World AIDS Day: Know your HIV status even when onboard

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December 1, 2018

World AIDS Day 2018 theme encourages everyone to know their HIV status!

In commemoration of World AIDS Day today, marking its 30^th anniversary, we prepared an article-feature to spread awareness and help curb the rising cases of HIV infection and correct the stigma and discrimination that afflicts those living in this medical condition, and especially those working onboard.

AIDS/HIV: Are you aware?

AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) is the most advanced stage of an HIV infection, when the immune systems can no longer fight infections. AIDS is life threatening and there is no cure. However, if HIV is caught early and treated, it is unlikely to lead to AIDS. It is therefore important to get tested early if you have been at risk of HIV, as it will mean that you can access treatment that will prevent you developing AIDS. The disease is passed from person to person primarily through sexual contact; it is only spread in certain body fluids from a person infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. These fluids are

blood,
semen,
pre-seminal fluids,
rectal fluids,
vaginal fluids and
breast milk

Back in the ‘80s

It is said and written that more than 25 million people have dies since 1981 from the virus. AIDS came on the scene in the US in the early 1980’s and was a terminal disease for virtually anyone who was infected during that time. Now the disease is much more manageable; considered a chronic disease that people can live with for decades.

Know the signs of HIV infection

fever
chills
joint pain
muscle aches
sore throat
sweats (particularly at night)
enlarged glands
a red rash
tiredness
weakness
unintentional weight loss
thrush

It is of essence to remember that the aforesaid symptoms appear when the body is fighting off many types of viruses, not just HIV. However, in case that several of these symptoms are being noticed and individuals believe that could have been at risk of contracting HIV in the last few weeks, a test should be taken.

Important initiatives on AIDS/HIV

ITF:

Seafarers are particularly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. On the Zero Discrimination Day 2018, the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) dedicated to raise awareness of this and ending the stigma around HIV/AIDS through a campaign to promote awareness around the globe.

“Transport workers are at a high risk of contracting and transmitting the HIV virus. The knock-on effects are considerable, impacting upon not only the sufferer, but also their family, community, the enterprise concerned and the economy as a whole.”

UK P&I Club:

On the occasion of World's AIDS Day, every year on 1 December, the UK P&I Club reminds that with the right treatment, people with HIV can live a long and healthy life. The Club also notes that the 2018 SAFETY4SEA Initiative Award 2018 winner PEME programme (pre-employment medical examination) includes consented HIV screening and counselling, if permitted by local law.

The Club advises:

“Protect yourself by using contraception, such as condoms, every time you have sex. Get tested and know your partner’s HIV status. Don’t share needles with anyone. Get tested and treated for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)”

“If you don’t have HIV but are at high risk of becoming infected with HIV, talk to your healthcare provider about pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). PrEP involves taking a specific HIV medicine every day to reduce the risk of HIV infection.”

ISWAN

The International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network’s (ISWAN) Seafarer’s Health Information Programme, informs on AIDS/HIV among other health problems mentioning that

“Taking precautions against sexually transmitted infections is important when travelling.”

The programmes resources include a guide for seafarers, guidelines for shipping companies and a range of posters to help prevent the risk of STIs, HIV and AIDS.

Moreover, ISWAN provides a free, confidential helpline 24/7 for seafarers facing problems including health issues such as AIDS. The line is now available on Viber from Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 18:00, UK time.

IRI:

Earlier this year, the Republic of Marshall Islands(IRI) issued a circular, citing requirements for shipboard occupational health and safety programs (SOHSP) and informing of restrictions on work that is considered hazardous to seafarers under 18 years old, including the HIV-AIDS risks, related concerns, and other health-related activities.

About the World Aids Day

Originated back at the 1988 World Summit of Ministers of Health on Programmes for AIDS Prevention, every year the World’s AIDS Day brings together United Nations agencies, governments and civil society to a campaign around specific themes related to AIDS.

Source:safety4sea

MPC Container Ships Buys More Scrubbers

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December 1, 2018

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Norwegian oner and operator of container vessels MPC Container Ships (MPCC) has exercised options to equip additional five vessels with exhaust gas cleaning systems.

The scrubber investments are expected to be financed with cash on hand and available debt capacity on the MPCC's existing fleet.

The Oslo-headquartered company said in a press release that it has also agreed charters for six scrubber-retrofitted boxships.

"The charterparties will be initiated after scrubber retrofitting and with a duration into 2022. The agreements are concluded at favourable rates and are expected to yield attractive returns for MPCC," said the release.

The fledgling containership owner and operator seeks to take advantage of the optionality of its scrubber programme by meticulously analysing further retrofits on a vessel by vessel basis. In this context, MPCC is already in dialogue with various liner companies on further scrubber-linked employment concepts.

CEO Constantin Baack said: "We are excited to have concluded charters for six scrubber-retrofitted vessels in our fleet. The transaction adds charter coverage at attractive rates and provides significant upside potential post 1 January 2020."

"Equally important, the transaction demonstrates an increasing interest from liner companies for scrubber-linked charters and MPC Container Ships is well-positioned to become a preferred partner for charterers through the platform and the flexibility it has to offer to its customers," Constantin added.

MPCC's main activity is to own and operate a portfolio of container ships with a focus on the feeder segment between 1,000 and 3,000 TEU.

Source:marinelink

Shell, Nephin Energy Holdings Complete $1.3 Billion Ireland Asset Sales Deal

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December 1, 2018

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Royal Dutch Shell Plc has exited the upstream sector in Ireland with the closing of its deal to sale its shares in Shell E&P Ireland Ltd. for up to $1.30 billion to Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) subsidiary Nephin Energy Holdings Ltd.

Shell announced the closure of the sale, through its affiliate Shell Overseas Holdings Ltd., in a news release Nov. 30. Completion of the sale, which includes the company’s 45% interest in the Corrib offshore gas venture, follows receipt of all necessary partner and regulatory consents.

The transaction, which has an effective date of Jan. 1, 2017, includes an initial consideration of $958 million, interest of $54 million and additional payments of up to $285 million between 2018-2025, subject to gas price and production, according to the release.

Shell said the sale will contribute to its $30 billion divestment target for 2016-2018. The Netherlands-based company still has a presence in Ireland through its aviation joint venture, Shell and Topaz Aviation Ireland Ltd.

The company added that Shell Energy Europe Ltd. has signed an offtake agreement to purchase Corrib gas following completion.

In a separate news release, Vermilion Energy said it has assumed operatorship of the Corrib gas field on behalf of the joint venture partners. The company said CPPIB plans to transfer SEPIL along with a 1.5% working interest to Vermilion.

Source:epmag

Global LNG Trade Jumps by 7.1%, Says Höegh LNG

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December 1, 2018

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The global floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) trade reached 236 million tonnes in the first nine months of 2018, up by 7.1% from the same period of 2017 on a combination of robust Asian demand and new supplies of LNG from Australia and the USA, said Höegh LNG.

The provider of LNG transportation and services said that for the full year, LNG trade is expected to reach around 320 million tonnes, up by more than 7% from 2017.

Increasing Chinese demand continues to be a key driver for expanding LNG volumes. LNG imports by China were 37.7 million tonnes during the first nine months of 2018, up 46% from the same period in 2017 and pointing towards full-year imports of more than 55 million tonnes.

"That makes China the world’s secondlargest importer of LNG, second only to Japan with estimated imports of 85 million tonnes for 2018," it said.

China’s 20 land-based regasification terminals currently have a combined monthly regasification capacity of 5.6 million tonnes, which is expected to be insufficient for meeting seasonal demand swings and for supporting the current rate of growth in demand.

In response, and to meet additional natural gas demand with sufficient regasification capacity, the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) Höegh Esperanza has been chartered to CNOOC and will operate as an FSRU in Tianjin.

LNG imports through FSRUs increased by 26% from the second to the third quarter of 2018. At 10.1 million tonnes, however, FSRU imports were 6% lower than in the same period of last year.

Imports to Bangladesh, Pakistan, Turkey and Brazil are higher than last year, while growing indigenous production of natural gas continues to dampen Argentinian and Egyptian LNG imports. Excluding Egypt, FSRU imports were on par with last year’s levels in the third quarter.

The final investment decision by LNG Canada on 1 October 2018 surpassed new liquefaction capacity sanctioned in 2016 and 2017 combined. The first two trains of this development will have a production capacity of 14 million tonnes when it comes online in 2025, making Canada a top-10 LNG producer globally with the ability to deliver LNG to Asia at highly competitive prices compared with other suppliers.

What is more, the final investment decision was taken without foundation contracts with third-party customers, reflecting expectations of significant future LNG demand growth and positioning project developers to serve as a bridge to an increasingly diverse set of buyers without the ability to sign long-term contracts with suppliers.

The combination of increasing volumes of LNG being offered to an expanding set of buyers is the main demand driver for FSRUs. Five FSRU contract awards have been announced in 2018, up from only two short-term contracts last year.

FSRUs currently serve 22 import projects globally, while ten to twelve projects have signed up FSRU capacity and are preparing to commence LNG imports over the next two years. In addition, comes a significant number of FSRU projects still in the selection process.

The global FSRU fleet consisted of 29 units at 30 September 2018. Thirteen FSRUs, including one LNGCto-FSRU conversion, are currently under construction. Of these, three are not due for delivery until 2021 or later.

LNG carrier spot rates have increased to record levels of USD 180-200,000 per day on a combination of fastgrowing LNG supply and longer sailing distances, resulting in an increase in fleet utilisation.

The strong development in the LNG carrier spot market, combined with expectations of continued strength, appear to discourage efforts by certain LNG shipowners to enter the FSRU market. Consequently, the number of potential FSRU operators in the FSRU market in the future has been reduced, positively impacting the competitive situation in this market.

Hoegh LNG Holdings owns and operates floating LNG import terminals, and floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs).

Source:marinelink

Japanese duo join Moray East stable

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December 1, 2018

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Mitsubishi Corp has sold 30% of its shares in subsidiary Diamond Green to Kansai Electric Power and a further 20% to Mitsubishi UFJ Lease & Finance Company, with the deal meaning the latter two organisations become shareholders in the 950MW Moray East offshore wind farm off Scotland.

Diamond Green is an intermediate holding company wholly-owned by Diamond Generating Europe, which itself is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corp.

Other shareholders in the Moray East project are EDP Renewables and Engie. The Moray East developers secured project financing for the wind farm this week with a syndicate of 16 banks, the Danish export credit agency EKF and Japan Bank for International Cooperation.

Mitsubishi Corp said the project will now move into the construction stage, with commercial operation expected in 2022. Moray East will feature MHI Vestas V164-9.5MW hardware.

The Japanese company said its strategy is to continue its engagement in offshore wind, while re-profiling assets and optimising its portfolio through divestment. It also aims to be a player in offshore wind sector in Japan by leveraging experience gained from its work in Europe.

Source:renews

Broader support base for common nautical standards

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December 1, 2018

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Agreement on common definitions for nautical port information enables communications between computers.

The global exchange of standardised nautical information is now a step closer. An international group reached agreement in Rotterdam regarding standardised data definitions for the global exchange of nautical information. This means that the next steps can be taken in making more efficient use of sea-going vessels and in reducing emissions.

The number of participating organisations from market parties and maritime organisations was greater than ever before. The importance of digitisation and port call efficiency is increasing every day, and everyone understands that standardisation is essential for this. It is particularly important for port call efficiency that all business process information owners can share data.

Participants, including the International Taskforce Port Call Optimisation, built on the results of a workshop in May 2018 by selecting the best possible definitions. Now that all relevant stakeholders have contributed to establishing global uniform nautical standards, the next step can be taken from functional to data definitions. Put simply: functional definitions ensure that people in the maritime industry understand each other. Data definitions enable machines to communicate with each other.

‘Take the quay planning of sea-going vessels, for instance’, stated Ben van Scherpenzeel, Chairman of the International Port Call Optimisation Taskforce. ‘Uniform data definitions will enable the terminal operator to share a vessel’s berthing details with parties including the agent and the captain of the vessel due to take over that berth on the quay. This improves port call efficiency. Vessels no longer run the risk of berthing in the incorrect location or even with the wrong side of the vessel. Correcting such manoeuvres takes a lot of time.’

The next step is to publish the definitions and, where necessary, to submit these to a standardisation organisation.

Source:Port Of Rotterdam

Germany Plans To Increase Wind, Solar Power Production

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December 1, 2018

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Germany intends to increase energy production from wind and solar farms by a further 8 gigawatts (GW) over the next three years as the government tries to compensate for its decision to abandon strict emissions targets.

Chancellor Angela Merkel’s conservatives and their Social Democrat (SPD) junior coalition partners this year dropped plans to lower CO₂ emissions by 40% from 1990 levels by 2020.

The decision was based on expectations that Germany would miss its national emissions target for 2020 without any additional measures because of strong economic growth and higher than expected immigration.

The Bundestag lower house on Nov. 30 approved government plans to boost green energy production.

For the past few years, Germany has been increasing power capacity from wind and solar by 5 GW each year. The 8-GW increase between 2019 and 2021 is additional to that.

The government has set a new goal of increasing the share of renewable energy in Germany’s electricity consumption to 65% by 2030 from roughly a third last year.

The new plan includes also cutting the subsidy for solar energy production from 11.09 euro cents ($0.1256) per kWh to 8.9 euro cents.

Source:epmag

Norwegian Cruise Line Holds Keel Laying Ceremony For “Norwegian Encore”

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December 1, 2018

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Today at the Meyer Werft shipyard, Norwegian Cruise Line, the innovator in cruising, held an unforgettable keel laying ceremony for Norwegian Encore, unveiling the award-winning entertainment line-up and leading recreational amenities scheduled for the ship’s fall 2019 debut.

Following the major construction milestone and maritime tradition of embedding a “commemorative coin” within the keel blocks of the ship, attendees were treated to an unexpected presentation. Four performers appeared in extravagant costume with the lead singer in the show’s iconic boots, providing a surprise performance from “Kinky Boots,” confirming the Tony Award®-winning musical as the headlining act on Norwegian Encore. Lola, the lead character, and her three dancing angels sang “Land of Lola,” one of the 16 original songs by Grammy Award® winner Cyndi Lauper.

“Norwegian Encore’s keel laying ceremony was not only special because we crossed a key construction milestone, but because we celebrated the incredible partnership we have had with the Meyer Werft team – a team of talented individuals who have built some of our most innovative ships,” said Andy Stuart, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “Today’s surprise ‘Kinky Boots’ performance showcases the evolution of the meaningful and unforgettable experiences we are dedicated to providing our guests. We are very excited to be the first to feature this award-winning musical at sea.”

“We are honored to celebrate the construction milestone and keel laying of Norwegian Encore, another ship of the brand’s fleet built by Meyer Werft during the long-term relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line,” said Stephan Schmees, project manager and member of the board for Meyer Werft. “We look forward to delivering this incredible ship in the fall of 2019 and showcasing the technology and innovation made in Germany.”

Staying true to the company’s commitment to delivering unrivaled entertainment options; the freedom and flexibility for guests to express themselves and design their ideal cruise experience; and providing one of the most inclusive vacation options available, the offerings soon-to-be-available on Norwegian Encore are a testament to the continued evolution of the Breakaway-Plus class, the most successful class of the company’s history.

Entertainment at Sea

Exclusively on Norwegian Encore, “Kinky Boots” is a story about an unlikely partnership between a fabulous entertainer and factory owner, who through compassion and understanding embrace their differences and work together to create something the world has never seen before. Featuring original songs by Cyndi Lauper, the Broadway hit inspires audiences to feel free to be who they want to be.

Expanding on some of the most compelling entertainment at sea, “The Choir of Man,” which recently debuted on Norwegian Escape, combines high energy music, dance, live percussion and foot stomping choreography by the incredible talent of nine ordinary guys who perform everything from sing-along anthems to classic rock.

Additional entertainment that made a debut on Norwegian Bliss and will be available on Norwegian Encore include “Happy Hour Prohibition: The Musical,” the interactive cocktails and theater show, and guest favorite – The Cavern Club, which transports audiences back to the legendary Liverpool club with live musical performances from a Beatles cover band.

Recreation Activities for All Ages

As the only company to offer go-karts at sea, Norwegian Cruise Line is expanding its portfolio with a bigger and better two-level race track on Norwegian Encore. At nearly 1,150 feet, ten exhilarating turns and four points that extend up to 13 feet over the side of the ship, guests will enjoy the largest race track at sea. Additional upgrades include a covered viewing area in the center of the track where guests can provide passing go-karts with an additional turbo boost by tagging them with a laser beam.

Norwegian Encore will also feature the Galaxy Pavilion, a more than 10,000-square-foot indoor virtual reality complex, showcasing cutting-edge technology and interactive gaming. From multisensory virtual experiences, simulators to an escape room taking guests on a labyrinth of adventures, guests of all ages will be able to find something to enjoy.

The industry’s only open-air laser tag arena made popular on Norwegian Bliss will reappear on Norwegian Encore, but this time as the resurrected lost city of Atlantis, with new elements for a more exciting and interactive experience. The ship will also feature the Aqua Park, which guests have come to expect of the Breakaway and Breakaway-Plus class, including two multi-story waterslides, one of which extends 11 feet over the edge of the ship and loops down to the deck below.

At approximately 169,000 gross tons and accommodating up to 4,000 guests, Norwegian Encore will cruise out of Miami every Sunday and sail seven-day voyages to the Eastern Caribbean, beginning with her first journey on November 17, 2019 through April 12, 2020.

Source:marineinsight

UCL Energy Institute joins the UK’s Clean Maritime Council

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December 1, 2018

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UCL Energy Institute has joined the Clean Maritime Council, supporting UK's ambitions for transition to zero emission shipping. The Clean Maritime Council is expected to construct a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the maritime sector to improve air quality on and around waterways, ports and shipping lanes.

The Clean Maritime Council is a strategic advisory body tasked with informing the development and implementation of the first UK Clean Maritime Plan. It is also, bringing together experts from across the maritime sector – from industry leaders developing greener vessels, to academics studying the economics of emission reduction, including the UCL Energy Institute.

Air pollution is a major public health risk ranking alongside cancer, heart disease and obesity. In 2016, domestic shipping emissions accounted for 11% of the UK’s total domestic nitrogen oxide emissions. International shipping emissions also have a significant impact on air quality in the UK due to shipping lanes and engine operation while in UK ports.

On GHG’s, international shipping is responsible for approximately 2% of global CO2 emissions, and there are projections that if no action is taken then by 2050 maritime transport emissions will account for a fifth of global CO2 emissions. UCL and Ricardo Energy & Environment also estimated that the domestic shipping industry in UK consumes 250% more fuel than previously estimated.

"We’re pleased to join the Clean Maritime Council to accelerate potential solutions for shipping’s zero emissions transition. By joining the Council, we hope we can provide evidence, inspiration and focus for shipping’s collective efforts to ensure zero emissions happens swiftly and with minimal cost and disruption to trade." Dr Tristan Smith, Reader, UCL Energy Institute said.

The UCL Energy Institute (UCL-Energy) was established as UCL’s response to the global challenges of climate change. UCL-Energy delivers world-leading learning, research and policy support on the challenges of climate change and energy security.

Source:safety4sea

Naviera Integral orders Damen FCS in anticipation of Mexican offshore boom

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December 1, 2018

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Offshore contractor Naviera Integral has ordered a fast crew supplier (FCS) 5009 from Damen in anticipation of international oil major activity in the Gulf of Mexico.

Naviera Integral ordered the Damen vessel to meet anticipated demand from international oil majors in need of support services as a result of outgoing Mexican president Enrique Peña Nieto’s energy sector reforms, which break the monopoly of state-owned energy company Petroleos Mexicanos (Pemex) on oil exploration in the country.

A stock FCS 5009 at Damen’s Song Cam shipyard in Vietnam will be fitted out prior to making passage to Mexico via Hawaii and the Panama Canal in 2019.

The vessel will be the 15th FCS 5009 and the 24th Damen vessel in Naviera Integral’s fleet, which is currently fully contracted.

The 50-m FCS 5009 design features Damen’s axe-bow hull design, which makes for smoother transit and reduced water resistance. The vessel ordered by Naviera Integral will have a dynamic positioning class of DP2, a FiFi1 firefighting designation and will be equipped with Damen’s 'connected ship' technology.

Source:osjonline