Merchant Navy

2 dead, 9 missing as Tug capsizes

2010-01-11T10:06:00.002+05:30

A Singapore-flag offshore tug/ supply vessel, the 797 gt Ocean Lark, capsized at around 0500 local time today (6 January) in the vicinity of the Horsburgh lighthouse. Two of its crew were rescued, two bodies found and nine are still unaccounted for. The Equasis database lists the manager as being Seaspec Marine Services and the registered owner as being Intone Pte Ltd.
It is unclear what caused the 1973-built, Bureau Veritas-classed vessel to capsize. The alarm was raised when another offshore support vessel saw a liferaft 16 miles off the Horsburgh and discovered the two survivors about five hours after their vessel had sunk.
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the Singapore Air Force, Singapore Navy and commercial vessels have been searching for missing crew members since the alarm was raised. The wreck of the Ocean Lark has been located and two bodies recovered. It understood all of the crew were Indonesian and that the Ocean Lark was on passage from Batam, to Matak.

MIT study shows the value of Damco's SupplyChain CarbonCheck

2010-01-11T10:06:00.001+05:30

MIT Center for Transportation & Logistics (MIT CTL) has now identified Damco’s carbon management approach as potentially up to 25% more accurate than other approaches.

This was announced in a newly published joint study, conducted by Damco and MIT, on supply chain carbon footprint calculations, aiming to develop ways for companies to map their footprint effectively, and identify the most effective opportunities to reduce it.

Erling Johns Nielsen, Global Head of Damco’s supply chain development practice, states, “Accurate mapping of the supply chains, identification and management of CO2 hotspots is critical for companies to be able to take the right actions to reduce their carbon emissions, deliver on CSR strategies and significantly cut costs.

“Companies are faced with increased demands to ensure transparency and common understanding of transportation and distribution carbon emissions. However, there have been no common standards across the 3PL industry for how to calculate a company’s carbon footprint. Damco, through our work with MIT, has now established a new industry benchmark for how supply chain carbon emissions should be calculated in a uniform way.”

The main conclusions in the study are that Damco's approach to carbon footprinting is more comprehensive and accurate than the more generic and predominant carbon footprint assessment when ocean logistics are part of the mix. According to MIT CTL researchers, the generic approach under- or over-estimate carbon emissions by up to 25% at a product level from factory door in Asia to a distribution centre in the United States.

Mr. Nielsen explains, “We compared two methodologies for how to calculate a company’s carbon footprint. One was calculated using publicly available emission standards, which is the most common way in the market, and the other using Damco’s SupplyChain CarbonCheck methodology which is based on operational insights, live data and more detailed emission standards and calculations.”

“The work undertaken by MIT to determine the value of the SupplyChain CarbonCheck is a further step in our goal to present innovative and valid solutions to our customers in such crucial topics as Green Logistics and Climate Change” says Martin Thaysen, Chief Commercial Officer for Damco, “We have an ongoing commitment to create value for our customers and enable them to reduce their carbon footprint and associated costs. This is something we continue to invest in.”

Pirates attack two Indian vessels

2009-12-28T14:46:00.000+05:30

The Directorate General of Shipping received information that two Indian vessels have been hijacked by pirates in December. The pirates had taken control of “Lakshmi Sager” on December 11, 2009 for use as a mother ship. “Lakshmi Sagar” was located in position Latitude 06 degrees 51 mins. North Longitude 051 degrees 05 mins. East (450 nautical miles north east of Mogadishu and 90 nautical miles from the Somali coast). There were several armed Somalian observed on board with the standard assortment of weapons including rocket propelled grenades. It was reported that the dhow was heading for Socotra in order to act as a mother ship for a pirate action group.

The Directorate General of Shipping immediately contacted all international and national agencies dealing with hijacking of ships and the All India Sailing Vessels Association for confirmation of the information. The shipping fraternity employing Indian seafarers was also alerted accordingly.

Contact was established with the owner on December 14, 2009 who confirmed telephonically that the vessel was released two days ago. He reported that the crew members were all safe.

On December 21, 2009 the Directorate received a ship security alert from the Indian flagged crude oil tanker M.T. “Maharaja Agrasen” at 2246 hrs. The owners contacted the Directorate and informed that the vessel was under attack by eight unlit pirate boats in position Latitude 17 degrees 11 mins. North Longitude 66 degrees 05 mins. East in the Arabian sea about 366 nautical miles west of Ratnagiri. The vessel, with 41 Indian crewmembers was on a loaded passage with 134715 metric tonnes crude oil from Min Al Ahmadi (Kuwait) bound for Visakhapatnam.

The Directorate initiated immediate action and passed on the information to the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy. The vessel was contacted on the phone and it was ascertained that the pirates had not been able to board the vessel due to the evasive manoeuvres by the vessel. The Directorate was in regular contact with the vessel and the owner’s representative by telephone. The owners ordered the vessel to head direct for the Indian Coast.

On December 22, 2009 at 0025 hrs, information was received that the nearest boat was about 4 nautical miles from the vessel. At 0247 hrs. the Directorate received an update from the vessel that no boat was following the vessel and anti piracy measures were being taken. No injury or damage has been reported. The vessel was now proceeding to Visakhapatnam.

Greek-owned Cargo Ship To Be Freed In Somalia

2009-12-14T10:18:00.001+05:30

A Greek shipowning company said it had paid a ransom to Somali pirates holding one of its freighters for the past seven months, and the ship's release was expected later December 10, 2009.Athens-based Alloceans Shipping declined to specify the sum paid, but a man claiming to be speaking for the pirates said it was $2.8 million.The Maltese-flagged Ariana was seized May 1 southwest of the Seychelles islands, carrying a cargo of soya from Brazil to Iran.Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said the Ariana's Ukrainian crew of 24 was released Thursday. "A Ukrainian plane will take them to Ukraine very soon," Yushchenko said in a statement.Alloceans Shipping general manager Spyros Minas said the seamen were in good health."We are waiting for the pirates to leave the ship," Minas told The Associated Press. "We hope it will set sail December 11, 2009."In the Somali coastal town of Hobyo, a self-proclaimed pirate who gave his name as Ahmed Gedi said his group had been paid $2.8 million to free the Ariana. It was not possible to independently verify the amount of ransom paid."After we check and count it, we will leave the ship and free it," Gedi told the AP on the phone.Ukrainian President Viktor Yushchenko said Thursday that pirates have released the 24 Ukrainian sailors from the ship Ariana help captive since May 2, 2009. "A Ukrainian plane will take them to Ukraine very soon," Yushchenko said in a statement.

IME – MERI technical paper competition

2009-12-14T10:16:00.000+05:30

Institute of Marine Engineers India (IMEI) and Marine Engineering & Research Institute (MERI), has been jointly conducting Technical Paper Competition for cadets from Marine Engineering institutes under Maharashtra region since 2005 to encourage them to showcase their talent. The 5th edition of the competition was held this year on December 01, 2009. Cadets from MERI, Tolani Maritime Institute, Pune and Samundra Institute of Maritime Studies, Lonawala participated in the event. Around six papers were received and upon evaluation of the manuscripts by three judges namely Mr. Suboth Kumar, Mr. T. S. Girish & Mr. Shirish Kumar, Four papers were selected for final presentation at a ceremony held at MERI. Shri R. C. Mahajan - Vice Chairman of I.M.E., Shri Rajeev Nayyer - Honorable Secretary of I.M.E. and Shri Manoj Ballabh were the Judges for the final presentation.

Mr. Rajeeva Prakash - Deputy Director, MERI while welcoming the guests expressed his gratitude and appreciation to all those involved in starting Technical Paper Competition for the cadets.

Mr. M.V. Ramamurthy - President of IMEI graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and gave away the prizes. Shri Kamal Kumar - Chairman of IMEI, Shri R.C. Mahajan and Shri Rajeev Nayyer graced the occasion and encouraged the cadets.

The paper presented by the Cadet Ajey S. Tanwar (B.Sc.-108), Cadet Ankit K. Singh (B.Sc.-118), Cadet Vibhav P. Sharma (B.Sc.-119), Cadet Varun Paliwal (B.Sc.-120) and Cadet Brijendra Singh (B.Sc.-122) from MERI was awarded 1st prize for their topic Ballast water management to prevent pollution. Cadet Akshay Sehgal (G-1945) and Cadet Yash Jain (G-1995) from MERI was awarded 2nd prize for their topic Reduction of SOx and NOx with development of new Marine Diesel Engine (2 stroke). Cadet Ibrahim Nibil C. and Cadet Deepali Kulkarni from Tolani Maritime were awarded 3rd Prize for their topic Hull Protection - A Challenge to coat ship’s hull with non pollutant paints and a group comprising of Cadet Somnath Chatterjee, Cadet Manmath Subudhi, Cadet Savtanter Saini and Cadet Santosh G. from Samundra was awarded the 4th Prize and their topic was Control of NOx & Sox new developments in diesel engines ( 2-Stroke).

Shri Rajeev Nayer summarized the presentations. Shri Kamal Kumar while addressing the cadets appreciated the efforts made by the cadets and promised support to the institute in future also. Shri Ramamurthy, Chief Guest of the occasion praised the cadets for their knowledge and participation spirit. He also the appreciated the services rendered by MERI cadets during WMTC seminar held at Mumbai. The Chief Guest and dignitaries on the dias distributed the certificates to the prize winning cadets and also participation certificates to the other cadets who participated in the seminar. Mr. Ramamurthy personally distributed certificates to cadets who participated WMTC seminar.

Cicek Delivers First of Four 3100 DWT Tankers

2009-06-01T11:04:00.001+05:30

The Turkish shipbuilder Çiçek Shipyard has delivered the 3,087dwt double-hull tanker Frecciamare to the Italian shipowner Ciane Anapo Spa. Based in one of Italy's major ports, Augusta, on the east coast of Sicily, Ciane Anapo is part of the Novella Group, headed by Marco Novella, and specializes in coastal tanker and bunker operations.Frecciamare was completed as Chem Flower, the first of four identical vessels now being built by Çiçek Shipyard for its associated shipowning company White Tulip Shipping, based in Malta. White Tulip then sold Chem Flower to Ciane Anapo shortly after completion, leaving Çiçek to make some minor modifications to meet the new owner's requirements.Although Ciane Anapo intends to use this first vessel for bunkering duties, the four ships are flexible, all being capable of worldwide trading, transporting oil products, chemicals (IMO type II) and vegetable, animal and fish oils.MarineLine coatings were selected by Çiçek to give the ability to carry a wide range of cargoes while high manoeuvrability is guaranteed by the choice of twin azimuthing propellers and a bow thruster. They are classed by Bureau Veritas and constructed to meet Ice B standards.According to Berke Çiçek, Vice President of Cicek Shipyard, interest from European owners for such vessels is strong, despite the overall weak state of the shipping market. "New double-hulled vessels such as Frecciamare and her three sisters now under construction are in great demand to replace older tonnage and because we took the initiative to start construction to our own account, the new owners have benefited from an extremely short delivery period. We are talking to a number of other potential owners and charterers and are confident of finding buyers who can secure immediate and profitable employment for these vessels."We were interested to see that Frecciamare's owner Ciane Anapo envisages employing its new vessel in the bunker trades as we had identified this market as particularly attractive. Many bunker tankers are still single-hull and quite elderly. There is a replacement market and there is also a requirement for larger vessels like ours since average ship sizes continue to grow. Large containerships, for example, take on board substantial amounts of bunkers and they also expect a fast rate of delivery.""For the next three vessels, we are able to offer late changes in specification, for example in the choice of tank coatings, thus providing great flexibility when discussing potential charterers' precise requirements. We are, with due notice, able to make more radical changes, as might be requested by owners with specific employment in mind."The shipowner Ciane Anapo Spa was formed in 1967 by the merger of two shipping companies, Ciane and Anapo, named after two small rivers in the Syracuse area. Its full name, Ciane-Anapo, Compagnia di Navigazione e Bunkeraggi Spa, reflects its two lines of business: bunkering (transport of fuel oil, diesel and lube oil for vessels in port) and mainstream shipping, principally coastal.Anapo was set up in 1958 in Augusta, just north of Syracuse, and Ciane in 1959, and the merged company has had a branch office in Genoa since 1967. It carries out bunkering in these two ports under special licenses, which require the use of small tankers that load from coastal installations.Augusta is one of Italy's largest ports, a major centre for oil refining and a popular bunkering centre, being on the main east-west trade route through the Mediterranean. The shipbuilder Çiçek Shipyard is located on Tuzla Bay, near Istanbul, and in addition to the small tankers, its current orderbook includes 58,000dwt and 25,000dwt bulk carriers. It has a long track record of constructing chemical tankers from 8,000dwt up to 40,000dwt in size.The largest vessels are constructed in a 37m wide building dock while ships of up to 25,000dwt can be built on an adjacent slipway. The 3,100dwt tankers are being constructed on a second slipway, capable of building ships of up to 3,500dwt.

Mumbai port repositioned as Project hub

2009-06-01T11:03:00.003+05:30

In a bid to overcome the stiff competition, Mumbai port (MbPT) is being repositioned as India’s project cargo hub port taking advantage of the many distinguishing features and advantages native to the region. Its enclosed dock system, its sheltered harbour water with deep draft make it an ideal port for handling heavy lift and project cargo.

Though it has become strictly a break bulk port, it has been losing much of the cargo as break bulk, it is found to be easily containerised to ensure shorter ship stay in port, lesser cargo handling and has made it easier to ensure cargo security.

However, break bulk cargo such as over dimensional type or heavy lift project cargo calls for specialisation in handling. ‘Out of gauge’ cargo of 100 tons to 750 tons and more can be handled by a ship’s own gear vessels provided they have jumbo-sized cranes or two cranes of 450 ton capacity each working in tandem to load and unload such heavy cargo of up 900 tons.

Featuring the assets of the port for handling heavy lift cargo, Mr. V.S. Kulkarni, Dy Docks Manager of Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) emphasized, “Our existing dock system provides ideal berthing for vessels at corner berths thus permitting suitable double banking facilities alongside a vessel. The port has been able to regularly handle ‘out of gauge’ cargo and heavy project consignments of more than 700 tons. Our docks can even accommodate extra-ordinarily long vessels with overall length exceeding 900 feet. Good connectivity permitting quick evacuation of cargo via the sea through barges and by land through the rail network or by road gives Mumbai Port a distinctive advantage.”

Project cargo manufactured at minor and intermediate ports located in Gujarat are moved to MbPT by barges for onward shipment by the mother vessels. Construction machinery, road rollers, machinery of turnkey projects, boilers, transformers, dredgers, over dimensional power equipment, etc are regularly transported through the MbPT either as exports or as imports. OEMs and heavy engineering industrial units located in the hinterland find Mumbai port to be the preferred port for shipment of goods such as windmill parts, transformers, etc.

“Our regular customers include Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd., National Thermal Power Corporation Ltd., Crompton Greaves Ltd, Suzlon Energy Ltd., Godrej & Boyce, etc.,” says Mr Kulkarni. “Heavy cargo such as transformers and reactors are brought in by barges from Hazira, Kandla or Mangalore and loaded directly onto the mother vessels. Godrej get in their cargo from their Vikhroli factory via Mankhurd from where they are transported by barges through the P & V channel to the Harbour Wall berths in the Indira Docks (18 to 21). Here the barges are double banked with the mother vessels whose cranes lift them off from the barges and load them onto the vessel.

“Heavy cargoes are also brought in by rail or road and we offer various facilities including 7 free days on export cargo and 6 on import, if the goods have to be warehoused in the dock area. Offering ro-ro facilities, heavy cargo can either be rolled on or rolled off by trailers. Besides, the advantage of MbPT is that it is an enclosed dock and the sheltered conditions allow ships to be safely berthed. The loading and unloading operation requires a certain amount of precision when the cargo is over-dimensional. This is made possible if the ship is stationary and berthed in calm waters. Such enclosed dock conditions exist only in Mumbai port. If the size of the dock gates restricts the passage of over-sized cargo then we even have the gates demolished along with part of the wall to permit its passage.”

A case in point of MbPT being a preferred port is that JNPT has had to have their imported cranes unloaded at Mumbai port a few years’ back and then moved over to JNPT for erection at their port. ABG Shipyard, the largest private sector shipbuilding yard in India, also have their big import packages weighing over 250 tons each, unloaded onto barges and taken to the shipyard in Magdalla, Gujarat from Mumbai.

“Because of the sheltered condition of the Mumbai Port, users prefer MbPT,” points out a port official. “We have better connectivity not only to the Western countries but also globally. With several Indian companies participating in global tendering for infrastructure projects in Africa, the USA and Europe, there is an increasing tendency to move heavy cargo or ‘super capital goods’ through MbPT. So also when it comes to bringing in heavy equipment for projects, Mumbai port is found advantageous as it offers excellent road, rail and coastal connectivity permitting easy transport of equipment to the erection sites. Pune based Suzlon Energy Ltd. is a regular shipper for their windmill equipment involving giant size blades and electrical equipment through our port,” he said.

Heavy Lift specialist director, Mr. Hemant Bhatia informs that though the port is well geared with their own shore-based cranes with the magnitude of heavy cargo passing through the MbPT, three private operators are offering their floating cranes of between 60 ton to 250 ton capacity. Nord Scan lines also have their heavy lift vessel operating on the Indian coast ready to provide service to interested customers.

ASF calls for asian governmental body

2009-04-06T11:24:00.000+05:30

Owners representatives meeting in Hong Kong for the Asian Shipowners Forum (ASF) Ship Insurance and Liability Committee have called for Asian governments tyo forma regional body to consider and respond to regional proposal for regulating shipping. A statement notes that, in the past, ASF has commented widely on the various EU Draft Directives, but “has not seen an equivalent level of contribution from Asian governments”.
ASF adds: “Taking note of the reports of recent comments made by Mr Shigeru Ito, Director General of the Maritime Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), and Mr Oh Konggyun, Chief Executive of the Korea Register and Chairman of the International Association of Classification Societies, both of whom support a more active ‘Asian Voice’ on maritime issues at the governmental level, the Committee urges Asian governments to form a regional body in order to consider and comment on legislation proposed at the regional level, particularly that being proposed by Europe and the United States.”
The ASF also expressed its “continued deep concern at the treatment of seafarers who are unfortunately involved in maritime accidents”. It said: “While recognising that local legal procedures must be followed, the Committee is concerned that seafarers who are involved in accidents are being treated as criminals as a response to and to satisfy public concern about the effects of the incident, even when it is clear that there has been no criminal intent or obvious fault. There would seem to be many such incidents, where the only fault of the seafarer would appear to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The Committee urges all Governments, particularly those in the developed world, to reconsider the harm they are doing both to the recruitment of future seafarers as well as to the reputation of their legal systems by politicising such incidents and treating seafarers with little regard for their human rights and as being guilty until proven innocent.”

Celebrating Piracy and Criminalisation of seafarer

2009-04-06T11:22:00.000+05:30

For seafarers who turned up for the National Maritime week celebrations seminar at the auditorium of the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), Mumbai on 1st April, 2009 their hope of finding some solution to the heart-wrenching problems of piracy and criminalisation of seafarers turned out to be a hoax. The deliberations did not give the slightest hope of the threat abating nor any promise being extended by the government as if signifying what the day April 01,09 was meant to be. No one could fathom what further relevance these two issues had for the celebration week besides a number of events that had already taken place focusing on the same issues including the one conducted by the Directorate and graced by the union shipping secretary, A. P. V. N. Sarma.

More appalling still was the moderator of the two panels, the Lloyd Lists’ correspondent Shirish Nadkarni making a surprise announcement, “We will now welcome into our midst Capt. Jasprit Chawla and Chief Officer Syam Chetan,” he said, (referring to the two Indian officers of the tanker ship “Hebei Spirit” detained in South Korea). As no one stepped in he blatantly stated that it was ‘April Fool’. Heart broken was Commodore D. R. Syam VSM, father of Syam Chetan who had come as a special invitee. He sighed, “For a moment I thought the administration had a happy surprise for me. But it was not to be.”

Although ‘Piracy and Criminalisation –Threat to the Seafaring profession’, was the theme of the seminar, one of the cadets Amit Sharma when asked to voice his opinion lamented, “It is obvious that people who are lawmakers, framing the rules are sitting in air-conditioned offices while drafting the rules and regulations. How do we face the pirates and criminals? We are not trained to tackle these problems when we go into the deep sea.” The directorate humbly responded stating that ‘there were no answers to these problems.’

Umesh C. Grover, Director (Technical & Offshore Services), SCI observed, “As it is seafaring had lost its charm with shorter port stay and longer voyages at sea. Now to add to it is criminalisation and piracy rearing its ugly head?”

S. Hajara, cmd of SCI stated that the treatment being meted out to the two Indian officers of V. Ships in Korea has got the whole world to take another look at the IMO guidelines.

In his presentation, Jim Mainstone, Head of Special Projects at Gray Page, contended, “The world media has not properly highlighted what the hijacked crew faces under the control of the pirates.” He gave details of the modus operandi of the Somalian pirates, their style of functioning and their mind-set. “We have to make a coordinated effort, put an agenda to work together. Unfortunately, every country has a different policy. With the result if pirates are actually captured then how do we try them and to whom should they be handed over – certainly not to the Somalian authorities.”

The other facet which was serving as a deterrent to attracting more youth to the seafaring profession was tactfully handled by Brian Martis, Group Business Services Director of V. Ships. He gave an account of the trauma which Capt. Kanwar Sunder Mathur who commanded the beleaguered Erika underwent for no fault of his. Also the unjust treatment meted out to Capt. Apostolos Mangouras of the tanker Prestige, where without Mens Rea and without being proved guilty seafarers were subjected to punishment.

He cautioned about the disproportionate response to accidents and the reaction being indicative of the treatment seafarers will receive. He quoted the former French President Jacques Chirac’s response to accidents at sea saying, “This is not inevitable. It is the result of human actions. France and Europe must not leave these shady men, these gangsters of the sea, to profit cynically from the lack of transparency in the current system.”

Mr. Martis explained that substandard operators, substandard ships and substandard manning agents who are a serious threat must be reported upon. They are responsible in part for the kind of legislation we are confronted with today. We have come a long way and the industry has made great strides in improving its image. “We have a choice to make,” he said. “We can accept the status quo and do nothing about it. Or we can organise ourselves well enough to fight the scourge of criminalisation.”

The two panel discussions were inconclusive and had nothing to offer accepting clarifications on some of the points raised.

Reacting to the spent-out trend the seminar was taking and the listless efforts of the government machinery rising up to the occasion, Mr. Abdulgani Y. Serang, General Secretary–cum–Treasurer of the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) likened the progress to ‘waiting for the cows to come back’ development, “If there happened to be a minister’s son or a prince from some country on a passenger ship that gets attacked only then will there be a wakeup call like the 9/11 situation evoked. But when we talk about offering more bonuses or money to seafarers whose ships traverse through pirate infested areas, Indian ship owners quickly say an unequivocal ‘NO’.”

The Chief Guest, Justice Dr. A.S. Anand ruled that piracy and criminalisation of seafarers will continue to exist. “Piracy on the high seas is a form of terrorism whose objective is not so much to harm but to disturb the equilibrium in exchange of money,” he pointed out. “Unfortunately, there is no definition of ‘terrorism’, thus the selective approach of the governments and their double standards are evident … Countries will keep asking how does it matter to me what happens in your backyard.”

He went on to point out that the response of media to show the ugly face of piracy and criminalisation is not as evident as it was after 9/11, or even the recent attack on a cricket team on foreign soil. “However,” he appealed to the cadets, “Don’t go by these aberrations. Seafaring is still a good profession!”

LNG tanker rates fall on increase in vessels

2009-03-23T10:49:00.001+05:30

Charter rates for liquefied natural gas tankers on short-term hauls declined 17 per cent last year because of an increase in new vessels, Poten & Partners said.
Rates to rent LNG tankers fell to about US$46,600 a day for steam turbine vessels of 138,000 to 150,000 cubic metres in capacity, Poten, a US energy consultant, said in a report.
'With a record number of new builds entering the fleet, market needs were easily accommodated and except for a few instances, prompt ships were always available,' the report said.
'Despite a robust cargo market with record numbers of spot shipments being diverted from the Atlantic Basin to destinations east of Suez, chartering activity remained muted through July.'
The number of LNG ships worldwide will increase by more than 50 per cent in 2010 after shipyards delivered a record 58 vessels last year, David Fuller, the London-based head of LNG for RWE AG, said at the Gas Asia conference in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday.
Daily charter rates in 2008 were in a range of US$40,000 to US$50,000 about 60 per cent of the time, according to the report.
Charter rates for ships transporting spot cargoes have declined to about US$35,000 to US$40,000 a day currently, Gunaseharan Ganapathy, vice-president of LNG at MISC Bhd, said on Wednesday. Charterers may have paid as much as US$75,000 a day during winter 2007, according to Drewry Maritime Services Ltd.
MISC, the world's largest owner of liquefied natural gas tankers, expects a surplus of vessels this year and next as ship deliveries precede the start up of projects and the global recession cuts Asia's demand for the fuel, Mr Ganapathy said.
LNG is natural gas that has been reduced to one-six-hundredth of its original volume at minus 161 degrees Celsius for transportation by ship to destinations not connected by pipeline. On arrival, it is turned back into gas for distribution to power plants, factories and households. -- Bloomberg

Maersk tankers “Ready for CO2 transport market”

2009-03-23T10:48:00.000+05:30

AP Moller – Maersk Group subsidiary Maersk Tankers says it is ready to enter the CO2 transportation market to help promote Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), one of the technologies identified as key to mitigate the effects of climate change.
“With this initiative we want to show industrial leadership by demonstrating we can act on the global challenge that is carbon emissions,” says Martin Fruergaard, senior vice president, Maersk Tankers in a paper presented at the International Scientific Congress on Climate Change in Copenhagen last week.
“Our decision reflects the AP Moller – Maersk Group’s approach to the global challenge on climate change, which is to develop innovative and creative ways to limit carbon emissions,” says Mr Fruergaard.
Maersk Tankers says it has examined the business case for entering into the CO2 transportation market for either offshore storage or enhanced oil recovery (EOR), using CO2 to increase oil recovery rates in maturing fields. “By utilizing our experience in transporting liquefied petrochemical and natural gasses, we have developed a large scale case for transport of CO2 for storage or EOR,” says Martin Fruergaard.
According to Maersk Tanker studies, more than 750 million tonnes of CO2 are emitted from large stationary power plants close to the sea in the North Sea region alone. Fifteen handysize (20,000 cu m) gas carriers could transport more than half of Denmark’s annual CO2 emissions for storage in the North Sea, the equivalent of all CO2 from large Danish stationary emission sources. CO2 fraction retained in selected reservoirs is likely to exceed 99 percent over 1,000 years, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
Furthermore, according to Maersk, transporting CO2 by sea is cost-competitive and more flexible than pipelines on longer distances or in smaller quantities.

Looking to get out of the economic morass

2009-03-23T10:47:00.001+05:30

The 6th edition of the Indian Ports & Shipping International conference was held on March March17th & 18th, 2009 at Hotel Taj President, Mumbai. It served to focus on issues that could put the maritime industry on the path to recovery.

Held by India’s premier organisation - the Bombay Chamber of Commerce & Industry - the deliberations centred round the theme The Maritime Industry - Catalyst for Economic Growth. The event drew several players from the logistic and maritime sector in the hope of finding some ready solutions to help wriggle out of the recessionary conduit.

There was a consensus that now was the time to build capacity and bring in efficiency. Infrastructure development would ensure better connectivity and help reduce cost. As ship building, ship breaking, dredging, offshore, inland and coastal water tourism and transport, manpower development, etc., was seeing a significant growth there was plenty of scope for investors.

“China has been able to sustain a 9% economic growth because it gave importance to this sector,” pointed out S. Hajara, chairman and managing director of Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) and president of the Indian National Shipowners’ Association (INSA). “In the present stage of economic development, India’s liner trade will see a high growth area. The average terminal capacity utilization at the country’s premier container terminal viz. JNPT was 90% vis-à-vis global average of 70% to 75%. We need to create more capacity.”

“We need to develop capacity so that we can operate at an acceptable level of 70%,” concurred Dr Anup Chanda, chairman of the Indian Ports Association. “We must go in for vertical expansion and not just horizontal. Unless we develop the coastal and inland waterways connectivity we will have to continue falling back on road and rail transport which besides being costly, cause pollution and congestion.”

Capt Sandeep Mehta, CEO, Mundra Port & SEZ Ltd, said, “The downturn should be considered as a time which is offering a breathing space to bring in to place the required infrastructure so that when the next spurt comes in we should not be caught napping.”

“The multiplier effect of growth in shipbuilding can create a total investment of Rs 37,000 crores in the Indian economy by 2012 and around Rs 2,22,000 crore by 2017,” stated Vijay Kumar, managing director of Bharati Shipyard Ltd. and president of the Shipyards Association of India. “This can enhance the overall economic output to around Rs 3,42,000 crore by 2017. Because of the shortage of shipyards capacity in India, the Indian Navy will get a large number of vessels constructed from outside India. The Navy also plans to take over the Hindustan Shipyard Ltd. The coast guard too is looking to having a large number of vessels constructed which may happen in foreign shipyards. Considering the massive employment opportunity and the benefit to the economy the government should restore the subsidy to make the shipyards competitive.”

Considering the importance of connectivity S. S. Hussain, chairman of JNPT did not want financial outlays made for developing connectivity to be considered as expenditure but as an investment. He welcomed the government plans for going ahead with the dedicated multi-modal high axle load freight corridor in the Eastern and Western corridors at an estimated cost of Rs 28,181 Crore.

“Most of the Indian Containers are trans-shipped at Colombo, Singapore and Dubai because Indian ports do not have sufficient draft and lack supporting infrastructure to handle fifth and sixth generation vessels,” observed Maya Sinha, Deputy Chairman JNPT. “With the increase in container traffic, shipping lines are in a position to provide their customers in India direct sailing, especially to destinations in Europe and North America which will lead to an increase in percentage of larger vessels coming to India subject to increase in available draft and other infrastructure.”

Competitive ports need a deeper draft as a pre-requisite in order to cater to increased traffic, accommodate main line vessels operating in the shipping trade, enhance capacity of the ports through construction of new ports or expansion and development of the existing ones and create hub port services for the trans-shipment of containers.

Rakesh Srivastava, Jt. Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Government of India, outlined some of the present projects. Capital dredging for major ports with a target to increase the draught to between 14m to 17m is underway at JNPT, Paradip, Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, Tuticorin, Cochin and Ennore Ports at a total cost of Rs. 2382 Crore. “With the deepening and widening of the entrance channel at Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Ennore, Tuticorin, New Mangalore it would facilitate larger size vessels to call at these ports,” he said.

He also informed that 9 projects were under implantation at each of the major ports to provide a minimum of 4-lane connectivity at a total cost of Rs. 1859 Crores. Besides, each Major Port would have double line rail connectivity and in this regard eight projects totalling 961.56 km were under implementation at a total cost of Rs. 2118.84 Crore. Besides, two dedicated high axle load freight corridor each on Western and Eastern routes is underway.

Bhavesh Gandhi, Executive Vice Chairman, Pipavav Shipyard Ltd., too projected the immense opportunities that existed in ship building. He pointed out that INSA has projected that about 50% of the Indian fleet (about 37 vessels) have to be scrapped within the next five years to comply with the International Maritime Organisation’s regulations. Besides, the Association has projected an expansion of the Indian fleet to 830 vessels or 12 million Dwt by 2012.

Making a comparison he stated that the fuel consumption for every tonne/km of cargo carried through waterways is only 15% of that consumed by road and 54% of that by rail. Studies have shown that diverting 5% of road cargo to coastal shipping shall result in a saving of Rs 15-20 billion annually. In order to be competitive more cargo would be seen getting transported by the coast and inland waterways. Hence, there would be further demand for ship building.
Mr A. P. V. N. Sarma, Union Shipping Secretary the chief guest at the function in his theme address informed that the Ministry of Finance has been asked to consider a stimulus package for the ports and shipping sector. He emphasised that he was working towards facilitating all-round growth in the shipping, ports and associated sectors, with focus on increasing the national tonnage, identifying and implementing public-private partnership (PPP) projects, improving connectivity, innovating in dredging and other areas, and enhancing training standards.

Interview with David Cockroft, General Secretary of International Transport Federation

2009-03-09T12:23:00.001+05:30

Q) What is the stand of ITF on the on-going piracy?

Piracy is a major problem in the world though much lesser than the problem that evolves because we finally got the major maritime nations of the world to act in concert and to put up a serious military force. This has already made a big difference in the number of hijackings taking place.

Also it is more important we now have an agreement with our ship owner counterparts that no seafarer can be forced if he decides not to go in piracy infected area and that he cannot be penalised in any way. And if they do go they get paid double the wages.

Q) What according to you needs to be done to stop the piracy?

It is all because Somalia does not have a proper government that piracy has become a thick business. When the Sirius Star was taken they got a massive $ 3 million for that. But the fact is, if you are defending the seafarers there has got to be negotiations. At the end the military authorities of the countries concerned have got to intervene.

Everybody knows where these pirate bases are. Every body knows from where they are dispatching small ships to lodge their attack. I would favour the navies going and bombing their bases, which of course could be considered a violation of a national sovereignty. But then the country does not have an effective government. However, unless the international community takes strong effective military action by killing a few pirates I don’t think it will help to solve the problem.

Q) What further course of action does ITF proposes with regard the two detained Indian Officers of V Ships in Korea?

The two officers in my view will be released quite soon when their appeal comes up for hearing. When they were detained I had visited them in Korea and met them and their wives and had talked to them. Whatever the nature of the incident, we will work to stop the criminalisation of seafarers.

Q) How is it that ITF has given recognition to two seamen’s unions in the same country? In India you have recognised NUSI and the FUSI besides the officers’ union - MUI?

Well we do it all the time. We have given recognition to multiple unions in a country all over the world and India is no exception. We recognise and accept membership from any democratically controlled trade union which represents the interest of the seafarers. In fact, today I came here for the NUSI’s function from the FSUI’s office. And we find FSUI being a well democratic controlled trade union and we wish it well. What we hope more and more is that better co-operation between NUSI and FUSI ensues. We are not going to chose sides between one good union and not so good union. What we need are unions which look after the interest of Indian seafarers both on Indian flag ships and foreign flag ships.

There is no doubt that FSUI is the majority union on the Indian flag whereas NUSI is probably a majority union on both the foreign flag and Indian flag and the agreement are held accordingly - but I am not going to be involved in this. FSUI came into the ITF with the full support of NUSI. Of course we did get involved into negotiations to achieve that. NUSI did not come with objections. FUSI came in and met with NUSI on a regular basis and as far as I am concerned is to advance the interests of the Indian seafarers.

Q) In Mumbai there are nearly 14 unions operating. Don’t you think that by giving recognition to one union and not the other it could create intra-union rivalry and in the process the interests of the seafarers could get ignored?

We are not in favour of union monopoly. Union monopoly is not in the interest of trade unions. Any union which is genuinely democratically controlled by the members which chooses to join the ITF will be welcomed. We don’t like union which are wholly depended on political parties. I don’t think that ITF is likely to accept 14 unions. At the moment in many countries around the world we have two or three or sometimes even four seafarers’ unions, they work together in the end. The section 87 of the ILO says the workers should be free to join the union of their choice. If seafarers choose to join FSUI then it is fine. If they choose to join NUSI, fine it the freedom that matters. And we continue to encourage good relationship. We will see that very good close working relation results between both those unions.

DGS’s Stimulus package set to boost coastal shipping

2009-03-09T12:22:00.000+05:30

The Director General of Shipping has assured a stimulus package to boost coastal shipping. This could not only dramatically enhance employment but also lead to a significant shift in cargo movement from the ‘costlier’ road and rail networks to the ‘cheaper’ and more environment-friendly water transport systems along the coast and through inland waters.

Ms Lakshmi Venkatachalam, Director General of Shipping, Government of India promised the trade various measures that she would take in this regard while deliberating on the Directorate’s notification for the construction, survey, certification and operation of Indian River-Sea vessels at a seminar held under the aegis of the Indian Coastal Conference at the Indian Merchants’ Chambers on February 25, 2009.

While making his presentation, Mr Atul Jadhav, President of Goa Barge Owners’ Association informed that though the notification allows for seamless integration of coastal vessels with river barges, awareness about this aspect; its purpose and usefulness is seriously lacking. Besides, various maritime boards have not yet come out with relevant notifications to this effect.

“On the manning side there is a tremendous shortage of engineers whereas officers on the nautical side expect salaries applicable to foreign going vessels, which is not at all feasible,” he informed. “While operating on the coast or inland waters, officers may have to double up as watch keepers, or undertake other functions besides their own for which they are not amenable. Those on the coast operate on a thin margin of around Rs 40,000 to Rs 60,000 making it impracticable to pay exorbitant salaries. “

Making a comparison with road transport Mr. Aditya Suklikar of Indian Costal Conference stated that water transport would get the required impetus if manning was taken out of the purview of STCW since employing master mariners and other marine officers for coastal or river transport was too expensive. He advocated the need to tap the vast source of ITI approved diploma holders from various institutes. He also desired that the CDC requirement be waived for Class IV vessels.

Mr Atul Jadhav appealed for the framing of a separate set of rules for coastal and river operations. He desired that the CDC requirement be done away with for all coastal vessels. “It would suffice to have just two workers having knowledge of only the elementary requirements of navigating along the coast,” he said. “Hence, a simpler course could be devised under the certificate of competency examinations.

“The duties and responsibilities assigned under the ISM code should be moderated or done away with, since much time is wasted in paper work besides adding to costs. In China there are 13,000 vessels operating along the coast since regulations are much simpler,” he said. “Because of the stringent requirements applicable here, and despite having a much long coastline, we in India have only around 45 vessels operating. In each state there are different regulations that are being observed, as in Goa night navigation is not allowed only for river-sea vessels as allowed under the DGS notification while all other vessels even though they are much bigger are allowed to operate in the night.”

Barge operators want some kind of permanent committee to keep tabs on the implementation and working of the notification and to help in streamlining any difficulties faced. It was pointed out that the trade was competing with the road and rail networks which are not subject to customs regulations and those applicable under the merchant shipping act which the people involved in coastal and inland waterway transport have to adhere to.

Agreeing with the demand to do away with the present pre-sea training or structured training for those who aspire to man coastal vessels and not to insist on having those who have been trained to serve on foreign going vessels Capt M. M. Saggi, Nautical Advisor to the Government of India said, “For River-Sea vessels it would suffice to have just one person who gets qualified under a new short-term simplified course - the format of which would consist of some harmonized standards for Class IV vessels. The candidate would get certified according to some model rules and work in all states without hurdles. By introducing this new course it would help in generating immense manpower.

“We need a paradigm change for a new transport model for River-Sea Vessels as it requires different kinds of skills,” stated Ms Lakshmi Venkatachalam, IAS, Director General of Shipping. “We will develop some kind of ‘hybrid’ course/curriculum for River-Sea vessels. We need to have a dialogue with customs and TAMP authorities. Our territorial waters are the last bastion so let’s get it right – No short cuts.”

For creating awareness in various players and officials of different government departments, Ms Venkatachalam agreed to have a number of seminars at state level through ICC where all players could be brought together. “ICC should also look at ‘top of the line’ emergent technologies and devise ways to attract investments,” she suggested. “They also need to hold a meeting with the Secretary - Shipping since he also looks at the road and highway transport. ICC can certainly form two or three contact groups whether in relation with training or principles, etc. I would be happy to meet with these on a regular basis.”

Suggesting a way forward she also proposed that the trade should consider availing of Ro-Ro vessels for transport of cars along the coastal routes. Similarly other goods and supplies of industry in general, could be encouraged to avail of the cheaper environment friendly coastal route.

Offering her sincere advice to the trade, Ms Venkatachalam counselled, “Coastal shipping has failed, but Coastal shipping must and can succeed. Though much is said about short sea shipments in Western and developed countries but it is not all hunky-dory there. Please start comparing at every forum and avenue available to project what the nation is losing out by investing more in the rail and road sector instead of in coastal trade which do not require construction of highways.”

Interview with Capt Fared Khan

2009-03-02T11:06:00.001+05:30

Having been with AET for 22 years Capt Fared Khan Head Group HR Sea, AET Shipmanagement (Singapore) Pte Limited pioneered various schemes which have yielded excellent results for the company. During his brief visit to India, Shipping Today caught up with him to get some insights on various issues which have helped the company achieve its premier position.
Malaysian International Shipping Corporation (MISC) ant its plan in India
MISC is the parent company dealing in chemicals, containers and LNG, whereas, AET is leading worldwide petroleum shipping company wholly owned subsidiary dealing in crude oil as well as in managing, operating and securing business for the fleet. MISC and AET make a dynamic team complimenting each other well to become the World’s Leading Petroleum Tankers Operators (‘WLPTO’).
About inducting lady seafarers…
Women are as skilful and competitive as their male counterparts. AET has been recruiting female seafarers for the past three years and now have four female officers and 38 female cadets comprising of the deck as well as the engine side. I am very optimistic on getting in many more women into shipping.
On the Dynamic Role of Human Resources (HR)…
As far as manning is concerned the HR prospective has undergone a transformation mainly in view of the changed necessities. The shortage of skilled and experienced seafarers has made the shipping companies look closely at the benefits for the seafarers.
Being from the sea myself, I understand the need of the seafarer much better. At AET we are giving opportunities to build our abilities in HR. For instance, everything HR Sea has to incorporate first goes through the HR Shore management which is led by thorough professionals well versed and having expertise in their field of operation.
In all its seminars, AET has now made it mandatory to include at least two HR related topics, which are presented by HR experts. In the seminars held at Malaysia, the HR topics covered related to Performance Management and both were well received by the officers. I think AET will be the first shipping company to systematically appraise an individual on the basis of his or her performance.
On the downtrend…
It is my view that the current downturn will hardly make a much of a difference as far as the seafarers are concerned. Good companies that have strong policies in this downturn will manage to survive this storm. Also, I believe that the time has come for the seafarers to make a difference in this bad phase, by being cost effective with their performance.
Long before the recession, AET took measures to lock in with the charterers and spread their business evenly so that they are not spread out only in the stock market itself. But we have expanded ourselves in partnership with many oil majors. As long as we deliver what we have promised the customers we will continue to perform. AET has its own ships and we are capable of riding out the storm; we have got our business motto right. I personally believe that AET will come out much stronger in the partnership with the seafarers. I am very confident that we are ride through this period well and come out winners.
On Prevailing Piracy…
AET takes utmost care in providing security and safe passage for its ships passing through the piracy affected areas. AET has given strict instructions to all its vessels, including the charterers and foreign flag vessels that a naval convoy must escort them when they pass these routes. AET gives top priority in protecting its crew and ensuring safety.
WE GUARANTEE SAFE PASSAGE THROUGH THE GULF OF ADEN REGIONS FOR OUR SEA STAFF.
On the essence of seminars…
The Seminar is a platform for the exchange of ideas and to formulate company’s policies in the presence of the shore management along with its floating staff. It is a place for interaction and bonding between the managements and the seafarers.
Message to Indian Seafarers
Today’s generation of seafarers lack the right attitude towards shipping. The Indian seafarers are very skilled and perhaps the best in the world. I don’t want to see the Indian seafarers’ fate as happened to the European, who turned out to be too demanding, but if the Indian continue to move in the wrong direction, then it would not take long for the Chinese, African and other South Asian countries to take their place as those people are willing to work hard too. So my message to Indian seafarers would be to be more professional and live up to the legacy created by the seniors.

AET’s Code: Par Excellence

2009-03-02T11:05:00.001+05:30

Excellence is a passion with American Eagle Tankers. Taking this philosophy to heart, AET chose “Operation Excellence” as its theme for its quarterly Officers’ seminar held recently at Holiday Inn Glenmarie, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from January 19 to 22, 2009, where the company took the opportunity to honour its long standing staff as is usually done during such seminar and also launched its remarkable newsletter.

For the officers and their spouses who attended the seminar it was one great ‘all expenses paid’ holiday. As many would wish to call it - a five-day free holiday at an exotic tourist destination where each one enjoyed mixing business with pleasure.

“AET Senior Sea staff seminar is a platform for the exchange of ideas and to formulate company’s policies in the presence of the shore management along with its senior floating staff,” says Capt Fared Khan, Head Group HR Sea, AET Shipmanagement. “It is a place for interaction and bonding between the management and the Senior Sea staff.”

As has been a trend in AET, the conference was attended by the President and CEO Mr. Hor Weng Yew along with other senior company managers and their spouses.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysian International Shipping Corporation (MISC) and dealing in crude oil as well as in managing, operating and securing business for the fleet, AET uses seminars as another platform to give recognition to its officers with long standing service with the company honouring them with mementos and magnanimous gifts.

Mr Wee Teck Chee, Captain Premanathan Menon and Mr Lim Poh Whee have been with the company for more than three decades and Mr Leong Kee Yeen with 25 years of distinguished service were heartily congratulated and graciously honoured by the company. Next in line were 14 others officers having served for between 15 and 20 years, and others with 10 years of service were honoured with a similar show of appreciation and enthusiasm.

AET took the opportunity to launch SEASCAPE its first quarterly periodical devoted exclusively for its People. The magazine’s launch which took place at the hands of Mr. Amir Azizan, the C E O of MISC, was received with great interest and zest by all present and in particular by the sea staff.

Focusing on the strategy of the company Capt Rajesh Deshwal, Regional Manager – India said, “AET make a dynamic arm of MISC to become the World’s Leading Petroleum Tankers Operator (WLPTO).” MISC the parent company of AET deals in chemicals, containers and is the world’s largest LNG owner operator”.
“AET has new vessel deliveries lined up and on an average one ship will be added to our fleet every quarter until 2012. AET’s increasing tanker tonnage in times when most competitors are struggling to sustain themselves should be indication enough, not just to our own people but also to others in the industry that by being part of AET you have secured your future.”

“AET recruits 150 cadets annually to meet the growing demand for seafarers and about half of these are from India. All of them are trained at the Akademi Laut Malaysia (ALAM), AET’s Malaysian Maritime Academy. AET is particularly proud of its cadet training programme which involves over 600 candidates being prepared for the sea-life at a time. Some of these cadets were also involved in the conference, both as trainees and as part of the conference organising team.

Since training plays a major role for factoring in ‘Operational Excellence’ it was one of the highlights at the seminar. A few case studies along with the relevant investigative reports and studies were taken up in order to give participants an indepth understanding of the measures to be taken to prevent incidents, accidents and near misses.

The need for trained and competent manpower has now become a universal feature. AET has raised the bar on Maritime Education and Training by revising the learning system so that competence beyond compliance is being maintained.

Several other topics contributing to Operational Excellence were touched upon. Presentations focusing on both internal and industry were delivered by renowned external speakers. Significantly there were subjects on ship safety, international conventions, safety of navigation and services to the shipping community. There were also technical discussions that took place in great detail on machinery, bunker management and innovations in energy conservation. The conference included stimulating discussion on good practices, addressing the question, ‘Will today’s best practices be still valid tomorrow?’

Whenever an incident or accident occurred, the reaction of the media was considered. It was essential to remember when media publicity was desirable and when not. If it would be beneficial and how this could be ascertained was also deliberated upon.

From the feedback obtained, it was learnt that participants really appreciated the programme and found the seminar very beneficial owing to the wide range of topics that were discussed that helped to add to one’s knowledge and encourage better performance on board a ship. The interaction with the management and the content were both found to be useful and informative.
The location “Holiday Inn Glenn Marie Resort” was very congenial and excellent for the seminar and for sight seeing. The trip to the Sunway Lagoon – the most attractive tourist spot and the whole trip was well planned and organised as always.

Indian ship recyclers oppose IMO draft at Mumbai workshop

2009-03-02T11:04:00.000+05:30

Serious differences came to the fore between Indian ship breakers and the international body, as the draft on International Convention for the Safe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships went in for finalisation at the 2nd National Workshop of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), held jointly by the Directorate General of Shipping and IMO on 23rd February 2009 at Maritime Training Institute of the Shipping Corporation of India, at Powai, Mumbai.

While the Norwegian, Greek and other ship owners of some of the developed nations took a concerted stand of imposing greater liability on ship breakers including doing away with the beaching process that is now being followed at the Alang yard in Gujarat and elsewhere, the Indian side claimed it to be a ploy of the shipowners’ from developed nations to shelf the entire responsibility on ship breakers so that they would not be held accountable in any way.

Jens H Koefoed, Senior Advisor to the Norwegian Maritime Directorate propounding ‘A conceptual approach to the Recycling convention’ insisted that an inventory of hazardous material along with the certification should be maintained on board the ship and at other stages of the ‘ship’s journey from its cradle to the grave’.

Vasuo Nakajo from the Ship Building Research of Japan as well as Hideaki Saito of Japan Ship Centre desired that there should be an approval of the recycling plan and each constituent of the hazardous material should also be identified and an inventory maintained.

Mr PS Nagarsheth, President of the Iron Steel Scrap & Shipbreakers’ Association of India questioned the practicality of keeping track of the TBT and other hazardous material that exists in paints through out the life of a ship. Without insisting on the TBT paint being replaced and allowing over-painting during the life of a ship it only meant that if a few pounds of such material was found short at the time of recycling the ship recycler would have to make up for the shortfall at his cost.

Ms Kate Ware, Sr. Policy Advisor, Shipping & Marine Environment, Dept of Transport, UK pointing to the process of recycling and getting tacit approval questioned the moment of the commencement of the 14 day notice period since there were no proper guidelines on this.

Mr Nagarsheth requested greater clarity with regard to hazardous material and hazardous waste. He went on to state that the definition of a ship which has been accepted under MARPOL 73 and even by MEPC up to the 53rd session is now being changed in the current draft with a new addition being made with the words “or having operated in the marine environment” which seems to be a deliberate attempt to pass on some of the responsibility and liability of the shipowners to the ship recyclers.
“There is no clear demarcation when a ship ceases to be a ship,” stated Mr Nagarsheth. “Once a ship is delivered to the ship recycler, it should cease to be a ship as it becomes merely a ‘floating structure cargo’. Accordingly, the IMO’s role is restricted until the ship remains a ship or a floating structure. Once it is no more a floating structure, the role of IMO should cease. Thereafter, the operations and role of workers at the yard should be addressed by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the handling of hazardous waste should be based on Basel norms.”
He also assailed the concept of ‘Maritime Lien’. He pointed out that the debt of a ship and not of a person is operative only in shipping industry and not in any other activity. The ship recycler, the bonafide buyer of the ship, even after taking all precautions, is subject to Maritime Lien risk without any default on his part. So to avoid such a risk to the recycler there should be clear demarcations made to decide when a ship creases to be a ship. Hence, he suggested that it was important to delete the words: ‘or having operated in the marine environment’ from the definition of a ship.
Though some of the Western shipowners’ especially the Norwegians were against the beaching method for recycling which was prevalent in Alang, Mr Nagarsheth stated, “The beaching method is the only economically viable method. A port or dry dock which can be used for building or repairing ships or is used as a port for the cargo movement cannot in any way be economically used for recycling.” He insisted that all hazardous material in a ship destined for recycling should be removed prior to the final voyage to the recycling yard.
Presenting the view of the Indian ship breaking industry Mr Nagarsheth stated, “The present working paper issued by MEPC 58 of the IMO on Ship Recycling is not acceptable to the Indian ship recycling industry.” He claimed that they would be sending a representation to the Indian government not to ratify it. He alleged that the working paper was prepared under the influence of the shipowners and shipowning countries, and is designed to transfer the obligation of observing the entire regulations onto ship recycling countries.
Reacting rather disdainfully Dr. Nikos Mikelis of the IMO, London, who was in the chair, stated that it was not proper for Mr. Nagarsheth to make allegations (without reason) about the draft being the shipowners’ ploy. Now that the draft was in its final stage it was wrong on his part to come up with total rejection and/or objection to it when there had been ample opportunities for the Indian side to make the amendments of choice at the various meetings held so far.
Earlier the IMO Workshop was inaugurated by Ms. Lakshmi Venkatachalam, Director General of Shipping & ex-officio Additional Secretary to the Govt. of India. Dr. Nikos Mikelis in his address stated, “It is not right for us to simply dump our ships in some place and forget about them. It is amazing that in this recycling business all parts of the ship are dismantled and brought to use in some other industry. As the world is becoming interdependent we have to acknowledge and adhere to the standard conventions and regulations.
“With the adoption of the new recycling conventions, I don’t think that IMO’s responsibilities and efforts are over. We depend on the Indian recycling industry for future initiatives to continue to serve the industry.”
Whether the convention gets ratified by India or not, informed an official, there were several loopholes in the draft per se. It is only a question of changing the flag of the ship intended to be recycled. Another spokesman from the shipping trade not wishing to be named considered the whole exercise to be eyewash.

IMO chief calls for action on global warming

2009-02-23T11:49:00.001+05:30

IMO secretary general Efthimios Mitropoulos has stressed the need for IMO to take action on greenhouse gases. Speaking at the start of this meeting of IMO's Sub-Committee on Fire Protection he noted that the theme for this year’s World Maritime Day is “Climate change: a challenge for IMO too!”. He said the theme was chosen by IMO's Council to give the organisation the opportunity to focus on an urgent issue of global dimensions.
He said: “I sincerely hope that the theme will galvanize intense action within IMO and the international maritime community throughout the year so that the contribution we will be able to make to the Conference scheduled to be held in Copenhagen in December to produce a new treaty instrument to succeed the 1997 Kyoto Protocol to the 1992 UN Framework Convention on Climate Change is the appropriate one, commensurate with our degree of care, concern and sensitivity about the environment – both marine and atmospheric.”
He added: “In acknowledging that climate change is a challenge for IMO too, we must seek an outcome as successful as the one we achieved last year when agreeing, unanimously, a series of drastic measures to further reduce the emission of air pollutants from ships. This time round, our endeavours should aim at adding IMO’s contribution to the world efforts to address the phenomena of climate change and global warming and thus demonstrate, once again, our undiminished determination to respond to our environmental responsibilities decisively, effectively and expeditiously. I am confident that your Sub-Committee will not shy away from adding, from its own perspective, any contribution needed to help stem those worrying phenomena.”
Turning to safety issues he said: “Environmental concerns apart, I sincerely hope that, this year, we will see a distinct improvement in the safety record of shipping and a substantial decline in the number and impact of marine casualties, which, last year, rose to an unacceptably high level. Except for cases of force majeure, the loss of lives at sea can hardly be justified nowadays and, therefore, even in the serious financial crisis and economic downturn the world is going through at the moment, any attempt to adhere to safety standards lower than the highest practicable ones IMO adopts should not be an option for anyone, just as the financial crisis should not be any excuse to slow down progress in the global efforts to stem climate change and global warming. Compromising safety – by, for example, deferring essential maintenance work or the replacement of faulty or obsolete equipment or by postponing training for officers and crew – may have catastrophic consequences, both for human lives and the marine environment, while dealing, at the same time, a strong blow to the image of the industry from which it will need great efforts and a long time to recover.”

Quality driven ‘Fleet’ on course to excellence

2009-02-23T11:48:00.005+05:30

During the two-day Seminar, quality driven Fleet Management Ltd (FML) focused on its quest for excellence featuring its enviable track record and World Class Safety and Environment friendly systems in place. Mr. K. S. Rajvanshy, Managing Director, Fleet Management Ltd., Hong Kong significantly brought out the contributory factors that helped convert the fleet (now at over 200 in number) into a top of the line management company.

It is the company’s portfolio of services that helped it chart the path to success he pointed out. “What we do includes 3rd party technical management, lay-up solutions, insurance, inspections and condition surveys, shipboard audits, training videos, new building supervisions, special projects and IT systems all of which form the backbone of our quality system,” says Mr Rajvanshy.

A member of the Noble Group Limited, the company boasts of a multi-national crewing pool of over 7000 seafarers comprising mostly of Indians, Filipinos, Chinese and Europeans. The company’s track record is reflected by its several maritime awards for excellence including “Best Ship Manager Award during the Year 2004, consistently nominated as finalist in the Best Ship Manager Category for the last 9 years and numerous other awards for its unique Web-based Ship Management System and online training modules.

Capt Sunao Adachi, Director of MOL Tankship Management Ltd, Japan gave brief insights into the MOL and the Methanol trade. MOL holds 45% of the world’s methanol tanker share.

Making a statistical analysis of incidents, near misses, machinery failure, navigational incidents and crew injuries, Capt A. M. Karandikar, Director & General Manager, FML – Hong Kong contended that accidents will happen as soon as the regular safety barriers are removed or bypassed. “Accidents lurk around the corner waiting to happen when we least expect them,” he said. “Accidents will happen as soon as we take ‘shortcuts’ or try to achieve a routine chore a bit ‘faster’.” Using various case studies of accidents relating to navigation, crew injury, cargo damage and enclosed space, he drove home the reasons leading to the accidents and how they could have been averted.

Capt Karandikar also made presentations on ‘The Company’s MARPOL compliance Programme’ and another on ‘Obstruction of Justice and False Statements – How to avoid them.’ Talking about MARPOL he stated that the company firmly believes in protecting the environment. He disclosed the best practices that required to be adhered to for preventing pollution. Contravention of MARPOL regulations could land a person in jail he explained while giving details of the regulations prevalent in different countries with regard to MARPOL and the stringent measures taken to ensure that these are followed.

Preventing or attempting to prevent an investigation or to impede or attempt to impede or even influence or attempt to influence the course or outcome of an investigation by a government body or authority is considered obstruction of justice he said. In short it is always better to tell the truth and not to create or alter documents after the incident. “If asked to make a false statement or create / alter a document after an incident,” he said, “you must refuse to do so and report the matter to the designated person ashore.”

Continuing on a similar note Mr. Marius Schonberg, Loss Prevention Executive of GARD P & I Club, Norway, discussed the need for safety awareness and risk assessment. What contributes to risk and the type of risks involved were highlighted in his presentation. “The Rules of the Road,” he pointed out are: Navigation must at all times be in accordance with Colregs; the point of passing each other, and Ship-to-ship communication and de-conflicting. Accidents were still happening and risk assessment will help to reduce them.

Presenting the current scenario on ship acquisition and shipping, Mr Umesh Grover, Director (Technical & Offshore Services) of the Shipping Corporation of India stated, “The dry bulk market is the worst affected amongst all shipping sectors. The freight rate decline in tanker segment is relatively lower compared to dry bulk.” All this and other factors according to him clearly indicated a surplus in shipping capacity. When freight rates fall below the operating cost of the less efficient ships then it is time for such ship to be laid up. “However, the future is not as grim as might look today,” he stated.

It was return to basics with Capt M. S. Nagarajan, Director & General Manager (Tanker Team) outlining the company’s bridge procedures and passage planning to stress on maintaining ‘Navigation Safety’. Mr. Sanjay Chandra, General Manager on the other hand made references to the use of nitrogen, its pros and cons when used in different situations which he described in his talk on ‘Over pressurization of parcel tanker and maintenance of tank cleaning machines’.

There are several ways by which cargo shortage and losses can take place thus resulting in ‘Cargo Claims and Operational losses,’ as was amply brought out by Capt Anurag Sharma, Operations Superintendent of Ebony Ship Management Pvt. Ltd, Delhi. Yet another topic that educed lot of interests from the participants was the ‘Case studies of machinery breakdowns’ presented by Mr. Ajay Chaudhry, Technical Manager of Fleet Ship Management Pte Ltd, (FSMPL) Singapore (Engine). He presented details about the Root Cause Analysis and the relevant Investigation and Rectification results.

Several other topics were given indepth treatment by the speakers in their presentations. Capt Mayank Mishra, Head of Quality & Safety of FML enlightened the participants about the ‘New Regulations & Monitoring Systems for vessels calling USA, Australia, Singapore and Gulf of Aden’. Mr. Torfin Eide of Tailwind AS, Bergen, Norway touched upon ‘Credit Crunch, Customer Challenges, Climate Change and Crew Crisis’. Also topics on “Bulk Carrier Vetting & Role of Rightship”, dealt by Capt Sanjay Dhareshwar – Right Ship, Australia (non-Tanker) and ‘Vetting Inspections – Get, Set & Go’ presented by Capt A. K. Nanda – Operations Superintendent of FSMPL and ‘Scavenge Space Inspections’ explained by Mr. Sanjay Chandra were given a lucid portrayal.

Three other topics that were briefly dealt included: “An owner’s View on Fuel Quality’ presented by Capt Hans Schrijver of Vroon B.V. Breskens, Netherlands; ‘Brief Introduction to UACC’ by Capt Vikas Malhan – Operations Manager of United Arab Chemical Carrier (UACC), Dubai and ‘Discipline at Sea, Command and Management’ by Capt Zareer D. Antia – Assistant General Manager, Tata NYK Shipping (India) Pvt Ltd.

The two-day programme ended with a group workshops which offered opportunity to participants to interact so as to acquire a better understanding of the various issues that have a direct bearing on maintaining a high quality profile. The organisers hosted a cocktail dinner on the night of the first day highlights wherein long serving officers who had put in more than five-years, ten-years and more years of service were felicitated.

Quality driven ‘Fleet’ on course to excellence

2009-02-23T11:48:00.003+05:30

Quality driven ‘Fleet’ on course to excellence

2009-02-23T11:48:00.001+05:30

MSC conference holds an edge

2009-02-16T10:46:00.001+05:30

The two-day conference of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) held at the J. W Marriott, Mumbai on 30th and 31st January 2009 was akin to a home coming for the officers of the ship board staff where opportunities abounded for exchanging notes and sharing experiences both with fellow colleagues, ship owners and the management. The occasion coincided with the inauguration of the Training Institute held earlier on the 3rd floor of MSC House, on the Andheri-Kurla Road, Andheri (East), Mumbai.

At the outset Mr N Petroyannis, the chief guest representing MSC Geneva, Mr Ashok Jha, Managing Director of MSC Ship Management, Capt Nitin S Hardi, Director, MSC Ship Mgmt – India and Capt M P Basin, General Manager, MSC Ship Mgmt – India and other top dignitaries lit the traditional lamp.

Thereafter, an enthusiastic welcome was extended by Capt Hardi who was moved by the warm response from the dignitaries, guests and all seafarers who had made it convenient to attend the programme from various parts of India and Hong Kong. “MSC has completed four years of operations in India,” he said. “The total success of this great venture has been possible because of the strong support all of you colleagues here in MSC India have extended. This morning we inaugurated a state-of-the-art training institute which will go a long way in providing training for our seafarers and ensuring safety.”

“Ours is a family organisation and we operate like a family,” Mr Ashok Jha stated while welcoming all the participants and guests. “Your problems are my problems and all our problems are that of MSC’s. Things have undergone a change from the past and your views are important and I thank you for making it convenient to attend.”

In his humble inimitable style Mr Petroyannis who was the chief guest of the function pointed out that he too was a seafarer when he started his career and coming from the same background as all the seafarers present he was well versed about the various issues concerning mariners. “Later, I left the sea and joined a shore job and now I am six months past my superannuation,” he declared. “You are the motivating force that has been propelling the company. We appreciate your contribution to the company and you are neither numbers nor faces but important entities for us.”

Mr Petroyannis went on to explain that the company had put the latest simulators at the training institute which had been inaugurated that morning. He also went on to give a brief history of the organisation starting from its commencement by two siblings to the present moment when the company manages 417 ships.

“We are a 40,000 people organisation around the world,” he said. “It is remarkable that we are doing so well despite the economic downturn.” Thereafter, presenting a slide show he gave a more detailed picture of the company’s economic health which exceeded that of most other shipping companies. “Though the charter market is low and we may dispose of some ships no one will lose his present job,” he added. He went to inform that the company would be taking delivery of the new buildings and continue spending huge sums on repair and maintenance of ships to keep them in excellent condition.
Capt M P Basin, who proved to be an excellent anchor for the function offered a vote of thanks. He gave a briefing about the programme that would get underway during the rest of the day and the following one.

The Conference underscored the issue of safety which was paramount to MSCs’ ideal. The on-going safety programme received a boost with the commissioning of the full mission Bridge and Engine Room simulators. That the training programmes are growing by leaps and bounds even in the current economic scenario is just another demonstration of the top management’s commitment to safety and environment protection and the company’s vision for the future.

CTL-IMEX focuses on Empowering Growth

2009-02-16T10:43:00.002+05:30

The two-day International Conference on Ports, Cargo and Logistics – Powering Economic Growth : Logi(Sti) Cal Approach held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai on 29th and 30th January, 2009 made a significant contribution to identifying the factors in the present scenario that could be leveraged in the current economic down trend. Jointly held by the Indian Merchants’ Chambers and Fairplay Group, the conference coincided with a three-day exposition held at the same venue where impressive displays were put up by exhibitors in over 70 stalls.
Inaugurating the Conference and Exhibition on 29th January, Dr Ashwani Kumar, Union Minister of State for Industry, the chief guest at the function, in his address informed that the Union Government had decided to set up five major coastal terminals exclusively for handling petroleum and petrochemicals.
Six interactive sessions spread over the two days focused on different aspects of the logistics and port sector. Mr Michael Pinto, Former Secretary, MoS, Govt. of India chaired the first session which deliberated on Maritime Infrastructure comprised the following panellists: Mr Ramnath Iyer, Director, CRISIL, Capt. Anand Chopra, Sr. V.P. – Container Services & Mktg., SCI Capt Deepak Tewari, CEO, MSC India & President – CSLA Mr S S Hussain, Chairman, JNPT, Ms Karen Oldfield, P & CEO, Halifax Port Authorit Mr Praveen Agarwal, Chairman, Mormugao Port Trust Mr Arvind Bhatnagar, CEO, Gateway Terminals India Pvt. Ltd.
It was observed that the falling freight rates and a lack of appropriate connectivity at major ports were deterrents for new investors in this area. Optimal capacity utilization was another important area where much could be done. In the Indian context labour issues were affecting port productivity and needed to be resolved sensitively. The approach taken at the managerial level was critical to deciding how port infrastructure projects were to be financed. If adequate port infrastructure was not in place, the costs to industry as a whole would rise both nationally and internationally.
The second session focused on ‘Attracting Investment to Ports’ and was chaired by Mr D T Joseph, Former Secretary, MoS, Govt. of India. The panellists included Mr N K Raghupathy, Addl. Secretary & FA, Ministry of Food & Public Distribution, Dr A K Chanda, Chairman, Kolkata Port Trust & Chairman, IPA Mr Luc Arnouts, CCO, Antwerp Port Authority Capt Suresh N Amirapu, GM, PSA Chennai International Terminals Pvt. Ltd. Mr S G Shyam Sundar, M.D- IDFC Private Equity Mr Ganesh Raj, Sr VP & MD, DP World Subcontinent.
During the past five years, very little investment has flowed into Indian ports and a simplification of procedures on the part of the government needed to be put in place urgently. Bureaucracy and red-tapism tends to put off potential investors and hence needs to be immediately curbed. Capacity, connectivity (especially with the railway) and efficiency are the main determinants of attractiveness for investments in the port sector. However, for those wanting to invest, any time is a good time and market forces alone can ensure that the ultimate consumer does not get cheated. However, in the Indian port investment area, the PPP concept needs to be looked at again.
Mr Atanu Chakraborty, VC & CEO, Gujarat Maritime Board chaired the third session on ‘Role of State Government in Development of Non-Major Ports’. The panellists which included Dr Jose Paul, Ex Chairman - JN Port, Mumbai & Mormugao Port, Prof G Raghuram, IIManagement, Ahmedabad, Mr Sudhir Srivastava, CEO, Maharashtra Maritime Board, Mr Atul Kulkarni, CEO, Chowgule Ports & Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. Mr Rajeeva Sinha, Director, Mundra Port & SEZ Ltd. felt that private sector ports are essentially “green field” ports.
The discussion centred around the several projects that have opened up which are proving to be counter-productive, and at the same time it was noted that too few projects leads to monopolies. In many Indian port projects, the clauses are being experimented with and their essential spirit is being distorted or forgotten. This attitude has to change. When efficiency of a port rises the shipping costs decrease and vice-versa. We need to build the right kind of human resources for developing logistics infrastructure.
The panellists at the first session of the second day discussed ‘Logistics’. Chaired by Mr Mark Fernandes of Silvester & Co and Chairman of Shipping & Aviation Committee of IMC, they felt that cargo not cleared within 30 days should be auctioned. Besides, the STP (Shipping Trade Practice) Act should be abandoned since it is not serving its purpose. Investment in logistics infrastructure is essential and we have to learn to look bigger and bolder and invest more proactively. We need to connect the coastal railways (particularly the Konkan railway) with the railway system in Central India. Individuals with adequate training and knowledge need to be created for warehouse management and the handling/packaging and stowing of chemical products.
Those who contributed were Mr Ajay Khera, Vice Chairman & MD, Horizon Country Wide Logistics Ltd., Mr Tushar Jani, President, AMTOI Mr Dhritiman H, Tuscan Ventures Mr R K Rubin, M.D. – Transcon Freight System Pvt. Ltd. Mr Paul Bradley, President - Arshiya International Limited, Mr Bharat Joshi, Director, Associated Container Terminals Ltd. and Mr Sudhir Srivastava, CEO of the Maharashtra Maritime Board.
The session on IT noted that as far as customs processing goes (particularly at Nhava Sheva) the time taken is very short since they are highly competitive internationally. A risk-management system was developed by the government three years ago and introduced at Nhava Sheva. For registered clients, there are now many facilities. Stamp duty procedure is also simplified. Customs time has been cut by half. About forty percent of delayed time is due to wrong filing of documents. Container terminal operations are automated. Real time data is available on the website. There is a GIS for land management.
Connectivity is critical for the smooth functioning of multimodal transport when it came to productivity was the consensus of the last session chaired by Mr K Sathianathan, CEO, ETA Freight Star. The larger the hinterland, the better the connectivity required, for speed and efficiency of cargo movement. Private operators have committed investments to the tune of USD 250 million. The logistics supply chain has two sides – customer and capital. Both need to be considered carefully. Indian railway has not been able to deliver what the ultimate consumer wants. The extent of this clarity will determine the quantum of investments flowing into this field.
Mr Anil Devli, Mr Sankalp Shukla, MD & CEO, Inlogistics, Mr S K Shahi, C & M.D., SKS Logistics Ltd. and Mr Mahendar Puri, Director & CEO, Hind Terminals Pvt. Ltd. constituted the panellists of this last session. As the event came to a close it was declared that Sahil Freight Express were the winners of the “Best Stall Award” for the second time in succession.

CTL-IMEX focuses on Empowering Growth

2009-02-16T10:43:00.001+05:30

CTL-IMEX focuses on Empowering Growth

2009-02-16T10:43:00.000+05:30

MSC Training Centre Inaugurated

2009-02-09T10:57:00.000+05:30

MSC Ship Management (India) Pvt. Ltd. had the Inauguration of its Training Centre on January30, 2009, on the Third floor of MSC House, to address the issue of skill enhancement of seafarers on board MSC vessels. This value-added training will assist the staff in on-board work, handling of emergencies and better utilisation of resources. As this training is being undertaken in-house, it gives the flexibility to conduct focussed training, aimed at specific requirements.

This state-of-the-art Training Centre is a multi-million dollar investment with the latest and most sophisticated Full-Mission Bridge & Engine Simulators, Automation & Electrical labs, Classrooms with the latest audio-visual aids and all other necessary training facilities.

Mandatory courses include Regular and Refresher MEPC courses for Officers as well as ratings.

Value-added courses include :

The Engine Automation Course, EAC, deals with the Main Engine's control system. Software is used along with an in-house developed Main Engine Control System Trainer, that enables fault-finding to be conducted. Basic concepts of Control, including Proportional, Integral and Derivative action, can be understood on a Process Control Trainer.

The Programmable Logic Controllers, PLC, Course deals with the latest automation and control systems, as found on modern vessels, giving an opportunity to develop new skill-sets for ship's Engineers.

The Engine Room Management, ERM, course deals with the analysis and practical handling of Emergency situations faced on board. This not only uses Case Studies of actual situations, but also gives a 'hands-on' opportunity to practice handling of these emergency situations in a Simulator.

Ship Handling Simulator, SHS, course is a Simulator course for deck officers.

CFS seeing a change in business landscape

2009-02-09T10:56:00.000+05:30

As the impact of the downturn has begun to trickle down to the container freight stations (CFS), operators are beginning to see the need to bring in a change in their concept of ‘work’ to pass through the subdued environment conditions. Where traditionally CFSs was considered an extension of a port, more and more operators are now beginning to view them as being more productive and important tools in the global logistics / supply chain industry. This means that modernisation and adhering to global standards of operations is a mandatory requirement.

Though the change in the business landscape is considered a strategic move to keep them from getting in the red, various options are being mulled over by CFS owners on how this can be achieved. Many are focused on providing end-to-end logistics solutions. Some find it is time to come up with outsourcing offers to the EXIM trade by providing various facilities at the CFS as a cheaper option to undertake manufacturing activities. Yet others want to start valued added operations or undertake other such allied activities.

With six container freight stations, Gateway Distriparks Ltd has embarked on providing logistics solutions that fulfil the needs of the international trading community as well as the shipping industry. While most other CFSs are set up with the support of shipping lines, Gateway Distriparks has been an independent operator. Being blessed with a holistic vision and expanding network Gateway East India CFS offers effective and customized services in the ever changing market environment.

“Our focus is now on terminal handling, coastal shipping and air cargo because setting up more CFSs now is out of the question since there is no business in this direction,” informs Capt A.K. Bhattacharjee, vice president (Operations) of the company. “With the present downtrend the only way for a container freight station to stay afloat is to look to re-orienting its services to provide end-to-end solutions. This is the best that CFSs can do now as they are completely, wholly and solely dependent on shipping lines’ volumes.

“In keeping with our policy of providing world-class state-of-the-art logistics solutions, we are seriously mulling over investing heavily into terminal handling and coastal shipping. In order to ensure the success of coastal shipping we are planning to acquire our own vessels and set up the required infrastructure so that we are better able to provide cheaper transport and offer reliable end-to-end solutions to our customers.”

Thomas Varghese, sr. vice president (operations), Seaworld Shipping and Logistics Pvt. Ltd., and co-chairman of Indian Merchants’ Chambers subscribes to a similar approach. He says that consistent performance is the most fundamental need for any service related organization to survive, succeed and grow. “In these times of recession CFS owners will have to consider undertaking value added services for goods passing through their facility,” he says. “They could also consider providing empty container storage and damage repair facility, reefer points, electronic weigh bridges, reefer monitoring, chassis stuffing and de-stuffing, haz-mat co-ordination for dangerous goods monitoring, utility space for service providers having communication facilities and a business centre with modern material, and container handling equipment, etc.

Port officials on the other hand feel that everything is hunky-dory. “In fact more CFSs are required in and around JNPT,” contends Anantha Hambarde, sr. manager (Projects & CFS), JNPT. He points out that outside the JNPT as many as 21 CFSs are in operation or due to be commissioned and another 11 are likely to be set up but appear to have gone slow as a result of the downturn. Without these CFSs the port would suffer severe congestion.

“No doubt, having a CFS inside the port will bring down the cost as is the case with JNPT’s own CFS which was earlier operated by Central Warehousing Corporation and is now run by Speedy Multi-modal. Also the charges offered by this CFS are 50% lower than those offered by other CFSs based outside the port.”

According to sources the CFS belonging to the JN port which is 4 km from the port is being handled by CWC but Speedy Multimodal has taken over operations since a few months ago. They are however, according to these sources unable to manage the CFS, being under the jurisdiction of the Tariff Authority of Major Ports (TAMP). Since TAMP is not allowing them to increase their rates by 100% as recorded in their appeal, they have gone to court against TAMP’s decision.

JNPT in fact, strongly opposes any suggestion to have privately operated CFSs inside the port as large areas will be blocked for the stuffing and destuffing operations and for container stacking. Lay manpower and private vehicles will on the other hand, have to be given access making it not only difficult to keep tabs on such traffic, but also leading to serious breeches in security in the port and to its infrastructure as also to the people operating there.

“Allowing private CFSs to operate will create security problems,” says Mr Hambarde. “JNPT has been designed as a technical-intensive port and is not labour-intensive as are Mumbai and Kolkata ports. We don’t want labour working inside the port. Many other ports such as Mumbai and Chennai port have seen their efficiency going down as a result of labour being allowed inside the port. Chennai has recently decided to have all the CFSs outside the port and have a particular point of delivery for the cargo. Kandla too is undertaking modernisation of its port. The CFSs outside can bring in their private labour but we want to avoid labour becoming part of the port’s liability.”

Cost-wise too a CFS inside the port area could be a better option feels Capt Bhattacharjee. He however confirms that ports such as JNPT do not allow access to port area for setting up CFSs in order to prevent congestion and for security reasons. Besides there are several hassles for the CFS operator, the major ones being that the CFSs inside would be governed by the port and would be allowed to operate on a revenue sharing basis and would also come under the jurisdiction of TAMP.

“But one must not forget that a CFS is an extension of the port,” he states. “It is only when the volume decreases, that such a port would consider allowing parties to open CFSs in the port area. In a port of JNPT’s dimensions, if there were CFSs the large number of vehicles and casual labourers allowed to find employment would add tremendously to the prevalent congestion bringing down the efficiency of the port.”

But Mr Varghese felt that in every case a CFS operating outside the port area is more cost effective. “Operating CFSs from inside the port will be more expensive to the trade even though they will be merely taking away the cargo,” says Mr Varghese. “Several costs including port royalty and complying with TAMP regulations would come into play when these are based inside the port area. the ensuing congestion will result in delays and additional cost to the trade. There is no doubt that the CFS outside the port is more cost effective.”

According to Mr Varghese, there are ways and means to overcome the financial crisis. “The CFS is supposed to be a total logistic centre but being a custom bonded area the CFS operator would face certain limitations which would hamper his activities such as bringing in outside cargo for in-transit storage, labelling and packaging, keeping inventory control and other such activities would also not be permitted. However, manufacturers could avail of such facilities in the CFS by sending the goods meant for export directly to the CFS. However, not everyone has his own warehouse or facility for labelling and packaging or inventory control.”

The CFS being jointly developed by CMA CGM Global (India) Pvt. Ltd and CMA CGM SA of Marseilles and christened Ameya Logistics, is soon to be commissioned according to an official of the company. Designed to handle 50,000 TEU annually in a 21 acre area, the CFS had earmarked twice as much space to accommodate future expansion. The company presently plans to use this unused space for certain diverse activities to overcome the economic crisis.

But this cannot be done in the case of other operators whose entire area of operations has been notified by the customs as bonded areas. Hence CFS operators are restricted from undertaking any business other than that of import and export cargo. “Even to reduce the area under bonded area and use the remaining for storage, ‘pick and pack’ or other activities means having to ‘de-notify’ and then ‘re-notify’ the CFS which is a very difficult and lengthy process and one cannot be sure of achieving the desired results,” says Capt Bhattacharjee.

SICAL Logistics Ltd which has two CFSs jointly operated with PSA, one at Tuticorin with a capacity to handle 0.5 million TEU and another coming up at Chennai with a capacity to handle 1.5 million TEU hope to fare better than others. “Most such projects are on long term and have already had financial closures,” says Mr Sudhir Rangnekar, Managing Director & Group CEO. “Though the shipping throughput has gone down it will not affect our operations.” Opining on their ability to weather the economic downturn he says CFS operators will have to be cost conscious and frugal. “This subdued environment will not last very long here since India’s domestic trade is reasonably good unlike in China which is export-driven and of course, developed countries such as the USA and Europe,” he says. “This lull is only temporary phase since it is manmade.”

According to a report prepared for JNPT by IIM, Ahmedabad, 30% of port traffic is generally directed to the CFS, since it serves as a backup area from the port’s point of view, while the remaining traffic either moves to and from the ICDs situated in upcountry regions or is taken delivery of directly by importers/exporters. The report states that there is scope for setting up more CFSs. It is indeed a time to consolidate if not expand operations.

Softlink unveils Logi-Sys & X-ponent

2009-02-03T12:12:00.001+05:30

Mumbai, January 29, 2009: Softlink, one of India's leading software product companies, today announced the launch of two new products, ‘Logi-Sys’ & ‘X-Ponent’ at the International Cargo, Logistics & Maritime Conference and Exhibition. These products are designed for simplifying operations of the entire logistics industry.

Logi-Sys is a web-based, enterprise-class Logistics Suite for managing the operations of international freight forwarders, third party logistics players (3PLs), Air Cargo Agents, Shipping Agencies and Non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs). The product is designed to address the challenges of management of air and sea freight operations across locations, manage revenue flow, streamline documentation and meet regulatory requirements. Logi-Sys supports multi-country and multi-currency transactions.

X-Ponent is a software for sales, service and marketing operations management that helps user organizations to win every deal, retain every customer and streamline processes. The product enhances an organizations efficiency, revenue and profit by enabling identification and capturing of every sales opportunity, retention of existing customers, and optimum utilization of organizational resources.

“Logi-Sys and X-Ponent will empower logistics players to scale-up their operations, enable them to be globally competitive, thus helping enhance revenues while controlling costs. In essence, these products therefore will help organizations to not just survive but grow and prosper in these challenging times. We truly believe that these products will go a long way in fulfilling our mission of simplifying operations for the logistics industry.” said Mr. Amit Maheshwari, Founder & CEO, Softlink Logistic Systems Pvt. Ltd.

“The product portfolio expansion is a part of our overall strategy to go global with our product line. We believe that our products are the best in the industry and we have the competency to provide innovative products to the international logistics industry.” said Mr. N.K. Gupta, Chairman, Softlink Logistic Systems Pvt. Ltd.

WMTC 2009 brings to fore new technologies

2009-02-03T12:10:00.001+05:30

The Institution of Marine Engineers (India) hosted the World Maritime Technology Conference (WMTC) 2009, for the first time in Asia organising it at the National Centre for Performing Arts, Mumbai from January 21 to January 24, 2009. The focus was on ‘Perceptions and Visions’ a theme that was selected keeping in mind, the fact that the maritime industry is going through certain forceful changes.

Held once every three years, this was the third such conference in line - the first having been held in San Francisco (in 2003) and the second in London (2006). It helped to showcase for the benefit of the international marine industry stakeholders the advances in technology, availability of latest products and services and a provision made for establishing a forum for exchange in technology between players both at the national as well as the international level. 48 papers featuring the latest developments in technology came up for discussion. 65 stalls displayed exhibits of international equipment makers, shipyards and service providers drawing a large number of visitors through all the four days.

Opening with the keynote address, Mr Oho Kong-Gyun observed that 80% of ship building activity was based in Asia, as was also the largest number of technical papers presented. He set the conference in motion extolling South Asian countries especially India for technological advances made in shipping in general and in the port sector in particular.

The first paper was presented by Mr US Kalghatgi, chief surveyor of the Indian Register of Shipping (IRS), who projected the scheme of a ‘Clean Ship - A Technical Challenge to the Maritime Industry’. He envisioned the clean ship to have a visionary approach aiming to develop the concept of vessels designed, constructed and operated in an integrated manner to eliminate harmful discharges and emissions throughout their working life.

Having a well-trained manpower on board the ship was an issue that took centre stage that day. In this regard, speaking on computer based training (CBT) Mr Uday Ranadive, chief surveyor & sr. vice president of IRS in his presentation stated that the trainee is better prepared to learn through on-the-job training since CBT is a rich, multi-sensory delivery system facilitating greater retention of knowledge. Besides being cost effective, self paced and flexible it gives increased control to the trainers to improve job performance.

Prof (Dr) S. Selvaraju, professor & head – dept. of marine engg, of Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Chennai stated, “During the period of service, ships have to perform according to specific requirements. Any aberration in this performance needs to be identified, isolated, and some methods are needed to be found to rectify it. The NLP technique was found useful for correcting it.”

With an increase in automation and work overload, Claus Walther Jensen, senior lecturer at SIMAC (Svendborg International Maritime Academy) and Head of the SIMAC Laboratories, Denmark advocated use of IT technology onboard when presenting his paper on ‘Automation is the new challenge for education of ship officers’. He detailed the work undertaken at SIMAC to meet the pedagogical challenge of training the students in automation and technical IT systems. Swapan Das Sarma, Director, Teledata Marine Solutions, New York, USA on the other hand contended that to maintain a supply of knowledge workers to the maritime industry a progressive, yet revolutionary change using information technology and networked learning was recommended.

Electromagnetic radiation has also been identifies as a source of problems caused on board vessels and was also responsible for major injuries caused to internal organs of humans. Equipment such as converters, power panels, microprocessors, radar antennae etc., installed within the proximity of an area where seafarers operated caused phantom emissions both in the narrow and broad bands of the electromagnetic spectrum. A software programme has been devised to deal with such hazardous situations.

Also speaking on the need for increasing the number of seafarers, Douglas B. Stevenson, director of the Centre for Seafarers’ Rights, Seamen’s Church Institute of New York & New Jersey brought into focus the issues relating to ‘Recruiting and Retraining Seafarers – Security restrictions Criminal Prosecution and Abandonment’. Mark Williams, director of West of England (P & I Club) on the other hand highlighted some of the MARPOL violations in the USA.

With regard to protection of the environment, shipping is expected to bear its share of the burden and contribute to overall Green House Gas emission (GHG) reduction. This was brought in the paper of Ms. (Dr) Gillian L. Reynolds, Principal Environment and Sustainability Adviser of Lloyd’s Register (which was read by Andrew Easdown, the company’s Sr. Vice President - South Asia Marine). “Control of GHG emissions need to be undertaken on a global footing if they are to be effective,” he stated. “The IMO is striving to obtain an agreement on mechanisms to control CO2 emissions from shipping and should be supported in this undertaking.”

For enhanced prevention of oil leakages Mo Husain, president, MH Systems, USA had a better alternative to double hull tanker. He suggested ‘Double Side Hull on Single Bottom Tanker with under pressure system’. This was because double hulls are structurally complex and expensive, and appear to be developing operational disadvantages as well.
Taking a brief look at the maritime scenario Capt S. Bharadwaj, Vice Chancellor of AMET University, explained in detail about the dual competent ships’ crew complement and how viable it was and how much value addition it provided. Sudhir S. Rangnekar, md & group ceo of, Sical Logistics on the other hand gave a mundane version about the ‘Indian Port sector’. He maintained that as more seaports and terminals – both public and private ones joined the market race for their share of the ocean cargo pie in India, a key differentiator of their service quality could be compiled depending on how well they were geared to providing a better turnaround time for ships – by eliminating berthing delays and ensuring more efficient handling of cargo by reducing the cargo dwell time at the port and along the logistics chain.
Several other papers highlighted other aspects such as Energy efficient ships, environment and safety management in shipping, navigation, electronic and IT for ships, hull and machinery drew a lot of interest from the large number of participants who attended the conference.

Spar Shipping Officer’s Conference at Goa

2009-01-19T10:39:00.000+05:30

Spar Shipping Officers’ conference took place on 20th and 21st November 2008 at Hotel Cidade- de Goa, located in North Goa. This was a part of the continuous effort of Spar Shipping to upgrade the quality of performance in order to provide a totally client-driven service.

Dignitaries from Spar Shipping, Fleet Management and others attended the two day agenda which was interspersed with business sessions cultural and leisure programmes to regale the participants and to provide them with a very different interaction platform where they could freely discuss their views on various issues. Amongst the top brass dignitaries who attended the seminar, were Capt Pritish Deshpande (Marine Operations Manager) and Mr. Magnar Bratholmen (Operations Manager) from Spar Shipping AS, Norway, Mr Dilip Nair (Director – Technical) and Capt M Sathya, (Manager - Quality & Safety) from Fleet Management Ltd., Hong Kong and Capt Prashant Rangnekar (General Manager) from Ebony Ship Management Pvt Ltd, Mumbai, India.

Commencing the programme with his opening address and introduction Capt. P. S. Rangnekar explained the role and the objective of the company. He highlighted the sophisticated control systems and communications network which provide owners with information about their vessels at any given time. He depicted some of the functions that ensure high quality in operation of the ship including technical crew administration, vessel inspections and superintendence of projects which are performed by the company's highly skilled professionals.

“What’s happening at Fleet in relation to Spar” was lucidly presented by Capt Rangnekar on behalf of Mr. K. S. Rajvanshy, Managing Director – Fleet Management Ltd who was unable to make it to the conference. “Fleet is considered by the industry as the benchmark,” Capt Rangnekar explained. “It is the 4th Largest Ship Manager in the world, largest fleet managed from Hong Kong and has a broad based recognition which is amply proved having secured the ‘2007 Awards for Best Ship, Safety at Sea, Training and Innovation’ award.

He explained that the company’s relationship with Spar dates back to the year 1996 when an opportunity for managing the first vessel owned by Spar shipping was provided to Fleet Management. As a result today Spar shipping constitutes 33% of the entire bulk carrier fleet managed by Fleet Management.
An introduction to Spar Shipping AS was made by Capt. Pritish Deshpande. In his own words – “Spar Shipping are not asset players, but wholly focused on excellence and long term commitments. Recently introduced schemes onboard and ashore towards complimenting performances of their fleet would amply reflect this ethos which have been enthusiastically welcomed by all concerned .These are of course under constant review to revise as required.”
This was followed by a presentation on “Operational Excellence” by Gordon Johansen-Dahl, Bulk Handling AS. His talk centered on Voyage instruction, cargo intake, pre arrival planning, discharge from the vessel, quick cleaning methods and curtailing bunker losses. Capt. Per Erik Olsen, Bulk handling Handymax AS talked on “Operational Excellence”
An interesting session was conducted by Capt. M. Sathya, Manager, Quality & Safety Department, Fleet Management Limited, Hong Kong on “Obstruction of Justice and False Statements – How to Avoid them” False statement he stated is one which is false or misleading and which an individual knows or reasonably ought to know is false or misleading. He went on to give example to bring out lucidly the meaning of false and misleading statements. He mentioned the potential penalties in the U.S. for individuals and the do’s & don’ts in the event of an incident.
“Safety and productivity always run hand in hand and a safe ship is always a productive ship,” was maxim by which seafarers should abide by according to Capt. Anurag Sharma, Operations Superintendent, Ebony Ship Management Ltd, Delhi while presenting “Case Studies of Operational Losses”. Another aspect was presented by Trygve C Nokleby, GARD in his talk on “Risk Assessment & Safety Awareness”
A highlight in the various presentations was the one made on “Spar Fleet as seen from DNV (Overview of Class, ISM & PSC Results)” – By Mr. Oivind N. Braten & Capt Arvind Phatak, DNV Oslo
The speakers provided ample time for obtaining feedback from the participants and for interaction between ship owner and the floating staff. The two day seminar saw time for interaction and networking. There was time also for a cocktail dinner party which included a variety entertainment with a Goan Folk dance and music provided by a popular local band.
An Awards Night
During Cocktail-Dinner, a small Award ceremony was held to reward good work by floating staff. On this occasion, Best Master of the Year Award was presented to Capt Tushar Potey (vessel - Spar Draco). The award was collected on his behalf by Capt Santosh Pandey (Incharge – SPAR Cell, ESMIPL, Mumbai). Best Chief Engineer Award of the Year was presented to Mr. Clifford D’souza (vessel – Spar Two). A prize money of USD One Thousand was announced by Capt Pritish Deshpande for the award winners. Best Ship of the Year award was bestowed upon 1985 built laker vessel Spar Jade. This Award was collected by Capt Vinod Kumar / Chief Engineer- Mr. M. A. Thampi who had sailed on this vessel during year 2008.

Improved Medical treatment on board

2009-01-19T10:38:00.000+05:30

Seafarers are among the most isolated demographic working groups in the world in relation to access to medical care, both in emergency situations and for primary health care. On a large, slow vessel in the middle of the Pacific, a seafarer may be several days away from quality medical services. But this is set to change soon.

Seafarers can now look forward to maintaining better health while at sea. In this regard the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) has taken up the cause of Indian seafarers by helping to form the Maritime Health Assn of India which is now headed by Dr. Suresh Idnani, the incumbent president.

Recently, the Chief Medical Advisor to the U.K. Maritime and Coastguard Agency and Mr Tim Carter visited India to coordinate and inspect the facilities available in India. He said, “Some Indian ship owners that I have met are very concerned and active but some of the accounts I have had when meeting trade unions suggest that others may be uncaring. There are additional issues when seafarers are recruited here to work on ships of other flags and employers, agents, P and I clubs that set unrealistically high medical standards to exclude capable seafarers from work.”

According to him many ship owners take advantage of the facilities offered by IMHA. It is all that the seafarer or the union wants. “It is often cheaper and easier for employers to get the tests done,” he says. “If by saying that he does not want the tests he would actually be pushing the seafarer out of a job in case of an accident and often this would be permanently, when they apparently find the seafarer is not fit to work at sea.”

Tim Carter who is also the past president of the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) met Shipping Today along with Dr. Idnani during his visit to Mumbai to discuss developments in seafarer medical fitness assessment with the maritime sector and to help organize the programme for the 10th International Symposium on Maritime Health to be held in Goa this September.
He indicated that it was now essential to base decisions about seafarers’ fitness at work on the best available evidence on risk rather than just on the medical opinion of the examining doctor. To be fair to seafarers and to employers the reason for fitness decisions needs to be clearly identified in advance. Standards should aim to ensure that health problems arising at sea do not endanger other seafarers, the vessel or the individual’s own prospects of safe and complete recovery.
Tim noted that, while everyone wanted seafarers to be healthy, the seafarers themselves did not want to be denied work unless there was a well defined reason for it. In contrast ship operators were primarily concerned to having their vessels operating efficiently and economically and as a result could all too easily decide to not engage anyone with any form of ill-health even if it was irrelevant to work at sea. At times unscrupulous medical examiners could conspire with this approach in return for the business operators provided to them.
Such problems may be solved by having a fair and transparent system of medical fitness assessment that is regulated and audited by the national maritime authority. Indeed this responsibility is being increasingly placed on authorities by the conventions from international agencies such as IMO and ILO.
Tim related his experience in revising and managing the medical standards system in Britain and also described the work he was doing with IMHA to assist IMO and ILO to develop a fair and consistent set of international standards.
Dr. Idnani informed that the International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare (ICSW) and the International Maritime Health Association (IMHA) have come together to bridge the gap between seafarers’ welfare and seafarers’ health. Some of the planned initiatives are to ensure that the health and welfare of seafarers are safeguarded and improved and that there is effective dissemination of good practices and high quality information on health aspects for the seafarers’ welfare.

Other areas of work include the availability of the expertise and communication networks of both organisations to help out with the ongoing projects and programmes concerning and related to the health aspects of seafarers’ welfare. Yet another area of joint action is to foster the investigation of solutions to practical problems concerning seafarers’ health and welfare. Efforts are on to ensure that the members of both organisations and those they represent understand and work effectively together to improve the life of seafarers whether at sea or on shore. It is the necessity here to provide the framework for joint project work where this is both beneficial and cost-effective.

“There are absolutely high standards for doing the tests, providing the treatment and getting medical advice,” states Mr. Carter. “But people do get them because they know they don’t want to have their seafarers’ career to end abruptly. “

Before joining the ship all seafarers undergo the fitness medical tests to see that there is no disease. What is being relied on is the training given to officers and what they have to depend on when on the ship viz., proper medicine and equipment that needs to be made available in the medical chest. Besides, in many of countries seafarers can avail of the national radio medical advisory service.

On every ship an officer is trained and he is the second officer. But this also means the master and the chief mate too, have done the training and can provide treatment to the injured or the seafarer who is ill. In India the coast guards have started providing medical cover and medical advice through a designated officer.

“The medical equipment on the ship should be exactly what is used when designated officer was trained to use,” pointed out Mr Carter. “When seeking medical advice the first thing the medical advisor would like to know is what equipment and medicine is available on the ship. It is important to have the medical guide, medical stores and radio medical advise should be properly coordinated.”
The International Committee on Seafarers’ Welfare, aware of the importance of lifestyle aspect in the health of seafarers, has launched a project FIT ONBOARD as one of the topics in the Seafarers’ Health Information Programme, sponsored by the ITF Seafarers' Trust.

Dredging commences at Port Pipavav GPPL to spend Rs 260 cr

2009-01-12T11:07:00.002+05:30

In a significant development to enhance accessibility to the port, Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited has commenced dredging of 14.5 meters draft with an investment of INR 260 crore (approximately EUR 40 million) at the port, located in the state of Gujarat, 153 nautical miles northwest of Mumbai ports.
The dredging activity, which started at 1930 hours on January 3, 2009, is expected to be completed before monsoon this year and will enable port Pipavav as a safe port for even larger container vessels. With the dredging, the acceptance draught will be increased from 12.5 meters to 14.5 meters.
Commenting on the dredging activity, Mr Prakash Tulsiani - Interim CEO, Gujarat Pipavav Port Ltd said “With the deeper draft, Pipavav offers a safe port for the larger container vessels that cannot call at most of the other Ports in India. The port has road and rail connectivity, and the rail freight costs from our on-dock facility to the North Indian Inland Container Depots (ICDs) are lower and the current maximum capacity of the rail link is 22 trains per day in each direction”
“We will ensure minimal disruption to the vessel movements and cargo operations at the port during the activity”, added Mr. Tulsiani.
GPPL has entered into a contract with Zinkcon Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Royal Boskalis Westminster to undertake capital dredging to increase the acceptance draught from 12.5m to 14.5m.
Speaking about the efforts to port’s continued development, Mr. Tulsiani said, “We are strongly committed to investment and growth in the port.
Port Pipavav is a preferred gateway to New Delhi and other markets in north-western India that allows shippers an alternative to the traditional routing via the congested infrastructure around Mumbai.

Famous Pacific Shipping builds stronger presence in Australia

Famous Pacific Shipping continues to build its presence in the important Australian market through a range of strategic investments and planning decisions that will see the global freight forwarding group ratchet up the pressure on the competition.

Not least among these developments has been a recent multi-million dollar investment by Famous Pacific Shipping (Vic) Pty Ltd in a new, high-spec warehouse and office building in Melbourne, accompanied by the launch of a road haulage subsidiary.

Famous Pacific Shipping (Vic) is celebrating the commissioning of a new, purpose-built warehouse and office complex that is truly 21st century in its facilities and engineering. As well as offering 484 sq m of office space, the 1,200 sq m of warehousing is kitted out with the latest in racking and storage equipment, enabling FPS to provide full logistics capabilities through Melbourne.

According to Sam Aparo, Director, Famous Pacific Shipping (Vic) Pty Ltd, the advantages of the facility do not stop on the inside. “The facility also offers 1,600 sq m of hard-standing outside which complements the assets on the inside.

“Our customers will also benefit from the fact that the facility is fully Australian Customs bonded, which allows importers to obtain first-rate storage as they bring goods to this dynamic and attractive market,” he says.

Famous Pacific Shipping (Vic) Pty Ltd has a full range of Australian regulatory licenses to offer services to the widest possible range of import and export activity. The company has Customs Bond 77G for sea and air cargo. The facility is a Quarantine Class 1.3 premises; and also an Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) Dairy Establishment. The site is also approved for FCL and LCL fumigation, a key requirement of entry for cargo into Australia.

If that was not enough of an increase in Famous Pacific Shipping (Vic)’s customer offering, the company has also hit the road with a new business arm.

“In Melbourne, we’ve launched FPS Transport as a separate haulage company to offer our own domestic collection and distribution service with a side-lift lorry and a taut-line for LCL shipments,” says Mr Aparo,

“The service will allow our customers to keep their transport in-house with us and not have to turn to third party trucking companies. This acts as a guarantee that the clients will enjoy the same high quality of FPS service on the road as they enjoy at the depot. Our intention is to ultimately have a fleet of vehicles. Launching this new service on the back of our innovative new warehousing facility guarantees its success. It is a neutral operation and serves other freight forwarders.”

In Australia, the Famous Pacific Shipping network includes freight hubs in Brisbane, Fremantle, Melbourne and Sydney. The company’s service portfolio includes door-to-door sea and airfreight services, local transportation and distribution, Customs clearance, specialist automotive transportation, warehousing, project cargo management and logistics.

Ship breaking to hit speed breaker

2009-01-12T11:07:00.001+05:30

How long can the boom time being experienced by the ship breaking industry last? Not very long according to those in ship breaking! Everything seems to be going in their favour. The recession in the economy has been serving as a driver to enhance availability of ships to be scrapped. Many old ships are being retired and being taken out for scrapping. Besides, the supply of new ships in the global market too is seeing old vessels getting scrapped. But the government is hell bent on bringing in a new regulation which could well bring down the shutters on the ship breaking industry in India.
Confirming the explosive upsurge Mr Pravin S Nagarsheth, president, Iron Steel Scrap & Shipbreakers Association, India, stated that there were over 80 ships being demolished at the Alang ship breaking yard. “In November last year the total number of ships beached at the scrap yard came to 1.6 lakhs light displacement ton (LDT),” he said. “But in December 2008 this number shot up to 2.29 lakh LDT. While in 2007 the total beaching touched 5 lakhs LDT, in this current fiscal we have already crossed 9 lakhs LDT and expect to exceed 12 lakh LDT by March 2009.”
Excepting tankers all types of vessels are being brought in for demolition. According to reports the boom extends even to Bangladeshi ship breaking yards where more such activity exists. “Due to the fall in steel prices, China, a smaller player, too has come into the market,” informed Mr Nagarsheth. “Although Alang could continue to grow within the next three years and also help the entire ship breaking industry in India, there is the doom’s day threat looming large over this industry. A new government regulation is being introduced wherein certification by the Bureau of Indian standard on all steel products will be made mandatory. This would include even the recycled steel viz. re-rollable steel. If this regulation is enforced, our industry would head for closure.”
It has been a long drawn out struggle for the ship breaking industry in India to acquire recognition. The industry was assailed by Green Peace activists and subjected to a number of court cases. In the international arena ship breakers were being cornered out by ship owners while conventions were being framed by international organisations for ship recycling. Now that the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the Indian Supreme Court are engaged in preparing guidelines for the ship breaking industry, the government of India appears to have come forward to claim its pound of flesh.
According to a spokesman for ship breakers the imposition of BIS certification is being pressed ahead by the steel ministry with the result once the regulations come into force no steel will be allowed to be sold, marketed or manufactured in the country without the BIS certification.
“Qualitywise we are much better off and the re-rollable steel generated by our industry is of high quality,” contends Mr Nagarsheth. “But for obtaining BIS certification the entire system for obtaining licence, conducting inspection, testing and complying with the procedures is neither feasible nor practical.
“The notification has already been issued in November of 2007 and the last date for implementation is 16th February 2009. There is a tussle between the major producers and the suppliers of the secondary steel market because of which this law is being brought into force merely to please the few major producers numbering about seven to eight in order to wipe out competition from other suppliers and to encourage them to have a monopoly.”
On the other hand imported steel is almost banned, since it has been placed in the negative lists of imports and is put under the licensing procedure. Hence the entire import is almost closed. Besides, second hand steel is not permitted to be imported. If the prime material has to be imported from anywhere in the world the overseas manufacturers have to first register themselves in India, even though the quantity to be imported into India is minuscule. In such a situation how many manufacturers can possibly register themselves in India is a debatable point.
Though there is a crash in prices of ships sold as scrap, yet more of the vessels are being found fit only for the scrapyard with the shipping industry in a crisis. Ship breakers earn around Rs 5,000 per ton of scrap with steel prices plummeting from Rs 32,250 a ton to just Rs 15,000 in six months. In June this year, the price of steel was Rs 33,500 per ton, but it is now down to Rs 20,000, giving breakers a margin of Rs 5,000 per ton.

As it happens there being more than 850 ships available for breaking in the international market. If all goes well, Alang could sell 2.5 million tonnes of scrap in 2009 valued at Rs 5,000 crore, as against its capacity of 4 million tonnes per annum. If margins remain the same, this would mean a cool profit of Rs 1,250 crore.
About 90% of the world’s ship breaking industry is based in Asian countries including India, Bangladesh, China, Pakistan and Turkey. The initiative which Indian ship breakers have acquired could well be lost to other countries. Bangladesh has already surpassed India. Good times which had finally made a come back could well be lost forever. What exactly is the reason for the Indian government to take this foolhardy step of insisting on imposing BIS certification on all steel goods? Why does the ministry hell bent on closing down one industry merely to benefit another?

Proud Indians pledge to boycott Korean Products

2008-12-29T10:29:00.001+05:30

On December 23, 2008 in the massive Rally held at Azad Maidan more than 2500 (Two Thousand Five Hundred) proud Indians including of seafarers assembled to protest against the unfair judgement against Capt. Jasprit Chawla and Chief Officer Syam Chetan of the ship “Hebei Spirit”. Despite being proven innocent in June, 2008 the two seafarers were sentenced on December 10, 2008 and are presently in Korean jail, under inhuman conditions, serving a sentence of 18 months and 8 months respectively. There is national and international outrage and protest against the unfair judgement. This is yet another example of criminalization of seafarers for discharging their professional duties.

The Indian shipping fraternity comprising of National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI), The Maritime Union of India (MUI) alongwith the Transport & Dock Workers Union (TDWU), All Indian Railwaymen’s Federation (AIRF), Aviation Industry Employees Guild, Bombay Port Trust Employees Union and Shipowners Association i.e. Foreign Owners Representatives and Shipmanagers Association (FOSMA), Maritime Association of Shipowners, Shipmanagers and Agents (MASSA), the Indian National Shipowners Association (INSA), Company of Master Mariners of India (CMMI), Nautical Institutes and others had appealed to boycott Korean products especially Samsung. The International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and the Hind Mazdoor Sabha (HMS) has also strongly demanded justice for Capt. Jasprit Chawla and Chief Officer Syam Chetan.

All those present in the rally and thousands of seafarers presently sailing joined in the appeal and have pledged not to use Korean products especially Samsung. While diplomatic efforts are on, this is the power of proud Indians expressing their solidarity for justice. This incident has already affected the now cordial relations between India and South Korea which will only worsen if justice is not done to Capt. Jasprit Chawla and Chief Officer Syam Chetan in South Korea.

V Ships primes up the Vetting Process

2008-12-29T10:27:00.000+05:30

Committed to maintaining its foremost position in tanker trade, V Ships has been organising regular workshops and training to keep its fleet personnel well abreast of developments in shipping in general and requirements of V Ships in particular. The world’s largest provider of ship management services, V Ships has on its fleet nearly 1,000 vessels encompassing almost all types.

Their office in India recently focussed on one of the most significant initiatives to be introduced by Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) the Vetting Inspection which is in line with the Ship Inspection Report Programme (SIRE).

Accordingly it conducted a one-day Vetting seminar for its captains and other officers at a posh hotel in North Mumbai, which saw at least 40 of its officers participating. It was an opportunity to get an up-date on what is expected according to the vetting process, keeping up the standards and about the SIRE inspection.

This Ship Inspection Report (SIR) has been developed as part of the CEFIC “Safety and Quality Assessment System for the Management of Ship Operations”. For assessment purposes, the SIR is read in conjunction with the Vessel Particulars Questionnaire (VPQ) so that an accurate assessment of the ship at the time the inspection is carried out. The SIR is essentially a quality assessment of the ship, its operations and personnel which also incorporate essential aspects of safety and environmental protection. The SIR does not attempt to pass or fail the ship for any particular purpose but rather to gives an assessment of conformance at the time of the inspection as measured against internationally accepted standards.

The SIRE programme has been launched to specifically address concerns about sub-standard shipping. The SIRE Programme is a unique tanker risk assessment tool of value to charterers, ship operators, terminal operators and government bodies concerned with ship safety.

Essentially, SIRE focuses on tanker industry awareness on the importance of meeting satisfactory tanker quality and ship safety standards. The programme has received industry-wide acceptance and participation by OCIMF Members, Programme recipients and ship operators.

Despite his heavy schedule and having returned from Delhi the same morning, Capt Rajesh Tandon, Managing Director, V.Ships India Pvt. Ltd, came straight from the airport to the venue of the seminar to join the participants and to make himself available and help build a closer bond.

Giving a brief about the programme Capt Vaibhav Dalvi, General Manager and Capt Pankaj Nayak, Manager Training informed that once we have oil major approval as with OCIMF the value of the ship goes up and the company and the ship owners have a better chance of chartering their vessel, since this shows the condition of the vessel. In this regard SIRE is the commercial aspect. “V Ships has a good reputation and even if there are old vessels they are inspected and under SIRE we have a good reputation since we have a system in place to correct any defects.”

It was pointed out that creating a culture of self assessment is the best approach as it gears the ship’s crew to be well prepared at all times. This way one tends to fix everything that is in working order.
The one day ‘Mumbai Vetting Seminar’ was presided over by Mr. Alasdair Ireland, Group Training and Planning Manager, V.Ships, along with Capt Vishal Singh, Projects & Operations Officer. Both had flown in especially from Glasgow to address and interact with the officers.
Being ready to face any eventuality is what V.Ships aims to prepare its officers for and hence raises the competency of its officers. It is indeed the best way to get set even for Vetting inspections. This practice is what has made V Ships the foremost in shipping and tanker trade.
Capt Vishal and Capt Alasdair presented details about the Vetting process and the various issues involved with regard to tanker inspection. “Ships are complex pieces of machinery and are operated in a hostile environment,” described Capt Vishal. “Anything can go wrong when you least expect it.”

They highlighted the importance of being constantly prepared for the Vetting inspection. In this regard they amplified what is required to be done when an inspection is arranged; the need to maintain correct records; carry out necessary repairs, prepare documents; getting all personnel on board attuned to meeting the inspector, etc. It also projected the need to give the inspector a warm welcome and to have a good interaction.

After lunch, all the participants had an opportunity to interact with each other on the morning sessions. This afforded the officers to realise the finer details of the Vetting Inspection. The interaction was followed by one of the most significant presentations of the day, ‘Tanker Officer Training Standards’ (TOTS).
It was during the seminar that the sad news of the sentencing of two V Ships officers, Captain Jasprit Chawla and chief officer Syam Chetan by the South Korea appeal court was received with shock. A pall of gloom settled on the participants in the hall where the seminar was being conducted. The evening cultural programme which would have been full of gaiety and entertainment was called off as no one was in a mood for any celebrations. Instead it was just a quiet evening over cocktails and dinner.

Mr. Rizwan Soomar joins Maersk Line

2008-12-22T10:08:00.002+05:30

: Maersk has announced that Mr. Rizwan Soomar has taken over as Managing Director - India & Sri Lanka for Maersk Line; the container shipping arm of the Denmark based A P Moller-Maersk Group.

Rizwan takes over from Hans-Ole Madsen, who after his six year long stint as Managing Director, Maersk India and also as Regional Top for South Asia, has taken up a senior position at APM Terminals (also a A P Moller-Maersk Group Company) as Head of Business Development for Africa, Middle East and the Indian subcontinent.

Rizwan joined the group in 1995 as a management trainee and has since held various senior positions in India and possesses international experience as well. He was the Senior General Manager, North West India before he moved on to Egypt in May 2007. Prior to taking over the present responsibility Rizwan was the Managing Director of Maersk Line Egypt.

On assuming the leadership of the largest container shipping company in India, Rizwan said “I am happy to be back in India where I started my career with Maersk about 13 years back. I am looking forward to take on this new and challenging role. With the effects of the global economic slowdown beginning to show in India, the road ahead is going to be testing and will not only throw a lot of challenges but also many opportunities. I am confident that with the help of our strong setup and skilled resources we will surely sail through these difficult times and in fact emerge stronger.”

Sahil Freight adroitly handles EMCO's ODC for Iraq

2008-12-22T10:08:00.001+05:30

Offering cost-effective logistics solutions to EMCO Ltd for its sensitive project cargo, Sahil Freight Express successfully undertook the loading and transport of the company's over-dimensional transformers from the factory premises for delivery at the installation site in Iraq in the shortest possible time.
This was another of the successes notched up by Sahil Freight since it embarked on a rapid growth path towards becoming a multi-location, international general freight forwarding logistics company with 30 branches across India and 15 around the world in the next five years. Leveraging its expertise and skill, it has positioned itself as a provider of tailored logistics solutions to the engineering and original equipment manufacturing sector too.
"Sahil Freight Express is known for its capability, efficiency and cost effectiveness in handling such project cargo," said Mr Rajan Mallick, Head, International Sales of the International Division of EMCO Ltd. "This quality is the determining factor that induced us to entrust our consignments to them. They are very cooperative and efficient and we know that we can rely on their quality and innovative approach. Handling such massive sizes of 6.8 m x 4.3 m x 3.1 m L x W x H in dimension and weight of 105 tonnes each can prove to be a demanding task, but for Sahil Freight handling of such project cargo of any dimension is a routine operation."
EMCO Ltd, a company set up in 1965, supplies transformers, accessories and other electrical equipment meant for power generation and sub-station projects being executed in Iraq. EMCO is also the supplier to over 60 projects being undertaken worldwide in 35 countries. Building on trust and confidence, Sahil Freight has succeeded in strengthening its relationship with EMCO, as is the case with all of its clients.
Sahil Freight Express Pvt. Ltd, a privately-owned company with extensive experience in air and sea chartering, Customs clearance and warehousing, has already undertaken the transport and delivery of two 165 mbA transformers weighing over 105 tonnes each for EMCO. And the company is engaged in transporting more such transformers for EMCO.
"Our capabilities have been repeatedly demonstrated by us as we now regularly transport a number of break-bulk consignments to various parts of the world," says Mr Suhail Shaikh, Sahil Freight's Chairman and Managing Director. "The two transformers were moved by road from the client's factory in Thane to Mumbai Port and then on to Iraq for onward delivery to the construction site. Recently, we handled part of 50,000 tonnes of construction equipment for a new steel plant in China. The project required transport from India to Shanghai and then on forwarding to the job site at Jiangyin."
A member of international freight forwarding networks like Project Professionals Group, the Heavy Lift Group and World Wide Project Consortium, Sahil Freight Express offers tailor-made solutions garnered from its expertise and knowhow developed over the years for meeting the specific needs of the engineering industry.
To stay ahead of the competition, the company has invested heavily in introducing end-to-end solutions for the planning, execution and management of the entire transportation lifecycle.
It has a platform for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) between clients, authorities and other suppliers, thus factoring in transparency, guaranteeing smooth communications and ensuring seamless transportation and processing. At every stage of the supply chain, a constant endeavour is made by Sahil Freight to find ways to control costs, negotiate transportation rates, improve services and accelerate returns on investment.

Shipping lines rationalise services

2008-12-22T10:07:00.000+05:30

The turbulence from the meltdown is finally crushing the shipping industry, which appears to be increasingly headed for the docks because fewer companies are ordering goods for transport. The sinking fortunes of the shipping industry have seen a reduction of traffic on key trade routes; cancellation of new ship orders and plummeting cargo rates. Adding to their woes is ‘piracy’ which has sent ship owners scampering for quick fixes.

“Piracy is on the increase and insurance companies are getting set to raise premium,” stated S.S. Kulkarni, secretary general of Indian Shipowners Association of India (INSA). “If it gets jacked up immensely then ship owners will be forced to take the route around the Cape of Good Hope. Some ship owners have already taken the decision but none of the Indian ship owners have yet done so. International Association of Dry Cargo shipowners (Intercargo) and the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (Intertanko) are two global trade bodies that have started asking their members to do so. This would mean an increase of at least two weeks additional voyage time.”

“You will see lines coping with different situations by rationalisation of their services,” says Marc Bourdon, General Manager in India of CMA CGM. “This is what is happening today. We are seeing rationalisation of services to ensure that costs go down. We re-adapt our services to suit the market conditions which is not an easy exercise whether it is done by reducing the services, re-routing etc whatever is required to rationalise. That is what all of the industry has to do today.

“Piracy is affecting all the shipping lines operating through the Suez. We too use the operated route like all shipping lines and it is affecting our quality. Diverting ships will have deep-rooted consequences but if the situation deteriorates any further, then we will have to use a different route. It is a complex world wide exercise. There is nothing special we have for India at the moment as such.”

Amongst the first to take evasive action has been the Seaarland group of companies and Motia Compagnia di Navigazione. Both have acted to ensure the safety of their crew, ships and cargoes until the escalating piracy situation off East Africa in the Gulf of Aden is brought under control.
Antonio Zacchello, managing director of the Seaarland group of companies and Motia, says, "We at Seaarland and Motia feel that we have to act to protect our crew from piracy attacks. Accordingly, we have instructed our masters and informed all our customers that until further notice our vessels will be routed to avoid the Gulf of Aden and asked to go as far offshore as is practical if they have to transit the East African coast. We shall also be taking all other precautions on board to deter piracy as we see fit during the present crisis. And we urge the navies in the area, and the major developed nations which depend on world trade through the Gulf of Aden, to act firmly and promptly to restore security to the area. Our seafarers deserve better protection."
Taiwan’s TMT, one of Asia’s biggest shippers has joined the growing list of operators openly diverting their tankers via South Africa because of fears over attacks in the Gulf of Aden. The 20-strong fleet is regularly used to ferry crude oil from the Middle East to consumers in Europe.
Ship brokers say that decisions by big tanker firms to skip the Suez Canal and take the longer voyage around the Cape of Good Hope would add an extra 15 days to ferry oil from the Gulf to Mediterranean refiners, twice the normal time and distance. Delivering crude oil and petroleum products from the Gulf to consumers in northern Europe would take an extra 14 days journey, on top of the typical 19 days through the Suez, they said.
Maersk Line has announced the lay up of eight 6,500 TEU (twenty- foot equivalent unit) vessels. The decision follows the recently announced changes in their Asia - Europe, Asia - Central America, and Trans-Pacific service networks. This resulted in surplus vessel tonnage, which will not be re-deployed in their service network.

"In view of the market conditions, we have reached the point wherelaying up the eight vessels makes better economic sense than re-deployingthem," says Michel Deleuran, Head of Network and Product in Maersk Line. “Maersk Line will continue to adjust capacity in the light of market developments by optimising our schedules, consolidating services, vessel sharing agreements (VSA), enhancing port productivity, economical sailing (reducing speed), and - unless current market conditions improve – additional laying up of vessels.”

“By laying up the ships the operating expenses of the vessel owner comes down,” pointed out Hanoz Mistry, director of Five Star Chartering Private Ltd. “They retain the minimum crew on board. Thus the cost is reduced by 50%. However, the full effect of the recession has not been felt in the case of container vessels which carry consumer goods. But once the winter is through the tanker trade will feel the pinch.”

The free fall of shipping charge prices and the mothballing of new vessels are not the only measures of the perfect storm of extra tight credit and worldwide economic retrenchment that is now hitting land. Adding more ports of call appears to be a better alternative for container lines. On the Europe – Far East route CMA CGM (7 ships, among which the carrier’s first of total sixteen 11,000 TEU leviathans on order) and Hyundai (2) are to extend the rotation of their joint Europe-Far East (FAL1) service to include the South Korean ports of Busan and Kwangyang.

“More than piracy it is the threat of extinction that is playing on the minds of ship owners,” says Mr. Kulkarni. “Tanker trade at the moment is steady but they feel that this also may crash as the demand is falling as there is little movement of cargo. There is a move in Europe to bail out the automobile industry. This is what the shipping industry in India needs at the moment. These are the times when shipowners would have replaced their aging fleets with new ships but unfortunately there are no funds available to them. But survival could be a problem. Softer loans should be made available to the shipowners.”

CMMI’s Maritime Spectrum 2008

2008-12-15T10:12:00.000+05:30

The bi-annual seminar of the Company of Master Mariners of India held at the Textile auditorium, Mumbai on November 29, 2008 featured the theme ‘Maritime Spectrum 2008’. The focus was on five aspects: 100 years of Lloyd’s Open Form; Ballast Water Technology; Shipping Activities in Gujarat; New Rules concerning the Indian River – Sea Vessel operations; Operation of Tugs on the Indian Coasts and the Experience of a Master who sailed through the Somalian Waters.

Capt Mukesh Gautama gave a detailed account of the Lloyd’s Open Form (LOF) the document for the agreement which ship owners enter into with salvagers when the ship is in trouble or in the event of their vessels getting involved in an incident. He explained the background and the origin of the document, how it took shape, the important clauses which govern its operation and their significance.

“It is a simple document requiring seven important details to be entered in the boxes provided. It operates on the basis of a ‘fair and just award’ and ‘No Recovery No Payment’. The moment the form is signed the salvage commences. There are no pre-contract discussions involved.” After the salvage has taken place the Salvager submits his claim. If there is a dispute the matter is referred for arbitration to Lloyd’s, the trusted intermediary.

Sea Scan Marine Services Pvt. Ltd. which has two maritime training institutes in Goa has also been deeply involved in a research project on ballast water through their associate company, M/s Sea Reliance Marine Services Pvt; Ltd. Well protected by a U. S. patent, a presentation on this research was made by Capt Virendra J Mehta, the chairman & managing director of the Company.

The research has resulted in an invention involving a combination of techniques to effectively produce the desired end result of good quality of purified ballast water in large volumes which when discharged into territorial waters of a port state neither harms the environment nor disturbs the ecological balance.

Capt Mehta explained that in their system the treatment of ballast water involves providing for a large filtering surface area viz. 70% of a tank’s capacity which could be used to store, filter, treat and at the same time provide a large supply of water almost two times the feed to the high capacity centrifugal pumps which in turn distribute the water to the other ballast tanks.

“Our system involves ozone and ultraviolet treatment which are considered environment friendly and safe to use,” he stated. “Ozone is a powerful oxidation agent, easily soluble in water and has an extremely short half-life after which ozone reverts to oxygen. Our system uses ozone as the primary disinfectant and ultraviolet treatment as a back up and also for the removal of residual ozone levels in water.”

It is ‘Advantage’ Gujarat when it comes to maritime projects declared Capt Kapil Dev Bahl. “One reason for Gujarat being a foremost maritime state is because it has a vast hinterland. It is the first State Maritime Board in India and represents the state government in all port policies. Gujarat has oil contingency plans. Some ports are fair weather ports and others have been developed as all weather ports.”

He went on to explain the various models which are operational, the private ports that have made significant contributions in developing Gujarat as a maritime state and the various policies that are in place.

Speaking about the ‘Indian River – Sea Vessels (New Rules)’ Capt Mukund B Ajgaonkar gave details about the notification which has been issued on the construction, survey, certification and operation of Indian River-Sea vessels. He spoke on the various types of vessels that could be plied as authorised by the notification and its provisions. Various issues touched on included minimum safe manning, accommodation standards, construction rules, life saving and fire fighting appliances, communication, safety navigation, certification, pollution prevention, customs, etc.

Capt Vikas Vij, founding director of I Marine Infratech (India) Pvt. Ltd. later gave a presentation on ‘Operation of Tugs on the Indian coast’. “MS Notice No. 13 dated 12 September, 2008 came into force with effect from 15 September, 2008. It gives details about the towing permission required, applicable procedures and variations in the periods in what is declared as fair weather by the East coast and the West coast.”

He highlighted the various problems experienced by tug operators, especially in relation to manning, where in facilities offered by tugs differed from those on foreign going ships. Besides, he explained the difficulties experienced as a result of two different safe manning documents required, one for ‘Harbour Operations’ and the other for the ‘Indian Coast’.

Capt Albe Zachariah gave a sensational account of his experience while being chased by the pirates in Somalian waters. He dwelt on the utter helplessness that he and the crew experienced at not being able to retaliate in any way while being pursued by pirates, and trying to evade their much faster moving motor boats which easily sailed at 32 knots while ships could only achieve a maximum of around 20 knots speed.

“In the event of the pirates capturing the ship, don’t try to retaliate at any cost,” he warned. “They will not hesitate to shoot. On the contrary, try to be friendly and get as many liberties from the hijackers as possible while in their captivity.” He went to great lengths to explain in detail about how pirates operated and what manoeuvres one could undertake to ward them off.

‘Hebei Spirit’ officers sentenced to jail

2008-12-15T10:11:00.000+05:30

Indian seafarers may avoid Korean ports
Enraged by the unfair jail sentence passed by the South Korean court on two Indian marine officers, the international shipping community has reacted sharply threatening to take stern action on an unprecedented scale.
Abdulgani Serang general secretary of the National Union of Seafarers of India informed in a press release “We are very furious. We condemn this decision. It’s unfair and unjust.” He warned of a possible backlash against South Korea following the jailing of Captain Jasprit Chawla and chief officer Syam Chetan who had previously been found innocent at a court hearing on June 23. He said: “There is a strong possibility Indian seafarers will avoid South Korean ports. The seafaring and shipping communities are deeply disturbed. Reactions are bound to follow.”
The appeal court in Daejeon jailed Capt Chawla for 18 months and fined him Won20m after finding him guilty on two charges related to the oil spill. The court said Capt Chawla should have gone full astern to drag anchor to prevent the collision with the drifting crane barge Samsung No 1 which had earlier broken its tow.
Mr Chetan was sentenced to eight months in prison and fined Won10m after being criticised by the three appeal court judges. They said Mr Chetan should have been more vigilant and called the master by 0550 hours. They also slammed Mr Chetan for pumping inert gas into the cargo holds and taking too long to transfer oil between the holds.
The two seafarers colleagues at V Ships lamented, “If such unfair punishment is meted out to marine officers for strictly adhering to the rules of the book then it will only discourage younger generations from going to sea. Seafarers will henceforth refrain from sailing into South Korean ports.”
Adding its voice, the International Transport Workers Federation said the decision was “incomprehensibly vindictive”. ITF maritime coordinator Stephen Cotton said: “This is not justice. It’s not even something close. What we have seen today is ‘scapegoating’, criminalisation and a refusal to consider the wider body of evidence that calls into question the propriety of the court. This decision is incomprehensibly vindictive and will impact on all professional mariners”.
He added: “The one thing we can promise today is that this isn’t over. The campaign to free these men will go on growing until the justice that was so glaringly absent in this court today is done.”
Bob Bishop, V.Ships Shipmanagement managing director, said the guilty verdicts and the jailing of the two men “was a complete travesty” and an appeal would be lodged with South Korea’s Supreme Court within two weeks. In the meantime, the pair will have to serve their sentence in jail. Mr Bishop said the company would continue to support both men and their families.
He said the company was making its own feelings known to the Korean authorities and added that the Indian government also planned to raise the issue with the South Korean government.
Mr Bishop added: “The very fact they were paraded outside the court in handcuffs shows the decision was intended to assuage Korean public opinion”. About 100 residents of the area affected by the spill clapped outside court after the judges issued their judgment
The court said the master should not have pumped inert gas into the tanker’s cargo holds because it increased the spillage of oil when the explosive risk was low. It added the Hebei Spirit should have been ballasted to create a 10 degree list which would have prevented the oil spill, while three and a half hours to transfer oil between cargo tanks was too long. Hebei Ocean Shipping, which owned the Hong Kong-flagged tanker was fined Won30m.
Ironically, Capt Chawla and Mr Chetan were sent to prison on International Human Rights Day. Mr Bishop said the incarceration of the two men on such an auspicious day was “the final indignity”.
In what could be seen as a further insult, the appeal court slashed the prison terms for two of the two tug captains directly involved in the incident. One captain had his jail term cut from three years to 30 months, while the other had his sentence reduced from one year to eight months.
The court also confirmed a Won30m fine on Samsung Heavy Industries, which owned the crane barge and tugs involved in the collision. The master of the barge, who was asleep until almost the collision occurred, who was exonerated at the June hearing, was jailed for 18 months.
The accident occurred after the Samsung No 1 broke its tow and drifted in stormy conditions before colliding with the fully loaded 260,000 dwt Hebei Spirit which was at anchor. The crane barge holed three of the tanker’s cargo tanks spewing more than 10,500 tonnes of oil into the sea which polluted a vast stretch of Korea’s west coast causing its worst environmental disaster.
“This is despite the acquittal by their lower court and numerous protests from international shipping associations, including the Asian Shipowners Forum and Singapore Shipping Association. This is in clear violation of the principle set forth in the IMO guidelines on the Fair Treatment of Seafarers in the Event of a Maritime Accident.”

IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea

2008-12-08T11:00:00.000+05:30

The 2008 IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea has been presented to a Brazilian seafarer who saved fellow crew members from a dangerous fire on a ship.

Mr. Rodolpho Fonseca da Silva Rigueira, of the drill ship Noble Roger Eason, nominated by the Government of Brazil, for his decisive, selfless action to rescue six fellow crew members from a catastrophic fire which burst out on it. The fire originated from an explosion, causing imminent risk to the lives of crew members in the vicinity of the explosion; yet, instead of evacuating the area, he repeatedly faced the fire and very high temperatures to save his colleagues, at severe risk to his own life.

Mr. Rigueira was presented with the award by IMO Secretary-General Mr. Efthimios E. Mitropoulos, during a special ceremony held at the IMO Headquarters on 1 December 2008, during the 85th session of the Organization's Maritime Safety Committee (MSC).

Accepting the award, Mr. Rigueira said: "I am here today to be bestowed with an award of great meaning to my country, and particularly myself. Words could not possibly convey the honour that I feel, or express the depth of my gratitude to you today. I am proud, and honoured and very deeply grateful."

"I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate and rejoice with all of those who have also been awarded. As a seafarer, I believe that every one of us can make a difference. Every one of us should. Whether we make a difference or not depends on the courage to be true to ourselves and the faith to try, for the best interest of others as well as our own. I will continue to strive, every day of my life, to be worthy of this honour," he said.

In addition, certificates were presented to the following "highly commended" nominees or their representatives:

 the crews of the Hunter Region Surf Life-Saving Association, Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service, nominated by the Government of Australia, for airlifting 22 crew members from the grounded coal carrier, Pasha Bulker, amid severe weather conditions, risking their own personal safety;

 the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) Chile, supported by other MRCCs, crews and vessels, as nominated by the Government of Chile, in view of the exemplary multinational co-operation and coordination involved in the successful search and rescue and anti-pollution operations following the sinking of the cruise vessel Explorer, off Antarctica, thereby saving 154 passengers and crew members and avoiding potentially substantial environmental damage. The MRCC Chile, as coordinating centre, was supported by the MRCCs of Argentina, the United States, the United Kingdom and Uruguay; the crews of the MS Nordnorge (Norway); the navy icebreaker Almirante Oscar Viel (Chile); the naval support vessel Ary Rongel (Brazil); the navy ocean-going tug Suboficial Castillo (Argentina); the MS National Geographic Endeavour (Bahamas); the MS Antarctic Dream (Panama); and the MS Ushuaia (Panama);

 Captain Kyaw Thet Aung, master of the ANL Warringa, nominated by the Government of the Marshall Islands, for saving 15 lives from the M/V Fitria Persada, during a search and rescue operation involving considerable risk to his vessel and crew;

 Aviation Survival Technician 2nd Class Lawrence Nettles, Coast Guard HH-65 Helicopter, nominated by the Government of the United States, for courage and perseverance, at severe risk to his own life, in saving the unconscious master of the grounded F/V Alegria under adverse sea conditions;

 Coxswain Mark Criddle, of the Torbay Lifeboat Station, nominated by the International Maritime Rescue Federation (IMRF), for courage, leadership and determination in saving eight survivors from the submerged port quarter of the M/V Ice Prince, under considerable risk to his own life and the lives of his crew; and

 six officers and crew of the containership Horizon Falcon, nominated by the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), for skill, perseverance and courage in saving two survivors from the bulk carrier Hai Tong No. 7, in severe weather generated by Typhoon Man-Yi.

Letters of commendation were sent to the following nominees:

- the crews of the vessel of the Hellenic Coast Guard SAR 516 and the tug boat Alfeios, the staff of the Port Authority of Katakolo and of the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre, Piraeus, nominated by the Government of Greece, for saving 302 illegal migrants, in severe weather, from the cargo vessel M/V Akdag; and

- Lieutenant Ulises Toledo Sanchéz, Diver, Mexican Navy Panther Helicopter AMHP-151, nominated by the Government of Mexico, for entering the sea, under severe weather conditions, to save a survivor from the Usumacinta oil rig.

The IMO Award for Exceptional Bravery at Sea was established by the Organization to provide international recognition for those who, at the risk of losing their own life, perform acts of exceptional bravery in attempting to save life at sea or in attempting to prevent or mitigate damage to the marine environment - and, by so doing, help to raise the profile of shipping and enhance its image.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Mr. Mitropoulos commended all the nominees. "We are here this evening to honour and pay tribute to heroic men and women, who have all displayed gallantry, valour, courage and dedication to the cause of rescue at sea that go far beyond anything that might be expected as part of their normal duties", he said.

"Even in the 21st century, with all the technical and operational advances that have made ships increasingly safer workplaces, seafaring remains a difficult and hazardous job. The sea, the weather and their combined force can still be powerful adversaries; ships, and those who sail in them, will never be totally immune from danger and there are times when lives, cargoes and the environment are placed in real jeopardy. These are the times when heroes, not necessarily born as such, come to the fore - ordinary men and women, who, inspired by altruism and sentiments of self-sacrifice, do things that go beyond any sense of well-meant duty," he added.

Rising ship detentions prompt DGS to call for action

2008-12-08T10:55:00.000+05:30

At the behest of the Directorate General of Shipping, the ISM Annual workshop 2008 was held on November 28, 2008 at the Maritime Training Institute of the SCI, Powai, Mumbai, against the backdrop of rising port state control (PSC) detentions abroad of Indian flag vessels. Designated persons of various Indian shipping companies attended in large numbers to take stock of the situation and bring in place a scheme to eliminate future detentions.

D. Mehrotra, deputy chief surveyor, informed that this year there have been around 11 more detentions of Indian vessels abroad than last year, under various MOUs which was unprecedented. Last year there had been only 6. This reflected adversely on the concerned shipping companies and the extent the International Safety Management (ISM) code was being adhered to. However, in at least six to seven cases the detentions were not justified and the directorate has taken up the matter with the concerned flag state.

The chief surveyor, Ajoy Chatterjee in his keynote address agreed with many of the shipping companies which had indicated the need for having their own management and professionals. However, he felt that the changeover needed to be smooth and was a welcome move as long as it ensured proper safety management.

He pointed out that in implementing the ISM code there has to be a change in the style of working. “Basically and historically when any incident occurs there is a tendency to maintain a blame culture,” he said. “This has to be replaced with a culture of compliance based on the ISM model. The creation of self-regulation which encourages each and every company to establish its own priority of safety and standard of compliance will greatly help in is regard. If detention takes place under the flag state inspection, then it is to be considered a failure of the classification society. If detained the ship owner is at a loss, the flag state is responsible and indirectly also the port state control.”

In a message to the shipping community, Ms Lakshmi Venkatachalam, Director General of Shipping and ex-offico additional secretary to the Government of India pointed out, “The human element ashore and onboard has been identified as the cause for a majority of accidents, incidents and pollution from shipping operations. The processes under the ISM code, in essence, provide tools to monitor the performance of a shipping company in managing the safety and pollution prevention of its ships. Against the backdrop of rising PSC detention of Indian flag vessels, I am sure that the shipping fraternity will be eagerly looking forward to the recommendations and conclusions of the ISM seminar which will strengthen their efforts towards making the oceans safer and cleaner.”

Rolling out ‘A road map to a just culture – Enhancing Safety of ships and protection of the marine environment’, Mr Chaterjee explained that ISM begins the day certification is received on board and cannot totally be with the ship board staff alone to implement. The offshore staff should also be involved unless they have complete faith and trust with those on board. But compliance with the ISM Code will not in itself create a safety culture. There has to be a will to do so by those individuals who have the power at corporate level and those having the values and competencies to make it really happen.

A review of the ISM implementation during the year 2007-08 from the statistics that have been gathered by the ISM cell of the directorate was presented by Rajeev Prakash Iyer from the directorate. The various audits that were carried out clearly indicated that non-conformities had gone down remarkably. In the study carried out by Prakash from the Indian Register of Shipping on the reasons for detentions by foreign flag states, details were given about the non-conformities. Certain facts of a survey carried out by Great Eastern Shipping (GE) of 20 vessels which had experienced detentions abroad were presented by Capt Golli of GE. It was revealed that many detentions made by foreign flag states were not in order and without much justification.

A senior manager of Bernhard Schulte Ship Management (India) gave an inspiring presentation on ‘Improving Implementation of ISM’. He explained how the company has been pioneering the safety management system implementation since 1998. “The success of ISM Code is that it provides a foundation for shipping companies to build a solid safety management system,” he stated. “Failure comes from the fact that most companies considered it as the ultimate goal for certification and an end in itself.”

Following an analysis of PSC detention of Indian flag vessels made by the ISM cell, a number of representatives of the concerned companies whose vessels faced detention gave their response. While most agreed that the detentions were justified some felt that PSC officials were over-stepping their line of duty while others felt that there was no reason for the detention of their ship.

What many shipping companies consider ISM to be can be gauged from what Mr Chatterjee stated in his summation. “When I visited some of companies I got the impression that the shipping representative who is supposed to be functioning as the ‘Designated Person’ did not know exactly what his role was. They felt that their role ended outside their cabin. In one case a lady who was a stenographer was appointed the ‘Designated Officer’ of the shipping company. The reason being that the lady was the first to come to the office, open the office and go about her work of typing.”

IMO Chief's “grounds for concern”

2008-12-01T10:56:00.000+05:30

Opening IMO's Maritime Safety Committee meeting this week the body's secretary general Efthimios Mitropoulos has expressed concern at the number of seafarers killed at sea this year, mainly in domestic ferries and small vessel, and at the prospect of the economic crisis leading to dangerous practices.
He said that there are grounds for genuine concern over a number of issues, one of them being the overall safety record of certain sectors of the shipping industry. He continued: “While the recent delivery of many new ships built to the highest IMO standards has injected a welcome element of youth into the age profile of the world merchant fleet and, as a consequence, a higher degree of safety, we cannot ignore the fact that, since the beginning of the year, well over 1,600 seafarers are estimated to have lost their lives in accidents mainly involving ferries in domestic service and small cargo ships caught up in adverse weather conditions.”
Mr Mitropoulos said: “I find these figures both disturbing and unacceptable – a real setback at a time when so many efforts are being made to enhance safety at sea and so many endeavours are coming to fruition, including the International Safety Management Code, the first phase of which entered into force 10 years ago.”
“Also of concern,” he said, “is the current financial crisis, which analysts predict will continue for some time to come and which is already negatively impacting on economies worldwide, triggering fears of a global recession. A prolonged crisis of the sort we have been experiencing since the summer will leave no sector unscathed and, along with the world trade, it has already affected the shipping industry. The situation may be exacerbated by the release of new tonnage into the market place from the recent years’ unprecedented world order book, which, in spite of the anticipated withdrawal of further single-hull tankers in 2010, may lead to a substantive imbalance between supply and demand of shipping capacity worldwide forcing ships to lay up.”
He cautioned: “In this difficult time ahead, when it will be prudent to seek economies to face the storm, it would also be necessary to guard against measures that may have a negative impact on the safety of ships and shipping operations. While recommending that we should all exercise patience and perseverance in weathering the crisis, I would advise against adhering to savings and practices that might play a contributory part in any decline in the safety record of shipping and in the efforts of the maritime community to protect and preserve the marine environment.”

Supremacy of MOLMI’s safety culture evident at seminar

2008-12-01T10:55:00.000+05:30

‘Safe, secure and efficient shipping on cleaner oceans’, may appear to be seafarers’ mantra for a long and fruitful career in shipping, but Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Maritime (India) Pvt. Ltd. has gone a step further inculcating a superior safety culture. This was evident at the recent three-day conference held at Hotel Le Royal Meridien, Mumbai from November 20 to 22, 2008.
Extending an enthusiastic welcoming to the guests and the participants to the three-day programme Capt Abhijit Chattopadhyay, director & CEO of Mitsui O.S.K.Lines Maritime (India) Pvt Ltd outlined the programme details and the background of the speakers. “Safety and security is the uppermost in the minds of everyone,” he said. “With regard the piracy that has been taking place we received very good news in this morning’s papers that the Indian Navy had destroyed the mother vessel from which the Somalian pirates have been launching their attack. This certainly is very good news.” Capt Chattopadhyay went on to explain how the seminar would be conducted and how each participant would benefit from it.
In a convincing address to the floating staff at the inauguration of this annual programme, Mr S Yamada, president, MOLSHIP (J) drove home his sincere concern for his seafarers by stating, “MOL cannot develop if you don’t develop safety, which is one major factor that can help customers. You are safe by thinking ahead of time in this regard. MOL has taken the lead by moving ahead and bringing in “MOL Spirit” the training vessel on which cadets who are trained get treated as one of MOL’s own family.”

He stressed that MOL will strive to maximize corporate value by always being creative, continually pursuing higher operating efficiency and promoting an open and visible management style that is guided by the highest ethical and social standards. He assured that despite the worldwide recession, no one in MOL needs to worry and everyone’s job is secure as long as everyone performed well. MOL would take delivery of the new buildings as scheduled, he concluded.

Capt. Soichi Hiratsuka, managing executive officer, Mitsui O.S.K Lines was the chief guest at the seminar. Delivering his keynote address on the second day of the seminar he declared that MOL would continue to expand its fleet to ensure long term contracts with many top - rank customers. He stressed that the seafarers were the assets of the company.

Unfolding ten typical case studies of avoidable accidents, Capt M Kato, general manager, Co-ordination brought home the point that it is necessary to get down to basics to avoid accidents. He categorised each of the accidents in order to bring home to bear the different situations leading to such accidents. Even though several of them could be classed as freak cases, he explained how and why they could have been avoided.

The basic target of the management is ‘the 6th zero’ to ensure zero casualties, in every aspect including crew, vessel, cargo, zero oil spill and gas emissions, stated Capt BS Tracy, dgm, NAS, Hongkong. “Safety is a way of life,” he stressed. “A continuous enhancement of seafarers’ skill and development of his operational approach can help to factor in safety. More than the safety of cargo, one’s own safety is of paramount importance.”

Giving the seafarer’s perspective on safety, Capt RK Sharma advocated prevention as being better than cure. He pointed out that stress and fatigue were tending to be a major cause of accidents. Automation was no doubt being brought in to help the seafarers yet, he preferred that more stress be given to training; creation of awareness and better supervision to avoid accidents. “Long before anyone could suggest it, MOL was the first to implement NOX and SOC emission standards even though it was not made mandatory,” he said.

Group Leader of Marine Safety Group, MOLMI, Capt JS Kanwar, gave a presentation on ‘Support to enhance Safety & Maintenance’. MOLMI inspections started in August 2005 he informed, and that the MOL inspector goes about doing inspections which actually help to prevent accidents and improve a ship’s condition by improving maintenance and conditions on board is in no way meant to point a finger at anyone.

“Anything human cannot be foolproof,” according to Capt A Hore, manager, MOLMI while delivering his talk on ‘Accidents – Human Aspects’. “But we can tell what needs to be done and how it can be rectified.” He went on to explain how accidents are caused and the major role played by human beings.

The power of team-work coupled with professional focusing skills and the passion of team enabled goals to be achieved: to avoid accidents, disasters and oil spills was the crux of the presentation made by Mr H Kubo, md, MOL TANKSHIP Management (Asia) Pte Ltd. Singapore. His speech was followed by a presentation by Capt M Kato, gm, Co-ordination Division, MOLSHIP (J) on ‘What good seamanship is’. He brought out the good qualities of a seafarer stating, “A good seafarer ensures safe operations, keeping the environment clean and ensuring efficient operations. To ensure these qualities one has to constantly improve knowledge, skill and efficiency, improve shore management and be well informed.”

Bringing out another aspect of safety, Mr Khalil Al-Balushi, dpa & cso, OSMC Muscat, in his presentation spoke about ‘The Seafarer’s contribution to ship management quality’. He stressed the need to raise safety awareness on board, improve safety management systems, the TMSA status of the company, the ship-shore flow information and to address environmental issues on shipping.

Going yet deeper on improving the safety aspect Capt BS Tracy projected ‘The Alignment Module’. Alignment is a condition which is reached when everyone in an organisation is working consciously towards the same shared vision and goal. Organisation alignment is linking strategy, culture process, people, leadership and system – to best accomplish the needs of a company.

There were presentations made on ‘Statistical Analysis Assessment of Incidents’ by Mr M Kobyashi, gm, Marine Safety Group, MOL; on MOL LNG Europe by Mr Hugh Landels – manager, Manning & Training of MOL LNG (Europe) and on ‘Modern Propulsion Options’ by Mr SK Singh, manager MOLMI.

Another interesting presentation was made by Capt AK Dass, manager, Training MOLMI. He pointed out that 80% to 95% of all accidents were triggered by unsafe behaviour which tends to interact with other weaknesses inherent in work flow process or present in the working environment. He threw light on conventional ways of accident analysis, BBS way of unsafe behaviour monitoring and modifications, and why people behave unsafely. He explained how we can stop people behaving unsafely.

Workshops conducted during the seminar provided plenty of opportunities for interaction among the participants. Besides, the question and answer sessions at the end of each presentation brought out many issues which seafarers experience and these were satisfactorily clarified. In all around 80 marine officers attended the seminar including captains, chief engineers, and other officers. The three-day programme concluded with cocktails and dinner held on November 21, at the Royal Gardens, ITC Hotel - The Grand Maratha.

Capt. B. K. Jha, General Manager MOLMI gave the vote of thanks. He extended his delightful thanks to all the officers and guests for making the programme a grand success and for their keen interests in the presentations and in posing questions which helped to make the programme interactive and meaningful. He also thanked the participants for the feedback which they submitted and assured them that their views and ideas would be implemented in the future programmes.

Anglo-Eastern focuses on ‘Teamwork – the Human Element’

2008-12-01T10:54:00.000+05:30

For the benefit of their seafarers, Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Ltd. chose their recent conference held from November 18 to 20, 2005 at the J W Marriott, Mumbai to focus on – the age-old adage – ‘the human element is at its best when all work as a well knit team’.

The massive hall which was packed to capacity saw an unprecedented turnout of captains, master mariners, chief engineers, and other marine officers of the company’s floating staff all looking toward getting abreast of the latest developments and to resolve the difficulties that they have been facing in their day-to-day operations at sea.

At the outset Peter Cremers, chief executive officer of Anglo Eastern Group gave a perspective of the company’s operations and how they could be consolidated and developed for meeting the challenges of the times through ‘Teamwork – the Human Element’, the theme of the conference. He gave a brief on the company’s manning policy, its objective and what the company is targeting to achieve in the coming years and how teamwork could help to achieve the company’s expectations.

On the ship owners’ side there were two speakers: Marco Schut, general manager of Dockwise Shipping B.V., who took the opportunity to give details about the fleet and its operations. Elvind Holte of Saga Shipholding (Norway), on the other hand gave an insight into the freight market condition. He mentioned that the piracy attacks in the Gulf of Aden have been increasing dramatically and that the situation was likely to worsen in the coming months.

Robert North of the US Coast Guard (Retd) and president of North Star Maritime took the trouble of coming all the way from the US to relate in detail the US mindset on ‘MARPOL violations and its implications’. MARPOL he said was the steward of the environment. He gave down-to-earth suggestions on what seafarers should look out for and what port state officers were particular about when they came on their rounds. “If you have maintained your record books correctly it is your best defence. If not, it is a felony and you could be in trouble,” he said.

“The mariner is part of the solution and not the problem,” contended Capt Michael I Blair, who is officially deputed by the office of the chief of the US Coast Guard (USCG). “In order to encourage the mariner to undertake his role of protecting the oceans from getting polluted it is necessary that he be provided with the proper tools.” He declared that 99% of the seafarers were doing a good job. “But remember never to lie about anything related with MARPOL regulations and cooperate with the US coast guards and things will go well with you.”

“We have brought in a lot of compliance standards,” pointed out Oivind N Braten, head of maritime management systems at DNV, a classification society based in Oslo. “But when it comes to training, there are not many standards in place. There is need for training delivery reports to make sure that training instructors are doing a proper job in the right way and using the proper instructional aids, etc.”

The ISM code was never intended to bring in additional liabilities, according to Dr Phil Anderson, managing director of ConsultISM Ltd. While talking about the ‘legal implications of the ISM Code’, he said, “It was introduced to make the sea cleaner and safer – that was the intention – but there are cases where the ISM code has been hijacked by the lawyers. Many cases have not been settled and may be referred to in arbitration.” He explained that the ISM code is meant to establish a benchmark and is not designed to introduce contractual claims nor be a cause for disputes, civil or criminal action. It should establish a benchmark in the way a ship manager operates safely.

‘Safety awareness – small mistakes lead to big problems’, was what Trygve C Nokleby, manager, Loss Prevention Gard As, had to say when team work fails. Drawing inferences from statistics he said that one vessel out of 10 is involved in a navigational accident during its lifetime. It is essential to avoid mistakes and learn from others about when accidents happen. Analysing the contributory causes for accidents at sea he pointed out that the reasons could be three fold: ignoring dangerous situations by not understanding consequences; accepting dangerous practices; and ignoring broken equipment.

The most interesting and important aspect of teamwork was brought out by Chris Haughton, managing director of Haughton Maritime Ltd. He stated that ‘leadership’ addresses change, sets direction, aligns people, motivates and inspires. However, there is a need for a mix of leadership with management, since the latter addresses complexities, planning and budgeting, organises staff control and solves problems.

Capt Pradeep Chawla, director, QA & Training AESM, Hong Kong, presented the ‘AESM Performance Review 2008’. He cautioned participants to be careful about port state control inspections as they write down even small issues which could matter. “There is a big increase in Code 17 deficiencies,” he informed. “The ports to watch out are Australia, Brisbane, Dampier and Gladstone where inspections are very stringent. The numbers of inspectors in China too have increased.” He announced that behaviour based tanker programme that started last year would be made active in all ships and would be started on dry cargo ship also.

Tony Fernandez, a leading Average Adjustor, Mentor and Leaning facilitator quoted Galileo saying, “one cannot teach another person anything. One can only help another person to find wisdom within him.” He discussed the fundamental concepts of relationships with regard to shipboard situations. He also explained in detail the causes and consequences of positive relationships and their nurturing factors. Highlighting the causes and consequences of negative relationships and their healing factors, he underlined some of the tools and techniques for nurturing positive shipboard relationships.

Two days were exclusively devoted for interaction between deck officers and engine officers. Later, there was interaction between owners and the floating staff and then an open house for discussion between the sea staff and AESM managers.

Le Havre ties up with Seahorse Ship Agencies

2008-11-24T12:29:00.000+05:30

Port of Le Havre entered into an agreement with Seahorse Ship Agencies on November 17, 2008 at The Hotel Taj Mahal & Towers to boost the traffic between India and the French port. The agreement is expected to lend dynamism to the traffic growth since Seahorse serving as a permanent partner in India will help to provide Indian exporters who ship their goods to Europe to avail of the excellent facilities offered by the port.

The agreement was signed by Alain Poussier, Area Manager of The Port of Le Havre Authority on behalf of the port and Capt. Avinash Batra, Chairman of Seahorse Ship Agencies Pvt. Ltd. for the Indian company.

Le Havre the leading French port has seen an exceptional growth of 25.3% last year, not achieved by any other port in Europe. With a global traffic of 80 million tons, it is the 5th biggest North-European port and a leading French port for foreign trade, Le Havre is keen to increase its presence in India. Le Havre has chosen the Seahorse Ship Agencies Pvt. Ltd., as their representative in India since they are leading players, offering quality shipping services and international transport. The objective of the agreement is to further develop trade and container flow between the two countries.
As prime movers of growth revival, the new infrastructures of Port 2000, Le Havre has achieved very high build-up in 2007 with 760,000 TEU handled in Terminal de France while the Terminal Porte Océane, which started operations in late November 2007, in its starting phase achieved 11,300 TEU that was handled during the first 5 weeks of business. The marketing director of Le Havre Authority, Mr. Pierre-Yves Collardey stated that the port has fixed a very ambitious target of 6 million TEUs to be achieved by 2010. Being a deep sea port Le Havre can accommodate any size vessel. Two of its terminals will be extended by 2010 to add 6 more berths.
“We have good connectivity by rail, road and water transport to most parts of Europe,” he said. “Because of easy and quick accessibility Le Havre is a gateway to countries in Europe including Switzerland, Germany, Australia, Italy, the UK, Ireland, Spain and Portugal. We are in a very fluid region and don’t suffer from congestion. Goods go from Le Havre via the La Seine to Paris. Soon we will be having a canal system to connect all important centres which will help barging to grow, especially for products which are not time sensitive.”
Capt Batra informed that Seahorse will be able to provide excellent service since the company has over 25 offices in almost every important port in India. “We have been associated with sales on behalf of Le Havre since the past 8 years and now we will extend our services functioning as a representative. With our country-wide network of well appointed branch offices having a thorough knowledge of local markets, we can offer cost effective, personalized and prompt service a factor responsible for making us trusted partners of the Port of Le Havre.”
Seahorse Ship Agencies Pvt. Ltd., a part of the Seahorse Group based in Mumbai, is a professional diversified group founded in 1980. The company has been in the forefront of the shipping and logistics industry in India with its impeccable track record of high quality service in ship agency and international cargo transportation. Personalized customer service, expeditious and efficient cargo handling, simplified procedures and transparent service costs are some of the hallmarks of Seahorse Agency network in India.

GlobalMET set to take away initiative from IMO

2008-11-24T12:25:00.000+05:30

‘Train, Retrain and Retain’, is set to be the new mantra for maritime training institutes, grooming seafarers for “Building competence for Modern Day Ships”, an issue that was deliberated upon at the GobalMET conference held on November 17, 2008. Uniting under the banner of GlobalMET, at the Shipping Corporation’s MTI auditorium at Powai, Mumbai, representative of training institutes from Asian and Pacific region countries underscored the need to bring in relevance to the present training pattern which, designed by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) had failed to address several needs of the seafaring community as training gurus had not been party to the evolving pattern.

This was the 9th conference in a series for GlobalMET, which saw a wide and heavy turnout of representatives of different institutions and training academies: Educationists, maritime gurus, ship owners and head honchos from the manning and ship management companies. The need of the hour is to keep abreast of the sea change turning the tide in the realm of maritime transport and accordingly address the issues which tend to leave seafarers in the lurch.

Rod Short, executive secretary, GLOBAL Maritime Education & Training Association informed in his opening address, “I am often being asked by cadets, ‘Why are we being burdened with subjects such as Astronavigation, when we are not likely to ever use it with operations now on board being electronic based?’ These are issues that need to be addressed.

“We must train and train and retrain and above all retain to ensure competency of the staff. It is time for an industry wide approach. Of course, we need to support the IMO but at the same time know what is required on board for maintaining competency.” In the past educators did not have a voice on the international front, he further informed. Now GlobalMET has been given representation on IMO and doors have been opened to their representatives.

In his address, S. Hajara, cmd of SCI, the chief guest at the function too underscored the need for training, retraining and retaining. He cautioned that unless seafarers became competent, shipping could not move forward. The industry was facing acute shortage of seafarers, he said. The youth did not find the profession attractive, partly because the adventurism of the past when ships remained at foreign ports for long periods of time permitting seafarers to see the world was now missing.

“As a result of seafarer shortage getting shore leave is also becoming difficult,” he said. “The criminalisation of seafarers as in the case of the recent Hebei Spirit incident and piracy too has become another discouraging factor.”

Ajoy Chatterjee, chief surveyor to the government of India was against the move for the reduction of pre-sea training period for engineers to only 12 months in order to churn out more seafarers for resolving the shortage problem. “Because there is a shortage of doctors you don’t reduce doctors’ training period to 12 months and send them to the operation theatre, do you? Who would want to risk being operated on by such doctors?”

Giving an insight into the legal issues faced by ships trading with the USA, George Chalos a leading counsel of the international law firm, Chalos & Co who has featured in numerous high profiles Federal and State court trials advised that the shipping industry is an easy target because shipping companies are considered to be rich and can pay fines. The public policy in the US is to bring in deterrence through fines, penalties and compliance programmes.

“Generally to be guilty of a crime in the USA, a person must act as a criminal,” he said. “Hence having a guilty mind can be dangerous. Anything can be a ‘red flag’ if one has a guilty mind. Every person is expected to reply to the authorities only through a lawyer. Be aware of the rules and do what you are expected to do.”

He went on to inform that a corporation/company can incur vicarious liability for the action of employees undertake in the course of their employment. He advised that it is not advisable to do things with the intention of trying to protect one’s company. That way one could actually be jeopardising his career. It is better to stay calm and obtain advice in the event of criminal investigation. Besides, one should never send anyone from their office to tell the crew and ship staff what to say because this too is a crime in the US.

“We have brought in a lot of compliance standards,” pointed out Oivind N. Braten, head of maritime management systems at DNV, a classification society based in Oslo. ”But when it comes to training, there are not many standards in place,” he said. “There is need for training delivery reports to make sure that training instructors are doing a proper job the right way and using the proper instructional aids, etc.”

Michael I. Blair, who is officially deputed by the office of the chief of the US Coast Guard (USCG) to attend the conference opined, “The USCG considers people to be the greatest resources. But unfortunately 85% of the accidents and damage are caused by the human element. The STCW has been incorporated in the US regulations but other IMO regulations have not.” He stressed the importance of shore leave and stated that the centre of excellence of the USCG focused on working towards the goal to work with the industry and achieve one’s goals.

The safety of life at sea has always been the focus of maritime training. This aspect of safety culture was dealt with in several aspects by other speakers too. Capt Pradeep Chawla, director, GlobalMET recapitulating emphasised that earlier any accident or damage was routinely considered to be a mistake. But today it is considered on par with the commission of a crime. Hence, training is the most important part of the seafaring profession. At the end of the day the teacher has to focus on what is needed he said. Are the right issues being focused on when training is being imparted? This is what training institutes need to look at before working out their respective syllabi.

Second Stolt Hijack

2008-11-17T13:08:00.000+05:30

Crews on vessels transiting the Gulf of Aden are “very jittery” as a spate of attacks saw another Stolt-chartered ship hijacked and a UK-managed reefer attacked.

The International Maritime Bureau (IMB)’s Piracy Reporting Centre has been flooded with calls from ships in the area reporting suspicious vessels, Noel Choong of the centre said.

The plethora of reports follows the seizure of the 33,200-dwt chemical tanker Stolt Strength (built 2005) in the Gulf of Aden on Monday afternoon. Although Choong would not name the vessel, he confirmed that a Philippines-flagged unit had been taken while en route to Asia with an unknown cargo.

A statement from the ship’s owner, Sagana Shipping, confirmed that it was within the designated security corridor in the Gulf of Aden at the time of the seizure. It is now believed to be heading down the east coast of Somalia.

Initial reports that there were 21 crew onboard appear incorrect as Choong said there are 23 crew members. Sagana’s statement confirmed that all crew are Filipino.

The Stolt Strength is classed by Bureau Veritas and has P&I cover with the Japan Shipowners’ Association. Choong also said that a Saudi Arabia-flagged reefer managed and operated out of the UK sustained bullet holes after coming under attack about 250 kilometres off the coast of Mogadishu on Monday afternoon.

Pirates in two speed boats armed with semi-automatic weapons and rocket-propelled grenade launchers fired on the ship which took evasive manoeuvres and managed to outrun its attackers.

Although Choong could not name the vessel, information suggests that it is either of the 602,800-cbf pair Al Moshtaree or Al Mareekh (both built 1984) which are both managed by London Ship Managers. The hijacking of the Stolt Strength means the Netherlands-based outfit now has two chemical tankers being held by Somali pirates. There are 22 crew onboard the 25,300-dwt Stolt Valor (built 2004) which was hijacked in the Gulf of Aden on 15 September while en route from Suez to Mumbai.

There have been various reports of ransom demands from the hijackers of the Stolt Valor of between $2m and $6m. The latest seizure brings to 12 the number of ships being held by
Somali pirates after Clipper’s 7,300-dwt multi-purpose vessel CEC
Future (built 1994) was taken on Friday. The total amount of crew being held hostage is believed to be 236.

So far this year there have been 83 reported attacks in or around Somali waters with 33 hijackings.

Good health at sea ensures productivity

2008-11-17T12:10:00.000+05:30

Seafarers’ good health and being ‘fit as a fiddle’ at sea have become critical factors for ship owners to ensure productivity. Taking a proactive stance the Seabird Health Foundation in association with Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement embarked on a pioneering role to create awareness among ship manning, ship management, ship owners and corporates by organising a seminar on November 8, 2008 at The Club, Andheri (W) Mumbai, on maintaining good health and fitness at sea.

The event drew a large number of personalities, company executives, representatives from manning and shipping companies as well as captains and marine engineers keen on finding a solution to several ‘cases’ of death and sicknesses due to health negligence that could deal a severe blow to the shipping trade as stress and fatigue threaten to reach alarming proportions. Presentations that were made brought into focus several revealing facts, at the same time various simple and very easy to follow remedies offered made a deep impact on the participants attending the seminar.

Conscious of the ever growing number of problems faced by seafarers, this awareness seminar is one of the recent initiatives of Seabird Health Foundation with Dr. Jacob Mathew the Director who has been spearheading it activities since its inception at the turn of the century and has been providing health care of international standards, with special emphasis on the needs of seafarers and the off shore industry.

Three luminaries, all well known consultants in India and abroad, gave in-depth presentations at the one-day seminar holding the participants spell bound. These were: Dr. Ashish Contractor M.D.; department head for Preventive Cardiology & Rehabilitation, Dr. Kalpana Rao, a life style specialist; and Ms Ankita Shah a leading consulting dietician.

Dr. Contractor informed that we are changing our dietary and physical habits, which is causing a lot of preventable diseases. “Males above 45 and females above 55 are at a greater risk. Smoking and tobacco cause the greatest risk. High blood pressure is a silent killer since often there are no symptoms. Ideally blood pressure should be below 120 / 80 mm Hg, Another common disease is hypercholesterolemia for which routine testing is necessary to ensure that one maintains the total cholesterol at less than 200 mg /dl; triglycerides less than 150 mg / dl; and LDL (bad cholesterol) should be below 100 mg / dl.” He also gave a deep insight into metabolic syndrome about body mass index and the risk factors involved.

He recommended regular exercise and said that when it comes to doing exercise like brisk walking one should ensure that they walk 10,000 steps every day. (Going to office by train or bus normally involves less than 3,000 steps. “Physical activity is more of bodily movement and exercise is done in a more structured way,” he said.

The dietician, Ms Shah gave a brief on what a good and balanced diet really is about. Her advice was not to consume too much of simple carbohydrates like sugar, etc., as these get easily absorbed into the system and created fat. “People at sea should find it difficult to monitor their diets after 10 to 12 hours of continuous work and hence should avoid eating too much red meat. We need to educate seafarers to consume more white meat. One must prefer eating fish curry as against eating fried fish. I would not say don’t have pork but eat more of white meat. These are some things if we don’t educate all seafarers there could be more repatriation.”

She further advised seafarers to eat food which is genetically good for us and not get influenced by Western culture. “The Chinese and the Filipinos are genetically conditioned to eat more pork and red meat than Indians,” she said.

Dr. Rao explained the commandments of a good life style. She recommended healthy eating habits, avoidance of any addictions, ways to cope with stress, etc. She gave a number of hints on how to cope with stress and maintain a good and healthy life style. She explained how simple exercises could be done at the workplace besides yoga and aerobics.

Dr Mathews mentioned that Seabird Health Foundation has been actively promoting health and fitness among seafarers. “It is our ardent desire to reduce mortality and morbidity among the seafaring community. In this connection this seminar is being conducted for the large sea faring community that we serve.”

He appealed to the managements of various shipping and offshore companies to help in this noble venture. He was happy with the excellent and overwhelming response to the seminar.

Port Pipavav announces investment

2008-11-10T12:05:00.002+05:30

Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited (GPPL) announced they will invest an additional INR 260 crore (approximately EUR 40 million) immediately, to dredge to 14.5 metres draft and further improve accessibility to the port, located in the State of Gujarat, 153 nautical miles northwest of Mumbai.
GPPL has entered into a contract with Zinkcon Marine (Singapore) Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Royal Boskalis Westminster to undertake capital dredging to increase the acceptance draught from 12.5m to 14.5m. The dredging is scheduled to be completed by mid- 2009.
Speaking about the port’s continued development, Mr Littlejohn said, “We are strongly committed to investment and growth in the port. We have presently undertaken construction of an additional container yard to support a container cargo volume of 600,000 TEUs (20ft container equivalent) per year, expected to be completed by December 31, 2008. We intend to construct container yards for supporting container cargo volume of additional 670,000 TEUs by December 31, 2009.
Port Pipavav is not just the obvious port for Gujarat, but also a preferred gateway to New Delhi and other markets in north-western India, that allows shippers an alternative to the traditional routing via the congested infrastructure around Mumbai.
“With the deeper draft, Pipavav offers a safe port for the ever larger container vessels that cannot call at Major Ports in India. The port has road and rail connectivity, and the rail freight costs from our on-dock facility to the North Indian Inland Container Depots (ICDs) are lower and the current maximum capacity of the rail link is 22 trains per day in each direction” Mr Littlejohn continued.

Ship crew still detained year after US bay spill

2008-11-10T12:05:00.001+05:30

For nearly a year, six Chinese crew members on a ship that crashed into the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge - creating the bay's worst oil spill in nearly 20 years - have been detained by federal authorities.
The sailors are being held as material witnesses in the crash of the Cosco Busan. The men, including four who are not accused of wrongdoing, are fighting for the right to return to their families in China.
'This is a lengthy detention,' said University of Georgia law professor Ronald Carlson, an expert on the material witness law.
'These witnesses are being detained humanely. Still, there is that undeniable desire to return home.' The cargo ship sideswiped a bridge support in heavy fog, gashing its hull and leaking more than 189,265 litres of fuel that killed and injured thousands of birds. It was believed to be the biggest San Francisco Bay oil spill since 1988.
Prosecutors want the six to testify in criminal cases against the harbour pilot, John Cota, and the ship's Hong Kong-based operator, Fleet Management. Both have pleaded not guilty. Although they are under arrest as material witnesses, they are not in jail.
Living rent-free in apartments and hotels, they are permitted to roam San Francisco and the surrounding area. They continue to draw their salaries, and each also receives US$1,200 per month in witness fees, more than the monthly salary of at least one detained seaman.

Chinese officials hope the crew can return soon. But 'we believe they are situated pretty well,' said Defa Tong, a spokesman for the Chinese consulate in San Francisco. 'Some of them are going to school to learn English.'
Still, the men have been unable to celebrate family birthdays and tend to sick relatives. One crewman's wedding had to be delayed.
'They are unhappily detained,' said Douglas Schwartz, a lawyer representing the ship's captain, Mao Cai Sun.
The crew's legal predicament stems from federal law allowing the arrest of witnesses who might flee before testifying in criminal cases. Several other countries, including the UK, have similar laws.
Two of the six crewmen have admitted wrongdoing. Shun Biao Zhao, the ship's second officer, has admitted altering and forging navigational documents after the crash. Kong Xiang Hu, the chief officer, admitted signing one of these documents. Both contend Fleet executives ordered the alterations and signings, which the company denies.
All six have been granted protection from prosecution if they testify truthfully.
In defending the lengthy detention, Assistant US Attorney Jonathan Schmidt said the crew members' 'evasiveness and participation in obstruction of justice' were factors.

Although the trial is scheduled for April, the government recently agreed to let the crew have their testimony videotaped. Two of the six have already taped their testimony, and the rest are due to wind theirs up by the end of December.

The crew's lawyers want the judge to let the men return home after completing their depositions, and the two who already have are due to make that request this week.

But federal prosecutors also want some of the six to testify in a suit against the ship's owners. While the law on holding material witnesses doesn't apply in civil cases, a subpoena in the civil suit could still complicate their departures.

India’s robust maritime sector could weather the financial storm

2008-11-10T12:03:00.000+05:30

When will it all happen? How bad will it get? These are queries that are buzzing around Indian players in the shipping field while mulling over the financial meltdown. But as our policy makers would like to depict, the fundamentals are strong and the possibility of the Indian maritime sector feeling the effect of the global financial crisis will witness a quick turnaround coming out of the present financial crisis safe and sound.
Hope is writ large all around, with what is being considered as a positive outcome of the US elections with Barack Obama making history. The US president-elect is expected to bolster measures to overcome recession in the world’s biggest economy. Significantly, the return of investments into India is expected to benefit the rupee. The strengthening of the rupee and prices of crude oil coming down are their certain expectations. Efforts are underway in various financial capitals of the world to contain the meltdown while the Indian government is making all efforts to isolate the country’s economy from the shattering effect of the global financial crisis.
Despite the global economic gloom, the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) the largest shipping company in the country, managing 81 ships plans to add 69 ships to its fleet over the next five years at an estimated cost of $ 20 bn. This would double its fleet strength from five mn DWT now to 10 mn DWT. It has already placed orders for 29 ships and invited bids for another 40 vessels. Yet more dramatic is the company’s September quarter result which netted sales at Rs 1184.65 crore as against Rs 868.88 crore for the same quarter in the last year. The profits jumped to Rs 274.88 crore against Rs 182.31 crore for the same period in the previous year.
Other shipping companies have also done tremendously well. Over the same period, Great Eastern Shipping, India’s largest private shipping company registered a net profit growth of 48% from Rs 342.79 crore to Rs 506.15 crore. Varun Shipping, the oil and gas shipping giant of India for the same period declared its quarterly net profits at Rs 44.27 crore compared to Rs 15.37 crore a year ago. Mercator too yielded massive profits of Rs 104.96 crore versus Rs 90.54 crore earlier.
Logistics companies too are cheerful about their overall performance. Allcargo Global Logistics Ltd has reported a whopping 151 per cent growth in net profit at Rs 47.4 crore (Rs 18.9 crore) for the third quarter (July-September) of the current calendar year (which is its fiscal year). The growth in net sales during the period was 56.3 per cent at Rs 631.5 crore (Rs 403.9 crore).
Sahil Freight Express Pvt. Ltd., India’s leading logistics player has stormed on to the global scene acquiring the entire operations of U-Freight in Colombo and is now getting set to open its own office in Dubai. The company has been appointed to handle all of Linde’s project equipment including heavy lift and over dimensional cargo being supplied to various Indian companies as well as Linde’s project coming up in the Middle Eastern countries. Several others in the field too are experiencing similar buoyancy.

On the ship manning and management front, Capt SC Sood of IMS Ship Management points out that with the demand for oil going down the need for tankers and FPSO would decline. “One comforting feature will be that the shortage of marine officers will vanish and this will have a direct impact on their wages which will come down drastically,” he says. “No doubt ship manning companies will have to cut corners and training institutes will see a drop in candidates enrolling too. Development of infrastructure will however have to continue.” He sees a boom in dredging moving onto a higher trajectory. In this regard he is in the process of floating a dredging company, IMS Infrastructure Ltd which will focus on dredging operations.

On the ship building front a pall of gloom has settled on the overseas ship building giants with plenty of cancellations having taken place although it has not yet happened here in India. At least this is one consolation that our country is not in the forefront of ship building activity to suffer any major loss. Amid this crisis in the foreign shipping industry, new building activity has almost vanished. Long gone are the days of dry bulk ship owners being turned down by yards, which opted to fill their berths with more profit making types of vessels. Now shipyards are on the opposite end, uncertain even about the outcome of their current huge order books.
Capt Sood stated that Korea Times reported that the country’s shipbuilding industry may soon be heading for a downturn. For instance the world’s leading yard, Hyundai Heavy Industries booked just 20 ship orders in the third quarter, excluding those received by its affiliates. This represents a drop of 52.3%. Samsung Heavy has suffered a 40% drop while the recently sold Daewoo Shipbuilding didn’t report any new orders in the last two months. Kroean “The Korean government is likely to subsidise their shipyards to overcome the effects of order cancellation and losses,” Capt Sood stated.

India could miss the export target of $ 200 bn (Rs 9.8 trillion) set by the government in the current fiscal, with weakening global demand starting to affect overseas shipments. But exports have grown 10.4% to $13.7 bn. Mr. G K. Gupta, President of the Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO). “Also, demand for Indians products has declined due to a slowdown in the US and European markets.” Imports during September grew 43.3% to $24.4 billion.”
“Higher volumes of imports due to increasing domestic demand for consumption as well as refining for export purposes have also pushed up oil import bill,” said a petroleum ministry official, asking not to be named.
Indian ships carry only 12% of the country’s international trade. Would Indian ship owners think of making a turnaround and take more Indian cargo to assuage the likely decline in shipping trade happening overseas.

Vacancies for the week: Nov 03, 2008

2008-11-03T13:04:00.000+05:30

Hind Offshore
Offshore Fleet
Masters(FG/NCV), Chief Off (FG/NCV), Chief Eng (MEO CL-I), 2nd Eng (MEO CL-II), MEO CL-IV (NCV,FG), Second Off, NWKO (NCV), NWKO – Part – A, Accomidation Barge Master, Mechanics, Radio Officers (GMDSS/GOC), Electrical Engineers, Crane Operator (Grade I&II), Medic (MBBS), Helicopter Landing Officer, Anchor handler For AHTS, Marine Store Keepers Degree/ Diploma in Mechanical Engg, Welder (with 6G&9G Cert), Marine Safety Officer with DIP.In Fire & Safety Also Preferably Having H.L.O Cert.MEO Class I/Class II/ClassIV (Onshore Jobs at Mumbai/China)
email: anthony@hindoffshore.com

Naavex Marine Services
Liberian Flag Tanker Fleet:
Master (With Bitumen Experience)- 4 nos, Chief Officer – 2 Nos, 2nd Officers- 3 Nos, Chief Engineer-3 Nos, 2nd Engineers-2 Nos, 3rd Engineers -2 Nos
Urgently Require for Officers & Ranks With Exp, On Permanent Rotation Basis:
Master-4 Nos, Deck Officers-4 nos, Chief Engineer-4 Nos, 2nd Engineer-4 Nos, ABS & Oilers (with W/K)- 4 Nos
Other Ranks May also Apply
Tel: +91-022-26736611/ 55
email:mumbai@naavexmarine.com

The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd
Suezmax Tankers:Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng
2nd Eng & Electrical Off
LPG Vessel:Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off
3rd Off, Chief Engineer, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrical Off
Crude & Product Tankers:
Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off
3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng
3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Handymax & Capesize:
Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off
3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng
3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Tel: +91-022-66613113
email: fleet@greatship.com

IMC Shipping Company Pte. Ltd
Chemical & Product Tanker
Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Offs, Engine Fitters, Pumpman
Panamax Supramax Bulk Carriers
Chief Off, 2nd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrical Offs, Engine Fitters, Deck Fitters
Welders & Fitters
With 24 months seatime and 6G Welders test approved classification
Tel: +91-22-66910645 / 46/ 49
E-mail: resume@sunshipindia.com

Oceanic Venture Shipping Pvt. Ltd
New Built Product Tanker:
Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off , Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & Electrical Officer, Fitter
For Gulf General Cargo/ Container Vessel
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Officer, 3rd Officer 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Deck Cadet, Electrician, Cook, G.S
Deck Cadets & TME
E-mail: admin@ovshipping.net/ info@ovshipping.net
Mr. A.L Thomas +91-986934022

Five Star Bulk Carriers Pvt. Ltd
Panamax & Handysize Bulk Carrier:
Master, Chief Off, 2nd Eng, 4th Eng
Tel: +91-022-40004000
email: contact@fivestar.com

RBR Shipping & Logistic
Panamax Flag Foreign Trading Vessel
Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, Junior Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, E/O, Bosun, AB, Oiler
For OSV
Radio Officer, Electrical Officer, Cook, GS, Bosun, AB, Oiler, Fitter, Deck-Engine Cadets, OS
Tel: 022-67124179
E-mail: rbrshipping@rediffmail.com

Geepee Shipping Agencies Pvt. Ltd
Handy Size & Bulk Carriers:
Chief Off, Chief Eng
2nd Eng, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 3rd Eng
Panama Flag Vessel:
Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & 3rd Eng
Tel: +91-022-22873574/ 77/ 87
email: gpship@vsnl.com

Bibby International Services
Our Present Requirment:
Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Engineer, Chief Officer, 2nd Off
Required DPO’s& Senior DPO’s:
DPI/II AHTS, DPII PSV, DPII PSV, DPII/ III DSV
Require Electrician/ ETO’s:
AHTSv, DPII DSV, DPI AHTS
For Offshore Vessels/AHTSV/PSV:
Master, Chief Mate, 2nd Mate, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrician (NCV/ H/T, COS holders may apply)
For Drillships(Short Contract):
2nd Eng, Tool Pusher, Driller, Medic, Mechanic, Chief Mechanic, Electrician, Electro Technician, Crane Operator.
For MSV:
Medic & Winch Operator
For FPSO:
Electrical Officer
Tel: +91-022-26732628
email: enquiries@bis-india.com

Exmar Shipmanagement India Pvt. Ltd
Ref.LPG Fleet:
2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng,2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng
Electrical Officer
Tel: +91-022-22640226/ 27/ 28
email: info@shipmanagement.exmar.in

Wallem Shipmanagement Ltd (Hongkong)
Tanker, Container, PCC, Reefer
Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, Electrical Eng, TRO
ChemicalTanker
Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, Electrical Eng, TRO
Tel: +91-022-40432346
email: wsmhkfp@wallem.com

Fleet Management Ltd
New Chemical Tanker
All Ranks
Oil Tanker
2nd Off , 3rd Off
Bulk Carrier & Cape Size Bulk Carrier
Master , Chief Off
Manning SuperintendentProject Manager
Technical Superintendent
Naval Architect
Senior Executive- Sourcing/ Recruitment Cell
Execuive – Documentation & Communication
Tel: +91-022-67926100
email: FLEET-IN-BOM-MANNING@fleetship.com

Pentagon Marine Services Pvt. Ltd
Chemical Vessel:
Master, C/O, 2/O, 3/O,2/E, 3/E, 4/E, ELO, Bsoun, Fitter, Oiler
Petro Chemical Tankers
Master,C/O, 2/E, 2/O, ELO, Fitter, Bosun, Pumpman, Ch Cook
For Bulk Carrier
Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, ELO
For Dredger
Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng & ELO
Panama Vessel
Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, ELO, Oiler, Fitter
For Bunker Supply Vessel
All Officer Ranks & Pumpman
Require Officers & Crew
For New Takeover Petro Chemical Tanker
Tel: +91-022-22620094
email: careers@pentagonmarine.com

Cenmar Maritime Agencies
For Crude Oil Tankers:
Chief Eng, Chief Off & 2nd Eng
Also Require: Master, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng
Tel: +91-022-22022278/ 79

Dynacom Tankers Management Limited
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, Ad. Chief Off, 3rd Eng, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Tel: 022-2834 7349/ 2834 7294
email: resume@dynacomindia.com

Crew Management Services (India) Pvt. Ltd
Chemical/ Aframax & Product Tankers
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng (with Petroleum + Chemical DCE)
Panamax Type Geared & Gearless Bulk Carriers & Mega Cointainers
Master, C/O, 2/O, 3/O, C/E, 2/E, 3/E, 4/E, E/O
Mini Bulk Carriers
Master, C/O, 2/O, Radio Off, C/E, 2/E, 3/E
Tel: +91-022-67041250/ 1251
email: mumbai@crewships.com / eperis@crewships.com

World Tankers Management Pte. Ltd
Oil Tankers
Master, 2nd Officers, 3rd Eng, 3rd Officer, Electrical Pumpman, Junior Eng, Oiler, Able Seamen
Tel: +91-022-22842860
email: wdtank@vsnl.com

Orient Ship Management Pvt. Ltd
For Cape Size Bulk Carrier
2nd Eng
For New Built Cointainer Vessel
Chief Officer
For Panamax Bulk Carrier
2nd Eng
Tel: +91 – 9322287363
email: orient@bom4.vsnl.net.in / osm@mtnl.net.in
Orient Express Ship Management
LNG Vessel & Chemical Tankers
Masters, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng & Electrical Off
VLCC
Master, Chief Off, Electrical Off, 2nd Eng, Jr. Eng
Tel: +91-022-67536200
email: cv@oesm.co.in
Ofer Ships Management India Pvt. Ltd
Container & Bulk Carriers
Masters, Chief Engs, Chief Offs,1st Asst Eng, 2nd Off, 2nd Asst Eng, 3rd Off, 3rd Asst Eng & Electrical Off
Tel: +91-022-67701461
E-mail: crew@oferb.co.in
Udya Shipping
For OSVs& AHTS
Masters, Chief Offs, 2nd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off & All Ratings
For DPI (AHTS&PSV) & DP II(AHTS&DSV)
Master DPO, Sr. DPO, Chief Off DPO, 2nd Off DPO, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, ETO
For OSV/AHTS/TUG BOAT/DREDGERS
Tug Master, Tug Eng, Dredger Master, Dredger Off, Dredger 1st Eng, Oilers, AB’s, Fitter (with WK cert’s) Cook
For Accomidation Barge
Barge Masters, Asst. Barge Master, Barge Eng, Radio Off, Safety Off, Reefer Eng, AC Technician, Mechanic Fitter, Crane Operator, Deck Foreman, Rigger

Oceana Mhatre Ship Management
For Cruise Liner Ship Merchant Navyat I.T.FCo
Electrician, Welder, Plumber, Messboy, Deck & Engine Cadets, Seaman, Oiler, Fitter, Cooks, Utility Boy, Steward, Cooks, Laundry Boy, Barker all categories
Tel: +91 93222 34394/
93239 24126
E-mail: oceana.mhatre@yahoo.com

OCS Services Group
VLCC’s:
Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, & 4th Eng
Aframax Tanker:
2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng
FPSO (urgently required)
Mooring Master, Chief Off & 3rd Eng
Panamax Bulk Carriers:
Chief Off, Chief Eng & 2nd Eng
DPII- FPSO(Urgently Require)
Senior DPO, Jr.DPO, Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off
Require for Shore Job
Marine Personnel Off, Technical Superintendent
Tel:+91-022-26744447/ 48/ 49
Fax: nsmbombay@nortrans.co.in

V Ships
VLCC’s
All Ranks
Chemical Tankers
All Ranks (New Yard Building)
Bulk Carriers
2nd Eng & 3rd Eng
Tel: +91-022-40013300/ 3393
E-Mail: bombay@vships.com

Anglo Eastern Ship Mgmt Ltd
Oil/ Chemical/ LPG Carrier
All Officers & Engineers
Tel: 022-66670180
Email: manning@angloeasterngroup.com

Best Regards
Editor
For Shipping Today
www.shippingtoday.net
www.eshippingtoday.com- E-paper (exact replica of the magazine)

India Shipping Summit provides a forum

2008-10-20T11:06:00.001+05:30

The fourth Shipping summit held at the Grand Hyatt, Mumbai on September 29 to October 01, 2008 took forward the debate on India’s future as a global maritime player, factoring in a range of issues that highlighted the role of the government; finance for Indian owners; opportunities presented by India’s gas and oil exploration programme; the growing manning crisis and the continuing challenges of delivering world class maritime infrastructure.
A.P.V.N. Sarma, Shipping Secretary, Government of India the chief guest at the conference stated that out of the 111 projects planned under the National Maritime Development Programme involving an investment of Rs 44,535 crore over a 10-year period two have so far been implemented and 39 more are nearing completion. “Expressions of interest have been invited for setting up two international size shipyards one on each coast,” he said. “The government has also relaxed the cabotage law to encourage global cruise operators to do the coastal legs without hassle. To harness the natural resources of inland waterways the government is concentrating on making the existing three National Waterways fully functional and is in the process of introducing a bill to declare three new National Waterways.”
It is the most opportune time to give a fillip to the Indian fleet, according to S. Hajara, Chairman and Managing Director of Shipping Corporation of India. “Though 100 per cent FDI is allowed in shipping, not a single dollar in investment has come in,” he pointed out. “As the Indian economy is growing and will continue to grow in the years to come the prospects for the shipping industry are really bright.”
Adding to India’s maritime success story, Rajeev Gupta, Joint Secretary, Shipping, Government of India, declared that the Indian fleet would soon be crossing the 10 million mark. Nevertheless, he was in agreement that the industry did face several hurdles including taxes, manpower shortage, etc. which came in the way of acquiring a level playing field. “To encourage more youngsters into seafaring we will make things easier so that they do not have to undergo the present tedious examination system. We are encouraging coastal shipping and with several thermal power plants coming up all over the country the need for coal imports is mind boggling. So I call upon the industry to take advantage of the growing opportunities.”
Being a small player, India’s share of ship building amounted to a mere 1% of the international ship building activity, as pointed out by Ray Stewart, CEO of Pipavav Shipyard. He underscored the fact that it was lower cost of labour that made the Japanese No. 1 in ship building in the 60s. But then Korea and China took over in the 70s. “And now it is clearly India’s turn having the upper hand to become a ship building power,” he ascertained. “By 2017 ship building will generate employment for 2.5 million people in India.”
To make it a reality he confirmed that it would be necessary for the government to reinstate the 30 per cent subsidy on ship building that was introduced in 2001, but was discontinued on August 14, 2007. “What is most peculiar is that there are no measures to encourage Indian ship owners to place orders with Indian ship yards. It actually turns out to be much more expensive for them to get their ships built here,” Mr. Stewart deplored.
"We need out-of-the-box thinking to develop maritime infrastructure in the country, otherwise the demand-supply gap will remain," pointed out Arvind Bhatnagar, CEO of Gateway Terminals India. Formulation of new PPP models, availability of loans at special rates, tax benefits for infrastructure developers and reduced Customs duty on equipment imports were some of the initiatives/incentives that could be considered, he observed.
“The need of the hour for ensuring that ship building activity moves on to a higher trajectory is by ensuring an integrated maritime plan with government support for encouraging Indian ship owners to place orders with Indian shipyards and to encourage indigenous marine ancillary equipment industry,” said Mr. Stewart.
"We need to educate the people in Delhi about what shipbuilding is,” stated Vijay Kumar, Director of Bharati Shipyard. “It was only in 2002 that the private sector was given any kind of support by the government. There are huge investment opportunities out there that will give massive returns in a very few years. But official support is crucial to get these off the ground. The government can earn back what it gives, besides gaining colossal profits within 20 years. This industry has lots to offer. It’s time everyone saw this."
In summation, Rajneesh Gupta, Director – Ship building, Department of Shipping, Union Ministry of Shipping speaking on behalf of the government stated, “We need to interact constantly between both the private and public sectors. I don’t see anyone interacting with the government at any level not even with us or the ministry of finance. If you want to bring in changes you’ve got to interact, make presentations and disseminate information at different levels of the ministries. Policy makers need to be upgraded. Why wait for Seatrade Summits to take place to speak your minds?”

Vacancies for the week: Oct 20, 2008

2008-10-20T10:53:00.000+05:30

The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd
Suezmax Tankers:Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & Electrical Off
LPG Vessel:Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Engineer, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrical Off
Crude & Product Tankers:Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Handymax & Capesize: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Tel: +91-022-66613113 email: fleet@greatship.com

IMC Shipping Company Pte. Ltd
Chemical & Product Tanker : Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Offs, Engine Fitters, Pumpman
Panamax Supramax Bulk Carriers : Chief Off, 2nd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrical Offs, Engine Fitters, Deck Fitters
Welders & Fitters
With 24 months seatime and 6G Welders test approved classification
Tel: +91-22-66910645 / 46/ 49 E-mail: resume@sunshipindia.com

Oceanic Venture Shipping Pvt. Ltd
New Built Product Tanker: Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off , Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & Electrical Officer, Fitter
For Gulf General Cargo/ Container Vessel : Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Officer, 3rd Officer 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Deck Cadet, Electrician, Cook, G.S, Deck Cadets & TME
E-mail: admin@ovshipping.net/ info@ovshipping.net Mr. A.L Thomas +91-986934022

Five Star Bulk Carriers Pvt. Ltd
Panamax & Handysize Bulk Carrier: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Eng, 4th Eng
Tel: +91-022-40004000 email: contact@fivestar.com

RBR Shipping & Logistic
Panamax Flag Foreign Trading Vessel : Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, Junior Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, E/O, Bosun, AB, Oiler
For OSV : Radio Officer, Electrical Officer, Cook, GS, Bosun, AB, Oiler, Fitter, Deck-Engine Cadets, OS
Tel: 022-67124179 E-mail: rbrshipping@rediffmail.com

Geepee Shipping Agencies Pvt. Ltd
Handy Size & Bulk Carriers: Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 3rd Eng
Panama Flag Vessel: Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & 3rd Eng
Tel: +91-022-22873574/ 77/ 87 email: gpship@vsnl.com

Bibby International Services
Our Present Requirment: Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Engineer, Chief Officer, 2nd Off
Required DPO’s& Senior DPO’s: DPI/II AHTS, DPII PSV, DPII PSV, DPII/ III DSV
Require Electrician/ ETO’s: AHTSv, DPII DSV, DPI AHTS
For Offshore Vessels/AHTSV/PSV: Master, Chief Mate, 2nd Mate, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrician (NCV/ H/T, COS holders may apply)
For Drillships(Short Contract):2nd Eng, Tool Pusher, Driller, Medic, Mechanic, Chief Mechanic, Electrician, Electro Technician, Crane Operator.
For MSV:Medic & Winch Operator
For FPSO:Electrical Officer
Tel: +91-022-26732628 email: enquiries@bis-india.com

Exmar Shipmanagement India Pvt. Ltd
Ref.LPG Fleet: 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng,2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Officer
Tel: +91-022-22640226/ 27/ 28
email: info@shipmanagement.exmar.in

Wallem Shipmanagement Ltd (Hongkong)
Tanker, Container, PCC, Reefer : Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, Electrical Eng, TRO
ChemicalTanker : Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, Electrical Eng, TRO
Tel: +91-022-40432346 email: wsmhkfp@wallem.com

Fleet Management Ltd
New Chemical Tanker : All Ranks
Oil Tanker : 2nd Off , 3rd Off
Bulk Carrier & Cape Size Bulk Carrier : Master , Chief Off
Manning SuperintendentProject Manager : Technical Superintendent
Naval Architect
Senior Executive- Sourcing/ Recruitment Cell
Execuive – Documentation & Communication
Tel: +91-022-67926100 email: FLEET-IN-BOM-MANNING@fleetship.com

Pentagon Marine Services Pvt. Ltd
Chemical Vessel: Master, C/O, 2/O, 3/O,2/E, 3/E, 4/E, ELO, Bsoun, Fitter, Oiler
Petro Chemical Tankers : Master,C/O, 2/E, 2/O, ELO, Fitter, Bosun, Pumpman, Ch Cook
For Bulk Carrier : Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, ELO
For Dredger : Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng & ELO
Panama Vessel : Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, ELO, Oiler, Fitter
For Bunker Supply Vessel : All Officer Ranks & Pumpman
Require Officers & Crew : For New Takeover Petro Chemical Tanker
Tel: +91-022-22620094 email: careers@pentagonmarine.com

Cenmar Maritime Agencies
For Crude Oil Tankers: Chief Eng, Chief Off & 2nd Eng
Also Require: Master, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng
Tel: +91-022-22022278/ 79

Dynacom Tankers Management Limited
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, Ad. Chief Off, 3rd Eng, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Tel: 022-2834 7349/ 2834 7294 email: resume@dynacomindia.com

Crew Management Services (India) Pvt. Ltd
Chemical/ Aframax & Product Tankers
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng (with Petroleum + Chemical DCE)
Panamax Type Geared & Gearless Bulk Carriers & Mega Cointainers
Master, C/O, 2/O, 3/O, C/E, 2/E, 3/E, 4/E, E/O
Mini Bulk Carriers
Master, C/O, 2/O, Radio Off, C/E, 2/E, 3/E
Tel: +91-022-67041250/ 1251 email: mumbai@crewships.com / eperis@crewships.com

World Tankers Management Pte. Ltd
Oil Tankers : Master, 2nd Officers, 3rd Eng, 3rd Officer, Electrical Pumpman, Junior Eng, Oiler, Able Seamen
Tel: +91-022-22842860
email: wdtank@vsnl.com

Orient Ship Management Pvt. Ltd
For Cape Size Bulk Carrier : 2nd Eng
For New Built Cointainer Vessel : Chief Officer
For Panamax Bulk Carrier : 2nd Eng
Tel: +91 – 9322287363 email: orient@bom4.vsnl.net.in / osm@mtnl.net.in

Orient Express Ship Management
LNG Vessel & Chemical Tankers : Masters, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng & Electrical Off
VLCC : Master, Chief Off, Electrical Off, 2nd Eng, Jr. Eng
Tel: +91-022-67536200 email: cv@oesm.co.in

Ofer Ships Management India Pvt. Ltd
Container & Bulk Carriers : Masters, Chief Engs, Chief Offs,1st Asst Eng, 2nd Off, 2nd Asst Eng, 3rd Off, 3rd Asst Eng & Electrical Off
Tel: +91-022-67701461 E-mail: crew@oferb.co.in

Udya Shipping
For OSVs& AHTS : Masters, Chief Offs, 2nd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off & All Ratings
For DPI (AHTS&PSV) & DP II(AHTS&DSV) : Master DPO, Sr. DPO, Chief Off DPO, 2nd Off DPO, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, ETO
For OSV/AHTS/TUG BOAT/DREDGERS : Tug Master, Tug Eng, Dredger Master, Dredger Off, Dredger 1st Eng, Oilers, AB’s, Fitter (with WK cert’s) Cook
For Accomidation Barge : Barge Masters, Asst. Barge Master, Barge Eng, Radio Off, Safety Off, Reefer Eng, AC Technician, Mechanic Fitter, Crane Operator, Deck Foreman, Rigger

Oceana Mhatre Ship Management
For Cruise Liner Ship Merchant Navyat I.T.FCo
Electrician, Welder, Plumber, Messboy, Deck & Engine Cadets, Seaman, Oiler, Fitter, Cooks, Utility Boy, Steward, Cooks, Laundry Boy, Barker all categories
Tel: +91 93222 34394/ 93239 24126 E-mail: oceana.mhatre@yahoo.com

OCS Services Group
VLCC’s: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, & 4th Eng
Aframax Tanker: 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng
FPSO (urgently required) : Mooring Master, Chief Off & 3rd Eng
Panamax Bulk Carriers:Chief Off, Chief Eng & 2nd Eng
DPII- FPSO(Urgently Require) : Senior DPO, Jr.DPO, Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off
Require for Shore Job : Marine Personnel Off, Technical Superintendent
Tel:+91-022-26744447/ 48/ 49 Fax: nsmbombay@nortrans.co.in

V Ships
VLCC’s : All Ranks
Chemical Tankers : All Ranks (New Yard Building)
Bulk Carriers : 2nd Eng & 3rd Eng
Tel: +91-022-40013300/ 3393 E-Mail: bombay@vships.com

Anglo Eastern Ship Mgmt Ltd
Oil/ Chemical/ LPG Carrier : All Officers & Engineers
Tel: 022-66670180 Email: manning@angloeasterngroup.com

Best Regards
Editor
For Shipping Today
www.shippingtoday.net
www.eshippingtoday.com- E-paper (exact replica of the magazine)

Getting set for the mega container traffic growth

2008-10-13T11:23:00.000+05:30

Mr. S.S. Hussain, Chairman, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) flagged off the 3rd Southern Asia Ports, Logistics and Shipping 2008 India conference and exhibition at Hotel Leela Kempinski on September 23 and 24, 2008. It brought together a much larger number of participants and exhibitors than the earlier events. Organised by Transport Events the occasion served as a purposeful forum to present the up-to-date global container transportation scenario and its impact on shipping and trade.

In his keynote address Mr. Hussain contended that the port sector has been identified as the prime catalyst to accelerate the process of industrialization, international trade and economic progress. Port development and economic development are mutually related. On the one hand economic development necessitates port development as a part of infrastructure development and on the other, port development itself facilitates import-export and attracts industries to its hinterland, which, in turn, create forward and backward linkages with the rest of the economy.
The growth of containerisation in India which is seeing a strong surge at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17 per cent - more than double the world average – was likely to see a throughput projected at 21 million TEUs by 2015.
In order to sustain future container freight demands to keep up with the economic growth the port sector is faced with various challenges particularly regarding container infrastructure development. However, there exists an oasis of hope in the person of K. Suresh, chairman, Chennai Port Trust, who has plans to transform Chennai port into a major container hub as it has the country’s longest keel length of 2 km; lies in the trade route; enjoys a 17 mtrs draft in the approach channel which can accommodate vessels of over 150,000 DWT; and has already invested heavily in developing road connectivity between the port and the national highway.
Sabyasachi Hajara, chairman and managing director of Shipping Corporation of India, showed the light at the end of the tunnel concerning container growth. He pointed out that the container shipping sizes were exploding and container traffic would grow at an incredible pace. He felt that there was nothing to deter future growth as the fundamentals are strong. JNPT and Chennai today jointly handle 77% of India’s container traffic. As far as connectivity was concerned, India has the second largest road network of 3.83 million km (behind USA but ahead of China). Besides, the railway network is the 4th largest in the world at 63,465 km which is behind that of the USA which is currently having a network covering 2,26,612 km.
As in other countries, he desired that there should be just one ministry for controlling container trade in India in place of the present six to seven ministries. “More participation by Indian shipping lines in container trade would help to bring down the freight cost thus making exports cheaper,” he contended.
According to Hemant Joshi, md of CRISIL Risk & Infrastructure Solutions Ltd., “Projects often suffer setbacks because of improper planning and non-availability of sufficient land. Proper feasibility is not undertaken. Evaluation parameters should be anchored in realities.”
On the finance side, Vishal Sharma of Tuscan Ventures gave an insight into the ‘Private equity in shipping, transportation and logistics in India’. He explained that there was not enough money within the companies for capex growth and debts are becoming more expensive. “There will be more and more private equity investing in this sector. The good news is that both financial investors and strategic investors are investing.”
“Currently, investments were skewed towards developing ports and roads transportation is a preferred mode for domestic goods,” observed Poul V. Jensen, managing director of TransCare Logistics India Pvt. Ltd. “Decision makers in the Indian logistics industry have to look at the supply chain holistically and not in isolation. Hinterlands connections (road / rail) need to be ramped up at the same rate as the Indian ports that are developing. Logistics infrastructure investments (ICDs, FTWZs, etc) must be planned for strategic locations and targeted for common usage and the government needs to revisit its tax policies and outdated laws.”
On a different note Tony Chiu, International sales director, Asia Vision, Hong Kong advocated the use of Vecon OCR solutions as these provide automatic recognition of container ID numbers, chassis numbers and ISO codes of various sizes of containers with world-class accuracy. “They facilitate and enhance effective port and terminal management at the gate, yard, quay as well as operations of quay crane and spreader in the loading and unloading zones,” he said.
In order to factor in a competitive advantage in port and terminal operations Colin P. Fordham, managing director, Thomas Miller South East Asia, Singapore, considered training, re-designing and improved operational procedures to take care of the human error element which constitute 72% of the causes for accidents.
In his presentation on ‘Building a Competitive Advantage in Port & Terminal Operations’, Philip Littlejohn, managing director - Gujarat Pipavav Port Limited cautioned that time was running out. He advised that innovation and technologically advanced terminals be allowed to improve capacity and also create safer, more secure, and environmentally friendly terminals. “We are all in business, but the environment is everyone’s business, and this should be a focus area. Terminal safety is not a luxury, it is a responsibility. Rail and Road capacity needs to be enhanced in order to provide adequate support to the growing volumes being handled by ports and te minals.”

Presenting a case study Arvind Bhatnagar, CEO of GTI said it is the superior technology and a structured facility that helped to make Gateway Terminals India (GTI) a leading and efficient terminal. The feature that has helped the terminal to acquire a win-win situation was logical segregation pre-advise of local empty containers at central gate; error free and paperless data exchange through web access; integration of terminal; operating system & ERP modules – Navis & IFS Capacity augmentation through expansion; & stretching targets high to world class training & development, etc.
From the deliberations at the conference it was established that India is well set to meet the challenges of a mega container traffic growth. The private players in the field are all set to seize the opportunities of the growing boom. The industry is well on its way to witness a welcome transformation.

OESM Seminar up-grades Ratings on Safety

2008-10-13T11:22:00.000+05:30

Fully committed to providing a career path for its ratings, Orient Express Ship Management (OESM) once again conducted a one-day ‘Safety Training Seminar’ for its crew members. Unlike other ship manning companies, this is the 3rd time in succession that OESM has organized such an event exclusively for ratings in a luxuriant and lush environment of 'Hotel Oasis' at Chembur on September 26, 2008.
It is a known fact that OESM has always encouraged and motivated ratings to become officers. In fact more than a dozen such candidates have already become officers and are now proudly sailing on OESM vessels as Deck Officers. These and other measure the company has embarked on clearly indicates that OESM is totally devoted to promoting the cause of their floating staff.
Welcoming the various participants to the seminar Capt. S S Gokhale (Marine Superintendent -Training), informed, "With a gathering such as this, a forum has been created so that the superintendents and ratings can have an open dialogue and enjoy a special bonding''.
Capt. Milind Patankar, Chief Operating Officer of the company, declared the seminar open and welcomed the crew to high light all areas requiring development without fear, and treat this platform of seminar absolutely neutral.
Narrating the pioneering role of the Transworld group Mr. Mark Gardener, Manager- Fleet Personnel, highlighted the achievements of the Group, from their humble beginning to being a leading player in shipping activities and specialist in feeder trade.
Exhorting the crew on maintaining a high standard in housekeeping, Mr. Subrat Mukherjee, GM - Fleet Personnel, gave an effective presentation on the subject of ‘Leakages in the engine room, on deck as well as the accommodation areas’. “However small the leak it could lead to big mess and result in personnel suffering injuries besides making the vessel a soft target for post state control and flag state inspectors,” he said. His illustrations aptly cited the various incidents.
Mr. Pawan Kapoor, Director, ISF Maritime Services –Training, touched upon many aspects of ‘Interpersonal relationship, relating to safety on board’. He enhanced the value of his presentation by making the session interactive using realistic case studies.
Capt S S Gokhale spoke on the importance of cargo lashing checks. This he said was essential considering the various risks that are encountered especially when the vessel is sailing.
The presentation on ‘Communication’ by Mr. Suman Jha, Gen. Manager, Corporate HRD of TRANSWORLD Group, turned out to be very impressive and lively. He used interesting simile and employed the game technique to drive home his point. Every one participated in the exercise, especially the young cadets who thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
This was followed by a lively 'question & answer' session. As a token of appreciation Capt. Gokhale handed mementos and certificates to all participants.
The seminar ended with Mr. Mukherjee thanking the ratings and the deck cadets for their active participation.

Vacancies for the week: Oct 13, 2008

2008-10-13T11:12:00.000+05:30

Naavex Marine Services
Liberian Flag Tanker Fleet:
Master (With Bitumen Experience)- 4 nos, Chief Officer – 2 Nos, 2nd Officers- 3 Nos, Chief Engineer-3 Nos, 2nd Engineers-2 Nos, 3rd Engineers -2 Nos
Urgently Require for Officers & Ranks With Exp, On Permanent Rotation Basis:
Master-4 Nos, Deck Officers-4 nos, Chief Engineer-4 Nos, 2nd Engineer-4 Nos, ABS & Oilers (with W/K)- 4 Nos
Other Ranks May also Apply
Tel: +91-022-26736611/ 55
email:mumbai@naavexmarine.com
The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd
Suezmax Tankers:Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & Electrical Off
LPG Vessel:Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Engineer, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrical Off
Crude & Product Tankers:Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Handymax & Capesize:Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off,3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Tel: +91-022-66613113 email: fleet@greatship.com

IMC Shipping Company Pte. Ltd
Chemical & Product Tanker: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Offs, Engine Fitters, Pumpman
Panamax Supramax Bulk Carriers : Chief Off, 2nd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrical Offs, Engine Fitters, Deck Fitters
Welders & Fitters : With 24 months seatime and 6G Welders test approved classification
Tel: +91-22-66910645 / 46/ 49 E-mail: resume@sunshipindia.com

Five Star Bulk Carriers Pvt. Ltd
Panamax & Handysize Bulk Carrier: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Eng, 4th Eng
Tel: +91-022-40004000 email: contact@fivestar.com

Geepee Shipping Agencies Pvt. Ltd
Handy Size & Bulk Carriers: Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 3rd Eng
Panama Flag Vessel:Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & 3rd Eng
Tel: +91-022-22873574/ 77/ 87 email: gpship@vsnl.com

Exmar Shipmanagement India Pvt. Ltd
Ref.LPG Fleet:
2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng,2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng
Electrical Officer
Tel: +91-022-22640226/ 27/ 28 email: info@shipmanagement.exmar.in

Fleet Management Ltd
New Chemical Tanker : All Ranks
Oil Tanker : 2nd Off , 3rd Off
Bulk Carrier & Cape Size Bulk Carrier : Master , Chief Off
Manning SuperintendentProject Manager
Technical Superintendent
Naval Architect
Senior Executive- Sourcing/ Recruitment Cell
Execuive – Documentation & Communication
Tel: +91-022-67926100 email: FLEET-IN-BOM-MANNING@fleetship.com

Cenmar Maritime Agencies
For Crude Oil Tankers: Chief Eng, Chief Off & 2nd Eng
Also Require: Master, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng
Tel: +91-022-22022278/ 79

Dynacom Tankers Management Limited
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, Ad. Chief Off, 3rd Eng, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Tel: 022-2834 7349/ 2834 7294 email: resume@dynacomindia.com

Crew Management Services (India) Pvt. Ltd
Chemical/ Aframax & Product Tankers : Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng (with Petroleum + Chemical DCE)
Panamax Type Geared & Gearless Bulk Carriers & Mega Cointainers
Master, C/O, 2/O, 3/O, C/E, 2/E, 3/E, 4/E, E/O
Mini Bulk Carriers : Master, C/O, 2/O, Radio Off, C/E, 2/E, 3/E
Tel: +91-022-67041250/ 1251 email: mumbai@crewships.com / eperis@crewships.com

World Tankers Management Pte. Ltd
Oil Tankers : Master, 2nd Officers, 3rd Eng, 3rd Officer, Electrical Pumpman, Junior Eng, Oiler, Able Seamen
Tel: +91-022-22842860 email: wdtank@vsnl.com

Orient Ship Management Pvt. Ltd
For Cape Size Bulk Carrier : 2nd Eng
For New Built Cointainer Vessel : Chief Officer
For Panamax Bulk Carrier : 2nd Eng
Tel: +91 – 9322287363 Email: orient@bom4.vsnl.net.in / osm@mtnl.net.in

Orient Express Ship Management
LNG Vessel & Chemical Tankers :Masters, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng & Electrical Off
VLCC : Master, Chief Off, Electrical Off, 2nd Eng, Jr. Eng
Tel: +91-022-67536200 Email: cv@oesm.co.in

Udya Shipping
For OSVs& AHTS : Masters, Chief Offs, 2nd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off & All Ratings
For DPI (AHTS&PSV) & DP II(AHTS&DSV) : Master DPO, Sr. DPO, Chief Off DPO, 2nd Off DPO, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, ETO
For OSV/AHTS/TUG BOAT/DREDGERS : Tug Master, Tug Eng, Dredger Master, Dredger Off, Dredger 1st Eng, Oilers, AB’s, Fitter (with WK cert’s) Cook
For Accomidation Barge : Barge Masters, Asst. Barge Master, Barge Eng, Radio Off, Safety Off, Reefer Eng, AC Technician, Mechanic Fitter, Crane Operator, Deck Foreman, Rigger

Oceana Mhatre Ship Management
For Cruise Liner Ship Merchant Navyat I.T.FCo : Electrician, Welder, Plumber, Messboy, Deck & Engine Cadets, Seaman, Oiler, Fitter, Cooks, Utility Boy, Steward, Cooks, Laundry Boy, Barker all categories
Tel: +91 93222 34394/ 93239 24126 E-mail: oceana.mhatre@yahoo.com

OCS Services Group
VLCC’s: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, & 4th Eng
Aframax Tanker: 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng
FPSO (urgently required) : Mooring Master, Chief Off & 3rd Eng
Panamax Bulk Carriers: Chief Off, Chief Eng & 2nd Eng
DPII- FPSO(Urgently Require) : Senior DPO, Jr.DPO, Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off
Require for Shore Job : Marine Personnel Off, Technical Superintendent
Tel:+91-022-26744447/ 48/ 49 Email: nsmbombay@nortrans.co.in

V Ships
VLCC’s : All Ranks
Chemical Tankers : All Ranks (New Yard Building)
Bulk Carriers : 2nd Eng & 3rd Eng
Tel: +91-022-40013300/ 3393 E-Mail: bombay@vships.com

Port of Marseille signs sister port agreement with MbPT

2008-10-06T10:54:00.000+05:30

The Mumbai Port Trust (MbPT) and the Port of Marseille Authority (PMA) signed a sister port agreement on September 30, 2008 in Mumbai to foster experience-sharing in the areas of engineering, management, security, city - port relations and sustainable development. The agreement pledges to promote mutual trade and development between the two ports.

The agreement was signed by Rahul Asthana, Chairman of the MbPT and Jean-Claude Terrier, Managing Director of the PAM, in the presence of Rakesh Shrivastava, Joint Secretary (Ports) of the Indian Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways and Mr François Pujolas, French Consul General and Head of the Economic Mission in India.

With the signing of the agreement a significant rise in traffic is expected in the near future between Mumbai Port - the numero uno port in India which handles break-bulk, over-dimensional and project cargoes, motor vehicles, liquid bulk cargoes and passenger traffic and Marseille Port the leading port in France and the Mediterranean and the third oil port in the world.

The sister port agreement is a clear indication of the Indian market’s interest in Marseille-Fos port, the only general cargo port in southern Europe to boast such wide-ranging facilities. The port is fully equipped to cater to containers, automobile logistics and petroleum products. For each of these activities, the port offers large-capacity terminals, sites available for the development of logistics and storage activities, and a variety of goods dispatching networks (maritime, inland waterways, rail and pipelines). Marseille Fos port can satisfy the requirements of Indian companies looking to establish efficient connections with the European and North African markets.

Maritime trade between Marseille Fos port and MbPT has been limited to 60,000 tonnes, including miscellaneous goods, liquid bulk and dry bulk. However, in the light of the sister port agreement with Mumbai port, growing trade contacts and the dynamic status of the Indian economy, a significant rise in traffic is expected in the near future.
Regarding it as a momentous day in the history of MbPT, Mr Asthana said, “We feel privileged to enter into the Sister Port Agreement with the Port of Marseille Authority, which like Mumbai Port, the Port of Marseille Authority is a public authority with its own corporate status and financial independence.”
He informed that over the last five years, the volume of traffic handled at Mumbai Port has more than doubled to surpass 57 million tonnes during 2007-08. MbPT has drawn up an ambitious Business Plan, in consultation with the KPMG consortium, and embarked upon a massive programme of modernization and doubling the handling capacity in all the spheres of its operations. Thus, the Offshore Container Terminal Project, re-development of Harbour Wall Berths and the second liquid chemical jetty is expected to be commissioned by 2010-2011. By 2012-13, the Port plans to commission the fifth oil berth as well as a new, modern cruise terminal.
Describing Marseille-Fos as Europe’s gateway for trade with the rest of the world, Mr Terrier stressed that the two ports had much to offer each other. "The sister port agreement will pave the way for a new era of cooperation between the two ports as well as with the two countries", he emphasized. PMA’s hinterland comprises South Europe: Spain, Italy, South Germany, Switzerland, the Mediterranean countries of Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and the West Coast of Africa. The port can be a hub for all these regions.
Marseille Fos Port Authority is the leading port in France and the Mediterranean and third oil port worldwide. As a multi-commodity port it handles various types of traffic including crude oil and oil products (oil, gas and chemical products), general cargo (containers and other packaging), dry bulk (minerals and cereals) and liquid bulk (chemicals and food).The Port also caters to passenger traffic from cruises and regular shipping lines to Corsica and North Africa.

Being a City Port like Mumbai Port, the Port of Marseille Authority has to handle city-port issues similar to the ones we confront and strive for synergy by recognizing that the Port development projects offer potential for the creation of added value for the city, and similarly, that the city development projects open newer horizons for the Port to give added value to the activities at the Port.

PMA is particularly honoured to have concluded this partnership with one of the most influential ports on the Indian continent. MbPT handles annual traffic of 35.14 million tonnes. Traffic between PMA and India last year was almost 300,000 tonnes, including 176,000 t of miscellaneous goods, 60,000 tonnes of liquid bulk and 53,000 tonnes of dry bulk. Almost 20% of this trade is conducted by Mumbai port.

Vacancies for the week: Oct 06, 2008

2008-10-06T10:37:00.000+05:30

The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd
Suezmax Tankers: Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & Electrical Off
LPG Vessel: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Engineer, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrical Off
Crude & Product Tankers: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Handymax & Capesize: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Tel: +91-022-66613113 Email: fleet@greatship.com

IMC Shipping Company Pte. Ltd
Chemical & Product Tanker
Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Offs, Engine Fitters, Pumpman
Panamax Supramax Bulk Carriers
Chief Off, 2nd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrical Offs, Engine Fitters, Deck Fitters
Welders & Fitters
With 24 months seatime and 6G Welders test approved classification
Tel: +91-22-66910645 / 46/ 49
E-mail: resume@sunshipindia.com

Oceanic Venture Shipping Pvt. Ltd
New Built Product Tanker:
Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off , Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & Electrical Officer, Fitter
For Gulf General Cargo/ Container Vessel
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Officer, 3rd Officer 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Deck Cadet, Electrician, Cook, G.S
Deck Cadets & TME
E-mail: admin@ovshipping.net/ info@ovshipping.net
Mr. A.L Thomas +91-986934022

Five Star Bulk Carriers Pvt. Ltd
Panamax & Handysize Bulk Carrier:
Master, Chief Off, 2nd Eng, 4th Eng
Tel: +91-022-40004000
email: contact@fivestar.com

Bibby International Services
Our Present Requirment: Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Engineer, Chief Officer, 2nd Off
Required DPO’s& Senior DPO’s: DPI/II AHTS, DPII PSV, DPII PSV, DPII/ III DSV
Require Electrician/ ETO’s: AHTSv, DPII DSV, DPI AHTS
For Offshore Vessels/AHTSV/PSV: Master, Chief Mate, 2nd Mate, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrician (NCV/ H/T, COS holders may apply)
For Drillships(Short Contract): 2nd Eng, Tool Pusher, Driller, Medic, Mechanic, Chief Mechanic, Electrician, Electro Technician, Crane Operator.
For MSV: Medic & Winch Operator
For FPSO: Electrical Officer
Tel: +91-022-26732628 Email: enquiries@bis-india.com

Tanker Pacific Management (India) Pvt. Ltd
Masters, Chief Eng, Chief Offs, 1st Asst. Engs, 2nd Off & 3rd Off (Engs with Steam Ship Exp)
Tel: +91-022- 26515995/ 26415757
email: mumbai@tpmi.co.in

Zodiac Maritime Agencies (London)
For Container Vessel:
Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Ens, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engineer, Electrical Off
Bulk Carrier 45vsls(mostly Cape size):
Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engr,
For Car Carrier: Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Ens, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engineer,
For Chemical Tanker: Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engineer
Tel: +91-022-26515995/ 6415757
email: tpmi@vsnl.com

Exmar Shipmanagement India Pvt. Ltd
Ref.LPG Fleet: 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng,2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Officer
Tel: +91-022-22640226/ 27/ 28 Email: info@shipmanagement.exmar.in

Fleet Management Ltd
Bulk Carrier/ Reefers/ Cellular Cointainer/ RORO Ship/ Chemical/ Gas/Product Tankers
Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off, Gas Eng, Reefer Eng, Chief Cook, Pumpman/ Fitters
Tel: +91-022-67926100
email: FLEET-IN-BOM-MANNING@fleetship.com

Pentagon Marine Services Pvt. Ltd
Chemical Vessel: Master, C/O, 2/O, 3/O,2/E, 3/E, 4/E, ELO, Bsoun, Fitter, Oiler
Petro Chemical Tankers : Master,C/O, 2/E, 2/O, ELO, Fitter, Bosun, Pumpman, Ch Cook
For Bulk Carrier : Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, ELO
For Dredger : Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng & ELO
Panama Vessel : Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, ELO, Oiler, Fitter
For Bunker Supply Vessel : All Officer Ranks & Pumpman
Require Officers & Crew
For New Takeover Petro Chemical Tanker
Tel: +91-022-22620094
email: careers@pentagonmarine.com

Cenmar Maritime Agencies
For Crude Oil Tankers: Chief Eng, Chief Off & 2nd Eng
Also Require: Master, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng
Tel: +91-022-22022278/ 79

Dynacom Tankers Management Limited
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, Ad. Chief Off, 3rd Eng, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Tel: 022-2834 7349/ 2834 7294
email: resume@dynacomindia.com

World Tankers Management Pte. Ltd
Oil Tankers : Master, 2nd Officers, 3rd Eng, 3rd Officer, Electrical Pumpman, Junior Eng, Oiler, Able Seamen
Tel: +91-022-22842860 Email: wdtank@vsnl.com

Udya Shipping
For OSVs& AHTS
Masters, Chief Offs, 2nd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off & All Ratings
For DPI (AHTS&PSV) & DP II(AHTS&DSV)
Master DPO, Sr. DPO, Chief Off DPO, 2nd Off DPO, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, ETO
For OSV/AHTS/TUG BOAT/DREDGERS
Tug Master, Tug Eng, Dredger Master, Dredger Off, Dredger 1st Eng, Oilers, AB’s, Fitter (with WK cert’s) Cook
For Accomidation Barge
Barge Masters, Asst. Barge Master, Barge Eng, Radio Off, Safety Off, Reefer Eng, AC Technician, Mechanic Fitter, Crane Operator, Deck Foreman, Rigger

Oceana Mhatre Ship Management
For Cruise Liner Ship Merchant Navyat I.T.FCo
Electrician, Welder, Plumber, Messboy, Deck & Engine Cadets, Seaman, Oiler, Fitter, Cooks, Utility Boy, Steward, Cooks, Laundry Boy, Barker all categories
Tel: +91 93222 34394/
93239 24126
E-mail: oceana.mhatre@yahoo.com

OCS Services Group
VLCC’s : Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, & 4th Eng
Aframax Tanker : 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng
FPSO (urgently required) : Mooring Master, Chief Off & 3rd Eng
Panamax Bulk Carriers : Chief Off, Chief Eng & 2nd Eng
DPII- FPSO(Urgently Require) : Senior DPO, Jr.DPO, Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off
Require for Shore Job : Marine Personnel Off, Technical Superintendent
Tel:+91-022-26744447/ 48/ 49 Fax: nsmbombay@nortrans.co.in

V Ships
VLCC’s : All Ranks
Chemical Tankers : All Ranks (New Yard Building)
Bulk Carriers : 2nd Eng & 3rd Eng
Tel: +91-022-40013300/ 3393 E-Mail: bombay@vships.com

Anglo Eastern Ship Mgmt Ltd
Oil/ Chemical/ LPG Carrier : All Officers & Engineers
Tel: 022-66670180
Email: manning@angloeasterngroup.com

Best Regards
Editor
For Shipping Today
www.shippingtoday.net
www.eshippingtoday.com- E-paper (exact replica of the magazine)

Stolt Valor with 18 Indians onboard hijacked

2008-09-22T11:36:00.000+05:30

As families of the 18 Indians aboard the hijacked vessel MT Stolt Valor wait with fingers crossed, the ship's Mumbai-based manning agent said the ship's master had sent an email on Thursday informing them that "the crew had been confined to the ship's wheelhouse but were being allowed to attend to their daily needs. But, only under the close supervision of the hijackers".

According to the family of the Dehradun-based master, P K Goyal, he had also called his residence on Thursday.

"He told me that they were safe and I should look after the family and stop worrying," said Goyal's wife Seema. Goyal had also called her on Monday and informed about the hijack.

Officials from the ship's manning agent, Ebony Ship Management, said the vessel had arrived at the port of EYL on the east coast of Somalia under instructions from the hijackers.

Of the 18 Indians on board, the passports of 13 sailors were made in Mumbai. "Most of them are believed to be from the state and nearby regions. We believe that three sailors are from the city," said an official.

The vessel's Japanese owners have appointed a professional negotiator to engage into a dialogue with the hijackers. "An average hijack negotiation takes around 30 days and we haven't received information about the exact demands as yet," said Sunil Puri of Fleet Management, the ship's managers.

Officials from Fleet Management also added that the vessel, carrying a cargo of 23,818 tonnes of oil products, had been hijacked from the designated safety corridor despite the master having taken the precaution of keeping the vessel close to the northern limit of the corridor, the farthest from the Somalian coast.

Meanwhile, family members of the crew spent yet another day of uncertainty. Wiper Dipak Kumar Tandel's family, which lives in Valsad in Gujarat, was relieved after they heard about the email. "We were going to find a bride for him when he returned," said Dipak's uncle Pitambar. "I spoke to Dipak a week ago when the ship was in the Suez Canal. After that, we haven't heard his voice," he said.

Mumbai-based Rosary Fernando, whose brother-in-law Panirayan Lobo is on the ship, on Thursday visited the offices of the Directorate General of Shipping and the National Union of Seafarers of India (NUSI) but failed to get any information. "We don't know who to approach and how to go about it. We cannot achieve anything single-handedly," said Fernando.

Even the captain's family is finding themselves in the same position. "He said they were not being tortured," said Seema, Goyal's wife.
Goyal's daughter Ayushi (11) said her father was brave and would see through the ordeal. "He would return home before my examinations start later this month. I am confident that he will come back soon," she said.

Castrol Competition takes centre stage at MERI

2008-09-22T11:35:00.000+05:30

The country’s only competition extravaganza in the maritime sector took centre stage at the Marine Engineering & Research Institute, Mumbai on September 16, 2008. Keenly contested by cadets from leading marine engineering institutes the contest was organised by the MERI, Mumbai in collaboration with M/s. Castrol India Ltd. Over the years the annual event has seen the competition gaining in popularity drawing in larger numbers of participants and spectators.

The chief guest and chief judge for the occasion Mr. M.V. Ramamurthy, president of Reliance Shipping lauded the participants who made excellent presentations of Technical Papers. All the judges noted the high standard of the presentations and expressed happiness over the quality of the papers. The contest has seen a marked improvement over the previous years besides greater participation. However, they insisted that the cadets should put in more efforts to keep improving the presentations further.

This year’s annual event saw cadets from M.E.R.I., Mumbai - G.M.E. & B.Sc (Maritime Science) cadets, Tolani Maritime Institute, Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education & Training (MANET), Samudra Institute of Maritime Studies participated in the competition. Five papers had been short-listed at an elimination round held a week earlier.

These were:
Latest developments in 2 stroke marine engines;
Hazards encountered by double hull tanker;
Impact of low sulphur fuel on shipping Industry;
Steps taken by Engine manufacturers to reduce emission from Sea-going ships;
Bio-degradable lubricants - future of Marine Lubrication needs.

It was the group led by cadet Durgesh Kumar Singh (B.Sc.-76) that won the First Prize of Rs 40,000/- their paper titled ‘Steps taken by Engine Manufacturers to reduce emission fro sea going ships’. They informed that the objective of International Maritime Organisation (IMO) was to bring down sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides fumes. These were being achieved by modifying fuel injection systems, improving the nozzle system design, using common rail technology, alpha cylinder lubricators, and Alpha adaptive cylinder oil control system. Also reduction was being achieved by exhaust gas recirculation, and by fuel water emulsion.

The Second prize of Rs 32,000/- was won by the group led by cadet Krishnendra Pratap Singh (G-1773) for their paper on ‘Bio-degradable lubricants - future of Marine Lubrication needs. They highlighted the fact that bio-lubricants would be in great demand in the near future. This will escalate the demand of oil seeds. Farming of oil seed will substitute food grains such as wheat and rice due to high demand and profit margin association with them.

The group led by cadet Aravindhan R. (G-1791) won the third prize of Rs 24,000 for their paper ‘Hazards encountered by double hull tankers’. They pointed out that although they are regarded as an answer to all problems of transport of oil at sea without pollution and have some advantage over single hull however, their design is important to ensure better maintenance and operation. Because of their complex design and structure they are potentially more susceptible to problems caused due to poor maintenance and operation as rust and other factors can play havoc.

The fourth prize of Rs 14,000 was collected by the Group led by cadet Shah Kishan Ashok (G-1794) for their paper on ‘Latest developments in two-stroke engines.” They
propounded the theory that ‘two-stroke’ would be the most economical possibility for converting chemical fuel energy into mechanical energy. Due to the electronic control system and a degree of freedom there were now considerably wider spectrums of injection design. When taking all possibilities of combustion process design into consideration, the injection system is one of the most important components of the engine and the engine is no longer functional.

The two Consolation Prizes went to the cadets from Maharashtra Academy of Naval Education & Training (MANET) led by cadet C. Michael and BMS (MERI, Mumbai) led by cadet Sudhanshu Kishore (B.Sc.-124). M/s. Castrol India Limited announced an amount of Rs 1,38,000/- towards the prizes. During the prize distribution Seacom Engineering College informed that it was offering consolation prize of Rs 10,000/-

The group of cadet C. Michael presented their paper on ‘Impact of low sulphur fuel on shipping industry’. They contended that while using low sulphur fuel oil in marine engines care should be taken to ensure that TBN and feed rate of cylinder oil should be according to the manufacturer’s recommendation. Getting the entire industry to switch over to distillate fuel will cause disruption to oil supplies. Application of suitable technology will ensure that residual fuel can be successfully used in the future. However, they suggested sea water scrubbing but could not support this contention while fielding questions from the audience.

The three judges from the industry, besides Mr. M. V. Ramamurthy, were Mr. Gurdeep S. Taluja from Castrol India Ltd. and Mr. V. P. Datar. The deputy director of M.E.R.I., Mumbai, Mr. M. K. Ghosh in his speech mentioned that the event is open to all marine institutes other than MERI and gave his wishful thought that it will one day become an all India competition with more participants from the industry.

Mr. A.N.S. Neti and Mr. M. Ballabh, senior faculty members of M.E.R.I., Mumbai, conducted the function. There was a large number of industry representative and cadets from the Institute of Marine Engineers and other institutes as well as from the Ex-cadets Association present at the occasion.

Vacancies for the week: Sep22, 2008

2008-09-22T11:26:00.000+05:30

Hind Offshore
Offshore Fleet
Masters(FG/NCV), Chief Off (FG/NCV), Chief Eng (MEO CL-I), 2nd Eng (MEO CL-II), MEO CL-IV (NCV,FG), Accomidation Barge Master, Mechanics, Radio Officers (GMDSS/GOC), Electrical Engineers, Crane Operator (Grade I&II), Medic (MBBS), Helicopter Landing Officer, Anchor handler For AHTS, Marine Store Keepers Degree/ Diploma in Mechanical Engg, Welder (with 6G&9G Cert), Marine Safety Officer with DIP.In Fire & Safety Also Preferably Having H.L.O Cert.MEO Class I/Class II/ClassIV (Onshore Jobs at Mumbai/China)
email: anthony@hindoffshore.com

Naavex Marine Services
Liberian Flag Tanker Fleet: Master (With Bitumen Experience)- 4 nos, Chief Officer – 2 Nos, 2nd Officers- 3 Nos, Chief Engineer-3 Nos, 2nd Engineers-2 Nos, 3rd Engineers -2 Nos
Urgently Require for Officers & Ranks With Exp, On Permanent Rotation Basis:
Master-4 Nos, Deck Officers-4 nos, Chief Engineer-4 Nos, 2nd Engineer-4 Nos, ABS & Oilers (with W/K)- 4 Nos
Other Ranks May also Apply
Tel: +91-022-26736611/ 55 email:mumbai@naavexmarine.com

The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd
Suezmax Tankers: Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & Electrical Off
LPG Vessel: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Engineer, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrical Off
Crude & Product Tankers: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Handymax & Capesize: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Tel: +91-022-66613113 Email: fleet@greatship.com

IMC Shipping Company Pte. Ltd
Chemical & Product Tanker : Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Offs, Engine Fitters, Pumpman
Panamax Supramax Bulk Carriers : Chief Off, 2nd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrical Offs, Engine Fitters, Deck Fitters
Welders & Fitters
With 24 months seatime and 6G Welders test approved classification
Tel: +91-22-66910645 / 46/ 49 E-mail: resume@sunshipindia.com

Oceanic Venture Shipping Pvt. Ltd
New Built Product Tanker: Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off , Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & Electrical Officer, Fitter
For Gulf General Cargo/ Container Vessel : Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Officer, 3rd Officer 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Deck Cadet, Electrician, Cook, G.S, Deck Cadets & TME
E-mail: admin@ovshipping.net/ info@ovshipping.net
Mr. A.L Thomas +91-986934022

Five Star Bulk Carriers Pvt. Ltd
Panamax & Handysize Bulk Carrier: Chief Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 4th Eng
Capesize Bulk Carrier: Chief Off, Chief Eng
Tel: +91-022-40004000 email: contact@fivestar.com

RBR Shipping & Logistic
Panamax Flag Foreign Trading Vessel : Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, Junior Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, E/O, Bosun, AB, Oiler
For OSV : Radio Officer, Electrical Officer, Cook, GS, Bosun, AB, Oiler, Fitter, Deck-Engine Cadets, OS
Tel: 022-67124179 E-mail: rbrshipping@rediffmail.com

Geepee Shipping Agencies Pvt. Ltd
Handy Size & Bulk Carriers: Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 3rd Eng
Panama Flag Vessel: Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & 3rd Eng
Tel: +91-022-22873574/ 77/ 87 email: gpship@vsnl.com

Bibby International Services
Our Present Requirment:Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Engineer, Chief Officer, 2nd Off
Required DPO’s& Senior DPO’s: DPI/II AHTS, DPII PSV, DPII PSV, DPII/ III DSV
Require Electrician/ ETO’s: AHTSv, DPII DSV, DPI AHTS
For Offshore Vessels/AHTSV/PSV: Master, Chief Mate, 2nd Mate, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrician (NCV/ H/T, COS holders may apply)
For Drillships(Short Contract):2nd Eng, Tool Pusher, Driller, Medic, Mechanic, Chief Mechanic, Electrician, Electro Technician, Crane Operator.
For MSV:Medic & Winch Operator
For FPSO:Electrical Officer
Tel: +91-022-26732628 Email: enquiries@bis-india.com

Tanker Pacific Management (India) Pvt. Ltd
Masters, Chief Eng, Chief Offs, 1st Asst. Engs, 2nd Off & 3rd Off (Engs with Steam Ship Exp)
Tel: +91-022- 26515995/ 26415757
email: mumbai@tpmi.co.in

Zodiac Maritime Agencies (London)
For Container Vessel:Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Ens, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engineer, Electrical Off
Bulk Carrier 45vsls(mostly Cape size):Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engr,
For Car Carrier:Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Ens, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engineer,
For Chemical Tanker:Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engineer
Tel: +91-022-26515995/ 6415757 Email: tpmi@vsnl.com

Exmar Shipmanagement India Pvt. Ltd
Ref.LPG Fleet:2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng,2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Officer
Tel: +91-022-22640226/ 27/ 28
email: info@shipmanagement.exmar.in

Wallem Shipmanagement Ltd (Hongkong)
Tanker, Container, PCC, Reefer
Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, Electrical Eng
ChemicalTanker
Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, Electrical Eng
Tel: +91-022-40432346
email: wsmhkfp@wallem.com

Fleet Management Ltd
Bulk Carrier/ Reefers/ Cellular Cointainer/ RORO Ship/ Chemical/ Gas/Product Tankers
Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off, Gas Eng, Reefer Eng, Chief Cook, Pumpman/ Fitters
Tel: +91-022-67926100
email: FLEET-IN-BOM-MANNING@fleetship.com

Pentagon Marine Services Pvt. Ltd
Chemical Vessel:Master, C/O, 2/O, 3/O,2/E, 3/E, 4/E, ELO, Bsoun, Fitter, Oiler
Petro Chemical Tankers: Master, C/O, 2/E, 2/O, ELO, Fitter, Bosun, Pumpman, Ch Cook
For Bulk Carrier: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, ELO
For Dredger : Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng & ELO
Panama Vessel : Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, ELO, Oiler, Fitter
For Bunker Supply Vessel : All Officer Ranks & Pumpman
Require For New Takeover Petro Chemical Tanker: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, ELO, Bosun, Pumpman, Fitter, Ch Cook
For Passenger Ship : Master, Ch Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Ch Eng, Jr. Eng, ELO,
Costal Vessel : Master, Ch Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Ch Eng, Jr. Eng, ELO
Tel: +91-022-22620094 Email: careers@pentagonmarine.com

Cenmar Maritime Agencies
For Crude Oil Tankers: Chief Eng, Chief Off & 2nd Eng
Also Require: Master, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng
Tel: +91-022-22022278/ 79

Dynacom Tankers Management Limited
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, Ad. Chief Off, 3rd Eng, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Tel: 022-2834 7349/ 2834 7294
email: resume@dynacomindia.com

Crew Management Services (India) Pvt. Ltd
Chemical/ Aframax & Product Tankers
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng (with Petroleum + Chemical DCE)
Panamax Type Geared & Gearless Bulk Carriers & Mega Cointainers
Master, C/O, 2/O, 3/O, C/E, 2/E, 3/E, 4/E, E/O
Mini Bulk Carriers: Master, C/O, 2/O, Radio Off, C/E, 2/E, 3/E
Tel: +91-022-67041250/ 1251 Email: mumbai@crewships.com/ eperis@crewships.com

World Tankers Management Pte. Ltd
Oil Tankers : Master, 2nd Officers, 3rd Eng, 3rd Officer, Electrical Pumpman, Junior Eng, Oiler, Able Seamen
Tel: +91-022-22842860 Email: wdtank@vsnl.com

Orient Ship Management Pvt. Ltd
Required for Our Modern Fleet of Tankers/VLCC & Bulk Carriers
Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, ELO
Urgently Require for our Ultra Modern VLCC fleet of National Iranian Tanker Company
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, ELO, Jr Eng
Required All Ranks for Research Vessel Operating on Indian Coast
Tel: +91 – 9322287363
email: orient@bom4.vsnl.net.in / osm@mtnl.net.in

Orient Express Ship Management
LNG Vessel & Chemical Tankers : Masters, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng & Electrical Off
VLCC : Master, Chief Off, Electrical Off, 2nd Eng, Jr. Eng
Tel: +91-022-67536200 Email: cv@oesm.co.in

Ofer Ships Management India Pvt. Ltd
Container & Bulk Carriers : Masters, Chief Engs, Chief Offs,1st Asst Eng, 2nd Off, 2nd Asst Eng, 3rd Off, 3rd Asst Eng & Electrical Off
Tel: +91-022-67701461 E-mail: crew@oferb.co.in

Udya Shipping
For OSVs& AHTS : Masters, Chief Offs, 2nd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off & All Ratings
For DPI (AHTS&PSV) & DP II(AHTS&DSV)
Master DPO, Sr. DPO, Chief Off DPO, 2nd Off DPO, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, ETO
For OSV/AHTS/TUG BOAT/DREDGERS
Tug Master, Tug Eng, Dredger Master, Dredger Off, Dredger 1st Eng, Oilers, AB’s, Fitter (with WK cert’s) Cook
For Accomidation Barge : Barge Masters, Asst. Barge Master, Barge Eng, Radio Off, Safety Off, Reefer Eng, AC Technician, Mechanic Fitter, Crane Operator, Deck Foreman, Rigger

Oceana Mhatre Ship Management
For Cruise Liner Ship Merchant Navyat I.T.FCo
Electrician, Welder, Plumber, Messboy, Deck & Engine Cadets, Seaman, Oiler, Fitter, Cooks, Utility Boy, Steward, Cooks, Laundry Boy, Barker all categories
Tel: +91 93222 34394/ 93239 24126
E-mail: oceana.mhatre@yahoo.com

OCS Services Group
VLCC’s: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, & 4th Eng
Aframax Tanker: 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng
FPSO (urgently required): Mooring Master, Chief Off & 3rd Eng
Panamax Bulk Carriers: Chief Off, Chief Eng & 2nd Eng
DPII- FPSO(Urgently Require) : Senior DPO, Jr.DPO, Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off
Require for Shore Job : Marine Personnel Off, Technical Superintendent
Tel:+91-022-26744447/ 48/ 49 Fax: nsmbombay@nortrans.co.in

V Ships
VLCC’s : All Ranks
Chemical Tankers : All Ranks (New Yard Building)
Bulk Carriers : 2nd Eng & 3rd Eng
Tel: +91-022-40013300/ 3393 E-Mail: bombay@vships.com

Anglo Eastern Ship Mgmt Ltd
Oil/ Chemical/ LPG Carrier : All Officers & Engineers
Tel: 022-66670180 Email: manning@angloeasterngroup.com

Best Regards
Editor
For Shipping Today
www.shippingtoday.net
www.eshippingtoday.com- E-paper (exact replica of the magazine)

Curbing Greenhouse gas emission from ships

2008-09-15T10:21:00.000+05:30

India has no intention of agreeing with anything that is made mandatory by the Indian Maritime Organisation (IMO) with regard to curtailing carbon dioxide emissions. This was revealed by India’s IMO representatives during an ‘Awareness Seminar on Greenhouse Gases (GHG) Emission from Ships’ held on September 06, 2008 at the Maritime Training Institute of the Shipping Corporation of India, Mumbai.
The net effect of shipping as a result of emission is actually that it has a cooling affect on the earth since shipping emits sulphur dioxides, methane and other flue gases which help to reflect the sunlight back instead of allowing it to reach the earth, informed I.N. Bose, general manager of Great Eastern. Thus shipping is said to cool the earth.
Greenhouse gases are those that absorb infra-red radiation present in the atmosphere. The gases responsible for this are water vapour, carbon dioxide, nitrous oxide, halogenated fluorocarbons, ozone, perfluorinated carbons, and hydrofluorocarbons. The emissions produced as greenhouse gases allow incoming solar radiation to pass through the Earth's atmosphere, but prevent most of the outgoing infra-red radiation from the surface and lower atmosphere from escaping into outer space.
“Melting of the Artic ice cap, frequent generation of cyclones of large magnitude, floods and droughts are the cause of excess GHG,” stated D. Mehrotra, Deputy chief surveyor-cum-Senior DDG (Technical). “In order to curtail harmful emissions for ships the IMO passed the Resolution A 963 (23) as a guideline for adoption by member countries. These guidelines indicate how marine bunker fuel emission could be restricted.

“India’s stand has been that we will not agree to anything that is made mandatory by IMO on marine bunker fuel emission because they want to impose a bunker levy. Our contention is that this levy should not be on the same basis that is fixed for developed countries. There should be a differentiation between the levy charged for the developed and under-developed countries. It is not right for the IMO to impose the same standards for both. If there is no differentiated responsibility it amounts to penalising the shipping trade.”

The emission from shipping is less than that caused by road transport but more than that from airliners. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh too recently came out with an action plan for the country to achieve emission reduction at the national level.

I.N. Bose, general manager, Great Eastern, explained that for bringing down ship emissions it is possible to do so at the design stage of a ship by adhering to certain standards. “Operating index should not be mandatory but recommendatory by nature although it could be made mandatory in future. Coming to ship design, if classification societies that are paid by the ship owners are made responsible to undertake the certification during the construction stage itself, there will be a tendency to compromise on the design of a ship. Hence, it is difficult to define a common base line for all ships.”

It was observed by the working group appointed by IMO that if a market-based mechanism for transport is to be introduced, it should not be more per ton that is moved by ship than by road because in that case there would be a tendency for cargo to get shifted on to road transport. Global levy on marine bunker fuel should be designed to act as an incentive for reducing fuel consumption. Besides, levy has to be very high to alter consumption behaviour and if the cost is passed on to the consumer only then would the purpose be served. It was also established that the collected funds must be managed by the shipping companies and this money should go to pay those who pollute less than those who pollute more. However, the working group could not come to any consensus on this issue.

The initial focus on the concept of indexing scheme and GHG was on carbon dioxide emission. This indexing developed by the IMO working group on air pollution is based on operational data and has the benefit of easy access to the necessary data according to U.K. Kalghatgi, chief surveyor of Indian Register of Shipping. This operational data describes the true environmental input / output from the use of a ship. The unit of measurement is the basis for CO2 emission. “At the IMO meeting it was only India which could come up with the input data with regard to the elements considered in development of GHG emission standards,” he said.

Khetan Deshmukh from Lloyd Register gave an overview of the climate change and the focus on clean development mechanism. He noted that since all issues of climate change have cropped up over just the past two hundred years after the industrial revolution, this clearly indicates that the previous generations prior to that lived in harmony with nature.

Venkata R. Kakaraparthi of DNV warned, “If the Earth warms up by 0.75 oC, then the effect is that the ice will begin melting in the Artic; endangered species will get extinct; many islands may disappear and we don’t know what will happen to crops.”

Earlier when targets were fixed for cutting down on emissions there was no mechanism to keep them in place. Now three mechanisms have been developed. It may be long before IMO members become serious about operating in a safe atmosphere.

Vacancies for the week: Sep15, 2008

2008-09-15T10:15:00.000+05:30

The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd
Suezmax Tankers: Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & Electrical Off
LPG Vessel:Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Engineer, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrical Off
Crude & Product Tankers:Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Handymax & Capesize:Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Tel: +91-022-66613113 email: fleet@greatship.com

Oceanic Venture Shipping Pvt. Ltd
New Built Product Tanker:
Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off , Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & Electrical Officer, Fitter
For Gulf General Cargo/ Container Vessel
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Officer, 3rd Officer 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Deck Cadet, Electrician, Cook, G.S
Deck Cadets & TME
E-mail: admin@ovshipping.net/ info@ovshipping.net
Mr. A.L Thomas +91-986934022

Five Star Bulk Carriers Pvt. Ltd
Panamax & Handysize Bulk Carrier:Master, Chief Off, 2nd Eng, 4th Eng
Tel: +91-022-40004000
email: contact@fivestar.com

RBR Shipping & Logistic
Panamax Flag Foreign Trading Vessel
Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, Junior Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, E/O, Bosun, AB, Oiler
For OSV
Radio Officer, Electrical Officer, Cook, GS, Bosun, AB, Oiler, Fitter, Deck-Engine Cadets, OS
Tel: 022-67124179
E-mail: rbrshipping@rediffmail.com

Geepee Shipping Agencies Pvt. Ltd
Handy Size & Bulk Carriers:
Chief Off, Chief Eng
2nd Eng, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 3rd Eng
Panama Flag Vessel:
Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & 3rd Eng
Tel: +91-022-22873574/ 77/ 87
email: gpship@vsnl.com

Bibby International Services
Our Present Requirment:
Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Engineer, Chief Officer, 2nd Off
Required DPO’s& Senior DPO’s:
DPI/II AHTS, DPII PSV, DPII PSV, DPII/ III DSV
Require Electrician/ ETO’s : AHTSv, DPII DSV, DPI AHTS
For Offshore Vessels/AHTSV/PSV : Master, Chief Mate, 2nd Mate, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrician (NCV/ H/T, COS holders may apply)
For Drillships(Short Contract) : 2nd Eng, Tool Pusher, Driller, Medic, Mechanic, Chief Mechanic, Electrician, Electro Technician, Crane Operator.
For MSV : Medic & Winch Operator
For FPSO : Electrical Officer
Tel: +91-022-26732628 email: enquiries@bis-india.com

Tanker Pacific Management (India) Pvt. Ltd
Masters, Chief Eng, Chief Offs, 1st Asst. Engs, 2nd Off & 3rd Off (Engs with Steam Ship Exp)
Tel: +91-022- 26515995/ 26415757
email: mumbai@tpmi.co.in

Zodiac Maritime Agencies (London)
For Container Vessel:Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Ens, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engineer, Electrical Off
Bulk Carrier 45vsls(mostly Cape size):Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engr,
For Car Carrier:Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Ens, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engineer,
For Chemical Tanker:Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engineer
Tel: +91-022-26515995/ 6415757 email: tpmi@vsnl.com

Exmar Shipmanagement India Pvt. Ltd
Ref.LPG Fleet:2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng,2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng
Electrical Officer
Tel: +91-022-22640226/ 27/ 28
email: info@shipmanagement.exmar.in

Wallem Shipmanagement Ltd (Hongkong)
Tanker, Container, PCC, Reefer
Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, Electrical Eng
ChemicalTanker
Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, Electrical Eng
Tel: +91-022-40432346
email: wsmhkfp@wallem.com

Pentagon Marine Services Pvt. Ltd
Chemical Vessel : Master, C/O, 2/O, 3/O,2/E, 3/E, 4/E, ELO, Bsoun, Fitter, Oiler
Petro Chemical Tankers : Master,C/O, 2/E, 2/O, ELO, Fitter, Bosun, Pumpman, Ch Cook
For Bulk Carrier : Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, ELO
For Dredger : Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng & ELO
Panama Vessel : Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, ELO, Oiler, Fitter
For Bunker Supply Vessel : All Officer Ranks & Pumpman
Require Officers & Crew
For New Takeover Petro Chemical Tanker : Tel: +91-022-22620094
email: careers@pentagonmarine.com

Cenmar Maritime Agencies
For Crude Oil Tankers : Chief Eng, Chief Off & 2nd Eng
Also Require: Master, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng
Tel: +91-022-22022278/ 79

Dynacom Tankers Management Limited
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, Ad. Chief Off, 3rd Eng, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Tel: 022-2834 7349/ 2834 7294
email: resume@dynacomindia.com

Crew Management Services (India) Pvt. Ltd
Chemical/ Aframax & Product Tankers
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng (with Petroleum + Chemical DCE)
Panamax Type Geared & Gearless Bulk Carriers & Mega Cointainers
Master, C/O, 2/O, 3/O, C/E, 2/E, 3/E, 4/E, E/O
Mini Bulk Carriers
Master, C/O, 2/O, Radio Off, C/E, 2/E, 3/E
Tel: +91-022-67041250/ 1251
email: mumbai@crewships.com / eperis@crewships.com

World Tankers Management Pte. Ltd
Oil Tankers : Master, 2nd Officers, 3rd Eng, 3rd Officer, Electrical Pumpman, Junior Eng, Oiler, Able Seamen
Tel: +91-022-22842860 Email: wdtank@vsnl.com

OCS Services Group
VLCC’s: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, & 4th Eng
Aframax Tanker: 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng
FPSO (urgently required) : Mooring Master, Chief Off & 3rd Eng
Panamax Bulk Carriers: Chief Off, Chief Eng & 2nd Eng
DPII- FPSO(Urgently Require) : Senior DPO, Jr.DPO, Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off
Require for Shore Job : Marine Personnel Off, Technical Superintendent
Tel:+91-022-26744447/ 48/ 49 Fax: nsmbombay@nortrans.co.in

V Ships
VLCC’s : All Ranks
Chemical Tankers : All Ranks (New Yard Building)
Bulk Carriers : 2nd Eng & 3rd Eng
Tel: +91-022-40013300/ 3393 E-Mail: bombay@vships.com

Anglo Eastern Ship Mgmt Ltd
Oil/ Chemical/ LPG Carrier
All Officers & Engineers
Tel: 022-66670180 Email: manning@angloeasterngroup.com

Best Regards
Editor
For Shipping Today
www.shippingtoday.net
www.eshippingtoday.com- E-paper (exact replica of the magazine)

AET orders 3 product tankers using newbuildcon

2008-09-06T11:16:00.002+05:30

Tanker owner-operator AET has ordered three 6,600 dwt oil/chemical tankers from Russia’s Okskaya Shipyard using BIMCO’s Newbuildcon standard newbuilding contract. The contract for the new tankers was signed on August 28, with the vessels due for delivery between July and December 2009.
The order for the new tankers is aimed at expanding AET’s fleet capacity and extending the geographical coverage of its operations. Long-term employment for the vessels has already been secured.
Zurina Raja Abu Bakar, AET’s legal counsel responsible for orchestrating the deal, said: “Newbuildcon provides a solid contractual platform that facilitates the placement of newbuilding contracts for both shipowners and yards. It represents an excellent standard form suitable for global use.
AET is a wholly owned subsidiary of Malaysian-based MISC and operates 12 VLCCs, 49 aframax, one Panamax and 12 product tankers. It also has a fleet of lightering support vessels in the US Gulf.

Greatship takes delivery of platform support vessel

2008-09-06T11:16:00.001+05:30

Greatship (India) Limited (GIL), a wholly owned subsidiary of The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd. has taken delivery of Greatship Dhriti, a UT755LN Platform Support Vessel from Aker Yards, Norway. Greatship Dhriti is a DP2, FiFi1 full service vessel built to exacting specifications, and capable of supporting offshore exploration and production globally. Immediately on delivery, the vessel will proceed to Mexico for a two year charter. GIL currently owns and operates three PSVs, two in India and one in the North Sea, and two AHTSVs, one in South Africa, and one in the Middle East. GIL and its subsidiaries also have an order book of nineteen vessels and one rig under construction - one more PSV in Norway, two AHTSVs in Sri Lanka, four AHTSVs in Batam, four MPSVs in Singapore, two MSVs in India, four ROVSVs in Sri Lanka, two 150 TBP AHTSVs in Batam, and a premium 350' jack up rig in Singapore. All Greatship's vessels are built to the highest standards of safety and operational efficiency, and conform to existing and envisaged IMO and Class rules, and are capable of operating in offshore waters across the world.

Meeting new standards in Oil & Gas - IORS 2008

2008-09-06T11:14:00.000+05:30

As the scramble for crude oil gets more spirited, companies have begun leveraging a diverse set of capabilities involving people, processes and technologies that stretch beyond the frontiers of known sciences. The will to succeed has served as the driver for technological growth in this spectrum. The past few years have seen several attempts being made to showcase the Indian oil and gas scenario through conferences, expos and other forums. It is the Indian Oil and Gas Review Symposium (IORS), an annual event since the past 15 years that has done justice bringing to the fore every aspect of this highly volatile sector.

The growing reputation of this event continues to draw ever large numbers of visitors and participants each year. However, the IORS 2008 held at the Hotel Taj Lands End, Mumbai on September 01 and 02, 2008 saw the biggest number yet with over 700 participants from 200 plus international companies spanning over 16 countries making the most of the event. Nearly 100 stalls were set up in the Hotel and in the hotel’s sprawling grounds.

Oil and gas may be the chief commodities fuelling and polluting the world presently, but it is the need to secure the future with a more permanent source of fuel and protect the environment so as to present the future generations with a world that is greener, more eco-friendly and resourceful. This was one of the major concerns that came to be expressed at the symposium.

Featuring the theme: Emerging Business & Technologies in Exploration & Production, Refining and Marketing, Petrochemicals and Retails, this year IORS saw Indian and global experts focusing on finance and technology from various angles to bring out the best and most profitable solutions in the overall petroleum sector in all relevant perspectives including exploration, production, refining, marketing, LNG, CBM and alternative energy options.

In the session on ‘Innovatives’ the paper by Dr. Siddhartha SenGupta, principal scientist, Tata Consultancy Services figured prominently. Deliberating on the topic ‘The Next Generation Supply Chains – Integrated and Profit maximized’, he substantiated that over the last decade, major supply chain management (SCM) software vendors like i2, SAP, Manugistics, JDA have been supporting advanced planning and scheduling, including enterprise profit optimization by tracking segmented demand fulfilment. “Most of the demand, pricing, supply, costs, resource and other data is available in the SCM system databases,” he said. “Advanced supply chains are equally well planned at all three levels – strategic, tactical and operational.”

“Intelligent oilfield solutions have key performance-oriented implementation components,” according to Neeraj Gupta*, oil & gas solutions leader, IBM Asean/South Asia. “These interdependent components are essential to achieving significant returns on investment. Implementing them facilitates real-time global asset awareness—or access to data from all of the appropriate assets—by enabling proactive asset management using frequently captured data that can be distributed, converted into relevant knowledge, evaluated and acted upon in real time.”

Considering the hostile environment, pipelines face several challenges. In this regard Dr Richard Perrinaud of Arkema, USA highlighted the emerging technologies in corrosion resistant underground piping systems. Taking on a similar approach Bilal Ghalaini, Dupont Fluoropolymer, presented Innovative down-hole coating solutions for oil and gas production. Besides, techniques such as ‘Line Pipe-liquid Free Epoxy coating’ and various protection methods for ultra deep water pipelines where harsh conditions existed were featured in detail.

The vulnerability of the oil and gas industry is borne from the fact that it is hazardous by nature posing high risk to property, environmental and human safety. “It is Integrated Management System (IMS) Quality, Environmental and Safety Management that can ensure safe, reliable and constant quality of the products and services in oil & gas Industry according to V. Murlidhar, general manager of International Certification Services. In his paper he presented how IMS could prove beneficial for developing, implementing and monitoring the IMS system for maintaining occupational health safety and protection of the environment.

“It is less expensive and a more efficient use of organisations,” said David Brewer of International Certification Services. “It helps to ensure that various issues of concern are treated as a line management responsibility, ensuring conformance with the ‘management commitment’ requirements of these standards. IMS can deal with simple management structures to quite sophisticated ones, with various departments assuming prime responsibility.”

‘Ensure Process Safety Management compliance’, was the motto suggested by Kjell Eriksson of Det Norske Veritas. Build a Culture for Process Safety he advised. The DNV Initiatives he believed in were: i) standardize sensor communication protocol; ii) offer consolidated data analysis; and iii) Provide real time monitoring, evaluation, and risk assessment services.

Curtailing emissions and factoring in a healthier atmosphere has been a trend that has got most pundits in the industry working overtime. Re-cycling waste and ensuring a more complete combustion of fuel has turned out to be the commonest way out. T.R. Rao, director of STEPS, presented a paper that dwelt on the ‘Polycrack Technology’ which provides waste disposal services using a technology which converts waste in the oil and gas industry into useful products and adds value to the industry. Thus non-edible seeds, electronic waste, plastics, etc. are being converted into oils which are very close to gasoline and diesel.

Shriram Iyer another technocrat highlighted the success of re-cycling tyres, rejects or plastics into furnace oil as is being done at his unit at Vasai, Mumbai.

The extensive research conducted by ONGC and the setting up of facilities for generating power through alternative sources of energy including wind, solar, geothermal and tidal was amply dealt with by Anoop Kumar, ggm – technical services of ONGC, Dehradun, and Atish Chandra Saha, BD & JV, ONGC, New Delhi. The company has been successful in generating a significant amount of electricity in Gujarat through wind power for captive use.

It can safely be said that IORS is proving to be a useful platform for interaction and a forum where the cream of the global oil and gas business gathers to discuss threadbare each and every aspect concerning the energy segment which is at the present time facing one of the biggest environmental and financial challenges. The forum no doubt has earned its place as a vital component in the hydrocarbon sector in the Indian sub-continent.

Vacancies for the week: Sep08, 2008

2008-09-06T10:57:00.000+05:30

The Great Eastern Shipping Co. Ltd
Suezmax Tankers: Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & Electrical Off
LPG Vessel:Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Engineer, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrical Off
Crude & Product Tankers: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Handymax & Capesize: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Tel: +91-022-66613113 email: fleet@greatship.com

IMC Shipping Company Pte. Ltd
Chemical & Product Tanker: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Offs, Engine Fitters, Pumpman
Panamax Supramax Bulk Carriers: Chief Off, 2nd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrical Offs, Engine Fitters, Deck Fitters
Very Large Ore Carriers (VLOC): Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, Electrical Offs
Tel: +91-22-66910645 / 46/ 49 E-mail: resume@sunshipindia.com

Oceanic Venture Shipping Pvt. Ltd
New Built Product Tanker: Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off , Chief Eng, 2nd Eng & Electrical Officer, Fitter
For Gulf General Cargo/ Container Vessel: Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Officer, 3rd Officer 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Deck Cadet, Electrician, Cook, G.S, Deck Cadets & TME
E-mail: admin@ovshipping.net/ info@ovshipping.net Mr. A.L Thomas +91-986934022

Five Star Bulk Carriers Pvt. Ltd
Panamax & Handysize Bulk Carrier: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Eng, 4th Eng
Tel: +91-022-40004000 email: contact@fivestar.com

RBR Shipping & Logistic
Panamax Flag Foreign Trading Vessel: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, Junior Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, E/O, Bosun, AB, Oiler
For OSV: Radio Officer, Electrical Officer, Cook, GS, Bosun, AB, Oiler, Fitter, Deck-Engine Cadets, OS
Tel: 022-67124179 E-mail: rbrshipping@rediffmail.com

Bibby International Services
Our Present Requirment: Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Engineer, Chief Officer, 2nd Off
Required DPO’s& Senior DPO’s: DPI/II AHTS, DPII PSV, DPII PSV, DPII/ III DSV
Require Electrician/ ETO’s: AHTSv, DPII DSV, DPI AHTS
For Offshore Vessels/AHTSV/PSV: Master, Chief Mate, 2nd Mate, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, Electrician (NCV/ H/T, COS holders may apply)
For Drillships(Short Contract): 2nd Eng, Tool Pusher, Driller, Medic, Mechanic, Chief Mechanic, Electrician, Electro Technician, Crane Operator.
For MSV:Medic & Winch Operator
For FPSO:Electrical Officer
Tel: +91-022-26732628 Email: enquiries@bis-india.com

Tanker Pacific Management (India) Pvt. Ltd
Masters, Chief Eng, Chief Offs, 1st Asst. Engs, 2nd Off & 3rd Off (Engs with Steam Ship Exp)
Tel: +91-022- 26515995/ 26415757 Email: mumbai@tpmi.co.in

Zodiac Maritime Agencies (London)
For Container Vessel:Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Ens, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engineer, Electrical Off
Bulk Carrier 45vsls(mostly Cape size): Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engr
For Car Carrier: Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Ens, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engineer,
For Chemical Tanker:Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 1st, 2nd & 3rd Asst Engineer
Tel: +91-022-26515995/ 6415757 Email: tpmi@vsnl.com
Exmar Shipmanagement India Pvt. Ltd
Ref.LPG Fleet:2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng,2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Officer
Tel: +91-022-22640226/ 27/ 28 email: info@shipmanagement.exmar.in

Wallem Shipmanagement Ltd (Hongkong)
Tanker, Container, PCC, Reefer: Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, Electrical Eng
Tel: +91-022-40432346 email: wsmhkfp@wallem.com

Pentagon Marine Services Pvt. Ltd
Chemical Vessel: Master, C/O, 2/O, 3/O,2/E, 3/E, 4/E, ELO, Bsoun, Fitter, Oiler
Petro Chemical Tankers: Master,C/O, 2/E, 2/O, ELO, Fitter, Bosun, Pumpman, Ch Cook
For Bulk Carrier: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, ELO
For Dredger: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng & ELO
Panama Vessel: Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, ELO, Oiler, Fitter
For Bunker Supply Vessel: All Officer Ranks & Pumpman
Require Officers & Crew: For New Takeover Petro Chemical Tanker
Tel: +91-022-22620094 Email: careers@pentagonmarine.com

Cenmar Maritime Agencies
For Crude Oil Tankers: Chief Eng, Chief Off & 2nd Eng
Also Require: Master, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng
Tel: +91-022-22022278/ 79

Dynacom Tankers Management Limited
Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, Ad. Chief Off, 3rd Eng, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, 4th Eng, Electrical Off
Tel: 022-2834 7349/ 2834 7294 Email: resume@dynacomindia.com

Crew Management Services (India) Pvt. Ltd
Chemical/ Aframax & Product Tankers: Master, Chief Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng (with Petroleum + Chemical DCE)
Panamax Type Geared & Gearless Bulk Carriers & Mega Cointainers: Master, C/O, 2/O, 3/O, C/E, 2/E, 3/E, 4/E, E/O
Mini Bulk Carriers: Master, C/O, 2/O, Radio Off, C/E, 2/E, 3/E
Tel: +91-022-67041250/ 1251 Email: mumbai@crewships.com/ eperis@crewships.com

World Tankers Management Pte. Ltd
Oil Tankers: Master, 2nd Officers, 3rd Engineer, 3rd Officer, Electrical Pumpman, Oiler, Able Seamen
Tel: +91-022-22842860 Email: wdtank@vsnl.com

Orient Ship Management Pvt. Ltd
DP-2 Vesselsoperatin in Indian Coast : 2nd Officers
Foreign Principals Cointainer Vessel : Chief Engineer
Tel: +91 – 9322287363 Email: orient@bom4.vsnl.net.in/ osm@mtnl.net.in

Udya Shipping Services
For OSVs& AHTS : Masters, Chief Offs, 2nd Off, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, 4th Eng, Electrical Off & All Ratings
For DPI (AHTS&PSV) & DP II(AHTS&DSV)
Master DPO, Sr. DPO, Chief Off DPO, 2nd Off DPO, Chief Eng, 2nd Eng, 3rd Eng, ETO
For OSV/AHTS/TUG BOAT/DREDGERS
Tug Master, Tug Eng, Dredger Master, Dredger Off, Dredger 1st Eng, Oilers, AB’s, Fitter (with WK cert’s) Cook
For Accomidation Barge:
Barge Masters, Asst. Barge Master, Barge Eng, Radio Off, Safety Off, Reefer Eng, AC Technician, Mechanic Fitter, Crane Operator, Deck Foreman, Rigger

Oceana Mhatre Ship Management
For Cruise Liner Ship Merchant Navyat I.T.FCo
Electrician, Welder, Plumber, Messboy, Deck & Engine Cadets, Seaman, Oiler, Fitter, Cooks, Utility Boy, Steward, Cooks, Laundry Boy, Barker all categories
Tel: +91 93222 34394/ 93239 24126 E-mail: oceana.mhatre@yahoo.com

OCS Services Group
VLCC’s: Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off, 3rd Off, & 4th Eng
Aframax Tanker: 2nd Off, 3rd Off, Chief Eng
FPSO (urgently required): Mooring Master, Chief Off & 3rd Eng
Panamax Bulk Carriers:Chief Off, Chief Eng & 2nd Eng
DPII- FPSO(Urgently Require): Senior DPO, Jr.DPO, Master, Chief Off, 2nd Off
Require for Shore Job : Marine Personnel Off, Technical Superintendent
Tel:+91-022-26744447/ 48/ 49 Email: nsmbombay@nortrans.co.in

V Ships
VLCC’s : All Ranks
Chemical Tankers : All Ranks (New Yard Building)
Bulk Carriers : 2nd Eng & 3rd Eng
Tel: +91-022-40013300/ 3393 E-Mail: bombay@vships.com

Anglo Eastern Ship Mgmt Ltd
Oil/ Chemical/ LPG Carrier
All Officers & Engineers
Tel: 022-66670180
Email: manning@angloeasterngroup.com

Best Regards
Editor
For Shipping Today
www.shippingtoday.net
www.eshippingtoday.com- E-paper (exact replica of the magazine)

Great Offshore (International) Ltd acquires high end modern AHTSV

2008-09-01T10:12:00.000+05:30

Great Offshore (International) Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Great Offshore Ltd. has taken delivery of a high end modern Anchor Handling Tug cum Supply Vessel (AHTSV) . The vessel is currently performing a spot charter at around USD 47,000/ day for Murphy Oil at Malaysia.
The UT 722 design, 2008 built vessel with 165 Tons bollard pull and an accommodation of 26 is DP 1 and FiFi -1 compliant. Classed with DNV, the vessel is appropriately equipped to meet global standards.
Great Offshore has 14 vessels (including the above) capable of deep water operations with 7 of them operating in international waters on various term and spot charters. The current addition further strengthens Great Offshore’s capability of serving clients across North Sea, South and West Africa, Middle East, Far East and Russian Federation waters.
With this acquisition, the fleet of Great Offshore stands at 41 assets (2 drilling rigs, 27 diverse offshore support vessels, a marine construction barge and 11 harbour tugs).

ONGC takes the eLearning route towards upgradation

2008-09-01T10:06:00.000+05:30

Concerned by the growing attrition rate and the need to be strategically well placed for maintaining its competitive edge, the Oil & Natural Gas Corporation India Ltd (ONGC) launched eAcademy to provide its employees with opportunities for self development and a range of oil & gas related e-learning products. Christened Gyandhara, it has been built, and is being implemented and managed by 24x7 Learning.

Ms. Priti Mathur, Head - ONGC Academy, ONGC, informed that the corporation spends around Rs 30 crore on training alone. Gyandhara the new venture which earmarked Rs 2 crore initially will be able to reach its employees in the remotest of places and they can undertake training and get re-trained from their own place of work at their own convenient pace and time and within their own time frame.

“We have a workforce of 38,000 and the HR has been focussing on upgrading employees through training. Since many people have been leaving ONGC we hope this venture will help in reversing the trend. Benchmarked to global standards, Gyandhara will provide its employees with opportunities for self development and learning. Oil and gas are expensive and we need to be the best. We are working with IIT, IIM and other faculties from the US and UK and have now partnered OPITO, the renowned oil and gas academy and Atlas Interactive Limited, the oil and gas industry’s eLearning content specialists to bring to India this complete learning solution for the oil and gas Industry. 24x7 Learning would provide OPITO certifications post completion of the course to all ONGC employees.”
Speaking on the partnership, Karthik KS, CEO - 24x7 Learning, gave a presentation on the versatility of the programme which facilitates members of staff to start doing the course from their work stations and receive the certification. He also highlighted the various advantages and the aspects of this powerful medium of learning and the global players who would benefit from it.
He said, “We are delighted to be associated with Atlas Interactive and OPITO, this alliance brings to the table the expertise of two international organizations excelling in their respective fields. Through this partnership we will provide holistic solutions to the oil and gas industry. We are also extremely happy to associate with ONGC, India, and ensure a consistent and high standard of training to its employees.”
Simulations can take learning beyond the possible – into realms that can never be accessed through regular training he explained. It can be visualized in an instructor-led classroom-based training setting. However e-learning, can show the animated action of the robotic arms and all such activities that are beyond the reach of the learner. e-Learning includes the use of a variety of media and techniques for learning, including text, sound, graphics, photography, animation, video, e-mail, discussion forums, chat rooms, virtual meetings or tutorials, and simulations.
Companies in the oil and gas sector are rapidly embracing e-learning as an integral part of their training initiatives. The reason for this lies in the benefit it offers to their staff and their bottom line. Considering the issues faced by oil and gas companies in working offshore and meeting the demands of health and safety, e-learning benefits are pertinent to meeting their critical organizational needs.
Employees of oil and gas companies require a large amount of learning material. This learning cannot be defined within the narrow parameters of a few courses. They have to be wide and should encompass a wide range of professional and personal development.
For example, employees are typically situated in several levels of the hierarchy. When a General Manager wants to learn about the nuances of making an effective presentation, he/she faces a dilemma. He/she cannot go to a presentation expert in the Public Relations department and seek his/her help as this would entail a 'loss of professional competence’. This General Manager can then go to a secure system and demand a learning course on 'making presentations' – in complete confidentiality.
The system has proved to be an easy-to-use tool that gives employees and managers the ability to plan and track competency-development activities. The primary training initiatives focus on exploration and production, drilling operations and maintenance, safety and environmental concerns, technical skills for engineering and geology professionals.
Mr. David Doig, CEO, OPITO commented that we learn from our mistakes but the smart person learns from somebody else’s mistakes. Drawing attention to one of the world’s worst disasters in the oil and gas field he gave graphic details about the 167 people who perished. The investigation indicated the huge number of preventable errors that had been committed, most of which were human in nature.
“Nobody does what we do for the oil and gas sector,” he stated. “We add value to employers’ efforts and investments. We know the standards and what needs to be done and we deal with only the higher level of employers.”
Talking on the collaboration Mr. Doig said, “We are very happy to partner with 24x7 Learning, India’s premier Talent Lifecycle Management Company. Our partnership offers exciting solutions for talent development in the Indian Oil and Gas Industry.”
Tim Love, Sr. VP-GSM, Atlas Interactive Limited, said, “Aimed at addressing the shortage of skills within the oil industry, the learning module from 24x7 Learning will enable both new recruits and experienced technicians to acquire approved qualifications, and it will assist employers to assess the skills and capabilities of their workforce within an accepted accreditation system. This is a brilliant initiative that we have in partnership with 24x7 Learning and we look forward to working closely in the coming years to develop this suit of learning modules for technicians of all ages within the industry.”
24x7 Learning is India’s premier Talent Lifecycle Management Company that delivers end-to-end learning solutions. From inception in 2001, they have evolved with changing market needs. The equity from Network 18 is testimony to their robust growth and sustained financial performance.
Headquartered in Bangalore, 24x7 Learning has regional offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Pune. Some of 24x7 Learning’s marquee clients include: The Aditya Birla Group, Accenture, Samsung, Essar, Mahindra and Mahindra, Murugappa Group, Larsen and Toubro, Barclays Bank, MindTree, Dell, Satyam and Pepsico. (www.24x7learning.com)
Recognized as one of the 50 fastest growing companies in India by Deloitte 24x7 Learning is the largest e-Learning implementation company in India with users in more than 25 countries across the world. It has provided learning solutions to over a million learners since its inception in 2001. The company was awarded the Red Herring 100 Asia award in 2006 and is the winner of the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 India 2007 and the Deloitte Technology Fast 500 Asia. 24x7 Learning is amongst the NASSCOM Top 100 IT Innovators of 2007 and today it serves 7 of top 10 IT outsourcing companies and 6 of top 10 BPO/ITES companies in India.

e-learning in the Oil and Gas sector in India is in its infancy. Given the fact that India is one of the fastest growing oil economies in the world where billions of dollars are being pumped in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors, cutting-edge training was so far grossly neglected. 24x7 Learning will help reduce training costs and assist in building a knowledge-based workplace.