Number 301 *** COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS

Transcription

DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2014 – 353
Number 353 *** COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS *** Friday 19-12-2014
News reports received from readers and Internet News articles copied from various news sites.
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Page 1
EVENTS, INCIDENTS & OPERATIONS
The XIN CHI WAN outbound from Melbourne – Photo : Dale E.Crisp ©
Technip Awarded a €100 Million Onshore Oil &
Gas Terminal project by ONGC in India
Technip has been awarded an approximately €100 million contract by Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited
(ONGC) to build a 6 MMSCMD (1) onshore terminal at Odalarevu in Andhra Pradesh, India, as part of the Integrated
Development of Vashishta (VA) & S1 fields.These VA & S1 fields are located 30-35 km off the Amalapuram coast in the
KG Basin, off the East Coast of India, at water depths of 250 to 700 meters. The Onshore Terminal awarded to
Technip is one of the critical components of the Integrated Development of VA & S1 fields.Technip's scope of work for
this EPCC(2) contract includes basic design, detailed engineering, procurement, fabrication, inspection and testing,
installation, pre-commissioning and commissioning of the new onshore terminal facilities which will be integrated to
the existing terminal.The hydrocarbons extracted from VA and S1 deep water offshore fields will be transported to the
proposed onshore oil and gas terminal for processing. The facility consists of a slug catcher for well fluid separation,
gas compressors, high integrity pressure protection system (HIPPS), glycol dehydration, dew point control, mono
ethylene glycol regeneration and gas metering system. It also includes utilities and off-sites such as air compression,
nitrogen generation, flare system, storage tanks and diesel generators.Technip’s operating center in Delhi, India, will
manage and execute the project, which is scheduled to be completed in the second half of 2016.Nicoletta Giadrossi,
President of Technip’s Region A(3), commented: “This award confirms our position as a major EPC contractor in the
Indian oil & gas sector. The Vashistha project represents an important milestone for Technip's operations in India. We
will leverage our long experience and track record in the country to deliver this project for ONGC, with whom we are
looking forward to further strengthen our strategic collaboration in the future”.Samik Mukherjee, Managing Director
and Country Head of Technip in India, stated: “The Vashistha project confirms our presence in the domestic market as
a tier 1 EPC player. In recent years, this is our second contract from ONGC following the Heera Redevelopment (HRD)
process platform project, which reinforces our position as a partner of choice across the value chain from offshore to
onshore activities, supported by our strong portfolio of technologies, skilled resources and project management skills.”
19-12-2014
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Koninklijke Boskalis Westminster N.V. is een toonaangevende, wereldwijde dienstverlener op het gebied van
baggeren, offshore energy, towage en salvage. Boskalis Nederland is de Business Unit die actief is op de Nederlandse markt. We
treden op als aannemer van traditionele bestekken of als partner in Design & Construct opdrachten. We participeren in publiekprivate projecten en zijn medeontwikkelaar van nieuwe ruimte en natuur. Als partner van de klant realiseren wij complexe
infrastructurele werken binnen de keten van ontwerp, projectmanagement en uitvoering. We streven ernaar onze oplossingen zo
duurzaam mogelijk te ontwerpen en te realiseren. Onze voornaamste opdrachtgevers zijn oliemaatschappijen, havenexploitanten,
overheden, rederijen, internationale projectontwikkelaars, verzekeraars en mijnbouwbedrijven.
Boskalis Nederland heeft kantoren in Rotterdam, Capelle aan de IJssel en Nieuw-Vennep. Bij onze organisatie zijn circa 1.200
medewerkers werkzaam en wordt een gezamenlijke omzet gerealiseerd van zo’n € 550 mio.
Ter versterking van onze Technische Dienst zijn wij op zoek naar een:
Inspecteur nat materieel
(1,0 fte, M/V, standplaats: Capelle aan den IJssel)
De functie
De Technische Dienst van Boskalis Nederland is dé omgeving waar innovaties met betrekking tot materieel ontwikkeld en
uitgevoerd worden. In deze ‘ uitvinders’ werkplaats zijn onder andere onze Grondpers, de BeauDredge, de Mosa en de Pusher
ontwikkeld. Er wordt gewerkt aan de optimale samenstelling van de vloot en materieel en efficiënte inzet van schepen en
werktuigen. Op een planmatige manier wordt door de afdeling gewerkt aan voortdurende verbetering en onderhoud van het
materieel, zowel door verbouw als door regulier onderhoud. Als Inspecteur ben je verantwoordelijk voor het in orde houden van
het technisch functioneren van het toegewezen materieel op de projecten. Enerzijds is hierbij de aansturing en ondersteuning van
degenen die werken met dit materieel van belang, anderzijds is het (laten) uitvoeren van onderhoud voor zowel de korte als lange
termijn belangrijk. Ook ben je verantwoordelijk voor het hele proces van complexe reparaties/modificaties, de certificering van het
materieel en de (eind)rapportages. De functie omvat oa :
Je bent aanspreekpunt binnen het projectteam en draagt zorg voor het oplossen van acute technische problemen;
Je biedt technische ondersteuning aan de projecten door het (in overleg) aan passen of het aanbrengen van extra
voorzieningen aan het materieel of installaties;
Je monitort het technisch functioneren van het materieel en je controleert de uitvoering van het onderhoud;
Je geeft leiding en coacht op onderhouds- en logistiek gebied, aan de bemanning , werkplaats, en activiteiten aan wal;
Je geeft opvolging aan het centraal geformuleerde (technisch) beleid en draagt dit ook uit
Je signaleert tijdig het (laten) uitvoeren van surveys ten behoeve van certificering en verplichte keuringen;
Je verzamelt informatie (op schip, project, kantoor en de werf) en stelt een activiteitenlijst op over reparatie en
modificatie. Aan de hand hiervan stel je het benodigde budget op;
Je bent verantwoordelijk voor het plannen en organiseren van de uit te voeren reparaties en het voeren van
onderhandelingen met de reparatie faciliteit;
Je bent verantwoordelijk voor de uitvoering van het reparatie/onderhoudsproject en geeft leiding aan het reparatieteam;
Je verzorgt evaluaties en stelt tussentijdse rapportages op (zowel technisch als financieel);
Je bent verantwoordelijk voor een goede kostenallocatie;
Je ziet toe op een veilige en verantwoorde uitvoering van de werkzaamheden op en aan het materieel.
Wat verwachten wij van jou?
Onze ideale collega heeft een afgeronde HBO opleiding richting Werktuigbouwkunde, Scheepsbouw en/of Maritieme Techniek. Je
hebt 5 tot 10 jaar werkervaring met allerhande nat materieel en je zoekt bijvoorbeeld nu een baan “ aan de wal”.
Je hebt een goede beheersing van de Nederlandse talen Engelse taal in woord en geschrift. Je hebt kennis van Arbo en
veiligheidsvoorschriften, van classificatie en vlaggestaat certificaten. Je kan bij voorkeur werken met de computer applicaties
Standaard.
Je functioneert optimaal in een omgeving waar je de ruimte krijgt om jezelf te ontwikkelen. Daarnaast voel jij je prettig in een
groeiende organisatie die volop in beweging is en je herkent jezelf in het volgende:
- Je hebt een goed ontwikkeld leervermogen;
-Je bent een teamplayer en in staat om soepel samen te werken met collega’s uit diverse disciplines;
- Je bent ambitieus en ondernemend;
- Je bent een professional met passie en trots voor je vak.
Wat mag je van ons verwachten?
De functie kan worden gezien als de opstap naar een (inter)nationale Boskalis werkomgeving, waar met het beste en modernste
materiaal wordt gewerkt. Je komt in deze uitdagende fulltime functie te werken in een organisatie met korte lijnen en een
gemakkelijke communicatie van hoog tot laag. Je kunt je bij ons verder ontwikkelen door goede opleidingsmogelijkheden, een
diversiteit aan herkenbare en toonaangevende (inter)nationale projecten
Informatie of solliciteren:
Voor meer informatie kun je gerust contact opnemen met Rose-Mary Joppe, Recruiter, te bereiken via 06-83791438.
19-12-2014
Page 3
The crew of the TSHD
CORNELIS ZANEN (left)
The Crew of the AHT
UNION PRINCESS
wishing you Merry
Christmas and Happy
New Year
CLICK on the Cards
The ORIENT PEONY outbound from the Ijmuiden locks enroute Baltimore – Photo : Erwin Willemse ©
The MAIB Publications team have published their combined
accident investigation report into the sinking and abandonment
of the DUKW amphibious passenger vehicle Wacker Quacker 1
in Salthouse Dock, Liverpool on 15 June 2013 and the fire and
abandonment of the DUKW amphibious passenger vehicle
Cleopatra on the River Thames, London on 29 September 2013:
CLICK HERE to Read the DUKW amphibious vehicles accident
investigation report
19-12-2014
Page 4
2014: The year of the tanker
The 2010 built 180 mtr long 46.549. DWT EAGLE MILAN arrived from Cairns in Singapore and above seen moored
at Jurong island before heading for Reunion Photo : Piet Sinke © CLICK on the photo !
In an unexpected turn of events, the tanker market has emerged as the winner of the 2014 year, exhibiting solid
returns and healthy margins for the majority of tanker owners, following several years of weak returns. According to
the latest report from shipbroker Gibson, VLCC average TCE earnings (AG/Japan) stand at $27,500/day for the year to
date, the highest level since 2010. Suezmax returns are the highest since 2008, with the WAF/UKC route earning on
average $25,500/day. The picture is the same for Aframaxes trading N.Sea/UKC, with TCEs at $24,000/day so far this
year.Meanwhile, according to the London-based shipbroker, “the product sector had a poor start to 2014, but has still
achieved strong annual figures. LR2 and LR1 AG/Japan routes achieved the highest annual average earnings since
2008 with $17,750/day and $15,000/day respectively. MRs are the only exception, averaging slightly more in 2013
than this year to date. Despite this, they have still had a strong performance at the end of 2014. Earnings volatility has
also been greater this year. Over the same period, we have seen an increase in asset prices on the back of improving
investor appetite for newbuildings and stronger spot revenues. However this is still below the 2008 peak in asset
prices. For example a newbuild VLCC cost $160m in January 2008 and $89.5m in June 2013, with the current newbuild
VLCC price (Korea) at around $97m”, Gison said.
The shipbroker added that “combining asset prices and revenues, allows for a basic breakeven cost analysis to be
performed. Here tankers ordered in 2012, and delivered in 2014 are considered. A 15 year loan at 4% interest is
assumed (see table below for details). The result of this analysis is encouraging with all newly delivered tanker types
across dirty and clean achieving positive cash flows for the year to date. Aframaxes and Suezmaxes chartered on the
spot market make the largest profit overall. LR1s achieved the lowest. This reflects the fact that crude tankers were
the overall winner”.At the same time, “clean tankers received in the region of $2,500/day return on their investment,
compared to the lowest crude return of $6,750/day for a VLCC. This may be true for tankers which were ordered over
the last few years, but further analysis shows that tankers ordered at the peak of high asset prices in 2007/8 may still
be struggling to achieve an overall profit on their investment (taking into account historic, current and forecasted
tanker earnings). For example, VLCCs ordered in 2008 at the yearly average of $149m are estimated to require
revenue of $32,750/day over 15 years to breakeven on the investment, including loan repayments, interest and
operating expenses. Around 18% of the VLCC fleet and 15% of the Suezmax and Aframax fleet respectively were
ordered in 2007/8″, Gibson noted.
The shipbroker concluded that “in terms of the clean market the LR2s are worst affected with a total of 27% of
tankers ordered at this time. The MRs meanwhile have 19% of the fleet at risk. LR1s seem to be best off in this
situation with a meagre, in comparison, 8% of the fleet in danger. This is because only LR1s ordered in 2008, not
2007, are potentially financially unsustainable. Therefore it can be concluded that although vessels ordered in 2007/8
may still be struggling to breakeven, the strength of this year’s freight rate has helped asset liquidity and offset earlier
losses. Developments in 2015 will be monitored closely to see how this picture pans out”.It’s worth noting that in its
latest short-term outlook for the tanker sector, BIMCO noted that
19-12-2014
Page 5
The 228 mtr long 73.919 DWT STI HARMONY anchored off Singapore before heading for Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
Photo : Piet Sinke © CLICK on the photo and/or Hyperlink in text !
limited tonnage supply in the tanker market is the main reason behind the recent freight rate boom, according to
BIMCO’s latest short term outlook on the market. According to the report, for December/January, BIMCO expects
earnings for the VLCCs at USD 30,000-55,000 per day, Suezmax crude oil tankers at around USD 20,000-45,000 per
day and Aframaxes are expected in the region of USD 20,000-40,000 per day. In the product tanker segment, BIMCO
expects earnings on the benchmark routes from AG to Japan for LR1s to stay around USD 15,000-25,000 per day. LR2
ships are too enjoying the stronger market, BIMCO expect earnings around USD 20,000-35,000 per day. Handysize
rates are seen strong in the USD 18,000-30,000 per day, with MR average rates in the interval of USD 12,500-25,000
per day.BIMCO’s Chief Shipping Analyst, Peter Sand raised the question of whether the higher freight rates be
sustained now that crude oil tanker supply side growth for 2015 is expected to stay as low as that in 2014? According
to him, “it depends on all the individual owners and operators’ continued focus on slow steaming, on cutting fuel costs
and realising the only thing higher speed may bring about is a transference of profits from the owners and operators
to their customers”. Source: Nikos Roussanoglou, Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide
President commends Kenya Navy in fight
against drug trafficking
Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has praised the role played by Kenya Navy in the fight against drug traffickers and
piracy.Kenyatta said the navy has also help deter attacks from other criminals using the sea in their illegal activities,
recalling the recent destruction of a ship carrying drugs which he witnessed."Drug traffickers and other criminals had
resorted to using the sea in their illegal activities. "Building on its many successful interventions in connection with our
19-12-2014
Page 6
territorial waters, our navy has disrupted several drug trafficking attempts," he said in Mombasa during the 50th
Anniversary Celebrations of the Kenya Navy.Kenya has been identified as a drug transport hub for drugs going to
Europe from Asia and Middle East. Traffickers have increasingly become smarter because of improved surveillance at
the airports and have now resorted to using roads to reach their intended destinations.
The tragedy for Kenya has been the fact that some of the drugs have filtered into the country, with cocaine and heroin
being blamed for the drug use epidemic that is currently being contained in Kenya’s coastal city of Mombasa.During
the celebrations, Kenyatta also commended the naval force for the critical role it has played in securing the country’s
borders after the Kenya’s military entered Somalia to fight off terrorists.Kenyatta said Kenya Navy, as part of Kenya
Defence Forces, contributed immensely to securing the country’s borders when instability in Somalia threatened
national security.
Kenya Navy’s role in a complex amphibious operation led to the successful capture of Somalia’s port city of Kismayu,
and contributed immensely to the elimination of piracy and other criminal activities endangering the Horn of Africa, he
added."When instability in Somalia threatened our national security, it became imperative for our Nation to secure its
borders."As part of Kenya Defence Forces, the navy’s contribution to this critical effort has been important," he said.
The president said the elimination of piracy is a victory of global significance, adding that the East Africa region
therefore directly feels the impact of the Kenya Navy.He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to nurture
partnerships in the Kenya Navy to ensure the service remains a professional and modern maritime of the 21st century.
Kenyatta said the fruitful partnerships with counterpart services of friendly countries has enabled the navy to benefit
from exchanges in training, technical support and modernization of equipment"As a Nation, we are grateful for the
benefits of these partnerships."We are immensely proud of the navy’s achievements as a key regional player in the
West Indian Ocean," said the president. Source : Coastweek
BMT Surveys London Office Awarded ISO
9001:2008
BMT Surveys, a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd,
the leading international design, engineering and
risk management consultancy, has extended its
ISO 9001:2008 accreditation to its London office
for the first time. The certification, granted by
Lloyd’s Register following a rigorous audit,
reinforces BMT’s commitment to provide quality
products and services by: consistently meeting or
exceeding customer’s expectations in quality and
performance, providing timely delivery to meet
customer requirements as well as regulatory and
statutory requirements, and continuously improving
processes and systems.
BMT’s London office is ideally located to service the city’s influential maritime insurance market, providing support to
P&I Clubs, owners, operators, charterers, semi-governmental bodies and many major shipping lines. As part of the
process BMT’s Rotterdam office was also audited to renew its certification. Andy Morris, Director of BMT Surveys'
London office commented: "In today’s demanding business climate, the delivery of high quality services is of
paramount importance to achieve long term business success. Achieving and maintaining ISO 9001:2008 certification
is recognition of our continuing commitment to improvement in meeting our clients’ high standards and expectations.”
ALSO INTERESTED IN THIS FREE MARITIME NEWSCLIPPINGS ?
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19-12-2014
Page 7
The DELTA ADMIRAL outbound from Rotterdam passing Vlaardingen – Photo : Fred Trooster ©
The Captain and crew of
Tideway’s FLINTSTONE
wish you all Merry
Christmas and a happy
new year
CLICK ON THE CARDS
SVITZER SALVAGE wish
you and your families
Happy Holiday s and a
prosperous New year
VSTEP achieves ISO 9001:2008
Certification
VSTEP, global supplier of simulator solutions for commercial, government and military customers in the maritime and
public safety & security sectors, announced today that it has been awarded ISO 9001:2008 certification by DNV GL
Business Assurance, one of the leading certification bodies in the world. Prior to achieving ISO certification, VSTEP
successfully completed a detailed audit of its Quality Management system by DNV GL. The ISO 9001:2008 was
19-12-2014
Page 8
achieved by VSTEP with regards to the quality system for development, installation, training and sales of its simulators.
The ISO 9001:2008 standard specifies requirements for a quality management system where an organization:
Needs to demonstrate its ability to consistently provide products that meets customer and applicable statutory and
regulatory requirements, and
Aims to enhance customer satisfaction through effective application of the quality system, including processes for
continual improvement of the system and the assurance of conformity to customer and applicable statutory and
regulatory requirements Pjotr van Schothorst, VSTEP CEO: “At VSTEP we deliver innovative simulator solutions that
consistently meet and exceed the training requirements of our customers. The achievement of the ISO 9001:2008
certification is an acknowledgement that we commit to this mission with a quality management system that establishes
high standards for our internal operations and apply it to provide state of the art simulators to our customers. At
VSTEP we commit to a continuous improvement of our processes to maximize customer satisfaction.”ISO, the
International Organization for Standardization, is an independent, non-governmental membership organization and the
world’s largest developer of voluntary international standards. ISO international standards ensure that products and
services are safe, reliable and of good quality. ISO has over 19,500 international standards covering almost all aspects
of technology and business.VSTEP is a leading International developer of simulators and virtual training software.
VSTEP creates 3D virtual training applications and simulators that allow people to build their skills in a practical and
cost effective way. VSTEP has several core product lines, focusing on incident command and disaster management
simulators for first responders (RescueSim), maritime simulator solutions for the civilian & military maritime industry
(NAUTIS), training simulators to prepare camera operators to identify suspect human behavior before a crime or
terrorist attack takes place (EyeObserve) and Crowd Control Trainers providing police commanders and training
managers with an effective training tool for crowd-related incidents and demonstrations (Crowd Control Trainer).
www.vstepsimulation.com
Somewhere in the Nigerian Niger Delta, the Boskalis Nigerian entity NWDM is seen at work with the tug IMO RIVER
and rock pontoon Carrier 6. Photo : Dirk van Uitert ©
Season Greetings and best wishes for the
coming year from Peter and Joanne
Nauta WASGO Marine BV
CLICK on the Cards
Henk & Hanneke van der Linden
wishing you Merry Christmas and happy
new year
19-12-2014
Page 9
Independent Consultants and Brokers in the International Tug and Supply Vessel market
(offices in London and Singapore)
Telephone : +44 (0) 20 8398 9833
Facsimile : + 44 (0) 20 8398 1618
E-mail : tugs@marint.co.uk
Internet : www.marint.co.uk
Click on the card above
Liberia is number one flag of choice for
Greek owners and operators
LIBERIA has become the flag of choice for Greek ship owners and operators, securing the leading position for the first
time in more than forty years since the early seventies. Figures produced by the Greek publication Shipping & Finance,
which bases its findings on data from the Marine Information Services database for Greek and Cypriot shipping
companies, confirm that the Greek merchant fleet now includes 800 Liberian-flag ships, ten more than registered
under the Greek flag, and 300 more than are registered under the flag of Panama.
Scott Bergeron, CEO of the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry (LISCR), the US-based manager of the
Liberian Registry, says, “This news is testament to the strong links which have existed between Greek shipping and the
Liberian flag, dating back to the day in 1949 when the Stavros Niarchos-owned oil tanker World Peace became the first
ship to be registered under the Liberian flag. From that time until the present day, the Greek shipping community has
supported the Liberian Registry, and vice-versa, through good times and bad. “Liberia’s dominant presence in the
Greek shipping sector owes much most recently to the efforts of Michalis Pantazopoulos, Senior Vice-President of
LISCR (Hellas) SA in Piraeus, and to the continuing support of Capt Nick Soutos, President of the Soutos Group of
Companies and Consul-General of Liberia in Greece since 1971.
19-12-2014
Page 10
“The shipping ties between Greece and Liberia have become even stronger during the extremely difficult economic
climate of the past six years, and it is gratifying to see that the Liberian flag is now the number one choice of Greek
owners and operators.“Greece remains the undisputed number one shipping nation in the world, and it is appreciable
that it has demonstrated its continuing faith in the world’s leading open ship registry in such a transparent way.”The
Liberian Registry is one of the world’s largest and most active shipping registers, and has long been considered the
world’s most technologically advanced maritime administration. It has a long-established track record of combining the
highest standards of safety for vessels and crews with the highest levels of responsive service to owners.
www.liscr.com
Peter Herweijer - Foto
Service IJmond wenst U
prettige Kerstdagen en een
Voorspoedig 2015
CLICK on the cards !
The v.d Vlist team wishes
you a Merry Christmas and a
Happy New Year
Cruise Ship Runs Aground in Philippines
Searching for Bunkers
A disused cruise ship Saturday ran aground off Barangay Bula in the Philippines, local media reports. The ship's
Captain is said to have gone in search of bunkers at General Santos City after running low on fuel.There were no
reports of a bunker spill as a result of the incident, and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has said that risk of an spill is
low since the ship has run out of bunkers and has only 12,000 litres of diesel on board. Salvage plans are already
underway as PCG Commander Armand Balilo said the ship could pose a threat to nearby residents if it is not dealt
with. risk of an spill is low since the ship has run out of bunkers and has only 12,000 litres of diesel on board Other
reports said the ship is only 150 metres from shore.The Panama-flagged vessel was not carrying any passengers at the
time as it was on its way from Mexico to Singapore, bound eventually for dismantling in India.It is understood that the
all-Indian crew was unfamiliar with the waters and hit a shallow patch after diverting course in search of fuel in the
Philippines.Legislators investigating last year's large bunker spill in Iloilo province, the Philippines, recently said that
government agencies had failed to implement oil spill compensation laws amounting to "criminal negligence." Source
: Ship & Bunker
Tugboat ISA with Boskalis backhoe dredger NORDIC GIANT on tow departing from “Bronka Project” St.Petersburg.
To all crew thanks for the perfect job. Photo : Ian W Haan ©
19-12-2014
Page 11
The MADINAH departing the Port Chalmers container terminal. Photo : Ross Walker ©
Capt and crew of the
CONTENDER wishing you
Merry Christmas and Happy
new year
CLICK on the CARDS !
Maritime artist Lenie
Molenwijk wenst U
prettige Kerstdagen en een
VoorspoedigNieuwjaar
Jan Westerhoud steps down as chief
executive of Rotterdam operator ECT
By Janny Kok in Rotterdam & Gavin van Marle
Rotterdam’s largest container terminal operator, Europe Combined Terminals (ECT), has announced that chief
executive Jan Westerhoud will step down at the beginning of January to enjoy retirement.Both Mr Westerhoud and
Hong Kong-based Hutchison Port Holdings (HPH), which owns 98% of the company’s shares, said the decision was
made in an amicable consultation.A successor has yet to be officially appointed.
Mr Westerhoud is a chartered accountant and it is assumed that he will find a future as a member of a supervisory
board of some kind. He lives in the province of Utrecht, one of the financial hubs in the Netherlands, and there is
19-12-2014
Page 12
substantial demand for financial experts in this field.He spent 10 years as head of ECT, which operates the deep sea
Delta and Euromax terminal at the port, as well as the smaller City terminal closer to Rotterdam city centre, and inland
terminals in Moerdijk, Venlo, Willebroek and Duisburg.
During his tenure ECT grew substantially – it recorded a throughput of 7.7m teu in 2012 – but it also faced numerous
changes in the market. Chief of these will be the challenge posed by the new container terminals set to begin
operations at the reclaimed Maasvlakte II next year.One of the low points for Mr Westerhoud must have been the
defeat in the lawsuit in which ECT had claimed €1.3bn from the Port of Rotterdam Authority for foreseeable damages
when the new terminals at this facility become operational. After the court’s ruling, Mr Westerhoud said that
operations on ECT’s Delta Terminal would virtually stop, because of “murderous competition”.
“Containers will go to the other terminals. The result of that will be the loss of hundreds of jobs at ECT,” he said. ECT
had claimed that the port authority had abused its dominant position when developing the Maasvlakte II, arguing that
ECT had been “locked in” to Rotterdam via its substantial investments in the existing facilities, which prevented the
operator from moving to another port. However, a district court in the Netherlands ruled against the company,
referring to a 2005 report from the Authority for Consumers and Markets.The report found that the long-term leases
protected operators such as ECT from price increases, as well as the risk of contract termination before they got a
return on their investments.It also found that the port authority had to compete with other ports to attract new
tenants, and added that the port authority faced “sufficient countervailing power from large international market
players, such as ECT, in its negotiations with existing and new tenants”, according to Dutch law firm de Brauw,
Blackstone & Westbroek.In a statement ECT and HPH said they were “very grateful for Jan Westerhoud’s dedication
[to the companies] throughout these years”. Source : The Loadstar
HAL’s ROTTERDAM visited Lisbon Photo : Luis Miguel Correia ©
Petrobras Said to Cut Exploration Spending
in Cash Crunch
Petroleo Brasileiro SA (PETR4), the biggest oil producer in ultra-deep waters, is curbing refining and exploration
spending in response to the collapse in prices and difficulties tapping debt markets during a corruption probe, said two
people with direct knowledge of the matter.The state-run oil company known as Petrobras plans to freeze investments
in the Premium I and Premium II refineries in northeastern Brazil and sell assets to protect its cash position, said one
of the people. The exploration cuts will focus on projects that are behind schedule, they said. Both asked not to be
named because the information isn’t public.
The stock erased a 6.8 percent drop to surge as much as 8.1 percent in Sao Paulo. It was up 5 percent to 9.64 reais at
2:42 p.m. Petrobras didn’t respond to e-mails seeking comment.
“This is totally beneficial for the company, as they can build cash,” Henrique Kleine, an analyst at brokerage Magliano,
said by telephone from Sao Paulo, referring to the refinery plans. “The stock price is so low and that brings strong
volatility.”Petrobras, the most indebted publicly-traded oil company, is trading at the lowest since 2004 amid an
expanding investigation into contractors who allegedly bribed company officials. The oil producer has delayed reporting
19-12-2014
Page 13
its financial results while independent investigators conclude their reports in what has become Brazil’s largest-ever
money-laundering and corruption scandal. Shares tumbled 9.2 percent yesterday.
Writedown Discord
Petrobras has said it needs to release audited results to access foreign capital markets. The delay in reporting results
came after the company’s board couldn’t agree on the size of writedowns stemming from graft-related costs, a person
with direct knowledge of the issue, who asked not to be named because the information isn’t public, said last week.
The company must report unaudited results by the end of January to avoid breaching covenants on some of its bonds
that could result in accelerated payments, it said in a statement Dec. 12.Petrobras also plans to review its fuel-price
strategy and curb operating expenses to preserve cash, which stood at 62.5 billion reais ($23 billion) at the end of
September, it said.The price of crude oil plunged through $60 a barrel for the first time in five years amid a supply
glut.
While Petrobras is looking to contain spending in Brazil, it’s delaying a planned exit from Argentina’s petrochemical
business as the graft case in Brazil slows signing of new contracts, two people familiar with that process said.
Petrobras received a joint offer for its 34 percent stake in Cia. Mega SA from partners YPF SA and Dow Chemical Co.,
said the people, who asked not to be named because the talks are private. Buenos Aires-based YPF owns 38 percent
of Mega and Dow has 28 percent. Source : Bloomberg
TITAN Salvage Successfully Refloats and
Scuttles Bow of Wrecked Smart Bulk Carrier
TITAN Salvage, Crowley Maritime Corp.'s
Houston-based marine salvage, emergency
response and wreck removal company, has
successfully refloated and scuttled the largest
and most challenging section of the wrecked
bulk carrier, SMART. The vessel was carrying
a load of coal when it went aground in August
2013 in heavy seas in Richards Bay, South
Africa. Complications ensued when the carrier
broke apart after only two days.
At the end of 2013, TITAN’s experts were
called to the scene, including Salvage Master
Guy Wood, to refloat and scuttle the most
complex and challenging portion of the
vessel, the bow, which was partially buried in
mud. Soon after arriving on scene, the TITAN
team deployed its proprietary jack-up barges
Karlissa A and Karlissa B – which have a
combined total of 1,880 meters of clear deck space and the ability to jack in depths of up to 50 meters – creating a
stable, safe working
environment. TITAN
made preparations
to
remove
pollutants,
then
lightered remaining
cargo via hopper
barge. To further
reduce the weight
of the wreck, Wood
and his team made
arrangements
to
have sand and mud
removed from the bow using air-lift techniques. The TITAN team refloated, towed and scuttled the bow into
designated waters, as approved by the South African Maritime Safety Authority, in only three days.“It was a difficult
job because there were so many unknowns,” said TITAN’s Gordon Amos, director of operations. “From the very
19-12-2014
Page 14
beginning, we had to accurately assess the weight of the bow to determine the lightering process and appropriate
pulling forces. This was complicated by the fact that we didn’t know how much mud and cargo filled the forward
compartments. Additionally, we were battling five-meter swells and challenging weather conditions. In the end, TITAN
made all the right decisions. It was a job well done.”
TITAN is now preparing for the removal of the Smart’s remaining mid-section. This final stage of work is expected to
be completed in the beginning of next year.TITAN, a wholly owned subsidiary of Crowley Maritime Corporation, is a
worldwide marine salvage, emergency response and wreck removal company based in Houston, Texas, that has
performed more than 450 salvage and wreck removal projects since 1980, including some of the most technically
demanding projects ever undertaken. The company also has offices and equipment depots in the UK, Singapore &
Australia. TITAN responds to vessel emergencies around the world and is able to mobilize a worldwide network of
expert salvage professionals and specialized, portable equipment within hours of activation. Additional information
about TITAN may be found at www.titansalvage.com .
The ICE GRACE traking bunkers off Gibraltar – Photo : Francis Ferro ©
Rob & Frits van der Hoek
wishing all readers Merry Christmas
and a Happy 2015
CLICK on the CARDS
Leo & Arnolda Kramer wensen U
prettige kerstdagen en een Gelukkig
Nieuwjaar
19-12-2014
Page 15
Monitoring of CO2 emissions from ships:
the Council reaches a political agreement
The Council reached a political agreement on the regulation setting out new EU-wide rules for monitoring, reporting
and verification of CO2 emissions from ships.The new mechanism for monitoring reporting and verification of CO2
emission from ships is a building block towards the implementation of the 2030 framework. At the same time, it is a
contribution to the international negotiations at the International Maritime Organization, aimed at a global monitoring,
reporting and verification system.International maritime shipping is the only means of transportation not included in
the EU’s commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Monitoring CO2 emissions from ships is the first step in a
staged approach to reducing greenhouse gas e missions in this sector as well.The new regulation will improve
information about CO2 emissions relating to the consumption of fuels, transport work and energy efficiency of ships.
This will make it possible to analyse emission trends and assess ships’ performances.New rules will cover CO2
emissions from ships above 5000 gross tons. Warships, naval auxiliaries, fish catching or processing ships, wooden
ships of a primitive build, ships not propelled by mechanical means and government ships used for non-com mercial
purposes will be excluded from these measures.From 1 January 2018, ship-owners will be obliged to monitor emissions
for each ship on a per voyage and an annual basis. There are also provisions on monitoring and reporting, verification
and accreditation, and compliance and publication of in formation as well as international cooperation.The European
Commission will have to publish an annual report on emissions from maritime transport to inform the public and to
allow for an assessment of the emissions and the energy efficiency of maritime transport per size, type of ships,
activity, etc. It will also have to assess biennially the maritime sector’s overall impact on the global climate, including
through non-CO2-related emissions or effects. The European Commission will have to review this regulation in the
event that an international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emission from maritime transport is reached, in order
to align it with that international agreement. The regulation, once formally adopted, is to enter Into force on 1 July
2015.The political agreement follows the agreement reached with the European Parliament on 18 November in
informal trilogues. The Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) endorsed the text on 26 November, while the
European Parliament’s Environment Committee endorsed it on 3 December. The formal adoption of a Council common
position will follow the legal linguists’ verification of the text in the months ahead. Source: Council of European
Union
Cromer lifeboat nips around the corner to
Yarmouth for repairs
Cromer lifeboat is spending Christmas away from its home town – undergoing routine repairs.
But for the first time the rescue vessel is being fixed in
Norfolk – saving a time-consuming sail down to the South
Coast.
The Tamar class Lester, which is now seven years old, is
undergoing its maintenance at Alicat Workboats in Great
Yarmouth. Cromer RNLI operations manager Richard Leeds
said the boat left this week and was due back on January 5.
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CASUALTY REPORTING
Tanker and bulker clash
A collision between a tanker and a bulker has resulted in an
oil spill in the Parana River, Argentina.
The 40,000-dwt products carrier Ghetty Bottiglieri (built 2002)
and the 38,000–dwt Octbreeze Island (built 2011) were involved
in a smash on Saturday near San Pedro during a storm, Argentinean
media reported. Pictures showed the bulker had suffered a
significant hull breach in the area of its fuel tanks, prompting a
containment operation.
Port agency GAC said navigation was temporarily interrupted due to
the fuel spill, but the river was opened again on Sunday
morning.“The damaged vessel received tugboat assistance and oil spill barriers were installed. Technical inspections of
both vessels involved in the collision are being conducted,” it added.Octbreeze Island, operated by P&F Marine of
South Korea, had developed a list to starboard.AIS data showed both ships anchored at San Pedro on Tuesday
morning.The tanker is operated by Giuseppe Bottiglieri of Italy. Source : Tradewinds
EVACUATION FROM THE MTS VSICOUNT
Esta mañana la tripulación del helicóptero con base en A Coruña Helimer 209 realizó la evacuación médica del
capitán del remolcador MTS VISCOUNT a 35 millas al Oeste de Cabo Vilán. Se trata de un varón de nacionalidad
ucraniana de 42 años que fue trasladado al aeropuerto de Alvedro donde lo esperaba una ambulancia medicalizada
que lo llevó al CHUAC (Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña). CLICK HERE to see the movie made
NAVY NEWS
Lithuanian naval ship Jotvingis completes
active duty and to continue standby in
Klaipeda Seaport
Upon completion of the active duty in the NATO Response Force Lithuanian Naval ship LNS Jotvingis, a flag ship of
Standing NATO Mine Counter-Measures Group One (SNMCMG1), is returning to Klaipeda, Lithuania .
Lithuanian Naval Officer Commander Giedrius Premeneckas will continue to command SNMCMG1 from this ship of
Lithuanian Navy, which will be moored in Klaipeda Seaport up to the end of January 2015, reported BC Lithuania's
19-12-2014
Page 17
Ministry of National Defence. LNS Jotvingis is due to berth in Klaipėda Harbor on 17 December and will be
accompanied by the two of eight Standing NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 1 ships – ENS Talivaldis (Latvia) and
LVNS Sakala (Estonia). The other ships of the group have already returned to their home bases. SNMCMG1 ships‘
welcoming ceremony will be attended by the Vice
Minister of National Defence Mr. Antanas Valys,
Commander of the Latvian Navy Captain (Navy) Juris
Roze and Estonian Navy representative Commander
Indrek Hanson.
Left : The N 42 JOTVINGIS in the Ijmuiden locks
Photo : Joop Marechal ©
CDR G. Premeneckas will remain in command of
Standing NATO Mine Countermeasure Group 1 up to
22 January. He will be relieved by the Royal
Netherlands Navy officer Commander Peter A. J.
Bergen Henegouwen. His staff will be embarked on
board the German Navy tender ship FGS Donau. "I am
satisfied that we have managed to achieve quick and
smooth units integrations which resulted in very
efficient SNMCMG1 performance during various exercises and operations," Cdr. G. Premeneckas says by underlining
that SNMCMG1 ships carried out their tasks in a complex geopolitical situation. It gave their crews not only useful
experience but also ensured the effective performance of the group, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the
Alliance and regional security.Lithuania - is the first of three the Baltic states, which was entrusted to lead the NATO
standing group by assigning commander, providing staff support ship LNS Jotvingis and staff personnel. Lithuanian
Navy Officer was entrusted to lead the group of eight ships
representing Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, the
Netherlands and Germany. Since the beginning of August 2014,
NATO ships under command of CDR G. Premeneckas participated in
a number of large-scale multinational exercises which include
“Northern Coast 2014” in the territorial waters of Finland, joint forces
exercise “Joint Warior 2014” held in the north-west coast of
Scotland, mine clearance operation "French Hodops “ off the French
coast, etc.
Right : The M 314 SAKALA entering the Ijmuiden locks Photo :
Cor van Niekerken ©
By demonstrating presence of Alliance in the region and solidarity,
the ships visited many ports of NATO and partner countries such as
Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Germany, the United Kingdom,
Norway, the Netherlands, France. While conducting transit between
ports of visit, SNMCMG1 ships conducted various tactical training
exercises. SNMCMG1 is a multinational maritime rapid response mine
counter measures unit providing NATO with a naval mine counter-measures capability in peacetime, war or crisis.
SNMCMG1 conducts mine clearance operations at sea, and participates in international training events within NATO
framework, as well as with NATO partners mostly in the waters of Northern Europe. SNMCMG1 mine hunters and
sweepers, staff support and auxiliary ships, commander and staff are assigned by maritime member states of NATO on
a 6-to-12 months rotational basis. Source : The Baltic Course
Germany emerges as leading supplier to
Israel’s navy
The German government said it would contribute to the purchase of four corvettes for the Israel Navy. The
government said the subsidy for Israel was approved by the parliament in Berlin “The contract could be completed by
the end of the year,” German government spokesman Steffen Seibert said. In a statement on Dec. 15, Seibert did not
specify the size of the German subsidy. He said Israel reached an agreement to purchase the corvettes, manufactured
by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, in November 2014.The German newspaper Bild am Sonntag reported that the
government decided to contribute 115 million euro for the Israeli purchase, estimated at 1 billion euro. The
19-12-2014
Page 18
newspaper, citing government memorandums, said the Israel Navy would use the warships, identified as the Meko A100, to secure its interests in the eastern Mediterranean.Germany has become the leading supplier to the Israel Navy.
In 2013, Germany helped finance the Israeli purchase of three additional Dolphin diesel-electric submarines, also
produced by ThyssenKrupp. Source : worldtribune
SHIPYARD NEWS
Dutch group wants to buy 70% stake of
Cam River Shipyard
World-renowned shipbuilder Damen from the
Netherlands has expressed the wish to buy at least
70% stake of the Cam River Shipbuilding
Company – the most valuable subsidiary of the
Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (SBIC). According to
sources from SBIC, the corporation has asked for the
Prime Minister and the Ministry of Transport’s opinion
on the maximum stake that it can sell to Damen.
Earlier, this group was approved as a strategic partner
of SBIC in its equitization plan and the restructuring
scheme of the Cam River Shipyard in August.
However, in this plan, SBIC is expected to sell 49% of
its shares to the foreign partner but the Dutch
investor wanted to purchase at least 70%. Under the
current regulations, the ownership ratio of foreign investors in the local stock market is up to 49% only. In its petition
to the Prime Minister and the Ministry of Transport, SBIC proposed to sell 70% stake in the Cam River Shipyard to
Damen as exceptions. A SBIC official said the corporation was waiting for reply from the Government Office. He
added that he did not know the value of a 70% stake in the Cam River Shipyard because the affair was under
negotiation.
"If this policy is adopted, the two sides are expected to conclude negotiations of the value in mid-January 2015", he
said. Damen Group is the world's largest shipbuilder. It started cooperation with Vinashin - the forerunner of SBIC
more than ten years ago and is now an important partner of many SBIC subsidiaries, including the Damen - Cam
River Shipyard. This Eur60 million plant was inaugurated early this year, with 70% of capital from Damen. Damen
also wanted to acquire a majority stake in the Ha Long Shipbuilding Company after this business performs IPO
(initial public offering) in early 2015. Source : VietNamNet Bridge
Shipbuilders rejecting orders amid labor
shortage
19-12-2014
Page 19
HIROSHIMA – The depreciation of the yen is boosting demand in industries like shipbuilding, where companies are
scrambling to hire enough workers, especially in areas where the number of working-age individuals is declining.
The number of people in Japan aged 15 to 64 has steadily declined since the mid-1990s, falling below 80 million, or
about 62 percent of the total population, as of October 2013.Should the trend continue, the ratio could drop to just
over 50 percent by 2060 — a level where economic growth can no longer be expected, experts say.Sanwa Dock Co., a
ship repair company with a workforce of around 350 on Innoshima Island in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, is now
busy meeting orders it won — as well as orders other dockyards could not accept due to a labor shortage.
“We began to hear at the end of last year about delays in work at shipyards unable to secure enough workers,” said
Isamu Teranishi, the company’s president.Until a few years ago, many Japanese shipbuilders were facing financial
difficulties because the strong yen hurt their competitiveness against Chinese and South Korean rivals.But the situation
has changed drastically due to the aggressive monetary easing pursued since April 2013 by the Bank of Japan. The
weaker yen, which has since dropped by about a third in value against the U.S. dollar, has contributed to a sharp
increase in orders from Japanese shipbuilders and other companies exposed to global competition.
Yet many companies are struggling to take advantage of the turnaround because they cut personnel when times were
bad. Companies short of full-time employees in particular are finding it hard to accept orders. And the problem isn’t
limited to companies exposed to currency exchange rates.Domestic construction companies, too, are scrambling for
workers, given the increased orders ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo and ongoing reconstruction
work in Tohoku.“Skilled workers go to Tohoku and Tokyo for higher wages,” said one shipbuilding industry official.
In the center of Kochi city, Shikoku, a library is under construction on the grounds of an elementary school that closed
due to a lack of pupils. The work was delayed by about six months due to a shortage of laborers and higher material
prices, which boosted the project cost by ¥1.6 billion from the initially budgeted ¥14.2 billion.After raising the
estimated labor costs, the Kochi Prefectural Government had to hold another round of bidding because the initial
tender in November last year received no acceptable bid.Kochi Prefecture is home to an aging population. The number
of people in the productive 15-64 age bracket has plummeted nearly 20 percent over the past decade. Job
opportunities in the area have increased lately, but that is because “job seekers have been decreasing rather than
offers increasing,” said a prefectural government labor official.Labor shortages have become noticeable nationwide,
affecting companies in an expanding range of industries.In the first nine months of this year, 227 companies went
bankrupt as a result of labor shortages, according to credit research agency Tokyo Shoko Research.
And such business failures are spreading from the construction industry to retailers and restaurants, it said.
Local governments and businesses are trying to cope.For example, the Kochi Prefectural Government has launched a
campaign to attract people from other prefectures. In 2013, the number of people who relocated to Kochi from other
prefectures doubled from the previous year to 468, a trend attributed to seminars held by the local government
around Japan.
Shipbuilders in Hiroshima Prefecture operate a job training school jointly with local governments, while Sanwa Dock
decided to hire Vietnamese engineers. The central government also encourages shipbuilders to hire foreign workers.
But it is unclear whether these and other programs will prove effective in alleviating the worsening labor shortage.
Source: Japantimes
Leonid Strugov appointed as first VisePresident of United Shipbuilding Corporation
Leonid Strugov has been appointed the first Vise-President of the United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC OJSC), USC
says.Leonid Strugov earlier headed the department of shipbuilding and marine facilities of RF Ministry of Industry and
Trade.United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC OJSC) is the largest shipbuilding company in Russia. It was set up in 2007
with 100% federal ownership. The holding comprises 60 companies and organizations (major shipbuilding and
shiprepairing companies as well as leading design bureaus). Currently, USC consolidates about 80% of the domestic
shipbuilding complex. The Russian market is the main focus of the state corporation though it also exports its products
to 20 countries worldwide. Source : Portnews
More Avondale employees laid off, latest
sign of decline for shipyard
19-12-2014
Page 20
Avondale Shipyard laid off 72 union-represented workers last Friday and plans to lay off another 35 non-represented
employees this Friday in the latest sign of decline for what was once one of the largest employers in Louisiana. In
2010 the shipyard maintained upwards of 5,000 employees. But rounds of layoffs in recent years have steadily
depleted the facility's shipbuilding workforce, which completed its last Navy ship in January.
By Jan. 1, 2015, there will be approximately 200 employees left at the shipyard's UNO-Avondale Maritime Technology
Center, according to Beci Brenton, a spokeswoman for Hungtington Ingalls Industries, which took over the shipyard in
2010.The center, which serves as a research and teaching lab for UNO's School of Architecture and Marine
Engineering, was once home to around 400 Huntington Ingalls' engineering and design employees, according to the
UNO Foundation's website. These employees mainly provide engineering support for ships being built in Pascagoula
and other points along the Gulf Coast. In addition to the remaining 200 workers, Brenton said an onsite crew at
Avondale will ensure that the facility is "well maintained for potential redeployment." She added that no plans exist to
close the UNO facility.The news comes more than seven months after Huntington Ingalls and Kinder Morgan Energy
Partners agreed to conduct a six-month study to determine a new use for the foundering shipyard.When the
announcement was made in June, U.S. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., claimed responsibility for facilitating the
partnership, which she said could help create "1,000 new maritime jobs."Brenton said that Huntington Ingalls
continues to explore opportunities to redevelop Avondale with Kinder Morgan. As yet, no new plans have been made.
Source : nola
ROUTE, PORTS & SERVICES
Scorpio Bulkers Inc. Announces Agreements to
Modify and Sell Existing Shipbuilding Contracts
for Six Capesize Vessels
Scorpio Bulkers Inc. announced that it has (i) reached agreements with shipyards in South Korea and Romania to
modify six newbuilding contracts for Capesize bulk carriers into newbuilding contracts for LR2 product tankers, (ii)
reached an agreement to sell four of these LR2 newbuilding contracts to Scorpio Tankers Inc., a related party, and (iii)
granted options to Scorpio Tankers Inc. to purchase the two remaining LR2 newbuilding contracts.
The sale price for each of the four LR2 newbuilding contracts is $51.0 million. The two option contracts, which expire
on May 31, 2015, may be exercised by Scorpio Tankers Inc. for a fixed purchase price of $52.5 million for each
contract.
The Company expects to record an aggregate loss on disposal of approximately $41 million on the four modified
newbuilding contracts. The Company also expects to record an aggregate loss of approximately $14 million on the
potential disposal of the two option modified newbuilding contracts, which will be reclassified on the balance sheet as
assets held for sale.The independent members of the Company's Board of Directors unanimously approved the
transaction with Scorpio Tankers Inc. described in the preceding paragraphs.
At the purchase prices indicated above, a sale of all six modified newbuilding contracts will result in an estimated
reduction of future cash obligations of approximately $120 million. Emanuele Lauro, the Company's Chairman and
CEO, commented "We have taken these actions to strengthen our liquidity position. We will continue to be proactive in
19-12-2014
Page 21
further strengthening our balance sheet." Scorpio Bulkers Inc. is a provider of marine transportation of dry bulk
commodities. Scorpio Bulkers Inc. currently owns two Kamsarmax vessels, time charters-in 22 dry bulk vessels (one
Handymax, one Ultramax, four Supramax, five Panamax, eight Kamsarmax and three Post-Panamax vessels) and has
contracted for 72 dry bulk vessels consisting of 29 Ultramax, 21 Kamsarmax and 22 Capesize vessels, four LR2 tankers
sold, subject to completion, and two LR2 tankers held for sale from shipyards in Japan, South Korea, China and
Romania. Upon final delivery of all of the vessels, the owned fleet is expected to have a total carrying capacity of
approximately 7.6 million deadweight tonnes. Additional information about the Company is available on the Company's
website www.scorpiobulkers.com, which is not a part of this press release. Source : Marketwatch
Cunard’s QUEEN MARY 2 visited Lisbon Photo : Luis Miguel Correia ©
Port of Amsterdam to reward Green Awardcertified barges by level
Port of Amsterdam will be joining the Green Award programme for inland barges on1 January 2015, making it the
first port to reward vessels based on their Green Award level. The level a vessel has attained – Bronze, Silver or Gold –
will determine the discount on the Inland Harbour Dues its operator pays for Amsterdam harbour waters.
Port of Amsterdam’s membership in the Green Award programme is consistent with its sustained efforts to reduce its
own impact on the environment and promote clean air, cleaner water and clean soil. The Port has been an incentive
provider for sea-faring vessels carrying the Green Award certificate for many years now, and starting in 2015 the Port
will also be giving discounts to Green Award-certified barges.
The new Green Award requirements for inland navigation vessels came into force in June 2014 and introduced a
number of new elements. The main difference with its predecessor is that there are different levels within the
programme, with vessels being rewarded based on their performance. Vessels may be classified as Bronze, Silver or
Gold depending on the number of points they have earned. Port of Amsterdam will be granting generous discounts to
these vessels: 5% for ‘Bronze’ vessels, 10% for ‘Silver’ vessels and 15% for ‘Gold’ vessels. In other words, the amount
of the discount received by the vessel or shipping company is directly proportional to the vessel’s environmental
friendliness and safety.
The Green Award for Inland Navigation – which identifies, recognises and promotes cleaner vessels – is based on the
environmental quality label of the same name for sea shipping. Vessels that score high on safety and quality sail under
the Green Award flag worldwide. A total of 541 inland barges have been certified to date. A total of 15 ports in the
Netherlands and Belgium currently provide a discount on Inland Harbour Dues, and five banks and one insurance
company contribute to the Green Award certification costs of their clients. The Green Award programme was created
to promote safer and cleaner inland navigation and advocates an integrated approach for European inland waterways.
Every port, shipping manager and waterway managing company can make the difference by joining Green Award.
Source: The Green Award
19-12-2014
Page 22
Low oil prices could eventually benefit dry
bulk market as well
Although the first and foremost beneficiary of the low oil price environment will be the tanker market (shipping-wise),
the positive “domino” effect that this new reality will bring, will be felt across all shipping segment, dry bulk included.
As such, shipbrokers now believe that despite the deteriorating conditions in the dry bulk shipping markets over the
past year, “all market fundamentals have been set up for change with an influx of investment and consumer spending
possibly on the way.
According to Mr. George Lazaridis, Head of Market Research and Asset Valuations with Allied Shipbroking, “the recent
decision by OPEC members to cripple the rest of the oil industry could have an unintended effect on the global
economy. With their announcement of up-keeping their oil production levels and in turn holding oil prices close and
possibly below the USD 70 per barrel mark, we will likely find most of the major economies receiving a positive cash
injection which in turn will likely boost their respective growth. Enjoying an almost 40% reduction in price, we could
see a saving by consumers worldwide of around USD 1.3 trillion. Most of these savings will be felt by major players in
the international seaborne trade such as the China, India, South Korea and Japan in the East, as well as the Euro area
and the U.K. in the West. This windfall will likely be directed to further consumption of goods and services, while the
downward effect on their respective inflation rates will mean a further loosening of monetary policy, while we may also
see a stronger demand for investment”, he noted.
Of course, “although it is obvious that it will take some time for all these positive effects to be felt and shift the overall
market sentiment, signs of hope have already been seen by the oil tanker industry, as rates have reached well above
what has been noted during the past 4 years. It is obviously the case that the Tankers would be the first to gain, but
with the chance that the current status quo will remain steady over the next 6 months, we might slowly start to see a
turnaround in sentiment in most of the other shipping sectors as well. Once the net savings within the major
economies start to mount, we will likely see an increase in consumer spending, boosting in turn commodities such as
iron ore, coal, grains and other minor bulks, while as the demand for finalised products start to pick up, so will demand
for containerised transport increase. Depending on how quick this cash flow injection is and how rapidly it accelerates
within the economies, will deter-mine the extent of the improvement in demand that we hope to see within the next
six months. After all there is a lot of obstacles and negative market sentiment to overcome”, Lazaridis siad.
He added that “2014 had shown troubling signs for global trade from the get go. The major issues that had emerged
in China and inevitably led to a fairly strong slowdown in its growth, has meant that it will take time to repair the
damage done and cover all the financial gaps that were ultimately created in its wake. Similarly, the political turmoil in
Europe and the Middle East has had some influence on major economies such as that of the Euro zone, while both
Europe and the U.S. have yet to show their economic muscle and their ability to revamp their respective economies.
Consequently to all the above, the world markets will need a fair bit of time of low oil prices before the benefits start
to take place. The question therefore is, for how long will price levels of around USD 70 per barrel last?”
Concluding his analysis, Lazaridis noted that “the fact is that the recent decision by OPEC seems to be mainly primed
towards causing havoc on the recent shale oil boom in the U.S. while also taking out market share from some of the
more expensive oil producing competitors. With a break-even cost of around USD 5-6 per barrel, Saudi Arabia seems
set to continue its price cutting tactics for as long as it needs to, draining investments from new oil production
ventures and crippling any high cost producers, some of which are already suffering from excessive debts. Therefore,
as long these price levels hold for more than six months, prospects for the shipping markets in 2015 might be set for a
positive surprise”, he concluded. Source : Nikos Roussanoglou, Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide
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19-12-2014
Page 23
AFTER A SUCCESSFUL DELIVERY AN
EXTREMELY WARM WELCOME FOR THE
CREW IN PUNTA ARENAS
Another example of a truly global delivery is the former Greek ferry Pathagon, that was delivered safely from Greece
to Punta Arenas (Chile) by Redwise with redelivery last week, following the Atlantic transits,bunker calls at Cabo
Verde and Montevideo and passage of Magellan Strait. This vessel is propelled by 4 azimuth thrusters, one at each
corner and being a locally classed coastal vessel, was brought into full class by the Owners including upgrade of radio
and safety equipment, structural strengthening Fore and Aft, compliance with Marpol and Loadline regulations in
consultation with Redwise basis similar previous voyages, and naturally class.For this particular weather sensitive
delivery voyage with a vessel build for short coastal passages, insurance was arranged by Redwise through NHM in
Rotterdam and Bureau Vogtschmidt being the warranty Surveyors. The Master Nico, Ch.Officer Edwin and
Ch.Engineer Adriaan, are part of the core crew of Redwise of whom many are permanently employed and proud of
their profession to deliver ships around the world, a truly global activity. Naturally they received full support from the
shore organization with a long track record of unusual delivery voyages requiring an open mind, vast knowledge and
creativity. The entire crew received and extremely warm welcome in Punta Arenas by the vessel’s Owners, in line with
the tradition of several other Owners who understand the perils of the sea of these unusual voyages. People wanting
to go on holidays in Chile, and in particular Patagonia, may well come across the vessel in the future and the warm
hospitality of their Chilean hosts.
BMT completes Hong Kong Port Strategic
Development Study
19-12-2014
Page 24
BMT Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd, is pleased to announce the completion of The Strategic Development
Plan for Hong Kong Port 2030 (HKP2030) on behalf of the Hong Kong Government. The Study is a key element in
guiding local port development policy and planning investment for the future.
Following an in-depth review of the containerised cargo market in Hong Kong, BMT developed a plan to enhance the
competitiveness of Hong Kong’s port sector via a series of staged improvements to the existing container terminals
and facilities, through the allocation of more berths, barging sites and back-up land. “We want to make sure we spend
money wisely. Considering global shipping trends affecting Hong Kong, as well as the capital costs associated with
various development options, the most viable path for meeting the future growth anticipated over the next 15 years is
clearly to focus enhancements on the existing container terminal facilities,” notes Dr Richard Colwill, Managing Director
of BMT Asia Pacific.“Growth in container throughput is expected to continue in the coming years, but with a greater
proportion coming from International/Regional transhipment, and more frequent calls from ‘mega’ vessels. Measures
currently underway, such as channel dredging, together with the development steps set out in our study can ensure
that Hong Kong is capable of supporting this trade growth well into the next decades.” BMT Asia Pacific led a
consortium of port specialists who forecast market demand, productivity and capacity of port facilities, as well as the
regional competitiveness of Hong Kong’s port sector. The study involved extensive consultation with key industry
stakeholders, including terminal operators, midstream operators, shipping lines, river trade operators, truck operators,
shippers and consignees.Director and Chief Economist of BMT Asia Pacific, Dr Simon Su added: “BMT is honoured to
have been involved in a study so vital to Hong Kong’s future port development. As Hong Kong’s neighbours in the
Pearl River Delta make significant headway in the port sector, it is crucial that HKP continues to evolve and upgrade
along the value chain. We believe that the HKP2030 study outlines the most rapidly deliverable, sustainable and costeffective solutions to achieve this.” The Executive Summary of the study is available through the following link:
http://www.pdc.gov.hk/docs/ES%20Eng%20%2828.11.2014%29.pdf
Unhappy new year for capes
An acceleration in fleet growth will contribute to a 10% fall in capesize income in 2015, Credit-Suisse believes.
Analysts at the bank project demand will grow by up to 7% next year – but after two years of manageable fleet
expansion supply is charted to rise by the same figure.Analysts led by Greg Lewis say their base case is for capesize
rates to average $13,000 daily in 2015 Its bull case, in which “demand needs to cooperate in a big way”, has rates
pencilled in at $17,000 daily for the coming year.
Lewis explains the bank’s base case does chart an improvement in the longer term, with average cape rates of
$17,000 daily over the next three years. This would mark a 20% climb on 2014 levels.In an update in the bulker
sector, the analyst says sentiment surrounding dry bulk stocks in abysmal given the present backdrop of low
rates.Credit-Suisse picks out US listed pure plays Safe Bulkers and Diana Shipping as well as Japanese pair NYK and
MOL as companies investors should look at. Source : tradewinds
Three further “K” Line vessels to install
ClassNK-NAPA GREEN eco-efficiency software
after successful trials on an 8,600 TEU
container vessel
NAPA, the leading global maritime software house, and ClassNK, one of the world's leading classification societies,
today announced a deal with “K” Line (Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd) to install their comprehensive eco efficiency and
operational optimisation solution ClassNK-NAPA GREEN on three additional vessels.The vessels will be fitted with the
software in June 2015 after the ClassNK-NAPA GREEN suite of systems proved itself on a trial installation early in 2014.
The self-learning component of ClassNK-NAPA GREEN, the dynamic performance model was also found to be
extremely accurate during the same trial. Yasushi Nakamura, Representative Director & Executive Vice President,
ClassNK commented: “I would like to thank “K” Line for choosing to expand ClassNK-NAPA GREEN to three additional
vessels. Software solutions like ClassNK-NAPA GREEN offer a great opportunity for vessel owners and operators to
accurately measure and understand the performance and fuel consumption of vessels, as well as optimize their
operations. Along with Wan Hai Lines and Shoei Kisen, “K” Line was one of the first operators to trial the ClassNKNAPA GREEN solution, and that they have chosen to expand application to further vessels is the greatest proof that we
19-12-2014
Page 25
are supplying the industry with an effective and valuable product.” Naoki Mizutani, Managing Director – NAPA Japan,
commented: “At NAPA our goal has always been to offer solutions for safe and eco-efficient ship design and
operations. ClassNK-NAPA GREEN is proving itself in all areas of this including delivering proven bunker cost savings
and feedback to ship designs to improve newbuilds in the future. The systems increased adoption across vessel types
and operational profiles, including Stena Line ferries, Bore Ro-Ro vessels and these “K” Line container ships are
reflective of this success. At NAPA we understand that ship operators are under increasing public, regulatory and
financial pressure to control their fuel costs and boost environmental credentials and are proud to be working with
partners like ClassNK to help our customers meet these challenges.” Source : PortNews
OLDIE – FROM THE SHOEBOX
The 1964 built BRITISH FERN seen making fast to the Tug DALGRAIN [built1963] as they approach Grangemouth
Lock inbound, In those days the ships mooring line was used on the hook of the tug, image taken 29-4-1979.
Photo : Iain Forsyth ©
Click HERE for the LIVE STREAM WEBCAM in Hoek van Holland
Berghaven
…. PHOTO OF THE DAY …..
19-12-2014
Page 26
The SVITZER TYNE arriving at the river Tyne for the first time – Photo : Kevin Blair ©
The compiler of the news clippings disclaim all liability for any loss, damage or expense however caused, arising from
the sending, receipt, or use of this e-mail communication and on any reliance placed upon the information provided
through this free service and does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information
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Number 301 *** COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS

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