National Grid Seeks Clarity for LNG Over UK Port Block for Russian Ships
Britain’s National Grid, which operates the Isle of Grain liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal said it is seeking to understand if a block on Russia-related vessels, announced by the British government on Monday, includes LNG shipments.Britain on Monday ordered its ports to block any vessels that are Russian-flagged or believed to be registered, owned or controlled by any person connected with Russia as it ratcheted up the pressure on Moscow.“We are supportive of government action to order UK po
Damen Inks Services Deal with Caterpillar
Damen Shipyards Group and Caterpillar have signed a global value agreement enabling Damen to provide bow-to-stern services and extend the scope of services offered to Damen Shipyard customers, including but not limited to fleet management and monitoring systems. Damen views the agreement as a milestone in their strategy to streamline services for their customers. The shipyards group’s philosophy of…
UN Bodies Call for More Action to End Crew Change Crisis
Four UN organizations have called for continued global collaboration to address the crew change crisis that at times during the COVID-19 pandemic has left more than 400,000 seafarers stranded at sea.In a joint statement issued on February 28, the International Labor Organization (ILO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and…
Thuraya Launches Push-to-talk Comms Solution with Cobham SATCOM
Thuraya Telecommunications Company, the mobile satellite services subsidiary of the UAE’s flagship satellite solutions provider, Al Yah Satellite Communications Company PJSC, announced it has launched its new IP-based radio communications solution, Thuraya Push-to-Talk (PTT).Thuraya PTT has been developed with Cobham SATCOM, a provider of satellite communications solutions to the maritime and land markets.
Russian Oil Buyers Struggle to Charter Vessels
Buyers of Russian oil have faced difficulties over payments and availability of vessels after imposition of Western sanctions against Moscow over Ukraine, traders said on Monday, while BP Plc has canceled fuel oil loadings from a Black Sea port.The West has introduced sweeping sanctions, including on the banking sector, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russia calls its action a "special operation"…
CCS Issues AIP for Onboard Carbon Capture and Storage System
China Classification Society (CCS) said it has issued an approval in principle (AIP) certificate for a marine onboard carbon capture and storage system developed by Shanghai Marine Diesel Engine Research Institute (SMDERI).Designed to help reduce the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) of ships, the solution is said to be the first marine decarbonization system with completely independent intellectual property rights in China.The system consists of absorption column…
WinGD Expands Global Training Network
Swiss based marine engine technology developer WinGD has expanded its global training network through a partnership with DCS POWER PTE LTD in Singapore to deliver training for optimizing engine performance and preparing crews for the fuels of the future.Located in Singapore, the new training partnership was commemorated on February 22. Preparing crews for the new future-fuel ready vessels will be delivered through a variety of both virtual and classroom-based training courses.
UK Orders Its Ports to Block All Russian-linked Ships
Britain on Monday ordered its ports to block any vessels that are Russian-flagged or believed to be registered, owned or controlled by any person connected with Russia as it ratcheted up the pressure on Moscow.Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in a letter to all UK ports that further detailed sanctions against Russian shipping were being drawn up following Russia's invasion of Ukraine."The maritime…
Shell to Pull the Plug on Gazprom Equity Partnerships
In the latest corporate backlash to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Board of Shell plc said it intends to exit its joint ventures with Gazprom and related entities, including its 27.5 percent stake in the Sakhalin-II liquefied natural gas facility, its 50 percent stake in the Salym Petroleum Development and the Gydan energy venture. Shell also intends to end its involvement in the Nord Stream 2 pipeline project.“We are shocked by the loss of life in Ukraine…
Staten Island Ferry Sandy Ground Commissioned
Staten Island Ferry's second new Ollis-class vessel, Sandy Ground, was commissioned Friday by New York City Mayor Eric Adams.“I am honored to commission a new Staten Island Ferry named for a community of New Yorkers who represent the best of our city and our country,” said Mayor Adams. “The settlers of Sandy Ground were our ancestors, and they worked hard to build a vibrant community that became a safe haven for so many seeking freedom.
COSCO Takes Delivery of LNG Dual-fuel VLCC
A newly delivered very large crude carrier (VLCC) is said to be the world's first capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG).The Yuan Rui Yang was handed over on Monday at China's Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Company (DSIC) for shipping giant COSCO.Classed by China Classification Society (CCS), the 333-meter-long vessel will be operated by COSCO Shipping Energy Transportation Company. It has a molded breadth of 60 meters…
Russian Warships Curb Tilts Turkey to West, Risks Russia's Ire
Turkey’s pledge to block some Russian warships from passing through its waters to the Black Sea during the Ukraine crisis could help repair its ties with NATO, even as it risks reprisals from Moscow.But a buildup of Russian ships waiting to make the journey will test Ankara’s resolve over the next few days and show how far it is willing to go in tilting its uniquely delicate diplomatic balance between…
Sanmar Shipyards Completes Record Number of Vessels in a Month
Sanmar Shipyards reports it has completed a record number of vessels within one calendar month, with six tugs and two pilot boats gaining their class certificates during January 2022.The record-breaking start to the New Year takes the total number of projects completed by Sanmar to more than 300, with 302 being completed to date.Sanmar builds tugboats at its two custom-built shipyards in Turkey. Its production capacity will be boosted further when a third yard…
Steady Lifting for Offshore Wind
Offshore wind in the United States is moving forward at pace, thanks in large part to a number of positive developments for the newly emerging industry over the last year or so. For one, the Biden administration at the start of 2021 revealed its aim to have 30 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind power in development by 2030 and 110 GW by 2050. Those are some big numbers, and the industry is now getting in gear to produce.It will take a large number of vessels to help build up to reach these targets…
Echandia Opens Branch Office in Norway
Swedish battery systems for maritime electrification company Echandia announced its intention to expand in the Norwegian market through opening of a new branch office helmed Roy Storeng, who was recently hired to lead business development.Echandia is a developer of zero-emission energy solutions for heavy-duty maritime electrification, with customers in Europe, Asia and Oceania, including Cochin Shipyards…
Coast Guard Honors Heroic Tugboat Crew
It was an unusually slow day on the docks back on April 21, 2021 when crewmembers onboard a Brusco tugboat sprang into action from the Port of Hueneme to assist a vessel in distress. A 17-year-old containership named the President Eisenhower was headed from Los Angeles to San Francisco when it suffered an engine room fire that disabled command of the vessel.A vessel named Teresa Brusco and her crew…
Suez Canal to Increase Tolls By Up to 10%
Egypt’s Suez Canal Authority said on Sunday it was increasing canal tolls by up to 10% for laden and ballast vessels, effective March 1.The decision was “in line with the significant growth in global trade, the improvement of ships’ economics, the Suez Canal waterway development and the enhancement of the transit service”, according to a series of circulars by the canal authority.(Reuters - Reporting by Ahmad Elhamy and Moaz Abd-Alaziz; Editing by Alison Williams)
Russia's PSB Denies Owning Oil Tanker Targeted by US Sanctions
Russia's Promsvyazbank (PSB) said on Monday its unit PSB Leasing did not own the oil tanker Linda, among five ships targeted by U.S.
Bulk Carrier Crewmember Medevaced off Texas Coast
An ailing mariner was medevaced from a Liberian-flagged bulk carrier anchored off Corpus Christi, Texas, the U.S. Coast Guard said.Coast Guard Sector/Air Station…
DOF Subsea Charters Jones Act-compliant Offshore Vessel
Oslo-listed Subsea services company DOF Subsea has entered into an agreement with Otto Candies for the charter of the Jones Act compliant vessel Chloe Candies for a firm period of two years. The deal follows on from the charter of the Ross Candies, DOF Subsea, a subsidiary of DOF ASA, said."The charter period commenced in May, with the intent to utilize the vessel to support operations for existing North American clients in the GOM," DOF Subsea added.
