HRAS: 8 Seafarers Abandoned off Namibia Suffering from Serious Mental Health Issues

Halani 1 is a DP3 vessel that works with offshore oil rigs owned by Halani International PVT Ltd, a company based outside of Dubai, in Sharjah, UAE.

The men have been stranded at Walvis Bay, Namibia between one and two years, and their abandonment was registered in IMO’s database since last year.

However, HRAS informed that the issue of payment of outstanding wages has still not been rectified and P&I cover has lapsed. Further, the mental health and crew threats of suicide remain a very real issue.

“We are extremely concerned for the crew’s mental health which is declining with each passing day. The crew have been let down on multiple occasions, and have had promises of full wages and repatriation consistently broken. We urgently call on all parties to work together to find a solution. The seafarers on board must be repatriated immediately – they and their families are effectively being held captive and have suffered for far too long,” Ben Bailey, Director of Advocacy and Regional Engagement from the Mission to Seafarers said.

“Our charity further finds it concerning that in all of our latest publicly available case studies, the abandoned crew are predominantly Indian seafarers. This begs the question of what is the level and detail of State scrutiny and commercial ship manager due diligence checks into the seafarer recruitment process in India, reflecting implementation of the 2011 UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights at the very least?” HRAS Founder and Trustee, David Hammond, said.

Press Releases: HRAS

Photo Courtesy: HRAS

The post HRAS: 8 Seafarers Abandoned off Namibia Suffering from Serious Mental Health Issues appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2UxhAMx

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Gets ClassNK AIP for LNG-Fueled Bulk Carrier

Speaking on the occasion, Hayato Suga, ClassNK Corporate Officer and Director of Technical Solution Department, said:

“The maritime industry has been setting its sights on LNG as an energy source for ships as it is an environmentally-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.”

“Kawasaki Heavy Industries is taking full advantage of this opportunity as well with their new bulk carrier design. We have carefully confirmed the safety of the design and are proud to contribute to this project,” he added.

Featuring a length of around 300 meters and a width of 50 meters, the new LNG-fueled bulk carrier keeps its cargo space as large as that of conventional oil-fueled ships by configuring the LNG fuel tank behind the accommodation in the stern.

Powered by low-speed, dual-fuel diesel engine, the ship achieves significantly reduced emissions of CO2, NOx, SOx, and particulate matter when using LNG as fuel, meeting Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) Phase 3 requirements.

With the International Maritime Organization (IMO) imposing tighter restrictions on emissions of greenhouse gases and air pollutants, the shipping industry has been increasing its focus on utilizing LNG and other clean fuels in place of conventional fuel oil. Against this backdrop, Kawasaki has been developing various LNG-related vessels, such as the world’s first LNG-fueled car carrier, delivered in 2016, and LNG bunkering vessels.

“Combined with additional technological innovations and knowledge developed in the course of acquiring the AiP for this bulk carrier, which complies with the latest international regulations, Kawasaki is fully equipped to proceed with its design and building, as well as to apply these technologies to other types of ships,” the company said.

Kawasaki plans to widen its application of LNG propulsion technology in commercial vessels and increase its focus on building LNG-fueled vessels, for which demand is expected to grow globally in the future.

Press Releases: Kawasaki Heavy Industries

The post Kawasaki Heavy Industries Gets ClassNK AIP for LNG-Fueled Bulk Carrier appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2DOnGm7

SISCO, Mawani Ink MOU for Expansion of Jeddah Islamic Port

Under the MOU, which was signed on January 28, 2019, the parties intend to further develop the northern part of JIP on a long-term basis, in addition to RSGT’s existing terminal.

JIP is Saudi Arabia’s largest seaport, handling approximately 50% of the all containerized volume of the country. Specifically, RSGT will consolidate the container facilities in the northern part of Jeddah Port and execute a comprehensive development plan upgrading and adding berth capacity while modernizing yard and all support facilities, including RSGT’s existing terminal.

This is expected to create a world-class facility capable of serving the local market, while also catering for the growing regional transshipment trade, according to SISCO.

With a capacity of 2.5 million TEUs, RSGT is the first container terminal in the country built by the private sector. It is the only terminal at JIP capable of fully accommodating ultra large container vessels (ULCVs) of 14,000+ TEUs.

In 2018, RSGT volumes grew by more than 16% as compared to 2017.

The duo will announce more details once the binding terms are agreed.

Press Releases: SISCO

Photo Courtesy: SISCO

The post SISCO, Mawani Ink MOU for Expansion of Jeddah Islamic Port appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2UvSdL0

MOL’s LNG-Fueled Tugboat ‘Ishin’ Marks 1st LNG Bunkering In Kansai Region

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) announced that its LNG-fueled tugboat Ishin bunkered LNG fuel in Sakai Senboku Port for the first time, in preparation for test operation. MOL ordered the vessel from Kanagawa Dockyard Co., Ltd. (President: Takehito Ikoma, headquarters: Hyogo-ku, Kobe). This is the first bunkering of LNG as a vessel fuel at any port in the Kansai region.

The LNG fuel was supplied by Osaka Gas Co., Ltd. (President: Takehiro Honjo, headquarters: Chuo-ku, Osaka) using a truck-to-ship LNG bunkering procedure (*2). After test sailing with LNG fuel, the Ishin is slated for delivery in late February and will start operation in April as the first LNG-fueled tugboat serving Osaka Bay. The Ishin will be operated by Nihon Tug-Boat Co., Ltd. (President: Tetsuro Nishio, headquarters: Chuo-ku, Kobe).

Working closely with the Osaka Prefecture Port and Harbor Bureau and Osaka Gas, MOL has worked to develop an LNG fuel supply system for ships in Sakai Senboku Port, which will be the first in Osaka Bay, through the development of the Ishin. The MOL Group continually contributes to widening the use of LNG fuel for ships (*3) and reducing their environmental impact (*4) by building upon the safe and efficient operation of the Ishin.

Outline of Ishin

• Gross tonnage    250 tons
• Length About     43.6m
• Breadth About   9.20m
• Draft About       3.15m
• Speed                  16.0 knots or higher
• Main engine        2 Yanmar 6EY26DF dual-fuel commercial marine engines

Press Releases: mol.co.jp

Photo Courtesy: mol.co.jp

The post MOL’s LNG-Fueled Tugboat ‘Ishin’ Marks 1st LNG Bunkering In Kansai Region appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2HJmOmH

Bahamas Records Lowest Ever Number Of Annual PSC Detentions

The Bahamas Maritime Authority (BMA) has recorded its lowest ever number of annual detentions following port state control (PSC) inspections with only 24 ships being detained in 2018.

The Bahamas’ Minister for Transport and Local Government, Mr Renward Wells comments: “These results build on the BMA’s impressive track record of supporting its maritime clients comprehensively, rapidly and proactively.”

Adding to this, the BMA’s Chair, Mrs J. Denise Lewis-Johnson says: “This further demonstrates our continuous efforts to uphold the highest quality of ships under our register. It also reinforces our commitment to ensuring compliance with the international conventions requirements.”

PSC is an internationally agreed regime for the inspection of foreign ships in ports other than those of the vessel’s flag state with the aim being to eliminate the operation of sub-standard ships. PSC Officers are required to inspect a ship for compliance aligned with the requirements of the international conventions, such as SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, and MLC 2006.

White listed and considered a ‘low risk’ flag within the Paris MOU and Tokyo MOU, The Bahamas has also secured Qualship 21 status from the United States Coast Guard. The BMA’s Acting Managing Director & CEO Captain Dwain Hutchinson continues: “Ultimately, these achievements are as a result of working closely with our ship owners and managers to ensure that their ships and shipboard crew meet the required high-quality standards. By doing so, we can play an integral role in helping to keep their ships moving and avoid detentions or delays.”

Press Releases: ec-pr.com

Photo Courtesy: yachting-pages.com

The post Bahamas Records Lowest Ever Number Of Annual PSC Detentions appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2SaE2h5

NGO Shipbreaking Platform Lists Of Ships Dismantled Worldwide In 2018

According to new data released today by the NGO Shipbreaking Platform, 744 large ocean-going commercial vessels were sold to the scrap yards in 2018. Of these vessels, 518 were broken down on tidal mudflats in Bangladesh, India and Pakistan, amounting to a record-breaking 90,4% of the gross tonnage dismantled globally.

“The figures of 2018 are shocking. No ship owner can claim to be unaware of the dire conditions at the beaching yards, still they massively continue to sell their vessels to the worst yards to get the highest price for their ships. The harm caused by beaching is real. Workers risk their lives, suffer from exposure to toxics, and coastal ecosystems are devastated. Ship owners have a responsibility to sell to recycling yards that invest in their workers and environment.” – Ingvild Jenssen – Executive Director and Founder – NGO Shipbreaking Platform

Last year, at least 34 workers lost their lives when breaking apart the global fleet. The Platform documented at least 14 workers that died in Alang, making 2018 one of one of the worse years for Indian yards in terms of accident records in the last decade. Another 20 workers died and 12 workers were severely injured in the Bangladeshi yards. In Pakistan, local sources confirmed 1 death and 27 injuries. Seven injuries were linked to yet another fire that broke out on-board a beached tanker.

DUMPERS 2018 – Worst practices

The UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, GREECE and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA top the list of country dumpers in 2018. UAE owners were responsible for the highest absolute number of ships sold to South Asian shipbreaking yards in 2018: there were 61 ships in total. Greek owners beached 57 vessels out of a total of 66 sold for demolition. American owners closely followed with 53 end-of-life vessels broken up on South Asian tidal mudflats.

The ‘worst corporate dumper’ prize goes to the South Korean liner Sinokor Merchant Marine. The company, which has been loss-making and is about to merge its container operations with Heung-A, sold 11 ships for breaking on the beaches in 2018: eight vessels ended up in Bangladesh and three in India, where in April, during the demolition of Sinokor’s PLATA GLORY at Leela Ship Recycling Yard [1], a worker died hit by a falling iron plate.

Norwegian Nordic American Tankers (NAT) – incorporated in Bermuda and stock-listed in New York – is runner-up for the ‘worst dumper’ prize. Last year, NAT reported having earned USD 80 million for the sale of eight vessels for breaking. Three were sold to Alang for breaking and five were sold to breakers in Chittagong. According to local sources in Bangladesh, the cutting operations of these ships started without required government authorizations. The sale of two additional vessels to yards in Bangladesh with particularly poor track records and where two workers were killed in 2018, prompted Norwegian pension fund KLP to blacklist the company.

Seven vessels were sold to beaching yards for dirty and dangerous scrapping by German owner Dr Peters GmbH & Co KG. According to local sources, fitter Md Samiul lost his life while scrapping Dr Peters’ DS WARRIOR in December 2018.

Other known shipping companies that in 2018 sold their vessels for the highest price to the worst breaking yards include: Chevron, Costamare, H-Line, Louis plc, Seabulk, SOVCOMFLOT, Teekay, Zodiac Group and CMB. Belgian CMB is still under investigation for the export of the MINERAL WATER to Bangladesh in 2016.

With the oil and gas sector seeing a downturn in the last couple of years, the Platform has documented an increase in offshore units that have gone for scrap. Out of the 138 oil and gas units which have been identified as demolished in 2018 alone, 96 ended up on the beaches of South Asia. Figures include 81 small-sized tug/supply ships and 33 semi-submersible platforms. Noble Corp, ENSCO, Tidewater, Diamond Offshore and Petrobras are amongst the biggest offshore players that dump their assets on the South Asian beaches. While most assets were exported from either East Asia or America, Diamond Offshore and cash buyer GMS are under investigation in Scotland for having attempted to illegally export three platforms that had operated in the North Sea and were cold-stacked in Cromarty Firth. The platforms have been under arrest in Scotland since January 2018.

Click Here To View Flags of Convenience

Ship owners are facing increased pressure from investors and credit providers to stop selling their ships to beaching yards. In early 2018, Scandinavian pension funds KLP and GPFG were the first to divest from four shipping companies due to their beaching practices. Today, banks, pension funds and other financial institutions are actively taking a closer look at how they might contribute to a shift towards better ship recycling practices off the beach, taking into account social and environmental criteria, not just financial returns, when selecting asset values or clients.

Losing financing and clients, however, should not be the only concern of ship owners who continue to use dirty and dangerous scrap yards. In 2018, and for the first time ever, a shipowner was held criminally liable for having illegally traded four end-of-life ships to Indian beaching yards. Several other cases of illegal traffic are under investigation. These cases focus not only on the liability of the shipowner but also on the responsibility of insurers, brokers and maritime warranty surveyors. By unraveling the murky practices of shipbreaking, which involve the use of middlemen, or cash buyers, and flags of convenience such as Comoros, Palau, and St. Kitts & Nevis, these cases highlight the importance of conducting due diligence when choosing business partners.

“Clean and safe solutions are already available. Responsible ship owners, such as Dutch Boskalis, German Hapag Lloyd, and Scandinavian companies Wallenius-Wilhelmsen and Grieg, recycle their vessels off the beach. The EU maintains a list of clean and safe ship recycling facilities [2]. More ships need to be diverted towards these sites.” – Nicola Mulinaris – Communication and Policy Officer – NGO Shipbreaking Platform

Press Releases: shipbreakingplatform.org

Photo Courtesy: shipbreakingplatform.org

The post NGO Shipbreaking Platform Lists Of Ships Dismantled Worldwide In 2018 appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Uw2Ptj

BW LPG Recycles ‘BW Helios’ In Compliance With Hong Kong Convention

CEO of BW LPG, Martin Ackermann confirms that their LPG carrier the 1992-built BW Helios arrived at a certified, Hong Kong Convention applicable, a recycling facility in India on 21st January 2019.

“At BW LPG, we are firm supporters of the Hong Kong Convention on the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships, although many countries have yet to ratify the Convention. We go to great lengths – some which go beyond the Convention – to ensure we are fully compliant and that we are recycling at a facility that provides safe and environmentally friendly disposal of waste, which has all been audited, and provides safe working practices for its workforce; particularly that no children are employed,” he said.

For recycling the 57,160 CBM BW Helios (IMO 8912182), BW LPG identified the Atam Manohar Ship Breakers facility in Alang, India. The yard was fully inspected and certified by an International Class Society in Mar 2017, meeting the requirements of IMO Resolution 210/63, 2012 guidelines for the safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships, as per the Hong Kong Convention.

BW LPG provided a class certified inventory of hazardous materials and waste (IHM) to the yard to ensure that safe handling, separation, transportation will be achieved with no harm to the workforce and no contact with the sea or unprotected soil. A full and comprehensive ship recycling plan (SRP) has been prepared by the yard and approved by class DNV GL to ensure strict compliance with international rules and legislation and BW LPG’s policy.

An observer and company supervisor from BW LPG remains on site and provides daily reports on progress, compliance and that the recycling plan is being applied at all times.

Martin Ackermann believes that the ship recycling industry is in a period of transition with an increasing number of yards being certified in line with the Hong Kong Convention. In anticipation of ratification of the Hong Kong Convention, dozens of shipyards in Alang and other locations in South East Asia and Turkey – have invested heavily and already reached a level that guarantees Hong Kong Convention standards.

“Rather than to exclude facilities based on their geographical location, the only way to ensure health and safety of workers is to impose global legislation. This global legislation will stimulate all countries and individual shipbreaking yards to raise their standards and make substantial progress in the area of safe and environmentally friendly ship recycling.

If we abandon ship recycling breaking yards where the communities heavily rely on recycling and they are left to work with countries with no proper regulation, the international community will have played a damaging role in promoting the lowest standards, rather than helping those yards to improve and prosper”.

Press Releases: bwlpg.com

Photo Courtesy: bwlpg.com

The post BW LPG Recycles ‘BW Helios’ In Compliance With Hong Kong Convention appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2DNe6Qt

Foreship Ensures Wasaline Ferry Is Designed For Lean, Green And Flexible Performance

Energy efficiency, flexibility, and optimized space availability will be built into the new Wasaline ferry that will transform freight and passenger connections between Umeå in Sweden and Vaasa in Finland, according to naval architect and design engineering consultant Foreship.

Last week, Kvarken Link converted a letter of intent with Finnish builder Rauma Marine Constructions into a firm contract to construct the Super 1A Ice Class ferry by 2021, with capacity for 1,500 lane metres of freight and 800 passengers. The agreement will deliver the state-ofthe art ship best able to sustain the ‘Kvarken Link’, the regional connection supported jointly by city authorities in Vaasa and Umeå.

“The Vaasa-Umeå route is vital for freight and passengers”, according to Lauri Haavisto, Managing Director, Foreship but it creates specific flexibility, stability and efficiency challenges for the ship designer. The ferry needs to maximise lane metres to support freight growth in what is the shortest link between Sweden and Finland but also navigate independently in the challenging ice conditions, while the turning circles in both ports are restricted. Again, depth variations along the four hour transit include shallow stretches, demanding flexibility in machinery performance to maintain the schedule.”

Foreship has acted as consultants throughout the ferry development process, working closely with the owner’s team from the outset to deliver the concept design, the initial General Arrangement, inquiry specification and machinery concepts. In addition, Foreship has also acted as technical advisor in the public procurement process.
The ship will feature dual-fuel main engines running mainly on liquefied natural gas with the option to burn biogas. In addition, the Wasaline ferry will also include battery power, reducing its overall environmental footprint either by operating with zero emissions in-port or by meeting peak load demands more efficiently at sea.

“Foreship Ltd congratulates Wasaline for entering into the ferry newbuilding contract and would like to express its thanks for being given the opportunity to offer its design, specification and procurement knowledge. We look forward to providing further support as this project moves into the execution phase,” says Haavisto.

Press Releases: foreship.com

Photo Courtesy: foreship.com

The post Foreship Ensures Wasaline Ferry Is Designed For Lean, Green And Flexible Performance appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2RXgyfO

Best Maritime Security Companies In the World

CNOOC Announces New Exploration Well Discovery In UK North Sea

CNOOC Limited (the “Company”) announced a new discovery on the Glengorm prospect, located in offshore UK Central North Sea. The Glengorm discovery is located in License P2215 with a water depth of approximately 86 meters. The exploration well Glengorm was drilled to a total depth of 5,056 meters and encountered net gas and condensate pay zones with a total thickness of 37.6 meters.

Mr. Xie Yuhong, Executive Vice President of the Company commented, “Glengorm discovery demonstrates the great exploration potential of License P2215. We are looking forward to further appraisal.”

CNOOC Petroleum Europe Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited, is the operator of License P2215, holding 50% interest. Total E&P UK North Sea Limited holds 25% interest and Euroil, a wholly owned subsidiary of Edison Esplorazione e Produzione SpA, holds 25% interest.

Press Releases: cnoocltd.com

The post CNOOC Announces New Exploration Well Discovery In UK North Sea appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2SeFw9W

HMM Inks Investment Deal for Busan Terminal

Under the sales contract, Yuanta-HPNT, a private equity fund, will acquire stakes of Waska Inc. which holds 50% stakes of PHPNT.

The private equity fund was established by HMM and PSA’s investments of 80% and 20%, respectively. The total investment amount will be KRW 221.2 billion (USD 198 million) which consists of HMM and PSA’s investment of KRW 177 billion — including Korea Ocean Business Corporation’s investment of KRW 50 billion — and 44.2 billion, respectively.

As result, HMM becomes co-owner of PSA-Hyundai Pusan New Port with PSA, each with 50% equal stakes.

With this contract, HMM said it also secured stable berths for 23,000 TEU mega containerships expected to be delivered in the second quarter of 2020.

In addition, HMM intends to optimize its profitability by reducing cargo handling costs at PHPNT. Furthermore, HMM plans to attract global liners engaged in the shipping alliance to call at Busan port in order to increase transit cargo volume and terminal revenue.

“Through the acquisition of PHPNT’s 50% stakes, HMM can strengthen its competitiveness and provide top priority to customer service at the same time. We will do our best to make PHPNT a worldwide hub port,” C.K. Yoo, HMM’s CEO, commented.

Press Releases: Hyundai Merchant Marine

Photo Courtesy: Hyundai Merchant Marine

The post HMM Inks Investment Deal for Busan Terminal appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2HHFmDS

Wartsila to Axe 1,200 Jobs to Save Costs

The group-wide program launched today is aimed at realigning operations and resources to save EUR 100 million (USD 114.3 million) in annual costs and boost profitability and competitiveness, the company explained.

As a result, an increased focus is to be put on targeted sales activities, developing the agreements-based and “as-a-service” business, reviewing the cost structure, as well as optimising the business portfolio and organisation.

Wärtsilä expects savings to materialise gradually during the second half of 2019, with full effect by the end of 2020. The costs related to the restructuring measures are expected to be EUR 75 million.

The company said that the key reasons behind the decision were trade tensions, geopolitical uncertainty, and market volatility.

“We have performed reasonably well in the prevailing market environment, thanks to our Smart Marine and Smart Energy strategies. Nevertheless, we must constantly strengthen ourselves to cope with current and future developments,” says Jaakko Eskola, President & CEO.

“To maintain our leading position in the market, and to stay strong, agile, and competitive, it is fundamentally important to continuously streamline our operations and align them to market requirements. This is a painful decision, but redundancies cannot unfortunately be avoided.”

The planned reductions are subject to consultation processes, which will be initiated in the affected countries according to local practices and legislation, the company explained.

At the end of 2018, Wärtsilä had approximately 19,300 employees in more than 80 countries around the world.

Business results
Wärtsilä reported a 24 percent increase in order intake in the fourth quarter of 2018, year-on-year, reaching EUR 1.87 billion. For the full year, covering the period from January to December 2018, the order intake increased 12 percent to EUR 6.3 billion year-on-year.

“2018 was marked by positive order intake development resulting from improved demand in the marine newbuild and service markets. Environmental considerations emerged as a key theme in the marine markets, as customers sought to prepare themselves for compliance with the IMO 2020 global sulphur cap,” Eskola said.

“For Wärtsilä, this trend was reflected in a significant growth in demand for exhaust gas cleaning systems. Another contributor to the increase in order intake was the high level of activity in the cruise and ferry markets, as well as our customers’ interest in long-term service agreements.

” In 2019, we expect market conditions to remain similar to those seen in the previous year. The pace of recovery in the marine markets is anticipated to remain slow, while the need for flexible power capacity supports the demand outlook in the energy markets. The competitive environment and geopolitical tension remain a concern.”

The company’s current order book for 2019 deliveries stands at EUR 3.69 billion, with deliveries being concentrated to the latter part of the year.

Press Releases: Wärtsilä

The post Wartsila to Axe 1,200 Jobs to Save Costs appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2WxD65t

Brittany Ferries: Delivery of New LNG-Powered Ferry Delayed

Being built at the Flensburger Schiffbau-Gesellschaft yard (FSG) in Germany, the ship was originally scheduled to enter service in April 2019 on the company’s Caen-Ouistreham (France) and Portsmouth (UK) route.

However, the German shipyard is reportedly facing a financial crisis. As explained by Brittany Ferries, the financial difficulties are the consequence of penalties imposed for late delivery of Irish Ferries’ newest ship, W.B. Yeats.

“Brittany Ferries awaits a concrete proposal from FSG to secure the contract to deliver Honfleur. The company hopes this will come in the very near future and will communicate in more detail at that time,” Brittany Ferries said.

“Passengers who have booked travel on Honfleur from 9 July, will automatically be transferred to Brittany Ferries Normandie. The company apologizes for any inconvenience and disappointment that this change will cause,” the company added.

Following the steel-cutting in March 2018 and keel laying in August, the 1,680-passenger, 42,400 gross ton Honfleur was launched in December.

When it enters service, Honfleur will be the first ferry on the English Channel to be powered by LNG, according to the company. The ship’s hull has been hydro-dynamically optimized — this combined with gas-electric propulsion machinery will reduce energy consumption while minimizing vibration and noise levels.

In 2017, the environmentally-friendly LNG-powered ferry received financial support from the European Investment Bank’s EUR 750 million Green Shipping Guarantee (GSG) program.

Press Releases: Brittany Ferries

Photo Courtesy: Brittany Ferries

The post Brittany Ferries: Delivery of New LNG-Powered Ferry Delayed appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2RoFacd

SAL Heavy Lift Delivers Bridge Sections From China To Norway

SAL Heavy Lift delivers 12 bridge sections for the Beitstadsundbrua bridge from China to Norway. The final bridge is part of the largest road construction project in northern Trøndelag, will measure 580 m in length and will connect the municipalities of Steinkjer and Malm, crossing the Beitstadfjorden. The bridge will make travelling between northern parts of Trøndelag county considerably safer, as well as reduce travelling time significantly.

In a mountainous country like Norway, which is cut apart by deep fjords, bridge building is a virtue of necessity. Today there are over 18.000 bridges, summing up to 446 km and each with an average length of 250 m, spread across Norway. The latest addition will be the 580 m long “Beitstadsundbrua”.

Connecting the municipalities of Steinkjer and Malm, whilst crossing the Beitstadfjorden, the Beitstadsundbrua will not only be longer than the average bridge in Norway, but also ensure increased road safety and accessibility. All whilst helping locals to cut down travel times and benefiting the local economy and environment.

“The new County Road (FV 17 and 720) including Beitstadsundet Bridge, will eliminate the distance challenges the region has. The new road and bridge significant increases the municipality of Verran’s opportunities to further develop existing industries and attract new industry. The municipality is now, due to the new road and bridge, in dialogue with industrial companies exploiting establishment of industry in Verran”, states Jacob Almlid, Special Advisor Industry & Commerce at Verran Kommune.

SAL’s heavy lift vessel MV Trina (Type 176) was appointed to support the construction of the new bridge by shipping twelve bridge sections from Nantong, China to Malm, Norway. All twelve sections weigh a total of 2.800 t, with the heaviest unit weighing 426 t (73.8 x 9 x 5.8 m) and the longest unit measuring 75 x 5.9 x 5.8 m (327 t).

With a total of four single lifts and eight tandem lifts, the SAL experts were able to stow all twelve bridge sections in two layers under deck, and another layer on deck of the vessel.

“It only took us 35 days to directly sail to Malm from Nantong in China,” Sune Thorleifsson, Head of Projects at SAL explains, “despite the unique conditions in the port of Malm, with an only 20 m wide jetty and 2 m tidal range, it took just 6 days until we were able to successfully and smoothly deliver 20.668 cbm of cargo to our client.” Due to local port regulations all twelve bridge sections were directly discharged onto SPMT’s, 25 m away from alongside the vessel. A tailor-made mooring arrangement contributed to the success of the discharging operations.

“During the period of discharge of the bridge segments to the Beitstadsundet Bridge, onto SPMT`s for transport to Fosdalen-Industrier AS`s assembly site, we experienced a good and professional collaboration with SAL,” says Terje Skjevik, Owner & CEO of Fosdalen-Industrier AS, “we are very satisfied with the overall performance, on HSE, on technical and on schedule. All parties knew the challenging environment for the discharge, in spite of these challenges the operation and collaboration was excellent.”

Thanks to the detailed preparation work, which was done in close cooperation between SAL and their general agent in Norway Messers. Alex Birger Grieg AS, the last bridge section was successfully discharged early January 2019. Installation works are planned to start around Easter. The entire road building project, which involves building new and improved roads between the towns of Sprova, Malm and Dyrstad will be finished and open to public by the end of 2019.

Press Releases: portcare.com

Photo Courtesy: portcare.com

The post SAL Heavy Lift Delivers Bridge Sections From China To Norway appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2MFQH68

PSM Supplies Tank Gauging System To US Military Vehicle Carrier

PSM Instrumentation has recently supplied a complete tank gauging package, based upon their centralised Tankview Display, remote acquisition modules and Series 260 level transmitters, for the US Military Vehicle Carrier, Cape Rise.

Cape Rise joins its sister vessels, Cape Washington and Cape Wrath, which are both equipped with PSM tank gauging systems covering all Fuel Oil, Service, and Ballast Tanks. The Cape Washington and Cape Wrath systems have provided reliable operations for more than a decade, with a mid-term upgrade to provide enhanced graphical presentation and data.

All three ships are ro-ro vehicle carriers operated by the US Maritimes Administration, as ready reserve vessels for the US Navy’s Military Sealift Command, and are held ready to transport military vehicles or supplies at short notice to any port in the world.

Installation of the new tank gauging system will be phased throughout 2019 as access to the required tanks on Cape Rise become available.

PSM is delighted that their tank gauging systems have had such durability on Cape Washington and Cape Wrath, and they look forward to the new tank gauging package having a similar lifespan on Cape Rise.

Press Releases: sheremarketing.co.uk

Photo Courtesy: sheremarketing.co.uk

The post PSM Supplies Tank Gauging System To US Military Vehicle Carrier appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2sUXD6p

Diana Shipping Enters Time Charter Contracts With Uniper And Phaethon

Diana Shipping Inc., a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels, announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with Uniper Global Commodities SE, Düsseldorf, for one of its Post-Panamax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Amphitrite, for a period of minimum fourteen (14) months to maximum seventeen (17) months.

The gross charter rate is US$5,000 per day for the first five (5) days of the charter period and US$12,750 per day for the balance period of the time charter, in each case minus a 5% commission paid to third parties.

The charter commenced yesterday. The m/v Amphitrite was chartered, as previously announced, to Cargill International S.A., Geneva, at a gross charter rate of US$11,150 per day, minus a 4.75% commission paid to third parties, for the agreed period of the time charter.

The “Amphitrite” is a 98,697 dwt Post-Panamax dry bulk vessel built in 2012.

The Company also announced that, through a separate wholly-owned subsidiary, it has entered into a time charter contract with Phaethon International Company AG, for one of its Panamax dry bulk vessels, the m/v Naias. The gross charter rate is US$10,000 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum twenty-three (23) months to about twenty-six (26) months. The charter commenced on January 26, 2019. The m/v Naias was chartered, as previously announced, at a gross charter rate of US$10,000 per day, minus a 5% commission paid to third parties, until January 26, 2019.

The “Naias” is a 73,546 dwt Panamax dry bulk vessel built in 2006.

The employment of “Amphitrite” and “Naias” are anticipated to generate approximately US$12.22 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the time charters.

Diana Shipping Inc.’s fleet currently consists of 48 dry bulk vessels (4 Newcastlemax, 14 Capesize, 5 Post-Panamax, 5 Kamsarmax and 20 Panamax). As of today, the combined carrying capacity of our fleet is approximately 5.7 million dwt with a weighted average age of 9.21 years.. A table describing the current Diana Shipping Inc. fleet can be found on the Company’s website, http://bit.ly/1xdVxeO. The information contained on the Company’s website does not constitute a part of this press release.

Press Releases: dianashippinginc.com

Photo Courtesy: dianashippinginc.com

The post Diana Shipping Enters Time Charter Contracts With Uniper And Phaethon appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2HEB9B7

Seafarer Travels Home To Meet His Four-Month Old Baby For The First Time After Months At Sea

It’s one of the biggest moments of a man’s life: holding his first-born in his arms for the first time.

But four months since his son Ezrah was born, Leo Laurente still hasn’t had the chance to cuddle him, and has only been able to coo at him on video calls.

Leo, 31, is a seafarer and was thousands of miles from home, on a nine-month contract transporting cars around Europe, when he learned his wife, Ethil, had given birth.

He sailed from Portbury this week and is finally on his way home to the Philippines to meet his son.

Leo said, “I’m very excited, I can hardly sleep at night imagining I will soon meet my baby.

“I feel like the last few days on board have been like a month, I really want to kiss and carry my baby, that’s how excited I am to be with them.”

Leo last saw his wife Ethil in April last year, when she was about three or four months pregnant. They had been married for just seven months when he set off to sea.

“Leaving her was hard because I knew I wouldn’t be there to see her give birth to our baby,” he said.

While seafaring can be a lucrative profession, many of the seafarers on ships serving the UK come from some of the world’s poorest communities and see the job as necessary to support their families.

Stuart Rivers, CEO of international maritime charity Sailors’ Society, which supports seafarers and their families, understands the sacrifices seafarers like Leo make.

He said, “Phones, computers, cars, 90 per cent of everything we use on a daily basis comes by sea, transported by an often-invisible workforce like Leo, who miss many of the things we take for granted.”

Before becoming a seafarer 10 years ago, Leo had numerous different jobs; dicing fruit in a mall, working in a warehouse and delivering parcels.

“Working away at sea is hard. But I need to do it to secure my family’s future and to support their needs,” Leo said.

Life at sea can be dangerous and seafarers face crises such as abandonment, piracy and terrorism.

It also means missing key life events, like the birth of your first-born.

Leo, unlike many of his fellow 1.6 million seafarers, has Wi-Fi access on board his ship, the Emerald Leader.

“If the signal is good, Ethil and I chat every day. When Ezrah is awake, we try and video call,” he said.

Although better than nothing, it’s not the same as spending time with your child.

Seafarers who don’t have on board Wi-Fi access will often make a beeline for a reliable connection when they’re docked in port.

While docked at Portbury, Leo met Sailors’ Society chaplain Steve Loader, who was able to provide him with practical and emotional support, as well as a teddy to take back to Ezrah.

Leo said, “It’s a big help knowing that there is someone out there, like Steve, who is interested in your story and can give advice and inspire you.”

Press Releases: sailors-society.org

Photo Courtesy: sailors-society.org

The post Seafarer Travels Home To Meet His Four-Month Old Baby For The First Time After Months At Sea appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Sc7VgV

HMM Names New 300,000 dwt VLCC ‘Universal Leader’ At DSME Okpo Shipyard

HMM held a naming ceremony for a 300,000 dwt Very Large Crude Oil Carrier (VLCC), the ‘Universal Leader’, at the Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME)’s Okpo shipyard in Geoje, Korea. About 100 distinguished guests attended the ceremony including C.K. Yoo (President & CEO of HMM), Ho Seon Hwang (President of Korea Ocean Business Corporation(KOBC)), and Sung Leep Jung (President & CEO of DSME).

Additionally, Mrs. Jang Mi No, Mr. Hwang’s wife, took on the role as godmother who cut the ropes to officially name the ship during the ceremony.

In September 2017, HMM signed a contract with DSME for construction of five VLCCs and ‘Universal Leader’ is the first of five VLCCs scheduled to be delivered every two months until this September.

Also, all vessels are equipped with a scrubber system in preparation for IMO environmental regulations and ship engines ensure optimal economic speed to save fuel.

In 2017, HMM placed an order for five VLCCs worth approx. KRW 470 billion (USD 420 million) to take proactive actions towards market change, as shipbuilding costs fell to the lowest level since 2003.

HMM CEO C.K. Yoo said, “The launch of Universal Leader is a springboard for HMM’s Quantum Leap.

HMM will move forward through securing five VLCCs in addition to the delivery of twelve 23,000 TEU and eight 15,000 TEU eco-friendly mega containerships from 2020 and 2021 respectively.”

Meanwhile, ‘Universal Leader’ will be flexibly deployed in a spot market after its naming ceremony, and two of five VLCCs will serve a five-year consecutive voyage contract with GS Caltex, worth KRW 190 billion,signed in March last year.

Press Releases: hmm21.com

Photo Courtesy: hmm21.com

The post HMM Names New 300,000 dwt VLCC ‘Universal Leader’ At DSME Okpo Shipyard appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2HEMEIu

New Design Brings Liquefied Hydrogen Bunker Vessels To Reality

In response to the global ambition of reducing the environmental footprint from global ship transport, Moss Maritime, in cooperation with Equinor, Wilhelmsen and DNV-GL, has developed a design for a Liquefied Hydrogen (LH2) bunker vessel. The vessel design comes at a time when hydrogen is finally developing into a viable solution for the larger market.

The future large scale use of hydrogen in both maritime and land-based industry will require vessels tailored for transportation and bunkering of liquefied hydrogen. The project, sponsored by Innovation Norway, was launched with the objective to clarify challenges and find solutions for storage and handling of this demanding cargo and fuel on a vessel.

“Moss Maritime has utilized its long-standing experience from design of Moss LNG carriers in the development of the LH2 bunker vessel, where liquefied hydrogen at a temperature of -253 °C will offer advantages over pressurized hydrogen gas in relation to transportation costs. We are ready to support the ship industry in implementing solutions for liquefied hydrogen for future projects”, says Tor Skogan, Vice President LNG of Moss Maritime.

The LH2 bunker vessel has cargo capacity of 9000 m³, with a cargo containment system designed to maximize insulation performance and meet the most stringent safety requirements. The vessel has been developed to provide liquefied hydrogen bunkering services to merchant ships, in addition to open sea transport.

“Equinor believes hydrogen may represent an attractive energy solution for the sectors that are hard to decarbonize and currently outside the scope of renewable solutions like batteries. Long haul maritime shipping is one of these and an important milestone has been passed by introducing a logistical solution for transport of liquefied hydrogen by the sea”, says Steinar Eikaas, VP for Low Carbon Solutions in Equinor.

Håkon Lenz, VP Europe and Americas of Wilhelmsen Ship Management, adds: “We see hydrogen as a possible fuel for the future. The commercial feasibility of such a vessel is depending on the overall hydrogen market development. Once market signals show that there is a need for big scale liquefied hydrogen, we and our partners are ready to take this design to the next level. By initiating and participating in this project we prepare ourselves for meeting the demand of our customers in the years to come, and Wilhelmsen will always seek opportunities in new technology to enable sustainable global trade”.

press Releases: wilhelmsen.com

Photo Courtesy: wilhelmsen.com

 

The post New Design Brings Liquefied Hydrogen Bunker Vessels To Reality appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2S99Hzr

APM Terminals Pipavav Increases Rail Connectivity For Its Terminals

The recent introduction of new rail connections between a number of deep-sea terminals and the hinterland is making the transfer of goods faster and more secure while reducing environmental impact.

APM Terminals Pipavav, one of India’s leading multipurpose ports, launched a rail connection to its Kanpur Inland Container at the end of 2018, giving customers the opportunity to connect more efficiently to the gateway port.

The new connection was aptly named the ‘Polymer Express’ as the first train on the route was carrying 90 TEUs of polymer for Gail, the natural gas transmission company.

Safer for hazardous goods

APM Terminals Pipavav is one of India’s leading gateway ports for containers and liquid and dry bulk cargoes, serving customers in the state of Gujarat with road and rail networks to India’s hinterland and northwest.

“This new connection will help exporters and importers to move their cargo faster and more safely using an environmentally friendly mode of transport,” said Keld Pedersen, managing director at APM Terminals Pipavav.

This follows another recent connection in Italy, where new routes to the north from the port of Vado Ligure, have been resumed.

Reduced transport time for perishable goods

Vado Ligure is a large Mediterranean port that specialises in handling fresh fruit and vegetables, so rapid transit is essential. The new trains from the terminal travel to Rivalta Scrivia where the Rail Hub Europe SpA is based. This is a strategic hub for Norther Italy’s logistics system.

In this first phase the trains are using lowered carriages, suitable for loading extra tall “high-cube” containers, which provide extra volume.

These recent additions build on further expansions made last year in Mexico and Sweden.

APM Terminals Gothenburg saw the return of three rail destinations in 2018 – Insjön, Gävle and Karlhamn – increasing the number of routes to Scandinavia’s biggest rail hub to 13.

Cost-effective

APM Terminals Gothenburg is looking to improve volumes and service levels for rail freight. “Sweden is a large and long country, with large export volumes. To be competitive in both time and cost, rail transfers directly to ocean-going vessels are needed to avoid expensive and time-consuming transhipments,” said Henrik Kristensen, managing director of APM Terminals Gothenburg.

APM Terminals Gothenburg aims to double the container freight flow on the ‘Västra Stambanan’ lines to and from Gothenburg within three years. “It will place great demands on all of us in the rail industry but will lead to great improvements in efficiency for cargo owners,” said Kristensen.

Improved security

Meanwhile, in the Americas, a new block-train service from APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico, is helping avoid congestion and delays commonly associated with other west-coast ports, to reach hinterland destinations in the US and Mexico. Not only is the service faster, but it’s also proven to be much more secure than transport by truck.

Since the terminal opened last year, there has been an increase in eight vessel services calling each week. The terminal provides the shortest distance and lowest intermodal cost to Mexico City. As Latin America’s first semi-automated terminal, APM Terminals Lazaro Cardenas operates around the clock using the latest technology to offer real-time information, no congestion and swift turnaround times.

Press Releases: apmterminals.com

Photo Courtesy: apmterminals.com

The post APM Terminals Pipavav Increases Rail Connectivity For Its Terminals appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Rok3aa

Norwegian Electric Systems Selects Corvus ESS For Five New Fjord1 Ferries

Corvus Energy is pleased to announce that the company has been selected by Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) to supply lithium-ion battery-based energy storage systems (ESS) for five new all-electric ferries being built by Havyard for Norwegian ferry operator Fjord1.

“Fjord1 continues to forge a very progressive path towards environmentally sustainable operations with these additional all-electric ferries,” says Stein Ruben Larsen, Senior Vice President Sales at NES, a total system integrator of electric systems for the global marine market. With respect to their ESS selection, he remarks, “The proven reliability, safety and performance of the Corvus ESS was important in awarding this contract to Corvus Energy.”

“Corvus Energy is honored to once again be selected by NES to provide Energy Storage Systems for Fjord1 ferries,” says Roger Rosvold, Vice President Sales at Corvus Energy. “NES are skilled and experienced electrical system integrators, and our close partnership with them in designing and delivering these innovative solutions is key to accelerating the adoption of energy storage systems.”

The leading manufacturer of energy storage systems for maritime applications, Corvus Energy provides battery power to more ferries than all other providers of energy storage systems combined. Beginning with the first zero-emission ferry, Ampere, Corvus Energy’s ESSs have now been selected for over 40 similarly sized car ferries globally.

Fjord1’s fleet modernization is impressive—the result of winning the number of tender competitions where low- or zero-emissions were specified by Norwegian authorities in an effort to reduce emissions from the ferry fleet. To date, Corvus Energy has supplied ESSs on eight Fjord1 electric ferries operating on four Norwegian coastal routes.

“It is a pleasure to work with the technical team at NES. They are highly experienced in integrating batteries into electric power and propulsion systems, and easy to work with to calculate energy storage capacity correctly,” says Tommy Sletten, Team Leader Technical Sales Support at Corvus Energy.

These five latest all-electric ferries are of Havyard 932 design and will be built in Havyard Shipyard in Leirvik, Sogn. Each ferry is 67 meters in length, holds 50 cars and will be equipped with air-cooled Corvus Orca Energy ESS that will supply electrical power to the ferry’s NES all-electric power and propulsion system. The Corvus equipment is scheduled for delivery in 2019 and all five ferries will be fully operational on four additional routes in Norway by January 1, 2020.

Press Releases: corvusenergy.com

Photo Courtesy: corvusenergy.com

The post Norwegian Electric Systems Selects Corvus ESS For Five New Fjord1 Ferries appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2WsVNr5

Port NOLA Sets Container Record In 2018

The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) moved more containers in 2018 than at any time in its history, totaling 591,253 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), up 12.3 percent compared to one year ago. The record marks the fifth year in a row Port NOLA has surpassed the half million TEU-mark at its Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal, which is operated by New Orleans Terminal and Ports America.

“The expansion of the Panama Canal and growth in containerized exports, namely resin and frozen poultry, have buoyed Port NOLA’s containerized cargo to record levels. In addition, loaded imported containers rose 7 percent, which continues to be a focus of Port NOLA’s marketing efforts,” said Brandy D. Christian, Port NOLA President, and CEO. “We anticipate further growth, as direct all-water carrier services to Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean attract larger vessels.”

The arrival in October of the Pusan C, a 9,500-TEU vessel operated by Marseilles, France-based ocean carrier CMA CGM, marked the largest container ship to ever call on the Port.

Port NOLA is also growing the nation’s largest container-on-barge service, in partnership with the Port of Greater Baton Rouge and operator SEACOR AMH. In 2018, that service moved 26,759 TEUs by barge, up 58 percent compared to 2017. The service repositions containers from Memphis, Tenn., to Baton Rouge, La., where they are loaded with plastic resins and shipped by barge to Port NOLA to be loaded onto container ships for export to global markets.

“Port NOLA continues to work with Louisiana Economic Development and the U.S. Maritime Administration to grow and expand the inland service,” Christian said. “The service helps reposition equipment, reduce congestion on our roadways and manage our growth in an environmentally friendly way.”

Port NOLA now features 11 weekly container services from three major global alliances as well as independent carriers, with direct connections to 58 global ports and more than 450 others through connecting services.

“In the short-term, we plan to double our capacity at the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal to more efficiently service larger ships and expand our container yard,” Christian said. “Part of the investment includes an expanded partnership with Ports America, which will invest $66.5 million into infrastructure and equipment, accommodating up to four new 100-gauge container cranes to facilitate larger ships, along with investments of up to $300 million for expansion opportunities within our three-parish (county) jurisdiction.”

Another driving force for container traffic is its growing intermodal service to critical markets Port NOLA serves. Intermodal cargo volumes realized 15 percent growth from 2017 to 2018. Intermodal services by CN Railroad into Memphis, Chicago, Detroit and Toronto, and Kansas City Southern’s weekly service into the Dallas-Fort Worth market are critical inland markets that will further grow volumes in New Orleans.

“The New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, which the Port acquired in February of 2018, is a crucial element of success for Port NOLA and the entire New Orleans gateway,” Christian said. “Our industry partners and Class I railroads are working collaboratively on the most efficient, responsible and vibrant gateway possible,” Christian said. “In addition to the KCS service into Dallas-Fort Worth, we anticipate launching new intermodal services soon.”

Press Releases: portnola.com

Photo Courtesy: portnola.com

The post Port NOLA Sets Container Record In 2018 appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Wv83Ho

Eagle Bulk Shipping Acquires Modern Ultramax And Sells Two 18-Year Old Supramaxes

Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc. (“Eagle” or the “Company”) announced that it has purchased a high-specification 2015-built SDARI-64 Ultramax bulk carrier for a purchase price of USD 20.4 million.

The ship, which has been renamed the M/V Cape Town Eagle, was constructed at Cosco Zhoushan Shipyard Co. Ltd and is of the same design as the M/V Hamburg Eagle and M/V Singapore Eagle.

The M/V Cape Town Eagle has been acquired with an existing time charter that has a remaining term of approximately one year at a variable gross rate of 106% of the Baltic Supramax Index with a floor rate of USD 11,400 per day.

Separately, and as part of the Company’s ongoing fleet renewal program, Eagle announced it has sold the M/V Condor and M/V Merlin, both 2001-built 50,000 deadweight ton vessels, for an aggregate gross price of USD 13.2 million. Both sales were concluded in advance of vessels’ statutory drydocks, which would have included the installation of ballast water treatment systems, resulting in a total CAPEX savings of over USD 2 million.

After the delivery of the M/V Cape Town Eagle and sale of the two vessels, the Company’s fleet will consist of 46 ships, including 14 Ultramax dry bulk vessels acquired over the last 24 months.

Finally, the Company announced that is has declared the three remaining options it held for exhaust gas cleaning systems, or scrubbers, bringing the total on order to 37 units.

Press Releases: globenewswire.com

Photo Courtesy: eagleships.com

The post Eagle Bulk Shipping Acquires Modern Ultramax And Sells Two 18-Year Old Supramaxes appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2RlvfUY

NYK Group Creates Digital Guidance For ECDIS

NYK Shipmanagement Pte. Ltd.,* an NYK Group company, has created “iPlus ECDIS,” digital guidance for the operation of Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). The new digital program will help officers to become experts in the use of ECDIS over a shorter time by providing detailed guidance that covers 66 ECDIS operations to improve the efficiency of onboard duties.

1. Background

Much time is required for officers to become proficient in the use of ECDIS because it differs according to manufacturer and model, and operation requires many steps. Even newer versions of ECDIS vary significantly from older versions made by the same manufacturer and can be challenging to operate. Initial steps in a menu can differ greatly from version to version, as can subsequent steps. Moreover, many steps can often be required to accomplish a task, so officers can require a lot of time to learn the use of ECDIS. iPlus ECDIS was thus created to provide quick educational guidance in a digital platform to assist officers and improve their speed of use.

2. Features

• The structure is based on the ECDIS checklist provided by the Nautical Institute (NI).
• 66 detailed operations are provided comprising 3,200 images and screenshots.
• Signage and pop-up messages guide users to subsequent steps.
• The program can be displayed on a tablet on board next to the ECDIS.
• The material is applicable to ECDIS produced by four Japanese manufacturers.

3. Future

This digital guide is currently being distributed to 200 NYK ships, and will soon expand to ships managed by the NYK Group. In its medium-term management plan “Staying Ahead 2022 with Digitalization and Green”, the NYK Group emphasizes its efforts to continue to boost digitalization to realize more efficient operations and create new value.

Press Releases: nyk.com

Photo Courtesy: nyk.com

The post NYK Group Creates Digital Guidance For ECDIS appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2WsUb0v

Investigation: Air Quality On Carnival Cruise Ships Can Be Worse Than Some Of World’s Most Polluted Cities

Air pollution levels put the health of passengers, staff, port communities at risk, according to a report by Johns Hopkins University researcher.

A new investigative report released details the shocking findings of a two-year study exposing extremely poor air quality on four Carnival Corporation ships that can be worse than some of the world’s most polluted cities including Beijing, China and Santiago, Chile.

The report, titled “An investigation of air pollution on the decks of 4 cruise ships” was authored by Dr. Ryan Kennedy, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health. The study was commissioned by international environmental organization Stand.earth.

“More than 30 million people worldwide are expected to go on a cruise in 2019, and these cruise passengers and staff may be exposed to concerning levels of air pollution that could impact their health. Despite being on the open sea, they can be breathing dirty air worse than some of the world’s most polluted cities,” said Dr. Ryan Kennedy, a researcher at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health.

ULTRAFINE PARTICULATE POLLUTION
The study measured ultrafine particulate pollution from multiple locations on four cruise ships, both in port and at sea over multi-day cruises. The ships — operating under the Carnival, Holland America, and Princess lines — left from Port Canaveral, Florida to the Bahamas; from Galveston, Texas to the Western Caribbean and Mexico; from Vancouver, British Columbia to Los Angeles, California; and from Los Angeles, California, to Mexico.

While less studied than fine particulate pollution, ultrafine particulate pollution can be detrimental to human health because of the increased toxicity. Ultrafine particles can have thousands of times more surface area than fine particles and are small enough to be inhaled into a person’s lungs and move into the bloodstream, where they can cause higher rates of cardiovascular disease and asthma. Recent studies have suggested that ultrafine particles may be the most dangerous to human health and that particulate matter from ship exhaust may be to blame for tens of thousands of annual deaths.

“Extremely high levels of air pollution measured on these Carnival Corporation ships suggest this pollution could pose serious health risks to passengers, staff, and people living in port and coastal communities. The most shocking finding from this study is that pollution was often highest near the stern of the ships, where passengers are encouraged to exercise. This study should be a warning sign for anyone considering booking a cruise, but especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and young children or anyone with cardiovascular problems,” said Kendra Ulrich, Senior Shipping Campaigner at Stand.earth.

HEAVY FUEL OIL
One of Stand.earth’s core programs works to reduce the climate and human health impacts of the shipping industry. Stand.earth is urging Carnival Corporation to transition away from using heavy fuel oil (HFO) to power its ships and immediately switch to a cleaner-burning fuel while installing filters to help reduce ultrafine particulate pollution. Ultimately, Stand.earth wants Carnival Corporation, the world’s largest cruise operator, to transition away from fossil-fuel powered ships completely.

“Carnival Corporation claims sustainability and human rights are core company values, but its policies continue to threaten its clients and the environment. Most of Carnival’s global fleet burns heavy fuel oil — the dirtiest fossil fuel available for marine transportation. This study exposes the health consequences of using this bottom-of-the-barrel oil coupled with inadequate pollution filters, simply because it’s dirt cheap. Carnival’s own customers could be subsidizing the company’s profits with their health,” said Ulrich.

STUDY CONCLUSIONS
Some of the findings from the study include:

• While all four ships were traveling at sea, average particle counts were significantly higher in the areas behind the smokestacks (stern).
• Particle counts on the Holland America MS Amsterdam were approximately eight times higher on the stern areas than on the bow.
• Particle counts on the Carnival Freedom measured as high as 73,621 particles per cubic centimeter (pt/cc) near the running track while at sea.
• Particle counts on the Princess Cruises Emerald Princess measured as high as 157,716 pt/cc on the lower stern while at sea.
• In comparison, pollution measurements were taken with the same equipment in Beijing, China in 2009 was 30,000 pt/cc on a busy street, and in Santiago, Chile in 2011-2012 was in the ranges of 8,000-30,100 pt/cc.

In addition to the report’s documented air pollution impacts on cruise passengers and staff, studies have shown approximately 70% of ship emissions occur within 250 miles of land, potentially exposing millions of unsuspecting people to dangerous air pollution levels and raising serious health concerns for coastal cities and port communities.

CRUISE SHIP SCRUBBERS
All four ships in this study have scrubbers installed, an exhaust-cleaning technology designed to reduce sulfur air emissions. This allows the ships to burn heavy fuel oil inside most of the North American and Caribbean Emissions Control Areas, where there are strict limits on emissions. In California, where scrubbers are banned within 24 miles from shore, ships are required to switch to a cleaner-burning fuel.

“Carnival claims its scrubbers significantly reduce air emissions. This report’s continuous elevated readings indicate that even in California, where Carnival Corporation is required to switch to a cleaner-burning fuel, air pollution on board remains a serious concern. That’s why Carnival must not only switch to a cleaner-burning fuel but also install adequate pollution filters to help prevent this dangerous ultrafine particulate pollution from impacting the health of its passengers and staff,” said Ulrich.

As air pollution becomes an increasing concern for global health officials — including the head of the World Health Organization who recently called air pollution “the new tobacco” — Carnival’s use of heavy fuel oil is putting human health at serious risk.

Press Releases: stand.earth

Photo Courtesy: stand.earth

The post Investigation: Air Quality On Carnival Cruise Ships Can Be Worse Than Some Of World’s Most Polluted Cities appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Bc3QiS

M/S Containerships Nord Undergoes First LNG-Bunkering At Port Of Rotterdam

We are happy to announce that our first LNG-fuelled container vessel, M/S Containerships Nord, successfully underwent her first Marine LNG bunkering at the Port of Rotterdam on 24th of January. Around 240 metric tons of Marine LNG was bunkered to the vessel – an amount that can take her on a roundtrip from Rotterdam to St. Petersburg and back sailing through the Kiel canal twice.

The first bunkering was carried out at lay bay berth in a ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operation from Shell’s Bunker Vessel, the Cardissa. In future, the bunkering will be carried out at a normal operational berth simultaneously with loading and discharging operations. This means no disadvantages in operative efficiency will occur compared to traditional oil-burning vessels.

Bunkering procedures are based on detailed hazard identification and safety assessments. All vessel crew have passed essential LNG bunkering specific training, and safety is a priority throughout the bunkering operation.

Tahir Faruqui, General Manager, Shell Global Downstream LNG, said: “We are proud to supply Containerships with a cleaner burning and viable fuel for the shipping industry. LNG bunkering is a very safe operation and we look forward to conducting simultaneous operations with Containerships in the future”.

M/S Containerships Nord started sailing from China towards Europe in Mid-December and reached the European waters after passing the Suez Canal after two and half weeks sailing. The three sister vessels will follow the same route after their delivery later this year.

After receiving the next two newbuilds, Containerships can start offering its customers a service based on LNG in large extent. These vessels have the endurance of 14 days with LNG, and they will be bunkered once per roundtrip during their regular service loop between Containerships’ core ports in the North and Baltic Seas.

As part of the agreement signed by Containerships and Shell, Shell will supply the LNG for Containerships’ LNG vessels via ship-to-ship bunkering at the Port of Rotterdam. All the newbuilds will be bunkered by Shell bunker vessels, including the Cardissa.

Containerships were the first container shipping line in Europe to perform ship-to-ship bunkering with LNG.

Press Releases: containershipsgroup.com

Photo Courtesy: containershipsgroup.com

The post M/S Containerships Nord Undergoes First LNG-Bunkering At Port Of Rotterdam appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2TkSZKK

Hapag-Lloyd Declares General Average on Yantian Express

General Average is a principal in maritime law under which all parties with a financial interest in the voyage are to proportionally share the losses resulting from an incident. It allows the costs to preserve a vessel and its cargo, and it also means that prior to cargo being released, all cargo interests will be required to contribute to the General Average fund.

In conjunction with declaring General Average, the owners will appoint Average Adjusters, who will be responsible for coordinating the collection of securities and all documentation required from parties with interest in cargo, containers, vessel, and fuel.

“At this point in time we would ask that all US consignees and brokers retract their US customs entries, if previously made for the MV Yantian Express on the intended port calls. This should be performed as soon as possible, however no later than January 28, 2019,” Hapag-Lloyd said in a customer advisory.

“As Hapag-Lloyd, we intend to remove the manifest for this vessel from the USCBP/ACE files on January 29, 2019. Any subsequent customs handling instructions will be provided once more details are available.”

Based on the latest update, Yantian Express is headed for the Port of Freeport, Bahamas, where the recovery and assessment efforts of the cargo will be resumed. The ship is expected to arrive in the port by the middle of this week.

The fire broke out in one of the containers on the ship’s deck on January 3, while the 7,510 TEU boxship was on its way from Colombo to Halifax, spreading to additional containers. No injuries to the crew were reported. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined.

Press Releases: Hapag-Lloyd

The post Hapag-Lloyd Declares General Average on Yantian Express appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2sPE4wn

Hunter Group Further Delays Decision on VLCC Trio Order

Hunter Group and South Korea’s shipbuilder Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) agreed to extend the option agreement for three additional vessels until February 28, 2019.

As part of the latest extension, the company said that it would pay USD 93.6 million per vessel. Additionally, if exercised, the options would see the 300,000 dwt ships delivered to their owner within the first half of 2021, as previously agreed.

The options in question were initially received in May 2018, after Hunter Group entered into a definitive back-to-back agreement with Apollo Asset for the transfer of shipbuilding contracts for four VLCCs. The three Eco design options are for ships with identical technical specifications and include scrubbers.

Previously, Apollo had offered to transfer ownership of up to seven VLCCs to Hunter Group.

In early May 2018, the company exercised options for the construction of three additional crude carriers at DSME. The units, priced at USD 82.8 million plus USD 2.7 million per scrubber, are scheduled for delivery by the end of May, June and August 2020, respectively.

What is more, Hunter Group has received

Press Releases: Hunter Group ASA

The post Hunter Group Further Delays Decision on VLCC Trio Order appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2MCNSTA

Moda Midstream Commissions VLCC Loading Berth in Texas

As informed, the upgrades will enable loading of VLCCs at rates of up to 80,000 barrels per hour.

“Today we are loading our fourth VLCC at MIEC since late December,” Bo McCall, Moda President and CEO, said.

“With today’s commissioning of our upgrades to Berth 2A, we now have the US Gulf Coast’s most efficient crude export loading rates,” McCall added.

Moda also announced it has commenced a further expansion of its docks, which originally were designed by the US Navy to support a battleship and aircraft carrier group. Upon completion, MIEC will have combined vessel loading rates of 160,000 barrels per hour and improved berthing efficiencies.

MIEC has worked with the US Coast Guard and the Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots to ensure efficient transit times and safe berthing of vessels. In addition, the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project, when completed, will increase the depth from 47 feet below mean lower low water (MLLW) to 54 feet below MLLW, which will allow for the loading of increased volumes on VLCCs at MIEC.

As part of the expansion program, Moda has commenced construction of an additional 10 million barrels of crude oil storage. Substantially all of the new storage tanks will be placed in service throughout 2019, and the expansion will be complete by the second quarter of 2020, according to the company.

Moda has begun construction of a new manifold and interterminal piping to allow MIEC to receive direct “basin to berth” deliveries from the Cactus II Pipeline, Gray Oak Pipeline and Epic Crude Oil Pipeline. These upgrades will be completed prior to the pipelines’ expected in-service dates. MIEC will be able to receive simultaneous deliveries from these three new “next generation” long-haul crude pipelines at their full mainline rates.

“As the gateway to foreign markets for Permian and Eagle Ford crude production, MIEC has seen very strong customer demand, and we have had tremendous success in securing new customer commitments to support our ongoing expansion,” McCall said, adding that Moda is evaluating additional expansion phases that would increase available storage and waterfront capabilities at its 900-acre site.

MIEC has approximately 2.1 million barrels of oil storage capacity and receives deliveries from the Cactus Oil Pipeline.

As informed, the upgrades will enable loading of VLCCs at rates of up to 80,000 barrels per hour.

“Today we are loading our fourth VLCC at MIEC since late December,” Bo McCall, Moda President and CEO, said.

“With today’s commissioning of our upgrades to Berth 2A, we now have the US Gulf Coast’s most efficient crude export loading rates,” McCall added.

Moda also announced it has commenced a further expansion of its docks, which originally were designed by the US Navy to support a battleship and aircraft carrier group. Upon completion, MIEC will have combined vessel loading rates of 160,000 barrels per hour and improved berthing efficiencies.

MIEC has worked with the US Coast Guard and the Aransas-Corpus Christi Pilots to ensure efficient transit times and safe berthing of vessels. In addition, the Corpus Christi Ship Channel Improvement Project, when completed, will increase the depth from 47 feet below mean lower low water (MLLW) to 54 feet below MLLW, which will allow for the loading of increased volumes on VLCCs at MIEC.

As part of the expansion program, Moda has commenced construction of an additional 10 million barrels of crude oil storage. Substantially all of the new storage tanks will be placed in service throughout 2019, and the expansion will be complete by the second quarter of 2020, according to the company.

Moda has begun construction of a new manifold and interterminal piping to allow MIEC to receive direct “basin to berth” deliveries from the Cactus II Pipeline, Gray Oak Pipeline and Epic Crude Oil Pipeline. These upgrades will be completed prior to the pipelines’ expected in-service dates. MIEC will be able to receive simultaneous deliveries from these three new “next generation” long-haul crude pipelines at their full mainline rates.

“As the gateway to foreign markets for Permian and Eagle Ford crude production, MIEC has seen very strong customer demand, and we have had tremendous success in securing new customer commitments to support our ongoing expansion,” McCall said, adding that Moda is evaluating additional expansion phases that would increase available storage and waterfront capabilities at its 900-acre site.

MIEC has approximately 2.1 million barrels of oil storage capacity and receives deliveries from the Cactus Oil Pipeline.

Press Releases: MODA

The post Moda Midstream Commissions VLCC Loading Berth in Texas appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2RosToa

Five More Fjord1 Ferries to Feature Corvus Energy Storage Systems

Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) selected Canadian manufacturer of energy storage systems Corvus Energy to supply the systems for the five units, currently under construction in Havyard Shipyard in Leirvik, Sogn.

The five latest all-electric Havyard 932 design ferries feature a length of 67 meters. The vessels will each be able to hold 50 cars and will be equipped with air-cooled Corvus Orca Energy ESS that will supply electrical power to the ferry’s NES all-electric power and propulsion system.

The Corvus equipment is scheduled for delivery in 2019 and all five ferries will be fully operational on four additional routes in Norway by January 1, 2020.

“Fjord1 continues to forge a very progressive path towards environmentally sustainable operations with these additional all-electric ferries,” Stein Ruben Larsen, Senior Vice President Sales at NES, said.

Fjord1’s fleet modernization is the result of a number of tender competitions where low- or zero-emissions were specified by Norwegian authorities in an effort to reduce emissions from the ferry fleet. To date, Corvus Energy has supplied ESSs on eight Fjord1 electric ferries operating on four Norwegian coastal routes.

Press Releases:Fjord1

The post Five More Fjord1 Ferries to Feature Corvus Energy Storage Systems appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2WqO24X

Meriaura Inks Charters for Five Ships

The five vessels that will join the company’s fleet include a deck cargo carrier, two multipurpose-heavy lift dry cargo vessels and two traditional dry bulk carriers.

The 5,200 dwt deck cargo carrier, Enough Talk, is of the same type and size as Meriaura’s deck cargo carriers Aura and Meri.

“Time chartering of M/S Enough Talk significantly increases Meriaura’s cargo capacity and position in the field of demanding project cargo shipments in Northern Europe. Increase in capacity brings more flexibility to the service and allows some of the equipment to be designated to longer-term projects,” the company said.

Meriaura will also add to its fleet multipurpose heavy lift vessels M/S Antonia and M/S Antje, that are both equipped with two heavy lift cranes and are also suitable for project cargo transportations. The ships’ cranes can lift pieces up to 160 tons, and the vessels are equipped with tweendecks.

As explained, the length of the ships enables the transport of for example wind turbine parts and blades, that have grown in size considerably in recent years. The vessels’ cargo capacities are approx. 8,500 and 7,900 tons and 12,000 cubic meters, and they are also suitable for carrying bulk cargoes. Meriaura already started in the 8,000-tonner segment with M/S Airisto last autumn, and with the new contracts the company increases its tonnage in the new, larger segment.

“With these multipurpose vessels we seek efficiency and ability to combine bulk and project shipments in the Baltic and the North Sea,” Beppe Rosin, Managing Director of Meriaura, commented.

Moreover, Meriaura is also expanding its fleet with two singledeckers, the new 3,900-ton dry cargo vessels M/S Travetal and Alstertal.

Some of the new vessels have already joined the Meriaura fleet and the rest will be joining during February 2019, according to the company.

The recent charter agreements follow the company’s acquisition of two 4,100 dwt dry cargo ships by VG-Shipping, also part of Meriaura Group. The acquisition, finalized in October 2018, was part of the group’s strategy based on self-owned tonnage completed by long-term time charter agreements.

Press Releases: Meriaura Group

 

The post Meriaura Inks Charters for Five Ships appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Rn2SFG

Types Of Marine Navigation Instruments, Tools And Equipments Used Onboard Ships

Updated: Search Suspended for Majesty of the Seas Crewman

“We’ve been in contact with the crewmember’s family throughout our search efforts and know this is a very difficult and painful time for them,” said Cmdr. Jason Aleksak, Sector Miami chief of response. “Suspending a search is one of the most difficult decisions we have to make as first responders, and it is never made lightly.”

The Majesty of the Seas cruise ship sent a call to the Coast Guard Sector Miami, stating a 26-year-old crew member went overboard on Thursday, January 24.

The coast guard dispatched coast guard cutter Paul Clark, MH-65 Dolphin helicopter and air station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry airplane to look for the crew member.

“On Thursday, January 24, at approximately 2:35 a.m., as Majesty of the Seas was sailing to Port Everglades, Florida, crew members witnessed a fellow crew member going overboard. The ship’s captain immediately stopped the ship to begin rescue efforts, and alerted the U.S. Coast Guard,” the spokesperson of Royal Caribbean told World Maritime News in a statement.

“At 6:43 a.m., the U.S. Coast Guard advised the ship that they would be assuming control of the search. The ship was then released from the search and able to continue to Port Everglades.”

Majesty of the Seas was sailing a five-night itinerary that departed Port Everglades, Florida, on Thursday, January 19, with port calls to CocoCay and Nassau, the Bahamas when the incident occurred.

Press Releases: USCG

Photo Courtesy: USCG

The post Updated: Search Suspended for Majesty of the Seas Crewman appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2RiSxeh

COSCO Shipping Ports Buys Stake in Peruvian Chancay Terminal

Representatives of COSCO Shipping Ports and Volcan signed an agreement in Davos, Switzerland, on January 23, 2019.

As informed, the stake will be purchased for USD 225 million, with an initial payment of USD 56 million.

The two parties intend to establish Chancay Terminal as “an important gateway port in Peru”. As Chancay Terminal owns the land of the terminal and doesn’t need to pay for any concession rights, financial resources can be placed mainly on the developments of the terminal, according to COSCO Shipping Ports.

The construction of Chancay Terminal includes multi-purpose terminals, container terminals and related infrastructure facilities. Phase one of the terminal will have four berths, of which two are multi-purpose berths, and two are container berths with a total annual designed capacity of one million TEU.

“Planned to be a modern terminal, upon completion of the construction of Chancay Terminal, the port will not only further strengthen the international operational capabilities of Chinese corporations, but will also further enhance the economic development of Peru,” Xiao Yaqing, Chairman of State-owned Asset Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC), said.

“Chancay Terminal is the first terminal project invested by Chinese companies in South America, which has received great attention and support from both Chinese and Peruvian governments…Volcan has started the research work of the construction of terminal in the Port of Chancay many years ago. The cooperation will enable the two parties to fully utilize resources and leverage the capabilities to jointly develop Chancay Terminal to an important hub port in Latin America and a gateway port in the Pacific Ocean which should help promote local economic growth,” Captain Xu Lirong, Chairman of COSCO Shipping, noted.

“The investment in Chancay Terminal enabled us to further extend our reach to South America. The prospective terminal at Port of Chancay will be the company’s first terminal in South America and should help reduce the deficiency in port infrastructure in Peru,” Zhang Wei, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of COSCO Shipping Ports, commented.

Located 58 km in the north of the Peruvian capital of Lima, the Port of Chancay is a natural deep-water harbor with a maximum of 16 meters water-depth and is capable of accommodating mega vessels.

Press Releases: Cosco shipping

Photo Courtesy: Cosco shipping

The post COSCO Shipping Ports Buys Stake in Peruvian Chancay Terminal appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Wj1Uhz

ONE Expands LSF Surcharge in China

The company said that the decision was made “due to the expansion of regulation scope requiring ships to use less than 0.5% sulphur fuel in the China ECA designated areas.”

As a consequence of the regulation and changed circumstances, ONE would implement the USD 15 per TEU surcharge for import and export cargo for China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The implementation dates were set at March 1, 2019, for Asia, US and Canada, and for February 15, 2019, for all other trades.

The company previously announced the LSF surcharge implementation date for all China export cargoes shipping via Shanghai & Ningbo & Nanjing as from January 1, 2019. In mid-December, ONE expanded the surcharge in Taiwan and China, which was set to enter into force on January 1 and January 15.

“ONE continues to explore all avenues available to mitigate fuel consumption and fuel associated costs for the benefit of the global environment and the supply chain costs,” the company concluded.

Press Releases: ONE

Photo Courtesy: ONE

The post ONE Expands LSF Surcharge in China appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Ri205e

Western Bulk Suffers Losses in Chilean Unit

After a good performance for the first half of the year, the vessel operator said that the second half fell short of expectations as its Chilean business experienced a net TC loss of USD 10 million during the period, combined with low market volatility in the third quarter hampering performance across the group.

“In Chile, it was revealed that contracts had been approved based on unrealistic assumptions presented by a trusted employee, combined with the market moving against the positions, as well as weather delays. The Chile business unit has been restructured and the employee removed from his position, and internal control routines have been reviewed and enhanced,” Western Bulk explained.

As the majority of the loss-making contracts in Chile terminate in the first quarter of 2019, and the restructuring of the business unit has made it more focused on short term contracts in line with other business units, a zero net TC result is expected from Chile in 2019.

“After ending both 2017 and the first half of 2018 with an increase in profitability, the last six months of 2018 were disappointing due to losses in Chile. At the same time, with the Chile business unit restructured and a good fourth quarter I am convinced that we will be able to better reflect the strong performance in the remaining business units on a group level in 2019,” Jens Ismar, CEO of Western Bulk, said.

Despite significant losses in Chile, full-year profit after tax decreased slightly from USD 4.3 million to USD 4.2 million in 2018.

Press Releases: Western Bulk

Photo Courtesy: Western Bulk

The post Western Bulk Suffers Losses in Chilean Unit appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2HzOZ7B

Update: Fire-Stricken Yantian Express Heading for Freeport, Bahamas

“Once there, the recovery and assessment efforts of the cargo can proceed in a safer environment.

At present, the containership is approximately 1,250 nautical miles from the Bahamas and is expected to arrive in Freeport by next week. The Yantian Express currently sails with its own machine and in tug escort,” the company added.

“It is still not possible to make a precise estimate of any damage to the Yantian Express or its cargo. Hapag-Lloyd is working in close cooperation with all relevant authorities.”

The fire broke out in one of the containers on the ship’s deck on January 3, while the 7,510 TEU boxship was on its way from Colombo to Halifax, spreading to additional containers. The ship’s crew was evacuated after the fire aboard the vessel increased in intensity.

Based on the latest update from the German liner, the fire has been widely contained. Five of the ship’s crew members have returned to the stricken ship.

“The remaining salvage operations have made considerable progress,” according to Hapag-Lloyd.

Press  Releases: yantian express

Photo Courtesy: yantian express

The post Update: Fire-Stricken Yantian Express Heading for Freeport, Bahamas appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2Tg5p6v

COSCO Shipping Ports Takes 60% Stake In Chancay Terminal

COSCO SHIPPING Ports Limited (”COSCO SHIPPING Ports” or “CSP” or “Company”), a leading ports operator in the world, announced that the Company will establish its first greenfield subsidiary in South America by acquiring 60% stake in Terminales Portuarios Chancay S.A. (Chancay Terminal) from Volcan Compañía Minera S.A.A., (“Volcan”) for a total consideration of US$225million, with an initial payment of US$56million.

At a signing ceremony held today at Davos, Switzerland, Mr. Zhang Wei, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of COSCO SHIPPING Ports and Mr. José Picasso, Chairman of Volcan signed the agreement on behalf of the two parties. The ceremony was witnessed by Her Excellency Mercedes Aráoz, Vice President of Peru, His Excellency Xiao Yaqing, Chairman of State-owned Asset Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, PRC, (“SASAC”), His Excellency Dai Dongchang, Deputy Minister of Ministry of Transport of the PRC, His Excellency Luis Chávez Basagoitia, Ambassador of Peru in the Switzerland, Captain Xu Lirong, Chairman of China COSCO Shipping Corporation Limited (“COSCO SHIPPING”) and Mr. Huang Xiaowen, Executive Vice President and Party Committee Member of COSCO SHIPPING.

COSCO SHIPPING Ports will partner with Volcan to build Chancay Terminal into an important gateway port in Peru. Chancay Terminal owns the land of the Terminal and doesn’t need to pay for any concession rights, financial resources thus can be placed mainly on the developments of the terminal.

Economic growth of Peru has continued in recent years; container throughout Peru in 2017 has increased to 2.5 million TEU from 1.5 million TEU in 2010. Located 58 km in the north of the Peruvian capital of Lima, Port of Chancay enjoys favorable location where it has easy access to the economic center of Peru. About 60% of Peru’s economic activities are concentrated in Lima and its surrounding areas, and thus, the favorable geographic location of Lima is of strategic importance. Port of Chancay is a natural deep-water harbor with a maximum of 16 meters water-depth and is capable of satisfying the needs of mega vessels. The construction of the Chancay Terminal includes multi-purpose terminals, container terminals, and related infrastructure facilities. Phase one of the terminal will have four berths, of which two are multi-purpose berths, and two are container berths with a total annual designed capacity of one million TEU.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, His Excellency Xiao Yaqing, Chairman of SASAC expressed his view that, “Planned to be a modern terminal, upon completion of the construction of Chancay Terminal, the port will not only further strengthen the international operational capabilities of Chinese corporations, but will also further enhance the economic development of Peru. I hope the two companies will implement the project in a practical way and lay the strong foundation for the extensive cooperation between the two countries, thus help promote economic development and prosperity of China and Peru.”

Captain Xu Lirong, Chairman of COSCO SHIPPING said “Chancay Terminal is the first terminal project invested by Chinese companies in South America, which has received great attention and support from both Chinese and the Peruvian government. Volcan is one of the world’s leading polymetallic mining companies. To cope with its business development, Volcan has started the research work of the construction of a terminal in the Port of Chancay many years ago. The cooperation will enable the two parties to fully utilize resources and leverage the capabilities to jointly develop Chancay Terminal to an important hub port in Latin America and a gateway port in the Pacific Ocean which should help promote local economic growth.”

Mr. Zhang Wei, Vice Chairman and Managing Director of COSCO SHIPPING Ports, said “The investment in Chancay Terminal enabled us to further extend our reach to South America. The prospective terminal at Port of Chancay will be the Company’s first terminal in South America and should help reduce the deficiency in port infrastructure in Peru. With an ideal geographical location, Chancay Terminal is poised to be an important gateway port in Peru. With the support from the parent company and the OCEAN Alliance, we will harness our strengths to enhance the profitability of the terminal in the future and achieve sustainable growth to maximize returns to shareholders.”

Press Releases: irasia.com

Photo Cortesy: irasia.com

The post COSCO Shipping Ports Takes 60% Stake In Chancay Terminal appeared first on Maritime Manual.

from WordPress http://bit.ly/2B2rxuc