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AAPA Hails Passage of Vessel Air Emissions Bill

July 9, 2008

The American Association of Port Authorities praised Congress for passing H.R. 802, the Maritime Pollution Prevention Act, which will be transmitted to President Bush for his signature.

The legislation will implement Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, more commonly known as MARPOL, providing air quality benefits for port communities in countries that are signatories to the treaty. Annex VI is a global treaty that establishes emission limits for oxides of nitrogen (NOx), oxides of sulfur (SOx) and other pollutants from vessels. Kurt Nagle, AAPA's president and CEO, said the ports association has strongly advocated for tough new air emissions standards for both foreign and domestic ships that call on U.S. ports. "While land-based emissions and some marine emissions are the responsibility of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, AAPA believes that an international process is the most effective for vessels, the majority of which are flagged in countries other than the U.S.," he said. "Considering that emissions from ocean-going ships are predicted to grow by more than 70 percent over the next 15 years, it's imperative that meaningful and effective air emissions standards be adopted to improve air quality." The IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee gave the amendments preliminary approval at its meeting last April. Those amendments are expected to be adopted at the Committee's next meeting this October in London.

AAPA Hails Passage of Vessel Air Emissions Bill

July 9, 2008

The American Association of Port Authorities praised Congress for passing H.R. 802, the Maritime Pollution Prevention Act, which will be transmitted to President Bush for his signature.

The legislation will implement Annex VI of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, more commonly known as MARPOL, providing air quality benefits for port communities in countries that are signatories to the treaty. Annex VI is a global treaty that establishes emission limits for oxides of nitrogen (NOx), oxides of sulfur (SOx) and other pollutants from vessels. Kurt Nagle, AAPA's president and CEO, said the ports association has strongly advocated for tough new air emissions standards for both foreign and domestic ships that call on U.S. ports. "While land-based emissions and some marine emissions are the responsibility of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, AAPA believes that an international process is the most effective for vessels, the majority of which are flagged in countries other than the U.S.," he said. "Considering that emissions from ocean-going ships are predicted to grow by more than 70 percent over the next 15 years, it's imperative that meaningful and effective air emissions standards be adopted to improve air quality." The IMO's Marine Environment Protection Committee gave the amendments preliminary approval at its meeting last April. Those amendments are expected to be adopted at the Committee's next meeting this October in London.

Asian Shipping and Workboat 2009 already 66% sold

July 9, 2008

The sixth Asian Shipping and Work Boat exhibition (ASWB) is already 66% sold a full eight months ahead of the event which takes place at Suntec Singapore from 24-26 February 2009.

Exhibition organizer Neil Baird, Chairman of Baird Events and Baird Publications reported that 112 booths out of a total 170 have already been sold. “We are tremendously encouraged to see that sales are significantly ahead of our last ASWB event in 2007. It’s an indication that our niche focus on the workboat business is a real draw for our quality and, in most instances, repeat participants,” said Mr. Baird. Baird drew attention to the conference element of the show next February, adding that two conferences and a number of product presentation seminars would be “highly topical, useful and interesting to those in the trade”. “The market is still roaring in the workboat sector,” said Baird, “Particularly for OSVs, tugs and barges, which are ‘front-and-centre’ as subjects of our conference program”. Launched last year at ASWB 2007, Baird Online – the shipping industry’s most comprehensive, free-of-charge Web portal covering most aspects of the global marine and maritime industry – has already established itself as an invaluable resource. As with all Baird Events, Asian Shipping and Workboat 2009 is being heavily cross promoted by Baird Publications’ market leading international maritime magazines: Work Boat World, Ausmarine, and Ships and Shipping.

Macduff Shipyards delivers 'Monogirl'

July 9, 2008

Scottish builder, Macduff Shipyards, has completed works on multipurpose workboat for Conco Philipps.

With an overall length of 16.5 metes, a beam of 5.45 metres and a depth of 3.28 metes, the steel-hulled vessel has a bollard pull of nine tonnes. ‘Monogirl’ will be used at the Tetney Monobuoy, which is a crude oil tanker off loading facility in the mouth of the River Humber. Duties for the ‘Monogirl’ includes Line Boat, Mooring Removal, Personnel Transport, Stores Transport, Towing and Pushing, Wire Handling and Other general duties for a workboat of this size and capability. ‘Monogirl’ has a fuel capacity of 10,000 litres and a water capacity of 2,000 litres. Twin screw propulsion with two Caterpillar 3406C marine propulsion engines, each rated 240kW at 1,800rpm, driving through ZF W25 gearbozes with 4.409:1 ratio drive the vessel. Sterngears are by Kort Propulsion with 1300mm diametre four blade propellers on Kort Optima fixed nozzle rings. The vessel is classed ABS + A1 + AMS. Source: Baird Online

Keppel to build Scorpion Semisub

July 8, 2008

Keppel FELS Limited was contracted to build its proprietary DSS 38 deepwater semisubmersible rig for Scorpion Offshore Ltd.

The contract with Scorpion is subject to the fulfillment of certain conditions by mid July 2008. It is valued at $405 million. The amount excludes owner-supplied drilling and subsea equipment. Upon its completion in the fourth quarter of 2011, this semi will be chartered by Scorpion to Brazilian national oil company Petrobras for a period of six years. “The DSS 38 model was developed from our years of experience as a rigbuilder and keen understanding of operating requirements in the deepwater region bordered by Brazil, West Africa and the Gulf of Mexico. “It is significant that Scorpion has entrusted Keppel to build this premium design as its first semi for Petrobras. This demonstrates the growing recognition of our DSS 38 model as a choice deepwater rig for offshore Brazil. “We look forward to strengthen our partnership with Scorpion with this high quality rig,” said Mr Tong Chong Heong, Managing Director & Chief Operating Officer of Keppel O&M. The DSS 38 is rated to drill to depths of 30,000 feet below mud line in just over 9,000 feet water depth. With operational displacement of approximately 38,000 tonnes, the DSS 38 has housing facilities for a crew of up to 130 men. It has both vertical and horizontal riser storage. The eight 3000kW azimuth thrusters configuration are designed to keep the vessel in position. All configurations comply with the American Bureau of Shipping Dynamic Positioned System (DPS-2) requirements. Source: Maritime Today

Wärtsilä aims to become a leader in ship design

July 8, 2008

Wärtsilä has acquired the global ship design group Vik-Sandvik, a leading independent group providing design and engineering services to ship owners and the ship building industry worldwide.

The value of the acquisition is Eur 132 million (US$207.36 million), with an additional maximum sum of Eur 38 million (US$59.69 million) to be paid based on the performance of the business over the next three years. In 2007, Vik-Sandvik's turnover was Eur 55 million (US$86.4 million) and the profitability is on a very good level. The role of ship design is becoming more and more important due to higher performance requirements, more sophisticated systems, and increased integration onboard most vessels. Also, the environmental and emission regulations regarding NOx and carbon dioxide are becoming increasingly stringent. Vik-Sandvik will be integrated into Wärtsilä Ship Design within Ship Power. All personnel - including the management - will continue as Wärtsilä employees. The acquisition is subject to relevant regulatory approvals, which are expected during the third quarter of 2008. Vik-Sandvik specializes in the design of high-end offshore vessels, as well as product and chemical tankers and more specialized vessels. The company has its headquarters in Fitjar, in Western Norway, and it has operations in Norway, Poland, India, Brazil, Serbia, Bulgaria, Turkey, Russia and China. Vik-Sandvik has up to now been wholly owned by the Sandvik family. Source: Baird Online

Dubai targets megayachts with world's largest mobile boat hoist

July 8, 2008

Dubai Maritime City announces that it has successfully assembled and functionally tested the world’s largest mobile boat hoist, the only other examples of which are to be found in Spain and Italy.

The hoist, which weighs 300 tonnes and is capable of lifting 720-tonne boats, will be load-tested in early August 2008, after which it will be fully operational in October of the same year. The hoist took a year to build in Italy and was assembled in 45 days in Dubai with the assistance of Italian industrial lifting equipment specialist Ascom. The lifting equipment will complement Dubai Maritime City’s two ship lifts as it will concentrate on the handling of smaller crafts, particularly mega yachts. To be operated by local shipyard Drydocks World–Dubai, the hoist can be operated manually or through remote control and can be turned in all angles. “Positioning dedicated equipment for our small-craft clients further focuses our services while speeding up and enhancing our overall boat handling capacity. The addition of this record-breaking hoist affirms our commitment to becoming the premier maritime hub in the region and a preferred global port for some of the most unique shipping services in the world,” said Ali Al Daboos, Chief Operating Officer, Dubai Maritime City. Source: Seatradeasia

BSM (DE) has a new Managing Director

July 8, 2008

Mr. Ireneusz Kuligowski has taken office with effect from 22 June 2008, as Managing Director of Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (Deutschland) GmbH & Co.

Mr. Kuligowski is no stranger to the Schulte Group. In the past, Mr. Kuligowski has worked for Eurasia in Hong Kong, Mumbai and Jakarta, Hanseatic in Cyprus and AMLP on Bermuda. During his seagoing career, Mr. Kuligowski sailed on various types of vessels holding various positions, ranging from Wiper to Chief Engineer. He has a Bachelor degree in Marine Engineering and holds a diploma in Shipping and Marine Operations. Before joining BSM (DE), he worked as the Senior Vice President of Operations at Star Reefers Ltd, UK. Mr. Kuligowski is excited to return to the Schulte Group: “To return to the Group is as much an emotional and sentimental matter, as it is a practical one. I am very pleased to be back with my old friends and colleagues, some of whom I have known for many, many years. There can be no better way to complete a career in shipping than going through the ranks from Oiler, Chief Engineer, Superintendent, Manager and then becoming Managing Director. I hope that this is a good proof that in the Schulte Group of companies one can have not just a job but a life-long career.” The relocation from London to Hamburg is no problem for Mr. Kuligowski: “Moving from London to Hamburg will be an experience by itself but this is a beautiful city where I spent a lot of time in the past. In many ways it is similar to my hometown, Gdansk, in Poland ”, he said. Source: Bernhard Schulte

Keel Laid for Costa Ship

July 8, 2008

Work is continuing at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Marghera (Province of Venice) on the construction of the Costa Deliziosa.

Costa Deliziosa is the 15th member of the fleet belonging to the Italian Company Costa Cruises, the number one cruise line in Italy and across Europe, which is due to enter service in spring 2010. In the last few days the keel of the new ship has been laid; this includes the first section, 100 meters in length, which was built in the Ancona shipyard and towed to Marghera. The 92,700 gross tonnage Costa Deliziosa, sister ship of the Costa Luminosa, will be able to carry up to 2828 Guests. Fincantieri is currently building three new Costa ships in its yards. In addition to the Costa Deliziosa, the Italian ship builder is presently completing the Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica (total Guest capacity of 3780 and 114,500 gross tonnage), respectively the 13th and 14th members of the fleet, which are being fitted out in Marghera and Genova-Sestri P. and will be delivered in spring 2009. Costa’s fleet expansion program includes the introduction of 5 new ships by 2012, all built in Italy by Fincantieri for a total investment worth 2.4 billion euros. Source: Maritime Today

CSIC establishes industrial base in Chongqing

July 8, 2008

	China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC) recently announced that it has decided to invest RMB10bn in establishing an industrial base in Chongqing Municipality.
It covers four industries, namely, the special ship, associated ship engine, power supply equipment, and railway locomotive and heavy casting and forging industries. Upon completion and by 2015, the base will generate more than RMB50bn in annual sales income and more than RMB9bn in pre-tax profits. Source: Seatradeasia