DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2015 – 056

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Number 056 *** COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS *** Wednesday 25-02-2015

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

The brandnew DAMEN ASD 2810 HYBRID MULTRATUG 28 enroute from Galati to her

homeport Terneuzen seen moored in Malta - Photo : Michael Cassar ©

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EVENTS, INCIDENTS & OPERATIONS

The DAMEN ASD 2810 HYBRID MULTRATUG 28 enroute from Galati to her homeport Terneuzen made a bunker

stop in Malta - Photo : Michael Cassar ©

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Port of Halifax anticipating 146 cruise vessel calls during 2015 cruise season

The 2015 cruise season at the Port of Halifax will begin on April 19, 2015 with the arrival of the Regal Princess.

This will be the first call for the Regal Princess at the Port of Halifax and will be the first of eight inaugural calls during the 2015 season. "This is such an exciting way to start the 2015 cruise season in Halifax," said Cathy McGrail, Director of Cruise and Corporate Communications for the Port of Halifax. "Not only is this a spectacular first-time call from one of our longstanding and valued cruise line partners, but this is also a vessel that is equipped to access shore power."

This year, the Port of Halifax is planning to welcome 146 cruise vessels carrying approximately 240-thousand passengers plus crew. This year also marks the 175th anniversary of Cunard's first regularly scheduled transatlantic voyage. On July 4, 1840, the RMS Britannia left port in Liverpool and made Halifax 12 days later. To celebrate the anniversary, flagship Queen Mary 2 will recreate that historic first crossing including a stop in Halifax, the hometown of Sir Samuel Cunard. "It is very important for us to include Halifax as part of the celebration of the original transatlantic crossing," said Richard Meadows, President, Cunard, North America. "I think our visionary founder would be proud to see the ties between the line he created and his hometown are still holding strong after all these years."

Other highlights in 2015 include:

• Eight inaugural calls

• Over 25 calls where properly equipped vessels will be able to access shore power

• Five visits from the Queen Mary 2 during the 2015 season. Her first call will be on July 10, 2015.

• October 1, 2015 will be the only five ship day

• October 16, 2015 will be the busiest passenger day with just over 10-thousand passengers expected plus crew.

"The cruise market is an important contributor to Nova Scotia's tourism industry and to our economy," said Economic and Rural Development and Tourism Minister Michel Samson. "Innovations like the new shore power system position Halifax as a key port of call. The strong 2015 cruise season will introduce thousands of new visitors to our incredible experiences and renowned hospitality, and encourage a return visit to Nova Scotia for a longer stay." A recent economic impact report released by the Halifax Port Authority found that cruise in Halifax is now worth an estimated $104.3 million in economic benefit for the local economy. This includes passenger spending on tourism-related activities as well as provisioning associated with cruise vessels. Halifax is a full-service port that is able to offer a full range of goods and services across the entire marine industry. A complete vessel posting can be found at the Cruise Halifax website at http://cruisehalifax.ca/our-visitors/cruise-schedule/. Source : WireService

The port of Muscat (Oman) with moored the passengerliners AIDAAURA, AIDADIVA and COSTA SERENA and the

Dutch LPD L 801 JOHAN DE WITT – Photo : Capt. Wibbo Hofman ©

Maersk may reward shareholders as oil unit suffers: analysts

Danish conglomerate AP Moller-Maersk may announce a second share buyback scheme in its 110-year history as early as Wednesday, analysts said, allowing it to reward shareholders as its oil unit takes a battering from a slump in

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prices.Further divestments from its large portfolio of companies may also be on the radar, funding any buybacks or at least increased dividends, with the world's largest container shipping company focusing more closely on the shipping and oil industries.

Maersk's will present its fourth quarter results at 0700 GMT on Wednesday. Net profit is expected to rise 9.8 per cent to US$1 billion, boosted by a 59 per cent rise in container shipping but hit by a 50 per cent drop in its oil business.Analysts say some sort of impairment charge on Maersk's oil assets is likely, after the oil industry was forced to write down billions due to a slump in the oil price in the second half of last year. "Divestments are likely to finance growth and cash distribution," analyst Stig Frederiksen from Nordea Markets wrote in a note, adding he expected a US$1 billion share buyback to be announced on Wednesday.

The company announced the first such scheme in its history to the tune of US$1 billion last August, sending its shares soaring to peak at a record high in mid September at 15,220 crowns each. They have fallen around 7 per cent since.As Maersk laid out a strategy in recent years of focusing on four to five core business units, it has sold off businesses such as a stake in Netto supermarkets and its one-third share in fellow Danish shipping company DFDS.It has also sold off its fleets of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) vessels, Floating Production Storage Offloading (FPSOs) vessels and crude oil tanker vessels.

Analysts said up next on the block could be Hoegh Autoliners, operator of a fleet of 60 vessels that transport vehicles, and airliner Star Air.Logistics company Damco, tugboat operator Svitzer and Maersk Supply Service, providing offshore oil services, have also been mentioned as disposal candidates. "They will continue to divest companies in the coming years. One example is Damco, where there is no synergies related to owing the company but I think a turnaround is needed before a divestment can take place," analyst Jacob Pedersen from Sydbank said.The global logistics industry is recognised as fragmented and consolidation is expected by many. Singapore-based Neptune Orient Lines announced a sale of its APL Logistic unit to Kintetsu World Express last week.AP Moller-Maersk has booked accounting gains of more than US$4 billion and a positive cash flow of around US$10 billion since 2009 when management initiated a strategy to lift profit. Source : Reuters

New BigLift representative for South East Asia region

The HAPPY SKY anchored off Singapore – Photo : Piet Sinke © CLICK on the photo !

BigLift Shipping hereby announces its representative from 22 February 2015 is Asian Independent Shipbrokers for the ASEAN Countries encompassing Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar.Combining BigLift’s state-of-the-art heavy lift fleet, extensiveexperience and long track record in the heavy lift market with the young and dynamic team of Asian Independent Shipbrokers (AIS) will offer the growing South East Asian market a committedand innovative partner for heavy lift transportation.

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Asian Independent Shipbrokers (AIS) Asian Independent Shipbrokers is the Singapore office of Australian Independent Shipbrokers which was established in Sydney in 1992. With offices located both in major Australian cities and Singapore, AIS has become a leading broking house in the Australasianregion,specializing in heavy lift, IMO, project cargoes and bulk parcels.They have a fine reputation for high quality service More information on Asian Independent Shipbrokers can be found on www.aisbrokers.com.au.

Left : The HAPPY DRAGON anchored off Singapore Photo : Piet Sinke © CLICK on the photo !

BigLift Shipping is one of the world’s leading heavy lift shipping companies, specialized in worldwide ocean transportation of heavy lift and project cargoes, operating to high

standards of safety, operational reliability and to strict time schedules. BigLift’s fleet consists of 15 state-of-the art vessels with lifting capacities up to 1,800 mt More information on BigLift Shipping can be found on www.bigliftshipping.com.

Ship live photo : The THALASSA ELPIDA inbound for Rotterdam-Europoort.

Photo / Film Kees Torn © CLICK on the photo !

Fendercare Marine sign contract with BAE Systems to support the River Class Batch 2

programme • Contract signed with BAE Systems Naval Ships for supply of rudder, deck and mooring equipment • New OPVs seen as an important step in the Royal Navy’s forward strategy

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World leading marine products and services supplier, Fendercare Marine, is proud to announce the signing of a new significant contract with BAE Systems Naval Ships. The contract is for the provision of rudder blades, rudder stocks, sleeves/liners for rudder stock, anchors, chain and deck equipment for three new Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) for the UK Royal Navy.

“The selection of Fendercare Marine by BAE Systems to support them in this important programme for the Royal Navy, further underlines the industry’s recognition in our abilities to provide a quality and value for money service and approach to defence contracts.” said Brett Ward, Defence Project Sales Manager, Fendercare Marine. Production of the new Offshore Patrol Vessels commenced in October 2014 at BAE Systems’ facility in Govan, Glasgow. The 90 metre OPV is based on a proven BAE Systems design which is already in service with the Brazilian Navy and Royal Thai Navy. Engineers at BAE Systems have modified the design, ensuring it meets the requirements of the Royal Navy in support of UK interests both at home and abroad. Fendercare Marine was chosen for this contract based on their past experience working with BAE Systems and track record of working on the Amazonas class vessels. Fendercare Marine has been a supplier of fenders and marine hardware to the MoD since 1999 and also supports navies throughout the world, winning a $29 million contract with the US Navy in 2012. Fendercare Marine also recently received praise for their fendering support to a flotilla of NATO warships in the Port of Cardiff during the NATO summitFrom a base in the Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth, their Naval Solutions division provides fabrication, welding and coating services for the MoD, having worked on nuclear submarines, warships and naval support vessels. The new OPVs will include a modified flight deck capable of operating the latest Merlin helicopters, larger stores and more accommodation for embarked troops. The first of class is expected to be delivered to the Royal Navy in 2017, with Fendercare Marine due to complete their elements by the end of 2015.

Kenya pledges to strengthen maritime safety, security

Kenya's very first National Maritime Conference kicked off in Nairobi on Monday with government vowing to strengthen maritime safety and security to help exploit maritime resources.

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta who opened the two-day conference also called for closer cooperation, and effective coordination of all maritime policy at the different decision- making levels both at regional and continental levels."Given that the maritime industry is the carrier of 92 percent of our international trade by volume, and given the importance of international trade to our prosperity, the choice of investment was prudent too," he said.Kenyatta said a special focus must be put on training so that the country's maritime skills match the infrastructure being developed to exploit maritime resources. He said that a public university will soon start to offer training in maritime studies.

He asked Transport, Labor, Education and the National Treasury Cabinet Secretaries to put in place measures that will ensure the country's youth are equipped with skills that will enable them to take advantage of the maritime industry.

Kenyatta said that Kenya's maritime domain which extends over 230,000 square kilometers - the equivalent of about 31 of the country's 47 counties which he said has not been fully tapped by Kenyans.Kenyatta said this potential can no longer be ignored, adding Kenya has begun to realize the vision of the African Union with its huge investments in port, road and rail infrastructure development whose aim is the seamless flow of cargo.The conference was convened to discuss and develop a national action plan on how Kenyans can benefit from the country's maritime resources.

The conference came amid fall in piracy cases off the coast of Somalia since Kenya deployed its troops to Somalia in 2011.The African maritime industry, along the Indian Ocean had then been greatly affected by piracy that had raised the costs of shipping as insurance companies and private ship security companies increased their premiums to mitigate the risks.International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary General Koji Semizu described maritime resources as the "blue economy," saying a lot needs to be done to fully develop the sector.He said Africa has huge potential in maritime development and IMO is ready to help African countries' action plans.Semizu added that IMO will work with the UNDP and other UN organizations to ensure support for African countries. He asked Kenya to draft a maritime policy in order to exploit the benefits of the "blue economy." Source : Global Post

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PT SENTEK WELCOMES YEAR OF THE GOAT

The bunker tanker SENTEK 21 operating in Singapore waters Photo : Piet Sinke © CLICK on the photo !

Yesterday one of Singapore largest bunker suppliers PT

SENTEK celebrated the start of the year of the goat with large lunch held for approx 500

business relations at the Ballroom at the Park Royal Hotel at Kitchener in

Singapore, SENTEK supplies most grades of marine fuels entering into the ports of Singapore. Given their versatility of bunker tankers they are able to deliver any requested quantity of marine fuels efficiently ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand tones in limited window time frame while their clients' vessels are calling in port of Singapore.beside the bunker service PT SENTEK is

committed to build and repair to the highest quality and standards with strong emphasis on safety awareness at their yard in Batam, They are just 45 mins away from Singapore via ferry at Harbourfront Centre. For the none Chinese readers the lunch started with the “Prosperity Lo Hei” as can be seen at the photo right top CLICK HERE to see how this goes ! This has become a tradition in Singapore, during Chinese New year

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The TSHD STRANDWAY inbound for Rotterdam as seen from the HAM 316 – Photo : Jos Rijkhoek ©

Clean and dirty tanker sector to benefit from product exports through Yanbu

The latest development in the tanker market could very well be the fact of early product exports continue materialized from the recently-commissioned 400,000 Yanbu b/d refinery with one gasoline cargo and two diesel cargoes having loaded since the start of February. In its latest report, shipbroker Charles R. Weber noted that “the refinery forms one of two key regional refining capacity expansions which are expected to propel LR tanker demand and undermine European refining economics, still reeling from poor margins over much of the past three years. The second, a 400,000 b/d expansion of the Ruwais, Abu Dhabi, refinery also commenced test runs this month. Similar to the 400,000 b/d Jubail refinery, which commenced test runs late during 2013 and later ramped up production to normal rates during July, the two newest contributors to the Middle East’s 1.2 Mb/d expansion of largely export-oriented refining capacity are expected to reach substantial processing rates during 2H15″, CR Weber said.The shipbroker added that “for product tanker owners, the impact from rising Middle East export volumes are much awaited. LR tankers are expected to benefit heavily from cargoes bound for points in Europe and Asia while MRs in the Atlantic basin are likely to benefit, to a lesser extent, from fewer LR1s vying for USG cargoes at discounted $/mt rates. Even as rising volumes of Middle East diesel make their way to Europe, USG MRs should find stable trans-Atlantic demand given the more developed nature of the US market for spot trader-initiated distillate trades which continue to favor the MR class smaller stem sizes and flexibility to trade into a wider array of product terminals”.Meanwhile, “forecasted European diesel imports by JBC Energy affirm this view, showing that North American volumes in 2018 will remain above 2012 levels (although below forecasted 2015 levels). During 2H14, fresh demand stemming from a ramping up of Jubail’s utilization rates saw LR earnings rise markedly – averaging a 108% y/y gain. In turn, the share of LR units trading in

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dirty markets decreased modestly; in the LR2 space, 54% of the fleet was trading in dirty markets in December, down from 58% in May. While greater forward CPP market absorption of LRs is likely to accompany stronger earnings during 2H15, an ongoing contraction of Aframax and Panamax fleets amid relatively stable demand will likely limit the extent thereof. As a result, static dirty fleet sizes could support an extending of earnings around levels observed during recent quarters while offering further upside to LR earnings and eventually bringing both clean and dirty earnings more closely aligned”, CR Weber concluded.At the same time, in the tanker markets this week, “the VLCC market was slower this week as charterers in the Middle East shored up remaining February cargoes and paused before making a concerted progression into the March program while they await stem confirmations. Total Middle East fixtures were off by 40% w/w to 18 fixtures while the West Africa market saw 43% fewer fixtures with four reported. Rates on the AG-FEAST benchmark hovered in the mid/high-ws50s throughout the week as owners resisted lower rates in light of the relatively balanced supply/demand positioning which continues to prevail in the Middle East market. The February program has now concluded with a total of 117 cargoes; in light of the fewer days in the month this represents a strengthening of regional VLCC demand with implied spot-market exports of 8.4 Mb/d as compared with 8.1 Mb/d during January (126 cargoes). A total of six February positions will remain uncovered and carryover into March dates; this compares with nine surplus units at the conclusion of the January program and five surplus units at the conclusion of the December program. On the demand side, Saudi Arabia’s production rate is reported to have risen to around 10.0 Mb/d implying a modest boost to exports during March while Iraq’s southern exports could strengthen to make up for a slump during early February attributed to weather-related delays. Accordingly, fundamentals are expected to provide fresh support to rates once charterers make a concerted move into March dates and will likely boost average earnings towards the high $60,000/day range (the present average is ~$57,307/day). We expect this to translate into either stable or modest gains early during the upcoming week while stronger gains will likely materialize thereafter as owners become more bullish to reflect the prevailing fundamentals”, CR Weber concluded. Source : Nikos Roussanoglou, Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide

The MSC TAMARA in Antwerp – Photo : Jan Willem Monster, senior surveyor / consultant ©

Global port in the works for Malacca

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An international shipping port is being planned for Malacca after China identified the state as part of its 21st Century Maritime Silk Route economic belt (MSR).Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the existing port here would be expanded to meet international standards. “Admiral Zheng He landed in Malacca some 600 years ago, and this has placed the historic city as part of the MSR belt. “A vast opportunity awaits Malacca under MSR, and we will start with the port expansion as part of the initiative,” he said after attending the Malacca MCA Chinese New Year open house at Pay Fong middle school on Thursday. The event was also attended by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron, his predecessor Tan Sri Ali Rustam, Malacca deputy MCA chairman Datuk Gan Tian Loo and several other state leaders.“We are still planning the project to make Malacca port part of the Chinese MSR initiative, and I have discussed this with my counterpart from China,” he said.Liow added that his ministry had suggested that cruise liners ferry tourists from China directly to Malacca through the MSR maritime route.“We will offer more facilities for Chinese tourists arriving here,” he said, adding that the initiative would help promote investments from the Chinese business community.Liow said the MSR was mooted by Chinese President Xi Jinping as China was eager to increase its maritime cooperation and explore trade opportunities.On a separate matter, Liow said his ministry was seeking the cooperation of several airlines to use the Malacca International Airport in Batu Berendam.On protests by Chinese relatives of MH370 passengers here, Liow said that he had asked Malaysia Airlines to answer their questions.“We do understand their feelings as they lost loved ones. MAS has been told to meet the group of relatives and see what we can offer them,” he said.The relatives had gathered outside the Prime Minister’s office on Wednesday to demand that Malaysia rescind the declaration that all on board Flight MH370 were presumed dead.Source: The Star

The KNRM lifeboat NH 1816 made a short visit to the Koopmansharbour in Vlissingen

Photo : Huib Lievense ©

Ballast Water Management Convention coming into force: UK P&I Club urges member to take steps now to ensure

compliance Jacqueline Tan, Senior Claims Executive at the UK P&I Club, comments on the strict ballast water management controls coming into force:“The coming into force of the Ballast Water Management Convention 2004 (“BWMC”) is now imminent. As of 12 February 2015, 44 States representing 32.86% out of the requisite 35% of the world’s merchant fleet tonnage have ratified the Convention. The balance is expected to be obtained shortly and the Convention will enter into force 12 months thereafter. “Rather than delaying the Convention’s entry into force date, the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) has proposed delaying the implementation of sanctions for a trial period of between two to three years once the Convention comes into force. Delaying entry into force will discourage manufacturers from

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continuing to invest in advancing the necessary technology in this field.“A ship will need to comply with the BWMC on her first IOPP renewal survey after entry into force. It is estimated that some 57,000 ships will need to comply. Assuming a maximum of 40 ships can be retrofitted a day, it will take nearly four years for all the retrofitting to be completed.“Experts have estimated that the whole process from selecting a BWM system to installing the system takes from a minimum of six months up to a year. Worryingly, we are aware that a number of shipowners have yet to take even the first steps towards complying with this Convention.“As spaces in the major shipyards are already all booked up, there is real possibility of serious bottlenecks occurring. Ships that fail to comply on time will face serious commercial disadvantages, as their trading limits will be severely restricted.“The UK P&I Club’s message to its Members is not to delay any further but to take steps now to ensure compliance with the Convention is timely.” Source: UK P&I Club

The MARINUS inbound for Rotterddam – Photo : Krijn Hamelink ©

Report Paints Bleak Picture of High-potential Industry but the Solution is Clear,

says Oil & Gas UK

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Oil & Gas UK’s new report on offshore exploration, investment and production published today (24 February) provides striking evidence of how rising costs, taxes and inadequate regulation have taken their toll on the UK industry’s international competitiveness. The Activity Survey 2015 highlights the urgency with which measures are needed to secure new investment and address the collapse in exploration, if the UK is to maximise economic recovery of its still significant untapped resources.

Malcolm Webb, Oil & Gas UK’s chief executive, said: “This year’s Activity Survey paints a bleak picture but also identifies this region’s potential, emphasizing the importance of Government and industry now putting the right measures in place to secure its long-term future. This is crucial not only for the energy security that domestic oil and gas production provides but also for the hundreds of thousands of highly skilled jobs, advanced technology and billions of pounds of exports which the industry underpins.

“Without sustained investment in new and existing fields, critical infrastructure will disappear, taking with it important North Sea hubs, effectively sterilising areas of the basin and leaving oil and gas in the ground.” The survey reports that 6.3 billion barrels of oil equivalent (boe) are sanctioned or under development. There are another 3.7 billion boe of potential investment opportunities, although companies indicated at the end of 2014 that less than two billion boe of those were likely to be developed.

Operating expenditure rose by almost eight per cent to £9.6 billion in 2014 and on a unit of production basis, reached a record high of £18.50/boe. Falling oil prices meant that revenues fell to just over £24 billion for the year, the lowest since 1998, and this, combined with rising costs, resulted in a negative cash-flow of £5.3 billion for the basin, the worst since the 1970s. Cost over-runs and project slippage on several large projects pushed capital investment in 2014 beyond expectations to £14.8 billion, with half spent on just 12 fields. As these large projects move from the investment phase into production there is very little new investment lined up to replace them; indeed, it is expected to fall in 2015 by around one third to £9.5 – 11.3 billion. Annual investment in sanctioned projects alone is forecast to decline rapidly and could collapse to £2.5 billion by 2018. Equally alarming is the three-year (2015-17) outlook for projects yet to get company sanction, in which planned investment has fallen from £8.5 billion in last year’s survey to just £3.5 billion in current forecasts. The basin is not generating new projects and as a result, there is very little fresh investment.

Exploration for oil and gas in the UK last year was significantly worse than anticipated with only 14 wells drilled out of the expected 25. This continues the downward trend of recent years with no improvement in sight. Between eight and 13 exploration wells are forecast for this year as price uncertainty adds to the existing difficulty explorers still have in accessing capital.

Mr Webb said: “Even at $110 per barrel, the ability of the industry to realise the full potential of the UK’s oil and gas resource was hamstrung by escalating costs, an unsustainably heavy tax burden and inappropriate regulation. At current oil prices, we now see the consequences only too clearly. “The industry recognises that its cost base is unsustainable. Cost and efficiency improvements of up to 40 per cent are required to give this basin a viable future. This adjustment is now underway but cost control alone is not the answer.

“The basin needs sustained, high investment - £94 billion alone to recover the 10 billion boe in known reserves. This is why a concerted effort on three fronts is needed – tax, regulation and cost – to make the basin more attractive to investors and ensure that significant sums of much-needed capital come to the UK.” One positive finding of this year’s survey is that production in 2014 had its best year-on-year performance since 2000, falling just one per cent since 2013 to 1.42 million boe per day (boepd). This was largely the result of investment in new project start-ups, enabled by targeted tax allowances, and a specific focus across the industry on improving production efficiency in existing fields which resulted in no major unplanned shutdowns. This year up to 15 new fields could begin production with many expected in the first half of the year. If there is no major project slippage, oil and gas production could increase to around 1.43 million boepd in 2015. Mr Webb concluded: “This offshore oil and gas industry is a major national asset. Our indigenous resources hold the promise of a successful industry for decades to come and we have the skills needed to realise that potential. The industry is taking measures to improve its cost efficiency and we are pleased that even before the steep fall in oil price, the Government took the important steps of implementing the Wood Review recommendations and conducting a comprehensive tax review. “The time has now come for delivery of permanent change on those fronts. We need to see full delivery of the Wood Review recommendations as well as a permanent reduction in the headline rate of tax, a simplification of the tax allowance structure and stimulus for exploration. We must, together, do what is needed to reduce costs, encourage investment, and avoid premature decline.”For more information, please visit: http://www.oilandgasuk.co.uk/

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The CONTI AGULHAS outbound from Malta – Photo : Michael Cassar ©

The Pacific Pearl IMO 8611398, 1989/63786gt, ex Sitmar Fairmajesty till APR 1989, ex Star Princess till NOV 1997, ex Arcadia till APR 2003, ex Ocean Village till DEC 2010 anchored off Mornington on the east side of Port

Phillip Bay the first to do so even if just for one day. Photo : Andrew Mackinnon – www.aquamanships.com ©

Iranian Official Warns of Growing Threat of Piracy in Int’l Waterways

The number of pirate attacks on Iranian oil tankers in 2014 has risen compared to 2013, an official at Iran’s National Iranian Tanker Company said, warning that pirates are shifting to the African waters.Speaking to the Tasnim News Agency, Akbar Jebel Ameli said the cases of pirate attacks on the Iranian oil tankers in 2014 has jumped by 15 percent in comparison to 2013. The official, however, noted that none of the Iranian oil tankers were damaged in the 10 pirate attacks in 2014, because of the timely presence of the country’s naval fleet.Jebel Ameli described the Bab el-Mandeb strait as the world’s most dangerous place for vessels by recording the highest number of attacks, with 33 percent of the worldwide cases since 2008.The Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Somali waters and the Red Sea are among the other most dangerous waters, he explained.He also noted that a review of the attacks reveals that pirates are extending their activities from the Bab el-Mandeb strait and the Gulf of Aden to Africa.Since November 2008, the Iranian navy has conducted anti-piracy missions in the Gulf of Aden and Bab el-Mandeb strait to protect the country's vessels against

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pirate attacks.Under the terms of several UN Security Council resolutions, nations can deploy warships to the Gulf of Aden and coastal waters of Somalia to protect their vessels against the pirates and, after giving notice to Somali government, enter Somali territorial in pursuit of the pirates. Sourtce : Tasnim news

The SCHIPPERSGRACHT in the Eemshaven – Groningen ( The Netherlands) photo : Evert Jan Molenaar ©

How Maersk Got Involved In The Petroleo Brasileiro Petrobras SA (ADR) Corruption

Scandal In a statement released this month at a Brazilian federal court, Paulo Roberto Costa, a former executive of Petroleo Brasileiro Petrobras SA (ADR) shed light on Maersk’s involvement in the corruption scandal surrounding the Brazilian oil giant. According to Mr. Costa, who became state’s witness in an exchange for lenience in sentencing, he met a Maersk executive Viggo Andersen almost a decade ago, along with a broker Wanderley Saraiva Gandra. Maersk is a Danish business conglomerate and is primarily involved in transportation business. It had been the topic of discussion among the three men. They discussed how the world’s largest shipping firm could help Petrobras with fuel transportation.

As cited by the Financial Times (FT), Mr. Costa alleged that he started receiving monthly commission payments of $10,500 (30,000 Brazillian reais) as he provided confidential information about Petrobras’ contracts, which helped Maersk win them. According to FT, Mr. Costa continued to receive the commission payments, which could easily be interpreted as bribe payments, until last March when the official investigation into the corruption scandal started, leading to the indictment of Mr. Costa.

Last year, federal prosecutors from Brazil alleged that a corruption and bribery scheme was underway at Petrobras. Company executives allegedly worked together with executives from construction companies, engineering firms, shipping companies, and other suppliers to artificially inflate prices of the public Petrobras contracts. A certain percentage of the contract amount was used to bribe politicians of the ruling Workers’ Party via campaign donations.

The Danish logistics giant has actively denied the allegations, as it “found no indication that Maersk has engaged in any improper or illegal activity”, according to the FT. The Danish firm claims commissions to brokers are standard shipping industry practice. Maersk also denied any form of contractual relationship with Mr. Costa.

The widespread corruption probe has brought Petrobras down on its knees, and continues to grow and take multinational firms into its fold. Maersk is not the first foreign company to become involved, and by how things look, it

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likely will certainly not be the last.Petrobras has strong business relationships with a large number of suppliers and contractors, both foreign and local. The ones implicated in the corruption scandal took the most-indebted oil company in the world to the brink of a technical default, and are likely to face investigations from Brazilian as well as US regulatory authorities.

Last week, Rolls-Royce Holding PLC was accused of bribery as part of the same investigation. The company supplied Petrobras with gas turbines to be used on its oil platforms. Based on the testimony of yet another former Petrobras executive Pedro Barusco, Rolls-Royce allegedly paid bribes to win a $100 million Petrobras contract. Mr. Barusco has testified to receiving $200,000 personally and has claimed additional amounts were received by other company executives and Brazilian politicians. Rolls-Royce has denied knowledge of the specific contracts but has assured it will take “all necessary action to ensure compliance”.A week before the Rolls-Royce allegations surfaced, two Singaporean construction companies were also linked with the corruption probe, which has taken Petrobras’ market capitalization from $250 billion to about $45 billion in less than seven years. Source : bidnessetc

Wagenborg’s Shanghai-built general cargo ship AUSTRALIABORG discharging in Birkenhead’s West Float. She

arrived from Canada via Belfast. Photo : Simon Smith ©

Seaspan net earnings fall 56.1% in 2014 By Marcus Hand from Singapore

Containership owner Seaspan Corp saw reported net profit fall 56.1% in 2014 to $131.2m, however, normalised net earnings saw a 14.6% jump to $139m.The company’s fourth quarter earnings saw similar pattern with reported net profit for Q4 2014 falling 59.3% to $27.7m, while normalised net earnings were up 19.9% at $40.1m.For 2014 as a whole revenues were up 5.9% at $717.2m, and in Q4 2104 revenues were up 10.1% year-on-year at $189.4m.“Our

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ongoing success signing attractive long-term time charters with world class liner companies enabled Seaspan to increase its total committed revenue to $6.4 billion, positioning the company to continue to provide shareholders with stable and growing cash flows,” commented Gerry Wang, ceo, co-chairman and co-founder of Seaspan. The company’s fleet of 77 containerships enjoyed a utilisation rate of 99% in 2014. Source : Seatrade-Global

Bangladesh ferry disaster death toll reaches 70

The death toll from the sinking of a ferry in Bangladesh has risen to 70, authorities said Monday. Up to 140 people were on board the ferry that capsized and sank Sunday after it was hit by a cargo vessel in the Padma River, about 25 miles northwest of the capital Dhaka.

Divers completed the rescue operation Monday after the ferry - the M.L. Mosta - was lifted and towed to shore .Rasheda Ferdousi, a local government administrator, said the stretch of the river was still being monitored because some passengers were still missing. Ferdousi but did not give an

exact number of the missing. "Our people are using boats to survey the river for any dead bodies. But here at the scene we are calling off the search as there are no more bodies inside the ferry," Ferdousi said.The dead included 25 women and 15 children, the New York Times reported.Police said rescuers recovered 48 bodies on Sunday and 22 more on Monday.Passenger Hafizur Rahman Sheikh, who survived the accident, said: "The passengers who were on the deck survived, but many who were inside were trapped," according to the Prothom Alo newspaper.The Ministry of Shipping said it has ordered an investigation.Ferry accidents are common in the South Asian nation, which is crisscrossed by more than 130 rivers. The accidents are often attributed to overcrowding and poor safety standards.Shafiqul Haq, director of marine safety and traffic management with Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority, said the government has licensed 10,000 cargo vessels and 700 passenger ferries, but thousands operate without licenses, the New York Times reported.In August, a ferry with an official capacity of 85 passengers was carrying more than 200 people when it capsized on the Padma River near Dhaka, leaving more than 100 people dead or missing. The ferry's owner was arrested on charges of culpable homicide, unauthorized operation and overloading. Source : Associated Press / USA today

23-02-2015: The 2015 built bulker VENTURE GOAL outbound in Vancouver harbour Photo : Robert Etchell ©

Recycling Industry's Response to West Coast Ports Agreement

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In response to the tentative agreement between the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and the Pacific Maritime Association, Robin Wiener, president of the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI), released the following statement:

"Recyclers are pleased that an agreement appears to be in place ending a dispute that caused significant harm to our industry and others in the manufacturing sector. We thank Congress and the Administration for their involvement to get this tentative agreement. Despite the agreement, it will still take several months for operations to return to normal and for recyclers to recover from the damage that was done. Already facing a drop in prices, recyclers witnessed a decline in exports which left many forced to cut their workforce and set aside investments needed to grow their business. There may still be long-term consequences we face such as lost overseas markets. Both sides are encouraged to ratify the agreement quickly and work to restore full operations and begin to clear the backlogs at the ports as soon as possible."In 2014, scrap exports from West Coast ports declined nearly 12 percent year-on-year to less than $8.4 billion. The slowdown in scrap exports from the West Coast became more pronounced as the year progressed and the port situation deteriorated. In December 2014, the value of scrap exports from the West Coast plunged 17 percent year-on-year, reflecting a year-over-year volume decrease of nearly 160,000 metric tons of scrap and a decline in scrap export sales approaching $130 million for the month of December alone.

ISRI is the Voice of the Recycling Industry(TM). ISRI represents more than 1,600 companies in 21 chapters nationwide that process, broker and industrially consume scrap commodities, including metals, paper, plastics, glass, rubber, electronics and textiles. With headquarters in Washington, DC, ISRI provides safety, education, advocacy, and compliance training, and promotes public awareness of the vital role recycling plays in the U.S. economy, global trade, the environment and sustainable development. For more information about ISRI, visit www.ISRI.org.

UK P&I Club announces strong renewal The UK P&I Club (“The UK Club”), one of the leading shipping protection and indemnity mutual insurers, today announces its renewal results for 2015 following the closure of the renewal season on 20 February 2015: • Another strong result with a net increase of 1.2 million gross tons of mutual business taking mutual owned tonnage to 127 million gross tons. • Combined mutual owned and chartered tonnage now stands at over 225 million gross tons, an increase of over 3% from 20th February 2014 – 20th February 2015. • For renewing business, the Club achieved a premium increase of 3.5% before terms. • Committed to maintaining disciplined underwriting, which has led to robust negotiations with those Members who had poor records, some of whom chose to leave as a result. Hugo Wynn-Williams, Chief Executive of Thomas Miller P&I, the UK P&I Club’s managers, says: “It has been another good and strong renewal for the Club, marked by continued controlled growth for the fourth year in succession whilst maintaining a resolute approach to underwriting.“We are delighted by the interest shown in the Club, which was reflected by the 6.1 million gross tonnes of new business which came into the Club during this renewal. The Club maintains its commitment to quality and declined to quote on over 2 million gross tonnes of new business from more than 20 owners and charterers.”Source: UK P&I Club

Softer panamax rates drag down Baltic index slightly

The Baltic Exchange’s main sea freight index, which tracks rates for ships carrying dry bulk commodities, edged down slightly on Monday as rates for panamax vessels fell.The overall index, which gauges the cost of shipping resources

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including iron ore, cement, grain, coal and fertiliser, fell one point, or 0.19 percent, to 512 points.The panamax index, which tracks vessels usually carrying coal or grain cargoes of about 60,000 to 70,000 tonnes, fell 2 points, or 0.39 percent, to 512 points. Average daily earnings for panamaxes were down $13 to $4,097.The capesize index rose one point to 543. Average daily earnings for capesizes, which typically transport 150,000 tonne cargoes such as iron ore and coal, rose $23 to $5,357.The supramax index was up 2 points at 492 points while the handysize index fell 4 points to 266 points. Source: Reuters (Reporting By Nallur Sethuraman in Bengaluru; editing by David Clarke)

EXIM, K-Sure face losses from shipbuilders Korea Exim Bank and K-Sure, which finance the country’s shipbuilders, may face problems due to the worsening profitability of shipbuilding companies, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) warned Monday. The troubles of the two state-owned export credit agencies mean increased fiscal risks for the government. In the “Peer review of the Korean shipbuilding industry and related government policies,” the OECD said that shipbuilders, which hold a significant weight in Korea’s economy, continue to go through difficulties after the global financial crisis.“Looking ahead, the financial difficulties of the industry appear to be the most immediate challenge. The increase in government exposure to the industry, via ownership and export credit policies, increases the risk to the government’s finances, should the industry’s performance worsen,” the report said.It pointed out that their profitability fell to 5.1 percent in 2012 from 11 percent in 2008. The figure also falls short of their competitors in Japan at 7.4 percent, China at 9.1 percent and Germany at 10.6 percent.Their ability to pay debts from profits is also deteriorating. “While in 2007 Korean shipbuilding companies’ average debt levels were less than one-and-a-half times as large as their profits, in 2012 this ratio was above six,” the OECD said, adding that the figure is above other key shipbuilding economies. It also pointed out that Korean companies have been increasingly focusing on short-term debt, in contrast with Japanese companies whose liabilities are mostly long term. While all major Korean companies resorted to external funds to compensate for losses during the 2012 fiscal period, this can be problematic as it may result in mounting debt levels and underinvestment.The report points out that the difficult financial situation has led to increasing government involvement in the shipbuilding industry. “To start with, government-related agencies have emerged with a boosted ownership role in the industry — namely in large shipbuilding companies such as DSME and STX. The government has also become more exposed to risk via the increased volume of export guarantees granted to the shipbuilding industry,” it explained. In the case of STX, the state-run Korea Development Bank owns a 36.8 percent stake, followed by Woori Bank at 15 percent and Nonghyup Bank at 10.1 percent.The OECD said that the increased level of government involvement and exposure makes it essential to ensure that the administration maintains both a level playing field and manages its risk.“It is important to understand the risk-sharing arrangements so that the government’s exposure is transparent and can be managed to avoid unduly large risk to the government’s finances,” the report stressed. Source: Korea Times

ITIC launches ship management e-learning seminar

International Transport Intermediaries Club (ITIC) has launched an e-learning seminar to help ship managers successfully negotiate the pitfalls they may encounter when asked to sign letters of undertaking. Particularly in today’s difficult financial markets, ITIC is frequently asked to comment on letters of undertaking which ship managers are asked to sign. The e-learning seminar, conducted by ITIC legal adviser Mark Brattman, highlights some general points which ship managers should be aware of.

Letters of undertaking are traditionally documents provided by a bank or other lender or financial institution, and typically state that the ship manager will observe a number of undertakings relating mainly to claims priorities and the right to obtain security.Mark Brattman says, “Ship managers must take care when asked to sign these documents. The original ship management agreement is with the owner, who remains the manager’s principal. The ship manager must not agree to any letter of undertaking unless the manager has the owner’s full permission to do so, because some of the terms can be contrary to the interests of the owner. “If the letter of undertaking substantially alters the ship management agreement, the manager may need to consult with its professional indemnity insurer. It is important to remember that, in signing such an undertaking, the manager could be giving up its right to recover funds that it may be owed.” The e-learning seminar guides ship managers through the purpose of a letter of undertaking, key issues to consider and how a letter of undertaking might affect cover with ITIC. A mock ship managers’ undertaking wording can be accessed and read in conjunction with the seminar. For more details of the seminar, go to http://www.itic-insure.com/knowledge-zone/e-learning-seminars/ship-managers-undertakings/#seminar

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Jumbo completes PetroSA contract for Subsea Installation of Ikhwezi MEG Riser

End of January 2015 Jumbo completed the Subsea Installation of the replacement MEG riser for the Ikhwezi Project at the existing FA Platform. PetroSA awarded this fast track execution contract on December 5th 2014. With less than a month of engineering and preparation time, offshore Installation works commenced early January 2015. Jumbo’s FAIRPLAYER, a state of the art DP2 Heavy Lift Crane Vessel with 2 x 900 Te revolving deep-water mast cranes, executed the offshore Installation. The detailed scope of work for the riser installation included:

• All installation engineering • Mobilization to South Africa • Load-out of 3” flexible MEG riser and

protection/stabilization mattresses (Cape Town) • Pre-survey and preparations at FA Platform • Installation (J-tube pull-in), protection and

stabilization of MEG riser at PetroSA’s FA Platform

• “As built” post installation survey

With last year’s successful installation of PetroSA’s subsea structures in the Ikhwezi field, Fairplayer’s unique installation method “From Quayside-to-Seabed” proved again to be the best technical and most cost efficient solution.

Manager of Commerce Offshore, Roddy Lafontaine says; “Our return to South Africa is recognition of our earlier fast track success with the Ikhwezi subsea structures. We thank PetroSA for its continued confidence in Jumbo and the opportunity given to expand our services with the installation of subsea flexible risers.”

Project Ikhwezi is Petro SA’s plan to prolong the life of the Mossgas Gas-To-Liquids plant near Mossel Bay by tapping into gas reserves of the F-O field. The F-O field, developed as a subsea tie-back, is located 40km south-east of the existing FA production platform off the south coast of South Africa.

PetroSA is the national oil company of South Africa. The company holds a portfolio of assets that spans the petroleum value chain, with all operations run according to world-class safety and environmental standards. For further information please consult www.petrosa.co.za

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The AL MURABBA in Rotterdam-Europoort – Photo : Frans de Lijster ©

Xiaomi appoints CEVA to manage its e-commerce distribution center in Malaysia

CEVA Logistics, a leading global supply chain management company, announced today that it has won a new contract with Xiaomi, the world's third largest smartphone manufacturer, to operate their warehouse and distribution in Malaysia.

Xiaomi’s unique business strategy of selling products directly to consumers, primarily through their online site, Mi.com requires the company to have a strong supply chain management provider who understands e-commerce and is able to handle their distribution center’s logistics needs from end to end. Under the terms of this contract, CEVA will manage the 1,500 sq m e-commerce distribution center which holds Xiaomi’s handsets and accessories. CEVA’s services include receiving, checking, storage, orders picking process, packaging and orchestrating all shipping and administration across the country.

Hugo Barra, Xiaomi’s Vice President, Global, said: “Making sure Mi fans are able to purchase Mi products and to receive them on time is of utmost importance, and working with the right partners is key to that. We are confident that CEVA, through its warehouse and logistics solutions, will help Xiaomi continue to provide an excellent online buying experience in Malaysia.”Elaine Low, CEVA’s Executive Vice President for South East Asia said: “We are delighted to support Xiaomi as their trusted logistics partner for e-commerce fulfilment in the Malaysian market, where agility and responsiveness are critical. With the explosive growth of e-commerce in South East Asia, CEVA has been working closely with our customers to provide flexible and optimized supply chains for their e-commerce activities.”

CASUALTY REPORTING

The FLANDRIA SEAWAYS encountered propulsion problems whilst she was outbound from Vlaardingen and ran

aground just before the Maeslantwaterbarrier before Hoek van Holland the the pusher tug MILLA was the first boat on location to assist followed by the UNION 7 and UNION 11 –Photo : Willem Holtkamp -

http://fotomaker.jalbum.net/FOTOMAKER/ ©

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Tug boat explodes in Donggala, one dead A tug boat belonged to a sand mining company exploded on Monday in Donggala regency, Central Sulawesi, killing a worker, Riskan, and severely injuring his companion, Adi. The boat’s captain Nirman said the explosion occurred when four workers were welding part of the vessel.“The boat’s electricity transmitter suddenly exploded. I saw Riskan thrown out and hit another tug boat, while Adi was burnt and jumped into the sea,” Nirman said.Banawa Police precinct chief First Insp. Syamsuddin said the force was still investigating the cause of the explosion.The body of Riskan, a resident of Palopo, is being kept at the morgue at Undata General Hospital in Palu while Adi is still being treated at the same hospital for his burns. Source : The Jakarta Post

SHIPYARD NEWS

Brazil Shipyard EAS Ends $6 Billion Deal to Make Petrobras Rigs

Sete Brasil Participacoes SA, the company founded to lease oil rigs to Petroleo Brasileiro SA, said it’s considering legal measures against a shipyard that pulled out of a $6 billion deal to build drillships. Estaleiro Atlantico Sul, or EAS, owned by Grupo Camargo Correa and Grupo Queiroz Galvao, notified the company that it’s canceling the contract, Rio de Janeiro-based Sete Brasil said today in an e-mailed statement. Sete Brasil didn’t disclose any further details from the cancellation letter. O Estado de S. Paulo newspaper reported today that missed payments from Sete spurred the decision.The cancellation is another setback for Sete Brasil after a former executive and Petrobras manager said in testimony made public Feb. 5 that he took bribes from shipyards, allegedly including EAS, in exchange for contracts. Numerous phone calls and e-mails to EAS for comment weren’t answered. The accusation of corruption increases concern that national development bank BNDES will further postpone the often-delayed disbursement of a 10 billion-real ($3.5 billion) loan that Sete Brasil needs to avoid default, four people with direct knowledge of the situation said earlier this month. They asked not to be named because the matter isn’t public. Sete Brasil’s troubles illustrate how far-reaching the scandal at state-run Petrobras has spread, affecting Brazil’s biggest builders and leading politicians. Days before resigning as Petrobras’s CEO this month, Maria das Gracas Foster said the company identified at least 4.1 billion reais in losses from a scheme in which company executives are alleged by federal prosecutors to have taken bribes from a cartel of construction companies and shared the proceeds with politicians. Oil Discovery Gracas Foster has not been accused in the criminal investigation of any wrongdoing. Founded after Petrobras made the Western Hemisphere’s biggest oil discovery in 30 years, Sete Brasil was a cornerstone of the government’s campaign to push companies to use locally made parts and equipment. Sete Brasil said on its website it planned to spend about $25.7 billion by 2020 to make deep-water drilling platforms, creating about 150,000 jobs. Sete Brasil’s plans to have 29 drillships built are fundamental for the domestic naval industry and the development of the country, the company said today in the e-mail. Source : Bloomberg

Abu Dhabi Ship Building to deliver 3 UAE warships by 2016

Abu Dhabi Ship Building Company will deliver three Baynunah warships to the United Arab Emirates Navy by 2016 and is in discussions with other buyers to sell more, its chief executive said on Monday."There are discussions with

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some of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries as well as other international ones. Hopefully there will be something in the future," Khaled al-Mazrouei said on the sidelines of the Naval Defence Conference. The fall in oil prices has put pressure on government spending across the Gulf region. But authorities are also facing political instability in Iraq and Syria which has meant they have continued to spend on new military hardware.The UAE, one of the countries taking part in air strikes against Islamic State targets, unveiled new defence contracts worth 9.48 billion dirhams ($2.58 billion) during the biennial IDEX event in Abu Dhabi, of which the Naval Defence Conference is part. Three of the Baynunah warships ordered by the UAE have already been delivered and a fourth vessel is due for delivery in April. The fifth and sixth will be delivered in 2016.The first Baynunah vessel was built in France, but the last three will be built in the UAE from scratch, according to Mazrouei The company also builds another smaller warship, Ghannatha, and is due to sign a contract within a few weeks with a GCC client for the sale of nine ships including the Ghannatha model."That contract is for nine boats of different sizes. Some of them small military and some of them for logistics transportation," Mazrouei said, declining to give a value for the contract.The UAE government set up ADSB in 1995 with shipyards to refit and repair commercial vessels. It then diversified into repairing military ships, building commercial boats, military speedboats and amphibious landing craft. source : arabianbusiness

Fincantieri delivers P&O Cruises’ new flagship

Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri has delivered the new flagship of Carnival's British brand P&O Cruises at Monfalcone shipyard. The 330m-long and 38m-wide BRITANNIA features 1,837 cabins, with 75% having a balcony. The vessel will be able to accommodate 4,324 passengers and 1,376 crew members.This 144,000gt vessel is the eighth addition to the P&O Cruises' fleet and claimed to be the largest ship to be designed exclusively for the British holiday market.Carnival UK chairman David Dingle was quoted by Travel Weekly as saying: "Cruising has become a vibrant expanding part of the mainstream holiday business and our two businesses, Fincanteiri and Carnival, as market leaders in our different industry sectors, have played a role in this."We must

attract passengers to Britannia not only this year but for the next 30 years and we will.""Taking delivery of a ship is just the beginning for now we must attract passengers to Britannia not only this year but for the next 30 years and we will, because we know it's contemporary, ground-breaking ships which attract others into cruising."The vessel is equipped with five tier II-type MAN Diesel & Turbo engines, with a total power capacity of 62,400kW and will cruise at a speed of 22k.Features of this new cruise ship include 13 bars, 13 restaurants and cafes, 15 passenger decks and four swimming pools.Britannia is due to make its first cruise from Southampton early this year.Carnival awarded the contract for the construction of the new cruise ship to Fincantieri in June 2011, and the vessel was named at a ceremony in September 2013. Source : ship-technology

ROUTE, PORTS & SERVICES

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Eimskip finalizes contracts for a 10,000 ton cold storage in Hafnarfjördur, Iceland

Eimskip has reached an agreement with VHE, Kælismidjan Frost ehf. and Sudurverk hf. of building a 10,000 ton cold storage facility on the harbor site in Hafnarfjördur, Iceland, the company said in its press release. The new cold storage is designed by the architect Anna Margrét Hauksdóttir at AVH Architects, together with consultants and designers at VSB, EFLA and VSÓ consulting.Considerable recent increases in the fishing and processing of pelagic fish, call for increased cold storage space and services. In addition, there is growing demand for warehouse services for frozen consumer goods. Since 1970, Eimskip has had its operations in Hafnarfjörður and operates, among other, extensive services for the fishing industry. Fjardarfrost, Eimskip’s current cold storage in Hafnarfjördur, has capacity of approximately 3,000 tons.The first phase of the new facility is expected to be in operation in the third quarter of 2015 and finalized before the end of the year. In addition, there is an option to enlarge the cold storage facilities in Hafnarfjördur in stages, up to a total of 27,000 tons, according to customer needs. Source : PortNews

A Tight Squeeze Serving as a gateway to the Caribbean for countless superyachts, the Simpson Bay Bridge in St Maarten has surely seen its fair share of dings and scratches from passing vessels. Watch as Steve Jobs’ 256-foot Feadship VENUS clears the famous bridge with mere inches to spare. [CLICK HERE TO SEE THE VIDEO]

Since her delivery in 2011 the TSHD SEBASTIANO CABOTO was operating in the far East and Australia, but the

dredger arrived January 29th in Antwerp and is now operating at the Westerschelde Photo : P., M. & Ph. van Luik www.shipsoffterneuzen.nl ©

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Iran seeks to boost rig construction capabilities

Dubai: In a bid to develop its nation’s offshore construction capabilities National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) has banned its subsidiaries from buying or hiring foreign drilling rig“As it has already been announced… it is necessary to make sure that as long as there is domestically manufactured offshore and onshore drilling rigs available in the

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country, it would be prohibited to purchase or rent foreign rigs,” wrote Rokneddin Javadi, managing director of NIOC in a letter to the firm’s subsidiaries. Source : Gulfshipnews

Israeli ports up for grabs The Israeli government is to sell stakes in eight state-owned companies and the Mediterranean seaports of Haifa and Ashdod.The plan first came about back in October 2014, but 2015 is set to be the year for the sales, which it’s been suggested will generate close to US$4bn. Government-owned Port of Ashdod is a government-owned company and is subject to the owner's decisions and directives.A spokesperson from the Port of Ashdod told Port Strategy: “The Port management has begun preparations to the issue and is currently in the preliminary stages, pending further government directives.”“Port of Ashdod, as a government organ and a strategic infrastructure of the State of Israel, will continue to serve its customers at all times,” the spokesperson added. Source : portstrategy

Delivery of ‘Blue Queen’ On 24 February 2015, ‘BLUE QUEEN’ a platform supply vessel of the PX121 design, was delivered to Blue Ship Invest from Ulstein Verft. This vessel is the first of two for which Norway-based Golden Energy offshore is awarded the ship management contract.

In total, 30 vessels of this design have been contracted by different ship owners for construction at various shipyards world-wide. ' BLUE QUEEN ' is the ninth being constructed at Ulstein Verft. Excellent feedback is received from the crews on the vessels in operation, including praises for user-friendly solutions, high comfort and accommodation standards, as well as the operability even in adverse weather conditions. “Golden Energy

Offshore is a fully integrated ship owning company located in Ålesund, Norway with all management functions in-house and we look forward to working with Blue Ship Invest in providing full management for these vessels for the benefit and success of both parties,” says Per Ivar Fagervoll, CEO in Golden Energy Offshore.

Kenya to Build New Northern Seaport Kenya will start construction work next month on a long-delayed new port to be built on its northern coast, next to the historic trading town of Lamu, the presidency announced on Monday.The Lamu Port-South Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) project is intended to include a port, new roads, a railway and a pipeline by 2030 that will give landlocked South Sudan and Ethiopia access to the Indian Ocean.The overall price of the project, first proposed in the 1970s, has been put at $25.5 billion. Among the reasons for the delay are demands from landowners for greater compensation."Construction of the Lamu port begins next month, President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced," the presidency said in a statement, without specifying the scope of the work.In 2013, officials said a consortium led by China Communications Construction Co Ltd had won a 41 billion Kenyan shilling ($449 million) contract to build the first three berths of the port. There has been little sign of activity since then.The new port at Lamu has been cited as a possible oil export terminal after commercial oil finds in Uganda and Kenya. But the pipeline could also go to Kenya's main existing port, Mombasa."The new port, which is part of the Lamu Port Southern Sudan-Ethiopia Transport (LAPSSET) Corridor project, will provide an opportunity for the exploitation of the country's maritime resources," the president told a maritime conference. source : MAREX

Moving towards resolution The Pacific Maritime Association (PMA) says it is confident a new labour deal has been reached between with the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) over a new five-year contract covering workers at all 29 west coast ports.It said that the deal was reached with assistance from US Secretary of Labor, Tom Perez and Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service Deputy Director Scot Beckenbaugh, who were sent in by President Obama last week to speed up the resolution process.PMA President James McKenna and ILWU President Bob McEllrath said in a joint

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statement: “After more than nine months of negotiations, we are pleased to have reached an agreement that is good for workers and for the industry. We are also pleased that our ports can now resume full operations.” The parties said they will not be releasing details of the agreement at this time but any deal on the table still faces approval by the 13,000-member strong ILWU.Even if an agreement is finally reached, the Port of Oakland said it will take between six and eight weeks for west coast ports to recover from the cargo backlog.The Port of Long Beach welcomed the news and said it was looking forward to getting back to business immediately, but gave no indication how long it would take to clear its own backlog.The two sides in the dispute have worked without a contract since last July, their impasse slowing containerised freight operations down to the point of gridlock more recently, losing the ports money and damaging the national economy. Source : portstrategy

World’s biggest offshore windfarm approved

Plans for the world’s biggest offshore windfarm have been given the green light by the energy secretary, with planning permission for an array of up to 400 turbines 80 miles off the Yorkshire coast on the Dogger Bank. The project, more than twice the size of the UK’s current biggest offshore wind farm, is expected to cost £6bn to £8bn and could fulfil 2.5% of the UK’s electricity needs. Covering about 430 square miles, the Dogger Bank Creyke Beck project will - if fully constructed - generate enough electricity to power nearly 2mn homes, and could support an estimated 900 jobs in Yorkshire and Humberside, according to the government. Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat energy and climate change secretary, said: “Making the most of Britain’s home grown energy is creating jobs and businesses in the UK, getting the best deal for consumers and reducing our reliance on foreign imports. Wind power is vital to this plan, with £14.5bn invested since 2010 into an industry which supports 35,400 jobs.” Although the UK does not manufacture large wind turbines, the department of energy and climate change says half of the costs associated with building and operating a wind farm are spent buying services and products from UK businesses.Dogger has long been mooted as a possible location for offshore wind farms, because the shallow seabed, only about 30 metres deep, should make it easier to lay foundations and construct large turbines there, but no company has yet ventured into the area. If built, the Creyke Beck turbines would be the furthest offshore that have ever been attempted. Nick Medic, director of offshore renewables at RenewableUK, the wind industry association, said: “This is an awesome project and will surely be considered as one of the most significant infrastructure projects ever undertaken by the wind industry. Dogger Bank demonstrates the sheer potential of offshore technology to turn our vast ocean and wind resources into green energy. “It is a project that pushes the offshore engineering envelope, demonstrating how far this technology has evolved in the 10 short years since the first major offshore wind farm was installed in North Hoyle just five miles from shore.” Construction of the first turbines could still be years away, however. The Forewind consortium which is behind the 2,400MW capacity project has yet to make a final investment decision. The consortium comprises Scottish and Southern Energy, Germany’s RWE, and Norway’s Statoil and Statkraft, the former the country’s majority state-owned oil business and the latter its state-owned electricity company. Source : Gulftimes

MISC to take over LNG newbuild contracts MISC has announced that Petronas and Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd (HHI) have agreed to enter into a novation agreement for the takeover of shipbuilding contracts for newbuild LNG carriers. In conjunction with this novation agreement, Petronas LNG has agreed to enter into time charter parties for the charter of the LNG carriers.

The newbuild LNG carriers are expected to be delivered to MISC from September 2016 to December 2017. The transaction will involve an expenditure of approximately US$1.1 billion. The time charter parties are for a period of 15 years per vessel, with a 5-year option for extension.

In a separate transaction, MISC announced that Petronas LNG has agreed to extend the charter of five refurbished Puteri class LNG carriers on a time charter basis for a further 10 years per vessel. The charters will commence from the date of delivery of each vessel to Petronas LNG, which are expected to be from September 2015 to September 2017. Source : LNG industry

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DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2015 – 056

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23-02-2015 : The CANADIAN COAST GUARD ship BARTLETT outbound in Vancouver harbour

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