DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME P RESS CLIPPINGS 2014 –...

DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2014 – 260

Distribution : daily to 31000+ active addresses 17-09-2014

Number 260 *** COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS *** Wednesday 17-09-2014

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

Gibraltar Rock, the monkey overlooking the Bay of Algeciras with the Oleg Strashnov

in the background moored alongside the Muelle Este.

Photo : Capt. Willem van der Meulen Master “HLV OLEG STRASHNOV” Seaway Heavy Lifting (c)

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EVENTS, INCIDENTS & OPERATIONS

The mighty RMS QUEEN ELIZABETH 2 still moored at Drydocks World Dubai.

Photo: Henk van der Broek ©

LATEST FREMONT TUGBOAT BLOG The latest Fremont Tugboat Blog (Mark Freeman’s Rudderless Newsletter) is now available.

Go to www.fremonttugboat.com and click “Blog” on the left of the screen.

P&O Maritime buys majority stake in Spanish OSV firm

Dubai: P&O Maritime, part of the DP World empire, has acquired a majority stake in Remolcadores de Puerto y Altura S.A. (Repasa), a Spanish operator of offshore support vessels for the energy industry, to form a new joint venture company under the P&O Maritime brand. Headquartered in the Port of Tarragona, family-owned Repasa provides marine support services to the offshore energy industry through the operation of a modern fleet of twelve tugs. The company was recently awarded a long term contract in Equatorial Guinea to support the LNG tanker berthing/unberthing operations at Punta Europa Terminal. Source : Gulfshipnews

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African Development Bank Approved 150Million USD for Nigeria’s Lekki Port

The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) held its first regular meeting since the Bank returned to its statutory headquarters in Abidjan on Monday, September 8, and approved a combined USD 256 million for the financing of investments in Nigeria and Ethiopia as well as a multinational projects preparation facility. The biggest investment approved is a USD 150 million senior loan to Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise for the construction of a Greenfield seaport in the Lagos Free Trade Zone, 60 kilometres east of Lagos.

The project follows a 45-year concession granted to Lekki Port LFTZ Enterprise (LPLE), the Special Purpose Vehicle, by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) under a build, own, operate and transfer scheme. It involves construction of port infrastructure such as breakwaters, quays, approach channels, dredging of the basin as well as captive utilities such as water and power. On completion, the port would handle 2.5 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs), 16.7 million tonnes (MT) of liquid cargo and 4.5 MT of dry bulk. Construction is expected to start in January 2015 with the container terminal operations expected to start in December 2018. The project, estimated at USD 1.675 billion, will be financed through a 54/46 debt to equity ratioIt is aligned with the Bank’s Nigeria Country Strategy Paper 2012-2016 which stresses infrastructure development in the non-oil and transport sector as well as the country’s Vision 2020, which emphasizes modernizing infrastructure. The project is also in line with the Bank’s Regional Integration Strategy Paper (RISP) for West Africa which emphasizes linking regional markets through regional transport infrastructure. Source : The Maritime Hub

The CSCL VENUS moored in Rotterdam-Europoort – Photo : Nico Ouwehand (c)

First LNG Containership Receives ME-GI Engine

Late last month, NASSCO engineers placed the world’s first dual-fuel slow speed engine into the World’s First Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) powered containership. The ME-GI engine represents the next generation of technology that will

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open the door to a cleaner and safer shipping industry, particularly in the United States. Doosan Engine built the 8L70ME-C8.2GI under license from the designer MAN Diesel and Turbo. The engine weighs 539 tons.

TOTE Shipholdings, Inc., a subsidiary of TOTE, is the first company to use these engines in their vessels. The two new Marlin Class ships, being built by General Dynamics NASSCO’s shipyard in San Diego will be used in the Puerto Rico trade and are expected to enter the trade in late 2015 and early 2016 respectively.

“This large slow speed (two-stroke) dual fuel engine is the first of its kind in the world,” noted Phil Morrell, Vice President of Commercial Marine Operations for TOTE Services, the division of TOTE that is responsible for ship’s technical management and crewing. “Using this engine in our new Marlin class vessels will not only drastically reduce our SOx, NOx, particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions as a result of using liquefied natural gas, but it will also improve our efficiency meaning these ships will require less energy to travel the same distance and help

preserve the environment.”“Landing the world’s first low speed, dual fuel engine on the lead Marlin Class ship signifies a shift into a new era of green ship technology. NASSCO is proud to partner with TOTE to construct these cutting edge ships” stated Parker Larson, Director of Commercial Programs for General Dynamics NASSCO. Hull 495, the first of the two Marlin-Class vessels being built by NASSCO will be completed in early 2015. Source : MarineLink

Van Oord’s dredger VOLVOX OLYMPIA working in a narrow part of Cork city quays

Photo : Aidan Fleming (c)

Panama Canal boss expects to test new locks with real ships within 12 months REAL ship testing of the Panama Canal's new locks will begin within a year, said the waterways chief Jorge Quijano, Reuters reports"We hope to start a series of tests with the locks next year in the month of July or August," said Mr Quijano after overseeing the arrival of four new gates for the locks from Italy.

The 100-year-old canal is in the midst of a massive expansion that will more than double the size of the ships using the facility, from 4,500-TEU to 13,000-TEU capacity. The expansion, which involves building a third set of locks in the 80-kilometres long waterway, was first scheduled to be completed this year, but has been delayed several times and is now is scheduled to open in January 2016. Source : Asian Shipper



Heerema’s THIALF above seen with the BYLGIA arrived in Rotterdam Caland canal

Photo : Cees van der Kooij (c)

NEW HELICOPTER SIMULATOR FOR DHTC DEN HELDER - A brand-new helicopter simulator was recently commissioned at training institute DHTC in Den Helder, the Netherlands. Future applications for the simulator include the training of people who are required to fly from and

to offshore installations by helicopter, for their work, in how to rapidly and safely leave the aircraft in the event of an emergency landing at sea.

The new helicopter simulator, a so-called SEFtec Configurable HUET, has replaced the other simulator that was approaching the end of its lifecycle. The 4.7 metre-long training facility installed at the DHTC location on the Paleiskade in Den Helder weighs 1,700 kg and offers seating for eight, as well as five possible escape routes. By means of exchangeable panels, the configuration of the training facility can be adapted to match the majority of commonly-used helicopter types including the AW139, EC155 and S92. It is a requirement that all offshore workers undergo so-called Helicopter Underwater Escape Training

(HUET) in a simulator of this kind. In 1990, DHTC was the first training institute in the Netherlands to offer realistic HUET courses, using a helicopter simulator. Since that time, practically all oil companies and the related service firms have sent their offshore workers to Den Helder to undergo HUET training, while helicopter operators make intensive

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use of this unique facility for training their crews. Over a period of seven years, the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Defence Helicopter Command have also used the facilities at DHTC for providing similar training courses to the crews of their Lynx helicopters. HUET is one of the many safety courses provided by DHTC for the offshore oil and gas industry, the offshore wind energy sector, the shipping sector, and for fire brigades and onshore companies. The purchase of the new helicopter simulator is part of a multiyear investment programme at DHTC. In the framework of that same programme, a fire exercise helicopter was also recently purchased, which offers realistic possibilities for training fighting a fire in the cockpit, cabin or cargo space, or a fire that occurs during helicopter refuelling.

The NORD LEADER moored in Rotterdam – Photo : Peet de Rouw (c) – CLICK on the photo to view the High Rez version

The 1995 built LKA flag and owned LPG gas carrier GAS CHALLENGER at Bunkering Area 3 West, Malta on Saturday

13th September, 2014. She was the former GAS PUFFER sold and renamed on week 38. Photo : Capt. Lawrence Dalli - www.maltashipphotos.com (c)

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10 Years Vroon Offshore Services Vroon Offshore Services BV is pleased to announce that on 13 September 2014 the shipping company has commemorated her 10-year anniversary. VOS BV started as a result of a merger between Seaworx and Telco Marine. In those days, both companies were active in the oil and gas industry. Providing offshore support services with guard, safety standby, platform supply and chase vessels. The fleet consisted of mainly 'dated' vessels, such as converted fishing vessels. Totally, the combined fleet consisted of approximately 23 vessels. In 2004 Vroon BV, the mother company of Telco Marine, expanded their activities in the offshore shipping industry. In June 2004 the merger with Seaworx took place.

Left : The safety standby vessel VOS Tracker (foreground) and the platform supply vessel Pool Express at work near the gas production platform K6PN and the accommodation platform Seafox 2.

Old competitors had to work together, acquiring different manners, standards and systems. It was obvious that this was a real challenge. Especially in the beginning this caused serious disagreements in how to work and operate the vessels. On the 13 September 2004, the standards on board the vessels in the fleet, the insurance and assurance systems were in line and Vroon proudly awarded his name to the company. Vroon Offshore Services BV was established. Since then there were numerous changes.Not only on the vessels but also in the office. These changes resulted in improvements and this is still going on. VOS BV said goodbye to older tonnage (old chase vessels) as the Telco Solent or old Seaworx tonnage such as the Polaris and the Eastwind. But at the same time room was made for newer tonnage. In 2005 also the existing platform supply vessel fleet of mother company Vroon BV from Breskens changed management to the Den Helder office. This included vessels as Energy Express, Field Express and Shelf Express. Shelf Express served NAM/Shell for 25 years.

The focus of VOS BV changed from chase work to operations with purchased and new-built diving support vessels as the VOS Sweet and the VOS Shine. And to platform supply duties for which Vroon Offshore Services further expanded her fleet with the Pool Express and Base Express (now VOS Base) and the P-type suppliers VOS Power, VOS Prelude, VOS Producer, VOS Precious and VOS Prominence. A total of six platform supply vessels of the PX121 type and at least two subsea support vessels are now on order and will be delivered within the next eighteen months. These vessels are highly fuel efficient and the designers have focussed on crew comfort, safety, environment and efficiency.They are the next generation subsea support and platform supply vessels in a ongoing changing environment. VOS BV will continue to expand her services in the oil and gas industry and the renewable energy business offshore. In the latter sector the company will assist in building and maintaining windfarms at sea. The journey of Vroon Offshore Services started with a fleet of mainly safety standby and chase vessels and has now, in addition to safety standby vessels, envolved into a fleet of modern platform supply and subsea support vessels. The company intends a continuous renewal of her fleet, meeting and exceeding the client's exceptations. The shipping company is based on Het Nieuwe Werk in Den Helder, the Netherlands, and employs more than 330 seafarers and 34 office staff. The fleet consists of 15 modern vessels. From May this year VOS BV is managed by Niek Spiljard.



The BBC GANGES anchored off Gibraltar – Photo : Francis Ferro ©

The BBC STEINHOEFT in Rio Grande – Photo : Marcelo Vieira (c)

India-Myanmar ferry service to start next month: Nitin Gadkari

The proposed ferry service between India and Myanmar will commence next month that will facilitate cargo and passenger movement between the two countries. Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping Nitin Gadkari today said the service will begin in October this year.

The proposed cargo ferry service will connect the two countries through Chennai and Yangon (Myanmar). It will open a sea route and strengthen economic ties for land-based trade worth about billions of dollars. State-run Shipping Corporation of India is likely to deploy a 1,200 TEU (twenty feet equivalent unit) vessel, which will connect the ports of

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Colombo, Chennai, Krishnapatnam and Yangon. Ministry of Shipping has also formalised a coastal shipping arrangement in 2014 which would boost the coastal movement of vessels between the two countries.

Addressing media persons at a conference marking 100 days of the Narendra Modi led NDA government in office, the Minister said the shipping sector can increase the country's GDP by 2 per cent. The sector can also create tourism and employment opportunities, he said. Special plan is in the works for the Mumbai Port Trust, the minister said but did not elaborate the proposed plan.

"There will be a revolutionary change in the water transport sector in the next five years," Gadkari said. The Shipping Ministry is planning to start a RORO service in the country for transportation of vehicles from factories, which will help in saving fuel used for the transportation of the goods through roads. Roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ships are vessels designed to carry wheeled cargo, such as automobiles, trucks etc that are driven on and off the ship on their own wheels or using a platform vehicle. "We have planned the expansion of the Cochin Shipyard, we are working on different schemes for cargo and passengers at the shipyard, we are planning to build three LNG (liquefied natural gas) vessels at the Cochin Shipyard," Gadkari added. The vessels will be built at a cost of Rs 1,500 crore each. Cochin Shipyard will partner with a French company for building these vessels. The ministry is also working on a scheme for the promotion of ship breaking and building. "We have prepared a Cabinet note on the matter. The states of Gujarat, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu have potential for this kind of industry. We want to facilitate ship breaking and building in our country," he added.Source : Indiatimes

Barrow lifeboat assists motor vessel with fouled propeller

VOLUNTEER crewman from Barrow launched their inshore and all weather lifeboats Sunday nigh to help a motor vessel with a propeller fouled on a mooring rope.The 11-metre-long steel hulled vessel ‘MV Eagle’ had picked up a mooring buoy on the edge of Walney Channel, Barrow. The mooring rope had become fouled on the vessel's propeller and the two man crew were unable to free the mooring and get under way again. The all weather lifeboat with a crew of six under the

command of Barrow Coxswain, Shaun Charnley, launched at 8pm and was alongside the casualty five minutes later. The inshore lifeboat with a three man crew followed shortly afterwards and went alongside the casualty whilst the larger boat used her floodlights to illuminate the sceney.

After a prolonged effort the vessel was eventually freed from the mooring and escorted to the lifeboat emergency mooring off the lifeboat station.The crews then returned the lifeboats to the station and after washing down and refuelling they were re-housed by 10pm. Source: thewestmorlandgazette

Delays for 2M Launch Rumoured Jensen said China's rejection of P3 may have encouraged the FMC to speak out Maersk Line and Mediterranean Shipping Co. (MSC) planned to meet with regulators from the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) last Friday to address possible delays in the launch of their 2M container shipping alliance, the Wall Street Journal reports.

"There are some worries that the scheduled launch early next year may be delayed as some at the Federal Maritime Commission [in the U.S.] are not that keen on such mega-alliances," said one person involved in the matter.

"So the two partners want to address those concerns early on."The alliance, which would move about a third of all cargo on the busiest trade routes, was developed after Chinese regulators denied approval to the larger P3 alliance, which would also have included CMA CGM. "I can't see how the FMC can turn down the 2M as it is smaller than the P3," said Lars Jensen, chief executive of Copenhagen-based SeaIntel Maritime Analysis. "But the Chinese rejection has given a bigger voice to those at the FMC who have second thoughts about these tie-ups and the 2M wants to clear the air."FMC member William P. Doyle said recently that he would consult with Chinese regulators about possible concerns with the alliance, even as Maersk Line CEO Søren Skou said 2M is operationally ready to launch. Source : Ship & Bunker News Team



The drillship OCEAN RIG MYLOS seen arriving at Bananal anchorage near Ilha Grande, Angra dos Reis, with tugs MBR I and MBR III stand-by. Photo: Martijn Gerssen. Dockwise (c)

First Arctic project unaffected by

sanctions Newly sanctioned Gazprom Neft plans to continue offshore oil extraction in its Prirazlomnoye Arctic field as planned, and will reach peak oil production by 2021, First Deputy CEO Vadim Yakovlev said. Prirazlomnoye is Russia's first offshore Arctic field, and with 72 million tons of recoverable oil, will be a key source for future hydrocarbon production and development in Russia. Already 100 million barrels of the new ARCO Arctic blend have been extracted from the site, which began production in April 2014.

The fresh round of sanctions by the US and EU intend to freeze Russia’s big Arctic and Siberia shale oil ambitions by barring foreign oil companies from supplying any technology or equipment for joint ventures in deep water, offshore, or shale projects.The production platform located in the Pechora Sea in Arctic waters will produce 110,000 barrels per day by 2021, despite Western sanctions.

"At the moment, we don't think that this will affect our long-term plans,” Vadim Yakovlev, told reporters Friday, just before the sanctions were published.If sanctions continue, the company may seek other options for extracting oil from the field.“If events follow the worst case scenario, we are working at options to buy (equipment) from alternative sources or producing it with Russian or Asian companies,” said Yakovlev.Yakovlev said the company would not change its long-term goal of producing 100 million tons of oil equivalents by 2020. In 2014 oil output is expected to increase

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2.5 percent, and in 2015, by more.Less than 50 percent of the total work is operated by foreign contractors, as the main one is Gazprom Burenie, Russia's largest oil and gas field services company

The Prirazlomnoye oil platform is unique in that it is ice resistant- and can sustain temperatures up to 50 degrees below 0. The platform itself is stationary in the open water, and tankers come every few days to load up extracted oil and deliver it to the port of Murmansk. Russia has vast offshore reserves, but they are difficult to extract due to deep water and icy waters.Russia is the world’s second-largest oil producer, and pumps

roughly 10.5 million barrels of oil per day, just shy of Soviet-era records. Exploration in the Arctic is a key element in continuing current output. On Friday, the US imposed sanctions on Gazprom, Gazprom Neft, Lukoil, Surgutneftegaz and Rosneft. EU sanctions targeted three major companies- Rosneft, Transneft, and Gazprom Neft, the oil subsidiary of Gazprom. The companies have two-weeks to wind down any collaborative activities that violate sanctions. Source : RT

DFDS stops service The company said it has started consultations with French unions about plans to close the Le Havre-Portsmouth service at the end of the year. A total of 185,000 passengers were carried in 2013, generating revenues of DKK 165m ($28.7m), a result described by DFDS as “unsatisfactory”.

The owner said the route does not have a viable future, taking into account a series of unsuccessful initiatives to improve its performance. The Le Havre-Portsmouth run was taken over from Louis Dreyfus Armateurs in 2012. It has been decided that the vessel serving this string will be redelivered to its owner. The closure of the route will primarily entail redundancy costs for shore staff which are expected to amount to around DKK 15m.In late August, DFDS stopped one of its services between Germany and Lithuania due to the Russian embargo on imports. Source : Tradewinds

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Domestic building of ships & dredgers to push "Make in India"

In an initiative to push the agenda of "Make in India", the government has decided that Cochin Shipyard will invest Rs 1,200 crore for facilities to make liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier ships. Two more such vessels will be made in other shipyards. "This will be the first-of-its-kind to be made in India. Each of these LNG carrier ships will cost approximately Rs 1,500 crore," shipping and road transport minister Nitin Gadkari said. These vessels can be used by the Gas Authority of India Ltd (GAIL).

Gadkari said the Cochin Shipyard will also undertake building of dredgers for Paradip port and Dredging Corporation of India in collaboration with foreign players. The first dredger would be around Rs 500 crore. In another move to promote shipping industry, the ministry will come out with a comprehensive ship building scheme to encourage Indian shipyards to bag such orders and to meet domestic needs. Highlighting the achievements of his ministry after 100 days of Narendra Modi government, Gadkari said India's waterways could contribute at least 2% cent to the country's

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GDP and a revolution is waiting happen in the next few years in this sector. "We give subsidy to the polluting roadways and impose surcharges on the non-polluting water transport... developing the waterways is our top priority," he said. He said the government was planning to introduce sea-planes, water buses, hovercrafts and floating hotels and restaurants to connect coastal towns.

On the issue of sensitive Ram Sethu (Adam's Bridge) Gadkari said there is no question of breaking it and his ministry will take it to the Cabinet in the next one month. Source : Indiatimes

Competition in China oilfield service sector may rise

Chinese independent oilfield services (OFS) firms are likely to face more competition over the longer term, said Fitch Ratings in a latest research note released earlier this week. The operating conditions for independent OFS providers in China remained challenging due to shrinking orders and more private-sector participation that fuels the competition, according to Fitch. These challenges have been reflected in Jan-June narrower margins of many independent OFS firms such as Anto Oilfield Services Group, Petro-King Oilfield Services Ltd. and SPT Energy Group Inc.

The rating agency forecasted that order flows are likely to improve for the next 12 to 18 months as the Chinese national oil companies will continue to replace reserves and increase production."But margins would likely be impacted by the opening up of the market and greater transparency in the tendering process for outsourced oilfield services jobs," the research note said. Source : ECNS

MSC announces low-sulfur surcharges in North Europe, North America

Mediterranean Shipping Co. today unveiled surcharges of up to $165 per 20-foot container on North European and North American routes that will be subject to new low-sulfur limits in 2015. The Geneva-based carrier said shippers and receivers will have to pay for the “significant” increase in the cost of fuel in the affected emission control areas, or ECAs, according to individual trade lanes. Ships passing through the ECAs ― the Baltic Sea, the North Sea, the English Channel and 200 nautical miles from the American and Canadian shores ― will be compelled to burn fuel with a sulfur content of 0.1 percent from Jan. 1 compared with the current 1.0 percent limit, as mandated by the International Maritime Organization.

The MSC surcharges vary widely from a high of $165 per TEU for shipments between Canada and the Baltic to a low of $5 per TEU between Central America and Freeport, Texas. Shippers face a surcharge of $130 per TEU on the U.S.-Baltic trade, $150 between the Baltic and the U.S. West Coast and $50 per TEU on routes between the U.S. and India. The surcharge on MSC’s Lion and Silk services between Asia and northwest Europe is just $15 per TEU because the low-sulfur limit does not apply in Far East waters.

Low-sulfur fuel of 0.1 percent is around $300 per metric ton cheaper than 1.0 percent fuel. Low-sulfur fuel of 1.0 percent averaged $559.90 per metric ton for the week ending Sept. 12, according to numbers provided by BunkerVision. One metric ton is equivalent to about 6.4 barrels or 300 gallons. Maersk Line has warned customers they face hikes of between $50 and $150 per 40-foot container to enable it to recoup the estimated $250 million a year increase in its fuel bill. The carrier says it will publish more details closer to the implementation of the new sulfur rules and when price differences between fuels can be more precisely estimated. Hapag-Lloyd and Rickmers-Linie have also advised shippers they face low-sulfur surcharges from January.The looming IMO requirements for low-sulfur fuel will

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likely prod more ocean carriers to implement these types of surcharges. These rules are also creating momentum around the use of liquefied natural gas to power container ships on long-haul international routes, as well as regional feeder services.Source : JOC

Billionaire Fredriksen’s Seadrill Has Longest Losing Run in Oslo

Seadrill Ltd. (SDRL) suffered its longest losing streak in Oslo trading as the rig company controlled by billionaire John Fredriksen risks seeing its bet on Russia unwind on deepening sanctions from the U.S. and Europe. Seadrill, the biggest offshore driller by market value, fell as much as 4.9 percent, extending declines to eight straight trading days, the biggest losing run since the company listed in 2005. It slid 3.8 percent to 193.8 kroner by 3:09 p.m. in Oslo, or 16 percent since Sept. 4. The U.S. and European Union last week tightened sanctions targeting Russia’s energy industry and OAO Rosneft (ROSN), its biggest oil company. The sanctions threaten to halt Exxon Mobil Corp. (XOM) drilling in Russia with one of Hamilton, Bermuda-based Seadrill’s rigs, and to affect contracts between Rosneft and Seadrill’s 70 percent-owned unit North Atlantic Drilling Ltd. (NADL) for six offshore rigs from 2015 worth a total of $4.25 billion.“One thing is that it would be negative for Seadrill’s earnings,” Janne Kverneland, an analyst at Nordea Markets, said by phone. It would also lead to spare capacity and hurt “especially the North Sea market” as day rates for rigs keep falling on oil companies’ increased focus on spending discipline, she said.North Atlantic Drilling signed a framework agreement with Rosneft in May even as tensions mounted over Ukraine. Gains in the stock following the announcement have been almost erased, with a 24 percent drop from a June 9 peak. The shares sank 8.5 percent to $8.61 in New York Sept. 12, the most since Jan. 29. North Atlantic signed the five-year contracts for its six rigs on July 30, two days before the EU strengthened sanctions to include the transfer of technology used for shale, deepwater and Arctic oil exploration and production in Russia. It’s not clear yet what the new sanctions mean for West Alpha’s current operations for Exxon and Rosneft in the Kara Sea or North Atlantic’s contracts, none of which start before 2015, Rune Magnus Lundetrae, Seadrill’s chief financial officer, said by phone today. “We’re still evaluating,” he said. If North Atlantic’s Rosneft deal falls through and the three floating units involved are kept idle for one or two quarters in the period from 2015 to 2016, Seadrill’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization could be 4 percent to 9 percent lower with unchanged rig rates, Nordea’s Kverneland said in a note to clients yesterday.“In reality, day rates will likely be lower, implying further potential downside,” she said. Source: Bloomberg

Product tanker market posts increased chartering activity, VLCC softer through

the week The tanker market exhibited a mixed trend through the course of the past week, with activity for product tankers firming, while at the other end, demand for VLCCs proved to be softer. According to the latest weekly report from shipbroker Charles R. Weber, “the USG MR market saw a marked increase in fresh chartering activity at the start of the week with 22 regional fixtures concluded through early Wednesday, compared with 23 through all of last week. As the market proved quieter through the remainder of the week and a number of earlier fixtures failed, the week’s provisional tally concluded at 27 – a 17% w/w gain and on par with the YTD weekly average. The early demand strength followed earlier softness in regional distillate prices, enabling greater trans‐Atlantic arbitrage trades. Together with shorter‐haul trades to points in Latin America and the Caribbean largely consistent with recent norms, the robust nature of the market consumed a number of excess units and saw owners quickly become more bullish in the rate ideas”. Charles R. Weber added that “in July, LR1s and LR2s were fixed to carry a record 1.600 MnMT of PADD 3 (USG) product exports, representing 24% of the month’s total spot market exports. However, as LR demand in the Middle East market has risen in recent months, the number of units appearing on USG position lists has declined to the 10% to 11% range. Fewer MR units arriving in the USG after rallying UKC rates drew units freeing on the USAC firmly back to Europe combined this week’s early USG demand strength has reduced available USG positions. Two‐week forward USG MR positions dropped to 49 by mid‐week and concluded the week at 46, off 15% on the week‐ago level.



Both represent the lowest number of excess positions since late July, when rates on the USG‐UKC route were trading in the low ws120s. The improved position saw rates on the route gain 20 points from last week’s closing value to ws90 by Thursday”. According to the shipbroker’s report, “the market concluded the week at an effective standoff; rates on the USG‐UKC route remain assessed at the last‐done rate of ws90, but with demand having trailed off owners’ position appears to be somewhat eroded. The expected progressing of UKC‐area refineries into peak maintenance a month earlier than their PADD 3 counterparts will likely trim UKC demand and accelerate USG‐UKC demand. Against the likelihood of softer UKC‐USAC rates, owners will probably seek compensatory gains on the USG‐UKC route to steady triangulated Atlantic earnings. While this may imply an extending of this week’s rate strength, a number of prompt USG positions remaining at the close of the week could be compounded by the reappearance of units trading short‐haul regional cargoes and weigh negatively on rates. Ultimately, the direction of the market next week will depend heavily on the extent of fresh activity which materializes”.Meanwhile, in the crude tanker market and more particularly, the VLCC market, C.R. Weber noted that “chartering activity was softer across all key markets this week, contributing to a recent lull which has been weighing negatively on rates. In the key Middle East market, this week’s fixture tally was off by 29% on last week to a 21‐week low of 15. The West Africa market saw just three fixtures materialize – half of last week’s tally – despite expectations that regional fixtures would remain high as charterers worked through early October stems, helping to keep combined West Africa and Middle East activity sufficiently fluid to allow rates to level or possibly gain on seemingly supportive fundamentals. While the VLCC market’s present supply/demand positioning does not dictate average earnings at the present low of $22,581/day, the sustained activity lull has been eroding owners’ confidence”. In the Middle East markets, “rates to the Far East were unchanged from last week with an average of ws42.5 though the market concluded at ws38.5. Corresponding TCEs gained $384/day to an average of $22,360/day while the present assessment yields $16,877/day. Rates to the USG via the Cape averaged ws21.5, representing a w/w loss of 2.8 points. Triangulated Westbound trade earnings averaged $35,642/day, representing a loss of $2,901/day, w/w. To‐date, 82 September Middle East cargoes have been covered, leaving a further 30 estimated to remain. Against this, there are 48 units showing availability through end‐September dates, implying a surplus of 18 units. While representing a rise in excess availability from last week (in‐line with this week’s appearance of a few previously hidden units and fewer units drawn for West Africa cargoes), the market remains relatively balanced. While rates are trading at a discount to levels implied by fundamentals, the following week could see rates finally advance as charterers work through the remaining 30 September cargoes with the resulting busier pace positively affecting sentiment. Thereafter, a quick progression into October dates should keep pressure on the market and allow further advancements heading into Q4″, the shipbroker’s report concluded.Source : Nikos Roussanoglou, Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide

Ships calling at Benghazi could be targeted

Retired Libyan general Khalifa Haftar on Sunday threatened to order his troops to shoot ships entering the Port of Benghazi if port officials did not heed orders to close it down.Haftar had earlier accused rival militias of getting arms supplies through the northeastern Libya port.He sent a letter to port officials, telling them that his troops would shoot

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any ships entering the port if it was not closed down, according to Libyan activists.He said in his letter that port officials should direct incoming ships to the eastern Port of Tobruk instead. Source : Gulfshipnews

Night view of the ABIS DUSAVIK in Taranto, while loading 24 windmill blades on deck.

Photo : Huge Rademaker (c)

Seaspan mulls GCI takeover Seaspan Corp is considering acquiring Grand China Intermodal Investments (GCI), its boxship

investment partnership with private equity giant The Carlyle Group.

Hanjin Buddha, Seaspan's first 10,000-teu SAVER design containership It said it has asked its conflicts committee to evaluate potential strategic alternatives for GCI, including the potential takeover.Other partners in GCI include affiliates of Seaspan board member Graham Porter and largest shareholder Dennis Washington. Meanwhile, Hong Kong-headquartered Seaspan said it struck a deal with GCI and Washington’s Blue Water Commerce to extend the company’s rights of first refusal on containership buying opportunities identified by GCI.Seaspan will also continue to have similar rights on vessels GCI looks to sell until the new 31 March 2016 expiration of the arrangement.The owner manages GCI’s existing vessels and provides pre-delivery services. Seaspan has also struck a deal to extend the employment agreement for chief executive officer Gerry Wang, as well as a transaction services agreement that has given him a 1.25% fee for sale-and-purchase and newbuilding deals by the company.It has also extended financial services agreement with Porter’s Tiger Ventures, which has received a 0.4% fee on debt or lease financing deals. Both agreements also now last until the end of March 2016. Source : tradewinds

Steps to decongest Manila’s ports pushing through even after truck ban lifting

State-run Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) will continue to implement measures introduced earlier to decongest Manila’s ports despite the city government’s decision over the weekend to lift its daytime truck ban. In a statement, PPA general manager Juan C. Sta. Ana said the higher storage fee on overstaying Customs-cleared containers would stay, as well as their relocation to either Subic, Batangas or Laguna. Starting October 1, the private operators of Manila’s



ports will impose a P5,000 per container storage fee after the 5-day free storage period offered by the PPA. This is to discourage the cargo owners from using the terminals as their virtual warehouses. Instead of imposing the fine on the sixth day, the operators will impose it on the 11th day after getting clearance from the Bureau of Customs (BOC0, effectively allowing cargo owners at least 10 days to get their containers out of the Manila ports.“We have to implement everything; we could not relax because the city of Manila truck ban was already lifted. We appreciate the gesture of the city government of Manila in lifting their truck ban and we as port operators now need to work double-time to immediately decongest the ports and free up much space as possible,” Sta. Ana said. “We will now immediately look at how to facilitate receiving the held-up cargoes in nearby foreign ports as well as the influx of boxes brought about by the run-up to Christmas. The lifting of the truck ban has given us the chance to decongest the port and get back to our normal way of life sooner than anticipated,” he added. The government expects operations at the two Manila ports to return to normal next month. Last Saturday, Manila Mayor Joseph Ejercito Estrada heeded to the call of several groups to lift the city’s daytime truck ban months after imposing the restriction, which has congested the country’s main ports of entry, caused traffic snarls in and around Metro Manila, and according to some quarters, pushed up prices of various goods. Last Friday, International Container Terminal Services Inc (ICTSI) and Asian Terminals Inc (ATI) evicted about 135 overstaying Customs-cleared containers, transferring them to Subic onboard MV West Ocean 3. The vessel operated by Super Shuttle Service of ICTSI left the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) Friday morning and reached Subic the evening of the same day. The vessel is again set to sail Tuesday to carry another 135 overstaying Customs-cleared containers, and every Friday and Tuesday thereafter. ICTSI operates MICT, while ATI operates the Manila South Harbor.The terminal operators likewise hired 1,000 trucks to eject some 2,000 overstaying Customs-cleared containers and transfer them to a 4-hectare facility in Cabuyao, Laguna. The transfer, which began early morning Sunday, is expected to be completed by noon the following day. This decongestion effort will be repeated for four Sundays by the terminal operators.The operators are trying to remove about 5,000 TEUs of overstaying Customs-cleared ready-to-go containers at the MICT and the Manila South Harbor to provide enough space for incoming cargo. The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is set to meet on Monday to discuss the traffic scheme to be adopted in light of the lifting of Manila’s daytime truck ban.Source: InterAksyon

The CSCL NEW YORK seen inbound at the Hovel Pile inbound to Port Melbourne Photo : Bill Barber ©

Maersk top executives rush to meeting

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The MAGLEBY MAERSK arriving in Rotterdam – Photo : Kor Heidinga www.scheepvaart.macalro.nl (c)

Top executives from Maersk Line and MSC, which have entered into the vessel-sharing agreement called 2M, was reported to be heading to the United States for an urgent meeting with the American maritime administrations, the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). FMC's approval of 2M is dragging out. Usually there is a processing time of 45 days, but in the case of 2M, the American authorities apparently asses that further information is needed. That means that the approval can be delayed for several weeks, epn.dk writes, quoting Ritzau Finance.

The two companies hope that it will help if they take part in a meeting with the American authorities to find out what questions they might have. Sources close to the FMC have said that there are very good chances that FMC approves 2M, because concerning the P3 alliance, there was only one member of the commission who voted against the approval. The two companies vessel sharing agreement includes 185 vessels on 21 routes with a total capacity of 2.1 million TEUs. Sources estimate that it is the size of the vessel-sharing agreement that is causing the American authorities to add additional conditions. Source: epn.dk

Bahamas flagged "BALMORAL " Cruise ship heads into Halifax shortly after sunrise.

Photo : René Serrao , Portuguese Cove,NS (c)

A-E rate down 6.6pc to US$1,055/TEU - USWC off 4.7pc to $2,195/FEU

CONTAINER spot rates fell again on major trade lanes last week, according to the Shanghai Containerised Freight Index data despite carriers' attempts at rate restoration.

Last weeks Shanghai index showed Asia-Europe spot rates fell 6.6 per cent to US$1,055 per TEU and by 8.7 per cent on the Far East-Mediterranean route. Asia-US west coast rates fell 4.7 per cent to $2,195 per FEU last week while Asia-US east coast prices dropped 2.4 per cent to $4,524 per FEU. Rates from Asia to the Mideast Gulf and Red Sea, fell 11 per cent to $754 per TEU, their lowest since March. But Drewry's Hong Kong-Los Angeles benchmark price was up 14.5 per cent to $2,375 per FEU after the Transpacific Stabilisation Agreement exacted a general rate increase. But Drewry said its benchmark rate level indicates that only half of the TSA increase was accepted by the market, signalling a decline in coming weeks. Freight Investor Services broker Ricky Forman agreed. With utilisations reported to be dropping to 85-90 per cent, spot rates are expected to decline further into October,?he said.The Forward Freight Agreement curve suggests that rates in September priced at $1,100 per TEU will be followed by rates of $1,050 in October, said Lloyd's List.Mr Forman expected carriers to announce November rate hikes, and said he hoped they would not collapse as they did last year when they dropped to $675 per TEU from Shanghai to northern Europe.With fourth quarter contract rates being discussed, reportedly as low as $1,500 per FEU, carrier prospects are dark. Not even Maersk can break even on those contract rates, said Mr Forman. Source : Asian Shipper

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NAVY NEWS

The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS STETHEM (DDG 63) fires a Harpoon missile during a sinking

exercise as part of Valiant Shield 2014. Air and sea units from the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Air Force participated in the sinking exercise of the ex-USS Fresno to gain proficiency in tactics, targeting and live-firing

against a surface target at sea. Photo : US Navy

Pakistani Navy Foiled Al-Qaeda Attack Targeted at American Aircraft Carrier

The first ever attack by the newly-announced Indian Subcontinent branch of Al Qaeda went really, really poorly. The attack launched last Saturday In Pakistan seems to have targeted the wrong ship. Fighters of the Islamic terror group branch that was unveiled two weeks ago had planned to storm an American aircraft carrier at a Karachi port, but found a Pakistani Navy Ship in its place, The Telegraph reports. The attackers suffered heavy casualties as the Pakistani Navy easily overpowered their attempt. Three of of the Al Qaeda fighters were killed and seven were arrested according to Pakistani officials. Two Pakistani Naval guards were wounded.

“It was a complete failure, they did not do any kind of damage, some were captured and we caught more, seven so far and may be more to come. They were well-equipped and came with the intention of taking a ship into their custody but they were caught in the initial stages,” an investigation source told The Telegraph.

Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS) claimed responsibility for the attack on Thursday, the anniversary of September 11. “The Naval officers who were martyred on Saturday in the attack in Karachi were Al Qaeda members. They were trying to attack American marines and their cronies,” a statement from the group’s spokesman said. The group’s statement alleged that attackers were able to take a brief control of a frigate, contrary to what the investigation source Telegraph spoke with said. AQIS also asserted that the attackers were former Pakistani Navy officers.

Pakistani officials refuted AQIS‘ claim that the all attackers were former Pakistani Navy members, saying only one of the fighters who was killed in the battle had served. Officials were also skeptical that AQIS was even behind the attack at all.

Al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent was announced earlier september by the group’s leader Ayman al Zawahri, who claimed the new branch would spread Islamic rule and “raise the flag of jihad” across the subcontinent. It was seen as a move to impress the terrorist organization’s prominence among Islamic militant groups, at a time when much of the world’s attention is on the Islamic State, also referred to as ISIS or ISIL Source : The Maritime Hub



14-09-2014 Sunday afternoon, on the Marsdiep, Zr.Ms.Luymes inbound for Den Helder naval base.

Photo : Ron Damman (c)

Yury Dolgoruky submarine to test-fire Bulava missile with full missile set aboard

The launch of the Bulava intercontinental ballistic missile from the Yuri Dolgoruky nuclear-powered submarine scheduled for October will mark an important stage in testing the submarine’s missile system, a source in the Russian Navy headquarters said on Monday “This will be the first launch of the Bulava missile from the submerged position by the Project 955 (Borey) missile-carrying nuclear submarine with a full set of 16 Bulava ICBMs on its board,” the source said.“The launch will test the submarine’s operation after the test-firing. Earlier, all Borey-class submarines went into the sea with only one missile aboard, which was launched,” the source said. The source confirmed plans to conduct one more Bulava launch in November from another Borey-class strategic nuclear-powered submarine, the Alexander Nevsky.“As of September 13, the plan for November stipulates the launch of this missile from the Alexander Nevsky also with the aim of testing the reliability of the Bulava missile and confirming the stable operation of the submarine’s missile system,” the source said. As in October, one missile will be launched from an underwater position in Russia’s White Sea to hit a designated target at the Kura test range on the Kamchatka peninsula in the Far East, the source said.“The Bulava launch in November will be the third and the last this year. Two other launches of this missile are scheduled for 2015,” the source said. Russian Navy Commander Adm. Viktor Chirkov said on September 10 after the successful first test-firing of the Bulava missile from the same-class Vladimir Monomakh submarine that two more Bulava launches from two strategic Borey-class submarines would be held in autumn.“In October and November, the Navy will perform two more missile launches from two missile-carrying submarines equipped with ballistic missiles,” the Navy chief said at the time.

Bulava R-30 is a Russian submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missile designed for the new Borey-class submarines, eight of which are expected to enter service by 2020. The three-stage solid-fuel missile is capable of carrying from six to ten nuclear warheads. The missile's maximum range is up to 9,000km.The Bulava development began in 1998. Eight of 19 test launches carried out since 2005 were successful. Others failed due to malfunctions of the control system, engines of second and third stages and warhead separation. The missile's commissioning was delayed because of the failures.After six consecutive successful launches in 2010-2011, Bulava was expected to be



commissioned. However, the previous launch from the Alexander Nevsky submarine on September 9, 2013 was unsuccessful. The missile fell in the Arctic Ocean because of failure of the engine control system of the second stage. Source : ITAR Tass

Indonesian Naval Ships on Goodwill Visit to Kochi

Indonesian Naval Ships KRI John Lie (358) and KRI Usman Harun (359), both Bung Tomo Class Multirole Light frigates, were on a goodwill visit to Kochi from September 14 to 16.KRI John Lie is commanded by Captain Antonius Widyoutomo, while Captain Didong Rio Duta Purwo K, S.T.M.A.P. is commanding KRI Usman Harun. Various professional and social interactions are scheduled between the Southern Naval Command and the visiting ships during the visit.

The commanding officers of the visiting ships called on Vice-Admiral SPS Cheema PVSM AVSM NM, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Naval Command. The other interactions included reciprocatory visits by specialist officers and the other officers of both the navies. Indian Navy personnel visited the Indonesian ships, and Indonesian Navy personnel visited the Indian Navy’s training facilities at the Southern Naval Command. On September 2, KRI Bung Tomo, a vessel belonging to the

same class, had visited Kochi. The Bung Tomo Class ships, which were inducted recently into the Indonesian Navy, are equipped to combat aerial, surface and sub-surface threats.Before arriving in Kochi, the ships had visited Salalah in Oman . The ships were scheduled to leave for Jakarta yesterday September 16. Source : The new Indian Express

The Dutch A 833 KAREL DOORMAN after a weekend visit departing from the Kiel naval base

Photo : Frank Behling (c)

Makin Island amphibious ready group arrives in Mideast

MANAMA, Bahrain — The Makin Island amphibious ready group with more than 4,000 Marines and sailors arrived in the Middle East on Friday. The group is on a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility and is expected to relieve the Bataan group, now operating in the Persian Gulf, the U.S. 5th Fleet said in a news release. The Bataan group was extended 21 days in the Middle East last month, beyond its original departure date to ensure a continuous presence in the region.The Bataan group arrived in the region in March. In the early stages of the Islamic State’s advances in Iraq in June, some of the group’s assets were repositioned for strategic reasons.Most recently, the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit’s Air Combat Element has been conducting dozens of surveillance and reconnaissance missions from the Bataan over Iraq, using its AV-8B Harrier aircraft, officials said.



As of Monday, the two ready groups had not yet conducted a turnover in the region, said officials. The San Diego-based Makin Island amphibious ready group left home on July 25. It comprises the amphibious assault ship USS Makin Island, the amphibious dock landing ship USS Comstock, the amphibious transport dock ship USS San Diego and the embarked 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The group brings with it a variety of aircraft: MV-22B Ospreys, AV-8B Harriers, CH-53E Super Stallions, AH-1Z Super Cobras and UH-1Y Hueys.An amphibious ready group’s diversified assets give the U.S. military crisis-response capabilities for a wide range of situations, from disaster relief to combat. For this reason, the group is often referred to as the “Swiss Army Knife” of the joint forces.The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush is also in the Persian Gulf, where it has been conducting airstrikes against the Islamic State in Iraq. Source : Stripes

SHIPYARD NEWS

Uljanik: Keel Laid for Multipurpose Vessel

The keel for the construction of Yard 507, a multipurpose vessel for different types of special works at sea and contracted in 2013 by ULJANIK Brodogradilište with the company Sofidra S.A. of Luxembourg, has been laid on Wednesday 27th August 2014 on Slipway No2. With an overall length of 138 m and width of 32 m, the Vessel will be equipped for the laying of cables on the sea bottom as well as for filling in the channels in which the cables have been laid. It can also be used for the transportation of cargo on an open deck, e.g. wind turbine power plants or it can be used as a working platform for construction works, underwater and off shore projects. This complex floating object will be driven by four MAN Diesel&Turbo engines each having a power of 2.970 kW at 720 rpm (electropropulsion), while the entirely automated engine room will have an installed power of 2 MW.Source : offshorewind.biz

Mexican Navy and Damen sign contract for two vessels

Secretaria de Marina orders 7th Patrol Vessel and a Fast Crew Supplier

In August 2014 the Mexican Navy (Secretaría de Marina in Spanish) and Damen Shipyards Group (the Netherlands) signed contracts for the delivery of the design, material package, technical assistance and training for two vessels that will be built by the Mexican Navy, using the Damen Technical Cooperation programme, which enables customers to

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build their vessel on the location of their choice. The first contract is for a Damen Stan Patrol 4207. This vessel, the seventh of the Tenochtitlan-class (named after the first vessel of this class in use by the Mexican Navy), will be built on the navy yard ASTIMAR 1 in Tampico. This yard, located on the Gulf of Mexico, has already concluded the construction of three Stan Patrols and will now undertake the construction of the other four.

The second contract is for a Damen Fast Crew Supplier 5009. This vessel features the Damen Sea Axe bow which reduces slamming up to 70%. The FCS 5009 has been adapted to meet specific Mexican Navy requirements. Among others it will include a deck crane and an extra accommodation module. In total the vessel can transport 145 passengers and 17 crew members. The vessel has four Caterpillar 3512C TA engines, and can reach a speed of 21 knots. The vessel will be constructed on the Navy yard ASTIMAR 6 in Guaymas, a city on the Pacific coast of Mexico.

Damen Technical Cooperation allows yards that are not a part of the Damen Shipyards Group to build modern, high quality vessels. With the design, material packages and technical and logistical assistance, these shipyards can improve their capabilities, using the experience and taking advantage of the quality of Damen. Through this building method over five hundred vessels, on shipyards all over the globe, have been built.

Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque offers strategic advantages

Acquired less than two years ago, Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque is a relatively new addition to the group’s worldwide network of ship repair and conversion yards. Originally called Arno Dunkerque, the shipyard was officially renamed Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque on September 1 this year and brings nearly forty years of experience to Damen Shipyards Group.

The change in name comes as the yard enters the final stages of its integration into Damen Shiprepair & Conversion, a division of the overall Damen Shipyards Group. From now on, customers will immediately recognise that they are in a Damen facility. The full adoption of Damen quality and safety standards as well as its project management techniques is nearly complete, along with other support and management systems. The yard is well-known for the wide range of commercial vessels on which it has worked. These include ferries, dredgers, reefers, offshore installations, support vessels and tankers of all types.

First class facilities, prime location The facilities and capabilities of the yard are excellent. “We have two dry docks, one floating dock and three repair berths”, says Bob Derks, the managing director of Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque. “The largest dry dock can take vessels up to 295 meters in length. A modern and well equipped 22,000 m² workshop sits close by on the dockside and contains all necessary departments including steel, heavy mechanical, pipes and propellers. Also, the yard has its own, highly competent, workforce and a network of experienced local contractors and the location of the yard is exceptionally convenient,”says Mr Derks. Situated where the English Channel / La Manche meets the North Sea,



Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque is positioned at the heart of the European maritime area, and within easy reach of most Northern European naval facilities.

TORM contracts Albwardy for diving services

Service Level Agreement Contract signed at SMM, Hamburg

Danish product tanker carrier TORM A/S and UAE-based Albwardy Marine Engineering (AME), an Albwardy-Damen JV, have signed a Service Level Agreement for diving services in the UAE region. The purpose is to further strengthen their relations and respective commercial reliability. The diving services will be handled from AME’s facilities in Fujairah and include full hull cleanings and propeller polishing. Marcel van de Kreke, AME's Head of Sales & Marketing comments: "This agreement is a sign that reputed companies like TORM - a leading global player within the tanker segment- find confidence in our professional services."

Allan Rasmussen, Head of TORM's Energy Efficiency & Innovation team comments: "This agreement signifies TORM's continued commitment to operating our vessels in the most efficient and safe manner. In line with our business principles, we believe that efficiency and quality assurance is key to maintaining our strong market position."

TORM is one of the world’s leading carriers of refined oil products as well as a player in the dry bulk market. The Company operates a large and modern fleet with a strong commitment to Safety, Environmental Responsibility and Customer Service.

Albwardy Marine Engineering (joint venture partner of Damen Shipyards group) provides a complete package of professional ship repairs, shipbuilding, diving services in addition to offshore rig repairs & conversions from their bases in Dubai, Fujairah and Sharjah.

ROUTE, PORTS & SERVICES

Asiatic Lloyd of Singapore takes delivery of its second 9,034 TEU vessel

SINGAPORE's Asiatic Lloyd has taken delivery of the ASIATIC SUMMER, the second of two 9,034-TEU wide-beam neopanamax containerships ordered from the Hyundai Samho shipyard. The two vessels were originally booked as options in a 2+2 ship contract by International Maritime Enterprises (Embiricos Group), with these two options taken over and declared by Asiatic Lloyd in July 2013, Alphaliner reported. The first unit, ASIATIC SPRING was delivered in late July and both units are aimed at the charter market. Both vessels have a deadweight of 111,890 tonnes, an overall length of 299.99 metres and a beam of 48.20 metres and 1,370 reefer plugs. Asiatic Lloyd was set up in late 2008 by Bunnemann family interests with links to German owner Herm Dauelsberg. Apart from the two newbuildings, the company also owns nine cellular ships of between 1,100 and 1,200 TEU. Source : Asian Shipper

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Under outfitting at Martha’s Cove the new Port Kembla Pilot Boat KESTREL constructed by Harts Marine.

Photo : Bill Barber (c)

Singapore's MPA warns shipping of harbour reclamation work until March

2015

VESSELS navigating in the vicinity of reclamation work at Tuas View Exension should proceed with caution until March 15 when the working period ends, according to the Maritime and Port of Authority of Singapore (MPA). The works will be being conducted 24/7 within an area bounded by 1) 01 degree 4.580'N / 103 degrees 6.340'E; 2) 01 degrees 4.580'N / 103 degrees 6.680'E; 3) 01 degrees 4.240'N / 103 degrees 6.680'E; 4) 01 degrees 4.240'N / 103 degrees 7.340'E; 5) 01 degrees 2.800'N / 103 degrees 7.980'E; 6) 01 degrees 3.180'N / 103 degrees 6.550'E and 7) 01 degrees 3.400'N / 103 degrees 6.340'E. The MPA said the reclamation works will involve dredging by cutter suction dredger, trailer-suction-hopper-dredger and hopper barges. Shore protection work will be carried out by crane barges and the dredging of sand-key trench by grab dredger. Soil investigation will also be carried out within the working area. Craft involved in the works will exhibit the appropriate local and international day and night signals.When in the vicinity mariners are reminded to keep well clear and not to enter the working area, maintain a proper lookout, proceed at a safe speed and navigate with caution, maintain a listening watch on VHF Channel 22a and communicate with Jurong Control on VHF Channel 22 for assistance if required. Source : Asian Shipper

The HEINRIKE SCHEPERS enroute Rotterdam – Photo : Krijn Hamelink (c)



Plotting a new course: Port of Charleston gears up for the era of ‘big ships’

University of Tennessee graduate Jim Newsome is, naturally, a diehard Volunteers fan. But these days, the State Ports Authority chief executive officer is borrowing a catchphrase from the Clemson Tigers’ football playbook: “All in.” He made that crystal clear over the past week, which included his annual “State of the Port” address in North Charleston and the three-day S.C. International Trade Conference held at Wild Dunes Resort. “If we’re going to be a top 10 containerport in the U.S., we must invest heavily,” Newsome told the Propeller Club of the Port of Charleston on Monday.After five years at the helm, Newsome is steering the SPA through a tricky transition, one being driven by bigger ships and requiring very deep pockets The former Hapag-Lloyd senior executive joined the authority as president and CEO in September 2009. His first order of business was to recapture the cargo volume that had started drifting to other ports before he arrived “We did that,” he said. Now, the heavy lifting really begins One of Newsome’s top priorities and biggest challenges will be to boost cargo volume in Charleston while also squeezing out higher profits to finance a raft of big-ticket projects. “Our earnings are not sufficient given the capital requirements we have,” he said Monday in his sixth State of the Port speech. “We need to earn more money . to be successful in the future.” The port, along with federal agencies and the state, will be investing about $1.3 billion over the next five to 10 years to deepen Charleston Harbor, modernize key facilities and build a new container terminal, all to accommodate the industry’s growing fleet of cost-efficient “megaships.” Container volume growth in Charleston is running about 9 percent this year, more than twice the U.S. rate. While that pace isn’t sustainable forever, it’s “critical” that the port maintain it at least until 2020, Newsome said “If the national growth rate is ‘X,’ we must grow two times ‘X,’ ” he said.Newsome added that, “We have a plan to get to” the numbers the SPA will need to hit. That includes the possibility of bringing in, for the first time, cash-flush outside investors, such as pension funds, to supplement SPA bond sales and other traditional borrowings.“Basically, they would invest money, and they would take a benefit from our returns,” Newsome said. He was quick to note this would not be a step toward privatizing the port, an idea that’s been floated and shot down before. The authority would still own and operate its terminals, he stressed.“Several firms are interested in investing in this space, and we hope to do a deal with them,” Newsome said. “There’s a lot of long-cycle money chasing infrastructure.”The SPA also is looking to beef up its bottom line, while reducing a bunch of invoices and other paperwork, by rolling out a flat “ancillary fee.”“So we’re talking about trying to get $20 more per container basically in our bottom line,” Newsome said. The fee would replace a list “that’s about a mile long” of nickel-and-dime charges that create budgeting headaches for SPA customers, Newsome said.“It’s like all-you-can-eat buffet: You order what you want and we’ll provide the service,” he said The SPA is now approaching customers about the new surcharge. Newsome acknowledged it won’t be an easy sell.“It’s not easy to get a dime out of anybody,” he said. The push to expand Charleston and other big containerports parallels what Lars Jensen of Denmark’s SeaIntel Consulting called the “bifurcation” of the container business.2Smaller lines that now haul goods on the high-volume East-West trade lanes that link the major ports in Asia, Europe and the U.S. are being forced to make a choice if they don’t own any big ships: Either find a way to remain relevant on the mainline route, perhaps by joining a vessel-sharing alliance or by merging, or accept a lesser role as a lower-volume niche carrier.“It might require swallowing a bit of pride,” Jensen said Tuesday at the Isle of Palms trade conference. Port executives are in the same boat, except they need deeper harbors, taller cranes and more dock space to compete.Newsome is well-aware that not every port is going to come out ahead in this “big ship, cost-focused industry.” For Charleston, the No. 9 U.S. containerport by volume, its only option is to be all in.“I think the top 10 containerports that are willing to invest have a future,” he said. “I think if you’re below that level . it’s going to be very hard to catch up.”Source: The Post and Courier

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The MANUELA SAENZ arriving in Willemstad (Curacao) – Photo : Kees Bustraan ©

Kaohsiung port upgrades to handle larger boxships

Taiwan’s main seaport Kaohsiung has made progress with upgrading works that are expected to boost container handling capacity and operational efficiency, according to Taiwan International Ports Corporation (TIPC). The port of Kaohsiung is in the process of deepening of draughts for wharves at container terminals 3 and 4, and upgrading works at wharf 115 are expected to be completed ahead of schedule before the end of this month.“Once finished, the upgraded wharf number 115 will measure 917m in length, 16.5m in depth and be able to concurrently accommodate two 14,000 teu super containerships,” TIPC said in a statement. “Two of the wharves, 116 and 117, have already been completed and are currently in use by Evergreen Marine,” TIPC said, adding that the three wharves would raise the port’s handling capacity and efficiency. After the upgrading works at wharf 115 are completed, the wharf will be handed over to Evergreen for operating authority. Starting in October, the shipowner will install five newly purchased gantry cranes at the wharf. Evergreen has designated wharves 116 and 117 since June this year for 14,000 teu containerships operated by the company itself and its CKYH partners running regular routes to Europe, replacing the previous limit of 8,500 teu boxships.“Current improvements have effectively raised the cargo handling capacity of wharves 115-117 from 1.5m teu to at least 1.8m teu per year,” TIPC said. Source: Seatrade Global

Sirena Seaways to Estonia-Sweden

DFDS will swapp some of their ships in the near future. Sirena Seaways will arrive in Esbjerg from Harwich for the very last time on 29 September. However, she will be far from unemployed.“She is already destined for a new service on our Paldiski-Kapellskär route between Estonia and Sweden where she will replace Patricia Seaways as she can offer greater cargo capacity”, says Anders Refsgaard, VP Baltic Sea at DFDS.According to Fleet Director Richard Berg-Larsen, Dana Sirena will leave Esbjerg just a few hours after the last arrival for a trip to Frederikstad in Norway where she will load military equipment for Aalborg & Kalundborg in Denmark. After minor engine maintenance work in Kalundborg, she will head for Paldiski with the first departure to Kapellskär expected on 6 October at 23:55The ship



will be operated by its current deck and engine crew. The catering will be done by a (local) Estonian catering crew, as is normal practice with all passenger ship charters. Preparations for the necessary certificates and agreements as well as practical change of equipment, signs in Swedish and Estonian, and other things are already in full swing.“We are also already working on several options for Patricia Seaways” says Richard Berg-Larsen. Source: DFDS Update / Maritime Denamark

The MEARSK LAUNCHER operating off Brazil – Photo : Capt Jan Plug – Master Seven Waves ©

MARITIME ARTIST CORNER

ORP ORZEL (Eagle) was built for the Polish Navy by the Dutch shipyard “De Schelde”, Flushing from 1936 to 1939. She has an interesting story, which can be read on Wikipedia. The sub eventually has been reported missing in June

1940, while on patrol for the Royal Navy. The Polish artist TADEUSZ MOLGA has an extended oeuvre of various subjects, among them many maritime images. His website is: www.tadeuszmolga.pl/en

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…. PHOTO OF THE DAY …..

the RNLI Severn Class Lifeboat "HELMUT SCHRODER OF DUNLOSSI II, 17-08 lying on her moorings at Port Askaig, Islay, she was built in 1996 and arrived on station 1997 where she has been the Port Askaig Lifeboat ever since. Photo : Iain Forsyth ©

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