Jan 13, 2011

EXCO Resources, Inc. reports year end 2010 proved reserves

EXCO Resources, Inc. today announced a significant increase in its estimated proved reserves from prior year levels primarily attributable to continued drilling success in the Haynesville shale play.
Our proved reserves at December 31, 2010 are estimated at 1.5 trillion cubic feet equivalent (Tcfe) with a pre-tax PV10, a non-GAAP measure, of $1.4 billion, calculated pursuant to SEC pricing rules, which are based on the simple average of the first of the month reference natural gas and oil prices for the prior twelve month period, adjusted for energy content, quality and basis differentials. For 2010, the reference price was $4.38 per Mmbtu for natural gas and $79.43 per Bbl for oil which resulted in an adjusted price of $4.37 per Mmbtu for natural gas and $75.83 per Bbl for oil. At year end 2010 our proved reserves were 55% proved developed and 97% natural gas. Based on our estimated full year 2010 production of 112 Bcfe, our reserve life equates to 13.4 years. Using the five year futures strip price at December 31, 2010 averaging $5.23 per Mmbtu for natural gas and $93.09 per Bbl for oil, as adjusted for energy content, quality and basis differentials our estimated proved reserves, would have been 1.6 Tcfe with a pre-tax PV10 of $2.1 billion.
We estimate our total net resource potential to be approximately 11.3 Tcfe as of December 31, 2010. Our year end proved reserves and estimated unproved resource potential do not include any effects of our previously announced Marcellus shale acquisition from Chief Oil & Gas LLC (Chief). Chief received a required waiver from a third party and on January 11, 2011, the purchase price was released from escrow. We have also entered into a definitive agreement with a private company for the purchase of additional Marcellus shale properties with associated shallow production primarily in Jefferson and Clarion counties in Pennsylvania for $95 million, which is expected to close in the first quarter of 2011. BG Group, plc (BG Group) has the right to participate for 50% of these acquisitions. The total resource potential, including proved reserves, attributable to these acquisitions is approximately 3.4 Tcfe, of which 1.7 Tcfe would be net to EXCO if BG Group elects to participate in these acquisitions.
We currently hold approximately 76,000 net acres prospective for the Haynesville and Bossier shales. Pro forma for the closing of the two previously mentioned Marcellus shale acquisitions and assuming BG Group elects to participate in these acquisitions, we will hold approximately 152,000 net acres prospective for the Marcellus shale. This acreage position across both plays would result in a total shale drilling inventory of approximately 9,300 gross potential drilling locations.
Source: Press release
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Azeris Sell Gas to EU, Iran

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso and Azeri President Ilham Aliyev signed a deal Thursday in which Azerbaijan commits to supplying Europe with “substantial volumes of gas.”
In the agreement, Azerbaijan promises the EU to provide sufficient gas to enable the creation of the so-called southern corridor bypassing Russia.
[Read more]
Source: The Moscow Times
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Encana rises on CNPC deal talk

Shares in Canadian natural gas producer Encana Corporation rose as much as 5.2% yesterday, as some speculated the company may be close to adding another joint-venture partner to speed development of its properties.
[Read more]
Source: Oneindia
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EPL gains GoM assets

Energy Partners Ltd. (EPL) has acquired producing oil and natural gas assets in the shallow-water central Gulf of Mexico shelf from Anglo-Suisse Offshore Partners for $201.5 million.
[Read more]
Source: Offshore Magazine
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Pirates target cruise ship

A cruise ship carrying hundreds of British passengers has been targeted by pirates in the Indian ocean.
Holiday-makers on board The Spirit of Adventure had a formal dinner interrupted to be told pirates were approaching.
The 350 guests and 200 crew of the ship, operated by British company Acromas which also owns Saga and the AA, were asked to go to the main lounge and sit on the floor until the danger had passed.
The speedboat carrying the pirates came within "several hundred metres" of the The Spirit of Adventure, said the cruise ship's spokesman Paul Green.
[Read More]
Source: Safety 4 Sea
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HRT Climbs to Record After Chariot Raises Namibia Oil Reserve

HRT Participacoes em Petroleo SA, a Brazilian oil company that’s probing offshore Namibia, rose to a record in Sao Paulo trading after another company exploring in nearby blocks increased its reserve estimates.
HRT rose 64.95 reais, or 3.8 percent, to 1,764.95 reais at 1:13 p.m. New York time, the highest since the company first sold shares in October.
[Read more]
Source: Bloomberg

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Oz tug hero hailed

A TUG MASTER has been praised for corralling a large boardwalk that had broken off and was heading towards a major bridge over Queensland’s swollen Brisbane River.
Bowen Tug & Barges’ Doug Hislop, along with engineer Peter Fenton, took the small tug Mavis upstream after hearing on emergency radio that authorities had lost control of a large section of the Riverwalk, a floating boardwalk that usually lines several kilometres of the river in Brisbane.
[Read More]
Source: Safety at Sea
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Two sought in acid barge sinking on Rhine

WO CREW members are missing after a tank barge loaded with sulphuric acid sank in Germany this morning.
The vessel was carrying 2,400 tonnes of acid for the chemicals group BASF when it sank on the Rhine near St Goarshausen. Two crew members were rescued, but two are still missing.
[Read More]
Source: Safety at Sea
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Kulczyk Oil Ventures Inc.: Ukraine - KOV Acquires New Exploration License

Kulczyk Oil Ventures Inc. is pleased to announce that its 70% owned subsidiary, KUB-Gas LLC ("KUB-Gas") has been awarded another exploration license area in Ukraine.
The North Makeevskoye Exploration License is located adjacent to the KUB-Gas Makeevskoye and Olgovskoye licenses, near the City of Lugansk in eastern Ukraine. Similar to the KUB-Gas Makeevskoye and Olgovskoye licenses which lie along the primary southeastern Dneiper-Donets Basin gas/condensate structural trend, the 19,050 hectare (47,073 acre) North Makeevskoye license area is prospective for gas production from multiple zones within the Muscovian and Bashkirian sedimentary section. The award of this license to KUB-Gas increases their total holdings to five license areas and increases their total area under license by more than 110% to 36,315 hectares (89,736 acres).
Mikhail Afendikov, the Managing Director of Gastek LLC, KOV's 30% partner in KUB-Gas stated that: "We are very pleased to get this new license so close to our M-19 gas discovery."
Tim Elliott, President and Chief Executive Officer of KOV stated that: "Our experience with KUB-Gas and with our partner Gastek has been a very positive one. We will continue to have a very active program in Ukraine as gas production is developed on the KUB-Gas licenses."
Source: Press release
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Nordic Tankers in new joint pool

Nordic Tankers and Womar Logistics have reached an agreement to establish a jointly owned independent pool management company with the name of Nordic Womar. The company will initially manage two pools of coated chemical tankers.
[Read More]
Source: Maritime Danmark
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Old Foe Returns

Recent intelligence reports have indicated that the latest revelation of the existence of eight Tamil Tiger (LTTE) ships yet continuing its operations outside Sri Lanka could contribute to piracy and drug trafficking in Maldives.
[Read More]
Source: Shiptalk
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Nigeria''s anti-graft body detains 12 oil executives

Nigeria''s anti-corruption body has detained 12 senior executives of oil firms Noble Corp, Tidewater and Transocean over allegations bribery of up to USD 100 million.
The spokesman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Femi Babafemi said the agency suspected the executives were involved in offering bribes to Nigerian officials and therefore had their travel documents seized.
[Read more]
Source: MSN News
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Swedish cluster signs agreement with Korea

SSPA, FKAB, White Smoke and Swedish Marine Technology Forum entered into a joint agreement with Korea’s KOGAS to evaluate the possibilities for developing a Korean system for delivery of LNG to gas-fuelled ships.
[Read More]
Source: Motorship
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Russia to decide on oil supplies to Belarus within week says minister

Russia may decide to resume oil supplies to Belarus within a week, after they were suspended over disagreement over re-export of oil products from Belarus, Russian Energy Minister Sergei Shmatko said on Thursday.
"We expect that we will make the decision within a week," Shmatko said.
[Read more]
Source: RIA Novosti
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Japan builds 24 ships in Nov

Japan's 52 major shipbuilders delivered 24 ships of 1.05m gt in November 2010, according to the statistics from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The 24 export ships worth JPY107.9bn (US$1.3bn). Meanwhile, 33 ships of 1.56m gt started construction in the same month.
The ships delivered in November include three general cargo ships, 10 bulk carriers, one car carrier, four ore carriers, three crude carriers, one LPG carrier, one chemical tanker and one other.
Source: Seatrade Asia
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Pirates board tanker in Malaysian waters

Pirates boarded a Denmark-registered tanker anchored in Malaysian waters in the early hours of Wednesday, but left the tanker without any loots. Tanker Torm Clara was anchored south of Tanjung Ayam, Johor, when the incident happened at about 0430 hours on 13 January, according to a ReCAAP alert.
[Read More]
Source: Seatrade Asia
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Brent crude futures push $100 a barrel, pressure OPEC to produce

Brent oil futures climbed towards $100 a barrel on Thursday, piling pressure on OPEC to raise production to prevent high prices hurting the world economy.
But OPEC member Libya shrugged off concerns about oil at $100, saying there was no need for OPEC to add supplies.
[Read more]
Source: The Vancouver Sun
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MOL implements Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) reports that it has established a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) and has started its use in the MOL tanker fleet. The SEEMP provides the most efficient vessel operation method (optimum route selection, appropriate maintenance, etc., considering slow steaming, ocean currents, and weather) to reduce CO2 emissions while ensuring safe operation and maintaining a strict operation schedule.
[Read More]
Source: Marine Log
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Lukoil Oil Output Falls 1.7 Percent in 2010 on Siberian Declines

OAO Lukoil’s crude output fell about 1.7 percent last year as aging western Siberian fields declined, while natural-gas production climbed more than 12 percent.
Oil output slid to 96 million metric tons, the Moscow-based company said today in a statement. That’s down from 97.6 million the previous year, according to its website. Gas production rose to 20 billion cubic meters, Lukoil said after its board approved preliminary 2010 results and plans for 2011.
[Read more]
Source: Bloomberg

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Carnival Spirit to call Australia home

Carnival Cruise Lines announced yesterday that it would base the 88,500-tonne ‘Carnival Spirit’ in Australia. This will be Carnival’s first venture into Australian waters, and the largest cruise ship to be based full-time out of Australia.
Source: Baird Maritime
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Ship carrying acid overturns in Germany: police

A ship carrying 2,000 tonnes of sulphuric acid overturned Thursday in the Rhine river near Sankt Goar, northwest of Mainz, and two members of its crew are missing, river police told AFP.
"Two members of the crew were rescued but two others are missing," police spokesman Paul-Heinz Meurisch said.
[Read More]
Source: AFP

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Ice-bound Commonwealth rescue suspended

The operation to tow the ice-locked mother ship Commonwealth in the Okhotsk Sea to clear water has been suspended due to a rupture of the tow rope. This operation was being carried out by the Krasin and The Admiral Makarov icebreakers.
[Read More]
Source: Voice of Russia

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Australia's Brisbane port to remain shut until Sunday

Australia's Port of Brisbane will remain closed at least until Sunday to all commercial shipping due to continued flood-related strong currents and debris, it said Thursday.
"The earliest possible movements of priority shipping in the port would be Sunday, 16 January," it said in a statement on its website. "Any ship movements will be...only allowed under strict conditions by time, area, currents, and channel conditions. Movements will also be subject to the channel being unobstructed by sunken debris or other navigational hazards." However, it added the floods that hit Queensland and Brisbane this week had not damaged any port infrastructure.
"Roads have remained open and our power supply is stable," it said. COAL EXPORTS
[Read More]
Source: platts

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India: Govt to invest Rs. 5 trillion in Shipping sector by 2020

New Delhi: The government on Thursday unveiled a new policy for the Shipping sector that entails an investment of Rs. 5 trillion by 2020 to take the ports capacity to 3,200 MT and bring in major reforms in the space.
“The Maritime Agenda 2020 is a perspective plan that replaces the current National Maritime Development Project. We plan to take our port capacity to 3200 million tonnes (MT) from 617 MT on 31 March, 2010,” shipping minister G. K. Vasan said launching the policy.
[Read More]
Source: livemint

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Bergen Group awarded contract with Sartor Offshore for the construction of three vessels with total value of NOK 1 billion

Bergen Group BMV has been awarded contracts from Sartor Offshore AS for the construction of three multi-purpose offshore vessels with a total value of about NOK 1 billion. The newbuilding program has a strong focus on environmentally solutions based on high safety and flexibility. 
The contract for the first vessel has a value of approximately NOK 330 million, and the vessel is scheduled for delivery in 3 quarter 2012. The ship will then go into a 10-year lease agreement with Statoil for operations in the North Sea. This contract is made subject to final funding to be solved before end of January 2011. 
The contracts on the other two ships have a value of approximately NOK 670 million, and require final funding in place during the 2 quarter of 2011. Both these vessels are to be delivered within the end of 2012. 
"These contracts confirm our strong market position in constructing advanced offshore vessel for a demanding international market. We look forward to delivering environmentally friendly and future oriented ships to an well established company known for setting high standards of quality", says CEO Terje Sjumarken at Bergen Group BMV. 
Next-generation rescue vessel Sartor Offshore's extensive renewal project of their fleet has a strong focus on environment, safety and flexibility. All three ships have a very low fuel consumption compared with the corresponding tonnage, and the vessels are equipped with fuel catalyzers that reduce the NOx emissions by 90 percent. The design layout is optimized for operations under demanding conditions. 
The first ship to be delivered Sartor Offshore is characterized as the next-generation multi-purpose offshore emergency rescue and response support vessel. The ship is a multifunctional vessel of design type VS 465 MK II, developed by Wärtsilä Ship Design in close cooperation with the shipping company. The ship has a length of 74 meters and is specially designed to protect both emergency preparedness operations as well as demanding rescue operations. The ship is an improved version of the VS 465, a design that is used in the company's currently newest ship which will operate for Gaz de France on the Gjøa field in the North Sea west of the Norwegian town Florø. The two other ships contracted are based on a VS 480-design. These ships have a length of 80 meters. 
"Development and renewal of the fleet of ships is crucial when we negotiate with our clients. The company has ambitions to be one of the leaders in oil-spill preparedness. It will be established a new standard in this area with the ships we have in our fleet renewal plan for the next year, "said CEO Roy Wareberg in Sartor Offshore. The company has emphasized on equipping the vessels with top modern installations and facilities needed to serve the regulations and specifications expected from an offshore emergency rescue and response support vessel. The ship will have residue recuperation equipment for oil and chemicals, special radars that measure pollution levels, oil skimmers and similar equipment. The ships are also outfitted with advanced equipment for fire protection and fire fighting.  
Source: Press release
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Australia floods force ships to look for coal supplies elsewhere

An increasing number of dry bulk carriers are departing eastern Australia's coal ports empty-handed as devastating floods force companies to look for supplies elsewhere, traders and industry experts said.
Deadly floods in Queensland, Australia's largest coal producing state, have severely impacted port operations and forced Asian steel producers and utilities to scramble in search of supplies from Indonesia to South Africa.
[Read More]
Source: Reuters

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Noble Energy Announces Sanction of Alen Project Offshore Equatorial Guinea

Noble Energy, Inc. announced that the Plan of Development for the Alen condensate/gas-recycling project has been approved by the Ministry of Mines, Industry, and Energy of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea.
Noble Energy’s board of directors sanctioned the project in December 2010, followed closely by the approval of all partners. Formerly known as Belinda, Alen is a liquid-rich gas-condensate field and was Noble Energy’s first operated discovery in the Douala basin. 
[Read more]
Source: Offshore Energy Today
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Diana Shipping Inc. Announces Time Charter Contract for M/V Melite

Diana Shipping Inc., a global shipping company specializing in the transportation of dry bulk cargoes, yesterday announced that it has entered into a time charter contract with Cargill International S.A., Geneva, for one of its Panamax dry bulk carriers, the m/v Melite, at a gross charter rate of US$16,500 per day, minus 5% commission paid to third parties, for a period of minimum twenty-three (23) to maximum twenty-five (25) months. The charter is expected to commence at the end of January 2011.
This employment is anticipated to generate approximately US$11.4 million of gross revenue for the minimum scheduled period of the charter.
The m/v Melite is a 76,436 dwt Panamax dry bulk carrier built in 2004.
Source: Diana Shipping Inc.
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Dry-Bulk Vessel Scrapping May Quadruple This Year, FIS Says

Scrapping of ships carrying dry-bulk goods such as coal and iron ore may quadruple this year and still leave the market oversupplied with vessels, according to Freight Investor Services.
Demolitions would have to surge to 30 million deadweight tons of fleet carrying capacity in 2011 to restore supply and demand “to anything like balance,” according to research documents from FIS, a London-based broker of shipping derivatives. Scrapping eliminated 6.8 million tons of capacity last year, the papers show.
[Read More]
Source: Bloomberg
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Chief Executive Officer Appointed at Cosalt Offshore

Cosalt Offshore, a provider of lifting, tooling and marine services to the oil and gas industry, has announced the appointment of highly-experienced industry figure Rod Buchan as the new Chief Executive Officer.
Mr Buchan most recently has been Managing Director of Aker Offshore Partner and has held a variety of roles with the company since 1998. An Aberdonian, he has vast experience in the UK and Norwegian offshore markets of leading on large-scale, long-term contracts with major operators.   
Commenting on the appointment, Mark Lejman, Chief Executive of parent company Cosalt, said: "Rod has an enviable reputation in the oil & gas industry established over 30 years. His experience is very much aligned with Cosalt Offshore's ethos of providing exceptional service for customers across the North Sea.  We are delighted he has joined us and believe he is an excellent person to lead our team as we work to strategically develop the business from our bases in Aberdeen and Stavanger."
Mr Lejman continued: "Rod's appointment marks the end of the necessary changes made to the senior Offshore management team and the creation of a new stronger team.  The actions taken over the last three months have proven to be correct and we are grateful to our customers for their excellent support throughout. We can now focus solely on re-enforcing our reputation for superior customer service to our existing clients and on the new business opportunities we have in the pipeline.''
Mr Buchan said: "I am delighted to be joining Cosalt Offshore. It is a business with a reputation for technical excellence, an industry leading portfolio of products and services, a highly competent and committed workforce and a strong long term customer base. With strong prospects in both North Sea and international markets, I am looking forward to leading the strategic development of the business."  Cosalt Offshore has nearly 300 personnel, including a team of multi-skilled engineers, based in Aberdeen and its operations at Stavanger.
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Wilhelmsen Ships Service Appoints new Business Director for Marine Logistics(Norway)

Wilhelmsen Ships Service has appointed Vidar Hole to the position of Business Director responsible for the Maritime Logistics Services portfolio.
Vidar will drive the design, development and launch of new offers in line with the company’s strategy and identified market and customer needs, across its range of logistics services. 
[Read more]
Source: Dredging Today
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Cameron Receives $74 Million Order From Petrobras

Cameron  has received an order from Petrobras for 27 subsea trees and related equipment, worth approximately $74 million, for use in their developments offshore Brazil.
The order represents the remaining trees under a 138-tree frame agreement announced in September 2009. Cameron received a purchase order for the initial 111 trees and associated equipment at the time the frame agreement was signed. Deliveries of the trees are scheduled to begin during 2011 and continue over a four-year period.
Cameron President and Chief Executive Officer Jack B. Moore said, “We are pleased to have the opportunity to build on our history as a primary supplier of equipment and services in the Brazilian market, and we look forward to continuing our support of Petrobras’ developments and our ongoing investment in Brazil.” Moore noted that the trees included in this latest order incorporate enhanced drill-through capability that will provide significant cost and time savings in the drilling and completion process.
Cameron  is a leading provider of flow equipment products, systems and services to worldwide oil, gas and process industries.
Source: Press release

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Faroe Petroleum plc: Acquisition of Undeveloped Perth Oil Field, UK Central North Sea

Faroe Petroleum, the independent oil and gas company focusing principally on exploration, appraisal and production opportunities in the Atlantic margin, the North Sea and Norway, is pleased to announce that it has acquired a 28% interest in each of UK licences P218 and P588 containing the undeveloped Perth oil field.
[Read more]
Source: Offshore Magazine

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Star Bulk Agrees on Financing for Its Capesize Newbuildings

Star Bulk Carriers Corp. yesterday announced the following: Two Capesize Newbuildings: Debt Finance Agreed The Company has signed commitment letters with a major European bank for senior debt financing of both capesize vessels,
currently under construction, for up to 60% of the vessels' price at favorable financing cost and terms. The loans cover the entire remaining payments to the shipyard for both vessels, therefore the Company is not required to contribute any additional equity until their completion.
Star Epsilon: One Year Time Charter
The Company has entered into a time charter contract with Norden for the Star Epsilon for one year, plus an option for one additional year, at a gross daily rate of $16,100. The Star Epsilon is a Supramax vessel of 52,402 dwt built in 2001. The new contract will contribute a minimum of $5.8 million to a maximum of $11.6 million in gross revenue.
Akis Tsirigakis, President and CEO of Star Bulk, commented: "We are pleased to enjoy the continued support of senior debt lenders for our growth plans and to have demonstrated the ability to source competitive financing. We also continue with our strategy of stable contracted employment with quality counterparties. Currently, our fleet is contracted for 69% of 2011 operating days, amongst the highest contract coverage in the industry, which amply covers our dividends and finance commitments allowing positive cash flows. We continue to focus on enhancing shareholder value supported by our strong balance sheet and liquidity."
Star Bulk is a ship owning and ship operating company providing worldwide seaborne transportation solutions in the dry bulk sector. Star Bulk's vessels transport major bulks, which include iron ore, coal and grain and minor bulks such as bauxite, fertilizers and steel products. Star Bulk was incorporated in the Marshall Islands on December 13, 2006 and maintains executive offices in Athens, Greece. Its common stock trades on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "SBLK". Currently, Star Bulk has an operating fleet of eleven dry bulk carriers with a further two Capesize vessels currently under construction. The total fleet consists of thirteen vessels, five Capesize and eight Supramax dry bulk vessels, with a combined cargo carrying capacity of 1,287,685 deadweight tons.The approximate average age of our current operating fleet is 10 years.
Source: Star Bulk Carriers
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Shipping Hedge Fund Leases Vessel at a Loss as Australia Floods Sap Cargo

M2M Management Ltd., a hedge-fund group, is leasing out a ship at loss to get the vessel out of the Pacific region, where demand has been decimated by Queensland’s worst flooding in a half century.
The capesize, three times the length of a football pitch, is carrying coal to the Atlantic region, where there should be more cargoes, Steve Rodley, London-based joint managing director of M2M, said by phone today. While M2M is paying the charterer to hire the ship, the customer will pay most of the fuel costs, he said. That’s cheaper than M2M sailing the vessel empty.
[Read More]
Source: Bloomberg
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Ship owners postpone decisions on new building orders after dry bulk rates head south

With heavy tonnage supply already plaguing the dry bulk market and the recent devastation in Australia’s Queensland expected to negatively affect freight rates for the months to come, demand for newbuilding orders seems to have been finally retreated, at least until owners evaluate this new state of the market.
[Read More]
Source: Hellenic Shipping News
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EnerMech Invest £20 Million in Process, Pipeline & Umbilicals Division

Mechanical engineering group, EnerMech, has invested £20 million ($31.5M) in a new Process, Pipeline and Umbilical Services division and appointed one of the industries leading pipeline experts to head up the unit. 
Les Graves joins the EnerMech board as director and brings with him more than 30 years experience in pipeline construction, precommissioning activities and well and process services. Mr Graves has previously held senior posts with BJ Services, Norson Services, Copipe/PSL and McKenna &Sullivan/Nowsco. 
[Read more]
Source: AllMediaScotland.com
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Ezra secures charters worth $73 million to deploy offshore support vessels

Ezra Holdings Limited, an integrated marine services provider in the offshore oil and gas sector, has secured fresh charters worth up to $73 million in total for three of its offshore support vessels, including two recently added multi-purpose platform supply vessels, or PSVs.
The charter contracts and/or letters of award signed with EMAS Offshore Pte Ltd, the Group's operating entity for offshore support services, will see an anchor handling, towing and supply (AHTS) vessel and the two PSVs deployed in Asia. In aggregate, the average period for the new charters will exceed three years (with extension options exercised), consistent with the Group's strategy of securing long-term charters, Ezra said.
Mr Lionel Lee , Ezra's Managing Director, said: "The fixtures reflect the strong and growing demand for offshore support vessels as development and production activities increase in the oil and gas sector, which is expected to keep our fleet utilisation high, the company added.
"The quick deployment of our recently added PSVs illustrates Ezra's proven understanding of the market for offshore support vessels, and the ability to identify the right vessel types to enable us to ride on rising demand. We will continue to pursue new charter opportunities to boost the already steady stream of recurrent income enjoyed by the Group."
Source: Press release

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Topaz unit awarded $48m Maersk contract

Oilfield services company Topaz Energy and Marine has, through its subsidiary DMS, been awarded a five-year vessel contract with five one-year options worth an estimated $48 million (Dh176.3 million), including the option period.
Under the contract, the offshore support vessel Topaz Shaheen will serve as a stand-by support vessel for Maersk Oil Qatar in the Al Shaheen Field in Qatar.
[Read more]
Source: Gulfnews
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Big 7 target $51bn orders

The Korean Government and shipbuilding industry expect local shipbuilders to beat Chinese rivals and to retake the world No.1 position in new orders this year.
[Read More]
Source: Asiasis
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Mexican regulator announces new rules for deepwater drilling

Mexico's upstream regulator, the National Hydrocarbons Commission, announced rules to govern deepwater drilling within the nation's territorial waters.
The new regulations, published in Tuesday's edition of El Diario Oficial-- the Mexican equivalent of the Federal Register-- are intended to prevent Macondo-like accidents and spills.
In a statement, the commission said the rules apply to all drilling in depths of 500 meters or more.
[Read more]
Source: Platts
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India plans Mega-yards

New shipyards capable of building large tanker and bulkers, a four-fold increase in national tonnage and a tripling of port capacity are on the cards of the “Maritime Agenda 2010-2020” unveiled on Thursday by the shipping minister G. K. Vasan.
[Read More]
Source: Asiasis
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Brazil Mulls Offshore Subsea Lab to Monitor and Project its Natural Riches

The Brazilian government and Navy are considering an ambitious plan for launching an offshore subsea lab to be located at the limit of the country´s territorial waters and beyond the farthest pre-salt play.
This is not only a government project but also a military matter, which will involve government agencies, the Brazilian Navy, and Brazilian private companies. This strategy is already reservedly approved by the new Brazilian government. Other than research, it would also serve as a deterrent to foreign nations wishing to control the South Atlantic.
[Read more]
Source: Offshore Energy Today
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Gradual recovery for Chilean shipyards

The international financial crisis and the emergence of the infectious salmon anemia (ISA) virus halted the continuation of a five year period of prosperity for the Chilean shipyard sector, when they used to turnover USD 350 million a year.
After two years of almost complete paralysis, little by little, the industry has begun to rebound, with the construction of new vessels.
[Read More]
Source: Fis
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Marport Secures Private Equity Financing

Marport Deep Sea Technologies Inc., a leading developer and manufacturer of sonar products for the defense and commercial fisheries markets, announced today that it has secured an equity investment led by Hasting Equity Partners, LLC and Admiralty Partners, Inc.  Boenning & Scattergood, Inc., a U.S. based investment banking firm, served as financial advisor to Marport.
"This capital raise, at a time of great challenge and uncertainty in the financial markets, is a true testament to the tremendous potential of our Software Defined Sonar® technology and products," said Karl Kenny, Marport's President and CEO. "This new equity provides Marport with the financial resources it needs to execute its growth strategy and continue to deliver innovative sonar products. Having the support of Hastings and Admiralty combined with their extensive network in the United States defense market will allow us the opportunity to accelerate our expansion efforts in that area."
"Marport is a very innovative company that has been growing rapidly and will continue to do so as it further penetrates the commercial fisheries, defense and offshore oil & gas markets. This equity investment will provide Marport the resources it needs to sustain their growth. We are impressed by the quality of the Company's sonar products and its management team," said Bruce MacRae, a Managing Director with Hastings. Mr. MacRae added, "The United States underwater defense market represents a tremendous opportunity.  We will work closely with Marport's senior team to support the Company's growth initiatives in this area."
In connection with the financing, Mr. MacRae will join Marport's Board of Directors as Chairman, replacing Derrick Rowe who will remain on the Board.
Many emerging nations are acquiring submarines to engage in littoral maritime superiority and presence operations. Today, over 40 nations operate more than 400 diesel-electric submarines. This has ignited a renewed interest in updating existing legacy ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) sonar systems for many of the navies of the world who still have the capability to operate these systems.  In addition to the submarine threat, the growing risk from maritime mines and underwater improvised explosive devices presents a unique challenge to maritime security. Naval forces must be prepared to counter the danger posed by such hazards to ensure that vital sea lines of communication remain open.
Marport's naval sonars are designed for both blue water and littoral missions and are currently being used by a number of naval customers around the world. Marport is currently developing a new series of cost-effective naval sonars based upon its award-winning Software Defined Sonar® technology. These next generation products include an ASW sonar specifically designed for littoral/shallow water operations, a Synthetic Aperture Sonar for maritime mine countermeasures, and TrailBlazer Sonar®, a mine and obstacle avoidance sonar being co-developed with General Dynamics Canada.
Source: Press release

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Posco warns of cost surge; Q4 profit misses forecasts

Steelmakers across Asia have been raising product prices to cope with a projected increase in raw material prices, particularly coking coal
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Source: livemint.com
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Does Russia need floating nuclear power plants?

Recently, Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom has initiated activites for the construction of floating nuclear power plants (FNPPs). It is planned that during the second quarter of 2012, FNPPs will be sent to the Russian far eastern region of Kamchatka. What is the advisability, reliability and safety of this project?
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Source: BELLONA
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Grey Mountain Partners Invests in Triton Diving Services, LLC

Grey Mountain Partners, LLC (“GMP”) has made an equity investment in Triton Diving Services, LLC (“Triton”), a provider of commercial diving services to the offshore oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico. The investment provides Triton with additional capital and resources to enable it to continue providing the safest, highest quality service to its customers, and to further expand its business through internal growth initiatives or additional acquisitions of complementary businesses.
“We are very excited about this investment and the opportunity to back the existing management team at Triton as they continue to grow,” said Grey Mountain’s Beth Lesniak. “Triton’s expertise in surface diving, strong customer relationships, and attractive marine assets distinguish the company as a market leader in the Gulf of Mexico shallow water diving niche. We will work together with this outstanding management team to continue to expand Triton’s presence in the market.”
Mark Jeansonne, President of Triton, said, “We are thrilled to be partnering with Grey Mountain and believe that Grey Mountain’s financial support and experience will be invaluable to the company as we take the business to the next level. We expect to continue to serve our customers with the same high level of service while maintaining strong growth in the business.”
Source: Press release

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AMC Engineering Awarded Certification

Findon-based AMC Engineering Ltd is ending the year on a high note after securing another industry certification.
The international torque equipment specialists have been awarded the OSHAS18001 certification, an internationally recognised assessment specification for occupational health and safety management systems. This award complements the ISO 9001:2008 certification achieved in September 2010.
Work on gaining the certifications was spearheaded by QHSE manager Bruce Nicol who was appointed earlier this year, initially as QA manager but now adding HSE to his remit.
Originally from Aberchirder near Huntly in Aberdeenshire, Bruce Nicol spent 38 years in the RAF and held a variety of engineering roles in fields such as radio, communication, IT and radar. His work in QA began in 1988 and he has controlled Quality Management Systems on a wide range of engineering facilities including mechanical, electrical and electronic disciplines in worldwide locations. He was also health and safety officer at RAF Buchan, Peterhead at the turn of the century.
Based latterly at RAF Leuchars in Fife, Bruce spent time in the Falkland Islands shortly after the conflict there in the 1980s, and served in the first Gulf War during which he was based in Saudi Arabia.
AMC Engineering Ltd was established in 1988 and supplies major oil and gas service companies across the world in the bespoke design, manufacture, installation and maintenance of market leading torque equipment and associated products. Key Global markets include Africa, North and South America, Canada, Europe, the Far East, Middle East and Russia. The company recently announced that it has completed manufacture of the world’s largest Fully Rotational Torque unit for the Brazilian market in a project worth more than £600,000.
AMC Engineering Ltd recently announced turnover in excess of £14million and has opened the AMC Torque Solutions Inc Houston service hub.
AMC Engineering Ltd managing director Andrew Polson said: “After a long time adhering to our own internal QHSE procedures, we made the decision earlier this year to have our work rubber stamped and made official by the BSI and we are delighted to have received these registrations.”
“During the past six months alone, the growth of the company has led to the recruitment of more than 25 new personnel, including Bruce, and we look forward to his ongoing input as the company continues to move forward.
Source: Press releas
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Carrier contract increased at Northrop Grumman Newport News shipyard

A $49 million defense contract is headed to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding's Newport News shipyard.
The contract announced late Tuesday is a modification for overhaul work on the USS Theodore Roosevelt, a Nimitz Class aircraft carrier.
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Source: WVEC.COM
Posted on 1/13/2011 / 0 comments / Read More

GMB signs Rs 1 lakh cr MoU for expansion and shipyard projects

GANDHINAGAR: The state-run Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) today signed memorandum of understandings (MoUs) worth over Rs one lakh crore with various companies for enhancing its cargo handling capacity and building of shipyards, at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit (VGS) 2011 here.
A total of 97 MoU were signed by GMB with various companies for handling bulk cargo, LNG, coal, crude oil and petrochemicals, development of greenfield port and for shipbuilding and repairing Yard complexes, officials said.
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Source: The Economic Times
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S. Korean ship exports expected to dip 5.6 pct in 2011: report

South Korea's ship exports are expected to decline in 2011 as over supply and economic uncertainties in advanced industrial economies are predicted to hurt worldwide demand, a joint government-industry report showed Thursday.
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Source: Yonhap News
Posted on 1/13/2011 / 0 comments / Read More

Ship Orders May Jump 4% as Recovery Spurs Fuel Demand

Global shipbuilding orders may rise 4 percent this year to the highest since 2008 as economic recovery drives demand for consumer goods and fuel, according to estimates South Korea’s industrial ministry released today.
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Source: Businessweek
Posted on 1/13/2011 / 0 comments / Read More
 
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