Marine News 365
Marine News 365
Marine News 365
Number 365 *** COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS *** Thursday 28-12-2023
News reports received from readers and Internet News articles copied from various news sites & Social Media
IN MEMORIAM
The famous South African Salvage tug SA AMANDLA (ex JOHN ROSS) was beached as ICONIC at Alang at December
24th
where the main engines were shut down for the last time
remembering the crews who sailed through the years on this mighty tug, thank you !
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Bunker tanker SANTA ELENA at Malta 22-12-2023 Photo : Michael Cassar (c)
The crisis in the Red Sea region has sent the cost of ocean freight shipping
spiralling as the market continues to react to vessels being forced to avoid the
Suez Canal. Analysts at Xeneta, the leading ocean and air freight rate
benchmarking and intelligence platform, predicted rates could increase by
100% following Houthi militia missile attacks on merchant ships in the Bab-el-
Mandeb Strait – a gateway to the Red Sea and Suez Canal.That prediction is
now becoming a reality.
Am idst turbulent seas near Sicily, our w ish for this Christm as is a
w orld united in peace, safety, and com passion for all hum anity.
M ay the spirit of the season bring hope and resilience to everyone,
especially those facing adversity at sea and beyond." From the crew
onboard the W ilhelm ine Essberger
Peter Sand, Xeneta Chief Analyst, said: “The massive spike is already here.
Ocean freight carriers are desperately trying to recoup the cost of sending
vessels from the Far East to the Mediterranean, North Europe and US East
Coast via the Cape of Good Hope rather than heading through the Suez Canal.
“As we saw during the Covid years when there were huge disruptions in
supply chains, if there is still an urgent need to get shipments moving, then
businesses will have to pay an awful lot more to do so.”
Data on the Xeneta platform indicates rates per FEU (40ft-equivalent shipping
container) stood at USD 1 875 between the Far East and Mediterranean on 14
December – already an
increase of 25% on the
previous week. However, shippers are being quoted upwards of
USD 6 500 for high priority shipments on Mediterranean Shipping
Company’s (MSC) Diamond Tier service. Sand added: “This price is
not the market average yet, but it is what businesses will have to
pay for urgent shipments. In the next 10 days or so, it may well
become the market average.
Season greeting and all the very best to you and yours from
m y desk here in Copenhagen today!!!
I an W ilkinson
P ortR isk M anager/ Advisory Services
Risk I ntelligence A/ S
Oceanco newbuild 111 meter yacht hull Yn 726 entered the outfitting location. Photo : Arie Boer (c)
the Europe Industries Hub, said. “This new world-scale CO2 capture unit illustrates our expertise and commitment to
implementing decarbonization solutions, both for our customers and our own assets, in line with the Group’s ADVANCE
strategic plan to reduce its CO2 emissions by 33 percent by 2035.”
Porthos, or Port of Rotterdam CO2 transport hub and
offshore storage, is a joint venture of Energie Beheer
Nederland (EBN), Nederlandse Gasunie NV, and the
Port of Rotterdam Authority.
Season's Greetings from NJOR D M arine - Your
Broker into the Future
In October, it made a final investment decision to
develop the first major carbon dioxide transport and
storage system in the Netherlands. The carbon
capture and storage (CCS) project is estimated to
cost $1.37 billion (EUR 1.3 billion). Project
construction will begin in 2024 in Rotterdam, and the
Porthos system is targeted to be operational by
2026.
Porthos will provide carbon transport and storage services, transporting carbon dioxide through the port of Rotterdam to
depleted gas fields in the North Sea, around 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) off the coast, where it will be permanently stored
at a depth of 1.9 to 2.5 miles (three to four kilometers)
under the seabed. The company plans to store about 2.5
million metric tons per year for 15 years, totaling around
37 million metric tons at full storage capacity. The
onshore transport system under construction allows for
future carbon storage projects, the company said in an
earlier news release. Porthos was recognized by the
European Union as an “important project in meeting
climate targets”, declaring it a Project of Common
Interest and awarding a $107.8 million (EUR 102 million)
subsidy, the company said. Several companies, including
Air Liquide, Air Products, ExxonMobil, and Shell, have
indicated interest in the project and will invest in their
own carbon capture installations.
Partnership with ENEOS in Japan
Meanwhile, Air Liquide and Japan’s ENEOS Corporation have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on
accelerating the development of low-carbon hydrogen in Japan.
The partnership intends to capitalize on ENEOS' strong energy infrastructure and market presence in Japan as well as on
Air Liquide's expertise across the entire hydrogen value chain from production, liquefaction, transport, storage and
distribution to usage, Air Liquide said in an earlier news release.
On the Upstream front, the partners will study the development of low-carbon hydrogen production, using both carbon
capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and electrolysis technologies. They also plan to examine a possible collaboration
in the development of an international liquid hydrogen supply chain to serve the Japanese market from abroad.
On the Downstream front, the partnership will evaluate joint initiatives to develop hydrogen mobility in Japan, including
through a hydrogen refueling station infrastructure.
“This collaboration, which will span the whole value chain of renewable and low-carbon hydrogen, will combine the
strengths of two leaders in their field”, Armelle Levieux, member of Air Liquide’s Executive Committee and Vice President
of Innovation supervising Hydrogen activities, said. “As such, it can significantly contribute to the development of
hydrogen as a key element of [the] decarbonization of industry and mobility in Japan. This partnership is yet another sign
that Air Liquide is accelerating in the energy transition. It is in line with our strategic plan ADVANCE, which closely links
financial and extra-financial performances”. “We believe the collaboration with Air Liquide, which is one of the world's
largest industrial gas companies, will also serve as a basis for leading energy transition and continue to support energy
supply in Japan in a carbon neutral society”, Tomohide Miyata, ENEOS Representative Director and Executive Vice
President said. Source : Rigzone
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ship uses LNG clean energy as its primary power source. In the event that LNG filling conditions cannot be met, the
vessel is equipped with a backup diesel power system.
The ship, built by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industry Co., Ltd. (ZPMC), is also kitted with cutting-edge technology, and
features China’s “one-key dredging” system.This system enables the vessel to use the “dredging and driving in one”
approach, facilitating “unmanned dredging” functionality under typical working conditions.Scheduled for delivery in
September 2024, the XIN HAI XUN will mainly be used for dredging, reclamation, and coastal maintenance projects
within coastal ports and deep-water channels. Source: dredgingtoday
,,Normaal gesproken komen we als KNRM bij deze zeeschepen langs als de nood aan de man is”, vertelt Edward Zwitser
van de KNRM. ,,Met de kerstbrodenactie willen we de bemanningen op een andere manier aandacht geven.”
Goede oefening in navigeren en langszij varen
Rick Slijk, schipper van reddingstation Hoek van Holland, vaart elk jaar rond de kerst met een lading kerstbroden het
ankergebied in. ,,Voor ons is de kerstbrodenactie een goede oefening in navigeren en langszij varen”, legt hij uit. ,,We
roepen het schip op om te melden dat we een kerstpresentje komen brengen. Dan laat de bemanning een emmertje
zakken waarin we de lekkernijen en kleurplaten stoppen. Mooi om die blije gezichten dan te zien.” Bron : Algemeen
Dagblad
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions will provide travelers with free international flights this wave season, according to a press
release. Running from December 20, 2023 to March 31, 2024, the offer applies to HX international arrival and departure
packages on flights from London Gatwick and London Heathrow. The promotion is valid for all scheduled voyages to
Alaska, Antarctica, Greenland, Iceland, the Northwest Passage, Svalbard and selected Galápagos voyages between March
29, 2024, and March 30, 2025. During Wave Season, members of HX’s 1893 Ambassador loyalty program can enjoy
early access from December 20 and discounts of up to 10 percent. Among the itineraries featured in the promotion are
the 10-day Highlights of Antarctica, the Galápagos Islands Expedition Cruise and the 16-day Disko Bay: The heart of
Greenland. Source : cruiseindustrynews
Stolt Tankers is the first shipping company in the world to apply a cutting-edge sustainable coating to the hull of one of
its chemical tankers, STOLT LOTUS.
The X-GIT FUEL graphene technology, developed by Graphite Innovation & Technologies (GIT) Coatings, has the
potential to reduce fuel consumption and resulting greenhouse gas emissions. X-GIT FUEL is a hard foul release hull
coating that creates an ultra-low friction surface to increase vessel performance, without the use of biocides, silicon oils
or toxic components. The coating is expected to provide fuel savings of between five and seven percent by decreasing
the friction between the hull and the water and removing marine growth as the ship travels. This latest application
follows Stolt Tankers’ work with GIT Coatings earlier this year to apply the graphene coating to the propellors of more
than 40 ships – another world first. Adopting this technology supports Stolt Tankers’ commitment to explore solutions
that have the potential to enhance the efficiency of its fleet and reduce the impact of its operations on the environment.
It also supports Stolt Tankers’ ambition to reduce its carbon intensity by 50% (relative to the 2008 baseline) by 2030,
and helps customers in reducing their Scope 3 emissions. Lucas Vos, President of Stolt Tankers, said: “The collaboration
with GIT Coatings is a great example of how innovation is helping the maritime industry on its journey to a carbon-free
future. Cutting-edge technology like this isn’t just about preventing wear and tear to our ships. The coating is a simple
way we can help protect marine ecosystems, while maintaining operational efficiency.” Mo AlGermozi, CEO of GIT
Coatings, added: "This is a fantastic collaboration that speaks for itself. Stolt Tankers has so far coated the propellors on
more than 40 ships and has now begun the process on its ship hulls. This helps both companies continue to deliver on
their commitment to protecting the climate and the ocean. Thanks to forward-looking partners like Stolt Tankers.” In
early November, the 30,000-deadweight tonne Stolt Lotus was drydocked in China for five days where the sustainable
hull coating was applied. It is expected to last for approximately ten years, with an evaluation at five years to confirm if
any maintenance is required. Source : statnano.
In another agreement aimed at elevating its bunker services, SOHAR partnered with Global Oil Resources LLC. This
partnership will precipitate opportunities for local companies to interface with major enterprises in the marine fuel
logistics and supply chain, thereby advancing Oman’s global operations. Global Oil Resources LLC will be able to supply
bunker to vessels calling Sohar Port with MGO and VLSFO.
The third agreement signed this morning, SOHAR`s collaboration with American Medical Center, in partnership with Star
Lake Medical Services, introduces a comprehensive range of medical services for seafarers. This initiative is poised to
stimulate growth in the local healthcare sector by increasing demand for medical supplies, services, and expertise.
As the only complex of its kind in the region managed under a singular entity, SOHAR offers a competitive edge in
attracting foreign investments and promoting business growth. The port plays a critical role in supporting Omani
companies, providing a platform for them to engage in large-scale industrial and logistical activities, which facilitates the
growth and development of local businesses, contributing significantly to the ICV and national economy. Source :
portnews
compatriot asset manager Apollo.Apollo owns 80 percent in Energos Infrastructure and NFE holds the rest. The 2013-
built vessel, previously known as GOLAR CELSIUS, is on long-term charter to NFE in Brazil. Seatrium said the
conversion of the FSRU was completed on time and within budget, and the unit has departed the Seatrium shipyard for
Brazil. ENERGOS CELSIUS was on Friday still anchored offshore Singapore, its AIS data provided by VesselsValue
shows.Energos Celsius will have a nominal regasification capacity of 750 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd), up
to a maximum capacity of 1,000 mmscfd.
It will subsequently be deployed at NFE’s completed LNG terminal in Barcarena, Para state, Brazil, Seatrium said.
This LNG import terminal will be the first LNG import facility in the state of Para and the Northern region of Brazil, it
said.NFE said in August it completed the 3 mtpa Barcarena terminal worth about $700 million and the firm planned to
ship first gas supplies to Norsk Hydro at the end of this year. Besides an FSRU, the terminal located at the mouth of the
Amazon River in Para includes a jetty, a three
kilometers long pipeline, and a gas conditioning station
that will initially serve Norsk HydroIn December 2021,
NFE and Norsk Hydro finalized a 15-year deal to supply
regasified LNG to the Alunorte alumina refinery in
Brazil.
NFE is also also building the 605 MW Barcarena power
plant and this facility will also receive regasified LNG
from the Barcarena terminal and deliver power under
25-year power purchase agreements linked to JKM. In
November, NFE secured financing to complete
construction of the Barcarena power plant, which is
about 37 percent complete. The power plant, located
adjacent to NFE’s LNG import terminal, is “on schedule” to start operations in the third quarter of 2025 under a 25-year
PPA with several electricity distribution companies in Brazil, it said. NFE also said in November the conversion of the
Energos Celsius from an LNG carrier to an FSRU “remains on schedule” for November completion, before delivery and
first gas to customers at the Barcarena import terminal beginning at year end 2023 Besides the Barcarena facility, NFE
said in November that its LNG import terminal in Santa Catarina, Brazil will start commercial operations in January
2024.NFE has executed a definitive deal to charter the 138,250-cbm FSRU Energos Winter from Brazil’s state-owned
energy firm Petrobras starting in December 2023. This FSRU, also owned by Energos Infrastructure, will serve the Santa
Catarina terminal. Source : LNGprime
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SAAM’s Damen Galati built tug SAAM SABA (ex Smit Saba) in Vancouver harbour dec 23 2023
photo : Robert Etchell (c) CLICK at the photo !
- The incorporation of the latest IACS UR into the existing requirements for each phase (i.e. design, construction, testing
and maintenance) of the development and use of computer-based systems, and the establishment of a new part of the
ClassNK Rules and Guidance as “Part X Computer-Based Systems”. Source : Portnews
JSD 6000 is a customized Ulstein SOC5000 design that features an NOV revolving main crane with a 5,000 mt lifting
capacity. It features the combination of a
600 mt Remacut S-lay system via a center-
firing line below the main deck, and a 2,000
mt IHC EB J-lay system via a
moonpool.According to Ulstein, this double-
deck configuration allows for a large,
unobstructed deck area and below-deck pipe
fabrication. The combination of heavy lift and
S-Lay capabilities together with J-Lay
functionality via a large, off-center
moonpool, allows the vessel to serve
deepwater and SURF markets as well as
shallow-water EPCI projects.
In January 2014, Sharjah-based Petrofac
ordered the Petrofac JSD 6000 deepwater
derrick lay vessel which was contracted to
the ZPMC shipyard. Petrofac terminated the
construction contract with the yard in
October 2015. In April 2018, Petrofac signed an agreement to sell the vessel project to ZPMC.The JSD 6000 was
launched at the ZPMC Qidong shipyard in December 2020. In May this year, it completed its sea trial and began the
process of testing the mission and pipe lay equipment. Earlier this year, the 216-meter-long DP3 vessel vessel entered
into a long-term contract with Saipem. The initial operation under this contract is scheduled to commence in 2024.
Source : Offshore Energy
Almost immediately, a range of advantages presented themselves. Such a vessel would significantly widen the weather
window for offshore operations and be able to maintain better speeds and course stability. It would also offer
considerably reduced fuel consumption.
The vessel would feature a hull shape that would reduce slamming to a minimum and a large, unobstructed deck space
for transporting large, heavy offshore equipment. As Damen began to develop the DOC design, a further benefit became
apparent; flexibility.
Versatile vessel
It’s hard to imagine a platform as versatile as the DOC. The basic, standard design can be tailored to meet a wide range
of specific requirement and put to use in diverse operations across multiple markets.Examples include the transportation
of cargo, installation, RoRo, pipelaying, rock dumping, deep sea mining, and other specific mission equipment. It was the
platform’s suitability to cable laying, however, that first caught the attention of Damen’s clients, as the company’s DOC
Product Specialist and Naval Architect Rolf Sluman explains. “Van Oord approached us when they were looking to build a
cable lay vessel. They were interested in the DOC because we were already at an advanced stage with the development.
The basic engineering was complete and, as such, they would be able to take delivery at short notice of the vessel they
named Nexus.”
Going to ground
A second order quickly followed for another cable layer, this time from Maersk Supply Service. This vessel, the Maersk
Connector, had its own set of specific requirements. Chief amongst these was the ability to go aground fully loaded.
increased loading capacity. “We’re also looking at expanding the range. Wind turbine components, for example, are
getting bigger all the time. We foresee a need in the future for larger versions of this type of vessel.”
The route to sustainability
This is not the only way in which the DOC is being prepared for the future. Damen is also incorporating the latest
technological developments in order to meet its, and its clients, sustainability ambitions.
“We’re developing a vessel that is prepared for the use of alternative fuels. There is continual progress in this field right
now and operators investing in a newbuild vessel want to ensure its relevancy for the long term. We’ll also be
incorporating batteries so that the next generation of DOC can reduce fuel consumption and emissions with peak shaving
and spinning reserves,” says Rolf. “Our aim with the next generation is to offer a vessel that not only meets the needs of
today, but also of tomorrow.” Source : Offshore Energy
China’s shipbuilder Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyard has completed and delivered the first domestic diesel-electric azimuth
stern drive (ASD) tugboat, YONGGANG TUO 80.On December 20, 2023, the tug left the Zhenjiang Shipyard pier and
set sail for Ningbo Oil Handling & Tug (Barge) The 568 GT tug is classed by China Classification Society (CCS).The 3,680-
kW tug is equipped with diesel engines and batteries driving electric motors connected to two thrusters for fuel and
emissions savings.As explained, the 39-meter-long unit uses parallel fuel-electric hybrid propulsion, that is, a
superimposed drive of a traditional diesel main engine and battery-powered motor propulsion. In hybrid mode, energy
conservation and emission reduction are achieved through the system’s working condition optimization and intelligent
energy dispatching methods, which can not only meet the optimal power output requirements but also achieve optimal
energy consumption through superimposed lithium battery propulsion.When the tug enters the emission control area, it
can switch to pure battery mode for propulsion. It has low noise, small vibration and is quiet during navigation. The tug
achieves “zero fuel consumption, zero pollution, and zero emissions” in the port. In diesel engine propulsion mode, the
surplus power of the main engine can be fed back to the power grid and lithium battery charging. This product fills the
gap in the domestic diesel+battery hybrid tug market and reflects Zhenjiang Shipyard’s readiness to transition to green,
low-carbon, environmentally friendly products. Source : .offshore-energy.biz
NAVY NEWS
Ford and Eisenhower carriers will come home,
eventually
By Diana Stancy Correll
Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier Dwight D. Eisenhower stand watch as the ship transit the Strait of Hormuz. (MC3 Janae
Chambers/Navy The aircraft carrier Eisenhower will wrap up a deployment in the Middle Eastern waters of U.S. Central
Command in 2024.
Meanwhile, as of Navy Times’ December deadline, the carrier Gerald R. Ford’s deployment had been extended once
again, and the flattop remained on station in the Mediterranean Sea, where it has operated since leaving Norfolk,
Virginia, in May. The Eisenhower arrived in the U.S. 5th Fleet area of operations in November, the first time a carrier has
operated in Central Command’s area of responsibility since the end of the Afghanistan war in 2021.
“The arrival of [the Ike Carrier Strike Group] to Middle East region displays our speed and agility to flex as our nation’s
leaders determined a balance of maritime capability in support of national security priorities,” Rear Adm. Marc Miguez,
commander of Carrier Strike Group 2, said in a Navy news release in November. “The strike group brings an unparalleled
combat superiority to CENTCOM and we will be leveraging our presence in the theater to enhance regional security and
operate alongside our allies and partners.”
The Eisenhower’s presence in the region marks the first time a carrier has operated in Central Command’s area of
responsibility since 2021.The carrier got underway from Norfolk, Virginia, in October, and under the Navy’s Optimized
Fleet Response Plan, strike groups usually deploy for seven or eight months.The Pentagon announced in October that the
Ike, originally slated to deploy to the European theater this fall, would head to the Middle East — days after Navy
destroyer Carney intercepted cruise missiles and drones that U.S. officials attributed to Iran-allied Houthi rebel forces in
Yemen fired. The announcement also came following attacks on U.S. troops in Iraq and Syria. Source : Navytimes
the Talaeieh has a range of more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) and called it “fully smart.” Irani said the cruise
missile is capable of changing targets durng travel.
He said the Nasir has a range of 100 kilometers (62 miles) and can be installed on warships.
SHIPYARD NEWS
and various ministries. Proposals will be made to the National Assembly, Supreme People's Court, and Supreme People's
Procuracy to promptly issue guidelines, mechanisms, and policies to address difficulties and challenges arising in the SBIC
and its seven subsidiaries bankruptcy proceedings.Additionally, there is an emphasis on reviewing and accurately
assessing the current situation, comprehensively calculating the assets, finances, and debt obligations of SBIC. A plan will
be devised to settle the government's debt obligations at SBIC. Simultaneously, efforts will be directed towards
enhancing the capabilities of domestic shipbuilding companies, accompanied by increased information dissemination to
garner widespread public support.The Government underscores its commitment to safeguarding the legitimate rights and
interests of workers, preventing negative moral impacts, and avoiding disturbances to political stability and social order
Source : Vietnamplus
The IHC shipyards built Beagle 4000 AN 4 spotted during trials Photo : Arie Boer ©
A generation of shipbuilders will deliver six AOPS for the Royal Canadian Navy, two AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard,
and 15 Canadian Surface Combatant ships for the Royal Canadian Navy as part of the NSS.
“The launch of future HMCS FREDERICK ROLETTE is another milestone achieved on our mission to deliver ships for
Canada. I’m proud of the teamwork that delivered this result”.
Charles Frédérick Rolette was born in Québec City on September 23, 1785, and joined the Royal Navy as a midshipman
while a young teen. He distinguished himself during the War of 1812, earning a reputation as a bold and quick-thinking
officer. The historical Canton of Rolette, located on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, roughly 50 km southeast
of the town of Montmagny, Québec, near the American border, was established in 1868 in his honour. Just before the
outbreak of the War of 1812, Rolette was posted to Amherstburg, Upper Canada (now Ontario) as Lieutenant in
command of the brig General Hunter. When word of the outbreak of war reached Amherstburg on July 3, 1812, Rolette
acted immediately, capturing an American vessel, the Cuyahoga, before the American crew even realized that their
country had declared war on Britain. This was the first action of the War of 1812 and a significant prize as the Cuyahoga
carried the American commander General William Hull’s papers and dispatches. This provided the British with significant
early intelligence on American strength and deployment.At a time when it was not yet customary to award medals to
military personnel in recognition of conspicuous gallantry, Lieutenant Rolette was mentioned in dispatches by senior
military officers on several occasions during the war. At the capture of Detroit, Major-General Isaac Brock praised
Rolette’s conduct in the highest terms: “I have watched you during the action,” said the general, “you behaved like a
lion, and I will remember you.” Source : Naval News
Kommersant reported on Monday. The project, seen as a key element in Russia's drive to boost its LNG global market
share to 20% by 2030 from 8%, was already facing difficulties due to U.S. sanctions over the conflict in Ukraine and a
lack of gas carriers.China's state oil majors CNOOC Ltd (0883.HK) and China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) each have
a 10% stake in the project, which is controlled by Novatek (NVTK.MM), Russia's largest LNG producer and owner of a
60% stake in the project.Kommersant, citing unnamed sources in the Russian government, said both Chinese companies,
together with France's TotalEnergies (TTEF.PA) and a consortium of Japan's Mitsui and Co (8031.T) and JOGMEC - which
also have a 10% stake each - declared force majeure on participation in the project.Novatek, CNOOC, JOGMEC and Total
did not immediately respond to requests for comment. CNPC and Mitsui declined to comment.Kremlin spokesman Dmitry
Peskov declined to comment on the developments at the Arctic LNG 2 project, referring the questions to Novatek. The
newspaper said the suspension may lead to Arctic LNG 2 losing its long-term contracts on LNG supplies, while Novatek
will have to finance the project by itself and sell the seaborne gas on the spot market.Initial investments in the Arctic
LNG 2 project stood at $21 billion. It already faced difficulties in raising funds following Western sanctions against Russia.
Sanctions have also resulted in Novatek declaring force majeure over LNG supplies from the project, industry sources told
Reuters last week. The European Union may also impose restrictions on Russia's LNG supplies. A Beijing-based industry
official with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters last week that CNPC and CNOOC have both asked the U.S.
government for exemptions from sanctions on Arctic LNG 2. The second train of the project is due to become operational
next year, while the third is expected to start production in 2026.With three processing trains, Arctic LNG 2's capacity is
meant to be 19.8 million metric tons per year and 1.6 million tons per year of stable gas condensate. Production is due to
start in early 2024. Its first LNG tankers were expected to set sail in the first quarter of next year, according to Novatek.
But industry sources say commercial LNG supplies from the project are now expected no earlier than the second quarter
of 2024.
Source : Reuters Reporting by Lidia Kelly in Melbourne and Vladimir Soldatkin in Moscow; Additional
reporting by Andrew Hayley in Beijing, Anastasiya Lyrchikova in Moscow and Yuka Obayashi in Tokyo;
Editing by Edmund Klamann and Jamie Freed
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MSC Cruises reports 70% surge in Israeli cruise
bookings
Israeli tourism attempts a rebound as bookings for cruises in January, Passover, and summer vacations
surge following a two-month downturn at the outset of the war.
By ZACHY HENNESSEY
In a promising turn of events for the beleaguered tourism industry in Israel, MSC Cruises, the world's third-largest cruise
company and Europe's largest, reveals a substantial 70% increase in cruise bookings among Israelis. This surge is
observed not only for the immediate end of December and January but also for upcoming festivities like Passover and
summer vacations.
Following more than two months of war that brought the tourism sector to a near standstill, this recent uptick in
bookings signals a public desire for a return to normalcy. MSC Cruises, renowned for its global cruise offerings, notes a
particularly strong demand for Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries among the Israeli audience. Top cruise ports on
the Israeli traveler's radar include Barcelona (Spain), Genoa and Venice (Italy), Copenhagen (Denmark), and Miami and
New York (USA), acting as gateways to the Caribbean islands. Eyal Atias, CEO of MSC Cruises Israel, expressed optimism
about the positive trend, acknowledging the resilience of the Israeli people during a challenging period. "The Israeli
audience really likes to travel and vacation in the world, together with the situation in Israel that affects all of us, we are
beginning to see a trend of revival in bookings and we also recognize an increase in visits to the website," he
stated.Despite the numbers still lagging behind pre-war levels, the company is attempting to provide Israeli customers
with several viable vacation options. In response to the uncertain times, MSC Cruises has implemented flexible booking
conditions, allowing customers to book cruises safely, even in days of uncertainty.
The CEO emphasized their dedication to understanding the unique circumstances surrounding the war in Israel and
adapting their cancellation policies accordingly.The surge in cruise bookings reflects a collective desire to return to
normalcy, though whatever normalcy is achieved will surely be tainted by the pain and loss brought on by the war. At the
very least, the trend may serve as a bolster to the tourism sector, which represents the livelihood of thousands of
Israelis. Source : The Jerusalem post
this process was less suitable for pitting corrosion repairs even though it was “excellent” for repairing large corrosion
areas. With this at the forefront, the companies claim that the new CFRP patch technique is “a more straightforward and
more effective solution” in such cases.Furthermore, the new solution only requires bonding prefabricated CFRP patch flat
plates over pitting corrosion, thereby reducing the workforce by half and improving lead times – referring to onsite times
compared with the VaRTM process and excluding materials procurement lead times.MODEC and Toray underline that the
technique eliminates the need for vacuum pumps and other equipment and streamlines the process of transporting
reinforcement materials and construction tools onboard. In addition, it ensures minimal disruption in oil and gas
production because it eliminates the need for hot work.The two players will cater to the diverse corrosion repair needs of
FPSO and FSO operators by offering the in-situ VaRTM technique for extensive repairs and the CFRP patch technique for
localized repairs.According to MODEC, the dup intends to continue developing repair technologies for these vessels to
“promptly address market needs while tackling environmental and other social issues to contribute to a sustainable
economy.”Recently, MODEC and Terra Drone Corporation got their hands on – what is said to be – the world’s first
approval from the American Bureau of Shipping for a drone-based FPSO hull thickness measurement.
BOEKBESPREKING
By : : Frank NEYTS
The 1974 SSW Schichau Seebeck (AG) Shipyard built Vietnamese Navy tug TITAN moored in Ho Chi Min City (Saigon) –
Vietnam as spotted recently
In December 1992 the tug was sold to the Vietnamese Navy and managed by Van Xuan Co. – Hanoi; Vietnam and
renamed HQ 960 TITAN. She has a length of 77,73 mtrs a beam of 13,59 mtrs a depth of 6,61 mtrs a grt of 1,599 tons
and a nrt of 163 tons. The two 4 stroke V12 cyl. K.H.Deutz type RBV12M350 developed a total output of 8,800 bhp
(6,472 kW) with a speed of 18,2 knots and a bollard pull of 105 tons. In April 1979, the engine output was tuned up to
13,920 bhp (10,240 kW) and fixed nozzles and the tug reached a bollard pull of 135 ton Photo : Sterling Technical
Services, Vietnam