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BC Ferries announces its second LNG ferry is under construction

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BC Ferries announces its second of three LNG ferries is under construction
BC Ferries announces its second of three LNG ferries is under construction

The first steel cut on BC Ferries’ second of three new intermediate class ferries (ICF) took place at Remontowa Shipbuilding S.A. in Gdansk, Poland recently. The steel cut is another significant milestone in the construction of three new dual-fuel ferries, capable of running on liquefied natural gas (LNG) or diesel.

These brand new vessels will replace ageing ships in the fleet and are part of a vessel replacement plan for standardized ships by BC Ferries to allow for greater interoperability. Standardization will provide the company with more flexibility to best utilize ships over their 40-year lifespan. This strategy will save on training and operating costs, and will better match capacity with demand throughout the system.

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Panama Canal Authority Advisory Board meets in Japan

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The Panama Canal Authority Advisory Board meets in Japan as the project is 88% complete and nearing completion
The Panama Canal Authority Advisory Board meets in Japan as the project is 88% complete and nearing completion

Members of the Panama Canal Authority Board of Directors and Administration returned to Panama after having travelled to Asia for the 24th joint meeting of its Advisory Board.

The delegation met in Japan with the group of distinguished advisers to discuss Canal operations and performance, progress on the Expansion Program, training programs and future projects that will enhance the reliable service offered by the expanded Canal. The meeting was especially pertinent now that the Panama Canal expansion project has reached 88% completion and is now entering the final construction phase. Upon completion, the two new lock complexes will have a total of 16 gates, eight in the Pacific and eight in the Atlantic. The expansion project is due for completion in December 2015.

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New RNLI lifeboats to be designed by Newcastle University students

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Newcastle University students are set to design the new RNLI lifeboats. Image by Steve Lowe
Newcastle University students are set to design the new RNLI lifeboats. Image by Steve Lowe

The approach to the design of all-weather RNLI lifeboats is set for a re-evaluation as part of a major study being led by Newcastle University and the RNLI with support from Lloyds’ Register. Set up to explore how new technology, materials and approaches can be used to improve the design, operation and maintenance practice of the RNLI’s Severn Class lifeboat, the four-year project will help to improve the performance of the craft while providing the safest possible environment for the RNLI’s volunteer crews.

Using computer models, small scale experiments and full size trials to analyse the behaviour of lifeboats at a range of speeds and in varying conditions, the findings will inform new design specifications around speed, safety and efficiency.

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IMO and Bangladesh collaborate to improve ship recycling standards

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The IMO and Bangladeshi Government has agreed to collaborate to improve ship recycling standards
The IMO and Bangladeshi Government has agreed to collaborate to improve ship recycling standards

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh have signed a landmark agreement to work together to improve safety and environmental ship recycling standards in the country.

A Memorandum of Understanding formalizing the cooperation between the two was signed by Mr Nicolaos Charalambous, Director, Technical Cooperation Division, IMO and Mr Md. Ashadul Islam, Additional Secretary, Economic Relations Division of the Ministry of Finance of the Government of Bangladesh, on 10 April 2014.

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Nautilus demands action following enclosed space deaths

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As a result of recent enclosed space deaths affecting seafarers Nautilus is calling for action
As a result of recent enclosed space deaths affecting seafarers Nautilus is calling for action

Nautilus International is calling for the UK to lead a ‘new and concerted drive to end the appalling litany’ of enclosed space deaths that are currently affecting seafarer.

The Union has written to shipping minister John Hayes following the latest incident, in which two seafarers died in a cargo hold of the Isle of Man flagged Carisbrooke Shipping general cargo vessel Sally Ann C last month.

Investigations into the incident – which took place off the coast of west Africa – are underway, but it is known that the chief officer and chief engineer died after entering a hold where timber was stowed and the second officer had to be rescued after losing consciousness when he went to the aid of his colleagues.

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Camper & Nicholsons Marinas in £50m Cowes redevelopment

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Camper & Nicholsons Marinas are to be involved in the £50 redevelopment of Victoria Quay in Cowes. Photograph courtesy of Patrick Eden
Camper & Nicholsons Marinas are to be involved in the £50 redevelopment of Victoria Quay in Cowes. Photograph courtesy of Patrick Eden

It has been reported that Camper & Nicholsons Marinas has signed an agreement with its landside partner, Westcourt Real Estate (WREE) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to permit the £50 development of Victoria Quay in Cowes, Isle of Wight. The plan allows for a landside and seaside development, which will include a new 400 berth marina at East Cowes on the Isle of Wight, UK.

The agreement is subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions including funding, planning and building. In particular, the exchange of final contracts relating to the development remains subject to the incorporation and financing of an investing company within the next 45 days. It is anticipated that the investing company will then engage a development company, in which Camper & Nicholsons Marinas will have a carried interest.

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Two new windfarm service vessels enter service with Esvagt

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Esvagt has taken delivery of two state-of-the-art windfarm service vessels
Esvagt has taken delivery of two state-of-the-art windfarm service vessels

The Danish shipping company, Esvagt, is now introducing the first SOV vessels especially constructed for servicing windfarms.

The first vessel, “ESVAGT FROUDE”, went on contract on Wednesday February 18th, while her sister ship, “ESVAGT FARADAY” is contracted to start at the beginning of April. In both cases they will work as windfarm service vessels for Siemens Wind Power.

The German energy company has provisionally chartered “ESVAGT FROUDE” for a five year contract to service the field and transport personnel during the constructing and operation of the offshore windfarm Baltic 2 and the “ESVAGT FARADAY” for similar jobs for the Butendiek project in the northern part of the Germany provisionally for a 10 year contract.

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World’s first LNG powered containership set for launch

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Artist's rendering of TOTE-1, the world's first LNG powered containership to be built by General Dynamics NASSCO
Artist’s rendering of TOTE-1, the world’s first LNG powered containership to be built by General Dynamics NASSCO

On Saturday 18 April, a special event will take place in San Diego to to christen and launch the world’s first LNG powered containership built by General Dynamics NASSCO for TOTE.

The ship’s sponsor, Mrs Sophie Sacco, the wife of Michael Sacco, president of the Seafarers International Union of North America, AFL CIO will christen the ship with a traditional champagne bottle break over the ship’s hull. Fireworks will commence immediately upon the christening and launch of the ship. The name of the ship will also be revealed during the ceremony.

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Shipping Confidence Survey reveals new low

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Richard Greiner of Moore Stephens Partner, the organisation behind the Shipping Confidence Survey
Richard Greiner of Moore Stephens Partner, the organisation behind the Shipping Confidence Survey

Overall confidence levels in the shipping industry fell to their lowest level for two and a half years in February 2015, according to the latest Shipping Confidence Survey from international accountant and shipping adviser Moore Stephens.

Respondents to the Shipping Confidence Survey identified overtonnaging as the biggest factor behind the fall in confidence, but also expressed concern about the effect on the industry cause by lower oil prices and the growth of investment by financiers from outside shipping.

In February 2015, the average confidence level expressed by respondents in the markets in which they operate was 5.5 on a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high), down from the 5.7 recorded in November 2014. This is the lowest figure since August 2012, and compares to the record high of 6.8 when the survey was launched in May 2008.

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Six candidates in the running for IMO top job

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The IMO has received six nominations for its top job as Secretary-General
The IMO has received six nominations for its top job as Secretary-General

By the established deadline of 31 March 2015, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has received the nominations of six candidates, nominated by their Governments for the position of Secretary-General of IMO.

The election for the post will be held at the 114th session of the 40 Member strong IMO Council, which meets from 29 June to 3 July 2015. The decision of the Council will be submitted to the IMO Assembly, which meets for its 29th session from 23 November to 2 December 2015, for its approval.

The nominations received (plus their nominating governments) are listed below in alphabetical order by candidates’ surname.

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CTruk floats 26 metre semi SWATH design

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CTruk is planning to launch a 26 metre semi Swath design for the European offshore windfarm sector
CTruk is planning to launch a 26 metre semi Swath design for the European offshore windfarm sector

Essex-based CTruk is now the second largest producer of crew transfer vessels. The company’s success can be attributed to investment in design and its policy of working closely with clients to ensure that CTruk craft meet and exceed the demanding requirements of the commercial marine sector.

In order to meet the increasingly complex demands of the burgeoning European offshore wind industry, CTruk is offering what it believes to be an ideal solution, a 26 metre semi SWATH vessel in collaboration with BMT Nigel Gee.

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Singapore Yacht Show 2015 announces star line up

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The Singapore Yacht Show has an incredible line-up of the most luxurious superyachts, boats and superyacht industry leaders
The Singapore Yacht Show has an incredible line-up of the most luxurious superyachts, boats and superyacht industry leaders

The Singapore Yacht Show takes place from 23-26 April, with an incredible line-up of the most luxurious superyachts, boats, international lifestyle brands and superyacht industry leaders.

Organisers have just announced that the 69-metre Australian-built M/Y Saluzi, the largest permanently based yacht available for charter in Asia, will be on display at the Show. Recently refitted, the former luxury cruise ship, is the product of remarkable engineering and vision, designed to offer a truly unique floating vacation home for exploring Asian waters.

Named after the mystical warhorse of Tang Dynasty Emperor Taizong that, according to legend, despite being wounded in battle by an arrow amidst fierce fighting, the valiant super-powered horse unflinchingly delivered the Emperor back to safety. The artwork of ? the horse on the exterior of the yacht has been specially created by the artist, Li Jiwei as a modern interpretation of the ancient tale and in his own words Saluzi is “an expression of both East and West, a blending of spirituality and materiality.”

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