind -- started last month, and included the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney, which operated with Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ships to practice naval gunnery, anti-submarine warfare, tactical maneuvering, communications drills and personnel exchanges. Source : guampdn



Russia’s Northern Fleet Tracks Foreign Submarine During Exercises

Russian Troops Return to Permanent Bases After Military Exercise in Country's West

Sailors of the Northern Fleet tracked a foreign submarine near Russian waters as part of an unplanned military exercise, Vadim Serga, the fleet’s representative, said Thursday. “During today’s unplanned exercise we have tested not only the readiness of the alert anti-submarine forces, but also the readiness of surface ships’ crews, presently carrying out planned exercises, to respond to unexpected threats to Russia’s national security at sea,” Serga said citing Vice Admiral Nikolai Yevmenov. The representative said that the exercise included the participation of the Kola Flotilla and the Northern Fleet Air Force, with the fleet’s forces in the Barents Sea also taking part. Several anti-submarine warfare (ASW) aircraft were sent to the area of the exercise, tasked with tracking down a foreign submarine. The aircraft were joined by the North Fleet’s two anti-submarine ships, which are to conduct torpedo and anti-submarine mortar firing tests. According to Serga, unplanned alert exercises take place regularly in the North Fleet. Source : RIA Novosti

Navy to base 6 littoral combat ships at Mayport

"Naval Station Mayport should be the rightful home of the Navy’s cutting edge ships and technologies, and I’m pleased by what the LCS will mean for Florida and Jacksonville’s military community,:" said Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Florida. "With this announcement the Navy is again demonstrating how vital Mayport is to U.S. national defense and our maritime security posture." A Navy environmental impact study released earlier this year said Mayport could handle up to 14 of the new class of relatively small ships intended for operations in close to shore.

"This is great news for our national security and for the First Coast," said U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, R-Jacksonville. "The world is not a safe place, and the Navy is continually being asked to do more with its resources. That’s why I’ve been fighting on Capitol Hill to fund and maintain a robust fleet that includes the LCS, and bring these ships to Northeast Florida." In addition to the littoral ships, the three-ship Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). The USS New York is already here, and the USS Iwo Jima and the USS Fort McHenry are expected later this month. Naval Station Mayport has been shrinking since losing its last aircraft carrier, the USS John F. Kennedy, in 2007. The number of frigates stationed there has dwindled. Current plans call for the base to be upgraded to house a nuclear aircraft carrier by 2020, but that could also be threatened or delayed by budget constraints or political influence from lawmakers in Virginia, who want to keep all East Coast carriers based in Norfolk. Source : news4jax

Submarine North Dakota Completes First Voyage

The nation's newest and most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine, North Dakota (SSN-784), returned to the General Dynamics Electric Boat shipyard Tuesday following the successful completion of its first voyage in open seas, called alpha sea trials. North Dakota is the 11th ship of the Virginia Class, the most capable class of attack submarines ever built. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics North Dakota's alpha sea trials included a range of submarine and propulsion-plant operations, submerging for the first time, and high-speed runs on and below the surface to demonstrate that the ship's propulsion plant is fully mission-capable.

The sea trials were directed by U.S. Navy Adm. John M. Richardson, director –Naval Nuclear Propulsion. Also participating in the sea trials were Vice Adm. William H. Hilarides, commander –Naval Sea Systems Command;Rear Adm. David C. Johnson, program executive officer –Submarines;Rear Adm. Kenneth Perry, commander –Submarine Group Two;Capt. Darlene Grasdock, supervisor of shipbuilding in Groton;and Jeffrey S. Geiger, president of Electric Boat. North Dakota is commanded by Capt. Douglas Gordon.

"The crew and shipbuilders worked together as one unit to take this submarine to sea and put it through its paces," said Electric Boat President Jeffrey Geiger. "It was an outstanding effort by everyone involved, and demonstrates the commitment of the Navy and industry team to sustain the success of the Virginia-class submarine program. I appreciate the contributions made by the Navy personnel, shipbuilders and suppliers who made it happen."



Electric Boat and its construction teammate, Newport News Shipbuilding, already have delivered 10 Virginia-class submarines to the Navy: USS Virginia (SSN-774), USS Texas (SSN-775), USS Hawaii (SSN-776), USS North Carolina (SSN-777), USS New Hampshire (SSN-778), USS New Mexico (SSN-779), USS Missouri (SSN-780), USS California (SSN-781), USS Mississippi (SSN-782) and USS Minnesota (SSN-783). Eight other submarines of the class are under construction.

In May, the U.S. Navy underscored its commitment to an advanced and adaptable submarine force by awarding Electric Boat a contract valued at $17.6 billion for the construction of 10 additional Virginia-class submarines. Virginia-class submarines displace 7,800 tons, with a hull length of 377 feet and a diameter of 34 feet. They are capable of speeds in excess of 25 knots and can dive to a depth greater than 800 feet, while carrying Mark 48 advanced capability torpedoes and Tomahawk land-attack missiles. General Dynamics Electric Boat has established standards of excellence in the design, construction and lifecycle support of U.S. Navy submarines. In its position as an industry leader, Electric Boat remains committed to advancing its technical strengths, while providing the business expertise to effectively manage the challenges of nuclear-submarine production. The company's three primary locations are in Groton and New London, Conn.;and Quonset Point, R.I. Its current workforce is approximately 12,500 employees. For more information about Electric Boat, please visit www.gdeb.com.

SHIPYARD NEWS

Nakhodka Ship Repair Yard launches tanker Sakhalin built for Rosneft

On August 8, Nakhodka Ship Repair Yard launched tanker Sakhalin built under the order of Rosneft, says press center of Primorsk Territory authorities.

“Sister tanker Primorje will be launched soon. An agreement has been signed for construction of the third tanker. I will address Rosneft management with a proposal to ink contracts fro a series of tankers. The plant has demonstrated

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the ability to fulfill the most challenging tasks within a short period of time,” said Primorsk Territory Governor Vladimir Miklushevsky who attended the ceremony. The tanker was laid down in 2012. Intended for operation in ice conditions, the vessel has an improved class of environmental safety and automation. She completely meets new international requirements to oil product transportation. The vessel is to be delivered to the customer in early 2015. Vessel’s length – 88.9 m, beam – 13.45 m, depth – 7.9 m, draught – 5.41 m. Crew– 15, deadweight – 3,100 t, cruising range – 4,000 miles, speed – 13 knots. The tanker can simultaneously accept, carry and discharge up to 4 types of oil products. It is a new experience for Far East shipbuilding. The company management also eyes construction of vessels for Russia’s Defence Ministry and for fishing industry. Source : PortNews

Holstein Express completes drydocking

Vroon’s Livestock carrier, HOLSTEIN EXPRESS has this week completed an extensive upgrade in Varna, Bulgaria. The vessel has been converted to comply with requirements for Irish trading. The standard drydocking was combined with a full machinery overhaul and an upgrade of cargo-hold spaces and crew accommodation, to bring the vessel in line with the latest standards. HOLSTEIN EXPRESS left Varna heading for Wilmington Delaware (USA), where she will load for her next voyage. We wish the vessel and crew continued safe and successful operations. Source : Vroon

ROUTE, PORTS & SERVICES

Paris and Tokyo MOUs to Launch Joint CIC The Maritime Authorities of the Paris and the Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will launch a joint Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) with the purpose to establish that watchkeeping personnel are meeting the requirements regarding hours of rest as per STCW 78 as amended (including the Manila amendments).

This inspection campaign will be held for three months, commencing from 1 September 2014 and ending on 30 November 2014. The deck and engine room watchkeepers’ hours of rest will be verified in more detail for compliance

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with the mentioned scope of the CIC during a regular Port State Control inspection conducted under the regional ship selection criteria within the Paris and Tokyo MoU regions.

Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) will use a list of 10 selected items to establish that watchkeeping personnel are meeting the requirements regarding hours of rest, focusing attention on the Minimum Safe Manning Document (MSMD) and records of rest. In addition information will be of rest. In addition information will be gathered on the watch system, whether the MSMD requires an Engineer officer and whether the ship is designated UMS (Periodically Unattended Machinery Space). For this purpose, PSCOs will apply a questionnaire listing a number of items to be covered during the concentrated inspection campaign. When deficiencies are found, actions by the port State may vary from recording a deficiency and instructing the master to rectify it within a certain period to detaining the ship until serious deficiencies have been rectified. In the case of detention, publication in the monthly detention lists of the Paris and Tokyo MoU web sites will take place. It is expected that the Paris and Tokyo MoUs will carry out approximately 10,000 inspections during the CIC. The results of the campaign will be analyzed and findings will be presented to the governing bodies of the MoUs for submission to the IMO. Source : MarineLink

The DOCKWISE VANGUARD enroute Rotterdam passing Maassluis – Photo : Hans Overbeek ©

New marine-rated rugged and waterproof navigation tablet

Android based GPS enabled tablet provides an affordable "all-in-one" navigation system for inland boaters and coastal mariners

A new IP66 rated waterproof and dirtproof Android tablet for marine use provides an all-in-one solution at a fraction of the cost of traditional separate marine electronic devices. It provides navigation, AIS collision avoidance, weather radar, weather bulletins, communications, entertainment, and optional fish finder/sounding capability in one portable device. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140805/133682

The NAVIOTAB+ tablet has been introduced by IntelliWeather Inc., a provider of weather instrumentation, weather display systems, and weather content and comes pre-loaded with ready to run applications and navigation charts for the United States. The user has options to purchase additional navigation charts for most regions of the world provided by NAVIONICS of Wareham, MA, a leader in electronic marine navigation charts.

NAVIONICS has certified the NAVIOTAB+ in their testing laboratory for use with their electronic marine navigation software and charts, and it comes ready to run with NAVIONICS software and free access to government marine charts with options to upgrade to the more detailed and up to date NAVIONICS charts. In addition, in an agreement with PocketMariner of the United Kingdom, the NAVIOTAB+ comes ready to use with a fully operational AIS collision avoidance system. Making use of the built-in GPS and Internet connectivity capabilities to provide a real-time AIS radar like display of vessels near your position in highly trafficked ports and navigable waterways worldwide. This provides an extra level of accuracy and protection allowing you to "see and be seen" with or without MMSI registration.

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The NAVIOTAB+ also comes equipped with free weather radar plots and weather bulletins in the USA, including marine weather bulletins. The data is provided free by NOAA and has no subscription requirements. All that is required for live weather radar data and live AIS is an Internet connection via the built-in 3G/4G data capability of the NAVIOTAB+. This can be via a SIM card and most any cellular data carrier that supports a "bring your own" plan for connectivity. Alternately, NAVIOTAB+ can communicate via any 3G/4G capable cellphone that is WiFi hotspot enabled, or any other WiFi Internet connection.

When equipped with a SIM card and cellular data/voice plan, users can initiate and receive telephone calls using the built-in speaker/microphone, earphone, or use a Bluetooth enabled speaker or headset like they would with any cell-phone. Web browsing, email, and MMS messaging are also standard features.

As an entertainment system, NAVIOTAB+ provides a built-in FM radio tuner as well as streaming music services such as Pandora Internet Radio (free) and Sirius XM radio (subscription). Both come installed and can be operated without external antennas. Movies can also be played from streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and others as well as locally stored files. Unlike traditional marine electronics, the NAVIOTAB+ is not married to your boat, it can be taken "on the go" anywhere as a regular tablet and can also serve as an automobile navigation system via the built-in Google Maps application. To round out the features, with the addition of a DEEPER Bluetooth enabled transducer, fish finding, water temperature, and depth sounding capability can be added to the NAVIOTAB+. A powerful 10,000 mAH Lithium-Ion battery provides operation which can exceed 8 hours. The tablet can also be continuously charged/powered directly from your boat via the included Blue Sea Systems marine rated 12 volt cigarette lighter to USB power adapter and the included USB power cable.

Sporting a Quad-core 1.2 GHz A9 processor, 1 GB of RAM, and 8GB of FLASH storage, the NAVIOTAB+ is fast and responsive. Storage can be expanded up to an additional 32GB with insertion of a micro SD storage card. The bright 7" screen is protected by toughened scratch resistant glass and can be seen in daylight, plus offers automatic dimming for night use. The built-in GPS receiver system does not require an external antenna, and is accurate to within 3 meters (10 feet). Weighing just 1.36 pounds, NAVIOTAB+ is easily portable, and easy to secure to windshields, dashboards, and rails with a wide variety of readily available tablet mounting systems. It also comes with a palm rest/strap to enable portable use. Tally up and compare the cost of all the separate marine rated devices that are replaced by the NAVIOTAB+ and you'll understand why it makes the most sense for the recreational boater that doesn't want to spend a fortune on getting their boat equipped. For the professional mariner, NAVIOTAB+ also makes a great backup system for your bridge, or as an emergency navigation system. The NAVIOTAB+ has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $649.00.

Egypt announces plans for parallel Suez Canal ending one-way convoys

EGYPT has announced plans for a new Suez Canal running parallel to the existing waterway that would eliminate single direction convoys that cause delays. The Egyptian governnment has not yet specified whether the expanded canal system would accommodate larger vessels. Speaking in Ismailia on state television, Suez Canal Authority chairman Mohab Mamish said the new canal will run parallel over 72 kilometres.

The US$8.2 billion project is expected to include an international industrial and logistics hub, Reuters reports. Lloyd's List Intelligence data shows there were 16,992 transits in 12 months (8,584 northbound; 8,407 southbound), which

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came 1.2 billion dead wieght tons. A second canal has been discussed before, and was expected to begin in 2010 and be completed by 2012. But Egypt's political troubles prevented this from happening. Source : Schednet

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CSAV raises US$108 million for seven boxships and Hapag-Lloyd merger

CHILE's Compania Sud Americana de Vapores (CSAV) has raised US$108 million from shareholders to finance seven ships under construction and meet conditions of its planned merger with Germany's Hapag-Lloyd. The $108 million figure amounts to 53 per cent of the total capitalisation and the sale has allowed Quinenco, the controlling group of CSAV, to increase its shareholding from 46 per cent to 50.9 per cent, reports Lloyd's List. The remaining shares are offered in a second sale on August 7 with the Chilean shipping company hoping to raise some $202 million in total.

According to a company statement, the aim is to fully finance the acquisition of seven new 9,300-TEU ships being built by Samsung Heavy Industries. Deliveries are expected towards the end of the year. "Using state-of-the-art technology, will enable CSAV to significantly reduce its bunker consumption costs," the company said in a statement. CSAV and Hapag-Lloyd recently confirmed plans for a merger that they hope to complete by November. Those plans have been lodged with the European Commission for approval but no decision has yet been made. Meanwhile, the US Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission have approved the merger plans. The European Commission received formal notification but as yet has not come to a decision. Source : Asian Shipper

The WORLD moored in Keelung (Taiwan) –

Photo : Peter Lee Hu Cherng Marine Engineering Co.,Ltd – Keelung ©

Escapade to set sail again after running aground on sandbar

The ESCAPADE, the casino cruise ship that ran aground off the coast of Tybee last month, stranding over 100 people, will set sail again on Wednesday night for the first time since that incident. People have begun boarding the cruise ship, which is set to depart at 7 p.m. The ship ran aground on a sandbar and was stuck for over 24 hours. The Coast Guard had to evacuate the passengers, and finally the ship was able to free itself and return to the dock. The company received a certificate of integrity on Wednesday from the U.S. Coast Guard and immediately planned to sail as soon as possible. The ESCAPADE had been in dry dock for two days as part of the inspection process and they didn't find any


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damage. the Coast Guard said they have finished their investigation on the local level and are waiting for the corporate offices to respond to their findings. An investigation had been ongoing, but Tradewinds sent a statement out saying they had done their own internal investigation and found no wrongdoing by any crew member, including the captain.

According to the flyer on Facebook, the ship will sail every day for the rest of the week, and the flyer said free admission. However, according to their page, they have not been granted their alcohol license yet, so no alcohol will be served. The ship will sail every night this week, including Saturday and Sunday. These trips will be free admission, but you must have a valid government ID on you to board Source : WTOC

Queen freed from sandbar The Tahoe Queen became stuck in shallow water Monday afternoon not far off the coast of Regan Beach in South Lake Tahoe. More than 300 people had to be rescued from the paddle-wheeler and taken to shore. The Tahoe Queen became stuck in shallow water Monday afternoon not far off the coast of Regan Beach in South Lake Tahoe. More than 300 people had to be rescued from the paddle-wheeler and taken to shore. The Tahoe Queen returned to harbor under its own power on Tuesday running aground on Monday afternoon. Four commercial salvage boats rotated the Queen into position, and then towed the vessel off a sandbar and into deeper water at about 5:30 p.m., according to the U.S. Coast Guard. The Queen ran aground with 296 passengers aboard about a quarter mile off Regan Beach in South Lake Tahoe, and reported it was in trouble at 3:37 p.m. Rescue boatcrews from Station Lake Tahoe, South Lake Tahoe Police, Douglas County Sheriffs, El Dorado County Sheriffs, and Vessel Assist transferred all passengers and nonessential crew from the Queen to shore at Ski Run Marina where the tour paddlewheeler is based. “An investigation is underway looking at all possible contributing factors, just one of which could be lower than average water levels,” said Cmdr. Andrew Williamson, chief of prevention at Sector San Francisco. “At all times, boaters need to exercise caution when operating in Lake Tahoe, especially during these potentially lower than normal water levels.” Source : recordcourier

The STENA CONCERT in Rio Grande – Photo : Marcelo Vieira ©

Cameron LNG project gets final investment approval-Japanese partners Aug 7 (Reuters) - Japanese partners in the Cameron liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the U.S. state of Louisiana said on Thursday the project has received final investment approval and lined up $7.4 billion in financing. The move brings Japan a step closer to importing significant amounts of LNG from the United States, which government officials and buyers believe will reduce costs for electricity generation in Japan, which have surged with the country's nuclear power industry idled after the Fukushima disaster.

Cameron, Sabine Pass and more than two dozen other projects are in a race to sell relatively cheap, abundant U.S. shale gas to foreign countries where it can fetch higher prices. LNG on the spot market in Asia LNG-AS trades at about $10.50 per mmBtu, while in the U.S. benchmark gas prices are trading at just under $4 per mmBtu, though that price doesn't take into account liquefaction and shipping costs. Cameron LNG is controlled by U.S.-based Sempra, which has a 50.2 percent, while Japan's Mitsui & Co has a 16.6 percent stake. Mitsubishi Corp and Nippon Yusen KK together hold another 16.6 percent, with GDF Suez SA holding the remainder. The $7.4 billion financing will be obtained from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, Nippon Export and Investment Insurance and a group of commercial banks, Mitsui said in a statement. The $10 billion project received the green light in June from the U.S. Federal Energy



Regulatory Commission to construct and operate three-train gas liquefaction facilities with total capacity of 12 million tonnes per annum. The project has obtained the U.S. Department of Energy's conditional approval to export LNG to countries with which the United States does not have free trade agreements, like India and Japan. Final approval is expected later this year. Source : Reuters (Reporting by Osamu Tsukimori; Editing by Aaron Sheldrick and Michael Perry)

…. PHOTO OF THE DAY …..

Van Oord’s wind-turbine installation vessel AEOLUS passing Vlissingen outbound - Photo : Anja van Rijs ©

B O E K B E S P R E K I N G Door : Frank NEYTS

“Scheepvaart 2013-2014”. Bij Uitgeversmaatschappij De Alk verscheen onlangs de recentste editie van het jaarboek “Scheepvaart 2013-2014”. Het werd samengesteld door G.J. De Boer. Het boek biedt een diepgaand overzicht van alles wat reilt en zeilt in de scheepvaartsector in de lage landen. Na een grondige evaluatie en overzicht van de toestand van het internationale scheepvaartgebeuren als inleiding, bespreekt het boek rederijen, scheepswerven, en de maritieme sector van Nederland, België en Luxemburg gesitueerd in een internationaal kader. Ook de marine komt aan bod. Het boek geeft een compleet overzicht van alle schepen van Nederlandse, Belgishe en Luxemburgse rederijen en alle hierover beschikbare gegevens. Bovendien is het boek geïllustreerd met talrijke mooie keurenfoto’s. Ook dit jaar werd het boek op A4-formaat uitgeven. Net als de vorige uitgaves bevat “Scheepvaart 2013-2014” een schat aan informatie waardoor een dikke aanrader voor iedereen die hoe dan ook maar iets met ‘onze’ scheepvaart te maken heeft. “Scheepvaart 2013-2014” (ISBN 978-90-6013-385-9) telt 544 pagina’s en werd als softback uitgegeven. Het boek kost 49.90 euro. Aankopen kan via de boekhandel of rechtstreeks bij Uitgeverij De Alk, Postbus 9006, 1800 GA Alkmaar. Tel. +32(0)72-5113965, www.alk.nl . In Belgie wordt het boek verdeeld door Agora Uitgeverscentrum, Aalst/Erembodegem. Tel. 053/76.72.26, Fax 053/78.26.91, E-mail: [email protected]

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