DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2009 – 057 · 2009-02-28 · Number 057 ***...

DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2009 – 057

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Number 057 *** COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS *** Saturday 28-02-2009 News reports received from readers and Internet News articles taken from various news sites.

Druk offshoreverkeer voor de pas geopende Nieuwediepkade in Den Helder. V.l.n.r.: DSV Northern River (Bluestream/Trico), AHT President Hubert (URS), PSV Far

Splendour (Farstad Shipping ), PSV Troms Fjord (Troms Offshore) en op de achtergond PSV Northern Supporter (Trico).

Foto : PAS Publicaties



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Above seen the brand new Costa Luminosa (Hull 6155) departing for the first time from Fincantieri Shipyard at Venezia-Marghera for sea-trails

Photo : Henry Veringa ©



Norwegian Navy To Look For Roald Amundsen's Missing Plane

Norway's navy announced this week it will help search for the missing plane of a famous 20th century explorer and national hero, more than 80 years after his disappearance. Roald Amundsen led the first successful expedition to the South Pole from 1910 to 1912. He is also credited with being the first person to reach both the North and South Poles. But he went missing in June of 1928, at the age of 55, flying a rescue mission to the North Pole. Now, CNN reports a new search, later this year, will focus on a 40 square-mile area of the Arctic Ocean. Norway's Navy will be accompanied by a German TV crew. Senior Commander Frode Loeseth says this effort will have advantages over previous attempts -- Hugin, an unmanned submarine which can stay on task for 18 hours at a time, is named for a mythological raven which observed the earth, and informed the Norse god, Odin, of what happened that day. Loeseth acknowledged that finding human remains is unlikely, but says the focus will be on locating the wreck. Quote - "If there is something down there, we will find it." The commander adds no taxpayer funds will be spent on the search, which has the support of the Amundsen family. Source : aero-news

Bourbon needs thousand of seafarers SSG-GÖTEBORG. Bourbon Offshore is growing rapidly and is determined to keep on growing. The company has a EUR 1.7 billion newbuilding program comprising of 150 vessels and boats. Deputy CEO Frank Dambrin says to Tradewinds that the company has no plans to scale down the orderbook, and that the expansion will demand reqruitment of more than 4,000 seafarers over the coming three years. He does not expect the company to be able to recruit all of these from the offshore sector, Bourbon also has to turn to the merchant shipping sector. Left : Bourbon Arethuse seen moored in Durban Photo : Mike Skinner ©

Zeecontainers met gas voortaan tegengehouden

Zeecontainers met te veel ontsmettingsgas mogen binnenkort niet langer de Rotterdamse haven uit. De containers mogen pas verder worden vervoerd als zij veilig zijn. Dat heeft Milieuminister Jacqueline Cramer vrijdag bekendgemaakt. Met het gas worden de containers vrij van insecten gemaakt. Op dit moment mogen zeecontainers



met te veel restanten van het gas wel meteen door naar de afnemer, zij het met een waarschuwing. Volgens Cramer heeft die aanpak het aantal gevaarlijke containers niet genoeg verminderd. Doordat containers met te veel gas in de haven blijven staan, zullen producten die erin zitten met veel vertraging worden geleverd. Het tijdverlies kan soms oplopen tot enkele maanden. Cramer denkt dat vervoerders daarmee worden aangezet zorgvuldig met het ontsmettingsgas om te gaan. In Rotterdam arriveren jaarlijks 10 miljoen containers. Zeker 20 procent bevat giftige gassen zoals methylbromide. Vakbond FNV Bondgenoten wil een verbod op het gassen van containers. Zogeheten gascontainers zorgen regelmatig voor problemen. Zo kampen twee werknemers van een bedrijf in Hardinxveld-Giessendam sinds november met ernstige gezondheidsproblemen na het lossen van een container die was gegast met methylbromide.

Two navies 'thwart pirate raids' Ships from two navies in the Gulf of Aden have thwarted separate pirate attacks on two merchant vessels. A Chinese navy helicopter drove off a number of small pirate boats closing in on an Italian-owned ship, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reports. And a Danish warship answered an alert from a Chinese cargo ship under attack and seized a pirate skiff and weapons, the US navy says. There has been a surge in pirate attacks off Somalia this year. A helicopter from one of the Chinese vessels spotted pirates close to the cargo ship and fired flares to warn them off, Xinhua said. China sent three ships to help patrol the Gulf of Aden - a crucial shipping lane connecting Europe and Asia - late last year. It is the second successful rescue for the squadron. In January, a Chinese destroyer saved a Greek ship from attack. In the other rescue, the Danish ship, the Absalon, "closed on the co-ordinates given by the Chinese ship following their distress call and spotted a skiff matching the description given by the captain of the motor vessel", a statement from the US Naval Forces Central Command, based in Bahrain, said. The crew on the Chinese ship, MV Yandanghai, had prevented the pirates from boarding by taking evasive manoeuvres and training their fire hoses on their skiff. When the Danes arrived, they boarded the skiff and found several weapons, including a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), four AK-47 assault rifles, two grenades and a knife, the US navy said. Two of the Yandanghai's crew were reported to be lightly injured in the attack. The International Maritime Bureau's piracy reporting centre says that 2008 saw a record number of pirate attacks globally. The waters off Somalia



accounted for nearly 40% of the 293 attacks reported. Vessels seized included a Saudi oil tanker and a Ukrainian ship transporting weapons, including tanks. Both were released after ransoms were paid. The attacks have continued this year. On Sunday the Greek-owned cargo ship MV Saldanha was seized by pirates in the Gulf of Aden. Warships from more than a dozen nations, including the UK, the US, France, Germany and Iran are now patrolling the Gulf of Aden in an attempt to deter the pirates.

The AMAZON CHIEFTAIN seen at the Noordzee kanaal Photo : Jan Plug ©

CORRECTION ON ARTICLE IN YESTERDAYS NEWSCLIPPINGS

I regret that yesterday in clippings 056 an article was placed about the oilspill in Spain, what was caused by the New Flame as mentioned in the article, I received this article from one of the readers and copied this in the clippings, after receiving some mails from readers that his is not possible I started an investigation on the article and it appeared that

this article was published in the press February 12th 2008 !! , so the article was 1 year old.

As everybody is aware, compiling this newsclippings takes me everyday several hours ( in my free time – besides my normal work ) and I am NOT able to check all articles if they are completely correct, I read them through if not large maritime mistakes are written in ( because some maritime articles are written by non-maritime-related persons) for

this reason I have put a long time ago the disclaimer on the bottom line of every clippings.

Sorry for the inconvenience ! Piet



Turkey, Singapore Join Efforts To Combat Piracy In Gulf Of Aden

Turkey and Singapore recently committed forces to join Combined Task Force 151, a naval coalition dedicated to conducting counter-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden. Turkey and Singapore will join other nations -- including the United States, the United Kingdom and Denmark -- that have conducted operations as part of the task force. Republic of Singapore Navy - Frigates; The Formidable class multi-role stealth frigates are the latest platforms to enter into service with the RSN, and are multi-mission derivatives of the French Navy’s La Fayette class frigate. The frigates are key information nodes and fighting units, and are “by far the most advanced surface combatants in Southeast Asia". The frigates will be equipped with Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopters, an international derivative of the United States Navy SH-60B Seahawk. The MINDEF signed a contract with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation in January 2005 to acquire six of

these helicopters, which will be organic to the frigates. These naval helicopters are equipped with anti-surface and anti-submarine combat systems, extending the ship’s own surveillance and over-the-horizon targeting and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The naval helicopters will be raised as a squadron in the Republic of Singapore Air Force and piloted by air force pilots, but the system operators will be from the RSN. The naval helicopters are projected for delivery in late 2009. The frigates have a special surface-to-air missile configuration, combining the Thales Herakles radar with the Sylver A50 launcher and a mix of MBDA Aster 15 and 30 missiles. The lead ship of the class, RSS Formidable was commissioned on 5 May 2007, marking the 40th year of the RSN. "Coalition ships are a critical part of our mission," U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Terry McKnight, commander of CTF 151, said. "The very nature of some of our operations, as well as the success of those operations, is often predicated on our ability to work effectively with our partners and allies." International law obligates all nations to cooperate to the fullest extent in the repression of piracy. Coalition forces have taken action necessary to repress piracy in the region in accordance with international law to ensure free and secure use of the world's oceans by legitimate mariners, task force officials said.



"The presence of international navy vessels in the region demonstrates our commitment to regional security and stability," McKnight said. "To continue to counter and deter destabilizing activities successfully, coalition efforts must be complemented by proactive measures by commercial shippers, regional governments and the international community." The task force has worked with and emphasized the important role merchants can play by taking proactive measures to prevent boardings, such as traveling at speeds greater than 15 knots, reporting suspicious activity and pulling their ladders up to prevent access to the ships. Even with increased naval forces in the region, coalition vessels have not always been close enough to a help a ship that was being attacked. "The bottom line is that piracy is an international problem that requires an international solution," McKnight said. "We are committed to continuing operations that counter and deter piracy and other destabilizing activities in the maritime arena to create a lawful maritime order." Source : Defense-Technology

The Eendracht is ready again! The ship has been renewed from the inside and outside during it’s maintenance! The Eendracht is furnished more flexible to make business

trips, individual day trips, multiple day voyages and most of all youth voyages more successful! In the messroom a new bar/buffet has been build and a large LCD screen has been placed for presentations and educational goals. The deck has been replaced by a teak look synthetic deck,

new instruments have been placed on the flying bridge and the Eendracht is provided with a new ship hull. Eendracht in the future During the maintenance it appeared that all kinds of components had a rough time. The engine and propeller-shaft have been overhauled during the maintenance. In the close future the maintenance procedures must be sharpened while the ship is out and sailing in order to remain the safety and quality of the Eendracht in the future. Rob Krootjes tells: ‘Thanks to all the sponsors and volunteers, that bear a warm heart to the Eendracht, we were able to put down a wonderful performance during the maintenance. We have not only gone for this maintenance, but have also invested in the life span of the ship. This way the Eendracht is protected against sun, wind and water for many years to come. But above all for our mission statement to introduce as many young people as possible with ocean-sailing and with that an added value to offer to the maritime world. This way we want to contribute to the knowledge of sea-sailing. And is there a better way then to make youngsters enthusiastic during the sailing voyages we organise?

For more information about Eendracht activities, see www.eendracht.nl For example look at our special school program to educate children at a young age what sea-sailing has to offer.



Alphatron Marine opens up a full service office in Singapore

Managing Director Luuk Vroombout & Technical Manager Maurice Rutten at the reception desk of their new facility

Alphatron Marine has opened a full service and sales office in Singapore Headed by MR Chong W.K and Maurice Rutten the brandnew facility will be available for Sales and Service of Navigation, communication and automation systems on board various kind of vessels. Also sister company Alphatechnique will have their Asian operations running from the new office. A interesting step in the expansion of the Alphatron Marine organisation offering their services to European owners needing service or installation in the Asian region.

Contact details [email protected] Tel +6568630335 fax +6568633305 Mobile +6597279849



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The NOORDHOEK SINGAPORE seen in IJmuiden Photo : Joop Marechal ©

CASUALTY REPORTING

BW and Teekay tankers in collision Early reports say two tankers have collided in the UK port of Southampton, causing an oil spill. “The Valler Mosa collided with the BW Orinoco and the Navion Fennia, which were both berthed at Fawley Marine Terminal, just before 1100 GMT February 26,” reported GAC. Associated British Ports was quoted saying no injuries resulted from the collision, but oil was spilled. No details about the extent or type of product that entered the water were provided. Investigations are currently underway. The 2007-built 76,580 dwt BW Orinoco is a products tanker owned and managed by the BW Shipping group of companies. The 1992-built 95,195 dwt Navion Fennia is an aframax shuttle tanker owned and operated by Teekay Corporation and its subsidiaries. Source: TankerWorld



NAVY NEWS

The DAUNTLESS seen fitting out at BAE, Scotstoun, Glasgow Photo : Derek Sands ©

U.S. navy says no sign yet of new Iran naval bases

The U.S. navy has no information that Iran has begun construction of planned new naval bases on the eastern approach to the Gulf, a senior commander said on Wednesday. An Iranian navy commander said in October that Iran had begun building a series of bases along its southern coast on the Sea of Oman and up to the Strait of Hormuz, at the entrance to the Gulf, to improve its defensive capabilities. "Not that I'm aware of," vice-admiral William Gortney, commander of the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference in Manama, when asked whether he had any evidence that construction had begun. "I (only) know that they stated the intention," he said. A build-up of naval power could make it easier for Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow sea lane through which some 40 percent of traded oil is shipped. A top military adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was also quoted last year as saying the elite Revolutionary Guards would take command of Gulf defense. Gortney said he expected the realignment of the command structure to take time, without elaborating. He said the change in command on the Iranian side had not had any negative impact on radio communications between U.S. and Iranian navy ships to coordinate passage through the Strait of Hormuz. "We communicate only bridge-to-bridge and we continue to do that," he said.



Tension has risen in the region because of Iran's nuclear energy program, which the West, Israel and many Arab states suspect is a cover for developing atomic weapons. Iran denies having nuclear weapons ambitions. Source : reuters

Canada faces supply ship problem Canada is trying to figure out how to manage both its East and West Coasts when one of its two naval supply ships goes out of commission in March 2010. The 40-year-old HMCS Preserver, which supplies Canadian warships on the East Coast, is scheduled for upgrading that will take nearly a year, Canwest News Service reported Wednesday. The move will leave the HMCS Protecteur, based in British Columbia, as the Canadian navy's only supply ship. The vessels are especially critical to the navy's ability to take part in international missions or long-range patrols. They are used to transfer fuel, food, ammunition and other stores to warships at sea, allowing the vessels to operate for longer periods without returning to port. Canwest says among the proposals being considered is an arrangement with an allied nation, possibly the United States, to have one of their vessels resupply Canadian warships at sea. Source : www.upi.com

The R06 ILLUSTRIOUS seen enroute Amsterdam for a port visit Photo : Joop Marechal ©

Jordan to build patrol boats? Jordan's King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) is to joint venture with RiverHawk Worldwide LLC to establish Jordan RiverHawk Shipbuilding and Support, PSC to manufacture, market and supply AMP-137 Advanced Multi-mission Platform Vessels and provide training and service and maintenance on each vessel sold. King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) was established in 1999 to supply scientific and technical services to the Jordan Armed Forces (JAF). It describes itself as "an independent Governmental military-civilian agency existing within the Jordan Armed Forces" and as a "Jordanian research and development facility created to provide a one-stop solution for the supply of defense and commercial equipment optimized to the requirements of the Middle East."



RiverHawk, with offices in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, describes itself as "a diversified investment firm that organizes and invests in various companies focused on national defense, security and military technologies, products and services and provides merger, acquisition, divestiture and related corporate finance services to these various companies." Source : MarineLog

Tonga's Pacific Patrol Boat arrives in Australia for refit

Tonga’s Pacific Patrol Boat (PPB), the ‘Voea Neiafu’ has arrived in Townsville for six months while refits and refurbishments are carried out. The Life Extension Program (LEP) is responsible for doubling the life expectancy of the PPBs. While they were originally designed to last for 15 years, each boat should now last 30. The LEP refit provides the PPBs with improved design features, including a modified hull, updated electronic systems, complete engine overhauls, renovated or new fittings, structural modifications to facilitate easier ships husbandry and advanced fresh water and air-conditioning systems. The vessel is expected to return to Tonga in early September. Under the Australian Defence Cooperation, 22 Pacific Patrol Boats (PPB) were built and gifted to twelve Pacific nations between 1987 and 1997. The 31-metre PPBs are built to a commercial standard and are used by Pacific nations for maritime surveillance and response, in particular fisheries patrols. Tonga received three PPBs. The other two vessels ‘Voea Savea’ and ‘Voea Pangal’ will receive similar refits at a later date.

SHIPYARD NEWS Navantia Lays Keel Of Fifth F-100 Frigate

On January 20, the Fene-Ferrol shipyard laid the keel of F-105, the fifth F-100 frigate ordered by the Spanish navy. With this event, the shipyard began assembly of the ship on its launching slip; the ship is to be completed in 2010 and delivered in the summer of 2012. The Álvaro de Bazán class (also known as the F100 class of frigates) are a new class of Aegis combat system-equipped air defense frigates entering service with the Spanish Navy. They are being built in the Spanish factory of Ferrol and are named after Admiral Álvaro de Bazán. F-105 incorporates several modifications compared to earlier ships of its class, including improvements to the construction process and experience learned during operations of the previous ships. For example, living quarters will be improved, as will the command and control system, while a new radar, Lockheed Martin’s Aegis 1 D(V) will be installed. In addition, other modifications will be made so as to reduce maintenance costs. The construction order for F-105 was signed on July 5, 2006 and its construction began on June 2007, with the cutting of the first steel plates. Source : Defense-Technology

Best result ever at Fredericia Skibsværft SSG-RINGKØBING. Fredericia Skibsværft A/S reports an all-time-high profit of DKK 61.5 million for the fiscal year 2007/08. The turnover increased from the previous year by some DKK 90 million to DKK 540 million. “Last year was a very good year for our business”, says Thomas Andersen, owner of the shipyard.



“There has been a lot of political noise around the shipyard, but that does not scare off the customers that gathers in numbers every year”, explains Thomas Andersen. The shipyard owner does not expect a similar record this year, as the financial crises and the decline in the market already have resulted in fewer orders for the repair yard.

Italy wins anti-submarine naval deal Day four of the IDEX defense show came to a close with the announcement of another contract win for Italian industry. This time it was warship builder Fincantieri with a AED 430 million ($117 Million) deal to build an anti-submarine corvette for the United Arab Emirates navy. Yesterday Alenia Aermacchi secured selection of its M-346 jet trainer in an 48 aircraft order from the UAE air force. The Cigala Fulgosi class vessel will be similar to the six warships delivered to the Italian Navy earlier in the decade. The shipyard is currently building two of the corvettes for the Turkish Coast Guard but in a different configuration. Fincantieri officials said they hoped to deliver the UAE order within 20 months. The Italian Navy sailed the Commandante Bettici, a Cigala Fulgosi-class warship to Abu Dhabi for the show. Other contracts announced today included 12 coast guard boats for the UAE. That deal has gone to local warship yard Abu Dhabi Ship Building. The contract concludes a stellar week for the company. Earlier contract announcements included the purchase of 12 new fast patrol boats and the modification 12 troop transport vessels into the same configuration by ADSB. The company is also involved with a Turkish ship yard in building a fleet of smaller high-speed patrol vessels. Other deals announced today included the purchase of NEMO 120mm mortar systems from Patria of Finland, communications and artillery control systems from Thales and the upgrading of Black Hawk helicopters by Sikorsky. The deals revealed today came to AED 1.6 billion bringing the total for the week to AED 18.4 billion. Source : DefenseNews

Todd Shipyards gets Coast Guard icebreaker contract extension

Todd Shipyards Corp. said that the U.S. Coast Guard has awarded another contract to its Seattle subsidiary, Todd Pacific Shipyards Corp., to provide maintenance on two icebreakers — the Polar Star and the Polar Sea.

The deal adds to one that Todd previously signed with the Coast Guard and the total value of deal, if all options are exercised, could be $29 million. The work to be performed at Todd’s Seattle shipyard will emphasize propulsion and deck machinery work, Todd officials said, and the deal extends Todd’s work with the icebreakers through September 2013.

Poland to sell massive shipyards in March Poland will open tenders to sell off shipyards employing thousands of people in Szczecin and Gdynia on March 9 and 16 respectively, the Agency for Industrial Development (ARP) said Thursday. After a four-year dispute between Warsaw and Brussels over public aid for Poland's heavily indebted shipyards, Poland agreed last year to a European Commission proposal to sell off the yards. The sell-off is open to all bidders including real estate developers. Source: WARSAW



S.Korea STX Sees Orders Resuming in 2nd Half According to a Feb. 26 report from Reuters, South Korea's STX Group, which runs the world's No. 4 shipbuilder and No. 5 dry bulk carrier, said new ship orders could resume in the second half when financing difficulties ease. Its shipmaking arm, STX Shipbuilding, is aiming to boost new orders for offshore vessels and plants by 80 percent this year to $1.8b, Vice Chairman Lee Jong-chul told reporters. Source: Reuters

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IMO team to study pollution guidelines in Alang

An International Maritime Organisation (IMO) delegation will be visiting Asia's largest ship recycling yard at Alang in Bhavnagar on Wednesday to study the implementation of IMO guidelines on pollution, safety and health. The delegation will later prepare a report on Alang-Sosiya Ship Recycling Yard. The 20-member delegation is headed by IMO implementation officer for marine environment division Nikos E Mikelis. Other members are from Bank of International Settlement (Basel) Convention Secretariat, International Labour Organisation (ILO), World Bank and European Commission and belong to countries like Greece, Japan, UK, France, Denmark, Norway, USA, Germany, Bulgaria and New Zealand. Komalkant Sharma, owner of a ship recycling unit, said the IMO delegation is in India in connection with a workshop on Development of international convention for safe and environmentally sound recycling of ships' in which Alang-based leading ship recyclers participated. The two-day workshop, organised by Directorate General of Shipping, concluded on Tuesday in Mumbai. Representatives from Gujarat Maritime Board, Gujarat Pollution Control Board, Ship Breakers' Associations, DG Shipping, Ship Owners' Association, Ministry of Shipping, Ministry of Steel, Ministry of Labour, Central Pollution Control Board and selected NGOs took part in it. Nikhil Gupta, joint secretary of Ship Recycling Association (India), said: "We look forward to IMO delegation's visit. We are sure we will be appreciated for our efforts to enforce safety aspects and it will open up huge business opportunities for the industry." Source: Times of India



KNRM presenteert op HISWA nieuwe kledinglijn RESQ

RESQ is het nieuwe merk dat de KNRM vanaf 3 maart op de HISWA presenteert. Een hippe nautische kledingcollectie volgens de laatste mode. Het is kleding die inspireert en kleding waarmee de koper direct de KNRM steunt. Als fondsenwervende organisatie is de KNRM afhankelijk van vrijwillige bijdragen. Meer naamsbekendheid en de inkomsten uit onder andere de verkoop van de nieuwe kleding en artikelen uit de KNRM webwinkel maken dat de KNRM haar werk kan blijven doen. De officiële lancering van de collectie vindt plaats op 3 maart, om 11.30 uur op de KNRM-stand in de Oosthal. Het startsein wordt extra kleur gegeven door de aanwezigheid van ondermeer acteur Peter Tuinman (o.a. schipper van de Bontekoe), Joop Braakhekke en topzeilster Lobke Berkhout.

Service changes at Maersk Denmark’s Maersk has announced a series of services changes. Maersk will be extending its Far East – West Africa FEW1 service to include Shanghai and Ningbo in China. With these changes, Maersk will offer one of the fastest transit times in the market from China to West Africa. The new FEW1 rotation is: Shanghai (China) - Ningbo (China) - Nansha (China) - Hong Kong - Tanjung Pelepas (Malaysia) - Lome (Togo) - Cotonou (Benin) - Pointe Noire (Congo). ‘Maersk Norwich’ will make the first call in Shanghai, arriving on March 11. Maersk is also making adjustments to its Europe – Middle East and South Asia network. The new North Europe to Bandar Abbas (Iran) service would provide the fastest transit time in the market. According to Maersk, an additional vessel would be added to the service and new calls to Aqaba in Jordan and Bandar Abbas in Iran would also be included. The new rotation for the ME1 string is: Felixstowe (UK) - Zeebrugge (Belgium) - Bremerhaven (Germany) - Rotterdam (Netherlands) - Aqaba (Jordan) - Jebel Ali (UAE) - Bandar Abbas (Iran) - Jebel Ali (UAE) - Nhava Sheva (India) - Pipavav (India) - Salalah (Oman) - Jeddah (Saudi Arabia) - and Algeciras (Spain). ‘Maersk Kampala’ departs Felixtowe on March 6. The ME3 will cease calling at Salalah, Jeddah and Aqabar on the eastbound route. The new rotation is: Gioia Tauro (Italy) - Algeciras (Spain) - Tangier (Morocco) - Tarragona (Spain) - Gioia Tauro (Italy) - Port Said (Egypt) - Salalah (Oman) - Jebel Ali (UAE) - Nhava Sheva (India) - Jebel Ali (UAE) - Port Said (Egypt). The first ME3 westbound departs Jebel Ali on March 16. Source : Baird

Ship freight declining during last few months The ship freight on International Waterways is continuously declining during the last few months. This is especially so for the Drybulk sector where the drop in freight/charter rates which commenced from August, 2008 took a steep fall in September, October, November and December, 2008. As far as liner sector is concerned, the decrease is ranging between 70.96% to 78.57% on India-Europe Sector, 50% to 87.5% on India-Far East Sector and 50% to 78.57% on



the India-Middle East Sector. 50-70% from Indian sub-continent to Far East sector, Middle East sector and Europe sector. Similarly, the freight is also declining on the return legs. The dry bulk sector has also been most affected during the period in question. The Baltic Dry Index (BDI) serves as an indicator of the dry bulk market and its steep fall reflects the freight situation in the dry bulk market. The overall fall in BDI from July, 2008 to January, 2009 works out to a fall of 89.87% in December, 2008. This index fell from 8934 in July, 2008 to 743 in December, 2008. The index improved in January, 2009 to 905, but the levels are far below breakeven levels for bulk carrier owners. This information was given by the Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Shri T.R. Baalu in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha yesterday. Source: PTI

The MSC SORAYA seen at Maaspilot station Photo : Frans Sanderse ©

Ro-ro-service terminated after six sailings SSG-RINGKØBING. The ro-ro service between Fredericia, Denmark and Moss, Norway, did not last long. After only six sailings with hardly any cargo/trailers on board, it was decided to close down the service and return the ro-ro vessel Moondance to Seatruck Ferries. “We started with extremely bad timing”, says Klaus G. Andersen, Fredericia Shipping, to the Danish newspaper Børsen. “At the time of planning, prospects were really interesting, but the financial crisis has caught up with our initiative”, he adds. The service was set up in a joint venture between Fredericia Shipping and Seatruck Shipping, which is a part of the Danish Clipper Group. The ro-ro vessel Moondance became superfluous after several newbuildings had been deployed in Seatruck’s Irish services. The vessel will now return to Liverpool for layup.

Wilson vessels to the lay-up sites SSG-GÖTEBORG. The Norwegian giant in the small bulker segments, Bergen-based Wilson Group, will reduce its capacity. In its 2008 annual report, the company says it expects that a lower contract coverage during 2009 and difficult times in the spot market could set its liquidity under pressure. The company will evaluate cost suiting measures and will lay up some vessels. The company however also says that the difficult times means an interesting potential for further consolidation in the market. The group which by the end of last year controlled a 111-vessel fleet in sizes between 1,500-10,000 DWT, reports a pre-tax result of NOK 170.1 million for 2008, up by almost NOK 38 million compared to the year before. Revenues reached NOK 2.16 billion.



The result plummeted however during the fourth quarter and Wilson reports a NOK 24 million pre-tax loss, against a NOK 49 million profit in Q4 2007.

New Marine Atlantic ferry has 'cruise ship feel'

The crew of Marine Atlantic's newest ferry getting are ready for sea trials in preparation for a spring launch. The Atlantic Vision has been docked in North Sydney, N.S., since December and is sceduled to hit the seas of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence on the North Sydney-to-Port aux Basque route in April. Captain Paul MacDonald said the new passenger and cargo ferry has a "cruise ship feel." "The restaurant, the buffet and the cabins offer a little more of an upscale experience," MacDonald said. With nearly 200 cabins, compared to about 40 on other ferries in the Marine Atlantic fleet, and features such as an internet kiosk and a special eating area for long-haul truck drivers, the Atlantic Vision is being described as a step up for travellers on the gulf crossing. The super-sized ferry can carry 531 vehicles, twice as many as other ferries on the route and can travel about six knots faster than either the Caribou or the Joseph and Clara Smallwood. "So you're going to take what is a five-and-a-half-hour trip and possibly turn it into a four-and-a-half-hour trip," he said. Marine Atlantic has been criticized for passenger delays on both of its Newfoundland to Nova Scotia crossings, especially during peak tourism summer months. MacDonald said the increased vehicle capacity and high speeds should reduce long wait times and backlogs for truckers on both sides of the gulf. The Atlantic Vision crew have been getting acquainted with the high-tech European-built ferry since it arrived in Cape Breton from Finland in December and MacDonald said they are now ready to put it through its paces on the open water. Source : CBC News

New feeder service between Felixtowe and Teesport

PD Ports has launched Logical Link, a coastal feeder container shipping service offering a next day connection between Felixstowe and Teesport. This new service operates two sailings per week, (Mondays and Wednesdays) loading in Felixstowe on day one and unloading in Teesport the following morning.



“With growing pressure for businesses to seek further efficiency gains and be greener in their approach to business, many companies are seeking alternative ways of shipping goods to their customers,” Graham Wall, Commercial Director for PD Ports said. “There is without doubt, a vital need to reduce the amount of freight transported from southern UK ports by road, which is destined for the north of the UK. “The launch of this service will offer relief to our over-burdened UK road network and by using this new feeder service, importers will be able to act in a more socially responsible manner by lessening their environmental impact on the ever-increasing congested UK road network.” The UK Road Transport Association reported that congestion on the roads currently costs British business US$24.35 billion per annum. Source : Baird Online

Ferry chiefs in talks ahead of launch RERESENTATIVES from ferry operators Norfolkline were in Edinburgh, to address politicians and business leaders ahead of the launch of their Rosyth to Zeebrugge service. It was announced that The Scottish Viking-which will service the route-will have a range of benefits for freight providers including greater capacity, faster loading times and refurbished port services. Currently under construction in Italy, the new vessel will have 2250 lane metres and guaranteed year- round capacity for over 110 trailers for commercial customer use. Freight manager for Scotland, Wim Fossaert, said, "We think that it is very important to have a balance between passengers and freight. "The logistic picture needs to fit the whole year and there are large periods during the summer months when there will be more passengers than at other times, but we must still accommodate freight customers who need a reliable service the whole year round. "Freight provides a more steady income over the course of the year. "As soon as the volumes justify it we would look at bringing on extra vessels to provide greater capacity. "However, at this stage we have not yet made a choice and we must first look at the continental markets." A three-lane loading design and a new check-in system will cut loading times, allowing hauliers to board the ship up until 4pm at Rosyth and 5pm in Zeebrugge, where the port has been redesigned. In addition, a new team has been set up providing a dedicated freight manager for every account. Mr Fossaert said, "Companies are now looking closely at how much they must ship and if savings can be made in all areas such as fuel, haulage and working time directive. "The volume is there and it must still be shipped, but it is now a matter of where money can be saved. "For people in the central belt of Scotland and further north, driving down south to ship goods is costing them so much that they are bleeding money daily. "The haulage industry has already shown great interest in bookings for the new ferry, because it has the capacity to save them this long round trip." Norfolkline have revised their initial decision not to allow foot-passengers on board and will be announcing a scheme with pricing in March. The company is expecting an even amount of customers from both countries, compared to previous route operators Superfast, who found around 70% of ferry users were Scots. Despite the economic downturn, route director Bas Van Helden is confident the crossing will prosper in the long term. He said, "Of course this is not the best period to be making significant investments, although we are confident we can make the service work based on the business model we have planned from. "I think everyone would like the current financial situation to improve as quickly as possible, but nevertheless we have planned with these problems in mind. "When you make investments the period looked at should not be one or two years, it should be 10 or more. "This route is crucial for Scotland's economy and we have undertaken serious research to ensure it is viable for both our passenger and freight markets. "We are confident that not only will this route survive, but will hopefully ultimately expand to provide a desperately needed freight service for Scotland to the continent." Plans are in place to link into this year's Homecoming Scotland



celebrations by tapping into Scottish themes. Norfolkline's market research shows family groups and motorcycle groups are the main passenger users during the busy summer months, while in low-season couples take the ferry for mini-breaks. The Scottish Viking will boast a bar, restaurant, cinema, children's play area, light entertainment, bands and shopping facilities. MSP for Dunfermline West, Jim Tolson, said, "The resumption of the Rosyth to Zeebrugge ferry line is great news for people and local businesses in Dunfermline and Fife. "Norfolkline have confirmed that they will be putting in place public transport connections that will allow for better transition from the ferry terminals to more central transport hubs in Europe. "I am glad that the route will now be managed by such a well-respected company," he said.

www.tos.nl TOS Rotterdam (+31)10 – 436 62 93 E-Mail [email protected]

Greatship takes delivery of new AHTS Greatship Global Offshore Services Pte. Ltd. (GGOS) has taken delivery of Greatship Abha, a new anchor handling tug supply vessel (AHT), from Colombo Dockyard PLC of Sri Lanka. The vessel has been financed via a sale and lease back arrangement. Greatship Abha is a DP2, FiFi1 full-service vessel built to exacting specifications, and capable of supporting offshore exploration and production in various regions across the world. GGOS is a Singapore incorporated subsidiary of Greatship (India) Limited (GIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd. GIL owns and operates two other AHTSs, one in South Africa, and one in the Middle East, and five platform supply vessels, two in India with ONGC and GSPC, two in the North Sea, and one in Mexico. GIL and its subsidiaries have an order book of seventeen offshore support vessels and one premium jackup rig under construction.

50 jaar Elbe Op 24 februari 2009 beleefde onze zeesleper haar gouden jubileum. Net als een halve eeuw daarvoor, was op het

achterdek een groot aantal betrokkenen aanwezig om dit belangrijke moment in het bestaan van de Elbe te vieren. Destijds was het de heer Viëtor die namens L. Smit & Co. ‘s Internationale Sleepdienst kapitein Poot een behouden vaart en goede stationsdienst toewenste. Nu waren vrijwilligers, burgemeester en wethouders van Maassluis met

bestuursleden van de stichting aanwezig op hetzelfde achterdek. Met trots presenteerden we nu de eerste sectie van de nieuwe verschansing. Bovendien onthulde burgemeester Karssen een schitterend model van de Elbe. Een waardig

begin van ons jubileumjaar!

Hans Hoffmann, voorzitter



Dankzij een genereuze donatie van de Mondriaan Stichting kunnen we nu een aanvang maken met de restauratie van de verschansing. Onze aanpak is gericht op het terugbrengen van de oorspronkelijke staat van het schip. Dat betekent dat de verschansing over een lengte van twintig meter aan stuurboord- en bakboordzijde wordt teruggebouwd met een passend ‘potdeksel’ (de bovenrand), scepters, loospoorten en niet in de laatste plaats de geklonken verbinding, geheel zoals het schip op 24 februari 1959 in dienst werd gesteld. De Mondriaan Stichting motiveert haar bijdrage dan ook door te stellen dat er sprake is van “een gedegen restauratieproject”.

24 februari 1959 - 24 februari 2009 De geschiedenis herhaalde zich op dinsdag 24 februari, exact 50 jaar na het in dienst stellen van de Elbe. Net als een halve eeuw geleden stond in ons draaiboek “10.00 - 10.30 uur gasten komen aan boord” Niet alleen verzamelden de genodigden zich wederom op het achterdek, ook de loodskotter Rigel was op de achtergrond aanwezig. Het tegenwoordige zeekadettenschip past geheel in het tijdsbeeld dat de Elbe weergeeft. Na voorzitter Hans Hoffmann sprak vrijwilliger Arie Poot, zoon van de eerste kapitein van de zeesleper, de aanwezigen op zijn eigen wijze toe, beginnend met de toepasselijke woorden “Vrienden van de Elbe...” Daarna was de eer aan museumhavenwethouder Scheerstra om met onze mannen het eerste gedeelte van de nieuwe verschansing te plaatsen. Met bouten en moeren werd het geheel aan elkaar verbonden om een passend geheel te vormen. Wanneer de verschansing op aan beide zijden compleet is, gaan de klinkers aan de slag om met ruim 1000 authentieke klinknagels de constructie te voltooien. Radio Rijnmond, SBS6 Hart van Nederland en de regionale omroep WOS deden verslag van de gebeurtenissen. De Mondriaan Stichting, Vermeulen Fasteners en Keppel Verolme maken de restauratie door RC Staal met de vrijwilligers van de Elbe mogelijk. Burgemeester Karssen van Maassluis feliciteerde de aanwezigen daarna met het gouden jubileum van de Elbe. Hij sprak de wens uit om het opnieuw in de vaart brengen als kroon op zijn burgemeesterschap van Maassluis te mogen meemaken. MTS Europroducts uit Maassluis had het mogelijk gemaakt om een toepasselijk kado voor het jarige schip aan te schaffen. Een schitterend model van de Elbe werd door de burgemeester met assistentie van de cultuurwethouder onthuld, een zeer fraai geschenk dat met enthousiasme en bewondering werd ontvangen. Het gemeentebestuur van Maassluis trakteerde de Elbe bemanning tot slot op gebak dat door meesterbakker Koos Holtkamp was versierd. Dinsdag 24 februari 1959, de dag die gepland stond voor de officiële proeftocht en overdracht van de Elbe, was ‘s ochtends evenwel - tot ieders verrassing en opluchting - de mist als bij toverslag door een feestelijk zonnetje weggevaagd. Om 10u00 kwam de loods aan boord (“met portofoon om ons te leiden indien het [alsnog] dicht zou vallen van de mist gedurende de officiëlen proefvaart”). Een half uurtje later waren alle genodigden aan boord en om 10u45 ontmeerde de nieuwe sleepboot van de kade en koerste vervolgens de Waterweg af naar zee. Om 12u10 passeerde zij het Noorderhoofd (NRW). Ze voer naar de loodsboot om de loods af te zetten. Daarna kruiste ze heen en weer ter hoogte van de Indusboei. De marconisten J.H. de Nijs en R.F. Ottevanger zochtten radioverbinding met de sleepboot Barentsz-Zee van de rederij, die vroeg in de ochtend met een grote drijvende kraan vanuit IJmuiden een sleepreis naar Maracaibo had aangevangen. Dit transport verscheen ook op de radar van de Elbe, en enige tijd later zagen de genodigden de Barentsz-Zee met haar sleep ‘in het echt’ aan de gezichtseinder opdoemen. Toen Elbe en Barentsz-Zee elkaar genaderd waren, voer de Elbe enige tijd met het transport op en brachten de genodigden ook een groet aan de drie runners op de drijvende kraan, een log gevaarte met een hoge opbouw. Bij het afscheid wisselden de twee sleepboten luide fluitsignalen. Om 14u30 kwam de Elbe ten anker onder de Zuidwal van het Noorderhoofd. Er volgden op het achterdek enige toespraken tot de verzamelde gasten. Allereerst sprak ir. W. van Beelen van de bouwwerf. Hij zei er een eer in te stellen de door zijn bedrijf gebouwde sleepboot aan de rederij te mogen overdragen. Voorts bedankte hij de rederijdirectie voor de onlangs ontvangen opdracht tot nieuwbouw van de zeesleepboot Mississippi. Tot slot van zijn feestrede richtte de heer Van Beelen het woord tot een van de oudste werfmedewerkers, de heer Den Oudsten. “U hebt een mensenleeftijd, 52 jaar, aan de sleepboten gewerkt en weet zowat elk schroefje en boutje te vinden,” complimenteerde hij. Op dat moment mengde, tot groot vermaak van alle aanwezigen, de Barentsz-Zee zich in de



ceremonie, via de luidspreker van de versterkerinstallatie die abusievelijk nog steeds bij stond. De heer Van Beelen werd het zwijgen opgelegd, totdat de Barentsz-Zee haar onverwachte maritieme mededelingen had afgerond met de standaardfrase “over en stoppen maar”. Nadat de werfdirecteur zijn toespraak had afgemaakt, volgde het feestelijke wederwoord van rederijzijde, gesproken door mr. W.F.P.C. Viëtor. Hij was van mening dat de Elbe eigenlijk geen introductie behoefde, aangezien haar zuster, de Clyde, in de twee jaren van haar bestaan reeds algemene bekendheid op de wereldzeeën had gekregen. Een speciaal woord van welkom en waardering sprak hij in het Engels tot de internationale gasten van de proeftocht. “I express the hope that this unit will prove to be an ambassador for goodwill, not only in the towage, but also in the salvage field.” De heer Viëtor complimenteerde de Elbe-gezagvoerder, kapitein A. Poot, met het nieuwe schip. Hij wenste hem en zijn bemanning een behouden vaart en goede stationsdienst toe. In antwoord daarop sprak kapitein Poot zijn directie en de gasten toe, zeggende te hopen dat het schip de sleepdienst veel succes zou brengen. Daarna nam de Rotterdamse rederij L. Smit & Co’s Internationale Sleepdienst - door middel van de traditionele ceremonie van de vlaggenwisseling - de nieuwe Elbe over van de Kinderdijkse bouwwerf J.& K. Smit’s Scheepswerven N.V. Dit was het begin van de zeventien jaar durende dienst die de motorzeesleepboot Elbe zou verrichten voor het Rotterdamse internationale zeesleepvaartbedrijf. Na de feestelijke formaliteiten op zee ging de Elbe om 15u30 ankerop, waarna zij volgens de geleidemerken over de Waterweg naar Rotterdam voer. Om 16u45 meerde het schip af aan de Parkkade en om 17u30 waren de genodigden van boord. De Elbe ontmeerde vervolgens weer van de Parkkade en voer volgens de geleidemerken naar Maassluis, waar zij een uurtje later afmeerde in de haven van Maassluis aan de kade, met behulp van twee havensleepboten. De laatste aantekening voor die dag in het scheepsjournaal luidde: “Wacht van de wal en gedurende de nacht helder bandende dekverlichting.” Kapitein Arie Poot spreekt op het achterdek van de net overgedragen Elbe de aanwezigen toe.

Restauratiewerk De Elbe knapt zienderogen op. In de machinekamer zijn met vereende krachten in een paar weken tijd de smeerolietanks van diverse verflagen ontdaan. De afsluiters zijn overhaald en al weer prachtig opgeknapt aan boord gebracht. Ook het pneumecatortoestel is weer opnieuw in originele staat gemonteerd. Het bijzondere leidingpaneel geeft met ingenieuze niveaumetingen de vulstand van de diverse tanks weer. In de tanks, verdeeld over het schip zijn peil-, vul- en spuipijpen vervangen waarmee de tanks weer voor gebruik zijn gereed gemaakt. Ook het hoofdschakelbord, de meterkast van het schip, wordt verder en verder gevuld met bedrading van diverse systemen. Om de juiste wijze van functioneren te kunnen monitoren bevat het schakelbord een dozijn meters met diverse aanwijzingen. Ook nieuwe meters moesten geplaatst worden, maar in de originele staat van het ‘hoofdbord’ zou dat geen fraai geheel vormen. De oplossing werd gevonden bij de firma Van Putten en zoon, die gespecialiseerd is in het maken van meters en wijzerplaten. Op vakkundige wijze zijn nieuwe ‘oude’ wijzerplaten gemaakt, geheel zoals de oude NIEAF paneelmeters zijn vormgegeven, maar met moderne mechanieken. Het resultaat is een uiterlijk compleet authentiek meterpaneel

waarmee de machinekamer nu op veilige en historisch verantwoorde manier bediend kan worden. De gemoffelde panelen werden kosteloos gespoten door Autoschadebedrijf van der Heiden. Sponsoring Aluchemie heeft begin januari de hele bemanning van werkkleding voorzien. Alle bemanningsleden lopen van nu af aan in eenduidig oranje, met dank aan de overburen langs de Oude Maas! De firma Amco, sponsor van het eerste uur, zorgt telkens opnieuw dat de compressoren blijven draaien, reduceerventielen vervangen kunnen worden en naaldhamers blijven rammelen. Interlas zorgt daarbij weer voor de laselectrodes, Avanti voor werkhandschoenen en Airproducts voor gas en zuurstof. Kortom, het werk kan mede dankzij deze fantastische sponsoren onverminderd



voort blijven gaan, waarvoor onze hartelijke dank! In de diverse hutten is goed te zien hoe in verschillende stadia de opbouw van het interieur plaatsvindt. Na het conserveren van de scheepshuid wordt deze geïsoleerd om koudeoverdracht en condensvorming achter de betimmering te voorkomen. Als het diverse leidingwerk en bekabeling definitief zijn aangebracht en goedgekeurd, kan het afmonteren van de betimmering plaatsvinden. De geschrapte en geplamuurde platen zijn aan de wal voorbereid en mogen nog

een laatste behandeling ondergaan voordat zij definitief worden afgewerkt. Op die manier is in de kokshut op het hoofddek fase III al doorlopen. De wasplaats voor de officieren naast de kokshut is eveneens hersteld en van verflagen ontdaan. Zodra hier het leidingwerk is afgemonteerd en de afvoeren naar de afvalwaterinstallatie zijn aangesloten, kunnen ook de verfrollers weer hun meters maken. Bemanningslid Ab Verweel werd in december van het vorig jaar gehuldigd bij de uitreiking van de Maassluise vrijwilligersprijs voor zijn tomeloze vrijwillige inzet. Niet alleen op zout water heeft Ab zijn sporen verdiend, hij staat ook nog eens bekend als Maassluis’ enige en beste ijsmeester op de natuurijsbaan! Kleuren fotos : Roger van der Kraan ©

…. PHOTO OF THE DAY …..

The MARGARA seen arriving in Willemstad (Curacao) Photo : Kees Bustraan ©



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DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2009 – 057 · 2009-02-28 · Number 057 ***...

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Transcript of DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2009 – 057 · 2009-02-28 · Number 057 ***...