2.9 C
New York
Home Blog Page 1247

BIMCO updates ship repair contracts

By
-
0

BIMCO has updated its two standard ship repair contracts: REPAIRCON, which is for major work at a repair yard; and MINREPCON, which is for minor repair work that contractors can do when a ship is in port. BIMCO’s Documentary Committee approved both contracts in Copenhagen on 13 November.

Modifications and improvements were made to the REPAIRCON contract, while MINREPCON has undergone a full review.

The improvements made to the structure and content of REPAIRCON aim to help owners and contractors better understand their contractual rights and liabilities.

Namely, REPAIRCON 2018 provides a written framework agreement that should be the first choice of contract for major ship repair projects. It gathered interested parties and consulted ship repairers and owners who have used the current REPAIRCON form.

For minor repair and maintenance work, MINREPCON 2018 provides an alternative to contractors’ own terms which can often be problematic and expose owners to liabilities and obligations.

In addition, MINREPCON 2018 includes a liability and limitation regime, which was often absent from contractors own terms and conditions.

Søren Berg of Lauritzen, said:"There is a clear need for a contract for small, ad hoc repairs such as a plumber attending to deal with blocked drains, or an electrician to sort out lighting problems"

Source:safety4sea

 

EU to fund LNG infrastructure project

By
-
0

The ‘LNGHIVE2: Infrastructure and Logistics Solutions’ project, coordinated by Spanish energy company Enagás, has been selected by the European Commission ‘Connecting Europe Facility’ (CEF) for funding. The initiative aims to boost the use of LNG as a fuel for maritime and rail transport. The total investment in the project will be around 14 million euros, of which close to three million euros will be financed by European funds.

The initiative is coordinated by Enagás, promoted by the Spanish Ports Authority, and comprises participation of the Port Authority of Huelva, RENFE Mercancías, ADIF, Saggas, Marflet Marine, and the Port of Valencia Foundation.

The project is scheduled to run until 2022 and includes adapting the regasification terminals in Huelva and Sagunto (Valencia) to offer LNG as a fuel. It also foresees to introduce LNG in a “maritime-rail green corridor” between the Port of Huelva and the ADIF rail terminal in Majarabique, the dry port of Seville. The project includes building an LNG station in this rail terminal and retrofitting a diesel-hauled locomotive to LNG.

The European Commission has positively rated the quality as well as the technical and financial maturity of this project. Furthermore, it has highlighted the project’s importance with regards to the Mediterranean Corridor, economic growth, and the Trans-European Transport Network’s (TEN-T) priorities for the use of LNG for multimodal transport and decarbonisation.

The ‘LNGHIVE2: Infrastructure and Logistics Solutions’ initiative is in line with the institutional strategy to deploy LNG supply points in ports, and develop the associated market promoted by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport through the Spanish Ports Authority. Under this strategy, an initiative from Balearia has also been selected, involving the retrofitting of five vessels to LNG.

LNGHIVE2 is one of the ‘National Action Framework for Alternative Energies in Transport’ measures approved by the Council of Ministers in December 2016. It aims to comply with Directive 2014/94 of the European Commission, which represents a clear commitment to the use of alternative fuels in the transport sector.

Enagás is also currently coordinating CORE LNGas hive, led by the Spanish Ports Authority.

Source:safety4sea

Nor-Shipping, DNV GL Partner On “Sustainable Event” Standard

By
-
0

Nor-Shipping is aiming to set a new benchmark for the maritime and ocean event segment with a move to achieve ISO 20121 certification from DNV GL.

The initiative complements Nor-Shipping’s repositioning as ‘your arena for ocean solutions’ as it evolves to focus on supporting, serving and facilitating sustainable success for its core maritime audience within the rapidly developing ocean space.

In becoming the first industry player to embark upon ISO 20121 (The Sustainable Events Management System Standard for Events Organisations) Nor-Shipping is, according to Director Per Martin Tanggaard, ‘practising what it preaches’.

“Developing sustainable business activity within the ocean space is both one of the world’s greatest opportunities and greatest challenges,” Tanggaard explains. Our industry can’t afford to fail in this mission and we at Nor-Shipping are doing all we can to showcase potential, connect businesses, and enable success in this evolving arena.

“As we’re assuming this mantle of responsible development we have to ensure we ourselves, as an organisation, set the very highest standards. That’s why Nor-Shipping and parent firm Norges Varemesse are initiating a move that will see us assess and improve the environmental performance of every activity we conduct – minimizing our own carbon footprint and encouraging our suppliers and stakeholders to tackle theirs. We know we’re only one relatively small organisation but, together with our high profile involvement in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), we hope to help influence the industry and demonstrate that everyone can work towards a more prosperous, sustainable future.”

The initiative is a collaborative effort in support of UN Sustainable Development Goal 17 (revitalize global partnerships for sustainable development). Nor-Shipping’s recently appointed Head of Sustainability and Technology, Silje Bareksten, will, together with the ‘Project GREEN’ team at Norges Varemesse, manage the certification process alongside DNV GL. This encompasses activity such as assessments and audits of areas including transportation, waste disposal, energy use and supplier standards. Oslo-based consultancy Greener Events will work with the team at Norges Varemesse to help enable and optimize the ‘green shift’, while DNV GL’s Business Assurance General Manager Siv Emanuelsen will lead DNV GL’s involvement. By working together the partners hope to maximize both efficiency and impact.

Emanuelsen says of the initiative: “Nor-Shipping and Norges Varemesse are taking positive, tangible action to improve their overall environmental credentials and work towards a long-term strategic goal of sustainability. This is important for them as a business – enhancing their licence to operate, improving efficiency and impacting positively upon visitor experience – but also in their role as a ‘lighthouse’ for the maritime industry, helping to influence and enable customers and delegates as they themselves target better environmental performance.”

DNV GL’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Bjørn Kj. Haugland, who will facilitate the process, notes: “Many companies claim to be green but here we have an industry leader undertaking a thorough, stringent and recognised certification process to prove its on-going commitment. Nor-Shipping will be the second major international event in Norway, after the Bislett Games, to achieve the standard. Here at DNV GL we’ll use our extensive expertise to help lead the team down the pathway to greater sustainability and set a new industry benchmark.”

Speaking of the timescale of the certification, Bareksten adds: “It’s my ambition that Nor-Shipping, Norges Varemesse and our partners work to achieve this standard before the 2019 Nor-Shipping programme of activity begins. There’s a great deal to do, but the drive towards sustainability can’t wait. We need to address our weaknesses today for the optimal impact tomorrow. We’d encourage everyone within the industry to do the same.”

The ISO 20121 process follows Nor-Shipping’s decision in August to dedicate its exhibition Hall A to the ‘Blue Economy’; showcasing firms and concepts that balance business with sustainable resource use and environmental protection. This will sit alongside the established themed halls showcasing IT & Navigation, Safety & Rescue, Shipbuilding & Repair, Maritime Services & Logistics, and Propulsion & Machinery.

Nor-Shipping 2019 takes place in Oslo and Lillestrøm, Norway, from 04 to 07 June 2019. The exhibition and associated programme of networking, knowledge and collaborative activities is expected to attract over 30,000 visitors from across the globe.

Source:maritime-executive

GPA Posts 24th Consecutive Month of Growth

By
-
0

The Port of Savannah continued its long-running growth trend in October, moving more container cargo than any other month in its history. 414,000 TEU crossed its docks last month, bringing the year-to-date total to 1.5 million TEU – an increase of eight percent and 113,000 TEU compared to the same period last year.

October also marked the 24th consecutive month of year-over-year growth for the Georgia Ports Authority. "A booming economy, strong consumer confidence and an expanding customer base have resulted in record trade through the Port of Savannah," said GPA Executive Director Griff Lynch. "I would like to congratulate Georgia Ports employees, the International Longshoremen's Association and our other partners in the logistics industry for stepping up to the plate to handle these record volumes."

Lynch also congratulated the International Longshoremen's Association and the ocean carriers for successfully completing a new six-year contract that will allow similar growth to continue.

"Our ports continue to add and grow cargo volumes, creating jobs across Georgia and the Southeast," said GPA Board Chairman Jimmy Allgood. "I would like to personally thank our many customers who rely on the GPA to connect them to the global logistics chain."

Intermodal rail cargo grew by 8.7 percent for the month, compared to October 2017, reflecting one of GPA's biggest logistics advantages – its Class I rail connections to the heartland. For the fiscal year to date, the Port of Savannah has handled 170,000 containers by rail, an increase of or 24 percent compared to the same period a year ago. "We are currently in the process of doubling Savannah's rail lift capacity to 1 million lifts per year to expand our market reach," Lynch said.

Source:maritime-executive

City of Oakland Cancels Coal Terminal Lease, Seeks Damages

By
-
0

The City of Oakland has terminated a lease agreement for a controversial coal terminal, citing breach of contract due to a lack of progress on the ground. The terminal has been held up in court ever since early 2016, when Oakland's city council voted to bar shipments of coal using city land.

Among other potential bulk and breakbulk uses, the terminal would have provided an outlet for Utah-based coal producers to sell to overseas buyers. American coal consumption has been in decline for years, and access to foreign markets is a key concern for coal mining firms – especially transpacific access to China, the world's largest coal importer. 

Prior to the 2016 vote, a health advisory panel to Oakland's city council found that coal trains passing through the city would significantly increase air concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) due to emissions of both coal dust and diesel exhaust. It also noted that coal dust typically contains mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium and crystalline silica. These substances are a health risk if inhaled or ingested. 

The operator, Terminal Logistics Solutions, said that banning a legal commodity like coal would send the wrong signal about Oakland, not about coal. "This type of regulation is not necessary, it kills jobs, and it does not protect the image of our city as being open for business and growth," TLS CEO Jerry Bridges told the council.

U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria struck down Oakland's ban on coal transport earlier this year, and the city is appealing his verdict. 

In the interim, the city has informed project developer Phil Tagami that it is canceling the lease for the terminal. Despite the history of the disagreement, the City of Oakland said that its decision was not related to coal or to public health, but rather with the "developer’s failure to meet its obligations and perform the work it agreed to do." The city is also seeking $1.6 million in damages for nonperformance. 

"[Oakland Bulk and Oversized Terminal] had years to move this project forward and has used every excuse in the book to justify its failure to perform,” said city attorney Barbara Parker in a statement. “This terminal is a critical project that will be an economic engine for West Oakland, our entire city and the region. The city must move this project forward with partners who are able to get the job done.” 

The 20-acre OBOT facility would have been built on the city's half of the former Oakland Army Terminal, which was decomissioned in 2006 and split between Oakland and the Port of Oakland. City leaders have said that they were not informed of the developer's plan to handle coal at the terminal when Oakland signed the lease agreement in 2012.

Source:maritime-executive

GTT receives an order from HHI to design the tanks of two new LNG carriers

By
-
0

GTT announces it has received an order from the Korean shipyard Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) for the tank design of two LNG carriers.

Each offering a capacity of 174,000 m3, these units will be built on behalf of the Greek ship-owner Cardiff. The tanks will be fitted with the Mark III Flex containment system. The vessels’ delivery is expected for the end of 2020 and beginning of 2021 respectively.

Philippe Berterottière, Chairman and CEO of GTT, declared: “We are pleased to pursue our partnership of excellence with HHI shipyard and with ship-owner Cardiff which already owns four LNGCs equipped with GTT technologies and has nine LNGCs on order.”

Source:portnews

Cheniere’s Corpus Christi LNG Terminal Begins Operation

By
-
0

Cheniere Energy has begun operations at its new $15 billion LNG export facility in Corpus Christi, Texas. The plant's first liquefaction train is online, and it will soon be ready to produce up to 4.5 million tons per annum of LNG.  

At an inaugural ceremony Thursday, Chenier CEO Jack Fusco joined Texas Governor Greg Abott and U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross to celebrate the facility's long-awaited opening. "I am proud to get up here and be able to say that Texas is the energy capital of the entire world, and thanks to Cheniere, we just got bigger," said Governor Abbott in a keynote address. 

Fusco told local media that the first train's initial low-rate production is being used for cool-down, and it will begin producing its first commissioning cargo soon. He did not give a timeline for its first export load, but the LNG carrier Golar Tundra is alongside at Corpus Christi LNG's terminal in order to receive product when commercial operations begin. The first cargo will go to the highest bidder, according to Fusco – likely in China, South Korea or Japan, where prices are higher. 

At full build-out, Corpus Christi LNG will have a nameplate capacity of 23 mtpa, making it the second-largest export terminal in the U.S. Train 2 and Train 3 are still under construction, and will likely come online in late 2019 and late 2021, respectively. Cheniere's first facility in Sabine Pass, the largest LNG terminal in the U.S., celebrated the opening of its fifth train last week. 

The new LNG terminal is very important to the Port of Corpus Christi, which sees it as a major driver for future growth. "We expect to add another 50 percent to our revenues in the next five to seven years, and LNG is a huge part of that," said Kent Britton, the port's financial controller, in a recent presentation. 

Source:maritime-executive

Sovcomflot Gets $149m Credit Facility for LNG Carrier

By
-
0

Russian maritime shipping company Sovcomflot has signed a new USD 149 million credit facility, for up to 10 years, with a consortium of three leading international banks, comprising: ING Bank, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH, and Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank.

Russian shipowner specializing in petroleum and LNG shipping said that the funds will be used towards financing the construction of a new generation 174,000-cubic metres Atlanticmax LNG carrier.

The vessel will feature a slow-speed tri-fuel X-DF diesel engine and gas boil-off partial liquefaction system. The LNG carrier will operate on long-term charters with Total Group.

The project facility benefits from a limited-recourse structure and a favourable long-term tenor, as well as competitive pricing, reflecting the robustness and the high credit quality of the deal structure, underpinned by the stability of the charter hire revenue stream and cash flows.

Nikolay Kolesnikov, Senior Executive Vice-President & CFO of Sovcomflot, said: “SCF Group very much value the involvement of these high-profile lenders in this deal, reflecting their in-depth understanding of the transaction and their strong commitment to SCF Group, and welcome this opportunity to further expand the relationship with them."

Nikolay added: “This is the fifth successful international debt financing accomplished by SCF Group in 2018, which further strengthens the Group’s liquidity position and, despite challenging conditions in the global financial and shipping markets, enables it to address its upcoming financial requirements.”

Source:marinelink

Equinor raises solar stakes

By
-
0

Norwegian energy giant Equinor has raised its share in compatriot company Scatec Solar to just over 10% with the acquisition of 11,020,000 shares for Nkr700m (€73m).

The latest 9.7% stake adds to shares managed by Equinor Asset Management, the company formerly known as Statoil said.

Equinor executive vice president for new energy solutions Pal Eitrheim said: “The investment in Scatec Solar will increase Equinor’s exposure to a fast growing renewable sector, further complementing Equinor’s portfolio with profitable solar energy. This is in line with our strategy to develop into a broad energy company.”

Scatec Solar is our existing partner in Brazil and Argentina and we value their capabilities and experience. They are a competitive and well-respected solar company and we are supportive of Scatec Solar’s management, board of directors and strategy.

“This minority stake of around 10% is made with a long term perspective.”

Equinor first partnered with Scatec on the development of the 162MW Apodi project in Brazil in 2017, followed by a second project in June this year.

Scatec has installed capacity of 357MW and a further 1057MW under construction. It has a project backlog and pipeline of about 4.3GW under development in the Americas, Africa, Asia and the Middle East.

Source:renews

France finalises Dunkirk details

By
-
0

France has outlined the bidding terms for the 500MW Dunkirk Round 3 offshore wind farm off the country's northern coast, with the winner to be named by mid-2019.

The government has sent out the final criteria to the 10 bidders that were shortlisted in the so-called competitive dialogue phase. The candidates will now have four months to apply.

Industry association FEE said it was pleased with the announcement made at the inter-ministerial committee meeting in the city of Dunkirk.

“The economic, energy related, and environmental stakes of offshore wind energy are considerable and entail concrete promises,” said FEE president Olivier Perot.

“The government understands that the energy transition can't be done without a balanced energy mix and ambitious energy targets.”

Industry association SER president Jean-Louis Bal said France could become an important offshore wind market.

“This offshore wind tender is an important milestone, as it will allow us to show France's great competitiveness when it comes to offshore wind.”

Source:renews

1...1,2461,2471,248...1,329Page 1,247 of 1,329
Premium Content

© 2025 SeaWanderer. All Rights Reserved. Powered by Maritime.Studio