ruben.maritime

IMO International Maritime Organization Piracy Guide - Guia sobre la Piratería Marítima de la OMI

2009-03-01T09:18:00.002+01:00

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has a new information resource on piracy (full text, pdf, 375 KB). The document includes references to key IMO Assembly resolutions, as well as other IMO documents related to the topic.

Guia sobre la Piratería Marítima de la OMI: (full text, pdf, 375 KB)

IMO SG Mitropoulos urges Nigerian Government to act on piracy

2009-02-20T21:05:00.000+01:00

IMO Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos has urged the Government of Nigeria to intervene to help reduce the incidence of acts of piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Gulf of Guinea and in the waters off the coast of Nigeria. Mr. Mitropoulos took the opportunity of a wide-ranging meeting with Nigeria’s new Minister of Transport, Mr. Ibrahim Bio, which took place today (20 February 2009) at the IMO Headquarters in London, to stress that urgent action was needed to assure the international maritime community of Nigeria’s commitment to address the problem on a priority basis.

Mr. Bio pledged to pass the Secretary-General’s message on the issue to the Nigerian President. He also informed Mr. Mitropoulos that, as part of Nigeria’s efforts to resolve the problem, the Government had created a special Ministry - the Niger Delta Ministry - which had been given full powers to address, among other topics, the problem of militancy and piracy. He added that, in 2008, Nigeria had organized an international conference on piracy and armed robbery against ships in the Niger Delta region and that an action plan, agreed at the Conference, was currently being implemented.

The visit, the first to IMO by the newly-appointed Transport Minister, was convened to help strengthen the working ties between Nigeria, an IMO Council Member, and the Organization. It covered a broad range of topics.

Mr. Bio took the opportunity to outline some of Nigeria’s key maritime programmes in the areas of safety, security, marine environment protection and the human element. He reiterated Nigeria’s resolve to continue implementing and enforcing the IMO instruments which it had already accepted, as well as its intention to ratify all outstanding treaties. So far, Nigeria has ratified over thirty IMO conventions.

Nigeria is, he said, working hard to implement the Long Range Identification and Tracking of Ships system and to complete the audit of its maritime training institutions, in line with the requirements of the International Convention on Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978. To help address the worldwide shortage of seafarers, Nigeria had also commenced training young school leavers to take up seafaring as a profession, under a National Seafarers’ Development Programme.

The Minister also confirmed that Nigeria had commenced a self-assessment and internal audit process, with a view to presenting itself for audit under the Voluntary IMO Member State Audit Scheme in the near future.

Responding, Secretary-General Mitropoulos expressed his appreciation for the visit and confirmed the very productive working relationship between Nigeria and IMO.

The Minister was accompanied on the visit by the Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, His Excellency Dr. Dalhatu S. Tafida.

Requisitos que habilitan para el ejercicio de la profesión de Ingeniero Naval y Oceánico

2009-02-20T12:18:00.001+01:00

Se publica hoy en el BOE la Orden CIN/354/2009, de 9 de febrero, por la que se establecen los requisitos para la verificación de los títulos universitarios oficiales que habiliten para el ejercicio de la profesión de Ingeniero Naval y Oceánico.

PDF (BOE-A-2009-2896 - 4 págs. - 193 KB)

Conferencia: El inicio profesional del Ingeniero Naval en la Organización Maritima Internacional de las Naciones Unidas

2009-02-17T09:34:00.006+01:00

El Ingeniero Naval Rubén Pulido impartió el pasado 27 de noviembre en la Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros Navales y Oceánicos de Madrid la conferencia titulada “El inicio profesional del Ingeniero Naval
en la OMI (Organización Marítima Internacional) de las Naciones Unidas”.

Iba dirigida a todos los estudiantes de Ingeniería Naval así como a todos los recién titulados que tuviesen interés en desarrollar una carrera bien en la OMI en Naciones Unidas, bien, trámite ésta, en la Administración Española.

El mismo Rubén Pulido, tras trabajar más de 5 años para la OMI y para Naciones Unidas, ha accedido recientemente por oposición al Cuerpo Superior de Administradores Civiles del Estado, antiguamente conocido como Cuerpo Superior de Técnicos de la Administración Civil del Estado (TAC). Es así mismo miembro de la Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA) del Reino Unido.

Todo ello se hizo en el marco de promoción de la plaza que como Asesor Técnico del Representante Permanente de España ante la OMI (REPER-OMI) oferta el Colegio Oficial de Ingenieros Navales y Océanicos de España en conjunción con la Dirección General de la Marina Mercante del Ministerio de Fomento del Gobierno de España. Esta plaza la gestiona el Grupo de Seguimiento de la OMI del mismo COIN (grupo PAT-14).

En la Conferencia participaron Jesús Valle, miembro fundador del PAT14, e Ignacio Zumalacárregui Luxán, Decano Territorial de Madrid del COIN, ambos Ingenieros Navales de gran prestigio y larga y prolífica trayectoria.

Una reseña de la misma ha aparecido en el número de Enero de 2009 de la Revista Ingeniería Naval.

El artículo puede descargarse aquí.

Fotos de la Conferencia se pueden ver aquí.

N ueva página web del Instituto de la Ingeniería de España

2009-02-12T11:42:00.002+01:00

Hoy se presenta en sociedad la nueva web del Instituto de la Ingeniería de España (IIE - www.iies.es).

También se presentan en sociedad los nuevos Comités del mismo, entre ellos el Comité Internacional al que pertenezco.

Lugar del Evento: Sede del IIE, calle General Arrando 38, Madrid, a las 18:30

Hapag-Lloyd mulls cruise ship order

2007-02-25T21:21:00.000+01:00

HAPAG-Lloyd in Germany is rumoured to be negotiating two 120-m long polar expedition cruise ships with domestic shipyard Meyer Werft.

Disney to build at Meyer Werft

2007-02-25T21:20:00.000+01:00

DISNEY Cruise Line has signed a letter of intent to build two 122,000-gt, 2,500-passenger cruise ships at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Delivery will be in 2011 and 2012, with operations likely to be outside the Caribbean. Disney’s current fleet consists of the 83,000-gt Magic and Wonder, built in 1998 and 1999; those 1,754-passenger ships were built at Fincantieri.

Disney doubles cruise play

2007-02-25T21:19:00.000+01:00

LAKE BUENA VISTA 23 February – Disney Cruise Line is finally expanding its fleet with two new post-Panamaxes after six growth-free years. Parent Walt Disney Company has signed a letter of intent with Germany’s Meyer Werft for construction of two 122,000-gt, 2,500-passenger vessels for delivery in 2011 and 2012 respectively. Currently, Disney's Fincantieri-built 83,000-gt, 1,754-passenger Disney Magic and Wonder (launched in 1998 and 1999) primarily sail Caribbean voyages, but have sporadically ventured into seasonal deployments on the US West Coast and Mediterranean. These non-Caribbean voyages “have recently set booking records and booked 30-50% faster than the existing itineraries at higher prices,” said Disney in a statement, strongly implying where the expanded future fleet will position. Walt Disney Parks & Resorts chairman Jay Rasulo affirmed: "With a larger fleet, we'll have greater flexibility to offer a variety of itineraries.” Given its massive parent company and built-in brand recognition, Disney Cruise Line was originally viewed as a potentially major force in the cruise industry. That sentiment waned on the company’s growth stagnation since its debut, but the newbuilding announcement could herald greater market significance in the future.

Carnival Dumps Costa Rica After Pax Attacked

2007-02-25T21:17:00.000+01:00

Interesting post in cruisecritic.com

Carnival Passenger Defends Cruisers from Armed Robber

On Cruise Critic's boards, a thread called "Who Thinks Carnival Should Dump Costa Rica?" was prescient. ABC News this morning told viewers that Carnival has now replaced all port calls in Limon with a stop in Honduras. The locale in Honduras was unidentified but is most likely the island of Roatan.

Carnival has not immediately responded to a request for confirmation.

As Cruise Critic (and just about every other media outlet in the world) reported yesterday, a dozen passengers from Carnival Liberty, docked at Limon, on Costa Rica's east coast, had been taking a tour of the area when three young men, one armed with a gun and another with a knife, targeted the group. A scuffle ensued and a 70-year-old passenger, a former Marine, subdued the gunman by putting him in a headlock; ultimately the 20-year-old burglar's neck was broken. The attacker's accomplices ran away.

According to an AP report, the passengers put the injured man into their tour bus and took him to the hospital; he later died. The passengers were then interrogated by police before being permitted to return to the ship, acknowledging that the Marine was acting in self defense. Carnival Liberty sailed away that evening. The ship will return to Ft. Lauderdale as scheduled tomorrow (Sunday).

That this incident prompted Carnival to cancel calls by all ships in the fleet at Limon is no surprise to members of Cruise Critic's boards who've engaged in debate about the port change.

"In Costa Rica we had a wonderful time," writes RU Cruzin. "We walked all over town, sat in a local bar and talked with a man who kept buying us beers. We played street soccer for at least an hour with four little boys, while their mothers watched ... and undoubtedly laughed at how ridiculous we looked.

"I don't think I'm tempting fate. I have a genuine concern, and interest in the people, not just the tourist attractions. Maybe we have been lucky, but I truly believe that there are way more good people on this earth than there are bad. We hear so much about the bad that we are afraid to open ourselves to the experiences that are waiting to change our perception."

Many others echoed RU Cruzin's sentiments. PaulMedik, in particular, captured the general tone of the travelers responding. "Costa Rica didn't seem to be as dangerous as many other ports I've been to. I saw the greatest potential for problems in Panama and more armed locals in Jamaica. Miami is likely more dangerous than all three combined, and the danger there can come from any direction."

Adds PaulMedik, "We can't go through life avoiding areas that are potentially dangerous; we just have to be aware of what potential exists and alert for any signs that danger is imminent.

"If anyone really should learn a lesson from this week's 'violence' in Costa Rica, it is the thugs who would do harm to apparently helpless tourists. As the Costa Rican thugs learned, appearances can be deceiving!"

Even Cruise Critic's own profile of the port of Limon warned travelers to beware. "It is not crime-free, though, so it still pays to take care in its towns and streets."

It's quite possible that other cruise lines will follow suit and cancel calls at Limon; we'll keep you posted.

--by Carolyn Spencer Brown, Editor

Fertiliser cargo fire off Galicia

2007-02-20T06:12:00.001+01:00

LA CORUNA 19 February– Spanish maritime safety agency Salvamento Maritimo is evacuating the eight remaining crew members of the stricken Antigua and Barbuda-flagged cargo ship Ostedijk, before an attempt is made to flood the ship’s burning cargo of fertiliser. The ship is under tow and will be taken to about 10n-miles of Estaca de Bares, near Cape Viveiro, Galicia, where a tug will pump water onto the ship. The salvage operation will take place in sheltered waters and not at a port, the Salvamento Maritimo spokesman added. Four Filipino crew members suffering from the effects of gas intoxication were airlifted off the Ostedijk yesterday afternoon. This new crisis off the coast of Galicia started when the Dutch-operated, 7,300dwt ship called for emergency assistance in the early hours of Saturday. It is reported to have been en route from Norway to Valencia. The ship was towed to around 14 miles off La Coruna where it was later allowed to continue sailing. However, it made a second emergency call little more than 12 hours later, on Sunday morning, from around 34n-miles off Cape Vilan. The crew members have since been released from hospital but have complained to local media that they should have been evacuated after the first emergency call was made.

Big Easy suffers setback

2007-02-20T06:11:00.000+01:00

NEW ORLEANS 16 February – Carnival Corp is delaying its second deployment to New Orleans because of weak demand. The 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph was originally slated to join the Fantasy in New Orleans in August, but will instead stay in Miami until at least April 2008. “There are lingering misperceptions by the vacationing public as to the recovery of New Orleans’ tourism infrastructure, which has necessitated a re-evaluation of our timeline,” said Carnival president Bob Dickinson in a statement. During Carnival’s last quarterly call, chairman Micky Arison dubbed New Orleans “one of our best homeports prior to the hurricane and one of our worst now”. Other lines that returned after Hurricane Katrina are Norwegian Cruise Line, with the Norwegian Sun (switching to Norwegian Spirit in 2007-2008) and Royal Caribbean with the Grandeur of the Seas (which moves to Tampa next year). Royal Caribbean president Adam Goldstein declined to comment to Fairplay on the Grandeur’s performance, but said in general that a mix of factors are impacting Gulf Coast-homeported demand, including “the recovery of New Orleans”, perception issues on Cozumel, and general macroeconomic factors. Before Katrina, New Orleans thrived as a homeport due to the popularity of pre-and-post hotel packages, but the city’s leisure sector has since been hit by spiralling crime, with 21 murders in the first 42 days of 2007.

Cruising embraces NY winter

2007-02-20T06:10:00.000+01:00

NEW YORK 15 February – Cruise lines are hiking winter sailings from New York to the Caribbean, with Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 the latest entrant. Today Cunard announced a new series of 14 NY-homeported Caribbean itineraries between 3 October and March 2008. The resurgence of wintertime NY cruising after an absence of several decades was pioneered by Norwegian Cruise Line, which offers voyages aboard the Norwegian Spirit and Norwegian Dawn this winter and will place its newest vessel, the Norwegian Gem, into that market next winter. NCL was followed by Holland America Line with the Noordam, while Royal Caribbean will offer winter sailings out of Port Liberty, New Jersey in 2008. Despite harsh weather conditions, the growing NY trend is being fuelled by demand from drive-to-port customers in the lucrative "Tri-State" source market. RCCL regional vice president Michael Ronan earlier saidthat the increase in NY-homeported cruises has changed the Caribbean deployment equation, with such routes favouring Eastern Caribbean ports because ships travelling down the US Eastern Seaboard have limited range to sail the islands before returning north. “The Freeports of the world, which are very low on the call list, are picking up traffic because of their location,” Ronan explained.

Rice barge hits Carnival's Fantasy

2007-02-13T18:11:00.000+01:00

NEW ORLEANS 12 February – Carnival Cruise Lines’ Fantasy is undergoing repairs today to mend a 10-m gash sustained in a collision with a barge on Saturday as the vessel was on its final homeward leg up the lower Mississippi towards New Orleans. No injuries or pollution were reported in the accident at Mile Marker 88, Fairplay was told by Coast Guard Lt Cmdr Cheri Ben-Iesau and the Panama-flagged cruise ship was allowed to finish its voyage on its own power to the Erato Street Terminal, where returning passengers disembarked. On arrival, company and USCG inspectors reviewed the damage and immediately cancelled the outbound cruise and Ben-Iesau says the vessel will be laid up for eight days for repairs and certifications. The 2,050 outbound passengers were allowed to board, told they could stay aboard ship – as a floating hotel while visiting pre-Mardi Gras New Orleans, Ben-Isau added. Passengers were given full refunds for that trip and 25% discounts on a future three- or five-day cruise. "We didn't want to leave people sitting on the piers," Carnival spokesman Tim Gallagher said. "We feel terrible that these folks are losing their vacation. We know it's not just matter of money, but a matter of time and people do lot of planning." Minor damage was reported to the rice laden barge, one of a string of six being pushed downriver by the towboat Repentance. An investigation is underway into the collision and Fantasy’s next cruise – set for next Thursday – will also have to be shortened or cancelled, Ben-Iesau added. An initial statement from Carnival blames the incident on the towboat, asserting that its ship “was struck” and that the tow operator “lost control and collided with the Fantasy”.

European cruise market up for grabs

2007-02-09T13:48:00.002+01:00

BRUSSELS 09 February – A few more cruise ships orders are likely to be placed soon as there are still slots available at yards for delivery in 2010, according to Pier Luigi Foschi, CEO of Costa Crociere in Italy. Foschi was speaking in Brussels on Tuesday at an event of the European Cruise Council, of which he is the chairman. He did not elaborate on which lines were likely to order new tonnage in the near future, but he pointed out that low penetration of cruising in Europe despite rising passenger numbers provides an excellent platform for much further growth. The European cruise market has grown at about 10% per year since 2001 to 3.3M passengers in 2005, the latest year for which figures are available, but still only one per cent of the European population has ever taken a cruise. Foschi noted that the combined value of newbuilding deliveries, which amounted to just euro3.7Bn ($4.7Bn) in 2005, is now in the region of euro5.0Bn per year and will remain at this level for a few years. Foschi is also member of the board of Carnival Corp & PLC, the world’s largest cruise shipping company.

Cruise port security 'not as good as airports'

2007-02-09T13:48:00.001+01:00

BRUSSELS 09 February – The events of 9/11 led to a sharp increase in awareness of potential security risks at cruise ports, but there is still room for improvement, according to Paolo Costa, chairman of transport and tourism committee of the EU Parliament. “We do not have the same kind of security as we do at airports at all (cruise) ports yet – despite the ISPS Code,” Costa told Euromoney's cruise industry conference in Brussels on Tuesday. In broard terms, security is an issue that concerns all EU member countries, but the question is who should pay for it. “Is it a private fear or a public concern?” Costa asked. He answered his own question by saying that security fears are a public concern, but currently addressing the issue is primarily the responsibility of each member state.

Orizonia ingresa 240 M € por aportar sus barcos a la joint venture con Carnival y conserva la gestión española

2007-02-09T07:09:00.001+01:00

HOSTELTUR • 09-02-2007
“No se trata de una operación de compra y venta, sino de un proyecto en común para crecer en el mercado español de los cruceros”, aseguró el consejero delegado de Orizonia, Gabriel Subías, durante la presentación de la joint venture suscrita con Carnival, que ya adelantó ayer este diario.

Gabriel Subías y Pier Luigi Foschi, tras el acuerdo.
La joint venture se formalizará legalmente durante el segundo trimestre del año y será entonces cuando se conozca el nombre de la nueva marca, si bien el propósito es que sea una marca que resulte familiar y que recuerde lo más posible a Iberojet Cruceros. Si bien no ha sido confirmado y sus responsables aseguran que está por determinar, la nueva marca podría denominarse Ibercruise.

La joint venture supone, por parte de Orizonia, la aportación de Iberojet Cruceros (cuyos activos son sus dos barcos), que ha sido valorada en 320 millones de euros. La nueva empresa resultante será propiedad de Carnival Corporation en un 75% y de Orizonia en el 25% restante, si bien la gestión y comercialización se mantendrán en manos españolas y, de hecho, está previsto que se mantenga el mismo equipo y que el director general sea Alfredo Serrano, actual director general de Iberojet Cruceros.

Recuperación de inversión

Con esta operación, los fondos Carlyle y Vista (que tienen el 55% y 36% respectivamente de Orizonia) ven ya retornar 240 millones de euros de los casi 900 que invirtieron en mayo pasado en la compra al grupo Iberostar de su división emisora (liderada por Iberojet y Viajes Iberia), así como de las inversiones realizadas por Orizonia en las últimas semanas con la compra de Viajar.com y Cóndor Vacaciones.

Los barcos que Orizonia aporta a la joint venture con Carnival son el Grand Mistral (de 1.196 pasajeros) y el Grand Voyager (de 834 pasajeros).

A medio plazo, el objetivo de la joint venture es ampliar la flota con otros dos barcos, tal y como adelantó hace unos días Gabriel Subías. Lo previsible es que estas dos nuevas incorporaciones a la flota de la joint venture no sean de nueva construcción, sino que ya estén operativos, y de unas 40.000 toneladas, de modo que cuando la nueva marca comience a operar cuente ya con cuatro barcos.

Gestión española

Pier Luigi Foschi, presidente de Costa Crociere (una de las 12 marcas pertenecientes a Carnival Corporation), y que será el presidente del Consejo de administración de la nueva compañía resultante de la joint venture, aseguró durante la presentación que la filosofía de gestión de Carnival “contempla que las marcas que integran el grupo tengan una alto grado de autonomía”, y que se conserva “la identidad española” de la nueva joint venture “gracias a ese 25% que conserva Orizonia, que además mantiene la gestión y seguirá realizando la actividad de turoperación”. Por su parte, Gabriel Subías señaló que para Orizonia “los cruceros son una línea estratégica de negocio, y esta operación nos permitirá seguir creciendo en ese mercado”.

La compañía resultante de la joint venture seguirá operando los mismos destinos del Mediterráneo que Iberojet Cruceros opera actualmente. Iberojet Cruceros facturó 70 millones de euros en 2006 y transportó a 67.000 cruceristas.

Carnival Corporation es un grupo de compañías de cruceros líder mundial en el sector, que integra 12 marcas, entre ellas Carnival Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard, Princess, Seabourn y Holland America, entre otras. Cotiza en las Bolsas de Nueva York y Londres.

El grupo Orizonia está formado por los turoperadores Iberojet, Solplán, Viva Tours, Turavia y Cóndor Vacaciones; las agencias Viajes Iberia y a Viajar.com; la compañía chárter Iberworld, el broker aéreo Aerobalear y la compañía Iberojet Cruceros.

Su accionariado se lo reparten Carlyle (55%), el 36% Vista Capital (Banco Santander), el 5% es de la empresa financiera ICG y el 4% es del equipo directivo que dirige Subías.

Segunda operación del sector español de cruceros

Esta es la segunda operación de calado que se produce en el mercado español de los cruceros, tras la venta de Pullmantur a Royal Caribbean que llevó a cabo a finales de agosto el grupo Marsans. El precio fue de 430 millones de euros, según declaró a HOSTELTUR el hasta entonces presidente del turoperador, Gerardo Díaz. Además, el comprador se hizo cargo de los 270 millones de la financiación de cuatro de los barcos de la mayorista, que todavía estaba pagando. En total, 700 millones de euros.

Spain: Grounding prompts comms query

2007-02-08T19:50:00.001+01:00

MADRID 08 February – Spain’s Ministry of Public Works has launched an enquiry into the absence of recordings of conversations held between the captain of the grounded reefer vessel Sierra Nava and the country’s maritime safety agency Salvamento Maritimo. The opening of the enquiry comes after the director of the Merchant Marine Authority, Felipe Martinez, said on Tuesday he could not say for certain whether the recordings of the conversations existed or not. The recordings, together with those held between the Harbour Master Authority of Algeciras and the master of the Sierra Nava, would provide vital evidence on the key moments leading up to the grounding of the ship at the mouth of the Bay of Algeciras. However, Martinez did confirm that a power failure had affected the conversations over the rescue of 14 crew members of the Sierra Nava in the night of 27 January. It is now known that stormy weather was the reason for loss of radar coverage at a maritime safety control tower in Tarifa near Algeciras. More than 170 tonnes of fuel has been recovered from a beach in Algeciras since the vessel hit rocks on a beach. Meanwhile salvors have extracted 106 tonnes of bunkers from the reefer’s tanks.

Carnival Corporation & Plc and Iberojet Sign Letter of Intent to Form Joint Venture for Large-Scale Spanish Cruise Operation

2007-02-08T19:43:00.001+01:00

New Company will Expand Iberojet's Existing Cruise Business, Serve Rapidly Growing Spanish Market

MIAMI, Feb. 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), the largest cruise vacation company in the world, and Orizonia Corporacion, Spain's largest travel company which operates its own cruise fleet under its Iberojet division, today announced the signing of a letter of intent to form a joint venture to operate and expand the existing Iberojet Cruceros brand in Spain.

Iberojet Cruceros operates two modern cruise ships, the 834-passenger Grand Voyager, built in 2000, and the 1,196-passenger Grand Mistral, constructed in 1999, which represent the newest ships in the contemporary Spanish cruise market. The new joint venture would eventually be comprised of a multi-ship fleet serving the rapidly expanding Spanish vacation sector.

Under the proposed agreement, the two existing vessels would be transferred to the joint venture company. The intention is to grow that fleet over the next several years through the acquisition of existing tonnage from Carnival Corporation & plc's current fleet.

"Iberojet operates a very successful cruise brand, along with a wide range of quality and affordable vacation products, which have garnered extremely strong brand awareness with Spanish consumers. With their extensive experience marketing in Spain, combined with a keen understanding of Spanish vacation trends, Iberojet provides a solid partnership for expanding in one of the fastest-growing segments of the European vacation industry," said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc's chairman and CEO.

Commented Pedro de Esteban, Orizonia's chairman and managing director of The Carlyle Group, Orizonia's principal shareholder, "We are very proud in partnering with Carnival, the world's leader in the cruise vacation business. With Carnival's support and expertise, we intend to continue expanding our operations, adding high quality vessels and providing specialized top services to our Spanish customers."

Added Gabriel M. Subias, Orizonia Corporacion's CEO, "It is a great opportunity for us and Iberojet Cruceros to join forces and develop a strategic alliance with Carnival, a world leader in cruising. Through the years, we have always enjoyed close professional and personal relationships with Carnival. Our collaboration in the development of a successful joint venture will position us as the preeminent Spanish cruise operator."

Under the proposed transaction, the Iberojet cruise business being contributed to the joint venture company will be valued at euro 320 million, with euro 180 million in debt, representing a net capital value of euro 140 million. Carnival will own 75 percent of the joint venture with Iberojet owning 25 percent.

Iberojet Cruceros would utilize the current Iberojet cruise management team with its president Alfredo Serrano reporting to the joint venture's board of directors. It is expected that Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and CEO of Carnival's Costa Cruises unit, will serve as chairman of the board of the joint venture. Costa already has a strong presence in the Spanish sector.

"With the combined strengths of the Costa and Iberojet organizations, the new joint venture should generate even greater brand recognition in our efforts to grow the interest in cruising in a market that we believe is primed and ready for expansion," Foschi said.

Carnival expects the transaction to be neutral to earnings on an annualized basis for the 12-month period following the transaction closing. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2007, pending approval of both companies' boards of directors, all necessary regulatory approvals, customary due diligence and execution of definitive agreements.

About Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, Swan Hellenic, and P&O Cruises Australia.

Together, these brands operate 81 ships totaling 144,000 lower berths with 20 new ships scheduled to enter service between March 2007 and spring 2011. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates Holland America Tours and Princess Tours, the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

About Iberojet

Headquartered in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, Iberojet is a division of Orizonia Corporacion, the country's largest and oldest travel company, tracing its origins back to 1930. Orizonia was acquired by The Carlyle Group and Vista Capital in July 2006 from Iberostar Group.

In addition to the two cruise ships, Orizonia owns Spain's leading tour operators, including Solplan Viva Tours, Turavia Iberski, Viamed, Iberojet International, and Condor Vacaciones, which market leisure travel packages throughout Europe, North and South America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia. Viajes Iberia also has divisions specializing in business travel, meetings and conventions.

D-Viagen is the trade name operating in Portugal with 11 offices distributed between Lisbon and Oporto. Viajar.com is a specialized Internet supplier dedicated exclusively to online travel sales.

Orizonia also operates 700 retail travel agencies marketed under the Viajes Iberia brand name, as well as Iberworld, a charter airline with 11 medium- and long-haul aircraft providing round-trip service between Madrid and Europe, South America, the Caribbean, Africa and Asia.

SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc

Euro cruise 'now worth $10.75Bn'

2007-02-08T06:18:00.001+01:00

BRUSSELS 06 February – European cruise tourism is currently valued at €8.3Bn ($10.75Bn) in direct expenditure, according to figures released by the European Cruise Council. The expectation is for that figure to grow to €12.7Bn by 2010, the Council’s chairman, Pier Luigi Foschi, said during a presentation yesterday at the European Parliament in Brussels. A major study of the economic impact of cruising - European Cruise Contribution - was commissioned by the Council together with shipbuilders’ grouping Euroyards and cruise port associations Med Cruise and Cruise Europe; it was completed by UK-based GP Wild International and Business Research & Economic Advisors from Pennsylvania. Foschi, who is chief executive of Costa Crociere, said the cruise industry is responsible for more than 180,000 jobs across Europe, which could grow to 250,000 by 2010. Europe’s shipyards have orders for 95% of new cruise ships between now and 2010, worth more than €18Bn, while cruise tourism within Europe doubled from 5.7M passengers in 1995 to 14.4M in 2005. In 1995 one million Europeans took a cruise: it is estimated that will rise to 4M by 2010. The report forecasts that cruise passengers will make more than 17M visits to cruise ports by the turn of the decade.

MSC Napoli salvage interrupted

2007-02-08T06:16:00.000+01:00

LYME BAY 07 February – Salvors working to remove containers from the beached MSC Napoli on the UK south coast have relocated the shuttle barge back to Portland port ahead of poorer weather and bigger sea swells. So far 314 of the 2,318 containers have been removed, 69 yesterday. Priority is being given to dangerous goods. Robin Middleton, Secretary of State’s Representative in Maritime Salvage and Intervention, advised that more containers are likely to be lost overboard during the period of bad weather, although the removal of oil will continue as long as the work is deemed safe. Reconnaissance flights will help to identify missing containers and enable security officers to reach them before members of the public. A statement issued by the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency underlines that “normal arrangements in terms of recovery of wreck material through voluntary salvage do not apply in the case of the MSC Napoli” because the owners of the ship [Metvale Ltd/Zodiac Maritime Agencies Ltd] have placed “comprehensive salvage contracts … to recover all items from the vessel, including those lost overboard and washed ashore.”

US Congress reconsiders Marpol VI

2007-02-08T06:13:00.000+01:00

WASHINGTON, DC 07 February – Legislation to implement Marpol Annex VI in the US was re-introduced yesterday in Congress and appears headed for speedy approval. The measure, which died in the last congressional session because it failed to win approval by both houses by adjournment, was re-introduced by Minnesota democrat James Oberstar and is scheduled to be marked up today by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was said by Washington maritime lawyer Dennis Bryant. Congress changed the bill somewhat from the version originally suggested by the White House by handing most authority for enforcement to the Coast Guard, while the Bush administration had originally tasked the Environmental Protection Agency with those duties, said Bryant, an attorney with Holland & Knight. In addition to being supported by the environmental lobby, the bill also has support of the maritime industry, including Intertanko and the Chamber of Shipping of America. Passage of the bill will bring the US into line with the rest of the world on air pollution standards, Bryant says, and may stave off several states – such as California – that have been proposing their own standards.

Germany cruises towards 1M mark

2007-02-08T06:12:00.000+01:00

BRUSSELS 07 February – The German cruise market, which has suffered a long period of weakness, has started to grow in the wake of German economic recovery, and the market could generate one million passengers in 2010, a senior industry figure says. "We will have 1M deep sea passengers in 2010; this would be five years behind the UK, but it is a safe estimate," said Aida Cruises president Michael Thamm. He was speaking at a European Cruise Council event in Brussels yesterday. Aida, a division of Carnival Corp, is the biggest cruise operator in Germany. Cruising has a market penetration of just 1% in Germany and generated €1.2Bn ($1.5Bn) in revenue in 2005. Thamm expects that revenue figure to double in 2011.

Cruise 'Wave Season' worries grow

2007-02-06T05:26:00.000+01:00

MIAMI 05 February – Surprisingly strong 4Q06 results for Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL) are being overshadowed by booking weakness this year. Commenting on the 1Q "Wave Season", when a disproportionate number of bookings are placed, RCCL chairman Richard Fain said: “The early indications from the wave period are less encouraging than we had hoped.” He added that “the beginning of the year is down slightly, but the revenue picture for the balance of the year is strong”. For 2007 overall, RCCL expects a 3% increase in net yields, with newly purchased Spanish line Pullmantur accounting for two-thirds of that growth. But because of seasonality, Pullmantur will have a negative impact on 1Q07 and 2Q07 and a positive effect on 3Q07 and 4Q07. For 1Q07, RCCL estimates net yields will decrease around 3%, while net cruise costs will increase 4-5%. RCCL reported profits of $46.6M in the traditionally weak fourth quarter period despite “less robust Caribbean pricing”, compared with a loss of $3.6M in 4Q05. For full-year 2006, RCCL reported net income of $633.9M, down significantly from $716M in profits in 2005; however, 2005 results were skewed by an accounting change; not counting that change, 2005 profits were $663.5M.

NYK Cruises in fire response exercise

2007-01-31T15:27:00.001+01:00

TOKYO 31 January – NYK Cruises, the wholly-owned cruise subsidiary of NYK Line, has carried out a severe accident response training exercise last week involving its Japan-flagged liner Asuka II. The 25 January exercise, carried out in co-operation with the Japan Coast Guard, involved a scenario in which a fire in passenger accommodation required a firefighting operation and the evacuation of casualties from the ship. In accordance with the company’s emergency response plans, a task force was immediately set up at the company’s head office in Tokyo and a simulated call-out request was made to the JCG. NYK said it was satisfied with its assessments of staff performance during the exercise, which included requiring decisions to be made on the destination of the vessel after the incident as well as press liaison carried out by senior executives. External consultants were appointed to provide their comments throughout the exercise. Japanese public attention was focused on cruise ship safety after the yard fire that severely damaged Princess Cruises’ Sapphire Princess at Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ Nagasaki yard in 2002, although domestic cruise passenger numbers have grown considerably in subsequent years.

Steep Princess fine for whale kill

2007-01-31T05:37:00.001+01:00

ANCHORAGE 30 January – Princess Cruises will pay $750,000 following the 2001 death of an endangered humpback whale in the vicinity of a Dawn Princess Alaskan cruise. According to court documents obtained by Fairplay, Princess agreed to pay the maximum fine of $200,000 plus a payment of $550,000 to the National Park Service Foundation and will serve a one-year probation. Princess does not specifically admit that it killed the pregnant humpback whose body was found in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park on 16 July 2001. However, it does admit that it is guilty of a Class A misdemeanour by violating federal regulations and failing to operate the Dawn Princess at a safe speed while knowingly in the presence of two humpback whales on 12 July 2001. The Dawn Princess was sailing at 14kt upon its departure from Glacier Bay when one eyewitness reported hearing a “resounding thud”. According to the statement of facts: “The vessel made no report of a possible collision and the captain did not preserve the recording of the bridge conduct on the vessel’s black box.” On 6 August 2001, Princess implemented a speed limit of 10kt for vessels transiting Alaska’s Icy Strait.

MSC Napoli - salvage update

2007-01-31T05:36:00.000+01:00

LYME BAY 30 January – Salvage work on the beached container ship MSC Napoli is progressing, with about 60% of the bunkers now safely pumped from the vessel and the first containers removed. The port side bunker tanks and first of the starboard tanks are now empty: 2,105 tonnes of the estimated 3,600 tonnes have been pumped into the chartered Forth Fisher. The latest reports suggest pumping might be completed by Friday. The number of boxes on board has been recalculated: Fairplay now understands there were 2,318 boxes on the MSC Napoli when it departed from Antwerp. Of these, 103 were lost overboard: 57 have been accounted for, 46 are still being searched for in the waters of the English Channel. Yesterday 15 containers were removed from the ship onto the waiting barge, and the hope is that at least 30 can be transferred each day, depending on the weather. Salvors suggest the operation will take about four weeks. Containers washed onto nearby Branscombe beach are being retrieved using a landing craft.

Star Cruises' Libra briefly detained

2007-01-31T05:35:00.000+01:00

MUMBAI 30 January – Star Cruises’ Super Star Libra was detained for one hour by port authorities in the Indian Lakshadweep islands today in relation to a Kerala court order. The detention was lifted when the ship’s captain provided a bank guarantee of Rs1M ($22,000). A company statement explained Star “has complied with the terms stated in the court order, and provided required bank guarantee so as to ensure no inconvenience of any kind to the passengers and crew members.” On 21 November, a 14-month-old child drowned when a transfer vessel taking her and her parents to Kadamat Island turned over. The operator had been sued for criminal negligence.

Cruise ship arrest after child drowns

2007-01-30T05:18:00.001+01:00

COCHIN 29 January – Kerala high court has ordered the "arrest" of cruise ship Super Star Libra for criminal negligence following the death of a 14-month old US citizen of Indian-origin, Neuna Shah. The toddler drowned off Kadamat Island near Lakshadweep on 21 November 2006, after a vessel carrying her and her parents from the cruise ship to the island capsized; the court acted on a criminal negligence petition filed by Shah's parents. The Libra departed from Mumbai yesterday evening heading for Lakshadweep with a team of lawyers on board headed by Seap Hong Wong, an official from Star Cruises India confirmed. The Shahs are also pursuing a $10M compensation suit against Star Cruises in a Malaysian court. At least 10 passengers, including her parents, were in the boat when it turned over. The incident brought into focus the safety measures provided by cruise companies. The Kerala court has directed the port officer of Lakshadweep administration to arrest and detain the vessel as and when it arrives in any of the ports under the control of the Lakshadweep administration and release it only on furnishing a bank guarantee of Rs1M ($22,000) by ship's master.

Casino ship is good bet for Star

2007-01-30T05:17:00.002+01:00

OSLO 29 January – Star Cruises is to convert Norwegian Cruise Line's Norwegian Wind into a casino vessel for one-night trips out of Hong Kong after it has been phased out of service. The 50,760-gt, 1993-built vessel will be renamed SuperStar Aquarius and commence operations from Hong Kong on 22 June. A deck plan the ship posted on the Star Cruises’ website shows that most of the public rooms, except for dining areas, will be converted into casinos. The transfer of the ship from the NCL fleet is part of a a fleet renewal programme of NCL, whereby all its vessels with fewer than 2,000 berths will be transferred to Star Cruises. However, Star sold the 1988-built Norwegian Crown to Fred Olsen last year. Cruise operations targeting the Far Eastern source markets have had mixed fortunes recently. In the autumn, Star Cruises reported its operations in India had generated a loss, while earlier this month Carnival Corp's Costa Cruises said it would open bookings on Costa Allegra - which operates from China - also to passengers from outside the Far East. Observers believe this is because booking from the main market have not been adequate. Last year, Abou Merhi Cruises ceased operations after homeporting a vessel in Dubai and targetting the Middle Eastern and European markets, while another new company puled out of the Karachi-Dubai cruise sector after failing to attract enough passengers.

Cruise case brings call for onboard police

2007-01-30T05:17:00.001+01:00

SYDNEY 29 January – An allegation of rape on board a cruise vessel has led to a call for such ships to carry police. According to The Australian newspaper, Mark Brimble, the former husband of the female passenger who died from an illegal drug overdose while on the P&O Cruises' vessel Pacific Star, called for the increase in onboard security after an investigation into the alleged incident was dropped for lack of evidence. The paper reported that a 16-year-old girl alleged she was raped after a fancy-dress party on Pacific Star last week, and was said to have been so distressed that three security guards had to prevent her from flinging herself overboard. The ship was apparently in waters off north eastern Australia at the time. The newspaper quoted Brimble as commenting that: "Incidents like this can and will happen on cruise liners ... International police should be stationed permanently on board, capable of investigating any matter." Brimble's former wife Dianne died from an overdose of "date rape" drug gamma hydroxybutyrate in September 2002 during a P&O cruise on the same vessel. The continuing inquest into her death has highlighted alleged problems with "out of control" partying and irresponsible behaviour on the part of certain passengers. The Brimble inquest will resume in Sydney on 5 February.

Ponomarev's death and Litvinenko

2007-01-25T05:18:00.000+01:00

The death of my friend Igor Ponomarev, Chairman of the MSC and tipped to be a future head of the IMO, had similarities to the murder by radiation poisoning of a former KGB agent, Alexander Litvinenko. Neil McAlister reports on allegations surfacing in Moscow.

THE German news magazine Focus has alleged that the day after IMO official Igor Ponomarev’s death on 30 October last year, he had planned to see the same contact that Alexander Litvinenko saw on 1 November, the day he was poisoned with polonium derived from uranium.

When Fairplay challenged Focus about its source, the magazine said its Moscow correspondent Boris Reitschuster claimed that the revelation that came from relatives of Igor Ponomarev.

Reitschuster reported relatives had claimed that Ponomarev, 41, suffered pangs of thirst before he died and had drunk three litres of water. Thirst is consistent with poisoning by radioactive thalium, the substance that was at first believed to have killed former Russian security agent Litvinenko.

The source of Focus’s claims remains Reitschuster’s closely guarded secret, but are thought to involve two very prominent civil rights leaders in Russia who might be related to Ponomarev, who was a former Russian ambassador to the International Maritime Organization. One of the two activists recently contributed news to Focus about the G8 summit.

Ponomarev’s contact man was Mario Scaramella, an Italian academic known in the maritime industry for his efforts to pinpoint the location of nuclear materials and waste.

Whatever the doubts about his academic qualifications and his links to the Italian and Russian secret services, Scaramella is respected by many for his knowledge of nuclear dumping.

Scaramella has attended many meetings of the London Convention, which concerns itself with the dumping at sea of land-originated wastes.
Deal with arms supplier

He reportedly told delegates to the convention on 30 October that he had signed a deal with a Russian state arms manufacturer as part of his probe into the illegal dumping of radioactive material. Was that the reason why Ponomarev had arranged to meet him?

But who would want to kill this hard-working, popular maritime diplomat? Ponomarev would have been interested in nuclear dumping issues; in 2005 the former naval architect was unanimously elected chairman of the Maritime Safety Committee and was tipped as a future head of the IMO.

Scaramella is no longer suspected by Scotland Yard of causing the death of Litvinenko. Instead the British police are to present a report to the UK’s Crown Prosecution Service about two Russian contacts who met Litvinenko on the day he fell ill: former KGB officer Andrei Lugovoi and retired military officer Dmitry Kovtun.

Scaramella himself wrote in an email to the dying Litvinenko that it was “an incredible coincidence” that he was scheduled to meet Ponomarev at the IMO just before their own meeting.

The Russian authorities declared that Ponomarov’s death on 30 October was due to a heart attack. But they rushed the IMO diplomat’s body back to Moscow without an autopsy being conducted in the UK. Reitschuster reports that no autopsy was conducted in Moscow either.

Delegates to the meetings of the London Convention took Scaramella and his detective work very seriously. Although the convention is not part of the IMO, the UN body regularly supplies secretarial services and the venue for its meetings.

Scaramella has since got into difficulties for his apparent efforts to find out more about Russian dumping. Rome prosecutors are understood to be investigating him on suspicion of violating state secrets and arms trafficking.

TIMELINE: Russian cloak and dagger

30.10.2006: Ponomarev collapses at home after a night at the opera and died. His body is rapidly returned to Moscow.

31.10.2006: Ponomarev was due to meet Mario Scaramella, according to Scaramella himself and Focus’s informants. The IMO denies any knowledge of the appointment.

1.11.2006: Alexander Litvinenko meets two Russian contacts – one a former KGB officer. He meets Scaramella at a sushi bar in Picadilly. The same day he is poisoned.

6.11.2006: Scaramella sends an email to Litvinenko recording that he had been scheduled to meet Ponomarev “at International Maritime Organization” on 30 October. The email is later forwarded to British Euro MP Gerard Batten.

23.11.2006: Litvinenko dies.

24.11.2006: A statement written by Litvinenko accuses President Putin of involvement with his death. Health experts say they now believe Litvinenko was poisoned by radioactive matter, believed to be polonium 210.

19.12.2006: The first of seven members of staff at the Sheraton Hotel, where one of the Russian contacts was known to have stayed, is found to be contaminated with polonium. A second Russian contact is being investigated by German police after traces of polonium are found at properties the contact had used in Hamburg.

7.1.2007: The German newsmagazine Focus publishes a report that Ponomarev died only two days before Litvinenko’s poisoning, and that the day following his death he had been due to meet Scaramella. It bases its report on statements by “relatives” of Igor Ponomarev and claims he had been suffering from extreme thirst just before his death.

8.1.2007: The Sun newspaper in Britain publishes an account similar to Focus, describing the informants as ‘pals’ of Litvinenko.

MSC Napoli salvage progress

2007-01-25T05:17:00.000+01:00

LYME BAY, UK 24 January – Salvors working on the MSC Napoli casualty began pumping oil from the ship's bunker tanks yesterday afternoon into the 5,000-dwt tanker Forth Fisher. The transfer of about 3,500 tonnes of fuel is expected to take 1-2 weeks, weather permitting. Some of the tanks are under water, and salvors will hot tap the oil in those tanks. Oil leakage, estimated at 60-200 tonnes, has only come from the flooded engine room. Meanwhile, the 135-m barge Bigfoot left Rotterdam today with arrival in Lyme Bay expected late on Friday or early on Saturday; the smaller barge from Rouen is expected at the site tonight. The barges will lift the ship's containers and shuttle them to a reception area on shore. 103 containers were lost overboard: 50 are being recovered from the beach, 20 have been located in the sea and a further 33 remain missing. The Napoli was carrying a total of 165 IMO containers: four were lost overboard. However, salvors say sea fastenings remain secure, and transfer of the boxes should begin at the weekend. After the hazardous boxes have been removed, salvors will then identify containers to be taken off to reduce stress on the hull. At that point a decision will be made as to refloating the ship. Weather conditions remain favourable with a northerly wind and calm sea state.

Trasmed suspends Spain-UK service

2007-01-25T05:16:00.000+01:00

BILBAO 24 January – Spanish ferry operator Acciona Trasmediterranea has suspended its service between Bilbao and Portsmouth, UK, until mid-April. The company said it had stopped operations but refused to confirm whether it had taken the decision because of a lack of customers and/or cargo during the winter months. "It is low season and we are taking advantage of this by putting the ship into drydock for annual maintenance," the spokesman said. The sudden suspension of the service comes eight months after it was launched. Acciona Trasmediterranea insisted the service will recommence in the second week of April.

Smit begins salvage work on Napoli

2007-01-23T20:46:00.001+01:00

LYME BAY, UK 23 January – Netherlands-based Smit Salvage has started work to remove bunkers and containers from the stricken MSC Napoli. The company has signed a Lloyd's Open Form salvage agreement and SCOPIC has been invoked. The 5,000-dwt tanker Forth Fisher arrived this morning to take the 3,600 tonnes of bunker fuel pumped from the Napoli's tanks. Salvors now believe the oil will flow through the pipelines and pumping will begin today from the fuel tanks, which remain intact. Meanwhile the salvage work vessel Union Beaver is also at the scene to provide a base for salvage equipment and a diving team. A spokesman today confirmed that 103 containers are no longer on the Napoli, of which 76 have been recovered or located pending recovery. A total of 161 IMO containers are on board, but all are reported to be safe and secure. Work to remove the containers will focus on those in areas where the ship is showing most signs of stress. Two large barges are to be brought to the scene, a 135-m, two-crane barge from Rotterdam and a smaller vessel from Rouen. Boxes will be lifted from the Napoli onto the larger barge, then transferred to the smaller barge for shipment to an as-yet-undetermined shore location. Discharge is expected to begin at the weekend. The salvage team say the site is protected from the northerly winds by the nearby cliffs, and the forecast is for a favourable weather window for the short-term.

Star Cruises gambles on Macau

2007-01-23T20:45:00.000+01:00

SINGAPORE 23 January – Star Cruises, Asia’s largest cruise operator, is to operate a casino in Macau in 2009. The casino will be operated through its subsidiary, New Orisol Investment, in which it has a 75% stake. The cruise ship operator will run the casino in a joint venture with Sociedade de Jogos (SJM), which holds gaming concessions from the Macau government. SJM will pay monthly fees to New Orisol for the casino and its provision of services. The casino is located at Resorts World at Macau, near Nam Van Lake in downtown Macau. Star Cruises, sold 255M subscription shares worth $84M each priced at $0.30 to a collection of private individuals and corporations. Profit Boom Investment, a company belonging to Hong Kong tycoon Stanley Ho bought 120M of the shares. The purchase gives him a 3.53% of the total issued share capital in Star Cruises, sources told Fairplay. Star Cruises also plans to raise another $98M from the sale of share options. The $641M casino project will be funded by a combination of debt, equity capital and bank borrowings. Genting International, the parent company of Star Cruises, recently won a hotly contested bid to build an integrated project that includes gaming in Singapore’s Sentosa Island. The news sent Star Cruises’ shares 48% higher to close at HK$3.74 after they had hit HK$4.16 during the day. The closing figure is well above the 52-week closing high of HK$2.53 of the stock.

Cruise braces for new disability rules

2007-01-23T20:44:00.000+01:00

WASHINGTON, 23 January – The US government yesterday officially staked out its position that passenger vessels – including foreign flag cruise ships – operating in domestic waters are subject to rules regarding accommodations for disabled persons. With a filing in the Federal Register, the Department of Transportation said it will soon propose a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rule that will encompass passenger vessels and that “Issues concerning physical accessibility standards will be addressed at a later time, in conjunction with proposed passenger vessel accessibility guidelines drafted by the Access Board.” The filing cites the 2005 US Supreme Court case – Spector, et al versus Norwegian Cruise Lines – is stating that the DOT feels it has clear authority to issue ADA-based rules on foreign flag vessels, a position that has long been disputed by industry leaders. Contacted by Fairplay, Christine Fischer, spokesman for the Cruise Lines Industry Association, says the industry trade group is studying the filing and will offer comment after they have “digested it”. Holland & Knight maritime attorney Dennis Bryant told Fairplay that he doubts the cruise association will have major objections to the expected rulemaking as it has been very active in the Access Board’s deliberations. Following the board’s closed door meeting last month, Bryant suggests the proposed ADA rule will be released soon.

Bulker aground off Cadiz

2007-01-23T12:51:00.000+01:00

CADIZ 23 January – Spanish maritime authorities are attempting to extract 600 tonnes of bunker fuel from the Bahamas-flagged bulker Ocean Globe, which ran aground last night in the Bay of Cadiz, just outside the Cadiz Bay port, in Southwest Spain. Four tugs are in attendance, safeguarding the casualty and further anti-pollution equipment is being sent to Cadiz. Spanish maritime authorities will this afternoon attempt to refloat the ship, which is carrying 38,000 tonnes of coal. An initial attempt to refloat the vessel at 0600 failed. However Salvamiento Maritimo, Spain's maritime safety agency, said the Ocean Globe faces no risk of sinking as its hull is on the seabed at low tide. The Ocean Globe arrived in Spanish waters from Texas.

South African Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) inaugurated

2007-01-23T12:16:00.001+01:00

17 January 2007

Search and rescue boost for Atlantic and Indian Oceans -
South African Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) inaugurated

Another gap in the effective search and rescue coverage along the coast
of Africa and out into the Indian and Atlantic Oceans has been filled
with the inauguration of a new Maritime Rescue Co ordination Centre
(MRCC) in Cape Town, South Africa.

The MRCC was commissioned, on 16 January 2007, by IMO Secretary-General
Efthimios E. Mitropoulos during an official visit to South Africa.

The commissioning of the Centre was preceded by the formal signing of a
Multilateral Agreement between the Governments of the Comoros,
Madagascar, Mozambique and South Africa on the co-ordination of maritime
search and rescue services in areas adjacent to their coast.

Mr. Mitropoulos, who unveiled a plaque at the new MRCC alongside South
Africa's Transport Minister, Mr. Jeff Radebe, described the centre as
"a major step forward for this country and for this region, but also
for the maritime and shipping world as a whole and for the international
community of seafarers upon whom we all rely so much."

"Situated at the hub of one of the world's busiest trade routes, on
the southern tip of the great continent of Africa, this regional
Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre will plug one of the remaining gaps
in the global search and rescue network and help to put at rest the
minds of all those whose work takes them into its area of coverage,
whether they be deep sea mariners or the 27,000 or more South Africans
employed in the fishing industry," he said, adding that, despite its
benign name, the Cape of Good Hope frequently exposes seafarers to the
extremes of weather and sea conditions.

More than 4,000 ships in transit pass by the Cape of Good Hope every
year as they navigate South Africa's coastline of nearly 3000km.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Ms. Lindiwe Mabuza, Permanent
Representative of South Africa to IMO and High Commissioner for the
Republic of South Africa in London.

In addressing the staff of the Centre, Secretary-General Mitropoulos,
having congratulated them for the humanitarian task they were asked to
perform, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, gave them some
advice: "Never be complacent, never allow routine and boredom to
impair your actions and decisions, never underestimate the seriousness
of any distress incident you handle and never consider any incident to
be the same as others you dealt with in the past - because each has its
own peculiarities and special characteristics that demand special
attention. Remain focused and, every time you co-ordinate a SAR
operation, give your undivided attention to the task in hand. And never
forget that you represent the last hope of those seafarers for whom fate
has in store the bitter experience of a shipwreck. You will be the
first they will thank once rescued and safe on solid ground; and you
will have their eternal gratitude and that of their families."

Fatigue problem avoidable, says DNV

2007-01-23T09:58:00.000+01:00

Tuesday January 23 2007, From Lloyd's List

FATIGUE cracking of the type which caused the water ingress and subsequent abandonment of the MSC Napoli has been recognised as a problem of which operators of larger containerships need to be aware.

Long, narrow vessels such as containerships flex more than many types of ship in a seaway and care needs to be taken with the weight distribution in the cargo holds and tanks to minimise stresses.

They are also subject to torsional stresses in a quartering sea or with a swell on the bow that can contribute to fatigue stresses and even structural failure. Cracking in longitudinals, which have propagated to neighbouring structure and shell plates, have occurred to a number of large container vessels — not necessarily old ships.

Alerting owners to such problems, classification society Det Norske Veritas last October pointed out that side shell fatigue “had been of concern for some time”, with fatigue life on some designs found to be less than 10 years on some ships operating in particularly harsh conditions.

In its regular Container Ship Update, DNV, which happens to be the class society for the stricken British ship, suggests that regular visual inspection by ship staff, in areas where fatigue cracking is most likely, is a sensible precaution.

The society has developed a scheme, the Planned Inspection and Maintenance System, under which a ship-specific hull inspection manual would be produced for a containership, while ship’s staff would be trained to identify the first signs of fatigue cracking, along with a reporting system.

Using this system, a fatigue crack was discovered on a ship less than five years old. It is pointed out that such an inspection regime can be critical, as by the time a crack visibly manifests itself, some 90% of the fatigue life of the structure has elapsed.

Investigation into the causes of the incident are also expected to inquire whether the full sea speed grounding of the vessel on a coral reef in 2001 under its previous CMA CGM ownership might have some bearing on the subsequent structural problems.

The vessel, which was severely damaged in its forepart after being ashore on a pinnacle for nearly two months, was repaired in Vietnam and was bought by Zodiac soon after.

MSC Napoli bunker removal delayed

2007-01-23T07:19:00.001+01:00

SIDMOUTH, UK 22 January – Salvors hoping to begin pumping oil from the stranded container ship MSC Napoli today have faced technical problems that have delayed operations until tomorrow. The ship was beached at the weekend in Lyme Bay, off the UK south coast, after cracks developed in its hull on Thursday during a voyage from Antwerp to Sines. Flooding of the engine room appears to be the cause of the sheen of oil spreading from the vessel, but the oil is breaking up and dissipating. A report issued early this morning by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said there was "increasing confidence" that no major bunker tanks have been breached. More than 150 containers have been lost overboard; of these, 63 have been identified and their positions plotted. The contents and stowage positions of almost all the remaining 2,100 containers of the cargo manifest have also been identified. MSC Napoli's stern is fast in the sand, but its bow has been stabilised by an anchor to prevent it moving in the tide. The ship has developed a 25 degree list in high water, reducing to 18 degree in low water. The 26 crew members were winched from their lifeboat by Royal Navy helicopters and taken to safety.

Inspectors on QE2 as norovirus hits

2007-01-23T07:18:00.001+01:00

LOS ANGELES 22 January – Epidemiologists from the Centers for Disease Control are among the crew and passengers aboard the cruise ship Queen Elizabeth 2 as it arrives in San Pedro, California, today amid concern over a norovirus outbreak. So far, 16% of the ship's passengers have been affected. The CDC in Atlanta – which monitors cruise ship sanitation - says that by late last week, more than 260 of the ship’s 1,652 passengers and 26 of its thousand crew members had fallen ill during the vessel’s round-the-world cruise that began in Southampton on 2 January. The CDC team boarded the ship in Acapulco, its last call before LA, and conducted inspections and inquiries during the brief transit to the US. Spokesmen at Carnival-owned Cunard Line, the vessel’s operator, have told the media that sanitation procedures were immediately elevated following first signs of the outbreak, the first this year, and that reports of new cases are subsiding. Of those passengers and crew reporting symptoms of the illness, 14 were placed in isolation last week, the CDC says, adding that the first complaints of symptoms came within three days of the vessel’s departure as it was en route to New York on the cruise’s first leg.

Salvors push for EU meeting

2007-01-23T07:17:00.001+01:00

LONDON 22 January – Salvors are seeking a meeting with EU maritime affairs commissioner Joe Borg to push their case for new maritime emergency response measures. These proposals, as set out by the International Salvage Union, call for commercial arrangements between the European Maritime Safety Agency and salvors to run in parallel with steps already taken by EMSA to reinforce spill clean-up capability; a fund for environmental awards to reward salvors who, as a consequence of rendering salvage assistance to shipping casualties, prevent or minimise pollution in EU coastal zones; the use of this fund to compensate and reward coastal communities providing places of refuge for ship casualties; and the introduction of EU-wide responder immunity for salvors. The IMO’s Bunker Spills Convention excludes responder immunity, despite the fact that salvors have to confront the threat of environmental damage from bunkers in almost every salvage case, the ISU argues. The ISU is drafting guidelines for best practice regarding marine casualty management, which it hopes the EU will adopt, and is calling for salvage tugs to provide a guaranteed level of protection for all the EU coasts rather than relying on chance. Tug availability needs to be monitored, the organisation says, along with an inventory of tug and equipment.

MSC Napoli may head for Lyme Bay

2007-01-22T10:10:00.000+01:00

SOUTHAMPTON 19 January – The cracked container ship MSC Napoli may be towed to Lyme Bay, off the UK’s south coast, and contracted salvor Smit International is understood to be mobilizing maritime salvage equipment from the Netherlands. The 4,700-teu Napoli is currently making its way up the English Channel under tow by the French tug Abeille Bourbon, with escort from the UK tug Anglian Princess. There are 2,394 containers on board, some carrying industrial and agricultural chemicals. Robin Middleton, the UK Secretary of State’s Representative for Salvage and Intervention said he has been working with the French government and salvors “to carry out a risk assessment of the various options available to us”. The most favourable option is to tow the vessel to a sheltered location where the salvage operation to remove the containers or make out temporary repairs can be carried out. The Maritime and Coastguard Agency Counter Pollution and Response branch will be working with the Salvage Consortium and other agencies to minimise any risk of pollution or damage to the environment.

Cruise vessel freed from Plate

2007-01-22T10:09:00.000+01:00

BUENOS AIRES 19 January – Pullmantur’s 46,000-gt cruise ship Sky Wonder (until last year P&O Cruises Australia’s Pacific Sky) was refloated yesterday in a 20-hour operation in the River Plate. The vessel departed from Buenos Aires on Wednesday evening but was pushed out of the navigation channel by strong winds about 7km from the Argentine port. There were 570 crew and 1,612 mostly-Brazilian passengers on board. With the aid of three tugs and a favourable tide, the Wonder was freed at 1530 local time; after inspection, it continued its passage to Punta del Este, Uruguay. Argentine coastguards told Fairplay the grounded cruise ship did not obstruct the main channel – large container ships arrived at and departed from Buenos Aires unhindered. As Pacific Sky, the vessel ran aground south of Noumea in September 2005, lost cruises through gearbox failure in May 2005, suffered a blown boiler valve and engine breakdown in November 2004, and in March 2003 was found to have “very, very serious” corrosion that was so bad that some internal bulkheads had parted from the hull. Last year Pullmantur was taken over by Royal Caribbean Cruises.

MSC crew rescued from holed boxship

2007-01-18T18:56:00.001+01:00

ENGLISH CHANNEL 18 January – All 26 crew of the container ship MSC Napoli have been picked up from their lifeboat by rescue helicopters today after they abandoned ship in the English Channel. The 4,700-teu vessel sustained damage to its hull from an unconfirmed cause this morning. The engine room was reported to have flooded and the ship began to list, prompting a distress call from a position in the French search and rescue area, 45n-miles off the Lizard peninsula in Southwest England. A French salvage team is now on board the Napoli and will try to attach a line to one of the emergency towage vessels at the scene. Fairplay understands that all containers on board remain safely secured. The 1991-built Napoli is registered in the UK; it is owned and managed by London-based Zodiac Maritime Agencies and operated by Mediterranean Shipping Co. It departed from Antwerp and was outbound for the Far East when it ran into severe gale force 9 winds and 8-9m swell. There is no indication of what caused the hole in the hull and no reports of injury to the seafarers.

Celebrity Legionnaires win slashed

2007-01-18T18:55:00.001+01:00

NEW YORK 18 January – Royal Caribbean Cruises's $193M jury victory in the Legionnaires' lawsuit has been largely reversed. The long-running legal dispute stems from the 1994 outbreak of Legionnaires' disease aboard Celebrity Cruises' Horizon (now the Island Star), in which one passenger died and the cruise line suffered significant negative publicity. A defective filter in the hot-tub system was ultimately determined to be the cause, prompting Celebrity to sue manufacturer Essef, a company that was sold to Pentair in 1999. Last June, a jury awarded RCCL (through subsidiary Celebrity) a massive $193M award for lost profits, loss of business enterprise value and expenses. At the time, Pentair said it would appeal the decision; this week US magistrate Judge James Francis has ruled against Celebrity. According to a statement by Pentair, the judge dismissed the $135M claim for lost enterprise value and granted Essef the right for a new trial on the lost profits claims of $47.6M. The judge said that Essef would still be required to pay Celebrity $10.4M for out-of-pocket expenses.

Combined safety, security centre opened

2007-01-17T05:13:00.000+01:00

CUXHAVEN 16 January – The German government inaugurated a new central maritime safety and security centre, ‘GLZ See’, in Cuxhaven on the North Sea today. The new facility combines various agencies including the Central Command for Maritime Emergencies, the control centres of the waterways police and Customs department and shipping administration under one umbrella. They will be “working together much more closely than in the past”, German state secretary Jörg Hennerkes emphasised at the inauguration ceremony this morning. The ‘GLZ See’ acts as a co-ordination centre with all participating agencies maintaining their official independence. Although critics have pointed out that the new entity cannot match the capabilities of an integrated coastguard, Hennerkes defended the concept as “a reliable platform for crisis response”.

Officers killed as boxship hits ferry

2007-01-16T18:08:00.001+01:00

MESSINA 16 January – Four officers on an Italian high-speed ferry were killed yesterday evening when the vessel was in collision with a container ship in the Strait of Messina between Sicily and the Italian mainland. Reports say at least 80 of the ferry's 130 passengers were injured when the bow of the Susan Borchard smashed into the bridge and mid-section. Many passengers panicked and jumped into the sea. The Segesta Jet is operated by the state rail company Rete Ferroviaria and was approaching Messina after a crossing from Villa San Giovanni (Calabria). It was carrying commuters and students. Although it remains unclear what caused the collision, observers appear to be in no doubt that the container ship hit the ferry; the captain of Messina port has been quoted as suggesting that a third vessel was close to the scene at the time. The dead are the Segesta Jet’s captain, 54-year-old Sebastiano Mafodda; engineer Marcello Sposito (41), and navigating officers Lauro Palmiro (50) and Domenico Zona (42). None of the Susan Borchard's crew was injured, and the ship is now in Messina. Reports say it will take much of the day to stabilise the casualty after water was pumped on board to extinguish the fire. Four investigations are now underway.

Star's Indian venture struggling

2007-01-16T07:58:00.001+01:00

MUMBAI 15 January – Star Cruises has posted a loss on its first Indian season and warns of an expected shortfall in its current season. The operator launched a series of cruises on the 42,000-gt, 1,800-berth Superstar Libra from Mumbai in September 2005. However, a combination of factors including heavy taxation and occupancy that averaged about 50% led to a loss for the period October 2005 to March 2006 of Rs750M ($17M). Star’s vice president sales and marketing Jean Teo has warned that the current season (October 2006-March 2007) will also show a deficit. The company has urged the Indian government to waive excise duty and some other taxes, as happened in Singapore, Star’s home port. To raise occupancy, Star is pulling the long trips to Lakshadweep and Goa and introducing short cruises that have proved popular among Indian tourists. The government has set up a powerful steering group led by shipping minister TR Baalu to draft a cruise policy to encourage foreign investment in the Indian cruise sector.

P&O's Bilbao vessel charter extended

2007-01-16T07:57:00.000+01:00

PORTSMOUTH 15 January – DP World's ferry subsidiary P&O Ferries has extended the charter of the 1986-built 37,583-gt Pride of Bilbao for a further three years from October 2007. The vessel has been on charter from owner Irish Continental Group since the mid-1990s for the Portsmouth-Bilbao run. The move scotches fears for the future of the service after longstanding rival Brittany Ferries (Plymouth-Santander) was joined by newcomer Acciona Trasmediterranea (also Portsmouth-Bilbao) on the UK-north Spain route. A P&O spokesman confirmed that in another charter arrangement the chartered fast ferry Express, which operates on P&O’s Irish Sea routes between Larne and Cairnryan/Troon, has been contracted for another five years from October 2007. The Express is owned by Buquebus.

Spill battle after bulker breaks up

2007-01-15T12:38:00.000+01:00

BERGEN 15 January – Norwegian authorities have spent the weekend fighting to control an oil spill from a Handysize bulker that ran aground and broke up on Friday. The 33,333-dwt Cyprus-registered Server was in ballast en route for Murmansk when it sailed close to Norway's west coast to enable a sick member of the crew to be taken off. In heavy weather the vessel ran aground and broke in two at about 2300. The 25 seafarers on board were rescued by tugs and helicopters. The vessel had 582 tonnes of bunker oil and 72 tonnes of diesel on board at the time of the incident, and it is estimated that about 270 tonnes of fuel have leaked into the sea. Norwegian broadcasting company NRK said a major operation is underway to combat the pollution. The bow section has now been towed to Hjeltefjorden. The Server is owned by Avena Shipping in Limassol, and is operated and managed by Dalnave Navigation in Athens, Greece. The ship’s captain has ruled out engine trouble, but declined to disclose details pending an inquiry.

Richard Sadler steps up at LR

2007-01-12T14:42:00.000+01:00

LONDON 12 January – Richard Sadler, currently Director of Lloyd’s Register EMEA, has been appointed chief executive of the Lloyd’s Register Group. The appointment takes effect on 1 July, by which time Sadler will have full executive responsibility for the organisation. David Moorhouse will remain chairman of LR. Sadler has a degree in naval architecture and holds a post-graduate diploma of welding technology. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineers and a Member of the Royal Institution of Naval Architects. He joined LR in 1976, working in the marine, industrial and offshore sectors before moving on to a number of overseas postings. He held a number of managerial roles before becoming marine general manager of Lloyd’s Register’s London operations in 2000. After two years as director of ship asset management with the Royal Bank of Scotland, Sadler returned to head up LR’s EMEA division. Moorhouse welcomed Sadler’s “unique understanding of the technical, operational and commercial issues that the classification, management systems and asset risk management sectors face as a whole.”

Grimaldi makes mandatory offer for Finnlines

2007-01-12T14:41:00.000+01:00

NAPLES 12 January – Naples, Italy-based ro-ro shipping group Grimaldi has launched a mandatory offer for Finnlines, the Finnish roro and port group, after its holding in the company exceeded 50%. Grimaldi will offer €17.00 ($22.10) in cash for each share in Finnlines in the offer, which it expects to launch on 22 January and is forecast to run for four weeks. A Finnlines statement said the directors would give their recommendation according to the Securities Market Act after the tender offer document has been released. A Grimaldi offer in the autumn was rejected, but the Italians acquired a further 1.5M shares on 29 December, giving them 20.4M Finnlines shares, representing a 50.1% stake

Costa targets French cruisers

2007-01-12T14:38:00.000+01:00

MARSEILLES 12 January – Costa Cruises, Carnival Corp's Italian brand, is to boost its presence in France and expects a 30% increase in the number of passengers carried this year to 150,000. "This will be a significant share of the French cruise market, which is estimated at about 250,000 passengers a year," a cruise analyst in Paris said. To show its commitment to the French market, the second largest for the company after Italy, Costa is to take the rare step of christening a new vessel, the 3,780-passenger Costa Serena, in Marseilles on 19 May. Costa intends to strengthen its presence at Marseilles during the year, expecting to place 30 calls representing about 90,000 passengers. The company strengthened its links with the port in 1996 when it began a series of frequent visits with its Costa Classica class. In total, Marseilles expects to handle more than 400,000 cruise passengers in 2007. The port's cruise growth was slowed by the bankruptcy of former client Festival Cruises, ROC and Renaissance Cruises but recovery is underway and Marseilles officials expect to handle 1M cruise passengers by 2010.

Singapore powers ahead

2007-01-11T21:35:00.002+01:00

SINGAPORE 11 January – Singapore’s maritime sector continued to power ahead with container volumes, bunker sales and the ship registry maintaining the momentum of recent years. PSA's terminals and Jurong port in the west of the island together handled 24.8M teu in 2006, nearly 7% more than in 2005, transport minister Raymond Lim disclosed yesterday. Separately PSA announced today that its Singapore terminals had handled 23.9M teu in 2006, a growth of 7.6% over the 2005 throughput. The numbers place Singapore well ahead of Hong Kong, stamping its status as the world’s biggest container port in terms of volumes handled. Fairplay understands that Hong Kong, which conceded top place to Singapore in 2005, handled 23.4M teu in 2006. Bunker sales rose by 11% to 28.4M tonnes while the ship registry grew 5.6% to 34.8Mgt. Citing Singapore’s progress as a base for shipping in Asia, Lim noted that the UNCTAD report for 2006 placed Singapore as the “10th most important maritime nation” in terms of vessel tonnage controlled. The government will continue to support shipping, the minister affirmed.

Tokyo calls for Mogamigawa answers

2007-01-11T21:35:00.001+01:00

TOYKO 11 January – The Japanese government has called for a full investigation into how a US nuclear-powered submarine managed to hit a VLCC on Monday night in the Strait of Hormuz. The ‘K’ Line tanker Mogamigawa sustained damage to a ballast tank about 70m from its stern, but there were no injuries to seafarers on either vessel. Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki was quoted yesterday as saying that the cause of the collision was still under investigation and it was too early to place the blame. Shiozaki said Japan was informed that US Central Command was engaged in operations for maritime security in the area when the incident occurred and that the bow of the USS Newport News had been damaged. Divers inspected the tanker’s ballast tank No.5 while the ship was at Khor Fakkan yesterday and confirmed there was one dent 10m long x 3.5m wide with two holes, about 20cm x 10cm and 40cm x 20cm; another dent 4m long x 2m wide with three holes, about 10cm x 5cm, 10cm x 5cm and 20cm x 10cm; a third dent measuring 10m x 2m. The holes have been plugged and flooding of the ballast tank stopped. ClassNK has recommended that permanent repairs should be carried out by 9 February after cargo has been unloaded. Mogamigawa departed from Khor Fakkan last night and is expected to arrive in Singapore on 20 January. No repair yard has yet been selected.

Aker sets up Asian foothold

2007-01-11T21:34:00.000+01:00

OSLO 11 January – Aker Yards, Europe's largest shipbuilder, is to set up a joint venture shipyard in Vietnam to construct offshore vessels. Aker's partner, Singapore-based Amanda Group will take a 30% stake in the venture. The shipyard will be located in Vung Tau in the heart of Vietnam's growing offshore operations. “Aker Yards will invest $16M over a period of three years. The yard will deliver the first vessel in 2009, and in full operation will have an annual capacity of three or four vessels, dependent of vessel type and size,” the company said. Aker Yards currently has 17 shipyards, of which the Aker Yards Promar in Niteroi, Brazil, is the only one outside Europe. This yard builds offshore vessels for the Brazilian market. At the end of 3Q06, Aker Yards had 74 offshore and specialist vessels on order, with 13 new orders won at that quarter alone. However, the combined value of new orders in the quarter fell to NK1.5Bn ($245M) from NK4.7Bn in the same period in 2005. The company predicted a slight softening of the market for platform supply vessels due to a big orderbook, but forecast that the demand for other types of offshore vessels, such as anchor handlers, would continue strong.

Russians stand firm on Druzhba

2007-01-11T07:13:00.000+01:00

MOSCOW 10 January – Russian officials have told a delegation from Belarus there can be no resumption of crude oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline unless the Minsk government withdraws its transit fee hike. Belarus had been charging a nominal transit fee to Russian pipeline operator Transneft until last week, when it raised the fee substantially. Minsk officials did this in retaliation for the Moscow decision to end the duty-free regime for oil crossing the border, and impose a $180.70 per tonne export duty on crude from Russian producers. The duty-free regime originated in 1995, when the export duty was to be charged at Belarus’s western border, and the proceeds divided between the Belarus and Russian government budgets, 15% to the former, 85% to the latter. In 2001, Belarus abandoned the scheme, Russian officials claim, adding that more than $3.5Bn in revenues have been foregone by the Russian treasury, amounting to a subsidy to Belarus refining and export of petroleum products. Of the 1.3M barrels a day of crude Transneft piped across Belarus, about 400,000 barrels went to the Belarus refineries, and almost 1M barrels went on to Germany, Poland and other central European destinations. Russian producers may divert about half of this to domestic Russian refineries, and route another 200,000 barrels for export through the Black Sea or Baltic, where unseasonably warm weather currently allows an increase in tanker loadings.

Agents shocked by Paranagua praise

2007-01-11T07:12:00.000+01:00

PARANAGUA 10 January – Ship agents in the southern Brazil port of Paranagua say they are “shocked” by news that government ministers view the port as a model for others to follow. A visit to the port by home office minister Dilma Rousseff and Paulo Bernardo from the planning ministry followed a series of investigations of the port authority and its president, Eduardo Requiao, by the federal accounting court (Tribunal de Contas de Uniao - TCU). These revealed that the port authority had failed, among other things, to carry out necessary dredging or provide for the export of genetically-modified soya. Instead of supporting these findings, Rousseff was quoted by Brazilian media and in port press releases as saying: “[The port authority] is a model of port management that can take as an example to follow,” adding that Paranagua is a paragon of “flexibility, modernity and efficiency” that “has undergone revolutionary change.” Paranagua port president Eduardo Requiao commented that the advances achieved by the port meant that Brazil could be offered “a new option in port management.” Agents contacted by Fairplay said they could not understand why the court’s thorough – and deeply critical – findings had been swept aside.

Hormuz 'normal' after collision

2007-01-11T07:11:00.000+01:00

BAHRAIN 10 January – Vessel movement through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has been reported as normal following Monday’s collision between a US nuclear submarine and ‘K’ Line VLCC Mogamigawa. According to an unnamed Omani government official, the collision occurred outside Omani waters and satellite images showed no signs of a spill. An official statement issued by the US Naval Central Command in Bahrain confirmed the collision and said the submarine’s nuclear propulsion plant was not damaged. “The USS Newport was under water when it hit the oil tanker. Apparently, there were no injuries,” said Lieutenant Denise Garcia, spokesman of the US Navy in Bahrain. The double-hull Mogamigawa arrived at Khor Fakkan at 1310 yesterday and inspection by a diver commenced two hours later. A 1m x 5m dent was found on the bottom of No 5 ballast tank, with a hole measuring 10cm x 35cm. There were additional scratches. Temporary repair work was made to stop sea water flowing into the ballast tank. Further inspection was carried out by a diver this morning and a repair plan was to be determined after this inspection.

Chin to push Singapore's ambitions

2007-01-11T07:10:00.000+01:00

SINGAPORE 10 January – Singapore Maritime Foundation, a private sector initiative to promote Singapore as an International Maritime Centre, has appointed trade and industry veteran David Chin as its new executive director. Chin, who replaces Teh Kong Leong, had retired recently as Director-General in the trade and industry ministry. “He [Chin] is the architect of the Approved International Shipping scheme and is eminently suitable to carry the IMC vision forward,” SMF chairman SS Teo told Fairplay. The scheme, which involves tax breaks over a specified time frame, has proved to be popular. Chin was also employed with shipyard group Keppel. Teo added Teh had resigned to pursue other interests. “We are parting ways,” Teh told without elaborating. Teh, 54, who had served in senior positions in Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority and shipping company NOL, joined SMF as executive director in January 2005. SMF is backed and partly funded by the Maritime and Port Authority, which has been designated as the “champion” agency to promote the government’s IMC objective.

Aker re-engines links with Celebrity

2007-01-11T07:07:00.000+01:00

PARIS 10 January – Aker Yards France is working hard to build its relationship with Celebrity Cruises and hopes the installation of Aker-built Wärtsilä Diesel engines in two of the four Millennium-class vessels will help. Aker took over Alstom-Chantiers de l’Atlantique last year at a time of tension between Alstom and Celebrity over problems with podded propulsion units. Now the French ship and engine builder is constructing diesel engines to be installed into Celebrity’s Millennium and Constellation at Sobrena ship repair yard in Brest, France, in April and May. The new engines will enable Celebrity to make considerable cost savings by burning fuel oil in port instead of expensive diesel oil. Four Millennium-class ships built by Alstom-Chantiers de l’Atlantique between 2000 and 2002 were powered by Co-Gaz Electric Stream engines, featuring General Electric gas turbines burning diesel oil. Aker is confident it will also win the contract to install diesel engines on the third and fourth ships in the series, the Summit and Infinity; Royal Caribbean’s Radiance-class ships – Brilliance of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas and Serenade of the Seas – are also to have a diesel engine installed.

Trasmed cuts Cadiz-Canaries service

2007-01-10T09:49:00.001+01:00

CADIZ 09 January – In a major shake up of its Canary Island services, Spanish ferry operator Acciona Trasmediterranea will this week move two of its largest ferries, the Superfast Andalucia and the Superfast Canarias, from Cadiz to the ports of Barcelona and Valencia. Cadiz is expected to lose up to 600 trucks a week currently using Trasmed's services to the Canary Islands. The move has sparked outrage from Cadiz's freight forwarder’s association, which claims it will lose up to three-quarters of its existing maritime trade and hundreds of jobs. Acciona Trasmediterranea’s decision to transfer the two ferries to ports closer to Spain’s major industrial and service production areas has not affected the position of the ferries Sorolla and Galicia, which will continue to serve the Canary Islands from Cadiz.

New Barcelona chairman

2007-01-10T09:48:00.000+01:00

BARCELONA 09 January – Catalan socialist politician Jordi Valls i Riera has been appointed chairman of Barcelona Port Authority. His appointment follows the departure of his predecessor, Joaquim Coello, last month. Valls i Riera, a senior member of the Catalan Socialist party, PSC, ran the Catalan regional government's work and industry department last year. Prior to his stint in government office, he was mayor of Manresa, a town near Barcelona. According to the APB, Valls i Riera will continue the policies of Coello, who instigated the restructure of the road haulier system at Barcelona and called for Barcelona to be run like a private company with less central government interference. Valls i Riera became chairman of the port authority on 22 December, but he will officially take up his new executive position tomorrow.

Fears over P&O’s Bilbao route

2007-01-10T09:46:00.000+01:00

PORTSMOUTH 09 January – An announcement is expected next week regarding the future of P&O Ferries’ Portsmouth-Bilbao route against the background of growing fears that it might be axed. The vessel employed on the route, the Pride of Bilbao, is chartered from Irish Ferries’ parent, the Irish Continental Group, and the current charter period ends in October. Both parties are required to make clear their plans in terms of whether P&O wishes to continue the service or whether ICG is open to the ship continuing to be chartered out. There are reports that P&O is only breaking even or at best making a small profit on the route. If ICG does not want the ship back, the future could hinge on agreeing a charter rate that reflects the economic situation and the increased competition on the northern Spain-UK route from Acciona Trasmediterranea and Brittany Ferries. This will be the first ferry-related challenge for DP World, the new owner of P&O following their take over last year.

Miguel Palomares: New Director of the IMO's Marine Environment Division

2007-01-08T16:11:00.000+01:00

Mr. Miguel Palomares of Spain has stepped up to become Director of the Secretariat’s Marine Environment Division, at the UN's IMO, following the retirement of Mr. Jean-Claude Sainlos.

Mr. Stefan Micallef of Malta becomes Deputy Director of that Division and Head of its Sub-Division for Pollution Response and Technical Co-operation Co-ordination.

Congratulations to Miguel and Stefan, and all the best for Jean-Claude. We'll all miss him.

Enhanced focus on maritime security in IMO Secretariat

2007-01-08T16:03:00.000+01:00

IMO Secretary-General, Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, has established a new sub-division within the IMO Secretariat’s Maritime Safety Division to reinforce the high priority given by the Organization to matters of maritime security.

The new sub-division will provide a stronger focus on security matters and will address the complimentary issue of facilitation of maritime traffic, under the leadership of Mr. Nicolaos Charalambous of Cyprus, who becomes Deputy Director.

Announcing the formation of the new sub-division, Mr. Mitropoulos said that it reflected the continuing need for the Organization, and the maritime world as a whole, to sustain efforts to enhance and improve levels of security in all aspects of ship and port operations, while at the same time facilitating the innocent movement of people and goods by ships.

Beca del COIN en la Representación Permanente de España ante la OMI

2007-01-08T08:01:00.000+01:00

El Colegio Oficial de Ingenieros Navales y Oceánicos convoca una beca para colaborar con la Representación Permanente de España ante la Organización Marítima Internacional :

CONVOCATORIA
BECA DEL COLEGIO OFICIAL DE INGENIEROS NAVALES Y OCEANICOS
EN LA REPRESENTACION PERMANENTE DE ESPAÑA ANTE LA
ORGANIZACIÓN MARITIMA INTERNACIONAL

El Colegio Oficial de Ingenieros Navales y Oceánicos convoca una beca para colaborar con la
representación permanente de España ante la Organización Marítima Internacional bajo las
siguientes premisas:
• CONDICIONES
o Ingeniero Naval o Ingeniero Naval y Oceánico recién titulado con no más de tres años de
experiencia profesional.
o Alumno de ETSIN-UPM, EPS-UC o ETSINO-UPCt a falta de la presentación del
proyecto final de carrera o como máximo a falta de menos de 2 asignaturas para acabar
la carrera y estar en disposición de presentar el proyecto final de carrera
o Dominio del idioma inglés (se realizará prueba escrita y oral entre los días 31 de Enero y
1 de Febrero de 2007).
o Realizará una entrevista personal
• CARACTERISTICAS
o Duración de la beca: 12 meses
o Compromiso personal de cumplir este período en su totalidad
o El becario deberá estar colegiado, ser aspirante a colegiado o asociado estudiante
o Trabajo: Colaborador Técnico del Representante Permanente de España en la
Organización Marítima Internacional.
o Lugar de trabajo: Embajada Española en Londres.
o Dependencia orgánica: Oficina de Gestión del Colegio.
o Dependencia funcional: Grupo de trabajo del PAT-14 de la COIN-AINE
o Dotación: 1.600 euros/mes y hasta 3 viajes ida y vuelta al lugar de residencia.
o El becario no tendrá relaciones laborales con la Embajada de España en Londres.
o Incorporación: 12 de Febrero de 2007.
o Fecha de adjudicación, en su caso, de la beca: 2 Febrero 2007.
• VENTAJAS
o Plataforma indiscutible de futura promoción en organismos internacionales.
o Formación en normativas de construcción naval, seguridad marítima y polución marítima.
o Buena formación para futuros inspectores de buques.
o Contacto con personalidades internacionales de primer nivel del campo naval.
o Participación en los comités de trabajo y subcomités de la OMI.
o Colaboración con personal de la Dirección General de la Marina Mercante.
o Colaboración con personal de astilleros y empresas españolas interesadas en OMI.
o Se dispondrá de un seguro durante la estancia.
o Oportunidad única para su carrera profesional.
o Conocimiento en profundidad de la Agencia especializada del sistema de Naciones
Unidas dedicada a asuntos marítimos.
o Oportunidad para dominar el inglés técnico-marítimo.
o Condiciones de trabajo flexibles en un entorno agradable.
o Cooperación con el personal de la Secretaría de la OMI.
• DESVENTAJAS
o La dotación de la beca puede no cubrir la totalidad de gastos de alojamiento y
manutención.
• DOCUMENTACIÓN A PRESENTAR
Los interesados deberán enviar la siguiente documentación al Servicio de Orientación
Profesional del Ingeniero Naval (S.O.P.I.N.) antes del 20 Enero del 2.007:
a) Fotocopia del Carnet de Identidad.
b) Certificado de estudios en el que consten necesariamente:
- El título y la especialidad del candidato.
- El Centro o los Centros donde se realizó la carera.
- La fecha de comienzo y de conclusión de los estudios.
- Las calificaciones obtenidas en todas y cada una de las asignaturas, con
indicación de la fecha de la convocatoria en la que se obtuvieron. Cuando en el
expediente figuren asignaturas convalidadas, se aportará documentación
aclaratoria de tal circunstancia, en la que figuren el Centro donde las cursó, las
calificaciones obtenidas y la fecha en que las aprobó.
c) Una exposición de los conocimientos informáticos que se posean (lenguajes,
programación, etc.) y forma en que se obtuvieron esos conocimientos.
d) El nivel de conocimientos de idiomas, indicando cuáles se hablan: muy bien,
bien, regular, se traducen: muy bien, bien, regular, y/o se leen: muy bien, bien,
regular.
e) Una relación de méritos académicos y de actividades desarrolladas, que sean
complementarios de los estudios que facultan a presentar la solicitud,
acompañada de las fotocopias de la documentación que los acredite.
Cuando se trate de cursos de especialización, máster, seminarios, etc…, se
indicará la denominación de los mismos, el Centro donde se realizaron y el
número de horas de que constaban.
En caso de publicaciones, deberá especificarse el título, personas que
colaboraron en cada una de ellas y el tipo de publicación.
Si se trata de prácticas relacionadas con la profesión antes de la obtención del
título se deberá indicar el nombre de la empresa donde se realizaron y el
período en que se desarrollaron.

Para cualquier aclaración podrán dirigirse a: D. Carlos Arias Rodrigo (shipcar@terra.es)
======================================

Korean yards brace for slowdown

2007-01-07T07:27:00.000+01:00

SEOUL 03 January – South Korean shipbuilders including the world’s biggest builder, Hyundai Heavy Industries, are bracing for a slowdown in newbuilding orders this year. Massive orders secured in 2006 (about 20M CGT) could act as a break for orders in 2007, HHI chief executive KS Choi warned in his New Year speech. Choi also cited currency appreciation against the dollar, volatile steel and oil prices and a possible increase in labour costs as negative factors for the shipbuilding business. Samsung Heavy Industries CEO JW Kim agreed, expressing concern that the price of thick plate steel would be hiked. Daewoo Shipbuilding CEO ST Nam expects further erosion of the dollar and prices of raw materials to rise further. Yards are expected to enhance productivity and increase automation in areas such as welding, shipbuilding sources told Fairplay. Alternatives to oil such as bio-fuel could also be considered. Meanwhile, Hyundai affiliate Samho shipyard has targeted 45 newbuilding orders valued at $4.6Bn for 2007. The yard, which will soon begin to build ships “on-ground”, aims to deliver 28 ships valued at W2.6Trn ($2.8Bn) this year.

Newcomer to head up UK's MCA

2007-01-07T07:26:00.000+01:00

SOUTHAMPTON 03 January – The new chief executive of the UK’s Maritime & Coastguard Agency will be a newcomer to the maritime industry. Peter Cardy, a keen yachtsman who has spent the past five years as head of MacMillan Cancer Support, will take over in May when the acting CEO, John Astbury, steps down. Cardy was chosen in open competition by a selection panel that included former MCA chief executive Maurice Storey – who is the current president of the Chamber of Shipping – and Robert Devereux, director general road transport, aviation and shipping at the Department for Transport. In an initial statement, Cardy, who has spent most of his working life spearheading the work of volunteers, commented that he “looks forward to working with all the staff of the Agency, including the volunteers in the Coastguard Rescue Service, to protect the sea and all those who use it.”

Warm welcome as HAL goes home

2007-01-07T07:25:00.000+01:00

ROTTERDAM 05 January – Carnival Corp subsidiary Holland America Line is to reopen for business in the Dutch city of Rotterdam, 36 years after ending its trans-Atlantic operations. HAL’s new regional head office will be close to its old base at Wilhelminapier, near the city centre. The HAL Beheer branch office at Spijkenisse, which employs masters, officers and managers for the company, will be transferred to the head office; they will be joined by a marketing team. HAL allowed Rotterdam mayor Ivo Opstelten to break the news in his New Year speech; more details will emerge at a 28 February press briefing. Two years ago HAL chief executive Stein Kruse suggested the operator might boost its presence in Europe to attract more European passengers, and said Rotterdam was one of the locations being considered. Since then the Cruise Port Rotterdam marketing team, under MD Mai Elmar, have worked hard to persuade HAL to return home. Rotterdam’s cruise terminal was formerly HAL’s departure and arrivals hall for its trans-Atlantic sailings. Fittingly, the first HAL vessel to call at Rotterdam this year will be the 59,652-gt 1997-built, Rotterdam-registered Rotterdam on 23 June. The operator uses its Dutch heritage as a marketing tool, and will soon to able to add a Dutch regional office.

Carnival orders yet again

2007-01-07T07:24:00.000+01:00

MIAMI 03 January – Carnival Corp continues its bullish newbuilding pace, announcing a fresh order for a P&O post-Panamax at Fincantieri. The 116,000-gt, 3,076-passenger P&O newbuilding will be delivered in spring 2010 at a cost of €535M ($707M), with that ship taking the building slot previously allocated to a 130,000-gt newbuilding for Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL), which will now be delivered in spring 2011. Carnival chairman Micky Arison said the P&O-CCL switch was not related to a change in market conditions, but rather, due to contract timing. “It had been our intention all along to schedule delivery of the P&O ship for 2010 and the CCL vessel for 2011. However, because we completed the agreement for the CCL newbuilding first, we temporarily placed it in the first available slot pending finalisation of the P&O agreement.” The additional P&O newbuilding will bring that brand’s fleet to seven vessels, including five existing ships and the Ventura to be delivered in April 2008. Following today’s announcement, Carnival Corp now has 20 ships on order, 14 of which are being constructed by its favoured partner Fincantieri, which sealed contracts for eight new Carnival Corp vessels, valued at nearly €3.5Bn ($4.6Bn) during 2006.

Star closes NCL financing

2007-01-07T07:23:00.000+01:00

MIAMI 03 January – Star Cruises has infused $200M in new equity into subsidiary Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and secured a $610M credit facility for its North American brand. According to documents filed with US and Asian regulators, the credit facility refinances two existing loans secured by the Norwegian Dawn and Norwegian Sun and is available in two tranches of $510M and $100M. The new credit facility was underwritten by DnB, Citibank, Commerzbank, KfW, Norddeutsche Landesbank Girozentrale and Nordea Bank Norge. The new loan contains a specific obligation that the Lim family maintains 51% control of Star (it currently controls over 87%), mandating default in the event of a sale of a majority stake in the company. Separately, Star issued a prospectus last October stating that external financing had also been arranged for €1.33Bn ($1.8Bn) in payments for NCL’s first two ‘F3’ newbuildings to be delivered in 2009 and 2010 from Aker Yards France. That financing – through BNP Paribas, Caylon, HSBC France and Societe Generale – included a similar obligation mandating that the Lim family must maintain control over NCL.

Smiths get $1M RCCL payout

2007-01-07T07:22:00.002+01:00

MIAMI 05 January – Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd (RCCL) has agreed to pay the estate of George Smith IV $1.05M in a settlement following his high-profile honeymoon disappearance from the Brilliance of the Seas in July 2005. According to the agreement publicly disclosed yesterday, RCCL will pay the estate $950,000 plus $100,000 to reimburse legal expenses. The Smith estate has hired renowned "OJ trial" forensic expert Dr Henry Lee to continue the search for answers, and RCCL has agreed to turn over additional information to the estate – including logs, security reports, records, tapes, witness statements, etc – “which would never have otherwise been obtained, even in the event of a lawsuit,” said Jennifer Hagel Smith, estate administrator and George’s wife. “Reaching a settlement in no way shuts down the investigation,” she affirmed. The Smith case was significant to the cruise industry overall because it created a media frenzy that gave consumers’ negative impressions of ship safety, while spurring Congressman Chris Shays to introduce the Cruise Line Accurate Safety Statistics Act in July 2006 (a bill that died at the committee level). In at least one way, the Smith controversy did change industry practice, as cruise lines have begun to issue press releases revealing when passengers fall overboard.

2006 snags norovirus crown

2007-01-07T07:22:00.001+01:00

MIAMI 02 January – More norovirus outbreaks struck North American cruise ships in 2006 than during any previous year, according to Centres for Disease Control (CDC) statistics. As the year closed, 37 outbreaks have been reported, with December cases logged aboard the Norwegian Wind, Regal Princess, Sun Princess, Zaandam and Freedom of the Seas (additional reports could be pending). Earlier years’ outbreak totals were: 19 (2005), 36 (the previous record, 2004), 27 (2003) and 21 (2002). When asked about norovirus’ impact during Carnival Corp’s 4Q06 conference call, chairman Micky Arison responded: “We haven’t seen it in booking patterns, but we know, anecdotally, that it must be a problem.” While outbreaks remained high despite sanitation efforts, Arison noted on the plus side that “the media has handled the issue far better, for the first time putting it in context – that this virus has spread widely throughout the country”. Arison said first-time cruisers are more likely to be nervous about the impact of norovirus. Together with other negatives that dissuade first-timers such as air-travel hassles, Arison suggested that norovirus fears could be playing a supporting role in current Caribbean short-cruise weakness, which is being primarily driven by macroeconomic factors.

Shell, Gazprom in Sakhalin agreement

2007-01-07T07:21:00.000+01:00

MOSCOW 02 January – Gazprom, Russia's largest company and the world's dominant gas exporter, has agreed with Royal Dutch Shell that the latter will invest an additional $3.6Bn of its own cash to bring the Sakhalin-2 LNG project on stream. Neither Shell, nor its operating company for the project, Sakhalin Energy Invest Co (SEIC), is commenting on the announcement, which has been leaked to the Russian press following Gazprom's negotiations with Shell to take the control shareholding in the project. Shell and its Japanese partners, Mitsui and Mitsubishi, are to accept $7.45Bn in compensation for the transfer of part of their shareholdings in SEIC to Gazprom. Gazprom told Fairplay the figure is correct, but added "it is too early to speak about the dates" when payment will be made. This is a hint that Gazprom is looking to apply its newly-acquired share of Sakhalin-2's oilfield revenues to meet part of its bill. A Russian government audit of SEIC's proposed capital expenditure on the project – reported to have reached between $19 and $22Bn, almost double the initial estimates – has also forced Shell and the Japanese into a corner on funding the project's completion.

Indonesian tragedy: probe launched

2007-01-07T07:20:00.002+01:00

JAKARTA 04 January – Indonesia has launched an investigation into last week's sinking of the ferry Senopati Nusantara. More than 400 of the almost 700 passengers and crew are still missing. Indonesian government sources told Fairplay that rescue work is continuing. News of the investigation comes as seasonal bad weather sweeps across the area, prompting the country's transport department to ban ro-ro vessels from setting out on routes linking Java Sea ports. The Senopati Nusantara was just one of five ferry and ro-ro vessel incidents reported over the past weekend; yesterday, a vessel carrying cattle from Kalimantan to Java had to offload livestock into the sea after that ship was hit by heavy weather, according to news agency Bernama. The seaworthiness of the Senopati Nusantara and the ship's safety equipment will be the focus of the investigation. The ferry was also carrying motorcycles, according to a spokesman at the rescue co-ordinating base in Semarang on the island of Java. The number of confirmed survivors is now 227, some of whom have been found clinging onto oil platforms; only seven passengers have been confirmed dead.

Indonesian tragedy: ferry seaworthy

2007-01-07T07:20:00.001+01:00

JAKARTA 03 January – The Indonesian ferry Senopati Nusantara, which sank on the night of 28/29 December off Mandalika Island in the Java Sea, was seaworthy, transport minister Hatta Rajasa has confirmed. The vessel had the required safety equipment and completed a repair and maintenance programme last year. The Senopati Nusantara was built in Japan in 1990 and was able to carry 850 passengers. Although the ship’s manifest said there were about 700 passengers and crew on board, ships in Indonesia are widely believed to carry more passengers than certificates stipulate. There are still no firm figures of how many survived or lost their lives, but at least 200 have been rescued, and more than 400 remain unaccounted for. The ship was heading south from Kalimantan on the island of Borneo to Central Java when it was battered by 5-6m waves, forcing the captain to send out distress calls.

Indonesia ferry tragedy: 200 rescued

2007-01-07T07:18:00.000+01:00

JAKARTA 02 January – Latest reports suggest that 200 passengers and crew of the Indonesian ferry Senopati Nusantara have been rescued after the vessel sank in heavy seas at about midnight on Friday 29/Saturday 30 December. The 2,718-gt ferry was heading south from Kalimantan on Borneo Island for the port of Semarang on the north coast of the island of Java. There were 628 passengers and 57 crew, according to the ship's manifest. Survivors said the vessel started to roll uncontrollably and capsized while those on board were trying to abandon ship. Indonesia's president, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, has urged rescuers to keep looking for survivors. A spokesman for Indonesia's eastern naval fleet said it has been difficult to compile figures because victims' bodies have been scattered over about 175km of coast. IMO Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos has expressed his condolences to the Indonesian transport minister, Hatta Rajasa, and to the Indonesian Ambassador in London. The UN agency is currently working on a technical co-operation project with Interferry to enhance the safety of non-Convention ferries, including domestic passenger ferries.

Grimaldi finally wins Finnlines

2007-01-07T07:17:00.000+01:00

NAPLES 02 January – Grimadi, the Naples, Italy-based ro-ro and container vessel operator, become the majority shareholder in Finnlines plc at the end of December when it acquired 1.5M shares. The move gives Grimaldi 50.1% of the Finnish company, a stake that is divided among its subsidiaries: Grimaldi Compagnia di Navigazione (37.44%), Industria Armamento Meridionale (7.35%) and Atlantic Container Line (5.32%). “In accordance with Finnish law, we will now make an unconditional offer to buy the remaining the shares at €17 [per share] by 28 January,” Grimaldi said in a statement. The price is above the €95 per share initially offered when Grimaldi’s December takeover attempt failed to gain the majority of the company. As a consequence, the company will issue "compensation" of €1.05 to shareholders who had accepted that earlier offer.

Back again

2007-01-07T07:11:00.000+01:00

Dear readers:
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas vacation and I wish you all the very best of health and happiness for the new year 2007.

I want to thank you as well for the fine sailing the blog is having: readers from all over the world could pay testimony of it:

1. Spain 226 30.3 %
2. United Kingdom 125 16.8 %
3. United States 115 15.4 %
4. Netherlands, The 40 5.4 %
5. Germany 33 4.4 %
6. France 23 3.1 %
7. Philippines 17 2.3 %
8. Norway 13 1.7 %
9. Switzerland 11 1.5 %
10. Canada 11 1.5 %

I want to thank people, colleague and friends from Lloyd's Register, US Navy, USCG, IMO, DNV, GL, A.P. Moller-Mærsk, several universities, etc.

I wanted to apologize as well for this long pause during the last two weeks, but they were all along bank holidays in Spain.

I'll try to caught up ASAP with all the news arisen during the last days.

Best Regards,

ruben

Moscow to create shipyard holdings

2006-12-27T13:45:00.000+01:00

MOSCOW 27 December Russia's defence minister, Sergei Ivanov, has moved one step further in his plan to reorganise Russia's shipbuilding industry, with an announcement that three holding companies for the country's shipyards will be created. One is to consolidate the military yards of St Petersburg; a second to unify the civil shipbuilders and a third to be located in the Russian Far East, where there is currently just one yard at work: the Amur Shipbuilding Plant in Blagoveschensk. According to Ivanov, "it is important for us not to lose our position in the construction of ships of various classes on the Pacific coast". In August, President Vladimir Putin publicly ordered a new state programme to reinvigorate shipbuilding, and gave Ivanov the assignment. "Our niches where we are most competitive in the world markets of shipbuilding," Putin said, according to the Kremlin transcript, "should be selected." Referring to military shipbuilding as a "serious niche" in the market, Putin also added: "we do not need to compete with the Chinese and South Koreans [to build] large-capacity vessels, such as tankers. But for us, there are certain advantages, including in the field of high technologies." Moscow maritime sources told Fairplay they see no commercial benefit to the existing yards from the restructuring. Captain Mikhail Nenashev of the industry lobby the All-Russian Movement of Fleet Support, told Fairplay "no details were announced so far". ICT, former owner of the big Baltic Plant in St Petersburg, commented that Ivanov's announcement shows there is a plan, "but nothing more." MNP, the biggest ship-building group on the Volga River, added that Ivanov's announcement was news to them, and that "nobody is negotiating with us on this matter”.

Rough debut for Costa Asia

2006-12-22T21:06:00.001+01:00

MIAMI 22 December – Carnival Corp has conceded that its fledging Costa Asia division is off to a poor start and that changes are ahead. The China programme launched in Shanghai in July with the Costa Allegra, which has repositioned as scheduled to Hong Kong for the winter. “We’re finding the Chinese market to be difficult,” admitted Carnival chief financial officer Gerald Cahill during yesterday’s conference call, adding: “The ship is underperforming our expectations, with larger than expected losses and lower net revenue yield.” As Carnival chairman Micky Arison put it: “We always knew we’d be making an investment to educate ourselves [in the Chinese market], but our investment is a little more than we expected – maybe more than a little.” Carnival chief operating officer Howard Frank concluded: “We’ve pretty much got the product right; the response from the Chinese passengers has been very good. But the issue is market penetration and getting support from the distribution system.” To compensate, Frank said that itinerary modifications would be made in 2007 and new passenger source markets would be tapped. “The plan is to stay the course,” he affirmed.

Everglades cruise craze

2006-12-22T21:05:00.002+01:00

FORT LAUDERDALE 22 December – Fort Lauderdale’s population is expected to temporarily grow 25% tomorrow as more than 46,000 cruise passengers disembark from 13 vessels at Port Everglades. This breaks the port's original record set three years ago said port director Phillip Allen in a statement, noting the previous record was set on 21 December 2003 when 15 cruise ships docked simultaneously. Adding “holiday cruises to the Caribbean are always popular this time of year, but this year is exceptional because Port Everglades will be hosting larger ships than ever before, including the immense Queen Mary 2.” In addition to the Cunard Line’s QM2, other vessels calling are Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Liberty, Costa Cruises’ Costa Magica, Discovery Cruise Line’s Discovery Sun, Holland America Line’s Volendam and Zuiderdam, Imperial Majesty Cruise Line’s Regal Empress, Princess Cruises’ Sea Princess and Star Princess, Royal Caribbean International’s Enchantment of the Seas and Radiance of the Seas, Seabourn Cruise Line’s Seabourn Pride and SeaEscape Cruises’ Island Adventure.

Carnival bullish on Germany

2006-12-22T21:05:00.001+01:00

MIAMI 22 December – Carnival Corp is committed to growing its German joint venture with TUI using newbuilding tonnage, assuming a final deal is struck. Speaking during yesterday’s conference call, Carnival chairman Micky Arison explained that given TUI Cruises’ strong potential for premium pricing, it was decided not to shift older tonnage into the line, but rather to stick with newbuildings from the onset. “If we went into this with older ships, that by its very nature would require us to start the brand with discounted prices and we don’t want to do that,” he said, adding that Carnival “has had discussions with a number of yards on the TUI ship [to be delivered in 2010], subject to a finalised agreement with TUI”. The new TUI vessel’s design will be “very different” from AIDA’s ‘club ship’ concept, he continued, “and will be much closer to a traditional cruise product, but very much geared toward German clientele”. Carnival chief operating officer Howard Frank noted that the German cruise market is twice the size of the UK’s, yet Germany currently has only one brand, versus 6-7 in England. “We always knew we’d need other brands in Germany,” said Arison.

Carnival warns on Caribbean

2006-12-22T21:04:00.000+01:00

MIAMI 21 December – Carnival Corp raked in record profits this year, but concedes that Caribbean booking difficulties now extend through the first half of 2007. Carnival reported net income of $416M during 4Q06, up from $336M in 4Q05, and full-year 2006 profits of $2.28Bn, versus $2.25Bn in 2005. After more exceptional earnings growth in 2004 and 2005, the more “modest” earnings increase this year was due to a $210M hike in fuel costs combined with a drop in Caribbean pricing on “hurricane fears and a challenging economic environment”, said chairman Micky Arison. Adjusted for currency, net revenue yields increased 0.8% in 4Q06 and 1.5% for full-year 2006. Commenting on 2007, Arison said bookings remain strong for European cruise brands and North American brands outside the Caribbean. However, pricing in the Caribbean [for 1H2007] “is still under pressure”, he said, adding that “the strength of the upcoming ‘Wave Season’ will have a significant effect on 2007 revenue yields”. Currently, Carnival predicts currency-adjusted net revenue yields will fall 2% in 1Q07 and end flat to slightly down for full-year 2007. Capacity will increase 8.4% next year, while net cruise costs are expected to remain steady.

Mass LNG terminals will favour US mariners

2006-12-21T16:49:00.000+01:00

BOSTON 21 December – Even as the governor of Massachusetts signed off on two new offshore LNG terminals, one of the facilities’ owners pledged to hire US merchant mariners to operate its tankers – and the platform. On Tuesday, Gov Mitt Romney approved construction of the Northeast Gateway and Neptune terminals, which will be built 11km and 21km respectively off Gloucester, Mass. With the Republican governor’s approval, the only remaining hurdle is approval by the US Maritime Administration, and MarAd boss Sean Connaughton said yesterday that a decision can be expected by the end of February. During the conference call when Connaughton announced the timeline, he and representatives of Suez LNG – developer of the Neptune project – revealed that Suez will seek to hire US seafarers and graduating cadets from American maritime academies to staff the tankers that will call at the platform. “Our company works everyday to be a pacesetter within the LNG industry,” said Joseph McKechnie, senior vice-president of shipping for Suez LNG. His company is working closely with the Massachusetts Maritime Academy and the US Merchant Marine Academy in training cadets to work aboard LNG tankers and platforms, he said. Suez currently owns four tankers and has three on charter, and the fleet is projected to grow by 15% to 20% annually McKechnie said.

EMBARGOED TO 1 JANUARY 2007: ENTRY INTO FORCE REVISED MARPOL ANNEXES I&II

2006-12-21T16:41:00.000+01:00

Stricter rules for carriage of chemicals and vegetable oils in bulk enter into force on 1 January 2007

Stricter rules on carrying vegetable oils in bulk by ship are among the changes introduced by amendments to the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1973, as modified by the Protocol of 1978 relating thereto (MARPOL 73/78), which enter into force on 1 January 2007.

The revised Annex II regulations on carriage of noxious liquid substances carried in bulk (including chemicals and vegetable oils) introduce significant changes to the way certain products may be transported, in order to protect the marine environment from harm.

Revised Annex I regulations on carriage of oil by ship update and re-order the regulations as well as introducing some new rules.

In addition, a number of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) also enter into force on 1 January 2007.

Revised MARPOL Annex I (oil)

The revised MARPOL Annex I Regulations for the prevention of pollution by oil incorporates the various amendments adopted since MARPOL entered into force in 1983, including the amended regulation 13G (regulation 20 in the revised annex) and regulation 13H (regulation 21 in the revised annex) on the phasing-in of double hull requirements for oil tankers.

It also separates, in different chapters, the construction and equipment provisions from the operational requirements and makes clear the distinctions between the requirements for new ships and those for existing ships. The revision provides a more user-friendly, simplified Annex I.

New requirements in the revised Annex I include the following:

* Regulation 22 Pump-room bottom protection: on oil tankers of 5,000 tonnes deadweight and above constructed on or after 1 January 2007, the pump-room shall be provided with a double bottom.

* Regulation 23 Accidental oil outflow performance - applicable to oil tankers delivered on or after 1 January 2010; construction requirements to provide adequate protection against oil pollution in the event of stranding or collision.

Revised MARPOL Annex II (noxious liquid substances carried in bulk)

The revised Annex II Regulations for the control of pollution by noxious liquid substances in bulk includes a new four-category categorization system for noxious and liquid substances.

The new categories are:

* Category X: Noxious Liquid Substances which, if discharged into the sea from tank cleaning or deballasting operations, are deemed to present a major hazard to either marine resources or human health and, therefore, justify the prohibition of the discharge into the marine environment;

* Category Y: Noxious Liquid Substances which, if discharged into the sea from tank cleaning or deballasting operations, are deemed to present a hazard to either marine resources or human health or cause harm to amenities or other legitimate uses of the sea and therefore justify a limitation on the quality and quantity of the discharge into the marine environment;

* Category Z: Noxious Liquid Substances which, if discharged into the sea from tank cleaning or deballasting operations, are deemed to present a minor hazard to either marine resources or human health and therefore justify less stringent restrictions on the quality and quantity of the discharge into the marine environment; and

* Other Substances: substances which have been evaluated and found to fall outside Categories X, Y or Z because they are considered to present no harm to marine resources, human health, amenities or other legitimate uses of the sea when discharged into the sea from tank cleaning of deballasting operations. The discharge of bilge or ballast water or other residues or mixtures containing these substances are not subject to any discharge requirements of MARPOL Annex II.

The revised annex includes a number of other significant changes. Improvements in ship technology, such as efficient stripping techniques, has made possible significantly lower permitted discharge levels of certain products which have been incorporated into Annex II. For ships constructed on or after 1 January 2007, the maximum permitted residue in the tank and its associated piping left after discharge will be set at a maximum of 75 litres for products in categories X, Y and Z - compared with previous limits which set a maximum of 100 or 300 litres, depending on the product category.

Alongside the revision of Annex II, the marine pollution hazards of thousands of chemicals have been evaluated by the Evaluation of Hazardous Substances Working Group, giving a resultant GESAMP Hazard Profile which indexes the substance according to its bio-accumulation; bio-degradation; acute toxicity; chronic toxicity; long-term health effects; and effects on marine wildlife and on benthic habitats.

Transport of vegetable oils

As a result of the hazard evaluation process and the new categorization system, vegetable oils which were previously categorized as being unrestricted will now be required to be carried in chemical tankers.

The revised Annex includes, under regulation 4 Exemptions, provision for the Administration to exempt ships certified to carry individually identified vegetable oils, subject to certain provisions relating to the location of the cargo tanks carrying the identified vegetable oil.

An MEPC resolution, MEPC.148(54) Guidelines for the transport of vegetable oils in deep tanks or in independent tanks specially designed for the carriage of such vegetable oils on board dry cargo ships, allows general dry cargo ships that are currently certified to carry vegetable oil in bulk, to continue to carry these vegetable oils on specific trades. The guidelines also take effect on 1 January 2007.

Consequential amendments to the IBC Code

An amended International Bulk Chemical Code (IBC Code) reflecting the changes to MARPOL Annex II, also enters into force on 1 January 2007. The amendments incorporate revisions to the categorization of certain products relating to their properties as potential marine pollutants, as well as revisions to ship type and carriage requirements following their evaluation by the Evaluation of Hazardous Substances Working Group.

Ships constructed after 1986 carrying substances identified in chapter 17 of the IBC Code must follow the requirements for design, construction, equipment and operation of ships contained in the Code.

SOLAS amendments

Also on 1 January 2007, amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) enter into force. They include the following:

* New SOLAS regulation II-1/3-7 to require ship construction drawings to be maintained on board and ashore.

* New SOLAS regulation II-1/3-8 concerning towing and mooring equipment. The regulation will require all ships to be provided with arrangements, equipment and fittings of sufficient safe working load to enable the safe conduct of all towing and mooring operations associated with the normal operation of the ship.

* New SOLAS regulation II-1/23-3 concerning water level detectors in the cargo hold(s) on new single hold cargo ships other than bulk carriers.

* Amendment to SOLAS regulation II-1/31 concerning machinery control to restrict the application of propulsion control automation systems to new ships only.

In addition, amendments to the Guidelines on the enhanced programme of inspections during surveys of bulk carriers and oil tankers (resolution A.744(18)), as amended) enter into force on 1 January 2007. The amendments incorporate some elements of the Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS) required for certain single hull tankers under MARPOL Annex I and include re-organization of the guidelines to include a new section on survey guidelines for the inspection of double hull tankers.

India Ministry wants breaks for demolished industry

2006-12-21T10:00:00.000+01:00

DELHI 20 December – India's steel ministry has asked the finance ministry to remove the 5% import duty on junk ships to breathe life back into the dying shipbreaking industry. Imports of old ships into India attract a basic duty of 5% and countervailing duty (CVD) of 16%, exactly the same duty structure as for imports of finished steel. Bangladesh has cornered all large ships for breaking with a simple duty structure: a fixed duty of Tk1,000 takka ($14.45) and nil value-added tax (VAT), as against 10% basic duty and 15% VAT for finished steel imports. Pravin Nagarsheth, president of the Indian shipbreakers' association, said the Bangladesh government has helped local breakers with a viable duty regime, whereas India's duty structures have pushed the industry to the brink of complete shutdown. Bangladesh has demolished over 4.6MDWT during the first 11 months of 2006, way ahead of India's 1MDWT. Other shipbreaking nations including China (0.2MDWT) and Pakistan (0.2MDWT) have also seen tonnage drop drastically. "The Bangladesh shipbreaking industry has thrived on the country's increased demand for steel, and insufficient supply from primary steel producers," said an Alang-based breaker.

Govt support for Phils shipbuilding

2006-12-21T09:59:00.000+01:00

MANILA 20 December – Shipbuilders in the Philippines have received government backing, with a new directive signed by the President to encourage employment in shipyards and protecting employers’ rights. Executive Order 588, signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, seeks to strengthen the shipbuilding and repair sector by providing incentives for skills training under the country’s new investment programme. The presidential order was apparently sparked by Hanjin HI and Construction’s recent investment in a $1Bn yard in Subic Bay Freeport. The project is predicted to attract about 15,000 job opportunities. EO 588 also recognises shipyards’ rights to guard `trade secrets’ and urges them to adopt measures to protect building formulas, strategies and other controversial programmes and information. “There is a need to attract and maintain much-needed investments for the development of the shipbuilding and ship repair sectors in view of its significance to the country’s economic output … and its potential to open vast opportunities for employment and skills training for Filipinos,” the order said.

Denholm moves up in UK agency

2006-12-20T07:21:00.000+01:00

LONDON 19 December – Denholm Barwil (DB), the agency arm of the J&J Denholm shipping group, has become the largest provider of port agency services in the south-west UK, through the acquisition of South Coast UK, owned by the international minerals group Imerys. The acquisition gives DB offices at Bristol, Portbury, Falmouth, Fowey, Portland and Poole. This takes the company's UK operation to 17 port officers serving 34 ports and handling in excess of 5,000 calls a year. DB managing director Niall Denholm said that “our strategy of managed growth means that we are looking at locations where the other national agency companies do not have representation, and also to develop niche markets such as cruise and military. The UK market is served by five main groups, and we are in the top three by volume.” He would not say whether there were any ports in which DB would particularly like to be represented. As to Group relations, Denholm said: “We work with a number of partners where we are not as strong as we should be and we also work with other Denholm group companies.”

Caribbean cruises falter further

2006-12-20T07:18:00.000+01:00

MIAMI 19 December – Pricing for cruising’s "bread and butter" Caribbean itineraries continues to fall, according to a new survey by AG Edwards analyst Tim Conder. The survey – which independently monitors forward rates offered by Carnival and Royal Caribbean – found that Caribbean pricing for both 1Q07 and 2Q07 is “still eroding” and “continues to modestly weaken”. Meanwhile, 2Q07 Alaskan pricing is “flattish”, while rates for European and other non-Caribbean itineraries “remain solid”. The analyst noted that Caribbean weakness is persisting in spite of the mild 2006 hurricane season and the delayed implementation of new US passport requirements. “Our data indicates weakness is more skewed toward the shorter Caribbean and entry-level cruise brands,” he said, implying that the problem is “likely related to mortgage interest rates impacting consumers’ share of spending available for cruises”. Conder added that a mild Northeast winter could dampen “escape-to-the-Caribbean cabin-fever demand” and that early indications for the 2007 Wave Season were “not positive”. On the plus side, Conder noted that fuel prices have fallen 3-5% since the last quarterly guidance from Carnival and Royal Caribbean. As a result, 2007 results could show positive year-on-year cost comparisons.

Outcome of the IMO Maritime Safety Committee meeting in Istanbul

2006-12-19T18:37:00.000+01:00

Outcome of IMO's Maritime Safety Committee meeting in Istanbul

A raft of new international standards for passenger ship safety were adopted when IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) met in Istanbul, Turkey, for its 82nd session from 29 November to 8 December 2006.

Other important issues on the MSC agenda included the further development of goal-based standards and discussion of security and facilitation issues related to the carriage of containers by ships.

The MSC Vice-Chairman, Mr. Neil Ferrer of the Philippines, chaired the session, following the untimely death of Mr. Igor Ponomarev, Chairman of the MSC and Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to IMO.

Revised passenger ship safety standards

The package of amendments to SOLAS adopted at the session were the result of a comprehensive review of passenger ship safety initiated in 2000 with the aim of assessing whether the current regulations were adequate, in particular for the large passenger ships now being built.

The work in developing the new and amended regulations has based its guiding philosophy on the dual premise that the regulatory framework should place more emphasis on the prevention of a casualty from occurring in the first place and that future passenger ships should be designed for improved survivability so that, in the event of a casualty, persons can stay safely on board as the ship proceeds to port.

The amendments include new concepts such as the incorporation of criteria for the casualty threshold (the amount of damage a ship is able to withstand, according to the design basis, and still safely return to port) into SOLAS chapters II-1 and II-2. The amendments also provide regulatory flexibility so that ship designers can meet any safety challenges the future may bring. The amendments include:
alternative designs and arrangements;
safe areas and the essential systems to be maintained while a ship proceeds to port after a casualty, which will require redundancy of propulsion and other essential systems;
on-board safety centres, from where safety systems can be controlled, operated and monitored;
fixed fire detection and alarm systems, including requirements for fire detectors and manually operated call points to be capable of being remotely and individually identified;
fire prevention, including amendments aimed at enhancing the fire safety of atriums, the means of escape in case of fire and ventilation systems; and
time for orderly evacuation and abandonment, including requirements for the essential systems that must remain operational in case any one main vertical zone is unserviceable due to fire.

The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2010.

Fire regulations on balconies

The MSC adopted amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 and to the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) to strengthen the fire protection arrangements in relation to cabin balconies on passenger vessels. The amendments were developed in response to the fire aboard the cruise ship Star Princess, while on passage between Grand Cayman and Montego Bay, Jamaica, in March of this year. The fire began on an external balcony and spread over several decks.

The amendments to SOLAS chapter II-2 are aimed at ensuring that existing regulations 4.4 (Primary deck coverings), 5.3.1.2 (Ceilings and linings), 5.3.2 (Use of combustible materials) and 6 (Smoke generation potential and toxicity) are also applied to cabin balconies on new passenger ships.

For existing passenger ships, relevant provisions require that furniture on cabin balconies be of restricted fire risk unless fixed water-spraying systems, fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems are fitted and that partitions separating balconies be constructed of non-combustible materials, similar to the provisions for new passenger ships.

The amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2008.

Prevention of accidents involving lifeboats

The MSC adopted an amendment to SOLAS regulation III/19.3.3.4 concerning provisions for the launch of free-fall lifeboats during abandon-ship drills. The amendment will allow, during the abandon-ship drill, for the lifeboat to either be free-fall launched with only the required operating crew on board, or lowered into the water by means of the secondary means of launching without the operating crew on board, and then manoeuvred in the water by the operating crew. The aim is to prevent accidents with lifeboats occurring during abandon-ship drills. The amendment is expected to enter into force on 1 July 2008.

Protective coatings

The MSC adopted the Performance standard for protective coatings of dedicated seawater ballast tanks on all new ships and of double-side skin spaces of bulk carriers, which will be made mandatory by way of amendments to SOLAS regulations II-1/3-2, also adopted at the session.

The SOLAS amendments are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2008 and the performance standard will apply to ships for which the building contract is placed on or after 1 July 2008; or, in the absence of a building contract, the keels of which are laid on or after 1 January 2009, or the delivery of which is on or after 1 July 2012.
Other amendments

The MSC also adopted a number of other amendments:
amendments to the FSS Code relating to fire extinguishers, specifically portable foam applicators; fixed foam fire-extinguishing systems; fixed-pressure water-spraying and water-mist fire-extinguishing systems, fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems for cabin balconies. Entry into force on 1 July 2008.

amendments to the International Life-Saving Appliance Code (LSA Code), including those related to life rafts, life boats and rescue boats, particularly in relation to stowage and release mechanisms. Entry into force on 1 July 2008.

amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code), relating to fire protection and fire extinction, and the revised chapters 17 (Summary of minimum requirements), 18 (List of products to which the code does not apply) and 19 (Index of Products Carried in Bulk). Entry into force on 1 January 2009.

amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code), to update the references to SOLAS regulations and to add two more chemicals to the list of products in chapter 19 (Summary of minimum requirements). Entry into force on 1 July 2008.

amendments to the International Codes of Safety for High-Speed Craft (1994 HSC Code and the 2000 HSC Code), to update them in line with relevant SOLAS amendments and, in the case of the 2000 HSC Code, to revise requirements relating to testing and calculations for buoyancy, stability and subdivision. Entry into force on 1 July 2008.

amendments to the Protocol of 1988, relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, to include in the Record of equipment for the relevant safety certificate an entry regarding the long-range identification and tracking system. Entry into force on 1 July 2008.

amendments to the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, including amendments of a reference in regulation 22 (Scuppers, inlets and discharges) and an amendment in regulation 39 (Minimum bow height and reserve buoyancy). Entry into force on 1 July 2008.

amendments to the Dynamically Supported Craft (DSC) Code to update it in line with relevant amendments to SOLAS. Will become effective on 1 July 2008.

amendments to the Gas Carrier (GC) Code, to update it in line with certain fire safety requirements in SOLAS. Will become effective on 1 July 2008.

amendments to the Revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances (resolution MSC.81(70)), including revisions to prototype tests for lifebuoys, lifejackets, immersion suits, anti-exposure suits and thermal protective aids, liferafts, lifeboats, rescue boats and fast rescue boats, launching and embarkation appliances, position-indicating lights for life-saving appliances and hydrostatic release units; and revisions to production and installation tests for survival craft, launching and stowage arrangements. The amendments will become effective on 1 July 2008.

IMSO appointed to oversee new satellite providers

The Committee agreed that the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) was the appropriate Organization to undertake the oversight of future satellite service providers in the global maritime distress and safety system (GMDSS) and invited IMSO to undertake that role forthwith.

In essence, the MSC would determine the criteria, procedures and arrangements for evaluating and recognizing satellite services for participation in the GMDSS, while services recognized by the Committee would be subject to oversight by IMSO.

The MSC instructed the Sub-Committee on Radiocommunications, Search and Rescue (COMSAR 11) to redraft resolution A.888(21) Criteria for the provision of mobile-satellite communication systems in the GMDSS, to reflect the decisions and to submit it to MSC 83 with a view to adoption by the 25th IMO Assembly. COMSAR 11 was also invited to finalize any corresponding amendments to SOLAS chapter IV.

Goal-based new ship construction standards

The MSC re-established the Working Group on Goal-based Standards and further progressed the work on the issue.

The Committee has worked on the basis of a prescriptive approach for GBS for provisions for hull construction for bulk carriers and oil tankers and of a safety level approach for all other ship types.

With regard to the GBS for bulk carriers and oil tankers, the MSC has already agreed on a five-tier system, consisting of goals (Tier I), functional requirements (Tier II), verification of compliance criteria (Tier III), technical procedures and guidelines, classification rules and industry standards (Tier IV) and codes of practice and safety and quality systems for shipbuilding, ship operation, maintenance, training, manning, etc. (Tier V). Tier I goals and Tier II functional requirements have already been agreed in principle.

Following consideration of the matter, the MSC approved the Plan for the pilot project on trial application of the Tier III verification process using the IACS Common Structural Rules (CSR) and agreed that the nomination of candidates for the Pilot Panel should be open to all, while the selection of members by the MSC Chairman, in consultation with the Secretariat, would assure that the Panel would be balanced. The objective of the pilot project is to conduct a trial application of Tier III for oil tankers and bulk carriers with the intention of validating the Tier III verification framework, identifying shortcomings and making proposals for improvement.

The MSC agreed to include ergonomic principles as functional requirements in Tier II, and the Group prepared revised Tier II functional requirements.

The MSC noted that the Group agreed on a revised version of the Ship Construction File (SCF) and that the SCF, as a result of GBS, could become an independent mandatory requirement under SOLAS chapter II-1 and not part of the classification rules. However, most of the content in the file would emerge from the application of classification rules.

A correspondence group on GBS for oil tankers and bulk carriers was established, to monitor the pilot project and disseminate information on its progress and to develop draft SOLAS amendments for the incorporation of GBS for oil tankers and bulk carriers in SOLAS chapter II-1.

A Correspondence Group on the Safety Level Approach was established, to progress work to determine the current safety level in a holistic high-level manner, divided by ship types, in order to develop Tier I goals by: distinguishing ship types in a clear manner resulting in definitions of generic ship types for the purpose of statistical analysis; determining time windows to be used for historical data when establishing statistics for risk categories; and reviewing available statistical data. The Group will also consider the linkage between formal safety assessment (FSA) and GBS and consider the tier structure so far agreed for GBS for oil tankers and bulk carriers for use in the safety level approach.

Both groups will submit a report to MSC 83, scheduled for October 2007, which will also consider the report of the pilot project with the IACS CSR.

Measures to enhance maritime security

The MSC approved a circular on Interim Guidance on voluntary self-assessment by Companies and company security officers (CSOs) for ship security.

The MSC also approved amendments to the Revised recommendations on the safe transport of dangerous cargoes and related activities in port areas (MSC/Circ.675), to include provisions intended to address the security of the transport of dangerous goods by sea.

It also approved amendments to the IMO/ILO/UNECE Guidelines for packing of cargo transport units (MSC/Circ.787) to broaden the scope of the guidelines to address the need for vigilance and the need for security procedures to be developed and followed by all concerned. The latter amendments will be forwarded to ILO and the UNECE for their consideration and approval.

Security of ships which do not fall within the scope of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code

The MSC began consideration of issues relating to the security aspects of the operation of ships which do not fall within the scope of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code (including cargo ships of less than 500 gross tonnage which travel on international routes).

The Committee agreed that non-SOLAS vessels shared the same operational environment as ships which fall within the scope of application of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code and the operations of the former affect the security of the latter. Thus, it was necessary to address the security aspects of the operation of non-SOLAS ships in a systematic and analytical manner, so as to achieve a tangible enhancement of the global security net which the provisions of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code were seeking to establish.

It was agreed also that any guidelines developed should be non-mandatory and that their application should be under the purview of the individual Contracting Governments concerned and proportionate to the assessed levels of threat and risk.

A correspondence group was established to undertake a study to determine the scope of the issues and threats involved and to develop recommendatory guidelines on measures to enhance maritime security to complement measures required by SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code, which could be utilized by Contracting Governments and/or Administrations at their own discretion.

Security and facilitation issues related to the carriage of closed cargo transport units and of freight containers aboard ships

In relation to closed cargo transport units and containers, the Committee and the Facilitation Committee established a Joint MSC/FAL Working Group which met during the MSC session and began work on container and supply chain security, with a view to ensuring that the right balance is struck between enhanced security and the facilitation of maritime traffic. The Group, in its work, took into account the SAFE Framework of Standards to secure and facilitate global trade (the SAFE Framework of Standards) and the Authorized Economic Operator Guidelines, adopted by the World Customs Organization (WCO) in June 2005 and June 2006, respectively. The SAFE Framework of Standards was developed by WCO in response to a request from the 2002 SOLAS Conference which adopted SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code.

The Joint Working Group held initial discussions on the need to develop any relevant amendments to the SOLAS and/or FAL Conventions concerning closed cargo transport units and freight containers, to enhance maritime security whilst at the same time facilitating the movement of cargo. The MSC urged all member delegations and observers to consult with their experts in all aspects of the security and facilitation of maritime cargo and to submit their proposals on the security and facilitation of the movement of closed cargo transport units and of freight containers to the next session of the Facilitation Committee (FAL 34), for consideration by the next session of the joint MSC/FAL Working Group.

Long-Range Identification and Tracking – technical specifications and guidelines

The MSC made progress on the development of the technical specifications of the components of the Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) System, including the technical specifications for the International LRIT Data Exchange, the International LRIT Data Centre and for communication within the LRIT System network; protocols for the development testing of the LRIT System and for the testing of the integration into the system of new LRIT data centres; and guidance on setting up and maintaining the Data Distribution Plan.

It was agreed that the ad hoc Working Group on engineering aspects of LRIT should be reconvened to further develop the draft technical specifications; update the required technical documents; prepare a technical costing and billing standard for LRIT; consider technical issues and develop technical criteria to be taken into account when establishing the International LRIT Data Centre and the International LRIT Data Exchange; liaise with the IMO Secretariat regarding consistency, security and other aspects of the Data Distribution Plan with the technical specifications; and ensure that the testing documents completely address the Performance Standards.

The Group is scheduled to meet in the week before the Sub-Committee on Radiocommunications, Search and Rescue (COMSAR 11, scheduled for 12-16 February 2007), and COMSAR was also instructed to consider issues relating to LRIT, particularly matters other than the specific engineering aspects.

In considering the role of performance review and audit of certain aspects of the LRIT system, the MSC appointed the International Mobile Satellite Organization (IMSO) as the LRIT Co-ordinator.

The new regulation on LRIT, which is included in SOLAS chapter V on Safety of Navigation, was adopted at the last MSC session in May, along with related performance standards. LRIT will be introduced as a mandatory requirement for the following ships on international voyages: passenger ships, including high-speed craft; cargo ships, including high-speed craft, of 300 gross tonnage and upwards; and mobile offshore drilling units. If accepted by 1 July 2007, the regulation is expected to enter into force on 1 January 2008 and will apply to ships constructed on or after 31 December 2008 with a phased-in implementation schedule for ships constructed before 31 December 2008. LRIT is intended to be operational with respect to the transmission of LRIT information by ships as from 31 December 2008.

Role of the human element

The Joint MSC/MEPC Working Group on Human Element met during the session to consider human element issues.

Explosions on chemical and product carriers

The Group reviewed the report of the Inter-Industry Working Group (IIWG) and the Human Factors Task Group (HFTG), established to study the reported incidents of explosions on chemical and product carriers and agreed that it was difficult to draw conclusive analysis from existing casualty reports due to the lack of human element considerations during these investigations, such as investigators asking the relevant questions to determine if the human element was a contributing factor in the casualty. Nonetheless, the industry’s review of its procedures and guidelines was a very positive step towards addressing the issue. Member States were urged to provide reports of casualty investigations to the Sub-Committee on Flag State Implementation (FSI) expeditiously, with a view to arriving at constant and consistent analysis to ensure that such accidents and incidents do not recur.

It was agreed that there was a need to review and strengthen requirements for Dangerous Cargo Endorsements (DCEs) and proposals were invited with regards to the need for extending the requirements for DCEs to operational shore staff including terminal personnel and cargo surveyors. The Sub-Committee on Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (STW) was invited to review the requirements leading to DCEs for seafarers, under its agenda item “Comprehensive review of the STCW Convention and the STCW Code”.

Impact of ISM Code

The Human Element Working Group also considered the report of the Group of Independent Experts (GIE) established by the Secretary-General to analyze the impact of the ISM Code and its effectiveness in the enhancement of safety of life at sea and protection of the marine environment.

The Committee agreed with the recommendations made by the GIE, in particular that: guidelines for Administrations should be revised to make them more effective and user-friendly; and guidelines and associated training should be developed to assist companies and seafarers in improving the implementation of the Code. It also agreed that the results of the study should be given wide publicity across the industry.

In discussing the GIE’s conclusions, the MSC agreed that the paperwork that supports ISM compliance should be proportionate to the size, type and operation of the company; concise and user-friendly; and relevant to the operations related to safety and environmental protection.

The Committee noted that the industry had identified common areas between the ISM and ISPS Codes and that resolution A.852(20) on Guidelines for a structure of an integrated system of contingency planning for shipboard emergencies, may provide guidance to handle or manage common areas of the ISM and ISPS Codes.

It was noted that, in order to properly motivate seafarers, companies should take into account feedback from shipboard personnel, including the outcome of shipboard safety committees to improve their operations and procedures relating to safety and environmental protection and it was essential for the company to respond in a constructive and timely fashion to any feedback received from seafarers operating the safety management system (SMS). Since seafarers are integral to the effective operation of the SMS, they should, therefore, be involved in the development and improvement of the system in order to ensure that the manuals are proportionate, concise and relevant.

Near misses

The MSC agreed there was a need to encourage companies and seafarers to document and record information on near misses and hazardous situations in order to understand the precursors to events that were detrimental to safety and the marine environment. It invited Member Governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in consultative status to submit proposals to the next session of the Joint MSC/MEPC Working Group on the Human Element, which is scheduled to be reconvened at MEPC 56 (9 to 13 July 2007).

Implementation of the revised STCW Convention

The list of Parties deemed to be giving full and complete effect to the provisions of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, was updated when the Secretary-General submitted his report on those countries whose reports of independent evaluations had been completed since the previous MSC meeting.

The list of confirmed Parties to the STCW convention now has 117 Parties. (MSC.1/Circ.1164/Rev.2).

Other issues

The MSC considered other issues arising from the reports of Sub-Committees and other bodies, and:
adopted new and amended traffic separation schemes, including new and amended routeing measures other than traffic separation schemes, as well as new and amended mandatory ship reporting systems;

adopted revised performance standards for Electronic Chart Display and Information Systems (ECDIS). The aim behind the revision is to ensure the operational reliability of such equipment, taking into account technological progress and experience gained. The revised performance standards are more detailed than the current version and include references to newer equipment such as automatic identification systems. It is expected that the new revised performance standards would apply to ECDIS equipment installed on or after 1 January 2009;

adopted Performance Standards for shipborne Galileo Equipment Receiver valid for equipment installed on or after 1 January 2009;

adopted revised Guidelines for the design and construction of offshore supply vessels;

adopted amendments to the Guidelines for the transport and handling of limited amounts of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (LHNS Guidelines);

adopted amendments to the Code of safe carriage of cargoes and persons by offshore supply vessels (OSV Code);

adopted amendments to the Code of safe practice for the safe loading and unloading of bulk carriers (BLU Code); and

adopted revised Guidelines for the prevention and suppression of the smuggling of drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals on ships (previously resolution A.872(20)). The revised guidelines will be put forward to the Facilitation Committee for adoption at its next session.

* * *

Resolutions adopted

Resolution MSC.215(82) – Performance standard for protective coatings for dedicated seawater ballast tanks in all types of ships and double-side skin spaces of bulk carriers

Resolution MSC.216(82) – Adoption of amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended

Resolution MSC.217(82) –Adoption of amendments to the International Code for Fire Safety systems (FSS Code)

Resolution MSC.218(82) – Adoption of amendments to the International Life-Saving Appliance (LSA) Code

Resolution MSC.219(82) – Adoption of amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code)

Resolution MSC.220(82) – Adoption of amendments to the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code)

Resolution MSC.221(82) – Adoption of amendments to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 1994 (1994 HSC code)

Resolution MSC.222(82) – Adoption of amendments to the International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000 (2000 HSC Code)

Resolution MSC.223(82) – Adoption of amendments to the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention on Load Lines, 1966, as amended

Resolution MSC.224(82) – Adoption of amendments to the Code of Safety for Dynamically Supported Craft, as amended

Resolution MSC.225(82) – Adoption of amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of ships carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk, as amended

Resolution MSC.226(82) – Adoption of amendments to the revised recommendation on testing of life-saving appliances, as amended

Resolution MSC.227(82) – Adoption of amendments to the Protocol of 1988 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974

Resolution MSC.228(82) – Revision of the Guidelines for the prevention and suppression of the smuggling of drugs, psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals on ships (Resolution A.872(20))

Resolution MSC.229(82) – Adoption of new mandatory ship reporting system in the Galapagos particularly sensitive sea area (PSSA)

Resolution MSC.230(82) – Adoption of amendments to the existing mandatory ship reporting system in the Storebælt (Great Belt) traffic area

Resolution MSC.231(82) – Adoption of amendments to the existing mandatory ship reporting system in the Gulf of Finland

Resolution MSC.232(82) – Adoption of the revised performance standards for electronic chart display and information system (ECDIS)

Resolution MSC.233(82) – Adoption of the performance standards for shipborne Galileo receiver equipment

Resolution MSC.234(82) – Recommendations concerning tonnage measurement of open-top containerships

Resolution MSC.235(82) – Adoption of the Guidelines for the design and construction of offshore supply vessels, 2006

Resolution MSC.236(82) – Adoption of amendments to the Guidelines for the transport and handling of limited amounts of hazardous and noxious liquid substances in bulk on offshore support vessels (Resolution A.673(16))

Resolution MSC.237(82) – Adoption of amendments to the code of safe practice for the carriage of cargoes and persons by offshore supply vessels (OSV Code) (resolution A.863(20))

Resolution MSC.238(82) – Adoption of amendments to the code of safe practice for the safe loading and unloading of bulk carriers (BLU Code) (resolution A.862(20))

List of circulars and circular letters approved by MSC 82

MSC.1 circulars
MSC.1/Circ.1212 Guidelines on alternative design and arrangements for SOLAS chapters II-1 and III
MSC.1/Circ.1213 Interpretation and application of the IGC Code for ships carrying liquefied carbon dioxide in bulk
MSC.1/Circ.1214 Performance standards for the systems and services to remain operational on passenger ships for safe return to port and orderly evacuation and abandonment after a casualty
MSC.1/Circ.1215 Early implementation of amendments to SOLAS chapter III and the International Life-Saving Appliances (LSA) Code
MSC.1/Circ.1216 Revised recommendations on the safe transport of dangerous cargoes and related activities in port areas
MSC.1/Circ.1217 Interim Guidance on voluntary self-assessment by Companies and company security officers (CSOs) for ship security
MSC.1/Circ.797/Rev.14 List of competent persons to be maintained by the Secretary-General pursuant to section A-I/7 of the STCW Code
MSC.1/Circ.1163/Rev.1 Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, confirmed by the Maritime Safety Committee to have communicated information which demonstrates that full and complete effect is given to the relevant provisions of the Convention
MSC.1/Circ.1164/Rev.2 Promulgation of information related to reports of independent evaluation submitted by Parties to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), 1978, as amended, confirmed by the Maritime Safety Committee to have communicated information which demonstrates that Parties are giving full and complete effect to the relevant provisions of the Convention
MSC.1/Circ.1218 Guidance on exchange of medical information between telemedical assistance services involved in international SAR operations
MSC.1/Circ.1219 Interim LRIT Technical Specifications and other matters
MSC.1/Circ.1220 Voluntary structural guidelines for new ships carrying liquids in bulk containing benzene
MSC.1/Circ.1221 Validity of Type Approval Certification for Marine Products
MSC.1/Circ.1222 Guidelines on annual testing of voyage data recorders (VDR) and simplified voyage data recorders (S-VDR)
MSC.1/Circ.1223 Guidelines for pre-planning of surveys in dry-dock of ships which are not subject to the Enhanced programme of inspections
MSC.1/Circ.1224 Unified interpretations of SOLAS chapter V
MSC.1/Circ.1225 Navigational Warnings concerning operations endangering the Safety of Navigation
MSC.1/Circ.1226 Interim Explanatory Notes to the SOLAS chapter II-1 subdivision and damage stability regulations
MSC.1/Circ.1227 Explanatory Notes to the Interim Guidelines for alternative assessment of the weather criterion
MSC.1/Circ.1228 Revised Guidance to the master for avoiding dangerous situations in adverse weather and sea conditions
MSC.1/Circ.1229 Guidelines for the approval of stability instruments
MSC.1/Circ.1230 Amendments to the manual on loading and unloading of solid bulk cargoes for terminal representatives
MSC.1/Circ.1231 Interim Scheme for the compliance of certain cargo ships and special purpose ships with the management for the safe operations of ships

Joint MSC - MEPC circular
MSC-MEPC.1/Circ.1 Guidelines on the organization and method of work of the MSC, MEPC and their subsidiary bodies

Other circulars
COLREG.2/Circ.58 New and amended traffic separation schemes
SLS.14/Circ.115/Add.3 Issue of Exemption Certificates under the 1974 SOLAS Convention and amendments thereto
SN.1/Circ.257 Routeing measures other than traffic separation schemes
SN.1/Circ.258 Mandatory ship reporting systems
SN.1/Circ.259 Emergency wreck marking buoy

Circular letters
Circular letter No.1886/Rev.3 Implementation of resolution A.600(15) - IMO ship identification number scheme
Circular letter No.2554/Rev.1 Implementation of IMO Unique Company and Registered Owner Identification Number Scheme

Barmy Army cruise hit for six

2006-12-18T18:53:00.000+01:00

LIMASSOL 18 December – Louis Cruise Lines has agreed to charter its 15,781-gt, 928-berth veteran Orient Queen to Germany-based Hansa Kreuzfahrten and Delphin Kreuzfahrten for 140 days with immediate effect. The charter runs until 7 May 2007 and will incorporate a round-the-world trip departing from Piraeus. A spokesman at Louis told Fairplay the charter of the 1968-built ship had become available because a previous charter to an English company for a 31-day period (30 March to 29 April 2007) had fallen through because the charterer had been unable to fulfill its contractual obligations. He believed the English charter was to serve as a floating hotel during the cricket World Cup in the West Indies. The news came on the very morning that the English cricket team lost a match in Australia, but it was not known whether this had a bearing on the cancellation of charter.

Five gold rings for Korean builders

2006-12-18T18:52:00.002+01:00

LONDON 18 December – South Korean shipbuilders have taken the top five places in the latest listing of yards and their order backlogs from Clarksons, the London-based shipping services provider. Hyundai Heavy Industries remains well ahead with 13.47M compensated gross tons - which measures the level of shipbuilding output - followed by Samsung with 9.23M CGT, Daewoo (7.6M CGT), Hyundai Mipo (4.06M CGT) and Hyundai Samho (3.06M CGT). The top ten included two Chinese yards (with Dalian New Shipyard at 2.74M CGT) and one Japanese yard. A spokesman from Korea Shipbuilders' Association commented that Chinese and Japanese rivals would find it hard to overtake Korean yards because the Koreans are regularly winning orders for high-value LNG carriers.

Birka axes jobs to trim costs

2006-12-18T18:52:00.001+01:00

MARIEHAMN 18 December – Birka Cruises, part of the Finnish short cruise and freight ferry group Birka Line, is to axe 27 jobs on its 34,758-gt cruise vessel Birka Paradise to trim costs. Starting early next year, the ship’s cabins will be cleaned up during turn around in Stockholm by contracted shore-based personnel rather than the ship’s own staff. The company said in late October it wants to save between euro2.5M-3.0M (up to $3.9M) a year by streamlining its administration, marketing and on board operations. The number of passengers increased by 27% in the nine months to 30 September and yields rose 3%, but this has not been enough to improve the financial performance of Birka Paradise as expected, which has forced the company to seek cost savings. The group made a 3Q06 pre-tax profit of euro1.24M, an increase from euro1.08M in the same period a year earlier. The company has forecast tough trading conditions in the Swedish short cruise market, while its six freight ferries have staged a stable performance.

Carnival converts huge option

2006-12-18T18:50:00.000+01:00

MIAMI 18 December – Carnival Cruise Lines (CCL) has exercised its outstanding option at Fincantieri for a sister to its largest post-Panamax newbuilding ever. Carnival Corp firmed its order for a second 130,000-gt, 3,652-passenger vessel for the CCL brand to be delivered by the Monfalcone yard in summer 2010, at a price of euro565M ($739M). The option, which was due to expire on 31 December, was part of Carnival Corp’s multi-brand $2Bn-plus order last December. The first sister ship in the new class of larger CCL post-Panamaxes is due to enter service in autumn 2009. Despite the fact that the pending CCL option was denominated in euros, analysts such as UBS’s Robin Farley had previously predicted it would be exercised. Last week, Carnival Corp exercised its option for a second 92,700-gt, 2,260-passenger Costa Crociere newbuilding to be built at Fincantieri’s Marghera yard for delivery in March 2010. However, Carnival Corp decided to "extend" its option for an additional 86,000-gt, 2,044-passenger Holland America Line vessel (an option originally due to expire on 31 December). Carnival Corp currently operates 81 ships worldwide, with 19 newbuildings now firmed up for delivery between March 2007 and summer 2010 – 13 of those at Fincantieri.

US to demand much more container data

2006-12-15T18:55:00.001+01:00

WASHINGTON, DC 15 December – US Customs will require much more information about the contents of US-bound containers as what is called the “10+2” is rolled out next year. Customs & Border Protection Commissioner Ralph Basham told a small gathering of reporters yesterday that the added data, needed to identify high-risk shipments, will be rolled out gradually but will be in place by the end of summer. His remarks to the media came after he told about 700 importers and other trade executives at the annual CBP trade symposium that he “wants to be sure that all the issues that impact your business are resolved before we go to full compliance." Addressing fears that the added data might be used against shippers, Basham said the information “will not be used for compliance purposes.” Fairplay suggested that ocean carriers would like to share in that information so they would know what they are carrying. Basham’s deputy, Michael Mullen, responded by saying the new data will be for law enforcement purposes only and will not be shared with the industry. Mullen, assistant commissioner over the Office of International Affairs and Trade Relations, said the new data will be collected by third-party “fusion centres” and funnelled to CBP’s targeting centres for evaluation. The information newly required will include detailed data on contents, shippers, recipients, eventual buyers, consolidators, ports transited and more. World Shipping Council president Chris Koch told the group the 10+2 scheme will be challenging to implement but said it is “absolutely the thing to do”. As to a lack of information sharing with the industry, he told Fairplay: “that’s fine” as long as the government ensures the boxes are safe.

(Via Fairplay)

Herz trumps Bureau Veritas

2006-12-15T17:52:00.000+01:00

HAMBURG 15 December – German entrepreneur Günter Herz has emerged as the winner in the takeover race for Germanischer Lloyd. Shareholders representing over 40% of GL’s share capital officially agreed to sell their stakes to Herz at a meeting in Hamburg today. Others were still deciding to sign sale contracts as the shareholder meeting came to a close, attendants reported. Acceptance might rise to around 60% eventually, some believe. Herz’s bid, which was promoted by GL’s board all the way, valued the German society at around euro550M ($724M) while French rival Bureau Veritas offered around euro500M. GL's management praised the agreement as an amicable “Hamburg solution” that will cement the class society’s independence. “This is the best solution for all our maritime and industrial clients who can now continue to rely on our high safety and quality standards,” said executive board member Rainer Schöndube. After five turbulent weeks in which GL’s management struggled hard to keep the group’s shareholders at it, the society can now “concentrate on its actual day-to-day work again”, he said.

Carnival and TUI Joint Venture to Operate Existing AIDA Cruises Brand and Launch New TUI Cruises Brand in Germany

2006-12-15T17:47:00.000+01:00

MIAMI and HANOVER, Germany, Dec. 15. Carnival Corporation & plc , the largest cruise vacation group in the world, and TUI AG, the world's largest tour operator, today announced the signing of a letter of intent to form a joint venture company to develop, market and operate two cruise brands - Carnival's existing AIDA Cruises and a new TUI Cruises brand - both designed for the German-speaking holiday market.

AIDA, the German affiliate of Costa Crociere S.p.A., is currently the market leader in Germany with its "club resort" cruise concept aimed at younger, more active passengers. AIDA currently operates a four-ship fleet, with four additional ships under construction at Germany's Meyer Werft shipyard and scheduled for delivery between 2007 and 2010.

Under the proposed joint venture agreement, a new TUI Cruises brand, which will target a different segment of the German cruise market, will be developed. It is expected that the first TUI branded ship, with an estimated 3,000 passenger berths, will be delivered in spring of 2010.

The new joint venture company will be managed under the direction of Pier Luigi Foschi, chairman and CEO of Carnival's Costa Cruises unit, who currently oversees Carnival's German operations, including AIDA. Michael Thamm, president of AIDA Cruises, based in Rostock, Germany, will become president of the new joint venture company.

Under the proposed transaction, TUI will initially purchase five percent of the joint venture in 2007 and is expected to purchase another 20 percent in 2010. For purposes of this transaction, AIDA's business was valued at euro 1.9 billion for inclusion in the joint venture, which will be formed with euro 600 million of indebtedness. The purchase price will be paid to Carnival in cash at the closing of each transaction based on a net equity value of euro 1.3 billion. When the initial five percent purchase closes in 2007, Carnival expects to record a pre-tax gain of approximately euro 60 million ($80 million). Another gain will be recorded under U.S. accounting principles at the time of closing of the subsequent 20 percent purchase in 2010.

Apart from the aforementioned gains, Carnival expects the transaction to be neutral to earnings on an annualized basis for the 12-month period following the transaction closing.

"TUI is a highly diversified and experienced company in the European travel and tourism sector and has extensive brand awareness throughout Europe, particularly in Germany," said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc chairman and CEO. "By combining TUI's strengths with Carnival's tremendous experience in building, operating and marketing cruise ships, we are creating an excellent platform for growth in the rapidly expanding German cruise market."

Added Dr. Michael Frenzel, CEO of TUI AG, "With AIDA Cruises, Carnival has already set up a successful and profitable model in the German cruise market. By entering into this joint venture and benefiting from Carnival's unrivaled expertise, we are able to put the TUI Cruises brand on water. Together, AIDA and TUI Cruises will provide ideal offers to an even larger potential of cruise customers in this commercially highly interesting segment."

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2007 pending approval of both companies boards of directors, all necessary regulatory approvals, customary due diligence and the execution of definitive agreements.

About Carnival Corporation & plc

Carnival Corporation & plc is the largest cruise vacation group in the world, with a portfolio of cruise brands in North America, Europe and Australia, comprised of Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, AIDA Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Ocean Village, P&O Cruises, Swan Hellenic, and P&O Cruises Australia.

Together, these brands operate 81 ships totaling approximately 144,000 lower berths with 18 new ships scheduled to enter service between March 2007 and spring 2010. Carnival Corporation & plc also operates the leading tour companies in Alaska and the Canadian Yukon, Holland America Tours and Princess Tours. Traded on both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, Carnival Corporation & plc is the only group in the world to be included in both the S&P 500 and the FTSE 100 indices.

About TUI AG

The TUI Group is the European market leader in tourism and one of the top five players in global container shipping. The tour operators of TUI trade in 17 European countries and in 2005 sold the Group's products to around 21 million customers. TUI encompasses all in all about 3,200 travel agencies, 7 airlines with more than 100 aircraft and 35 incoming agencies. Its hotel portfolio is made up of 279 hotels with approximately 164,000 beds in 30 countries.

TUI provides its customers with complete holidays from a single source - from booking in a TUI travel agency, flights with one of the World of TUI airlines, accommodation in the Group's own hotels and customer-care by the Group's own incoming agencies.

Through its wholly owned subsidiary Hapag-Lloyd, headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, TUI operates one of the world's leading container shipping companies with more than 140 container ships. Under the brands of Hapag-Lloyd in Germany and Thomson in the UK, TUI also operates a fleet of nine cruise liners. The Hapag-Lloyd cruise ship division is the leading "premium and luxury cruise" tour operator in German-speaking countries. The four cruise liners including the 5-star-plus "MS Europa" are at home on all the world's oceans.

In the 2005 financial year, more than 60,000 employees achieved a turnover of more than EUR 19 billion. Over 70 percent of this was generated by the tourism division.