World Maritime News - 30 May, 1997
Steve Schultz
World Maritime News - 30 May, 1997
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BUSINESS
Agreement reached between Hong Kong and Taiwan on flags
On 24 May, an agreement was reached over what flags should be flown by
Hong Kong-registry vessels visiting Taiwan, after Hong Kong transfers to
Chinese control on 1 July. The vessels will now fly the new Hong Kong flag,
a white Baihuania flower on a red field. The ships will also fly the
Chinese flag, except when they visit Taiwan. It was also agreed during the
six hours of talks to continue direct sailings between the two after 1
July.
Canada and the United States in fishing standoff, vessels seized
Canada and the United States briefly resumed talks on renewing the
Pacific Salmon Treaty this week, which was last discussed in 1994. Talks
were suspended in Seattle on 20 May, reportedly as to what extent the U.S.
delegation had the ability to compromise. The talks stalled over dividing
coho and sockeye stocks. Canada then said it would more strictly enforce
regulations on foreign-registry vessels in Canadian territorial waters.
British Columbia gave the federal government a 90-day notice that the U.S.
Navy would no longer be able to use a weapons testing range in the province
at Nanoose Bay, which is suited for conducting torpedo tests. British
Columbia made the decision as a result of the collapse of the talks.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Coast Guard seized four U.S.-registry fishing
vessels. The masters of the three appeared in court in Vancouver 27 May,
while the vessels remain at Port Hardy. The Janet G. and the Nautilus were
seized 25 May. Early 26 May, the Four Daughters (U.S.-registry, 33
meters/108 feet) was seized. The crews were released late 26 May. A fourth
vessel was seized later. The action was taken after the vessels crossed
into Canadian waters and did not report to Canadian authorities. In
addition, the three failed to haul aboard fishing gear. The regulations
have been in place since 1996 but not strictly enforced. In response, after
a brief resumption, the United States suspended negotiations on 27 May.
Constantine Peratikos killed by November 17 in Greece
November 17 has claimed responsibility for killing Constantine
Peratikos on 28 May as he left his office at Pegasus Maritime Enterprises
Inc., a family-owned business in Piraeus, Greece. Among the businesses'
units are Aran Shipping & Trading S.A. and Pegasus Ocean Services Ltd. His
funeral will be at noon 31 May at the First Cemetary of Athens. Peratikos,
42, was shot four times (twice in the chest and twice in the pelvis) as he
walked to a garage to get his car about 1700. Two disguised men jumped out
of a Mitsubishi truck, while a third waited to drive away. One of the two
held several papers and warned some 20 witnesses to stay away. After
shooting Peratikos, the truck failed to start. The three forced a driver
and a female passenger from a taxi, while firing at a police officer who
persued. They abandoned the taxi and stole another car, in which was found
a fake mustache, sunglasses and a wig. Peratikos died before reaching
Tzanneion Hospital. Ballistics tests on the .45-caliber rounds that killed
Peratikos showed they were fired by a weapon used in 11 previous attacks.
Cartridge cases found nearby also implicated November 17's signature
weapon. November 17 had threatened people who were involved in the
privatization of state firms under the previous government, especially
those who did not deal with debts owed by the firms. Peratikos became
managing director of the family business in 1992, after it acquired the
Elefsis Shipyard through Astir Management. A parliamentary deputy involved
in the sale was killed by November 17 in 1992. In August 1995, Pegasus
Maritime Enterprises sold the yard after debts totaled 27 billion Greek
drachmas. November 17, a "leftist" terrorist organization, has killed 21
people since 1975. In December of that year, it used the signature
.45-caliber semi-automatic pistol to killed Richard Welch, the U.S. Central
Intelligence Agency's station chief in Greece. November 17 has been
inactive since a failed attack to launch an anti-tank rocket at the U.S.
Embassy in Greece in January 1996. The group's last assassination was in
June 1994, when Turkish Embassy Counsellor Omer Haluk Sipahioglu was killed
by three men outside his home. November 17 is named for the day in 1973
when the military government of Greece put down a student uprising.
U.S. shipping lines lose overtime wages case
Several U.S. shipping businesses have lost an attempt to make
crewmembers exempt from state regulations on overtime pay and working
conditions. In a decision 27 May, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a
California Supreme Court ruling that said states have the authority to
regulate pay of people in their waters. Several businesses, led by two
units of Tidewater Marine Services Inc., argued that federal laws on work
rules for people working at sea had precedence over state law. At issue was
a decision by California to make its work regulations applicable to
maritime personnel working on offshore supply vessels servicing petroleum
platforms in the Santa Barbara Channel. One of the regulations is that
crewmembers must be paid overtime for time worked over eight hours in a
24-hour period. Vessel operators argued that their exemption from this rule
under federal law made them exempt from California's law as well.
California, however, said the decision only applied to California residents
working in the channel who began and ended a voyage in a Californian port,
making the state inherently involved and therefore justified in its
decision.
Sweden recommends banning mobile telephones on ships
The Swedish National Maritime Administration has recommended that
shipping firms ban the use of mobile telephones aboard ships. In Norway
recently, a man aboard a ship used a phone on the foredeck, at which time
the ship's rudder suddenly swung hard over while the vessel was on
autopilot. After the ship returned to its course, he again tried to use the
phone and the autopilot again made a course change. It is believed that the
phone's magnetic pulse interfered with the autopilot's operation. While Det
Norske Veritas is studing the problem, Sweden is recommending such phones
be banned for the time being.
Head of Estonia commission resigns
The head of the Swedish commission invesigating the sinking of the
Estonia resigned 26 May, after admitting that he had lied. The Estonia sank
28 Sept., 1994, in the Baltic Sea, killing as many as 1,049 people. Last
week, a radio journalist asked Olof Forssberg is he had received a document
written in 1959, enabling the Swedish National Board of Administration to
delegate the inspection of bow visors on ro/ros to classification
societies. Forssberg said he had not received it, when in fact he later
admitted he did, the week before.
Heidenreich Marine and OMI form new tanker operator
Heidenreich Marine Inc. and OMI Corp. announced 29 May they have
formed OMI-Heidmar Shipping L.L.C., which will operate chartered tankers in
the Far East. The firm is expected to be operating by August through a
subsidiary in Singapore. Employees of Heienreich Marine and OMI will be
assigned to the new business.
Shipmair bankrupt
On 26 May, it was announced that Shipmair, a Dutch ship operator, had
been declared bankrupt.
Romanian operators lose licenses
Several Romanian vessel operators have lost their international
navigation licenses after they failed to meet financial guarantees mandated
by the Romanian government.
MeesPierson leaving Hong Kong
MeesPierson (Hong Kong) Ltd., the Asian unit of MeesPierson, is
leaving Hong Kong for Singapore.
B.C. Ferries and union reach agreement
B.C. Ferries and a union representing 4,200 of its employees reached a
tentative contract agreement on 28 May. A mediator and Ken Georgetti,
president of the British Columbia Federation of Labor, assisted. The
agreement clarifies overtime and a process to resolve grievances, and also
has a small wage increase.
APL withdraws federal application in N.O.L. deal
APL Ltd. has withdrawn one of two applications to the U.S. government
in its deal with Neptune Orient Lines Ltd. APL said it withdrew the
Exxon-Florio request to make sure both applications have the same
information and are considered at the same time. Exxon-Florio is the common
name for a procedure by which deals by foreign firms to buy U.S. businesses
are reviewed by the U.S. Congress to determine if it is detrimental to
national security.
Singapore opening shipyard tug service to competition
Singapore has announced it will allow competition for internal
shipyard tug services beginning 1 July. In the past, shipyards requiring
tugs to move vessels in their yards had to use tugs operated by the Port
Authority of Singapore.
Philippines extends shipping rate increases
The Philippine Maritime Industry Authority has extended the 13.14
percent temporary increase in shipping rates for members of the Domestic
Shipowners Association. The rates, which expired 10 May, are now effective
to 10 June. Seven lines requested the extension due to increases in fuel
and labor costs.
Shanghai exchange sets base rate for containers
The Shanghai Shipping Exchange has set a base rate for containers in
the Shanghai to Europe routes. The TEU rate is U.S.$1,050 and the FEU rate
is U.S.$2,000.
INTERTANKO decides against an Asian office
The International Association of Independent Tanker Owners has
canceled a plan to set-up an office in Asia. Instead, a steering committee
of INTERTANKO's Asian Panel will be formed to meet twice a year. Eight
tanker owners from Japan, Malaysia and Singapore have been nominated to the
committee.
Greek ministry to get financial aid
Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis has ordered the government to
provide financial aid worth 1.2 billion Greek drachmas/U.S.$4.4 million to
the Greek Merchant Marine Ministry. The money will be used to purchase
vessels and vehicles needed by the Greek Port Police. The ministry will
also receive 18 billion drachmas through the Schengen Accord for three
years.
Singaporean association renamed, reorganized
With an expanding international focus, the Singapore National Shipping
Association has become the Singapore Shipping Association. It has been
reorganized as well, with an International Committee added along with the
reorganized units on domestic shipping; services; technology, safety, the
environment and training; general affairs; and finance, investment and
auditing. The seven member council can now co-opt up to three associate
members and two new members. ABN AMRO Bank N.V., Coastal Bunkering Services
Pte. Ltd. and Thome Ship Management Pte. Ltd. have been added. In addition,
shipping support services are now eligable for associate status.
Central American Discussion Agreement appoints collection service
The Central American Discussion Agreement has hired Demurrage
Collection Services Inc. to operate its demurrage and detention programs.
Starting 1 June, Demurrage Collection Services will bill and collect
payments relating to demurrage. It will require cash deposits for those
businesses not making payments on time.
N.L.R.B. rules in San Francisco Bay secondary boycott
The U.S. National Labor Relations Board has dismissed charges against
a ship officers' union by two tug firms regarding an alleged secondary
boycott in San Francisco Bay. Oscar Niemeth Towing and SeaRiver Maritime
Inc., in a filing 18 April, said that the actions of the members of the
International Organization of Masters, Mates and Pilots on the bay was
illegal. Crews of the two towing companies are not unionized, and members
of the Masters, Mates and Pilots refused to hire or work with them, instead
requesting unionized towing businesses. In addition, some dockworkers
reportedly refused to assist docking procedures when tugs of the two were
used. On 7 May, the N.L.R.B. ruled that the action was legal.
Great Circle Shipping begins operations
Great Circle Shipping Corp., based at Glen Cove, N.Y., has begun
operations. The firm specializes in chartering and logistics management of
bulk and breakbulk cargoes.
Gokal ordered to compensate victims of BCCI fraud
A British court on 23 May ruled that former shipping executive Abbas
Gokal should pay 2.94 million British pounds/U.S.$4.8 million to the
victims of the collapsed Bank of Credit and Commerce International (BCCI).
Sir Richard Buxton amended an earlier confiscation order against Gokal, who
was sentenced two weeks ago to 14 years in prison. In addition, the judge
appended the compensation order, so that the money will be sent directly to
BCCI's liquidator for dispersal to victims instead of the British
government. If Gokal, 61, who was found guilty of conspiring to account
falsely and conspiracy to defraud, does not pay the money within two years,
he will spend an additional three years in prison. BCCI failed in 1991 with
debts of more than U.S.$12 billion after reports of widespread money
laundering. Thousands of people lost their savings in the biggest known
banking fraud. Gokal was the fifth person convicted in relation to the
case. A Pakistiani citizen, Gokal headed the Gulf Group, a shipping
business that was the largest debtor in the BCCI collapse.
Sea-Land Service introduces FreshMist
Sea-Land Service Inc. has introduced FreshMist, a humidity control
feature for refrigerated containers. The system has a water source, a pump
and an atomizer which is linked to the air circulation system. A
microprocessor activates the system when humidity reaches a set level. The
atomized water enters the container through the air circulation and turns
off when the top humidity limit is reached.
ROUTES AND SERVICES
F.E.F.C. increases westbound rates
The Far Eastern Freight Conference will increase the rate for
westbound containers from Asia to northern Europe on 1 July. TEUs will now
be U.S.$125, FEUs will be U.S.$250 and less-than-containerload cargoes
U.S.$256.
Orion Marine begins United States to Indian Ocean service
Orion Marine Corp. has begun a weekly service from the East and Gulf
coasts of the United States to Madagascar, Mauritius and Reunion.
Transshipment of cargo occurs at Antwerp, Belgium, or Rotterdam, the
Netherlands. Orion Marine is the agent for two lines that serve the route,
Tuli Navigation and Con Flo Lines, which had operated services twice a
month. The new service will have a transit time of 25 to 30 days. Ports of
call in the United States include: New York; Baltimore; Charleston, S.C.;
Savannah, Ga.; Jacksonville, Fla.; New Orleans; and Houston.
First Shanghai to Japan reefer container service to start
The first weekly refrigerated container service between Shanghai,
China, and the Japanese ports of Kobe, Osaka and Yokohama began 30 May.
Shanghai Haixin Shipping Co. Ltd. operate the Syringa and the Tulip, two
228-TEU capacity ships built in the Netherlands last year. For Yokohama, a
ship leaves Shanghai Friday night and arrives in Yokohama early Monday
morning. On the other route, a ship leaves Shanghai Saturday night and
arrives in Kobe Monday morning and Osaka that afternoon.
Inter Pacific Shipping in new three port route
Inter Pacific Shipping will begin a new weekly, fixed-day service next
month with two 500-TEU capacity vessels. Calls will be made at Singapore;
Port Klang, Malaysia; and Tuticorin, India.
Malaysian Internatinal Shipping to sail from Port Klang to Bangkok
Malaysian International Shipping Corp. Bhd. will begin a container
service from Port Klang, Malaysia, to Bangkok, Thailand, on 4 June. The
Bunga Emas Empat (Malaysian-registry 668-TEU capacity containership) will
arrive that day in Port Klang. Fixed-day, weekly calls will be made, with
Port Klang on Wednesdays and Bangkok on Sundays. The Klang Port Container
Terminal will be used in the former, with Unithai Container Terminal being
called in the latter.
More on Europe to Indian subcontinent service
Andrew Weir Shipping Ltd., Compagnie Maritime d'Affretement, Contship,
P&O Nedlloyd Container Line Ltd. and SCL (Safmarine and CMBT Lines/Himalaya
Express) will begin a container service between Europe and the Indian
subcontinent on 1 June. Seven 2,800-TEU capacity containerships will have
fixed-day weekly calls at: Thamesport, England; Hamburg, Germany; Antwerp,
Belgium; Gioia Tauro, Italy; Port Said, Egypt; Aqaba, Jordan; Dubai/Jebel
Ali, United Arab Emirates; Karachi, Pakistan; Nhava Sheva, India; Port
Said; Gioia Tauro; and Thamesport. DSR-Senator, Hapag-Lloyd, Lloyd
Triestino di Navigazione S.p.A., PNSC and Polish Ocean Lines have
slot-charter agreements.
Azov sailing between the Dominican Republic and the United States
Azov-Carribean Line has started a service, every two weeks, between
the Dominican Republic and the United States. Cargoes accepted include
containers, heavy-lift, project and ro/ro. Vessels sail from Chester, Pa.,
to Rio Haina, Dominican Republic. The transit is five days, and the first
ship on the service is the Katya Zelenko (Ukrainian-registry 4,650-dwt
ro/ro built in 1980, operated by Azov Shipping Co.).
Ariel Maritime expands British cargo facilities
Ariel Maritime has expanded its network of cargo receiving locations
in the United Kingdom, and now accepts cargo at Birmingham, Liverpool,
London and Manchester. Door-to-door services are also available, with
direct conventional cargo moving through Antwerp, Belgium.
More on Maersk Line in eastern Africa
The recently announced expansion of services by Maersk Line in eastern
Africa, using 600-TEU capacity ships, will have a rotation of Jebel Ali,
United Arab Emirates; Mombasa, Kenya; Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania; Beira,
Mozambique; Durban, South Africa; Mombasa; Colombo, Sri Lanka; and Jebel
Ali. Service will be twice a month.
CANALS AND LAND FACILITIES
Containers handled in Japan up five percent
The Japan Container Association reports that 10.52 million TEUs were
handled at eight large and 35 small ports in Japan last year. This is a
five percent increase from 1995.
Taiwan to build port on Quemoy
Taiwan is planning to build a commercial port on the island of Quemoy.
Located at Shuitou, it would have nine berths for ships up to 5,000-dwt.
The government plans to spend New Taiwanese$4.5 billion/U.S.$166.5 million
in the initial phase, which should be completed by 2002.
Facilities in Oahu shut down by I.L.W.U. action
On 28 May, U.S. Judge Hellen Gillnor issued an injunction in order to
end a work stoppage by members of the International Longshore and Warehouse
Union in Hawaii. I.L.W.U. members refused to load scrap aboard a ship in
Oahu for Hawaii Metal Recycling Co. Sympathy strikes spread at the port,
with faclities of Matson Navigation Co. and Sea-Land Service Inc. idled.
While the injunction ordered striking I.L.W.U. members to return to work,
some picketing continues.
Beilun to be upgraded
Zhejiang Province in China will invest four billion Chinese
yuan/U.S.$480 million to expand the port of Beilun so it can handle two
million TEUs annually. It will have four more berths by 2010. The port now
has four berths and handles 200,000 TEUs per year.
Venezuelan coal port receives approval
The Venezuelan Council of Ministers has approved a plan by TransCoal to
build a U.S.$60 million coal port at San Bernardo Island, Venezuela. The
project now requires environmental permits. Coal from western Venezuela and
eastern Colombia, as well as other locations, would be brought to the port
via a 70-kilometer/43-mile road. The port would load the coal aboard ships
for export at the rate of three to six million tons daily.
First Indian chemical port to open
The first chemical port in India will open next year at Dahej.
Operated by Indian Petrochemical Corp., it will cost 5.5 billion Indian
rupees/U.S.$150 million. Gujarat Chemical Port Terminal Co. involves the
Gujarat maritime board, Gujarat Alkaline and Chemicals Ltd., Gujarat
Naranda Valley Fertilizer Co. and Gujarat State Fertilizer Co.
Manzanillo to be upgraded
Some 292 million Mexican pesos/U.S.$36.9 million has been dedicated to
improvements at the Port of Manzanillo, Mexico, this year. The port will
fund 70 million pesos/U.S.$8.9 million, with Cementos Mexicanos and
Operadora Portuaria de Manzanillo funding 47 million pesos/U.S.$5.9
million. The money will be spent on widening road access, upgrading rail
facilities and repairing terminals damaged in an earthquake. The rest of
the money is from private investment in dedicated terminals and other
facilities which have previously been announced.
New warehouse building at Jurong, Singapore
C&P is building a U.S.$60 million warehouse on Penjuru Lane in Jurong,
Singapore. The four-story building will allow trucks to drive up to docks
at all four stories, with a total of 80 bays. Two of seven freight stations
have been demolished to make way for the building, which will open in
mid-1998. The facility will have 48,000 square meters/58,000 square yards
of space.
Mitsubishi building warehouse at Shanghai
Mitsubishi Logistics Corp. is building a warehouse in the Pudong area
of Shanghai, China. It is being built with Shanghai Linghua Logistics, a
venture of Kerry Godown (Shanghai) Ltd., Mitsubishi Corp. and others.
Bulk storage area opens in Spain
Servicios Logisticos Portuarios opened a new bulk cargo storage
facility at Bilbao, Spain, on 29 May. The facility cost 700 million Spanish
pesetas/U.S.$4.9 million. The storage area, on the Reina Victoria wharf,
can handle ships up to 80,000-dwt.
Virginia Port Authority to form unified chassis pool
The Virginia Port Authority has announced plans to pool chassis into a
single entity. The authority oversees the ports of Newport News, Norfolk
and Portsmouth. Trac Lease Inc. would control the pool of about 18,000
chassis, cutting about 30 to 40 percent to save U.S.$14 million and free 40
hectares/100 acres of space by eliminating 8,000.
Inspection center open at Shanghai
An inspection center has been formed at the Port of Shanghai, China.
The facility, at Taiping Road, will handle all procedures for arriving and
departing vessels, with departments focusing on customs, health/quarantine
efforts, vaccination for animals and inspection of plant cargoes and harbor
administration.
China dredging Mekong River
China has begun dredging a section of the Mekong River in Yunnan
Province. The 500 million Chinese yuan/U.S.$60 million project will allow
300-dwt vessels to sail as far as Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, at one end.
Rotterdam to use L.P.G. trucks
At least two businesses at the Port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands,
will use trucks fuled by liquified petroleum gas. The Rotterdam Internal
Logistics Foundation will work with two firms to convert their trucks used
at the port.
SHIPYARDS AND EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS
German shipbuilding in 1996
German shipbuilders last year delivered 89 new vessels of 1.1 million
tons at a cost of 5.4 billion German marks/U.S.$3.2 billion, according to
the German Shipbuilding and Marine Technology Association. Germany
accounted for seven percent of the new ships built last year, ranking third
worldwide.
GEC ALSTHOM to take over Leroux & Lotz Naval
GEC ALSTHOM, the parent of Chantiers de l'Atlantique, is taking
control of Leroux & Lotz Naval, the French shipbuilder. The two yards had
pooled work on fast ferries. With the takeover, GEC ALSTHOM now controls
all major commercial French shipbuilders except for Ateliers et Chantiers
du Havre.
Elbewerft Boizenburg bankrupt
Elbewerft Boizenburg GmbH has been declared bankrupt. The German
builder of mostly inland vessels has orders to last until late 1998, but
has had difficuly obtaining commercial bank loans to finance current
newbuildings. It cannot pay its 300 employees their May wages.
New Indian shipyard planned at Paradip
BCC Shipping & Shipbuilding Co. and Clark & Stanfield Ltd. plan to
open a shiprepair yard at Paradip, India. There would be two floating dry
docks, a graving dock, eight wet basins, a constuction building, a power
generation plant and a yard for new construction.
Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre and Tulcea Shipyard in venture
Ateliers et Chantiers du Havre and Tulcea Shipyard S.A. have agreed to
jointly design and build medium-sized merchant vessels. The French and
Romanian yards will focus on 70-meter/230-foot to 150-meter/490-foot
vessels.
Thyssen merging shipbuilding operations
Thyssen AG has announced it will soon merge its shipbuilding divisions
into a single corporate entity. These include Blohm + Voss, Thyssen
Nordseewerke GmbH and the Preusssag Group, the main component of which is
Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG and its affiliates.
Chinese, Korean firms in engine venture
Korea Heavy Industries & Construction Co. Ltd.'s Hanjung Corp. and
Jiangnan Shipbuilding Co. announced 21 May they will form a joint venture
in Shanghai, China, to build ship engines. The U.S.$20 million venture will
build 50 small and medium-size ship engines, with a combined one million
horsepower, annually. Operations will begin in 1999 and it is hoped to have
U.S.$160 million in sales.
China approves 100,000-dwt slipway
The Chinese State Planning Commission has approved a slipway for ships
of 100,000-dwt at the Bohai Shipyard at Huludao, Liaoning Province, China.
It will cost 2.5 million Chinese yuan/U.S.$300,000 and will be able to
build 2.5 ships per year.
Polsat owner agrees to finance ship at Stocznia Gdansk
The owner of the Polish television network Polsat has reportedly
agreed to finance construction of a containership by Stocznia Gdansk S.A.
Saudi Arabia orders third frigate
The Royal Saudi Navy ordered a third Sawari 2-class Guided-Missile
Frigate last week from France. Two ships of the F-3000S vessels were
ordered from Direction Construction Armes Navale at Lorient, France, in
mid-November 1994.
Kvaerner Fjellstrand to build ferry for Egyptian operator
Abd El Nasser Eid Youssef has ordered a high-speed catamaran ferry
from Kvaerner Fjellstrand A/S for U.S.$12 million. The 307-passenger
vessel, capable of 36 knots, will sail in the Red Sea. In addition to
passengers, it will carry up to 12 vehicles.
Avondale Industries gets option for another Bob Hope-class ship
Avondale Industries Inc. said 27 May it has received an option for the
construction of the seventh Bob Hope-class ro/ro for the U.S. Military
Sealift Command. The option is valued at U.S.$228.2 million and is expected
to be exercised in 1999. The total cost of the seventh ship will likely be
around U.S.$250 million when it is completed in 2001.
Bay & Delta Towing places tractor tug order
Bay & Delta Towing has ordered two Z-drive tractor tugs from Marco
Shipyard in Seattle. After delivery in early 1998, they will be used in San
Francisco. Each will have a pair of Caterpillar 3516B diesels and
Aquamaster Z-drives.
More on the Grand Princess, largest passenger ship yet built
The largest passenger ship ever built, the Grand Princess, was
launched 22 May at Fincantieri Cantieri Navali Italiani S.p.A.'s shipyard
at Monfalcone, Italy. Alison Ratcliffe, wife of Princess Cruises Chairman
Peter Ratcliffe, was the sponsor. The ship was floated to an outfitting
pier on 23 May for completion before it is delivered in spring 1998. The
109,000-gt, 7,000-dwt ship cost U.S.$400 million and is 285 meters/935 feet
long. The Grand Princess has 1,296 cabins for 3,300 passengers and 1,100
crewmembers. It has a "virtual reality center," five swimming pools, a
glass-walled night club suspended 46 meters/150 feet above the stern and a
nine-hole putting green with computerized golf center. The ship's maiden
voyage, from Southampton, England, to Istanbul, Turkey, is scheduled for
May 1998. The Grand Princess is the first vessel built at Monfalcone using
a new mobile, automated building facility designed and built by the yard
under the European Eureka project.
A&P Southampton to work on the Albatros
A&P Southampton Ltd. will drydock the Albatros (24,803-gt, 6,815-dwt
motor passenger ship built in 1957, owned by V Ships and operated by Silver
Line Ltd.). The ship was damaged 16 May in the Isles of Scilly in the
United Kingdom when it hit a submerged object. The ship was following a
pilot boat out of St. Mary's, and reportedly hit the Bartholomew Ledges.
The Albatros' hull suffered a 60-meter/200-foot gash and it returned to St.
Mary's for an underwater inspection. The 504 German passengers aboard
disembarked at 1200 18 May, while the 300 crewmembers remain aboard. It had
been on a two-week cruise out of Bremerhaven, Germany, and was chartered by
Phoenix Reisen. The ship arrived at the yard 27 May, and will be inspected
with some repairs possible depending on the extent of the damage.
Abu Dhabi National Oil gets last ship
Kvaerner Masa-Yards Inc. has delivered the Umm Al Ashtan (68,500-dwt,
135,000-cubic meter/176,000 cubic yard liquified natural gas carrier), the
fourth and final ship of the order, to Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. on 27
May. The ships are operated by the company's National Gas Shipping Ltd. and
carry natural gas from Abu Dhabi Gas Liquification Co. at Das Island,
United Arab Emirates, to Tokyo Electric Power Co. in Tokyo. The four ship
order, when placed in 1993, was Kvaerner's largest ever and the largest
order ever placed in Finland.
PSC Industries to deliver first ferry to Japan
PSC Industries Bhd. will deliver its first ferry to a Japanese line on
7 June. The 4.5 million Malaysian ringgit/U.S.$1.8 million vessel will be
handed over at Fukuoka, Japan, to Ezaki Kisen.
East Japan Ferry gets new vessel
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. delivered a 1,500-ton,
101-meter/331-foot monohull ferry to East Japan Ferry Co. Ltd. on 29 May.
The vessel achieved 42.4 knots on trials, with four 8,840-horsepower diesel
engines and four water jets. It can carry 423 passengers and 106 vehicles.
The ferry will be operated on two-hour sailings between the Japanese ports
of Aomori and Hakodate starting 5 June.
Bremer Vulkan Verbund delivers next to last ship
Bremer Vulkan Verbund AG delivered the containership Hansa Century to
Hansa Treuhand Schiffsbeteiligungs AG & Co. on 30 May. It will be chartered
to Deppe Linie and operated in a joint service with Lykes Lines between
northern Europe, Mexico and the U.S. East and Gulf coasts. It is the next
to last ship built by the yard.
New tugs for Singapore
The Port of Singapore Authority will soon put the first of three new
tractor tugs into service. The Steady was built to Lloyd's Register of
Shipping standards and has 3,400 horsepower. Also building are the Swift
and the Superior, with a total cost for the three of Singapore$14.5
million/U.S.$10.1 million. All three should be operating by July.
EVENTS, INCIDENTS AND OPERATIONS
At least 69 killed in Sri Lanka
On 28 May, Sri Lanka Navy vessels intercepted several boats of the
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) north of Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
Seven boats were destroyed and as many as 50 people killed. The Sri Lankan
government said the boats were carrying reinforcements to fighting in the
Wanni region. Meanwhile, some 20,000 troops from two Sri Lanka Army
divisions began Operation Jaya Sikuru ("Sure of Victory") against forces of
the LTTE on 29 May from Vavuniya, Sri Lanka. At least 19 people were
reportedly killed trying to escape the fighting, when their vessel capsized
off Nachchikudah. Five men swam ashore and 13 bodies have been found.
Stowaways, thought to have drowned, found in Australia
A sailor and two 18-year-old women, thought to have died after jumping
overboard from a ship off Australia, were found 6 May on Cape York
Peninsula near Coen, Queensland, Australia. On 5 Feb., twins Joanne and
Sarah Ingham boarded the Bunga Terasek (Malaysian-registry 24,458-dwt
containership built in 1991, operated by Malaysian International Shipping
Corp. Bhd.) at Nelson, New Zealand, as stowaways. On 14 April, they were
discovered and locked inside a cabin on the ship. On 20 April, the two,
along with Ja'afar Bin Mohamed Zan, a 27-year-old Malaysian citizen,
somehow jumped overboard from the ship in Prince Charlotte Bay near Cairns,
Queensland. Thought to have died, they were found by aboriginies and taken
to Coen on 7 May. They had apparently survived on seafood, and besides
being hungry and thirsty, were reportedly not injured, after surviving
crocodiles and sharks.
Japan keeps Chinese group away from disputed East China Sea islands
A group of Chinese nationalists attempted to land on an archipelago in
the East China Sea on 26 May, but Japanese government vessels kept them
away from the area. Some 60 vessels from the Japanese Maritime Safety
Agency kept 20 vessels from Hong Kong and Taiwan from the islets, which
Japan claims as the Senkaku Islands and China and Taiwan call the Diaoyu
Islands. Three people jumped aboard some of the Japanese vessels, but they
were later returned to their boats, which flew Taiwanese and U.S. flags.
The group was never able to enter the waters around the islands that Japan
claims. Organizers of the action called it off after several minor
collisions, including one that sent several journalists overboard. The same
day, a group in Hong Kong burned a Japanese flag outside the country's
consulate, shoting "down with Japanese militarism." Japan claimed the
islands after defeating China in 1895.
U.S. Coast Guard medical evacuations
On 19 May, a 70-year-old man, with a chest infection and experiencing
cardiac failure, was evacuated from he Carnival Destiny
(Panamanian-registry 8,600-dwt passenger ship built in 1996, operated by
Carnival Corp.). A U.S. Coast Guard HH-65A Dolphin from Coast Guard Air
Station Miami hoisted the man aboard 117 kilometers/73 miles south of
Miami. He was reported to be in stable condition at Jackson Memorial
Hospital in Miami. A helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth
City, N.C., hoisted aboard a crewmember from the Summer Breeze (13,613-dwt
refrigerated ship built in 1985, operated by Cool Carriers) on 25 May, 48
kilometers/30 miles east of Kill Devil Hills, N.C. Marieno G. Notorio, a
41-year-old Philippine citizen, was flown to Albemarle General Hospital in
Elizabeth City and is reported in good condition. A Coast Guard flight
surgeon, in contact with the Summer Breeze the night of 24 May, authorized
the evacuation for a possible strangulated hernia.
Three people convicted in Boston in connection with the Xing Da
A federal jury in Boston convicted three Chinese citizens on 15 May of
involvement in attempting to smuggle 109 illegal Chinese migrants into the
United States. The three, residents of New York, were indicted 8 Oct., each
for two counts of conspiracy to commit alien smuggling "for purposes of
commercial advantage and private financial gain" and two counts of
attempted alien smuggling. They face up to 10 years in prison for each
alien and a fine of up to U.S.$250,000. The three were part of a criminal
organization based in New York that smuggled Asian citizens into the United
States for several years. At 1600 2 Oct., the U.S. Coast Guard intercepted
109 undocumented Chinese migrants aboard the Xing Da (Chinese-registry,
67.4 meters/221 feet) about 960 kilometers/600 miles southeast of Boston
and 176 kilometers/110 miles north of Bermuda. The ship, homeported in
Zhong Shan, Guangzhou, sailed for Boston in June. The Xing Da was spotted
by the lead ship of the U.S.C.G.C. Reliance (WMEC 615)-class
Medium-Endurance Cutter and during a boarding, the Xing Da's engines and
generators failed. The U.S.C.G.C. Reliance took the ship in tow, and due to
weather, headed to Bermuda, where the tow arrived on 8 Oct. The 109 were
taken off the ship 9 Oct. and flown on two Coast Guard aircraft to U.S.
Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, along with the 26 crew under guard by
U.S. Marine Corps personnel. The three convicted in Boston had agreed to
pay an undercover U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service agent
U.S.$500,000 to get the 109 aboard the Xing Da into the United States. They
were to disembark to a fishing vessel from Falmouth, Mass., and then be
taken ashore to work in New York "sweatshops;" each passenger paid the
smugglers U.S.$30,000, part of it in China with the rest to be worked off.
In reality, the master of the fishing vessel was the same undercover
agent, who had been in contact with the smugglers since December 1995. Nai
Fook Li, 30, was arrested aboard the fishing vessel. The other two Hui Lin,
34, and Yiu Ming Kwan, 45, were arrested in New York. The Xing Da was later
sold to Bermuda and sunk as an artificial reef.
Hibernia tow underway for the Grand Banks
The Hiberia, a 600,000-ton petroleum platform, began its tow from
Trinity Bay near Bull Arm, Newfoundland, Canada, to the Grand Banks on 23
May. The platform will be anchored 315 kilometers/195 miles southeast of
St. John's, Newfoundland. Six tugs were required to move the
224-meter/735-foot tall structure, with support vessels working to keep the
area clear of icebergs. The Hibernia was towed 36 hours at the end of
300-meter/910-foot cables to get out of Trinity Bay. The tow then spread
out a kilometer/1.6 miles for the eight to 10-day tow. There are three tugs
at the rear. The tow will remain in deep water until just north of the
Hibernia field, where it will wait for a period of 60 to 70 hours of good
weather. Two Canadian Coast Guard vessels, the Martha L. Black-class Light
Icebreaker/Navigational Aids Tender C.C.G.S. Ann Harvey and the Large
Search and Rescue Cutter C.C.G.S. Sir Wilfred Grenfell, are enforcing a
50-square kilometer/20-square mile exclusion zone around the platform.
Drilling will begin 15 Aug. with the first oil production in December.
Members of the Canadian$5.8 million/U.S.$4.2 million project include the
Canadian government, Chevron Canada, Mobil Canada, Murphy Oil, Norsk Hydro
and PetroCanada. It is estimated that it will take 18 years to deplete the
615 million barrels of crude oil at the site, with peak production of
150,000 barrels daily.
Canadian warship stops suspected sanctions violators in the Persian Gulf
The Canadian Maritime Command Halifax-class Frigate H.M.C.S. Regina
(FFH 334) stopped two suspected sanctions violators in the Persian Gulf on
3 May. Both vessels were believed to have violated United Nations trade
sanctions against Iraq. The H.M.C.S. Regina detained the Qabas 2 (1,000-dwt
offshore supply vessel built in 1972, operated by Al Qabas Shipping) as it
sailing from Iraqi to international waters. A second vessel was also found
and diverted to a port for inspection.
Crewmember falls overboard from bulk carrier in San Francisco Bay
A crewmember of the Taio Dream (Panamanian-registry 43,524-dwt bulk
carrier built in 1988, operated by Taio Kaiun) fell overboard 8 May while
the ship was anchored in San Francisco Bay. Third Officer Domingo L.
Ocnogacion was climbing a ladder when he lost his footing and fell 6.1
meters/20 feet into water near Oakland, Calif. Although he was only in the
water for 12 minutes, Ocnogacion suffered the beginning stages of
hypothermia and reported numbness in his extremities. The U.S. Coast Guard
pulled him from the water and transported him to a hospital. The Taio Dream
was loaded with wood chips.
Argentine Navy vessel stops illegal fishing vessel
The Argentine Navy Yamona-class Patrol Ship A.R.A. Alferez Sobral (A
9) found the Tung Heng III (Taiwanese-registry fishing vessel) illegally
fishing recently, 155 kilometers/96 miles off Santa Cruz, Argentina. The
Sobral spotted the vessel fishing for squid and flying an Argentine flag.
As the Sobral approached, the Tung Heng III turned off its lights. During a
four-hour chase, the Sobral fired two warning shots across the bow of the
Tung Heng III, before the vessel was stopped and boarded. The vessel had
its hull painted red and its superstructure white in an attempt to look
like an Argentine-registry fishing vessel. The Tung Heng III was escorted
to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Drunken master stopped in the Netherlands
On 21 May, police found the Daniel, carrying 1,300 tons of fuel,
aground in the delta of the Maas/Rhine River. After freeing itself, it was
observed that the vessel could not maintain a straight course, and it was
stopped and boarded before entering the area around Dordrecht, the
Netherlands. The master was drunk, and was not allowed to proceed for
another eight hours.
Halifax customs locates cocaine in pickup truck
Canadian customs personnel in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, seized
more than 92 kilograms/202 pounds of cocaine on 27 May, with an estimated
value of Canadian$18.4 million/U.S.$13.3 million. The cocaine was found
hidden under a false floor in a blue 1988 Chevrolet pickup truck that
arrived aboard a containership from Panama on 15 May. The truck was headed
to Montreal. An ion scan of the exterior of the container it was in showed
traces of cocaine. Shadow, a dog trained to locate drugs, found the
cocaine. Three residents of Quebec Province - Gyorgy Bako, 43; Alexandru
Roman, 35; and Anika Roman, 43; - appeared in court related to the drug
find.
Cocaine found aboard vessel in Miami
During a boarding of the Sherida Express (Bahamian-registry, 41.5
meters/136 feet) on 19 May, crwemembers of the U.S. Coast Guard
"Island"-class Patrol Boat U.S.C.G.C. Maui (WPB 1304) found a kilogram/2.2
pounds of cocaine in the engine room. The ship was at an anchorage in Miami
and was brought into the port for a search, after which it returned to the
anchorage.
Undocumented Haitian citizens found aboard vessel
The Eben Ezer II (Haitian-registry) was disabled 19 May and towed into
the Miami anchorage area. U.S. Coast Guard Station Miami Beach conducted a
boarding and found 14 Haitian citizens aboard, only six of which were
documented as crewmembers. The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service
identified those who were not documented and deported them on 20 May.
Egyptian crewmember asks to return home during call in Los Angeles
The master of the Susan I (U.S.-registry tug) contacted U.S. Coast
Guard Group Los Angeles/Long Beach on 19 May to report that a crewmember
aboard the Saqqara (Egyptian-registry 41,525-dwt bulk carrier built in
1984, operated by MISR Shipping Co.) wished to request political asylum. A
boarding team, already conducting an inspection of the ship, located the
crewmember and a translator. He was then taken to an office of the U.S.
Immigration and Naturalization Service, where he said he did not want
asylum, but rather wanted to return home to Egypt. The service is
considering his request.
U.S. Coast Guard requests comments on changes in Delaware Bay
The U.S. Coast Guard has proposed changes to the traffic separation
plan for the approaches to Delaware Bay. It is seeking public comment on
the action until 7 Aug. The changes include shifting the eastern lane
south, establishing a two-way route for tows and reconfiguring the
precautionary zone to exclude shoals that are too shallow for vessels to
transit. Those wishing to comment can call the area's vessel traffic
management center at 202-267-0415.
VESSEL TRANSFERS
Russia, Ukraine agree on Black Sea Fleet
Russia and Ukraine said late 28 May they have agreed on disposition of
the Black Sea Fleet of the former Soviet Union. Russia will be able to keep
its portion of the fleet for 20 years at Sevastopol, Ukraine. Russia will
reportedly compensate Ukraine for about U.S.$526 million in vessels and the
rent of Sevastopol port facilities will reportedly be around U.S.$100
million annually. However, the payments will first be used to offset
Ukraine's U.S.$3 billion debt to Russia. The deal did not resolve Georgia's
demand for 32 vessels formerly based at Poti, a demand which Ukraine
supported. Georgia claimed that since it had contributed to the fleet's
creation and upkeep, it should have a share in it. Russia responded that
the original agreement to divide the fleet was made at a meeting of the
Commonwealth of Independent States in January 1992. Georgia was not a
member at that time, so, Russia says, has no stake.
Gaz Atlantique buying two L.P.G. carriers
Gaz Atlantique is buying two liquified petroleum gas carriers from
Belgian operators. The Eeklo (28,993-dwt, 37,000-cubic meter/48,000-cubic
yard tanker built in 1995) was registered in the Kerguelen Islands last
week. It had been registered in Luxembourg. The Antwerpen Venture
(30,310-dwt, 29,000-cubic meter/38,000-cubic yard tanker built in 1996)
will follow shortly. They have been long-term chartered by Exmar N.V. Each
ship will receive an addition of five or six French crewmembers.
Flomeparsa fleet being dispersed
The fleet of the Paraguayan state shipping line, Flomeparsa, is slowly
being dispersed. The 16 vessels totaling 23,887-gt have largely attracted
interest from three private firms and two new state lines. The tonnage
excludes tugs, barges and minor vessels. In one of the most recent
acquisitions, Compania Maritima and U.S. interests have bought three ships
of between 2,281-gt and 4,699-gt.
VESSEL CASUALTIES
Seven missing after vessels collide in China
The Lubo No. 2 (Singaporean-registry ro/ro) collided with the Yucheng
(Chinese-registry containership) on 13 May in thick fog, in a narrow
channel between islands near Dalian, China. The Lubo No. 2, with 15 trucks
and 73 people aboard, sank. The Yucheng and two fishing vessels rescued 66
people, but seven are missing.
Two killed in tanker explosion off Singapore, three injured
The Mes I (Honduran-registry 4,000-ton tanker) had an explosion and
fire in its engine room on 25 May while anchored near Sultan Shoal off
Singapore. Two crewmembers were killed and three were injured. The crew
abandoned the ship and were rescued by a supply vessel. The Mes I was
loaded with crude oil.
Tanker abandoned during fire off Italy
The Elisa D'Alesio (Italian-registry 7,156-gt, 12,572-dwt tanker built
in 1973, operated by Gaetano D'Alesio) caught fire on 25 May off Sardinia,
Italy, at 39 degrees 59.5 minutes north, 09 degrees 49 minutes east. The
tanker, unloaded but with 350 tons of fuel aboard, was sailing from
Livorno, Italy, to Sarroch. The crew abandoned the ship and were rescued,
while tugs worked to extinguish the fire.
Indonesian-registry bulk carrier ablaze off Tanjung Priok
The Wakeke (Indonesian-registry 2,566-gt, 3,477-dwt bulk carrier built
in 1970, owned operated by PT Pejaka) caught fire 26 May while under repair
at Tanjung Priok, Indonesia. The three people aboard were rescued. Tugs
towed the Wakeke seven kilometers/four miles offshore and the ship last
reported still ablaze. The ship was not loaded when an explosion apparently
started the fire.
Fishing vessel crew rescued by Japan and the United States
At 0330 9 May, a Japanese-registry fishing vessel broadcast a distress
call, stating it was on fire near Wake Island in the Pacific Ocean. A U.S.
Coast Guard HC-130H Hercules from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point,
Hawaii, was sent to the area, but had to land on Wake Island due to
mechanical problems. The Coast Guard then requested the assistance of a
U.S. Marine Corps KC-130 series Hercules from Marine Aerial Refueler
Transport Squadron 152 (VMGR-152), which was returning to Marine Corps Air
Station Futenma, Japan, from an exercise at the U.S. Air Force Training
Center in St. Joseph, Mo. The aircraft had stopped overnight at Wake
Island. After a search with Coast Guard personnel aboard, the fishing
vessel was found about 304 kilometers/190 miles south-southwest of Wake,
with a liferaft nearby. The aircraft dropped water, food, a radio beacon
and a radio. The Japanese Maritime Safety Agency rescued all eight
crewmembers later that day.
Athena damaged in explosion off Sri Lanka
The Athena (Greek-registry 34,636-gt, 61,500-dwt bulk carrier built in
1979, operated by Natalca Shipping Co. S.A.) was damaged 29 May while
anchored in the outer harbor of Tincomalee, Sri Lanka. The ship, with
52,000 tons of wheat, had sailed from Necochea, Argentina. An underwater
explosion flooded the engine room. There were no injuries among the 29
people aboard and the cargo reportedly is unharmed. Aboard the Athena were
28 crewmembers (13 of them Greek citizens) and the master's wife.
Bulk carrier loses power, grounds in Panama Canal
The Wana Naree (Thai-registry 16,578-gt, 26,977-dwt bulk carrier built
in 1980, operated by Great Circle Shipping Agency Ltd.) lost power 25 May
in the Panama Canal after having entered the system at Balboa, Panama. The
ship ran aground between Buoys 80 and 82. It was refloated by Panama Canal
Commission tugs and escorted to Gamboa for an inspection.
Tanker with 280,000 barrels of No. 6 runs aground in Tampa Bay
The Coastal Eagle Point (U.S.-registry 51,870-dwt tanker built in
1960, operated by Coscol Marine Corp.) ran aground 22 May in Tampa Bay,
Fla., after a steering casualty. The tanker was carrying 280,000 barrels of
No. 6 fuel oil. There was no spill, and the ship was refloated at the next
high tide.
Atrotos runs aground in Elbe River
The Atrotos (Bahamian-registry 4,134-gt, 6,607-dwt general cargo ship
built in 1982, operated by Empros Lines Shipping Co. Special S.A.) ran
aground in the Elbe River between Buoys 11 and 13 on 28 May. The ship had
left Hamburg, Germany, and was refloated by two tugs a few hours later. It
has sailed to Cuxhaven, Germany, for an inspection.
Bridge allision closes section of the Mississippi River
A southbound tug with 12 loaded grain barges struck a rail bridge over
the Mississippi River on 5 May, at mile 535 near Sabula, Iowa. Following
the afternoon allision, the river was closed around the bridge. The tow had
been lining up to pass through the bridge's swing span when the incident
occurred. The tug and six barges lodged against the bridge, while six broke
loose and grounded downstream. Some barges took on water, and the tug's
fuel tank was holed, causing a minor fuel spill.
Japanese-registry ro/ro damaged
The Nankai Maru No. 3 (Japanese-registry 1,499-gt, 1,418-dwt ro/ro
built in 1995, operated by Kyodo Ferry Onyu YK) was damaged in rough
weather on 29 May while sailing to Kagoshima, Japan. The front bridge glass
was broken out and navigational instruments were lost. The ship was 50
kilometers/31 miles off Kasaru Lighthouse in Amamioshima, Japan. It
anchored at Nase, Japan, and will sail to Kagoshima.
Barge rams bridge in Wisconsin
A barge rammed the 10th Street Bridge in Manitowoc, Wis., on 22 May.
The tow was waiting for the bridge to open when the span malfunctioned. The
tow attempted to stop but when it was apparent an allision would occur, the
barge was aimed at a concrete section of the bridge. Though damaged, the
bridge's condition was not serious enough to force it to close.
Leonidas refloated in Thailand
The Leonidas (276,247-dwt tanker built in 1974, operated by Polembros
Maritime Co. Ltd.) was refloated the night of 24 May. The ship, fully
loaded with crude oil for TPI, ran aground 20 May approaching Map Ta Phut,
Thailand. The tanker Orphin Globe was contracted to lighter the ship, but
the Polish master refused, stating that both vessels lacked adequate
fendering. Tankers were later found and took off 10,000 tons of crude. TPI
has announced it will no longer bring in fully loaded ships, as the
Leonidas was apparently overloaded for the channel.
Tug and barge salvaged at Soo Locks
The tug Venture (U.S.-registry 67-gt, 9-nt, 20-meter/65-foot tug built
in 1922 with 500 horsepower, owned and operated by Ryba Marine Construction
Co.) and a barge were salvaged 24 May at the compensating works of the Soo
Locks on the Canadian/U.S. Great Lakes. The tow capsized 20 May when it was
pinned against the gates by the current and during attempts to free the
vessel, it rolled. All crewmembers were able to get off the tug before it
capsized.
No licensed master aboard King Cruiser
An investigation reports that there was no licensed master aboard the
King Cruiser (Thai-registry 650-dwt, 80-meter/260-foot long passenger
vessel built in 1969, operated by Ferry Line of Thailand and Songserm
Travel Center), sailing between the Thai ports of Phuket and Phi Phi, when
it sank 4 May after running aground on a coral reef 27 kilometers/17 miles
southeast of Phuket. All aboard, including 560 passengers, were rescued by
two police boats and fishing vessels. One women reportedly suffered a
broken back during the evacuation, and several people were in shock.
(AT) LAST...BUT NOT LEAST...
Rhapsody of the Seas becomes largest ship to transit Panama Canal
The Rhapsody of the Seas (Norwegian-rehistry 78,491-gt, 6,300-dwt
passenger ship built in 1997, operated by Royal Carribean Cruises)
transited the Panama Canal on 23 May, becoming the largest vessel ever to
do so. The ship is 279 meters/915 feet long and has a beam of 32.19
meters/105.6 feet. The maximum size for ships entering the canal is 294
meters/965 feet with a beam of 32.3 meters/106 feet. The ship began its
maiden voyage on 19 May when it left Miami. It will arrive in Los Angeles
on 1 June for an official naming ceremony. Cruises in Alaska begin 14 June.
Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding marks 30 million horsepower built
Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. recently announced it has
built a total of 30 million horsepower of B&W large ship engines since it
completed its first unit in 1928. The mark was reached with the manufacture
of a 10,100-horsepower engine for a bulk carrier building for a Liberian
entity. The ship has a maximum speed of 16.38 knots.
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"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