ONI World Threat to Shipping Report

04 Mar 14 - 12:31

Reporting period 26 January – 26 February 2014

Τhe Office of Naval Intelligence (ONI) has issued Worldwide Threat to Shipping Report for period 26 January – 26 February 2014. The report provides information on piracy threats to merchant mariners and naval forces for the last 30 days.

Monthly Piracy Attacks by Region:

CENTRAL AMERICA-CARIBBEAN - SOUTH AMERICA:

Caribbean Maritime Crime

(Image Credit: ONI WTS Report)

BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS:

On 9 February, two masked men boarded an anchored yacht in Fat Hogs Bay. The owner heard them climbing on board and attempt to open the companion way doors. When the yacht owner yelled, the boarders proceeded to run away with the owner in pursuit. As the masked men jumped into their dinghy they fired a shot at the yacht owner which missed and went through the boat’s top approx 3 feet from the owner's head. (www.bvinews.com)

ST MARTIN:

Between late January and early February, a notable increase in boardings and thefts on yachts was noted by boat crews transiting the area. During this time period, there were at least two burglaries of unoccupied boats; four dinghy thefts; three attempted thefts and one burglary with multiple electronic items stolen. (www.noonsite.com; www.safetyandsecuritynet.com)

WEST AFRICA:

West Africa Maritime Crime

(Image Credit: ONI WTS Report)

CONGO:

On 20 February, robbers boarded an anchored supply ship using a rope near position 04:54 S - 011:49 E, Pointe Noire Anchorage. They stole ship's property and escaped when the duty crew spotted them. (IMB)

SOUTHEAST ASIA AND INDIAN SUBCONTINENT:

Southeast Asia - Indian Subcontinent Maritime Crime

(Image Credit: ONI WTS Report)

BANGLADESH:

On 24 February, ten robbers boarded an anchored chemical tanker near position 22:15 N - 091:43 E, Chittagong Anchorage. The robbers, who were armed with knives, arrived in an unlit wooden boat and boarded the tanker using grappling hooks. The duty crewman noticed the robbers and informed the bridge. The crew raised the alarm and sounded the ship’s whistle, which caused the crew to rush to the bridge. In response to the crew’s response, the robbers jumped overboard with the stolen items and escaped in their boat with their accomplices. (IMB)

BANGLADESH:

On 20 February, the crew on a tug towing a general cargo vessel to scrap observed five fishing boats approach the cargo vessel under tow near position 21:00 N - 091:37 E, approximately 75 nm south of Chittagong. Two of the fishing boats came alongside and pirates boarded the vessel and were seen lowering the ship's property. (IMB)

For more details, read: ONI World Wide Threat to Shipping Report

The WTS Reports are posted weekly on the ONI Portal at:

http://www.oni.navy.mil/Intelligence_Community/piracy.htm

Sovcomflot takes delivery of dual-fuel power

04 Mar 14 - 12:55

Ice-class LNG carrier featuring multiple MAN 51/60DF engines

Sovcomflot shipping company, has taken delivery of its latest LNG carrier - the ‘Velikiy Novgorod' - from South Korea's STX Offshore & Shipbuilding.

The ship is equipped with a diesel-electric, dual-fuel propulsion system consisting of 2 × MAN 8L51/60DF and 2 × MAN 9L51/60DF engines, offering a total rated power of 34 MW, which were constructed at MAN Diesel & Turbo's Augsburg plant in Germany.

The propulsion facility provides the LNG carrier with a highly efficient, low-emission propulsion system, especially when running in gas mode. It also features a high degree of redundancy, while the MAN 51/60 DF engines provide multiple fuelling options.

The Velikiy Novgorod has been designed for sailing through sea ice and has an Arctic ice classification. The vessel has a total length of 300 m and a load capacity of 170,200 cubic metres of gas. It is the first in a series of ships to be built by STX Offshore & Shipbuilding in South Korea and becomes the fifth LNG carrier in Gazprom's fleet of long-term-charter tankers.

While working on the Sovcomflot project, MAN Diesel & Turbo utilised the valuable experience it gained from working on its first 51/60DF reference project, delivered in 2010 to Spanish shipping line Elcano. Featuring 5 × MAN 8L51/60DF units, the ‘Castillo de Santisteban' has been operating globally since summer 2010.

APM Terminals - Fit for future growth

04 Mar 14 - 16:17

Developing port infrastructure in growing mega-city areas

The port operator based in The Hague is currently present in 12 out of the top 20 countries predicted by United Nations to become the biggest countries by population in 2020.

“In 2013, APM Terminals invested over USD 1 billion in port infrastructure developments and updates. We will continue to participate in facilitating growth by developing the port infrastructure in mega-city areas where updates to infrastructure are necessary and trade is growing,” says CEO Kim Fejfer of APM Terminals.

“In 2013, APM Terminals invested over USD 1 billion in port infrastructure developments and updates. We will continue to participate in facilitating growth by developing the port infrastructure in mega-city areas where updates to infrastructure are necessary and trade is growing,” says CEO Kim Fejfer of APM Terminals.

APM Terminals’ most recent major scale investments fall in this Top 20 cluster, too. Examples where APM Terminals is developing new container terminals are Brazil, Mexico, Nigeria, Turkey and China. According to APM Terminals’ CEO Kim Fejfer that is no coincidence:

“Our declared investment strategy since 2010 has been to invest in high-growth markets where access to modern port infrastructure is often lacking. By focusing on the infrastructure needs in future mega-cities, we can become an enabler of further economic growth, development and progress,” says Mr. Fejfer.

“Our declared investment strategy since 2010 has been to invest in high-growth markets where access to modern port infrastructure is often lacking. By focusing on the infrastructure needs in future mega-cities, we can become an enabler of further economic growth, development and progress,” says Mr. Fejfer.

With more terminal investments serving super-growth cities, APM Terminals can directly serve and impact more local communities by 2020, helping societies build better lives by creating jobs.

A good example is Apapa, Nigeria where the United Nations predicts the population to be over 200 million people by 2020. One of its mega-cities, Lagos, is expected to have a population of nearly 16 million. In Apapa, APM Terminals has invested USD 200 million since assuming operational responsibility in 2006, resulting in the creation of over 31.000 new jobs. In addition, a socio-economic study demonstrated that 72% of Apapa Container Terminals’ financial throughput is channeled back into the local Apapa community. Further investments in expansion of the Apapa facility are ongoing, and more is invested in the country. For example, modernization plans of a new deep water mega-port at Badagry and infrastructure investments in Onne to be able to handle growing trade.

With nine facilities in operation, West Africa is a strategic market where APM Terminals is well-positioned to generate higher value and reap competitive advantages of demographic and economic growth. Recently, APM Terminals was awarded the concession to construct and operate a second terminal at the Port of Abidjan in Ivory Coast, one of the busiest container ports in West Africa.

APM Terminals is also serving the growing middle-class populations in Latin America. APM Terminals operates three port facilities in Brazil: Santos, Itajai and Pecem, and is ready to capture future growth in Brazil. According to the study by the United Nations, Brazil is expected to grow its population to 210 million residents by 2020. One of its mega-cities, Sao Paolo will have an estimated population of over 22 million people by then.

In Mexico too, APM Terminals has situated its new infrastructure investments close to mega-populations. The terminal investment in Lazaro Cardenas is located close to Mexico City will be able to directly serve its 23 million residents by 2020.

Source: APM Terminals

Fears of skill shortage emerge in the transport sector

04 Mar 14 - 15:49

Skilled workforce in place is required for future growth

According to global legal practice Norton Rose Fulbright's fifth "The Way Ahead" Transport survey, 17% of respondents from the global transport sector believe a lack of suitably qualified people is the greatest challenge to the future efficiency of their business. Despite this, just 6% of respondents from the aviation, rail and shipping sectors believe investment in the skills and size of their workforce would be the most beneficial investment for their business or sector.

The ability to recruit suitably skilled employees is a particular source of anxiety for respondents based in the Middle East, with 28% of the view that this will be the greatest challenge to the future efficiency of their business, followed by 21% of respondents based in Asia Pacific and 21% in North America.

The survey, entitled Where Next? reveals confidence is growing among the transport sector in line with improving economic sentiment. Three-quarters (75%) of respondents believe current conditions are positive for their business and 47% see new opportunities emerging.

Four out of five (82%) respondents believe passenger numbers and freight volumes will rise and 66% expect fares and freights to increase. Forty percent anticipate that a greater proportion of their funding will be allocated to investment as opposed to operating costs.

China is the most popular market for investment in the next two to five years, according to 30% of respondents, followed by Western Europe (27%) and North America (22%).

Investment in additional assets and in developing new markets are considered the most worthwhile investment opportunities for the aviation and shipping sectors, while rail views investment in infrastructure as most advantageous for their business. Investment in additional assets is particularly popular among respondents in the Middle East (32%) and in North America and Africa (22% respectively) and by 21% of respondents globally. Almost a third (30%) of respondents based in Africa also favour investment in developing new markets, followed by 22% of respondents based in Europe and 21% based in the Asia Pacific region.

However, finance will be required to fund investment and a more beneficial view of asset values for risk weighting purposes is the most popular way of making funding more readily available for the transport sector, cited by 26% of all respondents.

Further consolidation is expected across the transport sector. A quarter (25%) of all respondents anticipate the most significant changes to the participants in their sector will be the increased dominance of the larger players and 23% expect increased joint venture, alliance and pooling activity. Twenty-two percent of shipping respondents believe also that new sources of funding for shipping will bring new participants into their sector.

Harry Theochari, global head of transport, Norton Rose Fulbright; commented:

"The aviation, rail and shipping sectors are all putting in place plans to expand their business in line with an anticipated rise in passenger numbers and freight volumes. China is seen as a key market for the aviation and shipping sectors in particular. The development of new markets and investment in additional assets are likely to be key strategies for the transport sector as it looks for growth opportunities."

"While the majority of respondents believe funding will need to be more readily available if they are to grow their businesses, the risk of a skills shortage developing in the transport sector has also been highlighted. Ensuring a skilled workforce is in place will be fundamental to the future growth of the transport sector."

Port of San Diego hosts AAPA Maritime Economic Development Workshop

28 Feb 14 - 16:40

Gathering of 80 economic development professionals from the port community

The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) 2014 Maritime Economic Development Workshop, hosted by the Port of San Diego, drew nearly 80 economic development professionals from the port community and three of AAPA's four geographic delegations (the United States, Canada and the Caribbean) to the Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel on February 20 and 21, 2014.

Board of Port Commissioners Chairman Bob Nelson welcomed the group, and was presented with a commemorative plaque for hosting the event by Kurt Nagle, AAPA President and CEO.

Chairman Nelson said that the conference couldn't have come at a better time. "Our nation is emerging from a prolonged economic slump. With growth in cargo ship calls and cruise passenger counts, the national port system is leading our economic recovery, now and going forward," he said.

From the workshop site, participants were able to watch Dole cargo operations at the Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal, and see the San Diego Convention Center, cruise terminals and waterfront hotels.

"Today, seaports support 13 million U.S. jobs, which account for $650 billion in personal income. That means 13 million important reasons to support a vigorous national strategy for America's system of Ports," Nelson said. "Collectively, AAPA members face many common challenges such as the cost of maritime infrastructure. Yet each port has unique attributes and makes a unique contribution to our national economy. If we are to realize our full potential, America needs a national strategy to synergize our unique strengths, building on our diverse natures for the common good of global trade and the people of our nation."

The Port of San Diego's waterfront business activity puts more than 57,000 people to work through direct, indirect and induced jobs; equaling $7.48 billion in annual economic impact.

"Looking out at the Port of San Diego, you can see how this port is an economic case study on how ports can economically develop a region and grow jobs," said Nagle.

Attendees heard from panelists about how the Port of San Diego approaches economic development challenges by working with representative government agencies on policy reform, marine terminal improvements, and the development of intermodal transportation infrastructure.

Official speakers included Congressman Scott Peters, U.S. House of Representatives, California District 52; Mark Kersey, City of San Diego Council Member, District 5; Gary Gallegos, Executive Director, San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG); and Mark Cafferty, President & CEO, San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation.

Speakers discussed port development, how to implement and fund transportation infrastructure projects to increase port capacities to handle a growing volume of goods, and the importance of increasing export cargoes to improve the U.S. economy.

There were sessions about export development, what cargo shippers look for in a port-of-call, problem-solving on multiple case studies of big infrastructure developments, supply chain logistics optimization and measuring the effectiveness of port promotions and sponsorships.

Source and Image Credit: Port of San Diego

MOL sign deal to build charter new LNG Carrier

28 Feb 14 - 16:14

Construction to be completed in three years

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines announced that the company has signed a Head of Agreement on joint ownership and 20-year charter contract for a newbuilding LNG carrier with Tokyo LNG Tanker Co., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tokyo Gas Co. At the same time, MOL signed a contract with Japan Marine United Corporation to build the new vessel.

The ship is slated for completion in 2017. MOL will manage the new carrier, which will transport LNG mainly from the Cove Point LNG Project in the United States to Tokyo Gas facilities.

The new LNG carrier will have a cargo capacity of 165,000m3 and feature the self-supporting prismatic shape IMO Type B (SPB) cargo tank, which was developed by IHI Corporation and Japan Marine United. The SPB tank is a cargo containment system in which most of the cargo tank is covered by the hull. This environmental-friendly tank reduces water resistance, increasing fuel efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.

MOL is involved in operating nine of12 LNG carriers owned and managed by Tokyo LNG Tanker, including this newbuilding vessel, and directly manages six of those nine ships. Drawing on its experience as an LNG carrier ownership and management, MOL continues to take a proactive stance in offering LNG transport services.

Source and Image Credit: MOL

Capt.John Dickie explores key areas of Ship Management

28 Feb 14 - 15:19

Reeds 21st Century Ship Management

Ship Management is in a constant state of evolution, driven by the demands of the shipping industry, new legislation and advancements in technology. Over the past 30 years the emergence of large multinational ship management companies has changed how business must be conducted and shrinking profit margins have changed how these companies must operate to survive in a competitive industry.

Reeds 21st Century Ship Managementaddresses the key areas where ship managers must be both knowledgeable and adaptable, including ship types, legislation, documentation, inspections, insurance, budgeting, emergency response and personal issues, such as teamwork, effective communication and fatigue.

The focus is as much on the people who manage ships as the thoery and practice of ship management; people are the most important asset of any organisation. As such, the book asks the reader to look at how things are done and if there is a way to improve. It is highly recommended for professionals in the marine industry to review where they are and where they want to be.

Capt. John W. Dickie is Secretary General of International Federation of Shipmansters' Associations, Course Director for the Diploma in Ship Management (LMA) and Certificate in Maritime Safety Management (LMA). He is also Managing Director of Joint Development Associates Ltd, a consultancy company specialising in maritime education and training.

This book addresses the demands of 21st century ship management with the focus of the book as much about the people who manage ships as about the theory and practice of ship management.

Order Capt. John Dickie's book 'Reeds 21st Century Ship Management' byclicking here

DNV GL opens new Asia Pacific headquarters in Singapore

28 Feb 14 - 12:29

To create greater synergies across Maritime, Oil & Gas, Energy and Business Assurance

DNV GL consolidates its operations in its new headquarters in Singapore to meet the growing demand for its services in the region.

The new, state-of-the-art office will house DNV GL operations for Singapore and the surrounding Asia Pacific region. This means that DNV GL’s expertise and regional management team will be under one roof.  The relocation to a new technologically advanced building will create greater synergies across its four key business areas – Maritime, Oil & Gas, Energy and Business Assurance.

"Singapore is one of the main Asia Pacific locations for the head offices of large international companies and many of our customers are also located here.  Besides, Singapore’s vision is very much aligned with DNV GL’s, especially when it comes to research and development work to address the challenges faced in both the offshore oil & gas exploration and  clean energy industries,” said Dr  Madsen

“Designed to accommodate our growth over the next 20 years, the relocation of the Singapore office also comes at the perfect time.  The merger of DNV and GL last September has created a need to integrate the operations of both companies and the new office enables us to do that seamlessly in Singapore,” he added.

Collaborative agreements

Recognising the importance of collaboration, DNV GL will also be signing memoranda of understanding (MOU) with the National University of Singapore and the Nanyang Technological University for joint R&D activities.  “We are delighted to work with such well-established research institutions. We firmly believe that our collaborative innovation model will contribute to Singapore’s fast moving industries,” said Dr Madsen. “Also, as an independent foundation with a strong technology base and risk management as our core area of expertise, we will continue to fill a unique role in creating trust and confidence among industry stakeholders.”

Located at 16 Science Park Drive, DNV GL's new office brings together 500 employees from the company’s previous four offices around the island.

The new office in Singapore combines intelligent building structures and efficient energy consumption. Some of the green initiatives by DNV GL include: Central air conditioning set at 25oC for energy efficiency The implementation of motion-based sensors for energy efficient lighting control. Waste management: individual waste paper bins have been  replaced by central general and recycling waste collection areas Reduction in paper use: badge and password-access printing to limit waste

The port of Hamburg is on course for growth

28 Feb 14 - 12:19

Performance data shows growth of 6.2%

The port of Hamburg reached in 2013 a total throughput of 139 million tons. This corresponds to a growth of 6.2 percent. Both the handling of general cargo with a total of 96.8 million tons (up 5.7 percent), as well as bulk cargo at 42.3 million tonnes (+ 7.2 per cent), attended in Germany's largest universal port for above-average growth.

"The exceptionally good handling development of the port of Hamburg is a good sign for Hamburg and the entire metropolitan region. A growth of 6.2 percent is a very impressive result and demonstrates the high efficiency of port and logistics companies in Germany's largest universal port, "said Port of Hamburg Marketing Executive Axel Mattern at the presentation of the annual throughput results of the Hamburg harbor.

Container handling is the main carrier of success. With an envelope result of 9.3 million TEUs (20-foot standard containers) growth reached 4.4 percent in container traffic. Attributed the growth mainly to the increase with an increase of 10 percent Transhipmentverkehre in the North and Baltic Sea region as well as the rebound in container traffic with Asia, especially with Hamburg's biggest trade partners of China.

Port is gaining market share in container traffic

The port of Hamburg was growing against the trend in the competing ports and gain market share in container traffic. In the four largest North Continent ports (Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, Bremerhaven) to the seaborne cargo throughput in 2013 has grown to a total of 849.1 million tonnes compared to the previous year in the sum only slightly by one percent. During container handling these ports, there were 35.3 million TEU even a decline of 0.5 percent. The market share of the port of Hamburg in container throughput of the four major North Continent ports is now at 26.2 percent (+1.3 percent).

Also in contrast to the development of the entire Seegüterumschlags in German ports, the 2013 went back to present to the Federal Statistical Office 0.6 percent to a total of 293.3 million tons, shines the port of Hamburg with growth. This Hamburg consolidating its position as the second largest container port in Europe. In the global ranking of container ports in Hamburg has positioned in 15th place.

Growth in all segments envelope

The positive result in the cargo area is mainly achieved by an almost balanced growth on the import and export side in container handling. On the import side, 4.8 million TEUs and 4.5 million TEUs of export side (+ 4.6 percent) were handled in 2013 in Hamburg (4.3 percent +). The envelope result of loaded containers is 8 million TEUs. This is an increase of 4.8 percent. The strong export made in 2013 for thrust. The number of empty containers handled is 1.2 million TEU (+1.9 percent). The containerization in the Port of Hamburg increased in 2013 for the handling of general cargo from 97.7 percent to 98.0 percent.

The handling of non-containerized general cargo in 2013 listed a total of 1.9 million tonnes, a decline of 7.6 percent.The decrease is mainly due to lower import prices (- 19.3 percent). The import of tropical fruits is increasingly containerized and thus leads to a decrease in the conventional envelope amount. With 1.3 million tonnes, the export of conventional general cargo via Hamburg in 2013 nearly stable (- 1.4 percent). In addition to project charges from the machine and plant area, it is mainly the types of goods vehicles, iron and steel, paper and wood, which are handled conventionally in exports.

Bulk cargo rose in 2013 by 7.2 percent to 42.3 million tonnes and also contributes significantly to the positive result of the Port of Hamburg. In all three envelope segments grabbable, suction cargo and liquid bulk cargo throughput of the increased 2013. Suction cargo rose particularly strongly with an envelope result of 8 million tons (up 29.9 percent). In the field of liquid bulk cargoes with a cargo-handling figures of 14.5 million tons (up 3 percent) was achieved an increase over the previous year. Here, the import of petroleum products developed with an increase of 65.7 percent on average over 7 million tons and was the main driver of growth. The envelope of grabbable, such as coal, ore, fertilizer and building materials could improve by 3 percent and achieved a net income of 19.7 million tons in total as well.

Growth driver Baltic Sea Region

The container traffic between Hamburg and the Baltic Sea Region are the main growth drivers in the European routes. In 2013, 2.3 million TEU (+10.1 percent) in the feeder and Shortseaverkehr between Hamburg and ports transported to the Baltic Sea via Hamburg. "The Baltic Sea Region is for us with Russia, Finland, Poland, Sweden, the Baltic States and Denmark in container traffic of enormous importance. The fact that we were able to achieve such a good result despite the clearance issues of the Kiel Canal in 2013 with 2.3 million TEUs, surprised us, "says Mattern.

The modernization and expansion of this waterway for both FM boards against the background of growing flows of primary importance for Hamburg and the entire North German region. In order to expand the connections in this region further, HHM has, among other things since February 2012 led the EU-funded project logistics Amber Coast Logistics (ACL). "We are pleased that high-ranking representatives from politics today to participate in the concurrently held ACL final conference in the Unilever building in Hamburg's HafenCity - including the new Maritime Coordinator of the Federal Government, Uwe Beck Meyer," reports Egloff.

19 partners from Denmark, Poland, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus and Germany participated with the aim of ACL to promote multimodal transport connections in the southern and eastern Baltic region. "Through the development of collaborative relationships across national borders, we could set an important foundation to improve sustainable especially in rural areas, the accessibility," said Egloff on.

Good results in the major trade lanes

The container traffic with Asia increased again in 2013 to ride. 4.9 million TEUs were handled in Hamburg for the import or export data from and to Asia. This is in comparison to the previous year, an increase of 3 percent.Especially exports ensured with 2.2 million TEU (+5.1 percent) for significant growth. On the import side, 2.7 million TEUs were handled in Hamburg (+1.4 percent).

With a lot of 3.4 million TEUs of container traffic port of Hamburg is the shipping area East Asia positioned with the PRC and Hong Kong as a leading market region in container throughput of the port. Container handling with the PRC and Hong Kong accounts for about 29 percent of the container traffic in the port of Hamburg and reached in 2013 a cargo volume of 2.7 million TEU (+2.9 percent). Also, the container traffic between Hamburg and Singapore rose in 2013 by 3.9 percent to 547,000 TEUs. It is also encouraging the development envelope between Hamburg and European ports. Here 3 million TEU (+ 9.5 percent) were transported via Hamburg.

The envelope with the inland America suffered a slight decline to 1.1 million TEUs (- 3.3 percent). Container traffic with Africa came up with 268,000 TEUs, an increase of 12.4 percent. In direct traffic to ports in the trade Australia / Pacific 42,000 TEU were - turned up (2.5 percent).

Development of infrastructure in the interest of the entire economy

Hamburg's Economic Senator Frank Horch stressed in his welcoming speech the need for a need-based expansion of the port and the infrastructure for the smooth inflow and outflow transport in order to be well prepared for a doubling of Seegüterumschlags in Hamburg in 2030. "We want to further develop and improve the Port of Hamburg in its existing structures specifically. Here, the use of telematics and IT at the traffic management and traffic control will help us move decisively, "said Hark.

The example of the HPA pilot application smart parking presented HPA CEO Wolfgang Hurtienne a new parking management concept for the port traffic. "Truck drivers that drive the port to retrieve the truck parking located in the port area about smart parking real-time data on the utilization and parking space availability. We will also consider whether a better use of space is made possible by the new parking space utilization in the "column Parking". We want to provide you with smart parking the truck drivers in their tours and steering break planning a useful planning and information assistance.

"We need to publicly clarify that the infrastructure for the inlet and outlet ports of the traffic is in the interest of the entire economy. Therefore we rely on a positive decision of the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig for the implementation of the fairway adjustment of the Lower and Outer Elbe this year. Around 260,000 jobs, including 110,000 outside the metropolitan region of Hamburg, nationwide are directly or indirectly connected with the port of Hamburg. In addition, the nationwide nearly 20 billion euros of added value illustrate that the importance of the port of Hamburg reaches far into the interior into it. Since we have the construction of the Y-line, pull the expansion of the A20 and the A21 all together. Our commitment to improving infrastructure is to see North German folklore, but in connection with its nationwide relevance. Add to this the importance of the port of Hamburg for seaborne foreign trade flows of our European neighbors, "says Egloff.

Optimistic Start in 2014

For the year 2014, the Port of Hamburg Marketing Organization expects a further increase in cargo throughput, which is expected by the end of the year to reach a moderate gain.

Source: The Port of Hamburg

Maersk issues Sustainability Report 2013

28 Feb 14 - 09:56

Group performance highlights

The AP Moller- Maersk Group, a world-wide conglomerate with core focus on shipping and oil & gas, has released its Sustainability Report for 2013. Maersk employs approximately 89,000 people, operate in 135 countries and are headquartered in Copenhagen, Denmark.

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Maersk's Sustainability Report includes group performance highlights during last year. 2013 Group's performance focused on the following key issues:

• Safety
• Reducing impact on the climate and environment
• Mitigating oil spills
• How Maersk works with human rights
• Fighting bribery and facilitation payments
• Lifting supply chain sustainability
• Aiming for a better gender and nationality balance
• Implementing the Group labour principles locally
• Investing in business continuity and local development
• Responsible approach to tax

Nils S.Andersen, CEO of the A.P. Moller- Maersk Group states about Maersk's sustainability strategy: ''We are pursuing ways to unlock growth for society and the Group by addressing some of the key sustainability challenges we share with many of the countries in which we operate."

''Climate change is a challenge we share with the global society. We will continue our work to reduce our footprint and support the development of efficient supply chains. Our goal is to remain at the forefront of cost and energy-efficient transport.'', Mr Andersen also comments about energy efficiency and climate.

Maersk's data in 2013 4 fatal accidents 17% relative CO2 reduction 2010-2013 (9% reduction in 2013) 4.1 million tonnes decrease of CO2 emissions 8,890 employees trained in anti-corruption across the Group 2,600 suppliers registered in total in the Group's responsible procurement programme year to date 7% women in Vice President level positions in 2013 138 managers trained in the Group's labour principles 72% is the Group's employee engagement score

Please click at image below to view Maersk's infographic depicts Group performance highlights

Maersk Group Performance Highlights during 2013 (Image Credit: Maersk's Sustainability Report 2013, page 8)

Maersk released first Sustainability Strategy in 2010. Since then, Maersk has worked to systematically integrate sustainability into business processes. According to latest sustainability report, significant progress has been made overall, but the Group still has some way to go to ensure sustainability is fully integrated in our operations.

Maersk's Sustainability Strategy Key milestones include the following Mandatory Group programmes put in place to ensure compliance with minimum standards on anti-corruption, responsible procurement and global labour principles. Group strategies adopted for health and safety, climate change, and diversity and inclusion. Solid governance framework established with the Executive Board-mandated Sustainability Council at its centre. CEO reviews ensuring constructive dialogue with business CEOs on progress, challenges and opportunities An integration assessment framework to monitor and support progress in the businesses Supporting processes and tools, i.e. materiality assessments, stakeholder engagement as well as reporting and controls.

With a new sustainability strategy adopted in 2014, the Group aspires to unlock growth for society and A.P. Moller- Maersk, through efforts to reduce barriers to trade, invest in education and improve the energy efficieny of supply chains.

Image Credit: Maersk's Sustainability Report 2013, page 51

Further information and data may be found at Maersk Group's Sustainability Report 2013

Visit Maersk's Corporate Website www.maersk.com

BP starts up Na Kika Phase 3 in Deepwater Gulf Of Mexico

27 Feb 14 - 16:32

USA's energy investor begins production from another major upstream project

BP announced the start-up of Na Kika Phase 3, a project supporting BP’s strategy of growing high-margin production at four BP-operated hubs in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico.

The first Na Kika Phase 3 well began oil production on February 19, with a second well expected to start up in the second quarter.

The project includes the drilling and completion of the two new wells, the addition of subsea infrastructure to tieback to the Na Kika platform and new equipment to allow increased production from an existing well at the site. It will utilize available production capacity at the Na Kika hub.

Na Kika Phase 3 is BP’s third new major upstream project to begin production so far in 2014, following the earlier start-ups of the Chirag Oil project in Azerbaijan and the Mars B project in the Gulf of Mexico. BP expects to start-up a further three upstream projects through the rest of 2014.

“The Na Kika Phase 3 project demonstrates BP’s ongoing commitment to the deepwater Gulf of Mexico and highlights our portfolio's ability to unlock value for investors while also delivering vital energy resources to the United States,” said Richard Morrison, Regional President of BP’s Gulf of Mexico business.

The Na Kika semi-submersible platform is located about 140 miles southeast of New Orleans in over 6,000 feet of water. BP is the operator of Na Kika and holds a 50 percent working interest, with Shell holding the remaining 50 percent stake. Production from Na Kika first began in 2003.

BP currently has a multi-billion investment program underway in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. It plans to concentrate future activity and investment in the Gulf on growth opportunities around its four major operated production hubs – Thunder Horse, Na Kika, Atlantis and Mad Dog -- as well as on significant exploration and appraisal opportunities within its leading leasehold position in the US offshore region. BP also plans to continue investment in its non-operated production hubs, including Mars, Ursa and Great White.

Source and Image Credit: BP

TOTE, NASSCO to construct LNG-powered containership

27 Feb 14 - 12:39

Reducing emissions even below standards

Fireworks marked the first cut of steel in a ceremony last night as construction of TOTE, Inc.'s new Marlin Class, the first liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered containership in the world, began at the General Dynamics NASSCO shipyard in San Diego, Calif.

"These ships, will be the most advanced, environmentally progressive vessels of their kind," state Representative Duncan Hunter (R-CA), Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation said, "but they also represent $350 million in U.S. investment, 600 American shipyard jobs, and the bright future of the indispensable domestic maritime industry."

TOTE's back to back announcements in 2012 - converting its existing RO/RO fleet in Alaska and investing in new containerships for the Puerto Rico trade, began what can only be described as a change of tide in the U.S. maritime industry toward LNG as the new maritime fuel. ­

Clean burning, LNG offers unmatched environmental benefits, reducing emissions below even the world's most stringent standards. The new Marlin class will create a reduction of sulfur dioxide (SOx) emissions by 98 percent, particulate matter (PM) by 99 percent, nitrous oxide (NOx) and carbon dioxide (CO2) by 71 percent over TOTE's ships currently operating in Puerto Rico.

"The move to LNG fuel is no less significant than the evolution from sail to steam," said Mark Tabbutt, Chairman of Saltchuk, TOTE's parent company, "the Marlins represent the start of a new age in American maritime."

Speakers at last night's event included Representative Duncan Hunter; Acting Maritime Administrator, Chip Jaenichen; Chairman of Saltchuk, TOTE's parent company, Mark Tabbutt, and Kevin Graney, General Manager of the NASSCO shipyard.

"We are excited to begin construction of the lead ship on this historic project," said Fred Harris, president of General Dynamics NASSCO. "All of the stakeholders on this first-of-a-kind program, including NASSCO, our Korean partners DSEC, TOTE, ABS, and the USCG, are completely focused on its success. We are beginning construction at a level of design, planning and material readiness that is unsurpassed."

The Marlins, which will home port in Jacksonville, Florida, will enter service in late 2015 and early 2016. TOTE recently announced it entered into an agreement with Pivotal LNG and WesPac Midstream to provide LNG to the ships.

Source and Image Credit: TOTE

HIOS takes delivery of a Damen FCS 3307 patrol

27 Feb 14 - 17:18

New patrol vessel deployed offshore Nigeria

Homeland Integrated Offshore Services Limited (HIOSL) has taken delivery of a Damen FCS 3307 Patrol, to be deployed offshore Nigeria.

The Damen FCS 3307 Patrol, to be named ‘Guardian 1', has just undergone sea trials in the Netherlands and will soon set sail to Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Guardian 1 is the company's third patrol vessel.

Guardian 1 will be used for maritime security purposes, crew transfers and supplying cargo and provisions. The company also works very closely with the Nigerian Navy. As well as patrol vessels and tugs, HIOSL provides equipment for the producers, supplies house boats, barges and cranes, and the company operates one of the largest crawler cranes in Nigeria.

HIOSL Managing Director Louis Ekere, comments: "The Damen vessel gives us much more speed. This is crucial, as nowadays you really need the most modern equipment before you can get these type of contracts in Nigeria."

Mr Ekere continues: "The vessel could also be delivered very quickly; within seven months. Damen not only builds world-class vessels, they are also great partners for technical support services. We have been blown away by Damen being able to build such a vessel in such a short interval - even ahead of schedule. And we can now take advantage of this because Guardian 1 already has work."

The Damen FCS 3307 Patrol has the pioneering ‘Sea Axe' bow that gives the vessel unparalleled seakeeping behaviour, even in challenging conditions. The 30 knts vessel is extremely fuel-efficient and can also transport cargo on its aft deck to the offshore rigs.

Mr Ekere adds: "We want to increase our fleet and become the market leader in the industry. Therefore we would like to secure two more patrol vessels and two Platform Supply Vessels, ideally in the next few years.

"We are keen to work with many different clients and suppliers. There are so many contracts in the pipeline and so many opportunities. For example, the government has recently offered the second bid round for the 31 marginal oil fields. This offers many opportunities for local indigenous companies and for Platform Supply Vessels. Possibly, we will seek out partners, such as Damen, whereby we can lease PSVs for a few years and then buy them. The market is very big and the government has made sure that it is open. There are challenges but many opportunities too."

With offices in Lagos, Port Harcourt and Warri, the company is also considering expansion into Ghana. HIOSL has a core staff of around 100 and a total of 400. Recently, it was also awarded a $64m manpower services contract with a leading oil major for providing 105 staff, including engineers, drivers and technical services people.

Damen will also arrange the delivery and commissioning of the vessel, provide training for local crew and engineers and it will deliver a spare parts package.

Source and Image Credit: DAMEN