World Maritime News - 11 April, 1997
Steve Schultz
World Maritime News - 11 April, 1997
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BUSINESS
Canada, China in maritime agreement
Canadian Transport Minister David Andersen and Chinese Minister of
Communications Huang Zhendong reportedly agreed on a maritime agreement
between the two countries late last week. It is Canada's first bilateral
maritime pact. The agreement was due to be signed in Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada.
Herma Shipping and Tranport wins P.N.O.C. shipping stake
Herma Shipping and Transport Corp. has won the bid for 60 percent of
P.N.O.C. Shipping and Transport Corp., the shipping division of Philippine
National Oil Co. It will pay 301.23 million Philippine pesos/U.S.$11.6
million.
Holt Cargo Systems acquires 15 percent of Atlantic Container Line
Bilspedition Transport and Logistics A.B. has sold a 15 percent stake
in Atlantic Container Line to Holt Cargo Systems Inc. Holt Cargo Systems
took an option for one million shares in September, and bought them shortly
before a 31 March deadline. The stake is valued at 156 million Norwegian
kroner/U.S.$20 million. Bilspedition expects a capital gain of 50 million
kroner/U.S.$7.2 million.
Sun selling its fleet
Sun Co. announced 9 April it will sell its fleet of 16 vessels and
eliminate 210 jobs.
Star Cruise to be transfered to shareholders
Genting International has announced it will transfer ownership of its
Star Cruise division to its shareholders and sell its non-cruise assets to
Resorts World Bhd., Genting International's casino unit, for U.S.$58.1
million. In addition, Star Cruise will list its shares on the Luxembourg
Stock Exchange. Star Cruise's share capital of 499.5 million will be
distributed on a one for one basis.
Lykes reorganization approved
U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Alexander L. Paskay approved the reorganization
of Lykes Bros. Steamship Co. on 2 April.
Princess Cruises settles with Florida
Princess Cruises Inc. has settled all outstanding problems with the
Florida Attorney-General, Bob Butterworth. On 25 March, he filed a civil
complaint against Princess Cruises, alledging that the firm has violated
consumer protection laws. It was accused of representing port charges as
fees, when the extra cost was another charge by Princess Cruises itself. In
a complaint with the Broward County Circuit Court, Butterworth alledged
that by covering actual fees and keeping the money for itself, Princess
Cruises was able to market cruises for a lower price than should be
possible. Florida sought U.S.$15,000 for each passenger over the last four
years for violation of its Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act. In the
settlement, Princess Cruises will pay U.S.$85,000 towards the cost of the
investigation, and admits no liability or wrongdoing. It will change how
the fee is represented by 1 June.
New competitor for Sofrana Unilines
Several former employees of Sofrana Unilines have reportedly begun a
rival to serve Pacific islands. Backed by a Fijian investor, the line will
handle breakbulk and container cargoes.
Indonesian firms forming new line
Salim Group and Sukanto Tanoto will sign an agreement 21 April to
jointly form a shipping line that will specialize in liquid cargoes.
A.N. Deringer buys Maron Shipping Agency
Maron Shipping Agency, with offices in Miami and New York, has been
sold to A.N. Deringer Inc.
Ireland cuts fees
Ireland has announced plans to reduce fees that pay for operation and
maintenance of lighthouses and other navigation aids. The "light fees" will
be in line with the British rates.
Danish employment declines
For the first time since the second Danish register was formed in
1988, the number of Danish citizens working in its merchant fleet has
dropped below 5,000.
U.K. P. & I. Club to make I.S.M. Template available
The U.K. P. & I. Club has announced it will make available its I.S.M.
Template to all vessel operators, even if with a different club. The
template is a model safety management system for ships that has been
certified by Lloyd's Register as complying with the I.S.M. Code.
A.M.M.L.A. adds Port Athur
The American Merchant Marine Library Association has added Port
Arthur, Texas, to its network. It is the sixth "branch."
ROUTES AND SERVICES
China approves six shipping firms for sailings to Taiwan
The Chinese Ministry of Communications has reportedly approved service
by six Chinese shipping lines between China and Taiwan. They are: the
Fujian branch of China Ocean Shipping Co., Fujian Foreign Trade Center
Shipping Co., Fujian Provincial Shipping Co., Fujian Shipping Co., Fujian
Xiamen Shipping Co. and Fujian Mawei Shipping Co.
Delmas and Safmarine/CMB Transport combining in western Africa
Delmas and Safmarine/CMBT Transport have announced plans to link their
services operating in western Africa, between Dakar, Senegal, and Douala,
Cameroon. Starting in mid-April, they will operate two joint fixed-day,
container services. Six containerships of 1,700-TEU to 1,900-TEU will be
used on one, with three 1,150-TEU capacity shallow-draft containerships on
the other. The former will be weekly and the latter every 10 to 11 days.
The ships will sail from European ports on the Atlantic. The two lines will
combine breakbulk and combination cargoes in the region later this year.
Quadrant buys Unicorn stake in joint venture
Quadrant Container Line has purchased Unicorn's interest in a joint
venture container service with CMB Transport to eastern Africa, the Middle
East and Persian Gulf and the Indian subcontinent. The eight-day service
was jointly marketed, but will now be separate. A new vessel sharing
agreement has been reached between CMB Transport, Laurel Corp., P. & O.
Nedlloyd Container Line and Quadrant.
New Maersk service from Florida to Colombia and Venezuela
Maersk Line is starting a fixed-day, direct weekly container service
from Florida to Colombia and Venezuela. Using two 400-TEU containerships,
calls will be at Miami; Freeport, the Bahamas; the Colombian ports of
Cartagena and Barranquilla; the Venezuelan ports of Maracaibo and Puerto
Cabello; Cartagena; and Miami. Transit from Miami to Cartagena is four
days.
Cagema and Tropical Shipping end service
The joint service of Cagema and Tropical Shipping Co. in the Caribbean
ended 11 April. The service sailed between the United States and the
Windward Islands.
Polferries to place fast ferry in service in June
Polish Baltic Shipping Co., or Polferries, will place the fast ferry
Boomerang in service on its route from Swinoujscie, Poland, to Malmo,
Sweden, in June. The 82-meter/269-foot catamaran was built by Austal Ships
Pty. Ltd. and can carry 700 passengers and 175 vehciles at 38 knots. The
Boomerang is of the Auto Express design.
Mercandia leasing out Oresund route
Mercandia Rederierne has leased out its ferry operation across the
Oresund from Helsingor, Denmark, to Helsingborg, Sweden, to a new firm
formed by Danish and Swedish interests. Helsingor-Helsingborg Lines will
operate two vessels owned by Mercandia, the Mercandia IV (Danish-registry
1,280-dwt ferry built in 1989) and the Mercandia VIII (Danish-registry
1,237-dwt ferry built in 1987). The new arrangement will be effective until
2005, when Mercandia's concession on the route expires.
Second SuperSeaCat arriving on the English Channel in June
Sea Containers Ltd. has announced its second new SuperSeaCat will
enter service with Hoverspeed on the English Channel in June. The
100-meter/330-foot vessel, building in Italy, will carry 782 passengers and
175 vehicles. It will replace the first SuperSeaCat, which will sail the
route to the Isle of Man.
CANALS, PORTS AND TERMINALS
Japanese dockworkers to resume working at night
Some 47,000 Japanese dockworkers on 8 April ended a night work
stoppage after the Japan Harbor Transportation Association agreed to back
two unions. The 44,000 members of the National Council of Dockworkers
Unions of Japan and the 3,000 members of the Japanese Confederation of Port
and Transport Workers Unions refused to work between 2000 and 0600 daily,
starting 31 March. The move, during the "spring offensive," is in part in
protest of calls from the United States to deregulate Japanese ports. The
J.H.T.A. will continue to oppose the U.S. requests on behalf of the unions.
Also, it was agreed to abolish the practice of having dockworkers work
continuously and instead begin a shift-based system. The agreement
essentially is for five-day work weeks, but dockworkers will continue to
refuse to work on Sundays in protest.
China reviewing ports across the country
The Chinese State Port Administration Office is currently reviewing
ports across China. It intends to restrict building of new ports and merge
or close others that are poorly operated or that handle little cargo.
Chittagong shuts down during protest
Jetties at the Port of Chittagong, Bangladesh, were blocked 8 April by
truck drivers. Cargo handling was suspended after the drivers began the
protest against the death of Abdul Wahab Noman. He was killed when iron
pipes rolled onto him as he slept on a jetty the night of 7 April. The
Chittagong Port Authority, which said Noman's death was an accident, agreed
to pay 50,000 Bangladeshi taka/U.S.$1,150 in compensation to his family.
After the agreement was announced, the blockade ended. The protest idled 19
ships at the jetties and another eight in the outer anchorage. More than
100,000 tons of cargo and 11,861 containers were stranded at the port. By
10 April, the port was returning to normal operation.
Brazilian ports returning to normal
Most Brazilian ports affected by dockworker strikes returned to normal
over the weekend. Except for dockworkers at Companhia Siderurgica Paulist
(COSIPA), Santos is operating again. At the COSIPA terminal, 36 dockworkers
are occupying two ships. COSIPA said it has a court order to remove the
group, but police have not yet done so. COSIPA was considering whether to
ask for Brazilian Army soldiers to remove the dockworkers. Also working are
the ports of Rio Grande, Salvador, Sao Francisco do Sul and Vitoria.
Contrary to previous reports, dockworkers at Fortaleza did not strike,
though the dockworker's organization said they would. An unrelated strike
at Rio de Janeiro also ended over the weekend.
Cargo theft reportedly rampant at Mombasa
According to an investigation by the East African Standard reported 10
April, an organized cargo theft system is operating at the Port of Mombasa,
Kenya. Based on information during a six-hour "stakeout" at the port on 5
April, the most often hit cargoes are second-hand clothes, electronics and
grain, all of which is imported. The newspaper said that cargoes are
overtly stolen in the presence of security personnel from the Kenya Ports
Authority as well as port police. In one incident, the newpspaer said that
smugglers offered money to truck drivers who would allow them to load
stolen maize.
Grindrod, P. & O. Ports in South African venture
Grindrod and P. & O. Ports Ltd. have formed Southern Terminals. The
joint venture will seek to develop ports and terminals in South Africa.
Panama Canal to test new reservation system, new board planned
Starting this month, the Panama Canal Commission will operate a
three-month test of a new reservation system. Also, the commision has
announced plans for an 11-member board of directors instead of nine. In
addition, their terms would be staggered three to nine years.
Dredging at Aden will begin 17 April
The world's fourth largest dredger has arrived at the Port of Aden,
Yemen, from Singapore for 15 weeks of dredging. The spoils will create an
island for a new port and container station opposite the current facility.
It will have six quays and the channel will be deepened from 12 meters/39
feet to 16 meters/52 feet.
New working rules in Hamburg
OTU, the dockworkers' union at the Port of Hamburg, Germany, has
agreed in principle to new work arrangements with UHH, the organization of
the port's terminal operators. In exchange for guarantees that there will
be no compulsory job losses for a year, dockworkers will work more flexible
hours. This includes at least 13 Sundays per year.
Melbourne Port receives writ from Patrick
As part of an on-going dispute, Melbourne Port Corp. received a writ 7
April from Patrick Stevedores, which is protesting actions made by the firm
at the Australian port.
J.N.P.T. may corporatize
The Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust in India will appoint an independent
entity to study the possibility of corporatizing J.N.P.T. The trust asked
the Indian Ministry of Surface Transport to consider its debt as an equal
share of a government grant and loans in perpetuity with a 5.5 percent
interest rate. The ministry responded with the proposal that J.N.P.T.
corporatize with 50 percent government equity.
Hong Kong cargo forecasts to be reviewed
The Hong Kong Port Development Board signed a U.S.$1.82 million
contract 9 April with GHK Hong Kong Ltd. for a study to update the port's
cargo forecasts. The last such study was in 1995.
Mexico approves warehouses at Tuxpan
Mexico on 30 March conditionally approved a terminal operator for
bonded warehouses at Tuxpan. Terminales Maritimas Transvaisa S.A. de C.V.
will take over when improvements worth 585,000 Mexican pesos/U.S.$75,000
are done.
SHIPYARDS AND EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS
V.L.C.C.s spent more time in drydock in 1996
A study released by the International Association of Independent
Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO) this week reports that more very large crude
carriers were drydocked last year for longer periods of time. Some 158
vessels were drydocked, compared to 122 in 1995 and 104 in 1994. The
average drydocking in 1996 was 31 days, eight days longer than the 1995
figure. INTERNTANKO cited the fact that many of the ships were built in
1976 and required their fourth enhanced special periodical survey. In
addition, more strenuous regulations for classification socities were a
factor.
LISNAVE restructuring approved
At the annual meeting of shareholders of Estaleiros Navais De Lisboa
S.A., a restructuring plan for the firm was approved. Under the Portuguese
government, the shipyard group will split into operating companies, with
Blohm + Voss taking as much as a 20 percent stake. Of the 3,900 employees,
about 1,500 will be laid off. The rest will be employed via Gestnave, a
human resources company. The Margueira yard will close within three years.
Metro Machine lays off 70 personnel
Metro Machine Corp. has laid off 70 employees. Most are from two
shipyards in Pennsylvania, at Chester and Erie. Metro Machine cited a lack
of work as the reason. The firm now employs a total of 160 people. In
addition, Metro Machine has requested that Virginia postpone a loan payment
until the end of 1998. The firm barrowed U.S.$15.5 million in 1994 to buy
part of Pennsylvania Shipbuilding in Chester. Metro Machine planned to
build product tankers at the yard, but has not received any orders.
Neue Brand Werft to survive?
The German state of Lower Saxony has said it will provide three
million German marks/U.S.$1.75 million to fund 250 workers at Neue Brand
Werft G.m.b.H. and Co. KG. On 27 March, it was declared bankrupt after
Bremer Landesbank refused to satisfy credit demands. Workers at the yard,
in Oldenburg, Germany, then refused to continue work on the Tian Fu
(10,800-dwt general cargo ship), which is to be delivered at the end of
April to Tianjin Marine Shipping Co. If the money is provided, the Tian Fu
and two other ships on order may be completed.
Success of Lykes ships puts Lloyd Werft employees in temporary work
Lloyd Werft Bremerhaven G.m.b.H. will put 170 of 430 employees on
temporary short-time work. The yard was to do contractual repair work on
three containerships it built for Lykes Bros. Steamship Co. However, the
Lykes ships are reportedly operating at full-capacity in the North
Atlantic, so the work has been delayed.
Chantiers de l'Atlantique reports order
Chantiers de l'Atlantique has received an order for a cruise ship with
400 to 600 cabins. Despite the order, of which little is known, the yard
plans to lay off about 1,000 employees in May for three days, including
administrative staff and 400 designers, due to a lack of orders.
Mitsui division gets I.S.O. 9001 certification
Mitsui Engineering and Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.'s maintenance service
division has received I.S.O. 9001 certification. The certification includes
equipment design, maintenance and repair of diesel engines, turbo chargers,
steam turbines, cranes and other equipment. It is reportedly the first
Japanese shipbuilder to receive I.S.O. 9001 for customer service-related
items.
Award of LPD 17 work to Avondale Industries upheld
The U.S. General Accounting Office on 7 April upheld the U.S. Navy's
decision to award the contract for design and construction of the
Amphibious Transport Dock San Antonio (LPD 17) to Avondale Industries Inc.
It has options for LPD 18 and LPD 19. With the "stop work" order lifted,
work began immediately.
N.Y.K. places orders for three V.L.C.C.s
Nippon Yusen Kaisha Ltd. recently ordered three very large crude
carriers. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. will build two 259,999-dwt
double-hull tankers for delivery in October 1999 and January 2000. They
will be built at Nagasaki, Japan, and chartered to Mitsubishi Oil Co.
Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. will build a third vessel at
Kure, Japan, for delivery in October 1998.
Sembawang to refurbish floating hotel
Sembawang Maritime Ltd. has been awarded a turnkey deal in which it
will refurbish and upgrade the Saigon Floating Hotel. The hotel arrived in
Singapore under tow by Sembawang subsidiary Semco on 9 April from Ho Chi
Minh City, Vietnam. The structure was built by Bethelhem Shipyard in
Singapore in 1987, and spent a brief time at Australia's Great Barrier Reef
before spending the last seven years moored on the Saigon River. It was
closed last year when Vietnam did not renew its license. The 186-room hotel
will be upgraded by July and will be towed by Semco to Palau, Micronesia.
Kawasaki receives ro/ro order
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. has announced it has received an
order for two 9,500-dwt ro/ros. For a firm based in Luxembourg, they will
be delivered in March 1999 and June 1999.
O.O.C.L. awards Daewoo contract for ice-class containership
Orient Overseas Container Line has ordered a 2,800-TEU capacity
containership from Daewoo Heavy Industries Ltd. The ship, to be delivered
by the end of 1998, will operate between Canada and northern Europe. With a
B&W engine, it will be capable of 21 knots and have +100A1 Icelass 1A with
Lloyd's Register.
Greenbay Marine will build rescue vessels for new Hong Kong airport
Greenbay Marine Pte. Ltd. has won a U.S.$20 millon order for two
rescue vessels that will be used by the Royal Hong Kong Airport Authority's
new Chap Lap Kok International Airport. The airport opens in April 1998.
The 35-meter/115-foot vessels will be equipped as rescue and firefighting
vessels, able to carry 2,400 liters/620 gallons of foam, 2,000 liters/500
gallons of fresh water and 300 passengers at 25 knots. They will be
delivered in early 1998.
Croatia in deal with Iran
A Croatian shipbuilder reportedly agreed 9 April to build four vessels
for an Iranian firm at U.S.$109 million.
Ship to be converted, operated for U.S. Military Sealift Command
Ocean Marine Navigation Co. has received a U.S.$149,967,998 contract
to purchase, convert and operate a vessel for the U.S. Military Sealift
Command under under Phase II and III of the U.S. Maritime Prepositioning
Force (Enhanced) Program. Under Phase II, a Grenadian-registry
containership will be converted to a ro/ro, registered in the United States
and renamed the LCPL Roy M. Wheat. Phase III will involve operation and
maintenance of the ship for five years. The conversion will be done at
Mobile, Ala., by November 2003.
Alisa-Troon to build another trawler
Ailsa-Troon has received an order worth 3 million British
pounds/U.S.$4.9 million to build a 34-meter/112-foot trawler designed by
Vik and Sandvik. The vessel, ordered by Harcus Fishing Co., will operate in
the Atlantic. The trawler will operate at 12 knots with a crew of as many
as 12. There will be a large net working area on the main deck, enclosed at
the bow, and most of the vessel's length will be shielded. Processing will
be on the second deck, with a storage capacity of 230 cubic meters/300
cubic yards. Three split trawl winches will be fitted on the stern, each
with a pull of 28 tons and coordinated by computer.
District Offshore awards anchor/supply vessel contract
District Offshore Management A/S has awarded Kvaerner Klaven a U.S.$26
million contract for an anchor handling and supply vessel to be built at
Ulsteinvik, Norway, by late 1998. The vessel will be a variant of the ME
303 Mk II design.
Harland and Wolff to upgrade the Star Princess
Starting in mid-November, Harland and Wolff Holdings P.L.C. will
upgrade the Star Princess (Liberian-registry 5,950-dwt passenger ship built
in 1989) for P. & O. Cruises Ltd. The ship, with 1,650 berths, will enter
service in Europe on 23 Dec., renamed the Arcadia. Most of the work will
involve public areas.
Crowley announces plan for six tractor tugs
Crowley Maritime Corp. is planning six new tractor tugs, to be
operated by its Vessel Management Systems Inc. A contract will be awarded
in mid-May. The 32.0-meter/105-foot tugs were designed by Gudio Perla and
Associates with Voith Schneider Hydro Marine Technology equipment. Nine
U.S. shipyards have expressed interest.
U.S.N.S. Mount Baker to be overhauled
Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Corp. has received a U.S.$27,807,517
contract to overhaul and upgrade the U.S. Military Sealift Command
Kilauea-class Ammunition Ship U.S.N.S. Mount Baker (T-AE 34). The contract
could total U.S.$31,561,061. The overhaul will be completed by June 1998.
EISA delivers PETROBRAS tanker
Estaleiro Ilha S.A. delivered the Livramento (Brazilian-registry
33,000-dwt tanker) to Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. on 4 April. The last in a
series of newbuildings, it will be operated by Frota Nacional de
Petroleiros.
Aluminum catamaran ferry delivered by Hitachi
Hitachi Zosen Corp. delivered an 850-gt high-speed catamaran ferry
built of aluminum alloy to a firm in Nagasaki, Japan, on 3 April. The Sea
Bird, designed by an Australian firm, has a maximum speed of 35.2 knots
with four water jets and a diesel engine. The ferry is 62 meters/203 feet
long, has a beam of 15.4 meters/50.5 feet and a height of 10.8 meters/35.4
feet. It can carry 48 vehicles and 296 passengers. The Sea Bird will sail
between Nagasaki and Kushikino New Port in Japan starting 18 April.
Keppel completes tanker order for F.T. Everard
Keppel Singmarine Dockyard Pte. Ltd. has delivered the Audacity
(3,700-dwt double-hull product tanker) to F.T. Everard Shipping Ltd. The
4,250-cubic meter/5,525-cubic yard tanker is the second of a two-ship order
valued at Singapore$34 million/U.S.$24 million.
Tanker to begin carrying L.N.G. between Libyan ports
The tanker Tazerpo has been delivered to General National Maritime
Transport Co. The ship will carry L.N.G. for Brega between Libyan ports and
was built by Kanrei Zosen K.K. The Tazerpo has two cargo tanks for a
capacity of 1,300 cubic meters/1,700 cubic yards.
New bulk carrier christened for Foremost Maritime
A new 73,000-dwt bulk carrier, the Chia May, has been christened for
Foremost Maritime Corp. by Tsuneishi Shipbuilding Co.
Arleigh Burke-class destroyer McFaul to be christened
The U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class Guided-Missile Destroyer McFaul
(DDG 74) will be christened at 1100 12 April at Ingalls Shipbuilding in
Pascagoula, Miss. DDG 74 is named for Chief Engineman Donald L. McFaul,
U.S. Navy (1957 - 1989), a native of Orange County, Calif. McFaul was
posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for service with Seal Team Four during
Operation Just Cause in Panama. While under heavy small-arms fire, McFaul
left the safety of his position to assist wounded members of his platoon.
While carrying one of the members to safety, McFaul was killed. Marcia
Coats, wife of Sen. Dan Coats of Indiana, is the sponsor. DDG 74 was
authorized fiscal year 1993, ordered 21 Jan., 1993, and laid down 12 Feb.,
1996. Cmdr. Bernard L. Jackson, of Macon, Ga., is the prospective
commanding officer. The ship will be commissioned in June 1998 and
homeported at Norfolk, Va.
NOL Iolite christened
The NOL Iolite, a 5,000-TEU capacity containership owned by Neptune
Orient Lines Ltd., was recently christened. The cellular ship, which will
operate at 24.5 knots, was built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. It
will be operated by Neptune Shipmanagement Services Pte. Ltd.
More on Trailer Bridge order
Trailer Bridge Inc. has ordered two triple-stack container carriers
from Halter Marine Inc.'s Gulf Coast Fabrication at Pearlington, Miss. For
use between Puerto Rico and the continental United States, the vessels will
be designed to carry 16-meter/53-foot containers. The first will be
delivered late this year with the second in early 1998.
EVENTS, INCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS
Two killed in engine room of dredge in Kaohsiung
Two crewmembers were killed aboard a dredge in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, on
24 March. A Ukrainian citizen making repairs in the engine room collapsed,
apparently due to a gas leak that depleted the air supply. The master,
Richard Culliford, a 54-year-old Belgian citizen, attempted to rescue the
crewmember but also collapsed. Both suffocated.
Search for the Char-Lee II suspended, three missing
The search for the Char-Lee II (U.S.-registry 12-meter/40-foot fishing
vessel, homeported at Morehead City, N.C.) has been suspended. The vessel
planned to ride out a storm 31 March about 48 kilometers/30 miles southeast
of Cape Lookout, N.C., as its anchor was stuck on the bottom. The Char-Lee
II, with three crewmembers, has not been heard from since. On the night of
3 April, a search began with a U.S. Coast Guard HC-130H Hercules from Coast
Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., and the "Island"-class Patrol Boat
U.S.C.G.C. Aquidneck (WPB 1309). They were joined by about 20 vessels in
the area. By 4 April, the search expanded to more than 1.14 million square
kilometers/440,000 square miles. On 8 April, after 255 hours of accumulated
searching, the effort was suspended. The three missing are identified as:
Jessie Lee Dempsey of Morehead City, N.C.; Roy Pickle of Beaufort, N.C.;
and John M. Williams of Elizabeth, N.J. Units involved in the search
included four Hercules and two HH-60J Jayhawks from Air Station Elizabeth
City; two HU-25A Falcon aircraft from Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod,
Mass.; a Hercules from Coast Guard Air Station Clearwater, Fla.; the
U.S.C.G.C. Aquidneck; the Bear-class Medium-Endurance Cutter U.S.C.G.C.
Forward (WMEC 911); the "Point"-class Patrol Boat U.S.C.G.C. Point Warde
(WPB 82368); a U.S. Navy E-2C Hawkeye from Naval Air Station Norfolk, Va.;
a Navy P-3C Orion from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.; a Navy Orion
from Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine; and the Navy's Nimitz-class
Nuclear-Powered Aircraft Carrier U.S.S. George Washington (CVN 73) and
several of its aircraft.
At least 356 people contract virus during Carribean cruise
A gastrointestinal virus affected more than 350 people aboard the
Royal Odyssey (5,936-dwt passenger ship built in 1973, operated by
Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd.) during a 10-day cruise in the Carribean. It was
the third consecutive voyage of the Royal Odyssey in which some passengers
had contracted the virus. Several weeks ago, almost half of the passengers
reported symptoms. In the latest incident, 306 of 781 passengers and 50 of
379 crewmembers had the virus, which results in diarrhea and vomiting.
Treatment involved an over-the-counter medication. The ship was to sail
this week, but it has been canceled on the advice of the U.S. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. The Royal Odyssey left Miami on 25 March
and returned 4 April. Calls included St. John's and Tortola in the Virgin
Islands; St. Barts; St. Kitts; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Great Stirrup
Cay, an island owned by Norwegian Cruise Line in the Bahamas.
Sailor seriously injured aboard the U.S.S. Independence
A sailor aboard the U.S. Navy's Forrestal-class Aircraft Carrier
U.S.S. Independence (CV 62) underwent surgery 3 April after an accident
aboard the ship. An F/A-18 series Hornet was taking off when its port
landing gear collapsed. The aircraft's wingtip hit a hatch the closed
across the catapult opeartor's thighs, breaking both legs and right arm.
The sailor is in stable condition. The Hornet made an emergency landing in
Sydney, Australia, after taking off from the carrier 192 kilometers/120
miles west of Australia. The aircraft is badly damaged.
U.S. Coast Guard airlifts woman from cruise ship off the Bahamas
On 21 March, a U.S. Coast Guard HH-60J Jayhawk hoisted a 39-year-old
female passenger aboard from the Sensation (Panamanian-registry 6,870-dwt
passenger ship built in 1993, operated by Carnival Corp.). The ship was 282
kilometers/176 miles west of Great Inagua, the Bahamas. The woman was
suffering from an internal brain hemorrhage, and was taken with the ship's
nurse to a commercial air ambulance at Mosstown, Great Exuma, the Bahamas.
The patient was transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital where she later
died.
Bahamian-registry vessel charged with oil dumping that killed 30,000 birds
Diana Shipping Services S.A., the operator of the Elm
(Bahamian-registry 21,978-dwt dry cargo ship built in 1984) was charged 4
April with eight pollution-related violations. The action came after an
investigation into the deaths of thousands of seabirds. The ship, which
mainly carries lumber between Canada and Europe, allegedly dumped oil off
southeastern Newfoundland, Canada. The oil, according to Environment
Canada, killed more than 30,000 birds, the majority of them dovekies and
murres, between November and January. On 24 March, the Elm was searched at
Grand Anse, Quebec. The ship and its crew will remain at the port until the
case is decided. The charges involved can result in fines up to Canadian$1
million/U.S.$750,000.
Motor Oil fined for tanker spill in Greece
The Greek Environment Ministry fined Motor Oil, a joint venture of
Saudi Aramco and the Vardinoyannis Group, 100 million Greek
drachmas/U.S.$370,000 on 4 April for an oil spill. In August, lightning
struck a tanker loading crude oil at the refinery, 60 kilometers/37 miles
south of Athens, Greece. An oil slick covered waters in the area for 10
days before it was dissolved by chemicals. The fine will be placed in a
"Green Fund" for local governments attempting to restore the area.
Police escort crew from tanker in Oregon after labor standoff
At 1400 2 April, the master of a tanker moored in Portland, Ore., was
escorted off the vessel by local police in a labor dispute. George Green,
master of the Cornucopia (U.S.-registry 23,451-dwt tanker built in 1958),
refused to turn the ship over to a replacement crew, which he said was
unqualified. Under police escort, Green led 17 crewmembers off the ship at
Union Oil Co. of California's (UNOCAL) Rivergate Terminal. The Cornucopia
is the only U.S.-registry ship carrying chilled anhydrous ammonia, a toxic
substance. The vessel had been operated by a UNOCAL subsidiary, but the
contract was transferred to Keystone Shipping Co. UNOCAL had contracted
with several unions to crew the ship, but Keystone brought in a new crew
that resulted in most of the former crew being dismissed. The U.S. Coast
Guard certified the new crew as capable of operating the Cornucopia.
Master requests assistance in labor dispute on fishing vessel
The master of the Amanda Alice (U.S.-registry fishing vessel)
requested U.S. Coast Guard assistance on 21 March, claiming his crew chased
him into his cabin with knives and a gun. The Bear-class Medium-Endurance
Cutter U.S.C.G.C. Escanaba (WMEC 907) found the master on the bridge and
escorted the vessel to Provincetown, Mass. En route, the master requested a
boarding team to maintain order. The group did not find any firearms
aboard. An investigation by the Coast Guard, the U.S. Immigration and
Naturalization Service and police in Provincetown concluded that a labor
dispute had taken place. The crew was released and the Amanda Alice left
the port.
Canadian scallop crews stage protest
Crews of scallop vessels protested at the Canadian Human Resources
office in Digby, Nova Scotia, Canada, on 3 and 4 April. The group of about
20 wants access to a larger fishing area, rather that access only to the
Bay of Fundy. The office was open 3 April but closed 4 April after it was
occupied. On 7 April, about 15 people took over the office of Harry Verran,
a minister of parliament.
Ice off Nova Scotia traps at least four vessels
The Joseph and Clara Smallwood (4,597-dwt ferry built in 1989,
operated by Marine Atlantic Inc.) became stuck in ice 4 April off Cape
Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada. Two Canadian Coast Guard icebreakers,
including the Pierre Radisson-class River Icebreaker C.C.G.S. Des
Groseilliers, worked to free the vessel, with 204 passengers aboard. After
36 hours, the ferry finally arrived at North Sydney the afternoon of 5
April. A few hours later, it sailed back to Newfoundland with about 260
passengers but leaving 174 trailers and eight vehicles for the next ferry.
It was accompanied by two icebreakers. Ice also trapped the Caribou
(3,662-dwt ferry built in 1985, operated by Marine Atlantic Inc.), carrying
282 passengers; an oil tanker; and a coast guard icebreaker. The same
icebreakers that freed the Joseph and Clara Smallwood also were able to
bring the other three trapped vessels out of the ice 5 April. The Caribou
arrived at Port aux Basques, Newfoundland, that night and sailed again
about 2200. Ice conditions off Nova Scotia were exacerbated by high
northeast winds, which packed ice in the area for three or four days. In
order to secure a spot in the next ferry, truckers must pay double rates.
Due to the ice problems, Marine Atlantic has waived this provision
temporarily.
Maid of the Mist cruises likely delayed at Niagara Falls
Operations by the Maid of the Mist vessels in the Niagara River below
Niagara Falls may be delayed this year. An ice jam caused flooding at the
Maid of the Mist facilities, with water one meter/three feet over the
second floor of a three-story building there. Two of the vessels floated
off the cradles and came to rest on ice along with floating docks. Damage
is not yet known, but the mid-May opening will likely be delayed.
Fishing vessel stranded in Newfoundland ordered sold
A Canadian court on 4 April ordered that the fishing vessel Sheduva,
which has been stranded at Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, Canada, for six
months, be auctioned in May to help pay U.S.$200,000 in back wages to the
crew. The 19 Lithuanian crewmembers were given a U.S.$30,000 payment last
month. Fifteen planned to return to Lithuania the night of 4 April, while
four others will remain aboard until the vessel is sold.
Pilot in California Orion allision gets license revoked
A Board of Pilot Commissioners recently voted to revoke the license of
Donald Hughes. However, the judgement was waived and instead he is
suspended for 180 days and will be on probation for two years. Hughes, 69,
was the pilot aboard the California Orion (Panamanian-registry 36,022-dwt,
227-meter/746-foot long containership built in 1980, operated by Nippon
Yusen Kaisha Ltd.) when it allided with a gantry crane at the Port of
Oakland, Calif., on 7 Feb. The ship had sailed from Los Angeles and was
docking at Berth 23. Before the ship was to dock, Hughes had "severe
intestinal distress." He left the bridge, leaving a student pilot and the
master in command. When he returned eight minutes later, the ship was on
course to ram the crane. The berth and crane sustained U.S.$250,000 in
damage and were taken out of service for a week. The ship had some damage.
On 13 Feb., the San Francisco Bar Pilots voted 5 to 0 with 1 abstention to
suspend Hughes' state license without pay, pending a hearing. At the
hearing, Hughes was found guilty of misconduct for leaving the vessel under
control of the trainee for over 10 minutes, failing to discuss a docking
plan with the trainee, not telling anyone why he left the bridge and not
carrying a radio with him to monitor the docking. Hughes plans to appeal to
the State Superior Court.
"Fishing" of Albania gets more hazardous...
Albania said 7 April that when vessels of the Albanian People's Navy
were stolen recently, some 25,000 37-millimeter/1.5-inch shells, 50
torpedoes and 70 mines were dumped off Pasha Liman. The Albanian government
reported that fishermen often through hand-grenades overboard to "fish,"
and it is feared that the grenades will detonate the arms off Pasha Liman.
VESSEL TRANFERS
Asia Securities International and Bengal Star Investment in deal
Asia Securities International Ltd. and Bengal Star Investment Corp.,
through China Natinal Foreign Trade Transportation Corp., are buying five
bulk carriers from Sinotrans for Hong Kong$544.12 million/U.S.$70.246
million. Asia Securities International will have a 91 percent stake and
Bengal Star Investment the rest. The deal involves a guaranteed rate of
return of 4.5 percent the first year and 8.5 percent the second.
Tankers
Crowley Petroleum Transport has bought two tankers from Tosco Corp.
The Blue Ridge (U.S.-registry 42,268-dwt double-bottom tanker built in 1981
by National Steel and Shipbuilding Co. at San Diego) and the Coast Range
(U.S.-registry 39,990-dwt double-bottom tanker built in 1981 by National
Steel and Shipbuilding Co. at San Diego) were operated by West Coast
Shipping Co. for Union Oil Co. of California (UNOCAL).
Bulk carriers
The Glory Hope (68,634-dwt bulk carrier built in 1987) has reportedly
been sold to Greek interests for U.S.$16 million. The Narwal (67,359-dwt
bulk carrier built in 1985) has also reportedly gone to Greek interests for
U.S.$12.6 million.
Transocean Offshore wins two drilling contracts
Transocean Offshore Inc. said 8 April that it has received contracts
for two of its oil and natural gas drilling rigs that could total
U.S.$116.8 million. The Transocean Rather was hired for a year starting in
June 1998 for U.S.$63.9 million. The Transocean Driller will start
operations in August for a year for U.S.$52.9 million.
CASUALTIES
Two killed after boat carried under a barge
A pleasure boat with 11 people aboard took in water on a strong
current at 1430 6 April and was carried under a barge in the Intracoastal
Waterway in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Two German citizens were killed. A U.S.
Coast Guard vessel was moored 90 meters/300 feet away when the rented
7.6-meter/25 foot vessel went under. It emerged on the other side of the
barge, its engines still operating, and was semi-submerged. The crew of a
tug found the body of Josef Federl, 62. The body of his wife, Maria Anna
Federl, 58, was found under the barge. They were residents of Roth,
Germany.
Fire aboard passenger ship off the Bahamas kills one
A fire began in a laundry area of the Vistafjord (Bahamian-registry
24,492-gt, 5,600-dwt, 191-meter/627-foot passenger ship built in 1973,
operated by Cunard Line Ltd.) at 0140 6 April, about 32 kilometers/20 miles
south of Freeport, the Bahamas. A short circuit in chemical dispensing
equipment was cited as the cause. Stephen Moeller, a 26-year-old German
waiter, was found unconscious in a cabin on the deck above the fire and
died the morning of 6 April at a Freeport hospital. Another crewmember
suffered a broken ankle and a passenger had a broken arm. The fire aboard
the ship, carrying 569 passengers (about half U.S. citizens) and 422 crew,
was contained about three hours after a distress call. The U.S. Coast Guard
sent a vessel and an aircraft to the ship and three cruise ships in the
area diverted course. The Vistafjord arrived at Freeport at 0520, where
firefighters and the ship's crew finally extinguished the fire. Damage is
limited to a linen locker area on the third deck near the stern. The cruise
was canceled, as damage included the laundry and some passenger areas. The
ship left Fort Lauderdale, Fla., late 5 April for Funchal, Madeira Island,
Portugal. All passengers will receive full reimbursement and a U.S.$1,000
per person travel credit for a future cruise. Aircraft were chartered to
fly passengers home. The Vistafjord was previously scheduled for drydocking
in Malta from 21 April to 5 May and will now sail there early.
Three injured, 10 may be missing as two ships are destroyed
Fire destroyed two vessels and damaged a third at Zamboanga City, the
Philippines, early 5 April. The wooden-hulled Petron was destroyed when a
fire began after the vessel's engine was started at 0530. Explosions were
heard up to seven kilometers/four miles away. Three crewmembers - Johnny
Abdurahman, Leonardo Balotanan and Chief Engineer Danny Bilangan - suffered
serious burns and are at the Brent Hospital. As many as 10 other
crewmembers may be missing. The fire was fueled by the vessel's cargo,
which included 250 tanks of liquified petroleum gas and 50,000
liters/13,000 gallons each of diesel fuel, gasoline and other petroleum in
drums. A research vessel operated by the Western Mindanao College of
Fishery and Marine Sciences and the Philippine Department of Science and
Technology was destroyed by the spreading fire. The Petron was to sail for
Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, the night of 4 April, but a delay was requested because
the engine room smelled of gasoline. Even though the area still smelled of
gasoline on 5 April, the master ordered the engine started. The Petron sank
at the western end of the port at 0830. Also, a vessel owned by Fortune
Navigation Lines, unloading rice, was damaged. Its crew managed to move the
ship after the fire began.
U.S. Coast Guard crewmember injured off Oregon
On 1 April, the U.S. Coast Guard's Motor Lifeboat U.S.C.G.C. Intrepid
(52315) responded to a distress call from the fishing vessel Don Pesqually,
which was taking on water 14 kilometers/nine miles west of Cape Blanco,
Ore. During a personnel transfer, one of the Coast Guard vessel's crew was
caught between it and the Intrepid. He suffered severe injuries to his
legs. An HH-65A Dolphin from Coast Guard Air Station North Bend, Ore.,
airlifted the crewmember to a local hospital where he was found to have a
broken pelvis. The fishing vessel was towed to Coos Bay, Ore.
Osung No. 3 sinks off South Korea, cargo creates oil slicks
The Osung No. 3 (South Korean-registry 786-gt tanker) sank the night
of 3 April after running aground on a reef off Koje Island, South Korea.
The nine crewmembers were rescued 4 April. The Osung No. 3 was carrying 1.7
million liters/440,000 gallons or 1,530 tons of bunker C fuel in eight
tanks. At least 186,000 liters/48,400 gallons spilled. Oil began washing
ashore the afternoon of 9 April on northern Tsushima Island, Japan, between
Kamiagata and Kamitsushima. Another slick was reported about five
kilometers/three miles east of Saozaki, Japan. At least 27 vessels are
working to contain the spill, and authorities on Tsushima provided 900
barrels to put the oil in.
Tug sinks in Mississippi in Louisiana
The Bayou Black (19-meter/62-foot tug) sank 31 March at mile 120 of
the Mississippi River near Luling, La. The tug was downbound to relieve a
three-barge tow when its bow caught the bow rake of the lead barge. All
four aboard boarded the barge before the tug sank.
One injured in colllision off Japan
The Woo Yang Friend (Panamanian-registry 1,545-gt, 2,163-dwt dry cargo
ship built in 1993, operated by Woo Yang Shipping Co. Ltd.) collided with
the TA-Explorer (Liberian-registry 17,101-gt ship) off Fukuyama, Japan, at
2330 8 April. Of the 11 crewmembers on the Woo Yang Friend, the chief
engineer suffered slight facial injuries. None of the 22 crew aboard the
TA-Explorer was injured. The Japanese Maritime Safety Agency reported that
the collision resulted from insufficient lookout on both ships.
Three sustain injuries in collision between barge and dragon boat
A ceremonial dragon boat sponsored by Nike Inc. collided with a barge
in the Willamette River in Portland, Ore., on 1 April. The boat capsized,
with three of the 25 women aboard sustaining injuries that ranged from
hypothermia to a broken hand. The barge was owned by Ross Island Sand and
Gravel Co. The crew of the dragon boat was preparing for annual races in
June in Portland as part of the Rose Festival.
Barge sinking closes section of the Houston Ship Channel
A barge sank early 10 April near Texas City, Texas, partially closing
the Houston Ship Channel.
Two safe after fishing vessel sinks off Nova Scotia
The fishing vessel Mona Pearl (Canadian-registry) sank off Digby, Nova
Scotia, Canada, late 8 April. The two crewmembers boarded a liferaft and
were rescued after drifting to shore.
Steering failure results in collision in Elbe River
The Cis Brovig (Norwegian-registry 1,599-gt, 4,127-dwt containership
built in 1985, operated by Brovig Rederi A/S) collided on 25 March with the
Oriental Bay (British-registry 59,367-dwt containership built in 1989,
operated by Actinor Shipping A/S) in the Elbe River. The Cis Broving had a
steering failure. Both ships sailed to Hamburg, Germany, for repairs.
Rinos suffers fire in Nigeria
The Rinos (Cypriot-registry 10,672-gt, 15,094-dwt dry cargo ship built
in 1976, operated by Lignes Togolaises S.A.) suffered a fire in its No. 1
cargo hold while unloading general cargo at Apapa-Lagos, Nigeria, on 9
April. The ship had arrived from Antwerp, Belgium.
Fire aboard the Tiger Wave contained
A fire began on the forward deck of the Tiger Wave
(Singaporean-registry 13,315-gt, 17,226-dwt containership built in 1988,
operated by Odesta Pte. Ltd.) on 6 April, at 08 degrees 00 minutes north,
97 degrees 41 minutes east. The location is in the southern Andaman Sea. It
was quickly brought under control.
Chinese-registry ferry collides with barge in Hong Kong
The Hai Bin (Chinese-registry 538-gt catamaran ferry), sailing from
Hong Kong to Zhuhai, China, with 193 passengers, collided on 9 April with a
small barge off Shek Kwu Chau Island. The Hai Bin sustained a hole in its
bow and returned to Hong Kong.
Green Flake takes on water, reaches port
The Green Flake (Maltese-registry 2,688-gt, 1,840-dwt vessel built in
1976, operated by Green Chartering A/S) took on water 10 April at 59
degrees 22.1 minutes north, 02 degrees 01.7 minutes west, northwest of
Scotland. The ship was carrying frozen fish from Inverness, Scotland, to
Iceland. After a helicopter dropped pumps to to the ship, the flooding was
contained and the Green Flake was escorted to Kirkwall, Scotland.
Louisiana docks damaged by Cypriot-registry vessel
The Tzanetis (Cypriot-registry 26,500-dwt bulk carrier built in 1980)
allided with the CII Carbon docks in Chalmette, La., late 1 April. While
the ship sustained minimal damage, the docks suffered severe damage.
Salvage vessel runs aground in Cyprus
The Skip (Cypriot-registry 233-gt salvage vessel) ran aground in high
winds off Cyprus 6 April, at 34 degrees 59 minutes north, 33 degrees 43
minutes east. The vessel was working on a desalination facility and was not
damaged.
Belize-registry ship aground off Turkey
A Belize-registry vessel ran aground 10 April in the Black Sea off
Turkey.
Edward L. Ryerson disabled in Lake Michigan, towed to Milwaukee
The night of 7 April, the Edward L. Ryerson (U.S.-registry 12,170-gt,
7,637-nt, 220-meter/730-foot "classic Laker"-design bulk carrier built in
1960 by Manitowoc Shipbuilding Inc. at Manitowoc, Wis.; owned and operated
by Inland Steel Co.) suffered a turbine failure due to boiler problems,
eight kilometers/five miles off shore between Milwaukee and Port
Washington, Wis. The ship was sailing to Indiana Harbor, Ind., with 26,066
tons of taconite. Emergency generators were activated. The Superior
(U.S.-registry 147-gt, 1,640-brake horsepower tug built in 1953, owned and
operated by Great Lakes Towing Co.) towed the ship to Milwaukee, arriving
early 8 April, where the tow was assisted by the California (U.S.-registry
98-gt, 1,200-brake horsepower tug built in 1951, owned and operated by
Great Lakes Towing Co.). Some boiler operation was restored by the time the
ship docked at the liquid terminal in the outer harbor, with aid from the
Washington (U.S.-registry 98-gt, 1,200-brake horsepower tug built in 1951,
owned and operated by Great Lakes Towing Co.). The ship was repaired and
left 1030 9 April.
Update on the Cita
The Cita (Antigua and Barbuda-registry 3,083-gt, 3,900-dwt, 241-TEU
dry cargo vessel built in 1976, owned and operated by Reederei Gerd A.
Gorke; classed by Germanischer Lloyd), which ran aground early 26 March
west of St. Mary's off Newfoundland Point in the Isles of Scilly, slipped
off the rocks and into deeper water on 9 April in bad weather. The ship was
carrying containers from Southampton, England, to Belfast, Northern
Ireland. Smit Tak B.V., using the vessel Salvage Chief, has recovered 98
percent of the petroleum and paint aboard the Cita. Smit Tak is now waiting
for word on what to do with the ship, which has been declared a total
constructive loss by its hull insurers.
Fishing vessel master distracted by D.G.P.S. at fault in collision
A court in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, recently suspended the license
of a fishing vessel master after he was found at fault in a collision with
the Sea Merit (Maltese-registry tanker) in April 1996. The Dutch master was
aware of the anchored tanker, but while adjusting a differential global
positioning system, apparently forgot about the ship due to the
distraction. The court also found that the Sea Merit did not maintain an
effective watch. The Filipino officer first sounded an alarm when the
fishing vessel was 250 meters/820 feet away.
(AT) LAST...BUT NOT LEAST...
Trans-Atlantic record falls
The yacht Nicorette broke the trans-Atlantic record for a
non-motorized monohull vessel on 6 April. The yacht sailed from Sandy Hook,
N.J., to Lizard Point, England, in 11 days 13 hours 22 minutes. The
Nicorette beat the previous record, set by the schooner Atlantic in 1905,
by more than 14 hours.
H.M.S. Tamar closes
H.M.S. Tamar, the British Royal Navy's last facility in Hong Kong, and
the Far East, closed 11 April. Exactly 100 years before, a vessel with the
same name was the first to arrive there.
Amsterdam to build a new steel clipper
For a tall-ships event in 2000, the City of Amsterdam, the
Netherlands, will build a new steel-hulled clipper. The Stad Amsterdam will
be built along the designs of a ship built in 1854. It will be 53
meters/174 feet long, have a beam of 9.85 meters/32.3 feet and carry 1,680
square meters/2,020 square yards of sail. The ship will be built with
several modern items, such as a bow thruster. Accomodation will be provided
for 53 crewmembers and 36 passengers.
New Canadian/U.S. Great Lakes cargo record set
On 28 March, the Philip R. Clarke (U.S.-registry 12,342-gt, 9,372-nt,
234-meter/767-foot bulk carrier built in 1952, owned and operated by USS
Great Lakes Fleet Inc.) set a new U.S. cargo record on the Canadian/U.S.
Great Lakes. The ship loaded 25,325-nt of salt at Fairport Harbor, Ohio,
for Toledo, Ohio. The cargo was five tons more than the previous record,
set in 1987.
Two galleons to be explored off Virginia
The Virginia Marine Resource Commission has voted to allow Sea Hunt
Inc. to explore and retrieve items from two vessels, believed to be Spanish
galleons, off Assateague Island. One vessel may be the La Galga, a naval
escort that sank in a storm leaving Norfolk for Spain. The ship have have
carried horses that were the ancestors of the present day group on
Assateague. The other may be the Juno, a "treasure ship."
Hyundai gets 100th ship
The Asian Vision, a 6,000-vehicle capacity ro/ro, was delivered to
Hynudai Merchant Marine Co. Ltd. on 28 March. It is the firm's 100th
vessel, the first South Korean shipping line to reach that milestone. The
Asian Vision was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries Co. Ltd.
U.S. Coast Guard to commission to buoy tenders 12 April
Two U.S. Coast Guard buoy tenders will be commissioned at 1400 12
April at the Naval Education and Training Center in Newport, R.I. The
sponsor for the Juniper-class Seagoing Buoy Tender Willow (WLB 202) is
Susan Henn, wife of retured Coast Guard Vice Commandant Adm. Eugene Henn.
The lead ship of the Ida Lewis (WLM 552)-class Coastal Buoy Tender is
sponsored by Patricia Kramek, wife of Coast Guard Commandant Adm. Robert E.
Kramek. The Willow is commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Fred White of Charleston, S.C,
and the Ida Lewis will be commanded by Chief Warrant Officer Mark W. Allen
of Grove City, Pa. WLB 202 was ordered in July 1994 and was launched at
Marinette Marine Corp. in Marinette, Wis., on 15 June, 1996. WLM 552 was
ordered 22 June, 1993, and was also built at Marinette Marine.
U.S. Navy's Cormorant to be commissioned
The U.S. Navy's Osprey-class Coastal Minehunter Cormorant (MHC 57)
will be commissioned at 1100 12 April at Harbor Island, Tampa, Fla. Suzanne
P. Prueher, wife of Adm. Joseph W. Prueher, Commander-in-Chief of the U.S.
Pacific Command, is the ship's sponsor. Lt. Cmdr. Ronald W. Kennedy, of
Jersey City, N.J., is Cormorant's commanding officer. The vessel will be
based at U.S. Naval Station Ingleside, Texas. MHC 57 was authorized fiscal
year 1991, ordered 29 March, 1991, and begun 8 April, 1992. Cormorant was
launched 21 Oct., 1994, at Avondale Industries Inc. in Gulfport, Miss.
New explanation of the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic
A new explanation has emerged on the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic,
the White Star Line ship that sank on its maiden voyage after hitting an
iceberg in the North Atlantic late 14 April, 1912. A total of 1,503 people
were killed. It has long been believed that the iceberg tore a
90-meter/300-foot gash along the ship's starboard hull, flooding six
watertight compartments. However, a new explanation states that the ship
sank after high-pressure water flooded in six narrow tears. It is based on
sonar imaging of the bow, which is imbedded in mud up to 17 meters/55 feet
deep on the bottom of the Atlantic, four kilometers/2.5 miles down. The new
explanation comes from a group put together by the Discovery Channel for
its month-long expedition to the ship in August. "Titanic: Anatomy of a
Disaster," a two-hour television program on the recent findings, will be
broadcast on the Discovery Channel the night of 13 April. With Ellipse
Programme, the expedition cost almost U.S.$3 million. Among those assembled
was William H. Garzke Jr., a member of the Marine Forensics Panel of the
Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers and a senior naval
architect of Gibbs & Cox Inc., and David Livingstone, of Harland and Wolff
Holdings P.L.C., which built the ship. Livingstone was the first person of
Harland and Wolff to see the ship on the bottom. Also working on the
analysis was David M. Wood at Gibbs and Cox. The dive itself was done by
Institut Francais de Recherche pour L'Exploitation de la Mer. Paul K.
Matthias, president of Polaris Imaging Inc., used a sub-bottom profiler to
image the port side of the ship from the Nautile, a 7.9-meter/26-foot
submersible. Using it has a "control," the starboard was surveyed. Using
this research, the group has concluded that the total area of damage caused
by the iceberg is about 1.1 to 1.2 square meters/12 to 13 square feet. Such
damage would not have sunk the ship, were it not for where the damage
occurred. Combined with metallurgic studies of pieces of R.M.S. Titanic's
hull, a computer simulation was made to demonstrate the ship's sinking. At
2340, the ship struck an iceberg that damaged six of 16 watertight
compartments. The six tears average about 6.1 meters/20 feet below the
waterline. At 0050, the forward bulkhead of Boiler Room 5 collapsed,
allowing water that had come in forward to flood aft. Between 0120 and
0130, Boiler Room 4 had started to fill, with no compartments affected aft
but all those forward flooded. By this time, there was 31,000 tons of water
aboard. As flooding continues, the stern lifted into the air, with the ship
beginning to break in half around 0200. By 0220, the R.M.S. Titanic was
underwater. Based on a large bend in the port side, the ship likely hit the
bottom at 30 to 45 knots. The idea that small tears and not a large gash
sank the ship first came to light, officially, at the British inquiry in
1912. Edward Wilding, then a naval architect for Harland and Wolff, stated
that uneven flooding meant that each compartment could have suffered unique
damage. Further, the water would not have had to enter in large holes, but
only small perforations. Matthias' work found that the tears are about
three meters/10 feet from the keel, and follow hull plating, which suggests
that iron rivets opened to create the tears. The longest one is between
Boiler Room 5 and Boiler Room 6, an 11-meter/36 foot section just crossing
the watertight bulkhead. The ship was sailing at 22 knots, which
contributed to the damage. As for the ship breaking in half, a finite
element analysis by Gibbs and Cox found the ship's steel to have a high
sulphur content. Since the steel was not as strong to begin with, the
considerable stress of thousands of tons of water was enough to tear the
ship apart. In a final investigation, Dr. D. Roy Cullimore, a
microbiologist of the University of Regina in Saskatchewan, Canada, studied
the bacteria that is eating away the the steel. Cullimore estimates 20
percent of the bow is gone. The deterioration is continuing.
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--
Steve Schultz - Whitefish Bay, Wis., U.S.A. - ssch...@execpc.com
"When beholding the tranquil beauty and brilliancy of the ocean's skin, one
forgets the tiger heart that pants beneath it; and would not willingly
remember, that this velvet paw but conceals a remorseless fang" - Herman
Melville from "Moby-Dick; or, The White Whale," Chapter 114, Paragraph two