Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 9 July 2009

Headlines: Bahrain hosts counter-piracy meeting; LNG for Europe; EC considers options to tackle economic crisis; Panama Canal – “best value” proposal selected; Hong Kong reducing port fees; CBP – Asian Gypsy Moth causes ship expulsion; San Diego – proposed danger zone; MTSNAC meeting; and DEIS re proposed LA Container Terminal Improvement Project.

Bryant’s Maritime Consulting - 4845 SW 91^st Way - Gainesville, FL 32608-8135 - USA

Tel: 1-352-692-5493 – Email: dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com – Internet: http://brymar-consulting.com

Note: This blog is one section of the Bryant’s Maritime Consulting website. Visit the site for more extensive maritime regulatory information. Individual concerns may be addressed by retaining Dennis Bryant directly. Much of the highlighted text in this newsletter constitutes links to Internet sites providing more detailed information. Links on this page may be in PDF format, requiring use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Comments on these postings are encouraged and may be made by clicking the envelope that appears at the end of each posting. Be aware that the daily blog entry is a single posting, even though it contains a number of individual items.

Bahrain – counter-piracy meeting

The US Navy issued a news release stating that the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) and the European Union (EU), together with the Royal Bahrain Navy hosted naval leaders and shipping industry experts from 21 nations for a series of counter-piracy meetings in Manama, Bahrain on June 7. The purpose of the meeting was to share information and deconflict counter-piracy efforts in the region. (7/8/09).

EC – LNG for Europe

The European Commission (EC) Joint Research Centre (JRC) issued a report entitled Liquefied Natural Gas for Europe – Some Important Issues for Consideration. The report considers delivery of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from various suppliers by sea as an alternative to pipeline shipments and supplies. It raises questions regarding the security and diversity of supply, since the majority of LNG is supplied by a small number of countries. Affordability is an issue because LNG projects are comparatively expensive. The greenhouse gas performance of LNG is generally comparable to that of pipeline deliveries of natural gas. LNG has higher purity, a higher methane and overall energy content, and a more stable composition than pipeline gas. Shipping of LNG is seen as a volatile cost parameter, but the overall impact should be minimal except with regard to potential crew shortages and safety/security implications. (7/8/09).

EC – consideration of options to tackle economic crisis

The European Commission (EC) issued a press release stating that it met with captains of maritime transport and the European Investment Bank to discuss the impact of the economic crisis on maritime transport industries. Options under consideration include promoting environmentally-performing vessels; loan guarantees for new short sea shipping services; encouraging investments in port development; and support of containerization. (7/8/09).

Panama Canal – “best value” proposal selected

The Panama Canal Authority issued a press release stating that it selected the “best value” proposal for the new set of locks expansion contract. The selection was based on a combination of technical and price scores. (7/8/09).

Hong Kong – reduction in port fees

The Hong Kong Marine Department issued a notice stating that, effective 10 July, the fee for a Port Clearance Permit for a high speed passenger craft plying exclusively within river trade limits and an ocean-going vessel prescribed in item 6(f) of the Thirteenth Schedule to the Shipping and Port Control Regulations, Cap. 313A, will be reduced from $97 to $58. Notice No. 89 of 2009 (7/7/09).

CBP – Asian Gypsy Moth causes ship expulsion

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a news release stating that it expelled a ship for US waters after inspectors discovered Asian Gypsy Moth egg masses on a ship arriving in Stockton from Japan. The ship will not be allowed to return until CBP is satisfied that the pest has been thoroughly eliminated. (7/7/09).

San Diego – proposed danger zone

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) proposes to establish a new danger zone in waters adjacent to the small arms range on Naval Air Station North Island in San Diego. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by August 10. 74 Fed. Reg. 32818 (July 9, 2009).

MTSNAC – meeting

The Marine Transportation System National Advisory Council (MTSNAC), sponsored by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), will meet in Washington, DC on July 23 and 24. 74 Fed. Reg. 33014 (July 9, 2009).

Los Angeles – DEIS re proposed Container Terminal Improvement Project

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued a notice stating that it intends to prepare a draft environmental impact statement (DEIS) for a permit application for the proposed Berths 302-306 Container Terminal Improvements Project at the Port of Los Angeles. 74 Fed. Reg. 32894 (July 9, 2009).

If you have questions regarding the above items, please contact the editor:

Dennis L. Bryant

Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

4845 SW 91^st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135

USA

1-352-692-5493
dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com

http://brymar-consulting.com

© Dennis L. Bryant – July 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution