Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 5 August 2009

Headlines: German containership released by Somali pirates; STEP application assessment; NMSAC meeting; CTAC meeting; SEIS for LNG DWP license application; QHSR study groups and dialogue; Bill introduced re marine shipping in the Arctic; Bill introduced re Arctic Ocean research; Bill introduced re increased maritime activity in the Arctic; Bill introduced to establish seaport grant program; Bill introduced re withdrawals from HMTF; Bill introduced re HMT exemptions; Bill introduced re electronic filing of export data; Bill introduced re waterfront brownfields; EU – environmentally hazardous ship dismantling; MMS & FERC – hydrokinetic energy projects on the OCS; EPA hearing on air emission standards for large ships; US & Philippines – agreement to fight piracy; Hawaii port infrastructure contract awarded; San Francisco Bay pollution response drill; New Zealand – child pornography on foreign vessels; UK MAIB safety digest; Panama Canal – bids sought for fourth dry excavation project; Panama Canal – third quarter metrics; and Coast Guard Day.

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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.

German containership released by Somali pirates

The European Union Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that the German containership Hansa Stavanger has been released by Somali pirates, who had hijacked the vessel on April 4 approximately 400 miles off the coast of Somalia. The vessel is now being escorted by two German frigates to its next port of call. The crew is in relatively good health. (8/4/09).

USCG – STEP application assessment

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that it has assessed an application it received for the tankship S/R American Progress for inclusion in the Shipboard Technology Evaluation Program (STEP) ballast water management system (BWMS) initiative. The assessment addresses potential effects on the human and natural environments from installing, testing, and using the BWMS as the vessel operates in US waters. 74 Fed. Reg. 38666 (August 4, 2009).

NMSAC – meeting

The National Maritime Security Advisory Committee (NMSAC), sponsored by the US Coast Guard, will meet in Washington, DC on August 24. Topics on the agenda include maritime information sharing and certain dangerous cargo (CDC). 74 Fed. Reg. 38667 (August 4, 2009).

CTAC – meeting

The Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC) and a selection of its subcommittees and working groups will hold meetings in Washington, DC on August 11-13 to discuss issues relating to the marine transportation of hazardous materials in bulk. 74 Fed. Reg. 39090 (August 5, 2009).

MARAD – SEIS for LNG DWP license application

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued a notice stating that it and the US Coast Guard received an application amendment for licensing of the TORP Terminal LP, Bienville Offshore Energy Terminal liquefied natural gas (LNG) deepwater port (DWP). The amendment proposes to change the regasification technology from the open-loop vaporization system to a closed-loop vaporization system. A supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) will be prepared and made available for public comment. 74 Fed. Reg. 39136 (August 5, 2009).

DHS – QHSR study groups and dialogue

The Homeland Security Dialogue, on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR) is opening its six study groups to national participation and dialogue. The study groups address: (1) counterterrorism and domestic security management; (2) securing our borders; (3) smart and tough enforcement of immigration laws; (4) preparing for, responding to, and recovering from disasters; (5) homeland security national risk assessment; and (6) homeland security planning and capabilities. Participants can comment on proposals made by the study groups; make your own suggestions; rate the proposals of others; tag ideas with short descriptors; and learn more about the process. (8/4/09).

Bill introduced re marine shipping in the Arctic

Senator Begich (D-AK) introduced a bill (S. 1561) to ensure safe, secure, and reliable marine shipping in the Arctic, including the availability of aids to navigation, vessel escorts, oil spill response capability, and maritime search and rescue in the Arctic, and for other purposes. Official text of the bill is not yet available. (8/3/09).

Bill introduced re Arctic Ocean research

Senator Begich (D-AK) introduced a bill (S. 1562) to provide for a study and report on research on the United States Arctic Ocean and for other purposes. Official text of the bill is not yet available. (8/3/09).

Bill introduced re increased maritime activity in the Arctic

Senator Begich (D-AK) introduced a bill (S. 1564) to enhance the readiness of the United States to deal with increased maritime and development activity in the Arctic as a result of climate change, and for other purposes. Official text of the bill is not yet available. (8/3/09).

Bill introduced to establish seaport grant program

Representative Richardson (D-CA) introduced the Clean Low-Emission Authorization Nationwide (CLEAN) Ports Act of 2009 (H.R. 3446) to provide for a competitive program making grants to seaport governing bodies for the acquisition of fuel efficient and low emission equipment and systems at port facilities. (7/31/09).

Bill introduced re withdrawals from HMTF

Representative Richardson (D-CA) introduced the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Reform Act (H.R. 3447) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to implement on-going appropriations for withdrawals from the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund, and for other purposes. (8/31/09).

Bill introduced re HMT exemptions

Representative Higgins (D-NY) introduced a bill (H.R. 3486) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to exempt certain shipping from the harbor maintenance tax. Official text of the bill is not yet available. (7/31/09).

Bill introduced re electronic filing of export data

Representative Sherman (D-CA) introduced a bill (H.R. 3515) to make improvements in the electronic filing of export data, to strengthen enforcement authorities with respect to the Export Administration Regulations, and for other purposes. Official text of the bill is not yet available. (7/31/09).

Bill introduced re waterfront brownfields

Representative Slaughter (D-NY) introduced a bill (H.R. 3518) to amend the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 to provide grants for the revitalization of waterfront brownfields, and for other purposes. Official text of the bill is not yet available. (7/31/09).

EU – environmentally hazardous ship dismantling

The European Union (EU) issued a news release stating that it intends to hold discussions to establish what measures the EU can take to improve the ship dismantling process to reduce environmental hazards. (8/4/09).

MMS & FERC – hydrokinetic energy projects on the OCS

The Minerals Management Service (MMS) and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) jointly issued Guidance on Regulation of Hydrokinetic Energy Projects on the OCS. (8/3/09).

EPA – hearing on air emission standards for large ships

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a press release stating that it will host a hearing in Long Beach on August 6 regarding the proposed rule to establish engine and fuel standards for large US-flag ships that would harmonize with international standards. (8/4/09).

US & Philippines – agreement to fight piracy

The Maritime Administration (MARAD issued a news release stating that the United States and the Philippines signed a joint nonbinding Memorandum of Cooperation to address the piracy issue. The agreement calls for both nations to develop best practices to enhance vessel security, conduct drills to ensure seafarers are prepared to respond to acts of piracy, and share information. (8/3/09).

MARAD – Hawaii port infrastructure contract awarded

The Maritime Administration (MARAD) issued a news release stating that it awarded a contract intended to streamline development efforts to modernize Hawaii’s commercial harbor facilities. (7/31/09).

San Francisco Bay – pollution response drill

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that, on August 5, it will conduct a pollution response drill in waters of San Francisco Bay. (8/3/09).

New Zealand – child pornography on foreign vessels

The New Zealand Customs Service issued a news release stating that two crewmembers on a visiting ship have been convicted for importation of objectionable material involving extreme sexual exploitation of children. The individuals pleaded guilty and were each fined $2,000 plus court costs. In excess of $3,000 worth of laptops and other storage devices have been forfeited. (8/4/09).

UK MAIB – Safety Digest 2/2009

The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued its quarterly Safety Digest 2/2009. This edition reports on the dangers of over-reliance on technology; watertight doors; and bights in lines, among other things. (8/3/09).

Panama Canal – bids sought for fourth dry excavation contract

The Panama Canal Authority issued a press release stating that it issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the fourth dry excavation contract. This is second largest and most complex project after the locks contract and will link the new Pacific locks with the Gaillard Cut. (7/31/09).

Panama Canal – third quarter metrics

The Panama Canal Authority issued a press release summarizing its operational metrics for the third quarter of fiscal year 2009. Compared to the same time period in 2008, total transits, net tonnage, and Canal Waters Time (CWT) all decreased. (7/23/09).

Coast Guard Day

Yesterday, August 4, was the 219th anniversary of the enactment of legislation establishing the Revenue Cutter Service (RCS), the forerunner of today’s US Coast Guard. While nominally intended to enforce the collection of revenue from imported cargoes, the service was engaged in multiple missions from the beginning. Over time, other agencies and functions were merged into it. In 1915, with the merger of the RCS and the Life-Saving Service, the name of the agency was changed to the United States Coast Guard. An illustrious history, and proud present, and an exciting future!

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 – August 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution