Good day Mariners

Can shipping comapnies recover by slowing down their vessels?

After a brutal 2009 in the shipping industry, companies are taking things a little slower in 2010 – and saving their bottom lines from drowning.
Shipping companies, such as Danish carrier Maersk, are taking the slow boat to China, reducing their speeds and cutting their expenses. By halving its top speed, Maersk has cut its fuel consumption by almost 30% on certain routes, sacrificing time spent in transport for a more fuel-efficient trip.
The added benefit of the slowdown is the lowering of carbon emissions. As noted in The New York Times, transport emissions have soared in the past 30 years with the advent of long-haul shipping. Container shipping alone saw its emissions grow eightfold since 1985. According to the Times, more than 220 vessels are now practicing “slow steaming.”
Two countries are not fans of this new trend in shipping: They’re China and India.

“Coral reefs on the verge of mass destruction”

Recent studies have found that coral reefs are facing a serious threat from the rising acidity of the oceans. If acidity increases with the current rate, all tropical coral reefs will vanish by the end of this century.

Global warming is the major reason behind the increasing level of acidity in oceans. The rise of carbon dioxide in atmosphere causes to increase the amount of carbonic acid in the water and thus affects the ability of coral organisms to produce calcium carbonate shells which form coral reefs. The shells start to disintegrate due to this phenomenon.

The decaying of coral reefs begins when the acidity of the oceans rises beyond a certain threshold, and this point is likely to be reached before 2100, said Jacob Silverman of the Carnegie Institution of Science in Washington.

The study found out 9,000 coral reefs from around the world showed signs of disintegration to rising levels of carbon dioxide and increasing ocean acidity. “A global map produced on the basis of these calculations shows that all coral reefs are expected to stop their growth and start to disintegrate when atmosphere CO2 reaches 560 parts per million – double its pre-industrial level – which is expected by the end of the 21st-century,” Silverman explained.

It has become very obvious that these treasures of oceans, the highest in biodiversity of marine ecosystems, may move close to extinction within less than ten years.

“Gear up and blow in at shiptek2010!!”

This is an electrifying promo of Shiptek2010, one of the spellbinding maritime festivals all over the world. Marine BizTV organizes ShipTek 2010 in Dubai on april18-19, with a two-day International Conference on Shipping, Marine and Offshore Industries, and ShipTek Expo 2010, the maritime exhibition that provides a productive business podium for the delegates and a great opportunity to display the new technologies of the maritime industry.

“Radar system for small vessels to boost India’s coastal defense system ”

European electronics major Thales Tuesday announced the launch of Vigile LW, lightweight, naval radar electronic support measures (RESM) system that helps to increase situational awareness for small vessels. It could give a significant contribution to India’s attempts to strengthen coastal defenses in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai attack. ”Vigile LW detects, identifies and displays air and surface threats in real time, providing tactical situational awareness wherever needed for small vessels, Jean-Marc Goujon, Thales’ head of marketing for military products, said.

The device is primarily designed for naval applications but can play a major role in coastal security. This is because it can be mounted on vessels, on land or can even be transported on land, providing three-way surveillance in real time. Mr. Goujon said that preliminary discussions had been held with Indian officials and the response had been encouraging.

“Progress with Container terminal in Kochi”

The work on the ambitious Vallarpadam Container Transhipment Terminal in Kochi is nearing completion. The Shipping Ministry in India is gearing to make the terminal attractive by chalking out plans for competitive rates for the shippers.
The Ministry has plans to prepare a package for port related charges exclusively for the Vallarpadam Terminal on par with Colombo Port,
which is handling more than 90 per cent of the transshipment cargo from India, Mr K.Mohandas, Shipping Secretary informed. The Ministry, he said, is aware that the port related charges currently
collected by Colombo Port is far below than Kochi, and it is working out proposals for attracting mainline vessels to the proposed terminal, which is expected to be commissioned by June-end. Referring to the work on the highway connectivity to the proposed terminal, Mr Mohandas said that it is progressing well and two-lane connectivity will
be ready by end-June instead of the four-lane connectivity. Work on rail connectivity has made smooth progress and the issues regarding
construction of a subway in one area have been settled amicably with locals.
He also pointed out that steps have also been taken to ensure that the progress of all the three important works relating to the LNG Terminal will be completed by the scheduled time frame of
January 2011.
Work has progressed well and is in the final stages
of completion, he added.
Sources in the shipping fraternity pointed out that the Colombo Port is handling 90 per cent of the cargo from India and the rates levied there are three times lower compared with any other ports in
India.
If the rates are substantially reduced, Kochi Port can attract more volumes in the initial stages of operations of Vallarpadam terminal.

“Bangladesh back on top for ship recycling”

Bangladesh beat India in early February’s contracts for ship recycling.

“Bangladesh picked up the pace this week with two high profile purchases,” said US-based shipbreaking analyst, GMS Weekly. The publication said that this suggested a return of a certain buoyancy in the market not seen since early January.

Arch rival India did not fare as well as Bangladesh in early February, with the publication saying that overall levels remained down and that local recyclers were disappointed to lose one vintage container ship to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh secured prices of US$360 per long ton leightweight for general cargo vessels in early February and US$400 for tankers. India only managed US$350 and US$380 respectively.

Chinese markets were closed due to the advent of the Chinese New Year season.

Courtesy : Baird Maritime

Strict security measures have been imposed in and around Kochi following the Pune bomb blast which killed 9 people and injured several others Saturday last.

Safety measures have been beefed up at railway stations, bus terminals, High Court, market and other places.

Police personnel, including those in mufti, have increased patrolling in the city. Investigation into terror-related cases in the state has already started.

The city police commissioner has requested public to inform the police control room if any bags or packages are found in abandoned state.

“DAM999 embarks on its voyage with God’s blessings”

The ‘Pooja’ of DAM999, the most awaiting Hollywood film by the illustrious writer and businessman, Sohan Roy, was held on 15th February 2010 at Anjumana Temple in Cochin. The outstanding personalities from film industry like Padmasree Thotta Tharani, Ajayan Vincent, Pattanam Rasheed were present along with Mr. Sohan Roy at the auspicious occasion. The shooting of the movie, will start on March 1st 2010.

“Mumbai International Boat Show 2010″

The event in 2007, its inaugural year, established itself as the benchmark for boat shows in India and served to provide an important stimulus to the Indian leisure boating and water sports industry. The 2008 event outshone the previous year, and 2009 was spectacular despite the economic environment. The 2010 Mumbai International Boat Show will be scaled up to even greater heights, offering a better, more-rounded experience to both exhibitors and visitors. The success of the 2010 show is virtually guaranteed as visitors and participants of the previous three boat shows have all promised to participate in the fourth edition in a much bigger way.

MAIN EVENTS

On-Ground Exhibition Area
Large self built stands promoting a wide range of small and medium sized boats, engines, water sports equipment and luxury product display spread over 10,000 sq. m. approx. at the Bandra-Kurla Complex, Mumbai.

On-Water Exhibition Area
Luxury yachts and boats including leading international brand names with over 30 boats on 100 metre floating pontoons off the historic Gateway of India.
SURROUNDING EVENTS

FICCI International Boating Conference
A one-day conference attended by over 200 delegates with key speakers from India and abroad on growth and prospects of the leisure boating industry.

Networking Dinner
Gives exhibitors, sponsors and all associated to the Boat Show a platform on which to mingle. This is an excellent networking opportunity for all serious players in the industry, attended by approximately 400 people.

Additionally:
• Press Conference
• VIP Preview Evening

“The Greatest Boat Show in the World.”

World’s Premiere Boating Event Cruises Into Miami February 11-15, 2010 Showcasing Best of the Boating Industry 2010 Miami Int’l Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami makes waves with thousands of boats, deals, & new attractions.

Miami, Fla. – February 2010 – The 69th annual Miami International Boat Show & Strictly Sail Miami cruises into town February 11-15, 2010, where new and experienced boaters from throughout the world can gather in one place to view, board and buy the best the boating industry has to offer. With special deals on everything from sportfishers, sailboats and mega-yachts to engines and the newest electronics, the 2010 Miami International Boat Show is the ideal place to shop, save and enhance every boating experience.

The five-day event draws tens of thousands of visitors each year and hosts more than 2,000 exhibitors from around the world, filling the Miami Beach Convention Center and Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center with thousands of boats and hundreds of booths showcasing the latest gear and accessories. And for the first time ever, powerboat and sailing enthusiasts can gather in one location to see the best of everything as Strictly Sail Miami moves from its traditional venue at Miamarina at Bayside to Sea Isle Marina & Yachting Center, joining forces with the Miami International Boat Show’s powerboat in-water location.

“There is no other boating event in the world that provides boating enthusiasts with the opportunity to shop the best and biggest selection of boats and accessories at unprecedented deals,” noted Cathy Rick-Joule, vice president of southern shows. “With thousands of products to choose from in one of the best boating destinations, the Miami International Boat Show is THE destination to find out why life is better with a boat, continuing to give boaters something for every lifestyle and budget.”

In addition to the vast selection of boats and marine accessories for sale, there are plenty of activities boaters of all ages can enjoy throughout the five-day event.

Courtesy : The World of Power Boats

” China Maritime 2010″

Following its previous highly successful stagings in 2006 and 2008, China Maritime returns to Hong Kong for a third time from March 16 – 18, 2010.

Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading maritime centres. It has an enormous port – Asia’s number one cargo and container hub. It lies at the epicentre of the busiest maritime region in the world. There is, in the surrounding region, intense activity in ship-owning, ship-building, ship-repair, naval architecture, port operations, tugs, ferries, commercial fishing, naval, police, coast guard, tourism, work boats, pollution control and much more.

Many internationally renowned ship owners operate their ships from Hong Kong, which currently controls or manages about ten percent of the world’s total tonnage. Plus, many Chinese and Japanese ship owners are moving their headquarters to Hong Kong because they enjoy a more favourable corporate environment there.

China Maritime 2010 will again bring together the cream of the international maritime industry to create an efficient, effective and truly international marine market place. This event will provide the perfect opportunity to meet new suppliers and customers and to renew old acquaintances. The Hong Kong location provides an effective and enjoyable bridge between East and West.

China Maritime 2010 features an extensive exhibition with product presentation seminars, two significant maritime forums, and a series of social events facilitating unrivalled networking possibilities at a time of unprecedented opportunity.

o be held for the third time in Hong Kong from March 16-18, 2010, this show is “the” proven, high quality maritime exhibition for the vital South China/Pearl River market.

China Maritime 2010 offers exhibitors a first class medium for local and international exhibitors alike to promote their products or services to a high quality international audience.

This exciting event attracts large numbers of high quality vessel owners, operators, builders, designers, government personnel and maritime equipment suppliers for all types of ships and work boats.

If you are looking to further strengthen your company’s position in this region in these difficult times, then mark this event in your exhibiting calendar now!

The last China Maritime, in March 2008 – the second event to be staged in Hong Kong – launched with a Chinese lion dance and was described by organiser Neil Baird as the “biggest and best China Maritime yet.”

The show attracted 10 percent more exhibitors than its first staging, with more than 33 percent of visitors being owners and operators of vessels. Almost all of the exhibitors expressed complete satisfaction with the quality and quantity of visitors – so much so that more than 30 percent of the available space for China Maritime 2010 was immediately sold to exhibitors eager to repeat their success.

“Hyundai falls short of 2009 orderbook target ”

Hyundai Heavy Industries missed its US$7.5 billion target for newbuild orders in 2009 by a long shot, inking only US$444 million of orders instead.

A securities filing showed that Hyundai only received US$41 million of new orders in the last quarter of 2009.

London’s Clarkson Research Services data showed that this consisted of three tankers, two 180,000DWT bulkers and one FPSO. This order included two contract alterations to existing orders.

“Samsung to build green shipyard ”

Samsung Heavy Industries, Korea, held a ceremony to launch its green management programme on January 28. As part of the project, Samsung announced that it launch a “green shipyard”.

Worth US$434 million and to be ready by 2015, this specialised shipyard will develop environmentally-friendly vessels.

“The green growth paradigm is emerging due to global warming and companies are required to take action and responsibility for the cause,” Samsung President Noh In-sik was quoted as saying by Asiasis.

“Keeping pace with the demands of the new era, we will promote growth based on green management in a bid to become a socially responsible company.”

A green management committee with a representative director will also be chosen to head the new shipyard.

The shipyard will aim to develop new technologies to enhance energy efficiency while decreasing green house gas emissions by 30 percent.

“Marshall Islands positions to be the third largest open registry”

The Marshall Islands Registry positions to be the world’s third largest open registry with more than 52.3 million gross tons and 2,102 registered vessels. It was the World Fleet Monitor, published by Clarkson Research Services which ranked the Marshall Islands as third in its January 2010 launch issue.

The publication states that Marshall Islands was also the fastest growing of the top four registries last year. The Registry, which is administered by International Registries, Inc. (IRI), attributes its success to the continued decentralization of registry services to its 20 worldwide offices, its client service ethos and the fact that it continues to post top safety and environmental scores with global port States.

Marshall Islands Registry is marked as the only major open registry to be included on the US Coast Guard’s Qualship 21 roster for four years in a row. The Registry also maintains its white list status on both the Paris and Tokyo MoUs. Clarkson’s also notes in the World Fleet Monitor that the Marshall Islands has the youngest fleet among the top ten registries.

“Kyokuyo Shipyard builds eco-friendly dome-shaped car carrier”

Mid-sized Japanese builder, Kyokuyo Shipyard, will construct an energy-efficient car carrier with a dome-shaped bow, Japan’s Nikkei newspaper reported on January 27.

The builder said that the new design would reduce wind resistance by up to 50 percent compared with a conventional ship. The vessel will also decrease carbon dioxide emissions by 2,500 tonnes a year.

The vessels were ordered by Nissan Car Carrier, Japan.

The vessel vessels a dome-shaped bow and minimal protruding structures from the ship’s deck. This ensures a smooth flow of air.

The operator of the vessel will be Netherlands-based Euro Marine Carrier.

The vessel has a 2,000-car capacity.

The shipyard will begin construction in March and complete the project in December. Another vessel is planned for delivery in March 2011.

” Queen Mary 2 visits Kochi for the third time ”

The Queen Mary 2, billed as the grandest and most magnificent ocean liner ever built, came calling at the port here Sunday on its third visit in the past three years.

This vessel had come on its maiden voyage two years back and returned last year also.

The liner arrived from Dubai Sunday morning and left for Phuket in Thailand in the evening.

The vessel was berthed at Ernakulam Wharf and the tourists, including from US, Britain and Germany, disembarked for sightseeing in and around Kochi, a press release issued by the Cochin Port said.

The liner has 13 decks and boasts of the most modern luxuries and amenities. These include 10 luxury hotels, a planetarium and an ayurveda massage parlour.