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DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2009 – 025

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Number 024 *** COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS *** Sunday 25-01-2009 News reports received from readers and Internet News articles taken from various news sites.

The 1977 built GOLFO DE SIAM (ex Biehl Trader – (1991) Smit Lloyd 118) seen moored in Sfax (Tunesia)

Photo : Hans Breure ©

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EVENTS, INCIDENTS & OPERATIONS

www.tos.nl TOS Rotterdam (+31)10 – 436 62 93 E-Mail [email protected]

SOLAR ECLIPSE ON MONDAY SOLAR ECLIPSE: On Monday, Jan. 26th, the Moon will pass in front of the sun producing an annular "ring of fire" eclipse. This is not a total eclipse; the Moon will cover only 93% of the sun's surface. Nevertheless, the Moon's dead-center transit across the solar disk will produce a sight of rare beauty for observers along the "path of annularity." Best views are to be had from islands in Indonesia where the ring of fire will appear to sink into the ocean at sunset. Meanwhile, in Australia, southeast Asia, southern parts of India and South Africa, observers will experience an off-center partial eclipse. Crescent-shaped sunbeams will dapple the ground while high overhead the Moon takes a curved bite out of the sun.

Please visit http://spaceweather.com for eclipse maps, timetables and photos.

HMS PORTLAND meets P&O liner in Gulf Currently operating in the Gulf of Aden (GOA) and Horn of Africa (HOA) as part of the Coalition Task Force charged with combating piracy, HMS Portland spent some time in company with the gigantean P&O cruise liner ‘Arcadia’ as she was passing through the areas on route to India. The Type 23 frigate provided a reassuring sight for the 2000 plus passengers, some of whom gathered on the upperdeck and balconies to see the ship and her Lynx helicopter in close company. Photo : James Cusick o/b ARCADIA © The 2 ships followed a longstanding maritime tradition with Arcadia ‘dipping’ her ensign and Portland returning the mark of respect. The Arcadia’s Master, Commodore Steve Burgoine, who is also the Commodore of the P&O Cruises

Fleet, passed on his thanks and those of the passengers and crew of Arcadia for HMS Portland’s presence in these difficult waters.

Photo : Royal Navy © The Royal Navy is actively countering piracy off the Horn of Africa as well as coming to the aid of those under



attack, and HMS Portland is in the region to conduct Maritime Security Operations including counter piracy missions when required as part of her tasking. Portland is well placed to deal with this mission and has been on patrol in the region since the beginning of December 2008. The Commanding Officer, Commander Tim Henry, said ‘It is important that maritime trade is able to travel freely on the high seas without let or hindrance. It was a pleasure to spend some time in company with ‘Arcadia’ today and to be able to demonstrate to the passengers and crew the Royal Navy’s commitment to keeping the sea lanes open. I wish Commodore Burgoine, his passengers and crew a safe and enjoyable voyage’.

Somalia: New Navy Task Force Takes Aim At Pirates

A new multinational naval task force is patrolling the waters off the coast of Africa to scare off pirates who have been regularly attacking commercial shipping vessels laden with oil, fertilizer and iron ore. For now, Combined Task Force 151 comprises three U.S. ships, but other nations, including the United Kingdom, are expected to join the effort that is focused on the Gulf of Aden, the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. In the meantime, naval forces from nearly two dozen nations are patrolling in the same waters -- in some cases bilaterally -- and are often providing escort to merchant vessels bearing their national flags. Various navies that are already sailing in the region as a deterrent to pirates are expected to seek a mandate from their governments to join the task force under U.S. command. The USS San Antonio is the flagship for the operation, which includes a helicopter squadron, surgeons and U.S. Coast Guard law enforcement boarding teams specializing in maritime law, ship-borne searches and evidence collection. The commander of the U.S. Fifth Fleet -- headquartered in Bahrain -- says piracy is an international problem requiring an international solution. Vice Admiral Bill Gortney said CTF-151 "is a significant step in the right direction" to deter and disrupt pirates and eventually bring them to justice. At last count, pirates were holding nearly a dozen ships and more than 200 hostages. At a January 15 briefing for reporters in the Pentagon, Gortney said the plan is to go after the pirates aggressively through a combination of surveillance and rapid response while still adhering to rules of evidence. Gortney said a three-pronged approach is under way. The first prong involves recruiting additional navies to the region to work the counter-piracy mission. U.S. Rear Admiral Terence McKnight is in charge of the naval task force, which became fully operational in January. "We are out there in force," he said, working with coalition navies "to ensure commerce flows freely." The second prong calls on the shipping industry to share their best piracy-deterrent practices. Merchant ship captains have stepped up efforts to elude pirates by taking evasive maneuvers, lining their boats with barbed wire, deploying foam and even locking crews in the bridge out of reach of the attackers. Pirates are in business for the money earned by holding the crews and ships for millions of dollars in ransom; they are not interested in the cargo. The last prong will entail holding pirates accountable for their crimes. As Gortney put it: "We are going to go after the pirates . . . to make it unpleasant" for them to carry out their criminal activities. If task force members inspect "fishing" boats loaded with pirate equipment such as rifles, grenade launchers, grappling hooks and boarding ladders, they seize the equipment, document it and then pitch it overboard.



The task force is coordinating with and sharing experiences with the Atalanta maritime force dispatched to the region by the European Union in December. Atalanta, with six ships under British command, has been escorting ships leased by the World Food Progamme to deliver relief aid to Somalia. Gortney said the task force has been exchanging unclassified e-mails with the Chinese Navy about schedules and plans. Communications with Russian naval forces is by radio transmission. Both navies are primarily escorting their own national flag vessels. Gortney said having the Russians and Chinese participating is a positive sign. "We look forward to their continued participation," he added. The next step will involve the creation of a justice system in the region to prosecute captured pirates. Punishing pirates for attacking merchant ships will act as a deterrent to new recruits. Gortney said there must be serious deterrents for individuals contemplating careers as pirates. U.N. Security Council Resolution 1851, passed in December, calls on nations and regional organizations fighting pirates to establish special agreements with countries that are willing to prosecute them. The international Contact Group on Piracy met for the first time in January, pulling together 24 nations as well as the International Maritime Organization to talk about the problem of piracy. The group is scheduled to meet again in March. Source : All Africa.com

Malaysia - Confiscated foreign vessels to be scuttled

The state Maritime Enforcement Agency is ready to sink 32 foreign fishing vessels that were confiscated off the Terengganu coast, over the last couple of years. The agency’s chief Syed Mohd Fuzi Syed Hassan said 32 vessels seized during operations would be turned into artificial reefs by submerging into shorelines close to Redang, Perhentian, Kapas and Susu Dara islands. The vessels will be submerged in phases so that they would be able to function as artificial reefs to promote the growth of marine lives, he said on Wednesday. He said the agency faced space constraint to moor the seized vessels at its wharf as the number of seizure kept escalating with the intense operations embarked by the agency, recently. Syed Mohd Fuzi said the last year alone 26 foreign fishing vessels were seized for encroaching into Malaysian waters.



He said the number of vessels confiscated had in 2008 had increased 70% compared to the achievement made by the agency in 2006 and 2007. Syed Mohd Fuzi noted that the Vietnamese fishermen were the highest numbers of encroachers followed by Thai fishermen. He also attributed the success of the agency in thwarting the illegal fishing activities in Malaysian shores to local fishermen. “Local fishermen provide us with accurate information on the location of these illegal vessels by detailing the longitude that made the task our officers more efficient,” he added. Source : thestar

GPS bergt gezonken Kayak

NL Office Tel: +31 184 493131 (SLIEDRECHT) GB Office Tel: +44 1634 401444 (CHATHAM)

[email protected]

GPS Marine Services gaat de bilgeboot Kayak 5 bergen. De Kayak 5 zonk maandagochtend om kwart voor zeven in de haven van Antwerpen, ter hoogte van kaai 627. Het schip hoort toe aan Kayak Maritime Services. Dat is een erkend ophaler van afvaloliën van zeeschepen. De Kayak 5 van Kayak Maritime Services, een speciaal daartoe uitgeruste spits, had slobs overgenomen van de tanker Stolt Guillemot. De Kayak 5 zonk vrijwel direct na het losmaken. Er had geen aanvaring plaats. Maandagmiddag was er nog geen aanwijsbare oorzaak voor het zinken. De spits zonk tot op de bodem van het dok. De twee opvarenden kwamen in het water terecht; de een kon via de loodsladder op het zeeschip klimmen, de tweede kon de haak van een boordkraan grijpen waarmee ook hij aan dek werd gehesen. Beiden werden voor onderzoek overgebracht naar het Jan Palfijnziekenhuis. Op de plaats werd een wrakboei uitgelegd. Een olieboom moest verhinderen dat de olie zich zou verspreiden. Hinder voor de scheepvaart is er volgens de Havenkapiteinsdienst niet. Nadat de berging voorlopig was toegewezen aan de firma Antwerp Underwater Solutions, heeft de verzekering van het schip voor de berging een tender uitgeschreven. GPS Marine Services uit Sliedrecht kwam als beste uit de bus. Zij begint maandag met de berging in Antwerpen.

MMA investigates MV Mirabelle accident The Malta Maritime Authority is investigating the marine accident involving the Maltese registered ship MV Mirabelle which was reported to have gone aground early this morning in Hardanger Fjord, Norway. At the time of the accident the 3113 GT cargo vessel was carrying timber. All 10 crew members, of Norwegian and Russian nationality, were safely evacuated from the vessel by the Norwegian rescue services. No pollution in the area was reported. Salvage operations are being carried out accordingly and the situation is said to be contained. The Malta Maritime Authority is closely monitoring the situation keeping close contact with the safety managers of the ship and liaising with the Norwegian Accident Investigation Board in the investigation of the causes leading to this accident.



HAL’s Ryndam seen at anchor in Bora Bora (French Polynesia) last Friday. - Photo : Ronald Meijer ©

22 bodies retrieved from sunken trawler in Bangladesh

Twenty-two bodies were retrieved by rescuers Tuesday from a sunken trawler in Bangladesh’s southeastern Chandpur district, officials said. A trawler carrying 50 labourers capsized on the Meghna River, some 115 km from here, early Monday. Around 25 people swam ashore, while the rest were missing. A massive search operation was launched to retrieve the missing people. By Tuesday afternoon, rescuers had retrieved 22 bodies from the river, while three people were still missing, an official of Bangladesh’s Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA), said. BIWTA divers pulled out the bodies from inside a cabin of the sunken trawler, the official said. The operation was delayed due to dense fog. Source : freshnews



The STENA ATLANTICA seen arriving in Rotterdam-Europoort - Photo : Fred Vloo ©

Removal of ship wreckage to commence in 2 weeks

The operation to remove the wreckage of the Eritrean Ship `Den Den', which capsized at the Tannir Bhavi Coast near the New Mangalore Port Confirming this, Pradeep Mohanty, deputy conservator (in charge), NMP, told The Times of India that the agency, Fairdeal, is in the process of getting clearances from various authorities like the Pollution Control Board, Customs, etc, which may take more than a week, according to the agency personnel. Apart from these mandatory clearances, the agency will have to submit the necessary bank guarantee and undertaking to the port before starting the wreckage removal operations, which they have furnished to the port, Mohanty said. The bank guarantee is to ensure that in case the agency encounters problems in removing the wreck or there is some pollution problem, the port will use the bank guarantee to do the job. The process started due to the pressure mounted by the NMP as the agency, which first bought the wreckage for its scrap value from the insurance agency InterCoastal Shipowners P&I BV did not show any inclination to start work. After a series of letters to the insurance agency, things started moving in the right direction. The port authorities were worried that the wreck may pose a problem for further development of the port activities. Even at the district administration level, proceedings were taken up under Section 133 (pertaining to removal of the wreckage), but were dropped, as no clause was available in the government of India rules for the removal of the capsized vessel. "No law mandates removal of the wreck unless it is dangerous to movement of vessels or boats," an official said. The port may provide the land on rent to the agency to haul the wreck and break it. Mohanty said according to Fairdeal, the entire operation might take a minimum of three months. Mohanty noted that the agency would try to



haul the wreckage on the beach and then break it or may cut the them into pieces in the water itself, if it cannot be hauled entirely. The ship, belonging to the government of Eritrea got grounded at the Tannir Bhavi beach after an engine seizure four nautical miles off the Mangalore port and capsized on June 23, 2007. There were 24 crew on board and 21 saved themselves on a lifeboat after Coast Guard were unable to launch rescue operations due to rough weather conditions. The ship was transporting iron slag from Kudremukh Iron Ore Company to the United Arab Emirates. In November 2007, Svitzer Salvage removed heavy oil and other contents from Den Den.

EX SMIT LLOYD 106 SOLD AGAIN

The former Smit-Lloyd 106 is obviously resold and getting an "face lift" Photo’s : Top : Capt Jelle de Vries © below Piet Sinke ©

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It was scary, says Sirius Star Saudi sailor

It was a sunny November morning with a calm sea. Saudi sailor Hussein Al-Hamza was napping after his night shift on the brand new supertanker Sirius Star, loaded with two million barrels of oil as it crossed the Indian Ocean. But the sound of the alarm shook Al-Hamza awake, and he rushed to join his fellow sailors on the deck. “I looked down and saw eight Somali pirates in two boats, each about 18-feet-long,” Al-Hamza told The Associated Press in a brief phone interview late Monday, a couple of hours after his return to Saudi Arabia following the pirates’ release of the ship on Jan. 9. “They looked scary,” added Al-Hamza. That was the beginning of an 8-week ordeal for the crew of the Sirius Star,which was seized by Somali pirates on Nov. 15 in an escalation of the wave of piracy off the turmoil-plagued nation’s coast. Until that November morning, the pirates had never seized a ship as huge as the Sirius Star – at 1,080 feet (329 meters), it is the length of an aircraft carrier – or one so far out to sea. The seizure of the massive tanker, 500 miles (800 km) away from the shore, was simple. Al-Hamza said no one attempted to challenge the bandits, who scaled about 30 feet (nine meters) from the water to reach the deck. “They had rocket-propelled grenades and other weapons. The ship was loaded with oil,” he said. “Imagine the catastrophe had weapons been fired.” The pirates took the Saudi-owned vessel to a Somali port known as a pirates’ den and held it there during ransom negotiations. They released it reportedly after receiving $3 million, dropped by parachute. Al-Hamza, the only Saudi among the mostly Filipino crew, said eight pirates captured the tanker, but during the long captivity, their numbers grew to more than 30. “I put my life in God’s hands,” said Al-Hamza, 27.“There were moments of fear, especially when a gun was put to my head.” He would not elaborate on that. But most of the days on board were “boring,” he said. His high moments were the couple of brief calls he was permitted to make to his family in Qatif in the Eastern Province. After the release, the tanker was taken on Saturday to the port of Fujaira, in the United Arab Emirates, and the crew was given medical checkups. “We had eaten all that Somali food,” joked Al-Hamza. “They wanted to make sure we were OK.” The crew also met with their bosses, he said. Vela International Marine Ltd., the marine company that operated the Sirius Star for the Saudi oil company Aramco, is based in Dubai, another UAE emirate. On Tuesday, P.S. Shetty, senior supervisor for Kanoo Shipping Agencies, a Dubai-based company handling the Sirius Star, said the ship is currently anchored 10 nautical miles off Kalba, a UAE port on the Gulf of Oman south of Fujaira. The crew held by the pirates has been replaced, Shetty said, and the ship was scheduled to depart on Wednesday. He would not disclose the ship’s destination. While the remaining crew headed home to the Philippines, Al-Hamza flew to Dammam on Monday evening. He was met with applause and ululation from relatives at the airport. A fish dinner – his favorite food – awaited him at home, which overflowed with relatives and well-wishers. Asked if he had had any worries before the voyage, Al-Hamza said: “Before leaving, while chatting with my friends, I would tell them, ‘There are pirates,’ and they would say dismissively, ‘Yes, in the 19th century.’ Looks like I have a sixth sense,” he added. “God has granted me a new life.” Source : saudigazette



CASUALTY REPORTING

Fire aboard Hartlepool fishing boat 12 miles off Sunderland

LIFEBOAT volunteers helped the crew of a fishing boat after an electrical fire broke out off the coast of Sunderland this morning. Shortly before 10am the skipper of the Grenaa Star,a 65ft fishing boat sent a 'Mayday' distress call to Humber Coastguard requesting urgent assistance. "Thankfully her crew managed to extinguish the fire but had they not done so the rapid response of the RNLI volunteers, Coastguard and RAF all working together would have minimized any risk to life." Ian Rowan, helmsman Sunderland & Tynemouth RNLI Lifeboat Stations launched their Atlantic 85 and Severn Class lifeboats. Another fishing vessel Children’s Friend overheard the initial ‘mayday’ message and agreed to standby close to Grenaa Star,

berthed at Hartlepool, until the emergency services arrived in case the crew needed to abandon ship. The two RNLI lifeboats along with a RAF rescue helicopter from RAF Boulmer made best speed towards the vessels, some twelve miles east of Sunderland Harbour. On arrival RNLI crews discovered that the crew of the Grenna Star had managed to put out the blaze. Ian Rowan, Helmsman onboard Sunderland RNLI Lifeboat said “After arriving alongside the vessel we placed a crew member onboard to confirm that the fire had extinguished and that it was safe for the vessel to proceed back to his home port of Hartlepool”. Tynemouth RNLI and the RAF Helicopter were then released from the incident by Humber Coastguard while Sunderland RNLI lifeboat escorted the Grenaa Star, towards Hartlepool. When the two vessels reached Horden, Sunderland Lifeboat was replaced by Hartlepool Lifeboat which had launched to escort the fishing vessel the remaining six miles into Hartlepool. Once safely alongside the harbour at Hartlepool the vessel was met by fire fighters from Cleveland Fire and Rescue who carried out a full inspection of the vessel to ensure that the fire would not reignite.



Ian Rowan added “Despite the distance offshore the two RNLI Lifeboats and RAF Helicopter all arrived in the area of the incident within thirty five minutes of receiving the initial distress call. "Thankfully her crew managed to extinguish the fire but had they not done so the rapid response of the RNLI volunteers, Coastguard and RAF all working together would have minimized any risk to life”. Source : Northern Echo

German sailboat sinks off Morocco, 6 missing A German sailboat with a multinational crew capsized in stormy seas off Morocco on Tuesday and six crew members were still missing, Moroccan state news agency MAP reported. The boat sank in a force 8 gale outside Mahdia harbour near the northern city of Kenitra and one crew member, a German woman, managed to swim ashore, MAP said. Morocco's air force sent helicopters to search for the rest of the crew -- three Germans, an Austrian, a Slovene and a Dane -- but none were found by Wednesday afternoon, the agency said.

Cruise ship, fishing vessel nearly hit in LA port

A commercial fishing vessel and a cruise ship nearly collided in Los Angeles harbor's main channel, Coast Guard officials said Thursday. The 31-foot-long fishing vessel "Erratically" crossed within about 30 feet of the front of the cruise ship Golden Princess as it entered the harbor Wednesday morning, Lt. Cmdr. John Hennigan said. The Coast Guard did not identify the fishing vessel because the incident is under investigation. Federal law prohibits vessels from coming within 200 yards in front and 100 yards behind or to the sides of a cruise ship that is moving, the Coast Guard said. The 109,000-ton Golden Princess is 951 feet long and carries about 2,600 passengers. "We're grateful that the actions of the fishing boat didn't lead to a serious incident, and we fully support the efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard to enforce these important navigation rules," said Julie Benson, a spokeswoman for Princess Cruises, which is based in Santa Clarita. There have been several recent similar incidents in the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach in which a smaller craft cut off a tanker or larger, less maneuverable vessel, Hennigan said. Last October, two people drowned when their pleasure boat collided with a barge that was being towed by a tug boat.

NAVY NEWS Northrop Grumman Successfully Launches Virginia-

Class Submarine New Mexico (SSN 779)



Northrop Grumman Corporation reached a milestone Jan. 18 by launching the Virginia-class submarine New Mexico (SSN 779) at the company's Shipbuilding sector in Newport News, Va. "Launching a ship is always a proud moment for the shipbuilders and crew," said Becky Stewart, vice president of submarine programs for Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding-Newport News. "Our Virginia-class team has done an excellent job of achieving this milestone and furthering our efforts to deliver New Mexico eight months ahead of schedule." On January 15, shipbuilders used a transfer car system to move the 7,800-ton New Mexico out of a construction facility to a floating dry

dock. Three days later, they submerged the floating dry dock and successfully launched New Mexico into the James River. Once in the water, tugboats moved New Mexico to the shipyard's submarine pier where final outfitting and testing will take place. Cmdr. Mark Prokopius, Prospective Commanding Officer of the Pre-Commissioning Unit New Mexico, was on board as the submarine touched water for the first time. "It's great to get our ship into the water," said Prokopius. "My crew and I are excited about achieving this significant milestone, and although we know there is a lot of work to do, launch brought with it a sense of accomplishment, a feeling of being operational and renewed energy. We look forward to working with the shipbuilders to complete construction and testing and taking her to sea later this year." New Mexico is the sixth ship of the Virginia class. With improved stealth, sophisticated surveillance capabilities and special warfare enhancements, it will provide undersea supremacy well into the 21st century. The ship's construction began March 2004 and the ship's sponsor, Cindy Giambastiani, christened the ship during a ceremony held Dec. 13, 2008. New Mexico is scheduled for delivery in Aug. 2009. Northrop Grumman Corporation is a leading global security company whose 120,000 employees provide innovative systems, products, and solutions in aerospace, electronics, information systems, shipbuilding and technical services to government and commercial customers worldwide.

Delay in delivery of a Russian n-submarine The delivery of a Russian nuclear submarine to India could be delayed by more than a year as a result of a sea trials accident two months ago. The Shchuka-B class attack submarine, Nerpa, was to be handed over to the Indian Navy in August 2009, but sea trials were halted in November after 20 crewmen died in an accidental release of toxic fire-fighting gas. Officials at the Amur shipyard, which has built the submarine, cited financial and organizational, rather than technological, reasons for the delay. The shipyard has encountered difficulties forming a new team for pre-delivery trials . Source : The Hindu

Greece seeks six frigates, 15 helicopters from France

Greece wants to buy up to six frigates and 15 search-and-rescue helicopters from France, but is still hesitating over an order for fighter planes, the defence ministry said Friday. Athens wants the European multi-purpose frigates (FREMM),



a joint Italian-French project, to be built in its own naval shipyards, the ministry said, adding that talks on the deal already agreed in principle would start soon. The procurement of the ships and the Super Puma helicopters would be included in an 11.39-billion-euro (14.6 billion dollars) defence programme for 2006-10, but no decision has yet been taken on the warplane purchase planned since 2000. France's Rafale, the four-nation Eurofighter and the US F-16 are all in competition for the 1.1 billion-dollar order.

Seawolf Park and Hurricane Ike

The DE 238 STEWART seen with 17 degrees list after Hurricane Ike passed Galveston (Texas) Photo : Piet Sinke ©

With advanced knowledge of Hurricane Ike’s approach during October 2008 the Seawolf park was secured. All hatches were dogged and loose gear was stowed. Due to the intensity of the storm and the damage it had already caused, Galveston was ordered evacuated. Though the ships on display are out of the water and set into the island’s sand foundation, the remained only inches above sea level. The storm surge predicted for Ike was estimated at 20 – 25 feet. Ike roared ashore at 2:10 am Saturday morning under cover of darkness. Highest sustained winds were 85 mph. While the storm surge did not equal the maximum prediction, its peak was measured at 15 feet near the Texas-Louisiana border. As a result the park was completely submerged and submitted to relentless pounding by wind and waves.



When the storm passed and the rain receded, daylight revealed the impact to the park. All the existing infrastructure of portable buildings, storage shed, etc. had been either significantly damaged or washed away. Debris littered the grounds.

The sail of USS Tautog had been sheared from its mount by the water’s edge, knocked back into the parking lot and rested on a sail plane. Photo : Piet Sinke © Having rested in their beds of sand for over thirty years, to many Cavalla and Stewart appeared solidly moored in place. However this had not proven true. The storm surged actually floated the ships from their beds raising them several feet. Cavalla came to rest in almost her exact original position only now four feet higher than before. Internally, some light flooding occurred in her after torpedo room.

Located outboard of Cavalla and next to the shore, Stewart was moved even more. When the water receded her stern settled in place over twenty feet to port of her original position causing her to list 17 degrees to starboard. Right : Theo Haak seen in the engineroom of the CAVALLA prior Hurricane Ike – Photo : Piet Sinke ©

Currently, funds are being raised by the Cavalla Historical Foundation to rebuild the park infrastructure and repair the ships for display. Cavalla will be left in place with new stairs build to accommodate the boat’s higher draft. Bids are being accepted to reposition Stewart on an even keel. To date over $10,000 has been raised for the efforts along with pledged support from the City of Galveston.

HMAS Warramunga begins operations in Persian Gulf

The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) ANZAC Class Frigate, HMAS Warramunga, commenced a six month operational tour in the Persian Gulf yesterday (22 Jan), 11 days after sailing from its base in Perth. Warramunga relieves HMAS Parramatta as the RAN’s main contribution to operations in the Middle East. HMAS Warramunga will serve with Combined Task Force 152 (CTF152) which is responsible for maritime security operations (MSO) in the Central and South Persian Gulf. Commander Jonathan Sadleir, Parramatta’s Commanding Officer, says the ship’s second deployment to the Gulf has been a great success. “The maritime security role which we perform in the Gulf is very important component of the wider effort to bring stability to the region,” he said. “Through our presence, we are supporting international commerce and promoting regional prosperity. Our sailors are very proud of their achievements,” Commander Sadleir added. Parramatta will now sail home for Sydney where she is expected to arrive in early February.



Russian Navy denies Neustrashimy frigate has technical problems

The Russian Navy has rejected media reports that the Baltic Fleet's Neustrashimy missile frigate is in an unsatisfactory technical condition, a Navy spokesman said on Friday according to RIA Novosti. "I am authorized to categorically deny this information, which aims to detract from the achievements and service of the crew of the Neustrashimy, which was the first Russian warship to implement with dignity the task of providing security for navigation in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa," Captain 1st Rank Igor Dygalo said. The Neustrashimy was replaced as planned by the Admiral Vinogradov destroyer earlier in the month and is currently on its journey back to its base in Russia's Kaliningrad region. "The commander of the Russian Navy continues to receive letters of appreciation from ship owners, who praise the Russian sailors," Dygalo said. Pirates continue to be active in the waters off Somalia, where over 110 ships were attacked in 2008, with 42 vessels seized and 815 crew members abducted. Up to 20 warships from the navies of at least 10 countries are involved in anti-piracy operations off the coast of the lawless East African nation. The UN Security Council adopted a resolution last December authorizing countries and multinational organizations involved in tackling piracy to "undertake all necessary measures in Somalia, including in its airspace" to prevent "acts of piracy and armed robbery at sea."

SHIPYARD NEWS LAUNCHING OF HULL 462

At the Brodosplit shipyard, on 24th January 2009, a tanker for navigation and transport for oil products in icy regions, Newbuilding 462, with capacity of 65.056 tons was launched for the Swedish orderer, shipping company Concordia Maritime AB.

The tankers built in accordance with the MAX concept are characterised by good economy, high flexibility and a high level of safety. Their wider hull design means that they can load about 30 per cent more cargo without their draft being affected. In addition to having mandatory double hulls, the vessels have double main engines in two completely



separate engine rooms, double rudders and steering gear, two propellers and double control systems. All these double systems can be operated independently of each other, which result in even safer oil transportation. This is the first ship of the HANDYMAX program of a total of four, which the Brodosplit shipyard contracted with the swedish owner and also first launching in Brodosplit this year out of six planned for 2009. At the launching ceremony on the side of the owner were attending Mr.Peter Nilsson i Mr.Torbjorn Rapp with the team of site inspectors and on the side of Brodosplit Shipyard Mr. Srđan Kovač, Director of Brodosplit Shipyard Ltd. After the ceremony, on slipways was laying the keel for Hull 463, second of four ships of HANDYMAX program, contracted with the Concordia Maritime AB.

HULL 462 DATA Length overall.................................................182,99 m Breadth.......................................................... 40,00 m Depth............................................................. 17,90 m Draft………………………………………………………….. 13,00 m Deadweight..................................................... 65.056 tons Main engine ................................................... SPLIT MAN B&W Engine type……………………………..………………….. 6S46 MC-C Rated output.................................................. 2 x 7860 Kw, RPM…………………………………………..…………….. 129 Fuel Consumption (disel)................................1.368 kg/h (x2 engines) Range..............…………………………….…………… 13.300Nm (continuous) Conratct speed................................................14,5 knots Crew............................................................... 28 persons

KDB Scraps Daewoo Shipyard Sale According to a Jan. 21 report from Reuters, Korea Development Bank (KDB) has ended talks to sell a majority stake in Daewoo Shipbuilding, worth an estimated $5b, to South Korea's Hanwha Group on differences over financial terms. Source: Reuters

The MARINER SEA arrived at Scheldepoort Shipyard (Damen) in Flushing Photo : Richard Wisse ©



Norwegian car carriers handed over after local refurbishment

The Hyundai Vihashin Shipyard Co., Ltd (HVS) officially handed over the Hoegh Trader, a seagoing vessel designed for the transport of automobiles, to Norway’s Leif Hoegh & Co. Shipping Association on January 20. The Hoegh Trader is the sixth of a total of eight vessels which HVS has agreed to upgrade for the Norwegian company, following the signing of a US$72 million contract in 2008. According to HVS’ management, the Vietnamese company is refitting the car carriers to increase their holding capacity from 6,125 to 7,352 automobiles. HVS is continuing to upgrade the remaining two car carriers to fulfill the terms of the contract, with the last of the vessels scheduled to be handed over in April 2009. Source : vovnews

Korean yard doomed Mopko-based C&Heavy Industries received a blow this week when the Korea Federation of Banks cancelled all its credit. C&Heavy Industries has been trying to free itself from its debts, seeking out numerous financial solutions, but has failed yet again. The builder’s finance suffered last August when the company was unable to raise bonds Source : Baird

ROUTE, PORTS & SERVICES

REDWISE MARITME SERVICES B.V.Amersfoortseweg 12-E

3751 LK Bunschoten-Spakenburg The Netherlands

Phone : +31 (0) 33 42 17 860 (24 hr) Fax : +31 (0) 33 42 17 879 - [email protected]

www.redwise.com

'Clipper Panorama' arrival boosts service

Clipper Panorama, the second of Seatruck Ferries' eight newbuildings, enters service on the Irish Sea service linking Warrenpoint with Heysham on Sunday, January 25. This new freight ferry will join sistership Clipper Point on the Warrenpoint-Heysham route, boosting capacity on this service to around 120,000 freight units annually. During 2008 Seatruck Ferries' vessels carried nearly 90,000 units on this important Irish Sea route.



The third and fourth 22 knot vessels in the series, Clipper Pace and Clipper Pennant, will enter service in March and May respectively, on Seatruck Ferries' Dublin-Liverpool route. In a climate of tougher trading conditions, Seatruck Ferries expects to see a further increase in unaccompanied shipments across the Irish Sea during 2009, as this transport solution offers significant cost-savings. Alistair Eagles, Seatruck Ferries' Deputy Managing Director, says: "Clipper Panorama's debut on the strategic Warrenpoint-Heysham route provides much-needed additional capacity. In the current economic climate hauliers are looking for fresh opportunities to reduce door-to-door costs. By switching to unaccompanied shipments on a central corridor route, they can reduce their shipping costs and also achieve a significant reduction in road-miles." The new 120-unit ships are the only purpose-built freight ferries for Irish Sea service to be introduced over the past 20 years. Their service speed of 22 knots cuts the crossing time from nine hours to seven hours. Alistair Eagles adds: By the summer of 2009 Seatruck's Irish Sea capacity on the two routes will have risen to 240,000 freight units annually. We remain the only Irish Sea operator totally dedicated to freight movements and we believe there is plenty of scope to expand unaccompanied shipments. It makes good economic sense, especially in the current economic environment. "Demand for Seatruck's dedicated freight service remains strong and we look forward to moving increased levels of traffic on both routes with the arrival of the new vessels. The speed and capacity of these new ships - together with their ability to move all types of cargo, including high tautliners, double decks, hazardous cargo and abnormal loads - will attract a great deal of interest amongst hauliers." The Clipper Panorama replaces the Moondance which will be redeployed on a brand new Seatruck Ferries service from Fredericia in Denmark to Moss in Norway. The new service will start on 2nd Feb 2009.

Stena North Sea 2008 results Despite the problems on the Rotterdam - Harwich route (which despite a 2% growth in net income still reported significant losses), Stena has reported an otherwise successful 2008 on the North sea with the Harwich - Hoek van Holland route witnessing a 10% increase in passengers and 5% growth in net income compared to 2007. The Killingholme route witnessed net income growth of 31% thanks to the new ships. (Though growth on all routes was lower than expected).

New generation RAmparts 3200B design from Robert Allan

In 2007 Norwegian vessel owners, Østensjø Rederi approached Turkish shipyard Sanmar Denizcilik Makin eve Ticaret, of Istanbul, to build a tug similar to the standard 32-metre RAmparts 3200 class tug, designed by Canadian naval architecture firm Robert Allan. This requirement led to a close collaboration between owner, builder and designer to develop a revised, beamier design. The result is a new generation of ASD tug, known as the RAmparts 3200B Class. This is built under the “Escort 80” series name at Sanmar. The vessel is suitable for a wide range of duties including harbour towage and ship-handling, coastal towing, and escort operations. It is also equipped for firefighting and oil spill response duties. The hull form reflects the now very well-proven double chine form with a sweeping "chined" stern. A large escort skeg is fitted forward to enhance the indirect towing capability and to provide enhanced roll stability. Particulars of the first of the 4,800kW Vivax class tugs are: an overall length of 32 metres, a moulded beam of twelve metres, moulded depth of 5.36 metres and maximum overall draught of 6.11 metres.



The vessel is classed by ABS under Towage Service, Escort Vessel, ABCU, Fi-Fi 1, Oil Recovery Class 1, Unrestricted Service. On trials the vessel performed exceptionally well, achieving a mean bollard pull of 80 tonnes, and a free-running speed of over 14 knots. Features of the RAmparts 3200B design include a large aft deck with side crash rails to facilitate towing and oil recovery operations; and a half-raised forecastle running nearly half the length of the tug to provide a high standard of accommodation and a good sea-keeping capability for operation in exposed conditions. The vessel has been outfitted to the highest standards for a crew of up to six people. The main deck features a generous master's cabin with en-suite facilities, a ship's office and a spacious crew mess/lounge, served by a fully equipped galley. The lower deck contains the chief engineer's cabin, also with ensuite plumbing, and two crew rooms, equipped for either single or double occupancy. The wheelhouse is designed for maximum visibility with a single control station providing maximum visibility to both fore and aft deck working areas. The noise levels throughout the accommodation and control spaces of the tug are in the vicinity of 60 dBA, achieved by utilising advanced methods of isolating main propulsion machinery, as well as high grade insulations and floating floor techniques. Main Propulsion for the Vivax comprises a pair of Wartsila 8L26 diesel engines, each rated 2,4000kW at 1,000rpm, and each driving a Rolls-Royce model US 255 controllable pitch Z-drive unit in ASD configuration. The indirect escort steering force, yet to be exercised at full-scale, is estimated at 80 tonnes at ten knots. The electrical plant comprises two identical diesel gensets, each with a 400 volt/50 Hz power output of 120kW. A 40kW harbour genset id also provided. Source : Baird

Ezra reports 260 per cent increase in first quarter FY09 profit

Ezra Holdings Limited reports that is strategy of operating modern, technologically advanced, deepwater-capable vessels that cater for the construction and production phases of oilfield cycles continues to pay off. For its first quarter ended 30 November 2008 (first quarter FY09), Ezra reported a net attributable profit US$9.3 million, an increase of 260 per cent over the US$2.6 million posted in the previous corresponding quarter after excluding a US$136.3 million net gain from the partial divestment of its production and construction arm EOC Limited. Including these one-off items, PATMI for the first quarter of FY08 came to US$138.9 million. Turnover was up 149 per cent at US$113.0 million in the first quarter of FY09, thanks to an expanded charter fleet, increased activities for the procurement and equipment supply and engineering businesses in Vietnam, and a maiden contribution from the energy services division. Ezra enjoyed a full three-month contribution from five vessels - two anchor handling tugs (AHTs) and three anchor handling, towing & supply vessels (AHTSes) - while its latest AHTS added to revenue for a month. Ezra's Managing Director, Lionel Lee, said: "Demand for production and construction work from existing oil fields remains healthy, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region." "As a result, our medium-to-large sized offshore support vessels will be fully engaged." However, he also noted that even though the company is "cautiously optimistic" about medium-term prospects, it is reviewing its cost structure and our newbuild orderbook, to ensure that its balance sheet can support future acquisitions of cheaper assets over the next 12-24 months. Source : Offshore Shipping Online

TRAINING SHIP KAPITAN FELIX OCA



Above seen the KAPITAN FELIX OCA anchored off the Roxas boulevard in Manila Bay Photo : Piet Sinke ©

The 114,5 mtr long T/S Kapitan Felix Oca was launched by NKK Corp. as MS SEIUN MARU on July 1968 at Yokohama, Japan. First owned by Inter Pacific Lines Co.,Ltd. of Japan and utilized as a training ship. In 1997, AMOSUP acquired the training ship M.V. Seiun Maru from the Ministry of Transport of Japan. Delivered in Manila on Nov. 19, 1997 and placed under Philippine Flag with vessel name “ T/S KAPITAN FELIX OCA “.

It was released by Bu.of Customs on Dec. 1997 free from taxes and duties under RA 6715. Also subsequently, issued a coastwise license. And an exemption from securing Certificate of Convenience by MARINA was granted on June 29, 2001 . Designated as a Philippine Navy Affiliated Reserve Unit (PNARU) on 24 September 1999. The training ship is where the theory is put into practice by the cadets of the Maritime Academy of Asia and the Pacific, the students of the AMOSUP Seaman's Training Center and other maritime schools.

Nationality: Philippines No. of Crew: 28 Total Capacity : 247 No. of Cadets: 180 Ship’s Earth Station ID No.: 1701575 Port of Registry: Manila Registration No.: 105069

www.mammoetsalvage.com



Europa/Azië-loops nemen Kaaproute CMA CGM en partner CSCL die een gemeenschappelijke loop (FAL2/AX7) verzorgen met 8 schepen van 9.500 teu en Maersk Line die haar AE7-loop uitbaat met 8 schepen van 13.500 teu leiden hun schepen om via de Kaaproute. Dit betekent 7 dagen extra vaartijd. De komende weken zullen meerdere reizen op deze manier verzorgd worden. Redenen voor deze maatregel zijn de te hoge verzekeringspremies door piraterij in de Golf van Aden en de Indische Oceaan en de te hoge tolheffingen voor het Suezkanaal. Door de minder hoge brandstoffactuur blijkt deze omweg economisch verantwoord. De betrokkenen laten in het midden of deze wijziging tijdelijk of definitief is.

The GASCHEM TANA seen anchored off Galveston (Texas) Photo : Piet Sinke ©

At least 30 tanker orders cancelled since August

Analysts from Drewry Shipping say at least 30 tanker newbuilding orders have been cancelled globally since August last year. Their research indicates 29 tanker newbuilding cancellations at Asian yards alone, including orders for four VLCCs and 10 suezmaxes. Drewry senior research analyst Nikhil Jain has been quoted as saying that 70% of the 29 cancellations were for tankers that had been slated to carry crude oil That figure has been calculated based on deadweight tonnage however, as fifteen of the lot are actually product carriers, said Jain. Owners' identities have not been furnished, but yards affected include China's Yangfan Group and a Jiangsu-based builder, South Korea's Hyundai Mipo and Japan's Sasebo Heavy Industries which also has yards in China. According to Jain, STX Shipbuilding in South Korea reported four VLCC cancellations when one owner pulled out of an en-bloc deal. Players told Tankerworld that cancellations over the last few months had been forced on owners by financing problems and worries about oil demand levels for the next few years. Gibson late last year forecast cancellations of up to 50% of tanker deliveries scheduled for 2011. Some brokers have welcomed the cancellations, saying that the market had initially looked set for significant over-supply of tonnage.



One told Tankerworld that “this downturn is weeding out the speculators.” “I think most of the cancellations are being made by players betting big that they could make a killing based on record earnings over the past few years,” he said. According to Allied Shipbroking, 258 VLCCs were due for delivery over the next four years. Based on previous Tankerworld reports, that figure would mean a 50% increase in the world's VLCC fleet size by 2012. Drewry Singapore research manager Parul Bhambri has said the upcoming bans on single hulls “will cut out a lot of the units [VLCCs], so it should be okay to have newbuildings coming into the fleet.” Source: TankerWorld

The MAERSK RESPONDER seen taking bunkers off Flushing prior her departure for Cape Town Photo : Wim Kosten – www.maritimephoto.com ©

Newly upgraded BOS Angler joins BOS fleet Bergen Oilfield Services (BOS) has announced that BOS Angler has joined its fleet following a major upgrade into what it is calling "the world's first 'geophysical toolbox' vessel." Said BOS: "With the trend for combination and on demand exploration tools required by our clients, BOS Angler is one of the BOS solution to an growing industry demand." "BOS Angler coupled with the BOS team are ahead of the game in delivering bespoke solutions to global exploration challenges. Not just seismic, not just better seismic but a combination of exploration tools to deliver data and images for exploration success," claimed the company. Following a successful upgrade, BOS Angler is now equipped for multiple streamer surveys and prepared for OBS and other seabed operations. BOS Angler is a DP II ice class survey vessel and is already attracting interest for work in Arctic and other northern exploration latitudes. BOS CEO Karstein Rød said:"We are extremely pleased to see the third seismic vessel delivered in less than a year by BOS and our maritime partners, Stad Offshore Management. Our strategy 'from steel to seismic image' and our integrated and fully owned services from maritime operations to data processing, has proven its success and we are all exited about the continuation." Source : Offshore Shipping Online



Evergreen Line launches new Greek shuttles Evergreen Line is to launch two new regional feeder services, linking the Mediterranean hub port of Taranto to Piraeus and Thessaloniki in Greece, from late January 2009. The first Piraeus Shuttle Service (GF1) voyage departs on January 25, 2009 using the 671 teu vessel, Lantau Beach, with the following port rotation: Taranto – Piraeus – Taranto The first Thessaloniki Shuttle Service (GF2) will operate using the 436 teu vessel, Agilitas, departing January 26, 2009 on the following rotation: Taranto – Thessaloniki – Taranto The new Greece dedicated services are expected to further enhance Evergreen’s extensive feeder network from Taranto, one of the Mediterranean’s fastest growing hubs, and will provide customers with the most efficient and convenient service to the Greek market. Source: seatradeasia

Fog blankets harbour; disrupts cruise ship visit

Radiation fog proved more disruptive than harmful for thousands of tourists in Dunedin yesterday. Blanketing Dunedin around the harbour for much of the morning, the thick fog prevented the Dawn Princess cruise ship and its 2000 passengers from entering Otago Harbour. The vessel anchored several kilometres off the coast, delaying its arrival and causing chaos for tourism operators and retailers expecting a bumper day's trade. "It was a nuisance, but what can you do?" passenger Chris Bekkeli, of Perth, said. Taieri Gorge Railway chief executive Murray Bond said the late arrival of the ship caused "chaos" for those who had pre-booked excursions, causing delays and leading to 100 customers cancelling. Monarch Wildlife Cruises Ltd owner John Milburn said two trips had to be cancelled. Passenger Charles Mifsud, of Sydney, said the delay was frustrating, with many fellow passengers forced to change their plans. "A few people were quite disappointed, and the long delays with the shuttle buses caused a bit of a concern for some of the older passengers. . . but it is the weather - what can you do?" The ship arrived just before 11am, instead of the scheduled 8.30am, and departed at 8pm, two hours later than scheduled so passengers could maximise their time in Dunedin. Dunedin Visitor Centre manager Louise van de Vlierd said while tourist operators worked hard to make up for the morning disruption, retailers and the hospitality sector enjoyed a good day's trade as temperatures reached at least 31decC in the city.



Niwa meteorologist Mike Revell, of Wellington, said Dunedin was likely in the grips of a "radiation fog" - when the cooling ground produces condensation in calm conditions. The fog was not harmful. Source : Otago Daily Times, New Zealand

The MSC VENEZIA seen outward bound at the Westerscheldt River Photo : Wim Kosten – www.maritimephoto.com ©

IMCA provides guidance on training offshore supervisors

A ‘Catch 22’ situation has been solved by the International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) with the publication of its latest guidance ‘Outline syllabus for training of personnel in supervisory positions’ (IMCA C 011). “Within the relevant committees and at our annual seminar members have discussed the pressing need for guidance on the training of offshore supervisors, having found that those who have demonstrated technical competence can often be promoted to positions of responsibility, only to find that they have inadequate competence in supervisory skills, and an incomplete or superficial understanding if the business of leading and managing their fellow employees,” explained IMCA’s Chief Executive, Hugh Williams. “The result can be an unhappy one for both the individual concerned and for employers. “A number of IMCA member companies have in-house courses on leadership, management and supervisory skills. We have therefore drawn together some of the subject headings from these courses in the proposed syllabus for the training of supervisors, which can be used by members and other training providers to develop a course appropriate to their needs.” The aim of the new document is to provide a framework or syllabus for a training course suitable for supervisors and team leaders from all areas within the marine contracting sector, both on and offshore. It could also apply to newly appointed managers and those who have some experience of managing but who have received no formal training. The syllabus aims to provide clear guidelines on supervisory and leadership skills, as this aspect of the role of the supervisor or manager can be both difficult and important. Under ten main headings – The Role of the Supervisor; Managing Yourself; Managing and Supervising Your Team; Cultural Differences; Communications; Delegation; Managing, Assessing and Monitoring Performance; Training and Development; Safety Leadership and Management; and Managing Change – the slim volume lists a number of vital points for discussion in a course which, it is suggested, would take two days or be tailored to the needs of IMCA member companies.



Copies of IMCA C 011 are available at £2.50 for members; £5.00 for non members (zero VAT, plus 20% for delivery outside Europe) online from www.imca-int.com or from the Association at 5 Lower Belgrave

Street, London SW1W 0NR. Tel: +44 (0)20 7824 5520; Fax: +44 (0)20 7824 5521. Email: [email protected]

MOVEMENTS

Above seen the "SC Fortitude" seen at anchorge Dubai, UAE Photo : Reinier Meuleman - Marine Management SCMT ©

…. PHOTO OF THE DAY …..



The MAERSK CHALLENGER and TAURUS seen near the GSF GALAXY III in Rotterdam-Calandcanal – Photo : Wil Kik ©

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