Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 25 September 2009

Headlines: Singapore – paying tribute to seafarers; IMO – World Maritime Day 2009; UNCITRAL – France signs Rotterdam Rules; USCG – meetings re nontank vessel response plans; USCG – technical amendments to Titles 46 and 49, CFR; USA – Military Freight Traffic Rules Publication – correction; San Pedro waterfront project; IMO – corrigenda to GHG Study; IMO – News magazine; Canada – LRIT regulations proposed; New Zealand – Customs and Excise Amendment Act; New Zealand – Safe Seas, Clean Seas; and UK – maritime statistics 2008.

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Singapore – paying tribute to seafarers

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a news release stating that, as part of the celebrations to mark the annual World Maritime Day, it is delivering hampers of foodstuffs, videos, and related material to the crews of each ship calling in the Port of Singapore today. (9/24/09). Note: If each port state undertook similar measures to express appreciation for the contributions of seafarers, there might not be a worldwide crew shortage.

IMO – World Maritime Day 2009

The IMO issued a news release marking 24 September as World Maritime Day 2009. The theme for this year is “Climate Change: a challenge for IMO too!” A message has also been issued by Secretary-General Efthimios E. Mitropoulos. (9/24/09).

UNCITRAL – France signs Rotterdam Rules

The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) issued a press release stating that sixteen nations have now signed the new UN Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea (otherwise known as the Rotterdam Rules). France signed most recently. The Rules will come into effect one year after being ratified by at least 20 nations. They are intended to update and replace the Hague, Hague-Visby, and Hamburg Rules. (9/24/09).

USCG – meetings re nontank vessel response plans

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that it will host public meetings to receive comments on its proposed regulations for nontank vessel oil spill response plans. The meetings will be held in Washington, DC (October 28); Oakland (November 3); and New Orleans (November 19). These meetings are in addition to the ones the times and locations of which were previously announced. Written comments should be submitted by November 30. 74 Fed. Reg. 48891 (September 25, 2009).

USCG – technical amendments to Titles 46 and 49, CFR

The US Coast Guard is making a number of technical, organizational, and conforming amendments to Title 46 (Shipping) and Title 49 (Transportation) of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). These amendments, which come into effect immediately, are not intended to make any substantive changes. 74 Fed. Reg. 49217 (September 25, 2009).

USA – Military Freight Traffic Rules Publication – correction

The US Army issued a correction regarding the Military Freight Traffic Rules Publication (MFTRP). The recent amendments announced on June 9 will come into effect on October 26. In addition, certain comments and responses thereto were inadvertently omitted from the June 9 notice. They are included here. 74 Fed. Reg. 48936 (September 25, 2009).

San Pedro – waterfront project

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) issued a notice stating that the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the San Pedro Waterfront Project in the Port of Los Angeles has been completed. Comments should be submitted within 30 days. 74 Fed. Reg. 48934 (September 25, 2009).

IMO – corrigenda to GHG Study

The IMO issued a 3-page corrigendum to the second IMO Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Study 2009, Final Report covering Phase 1 and Phase 2. MEPC 59/INF.10/Corr.1 (9/10/09). The IMO also issued a 1-page corrigendum to the Executive Summary of the GHG Study. MEPC 59/4/7/Corr.1 (9/10/09).

IMO – News magazine

The IMO released Issue 3/2009 of the IMO News. This issue addresses climate change, technical measures for reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, counter-piracy guidance, and carriage of ECDIS. (September 2009).

Canada – LRIT regulations proposed

Transport Canada issued a news release stating that it has proposed regulations to implement the Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) requirements for Canada. Comments on the proposal should be submitted within 30 days. (9/23/09).

New Zealand – Customs and Excise Amendment Act

The New Zealand Customs Service issued a media release reminding stakeholders that the final amendments in the Customs and Excise Amendment Act (No 3) 2008 come into force on 24 September. These amendments provide for, among other things, enhanced statutory appeal and review rights and provisions for ad hoc arrivals and departures. (9/24/09).

New Zealand – Safe Seas, Clean Seas

Maritime New Zealand released the September 2009 edition of its Safe Seas, Clean Seas publication. This edition addresses, among other things, the recent internal reorganization of Maritime New Zealand and enhanced protection for Antarctic waters. (9/24/09).

UK – maritime statistics 2008

The UK Department for Transport issued its Maritime Statistics 2008. This report shows that UK ports handled 562 million tonnes in 2008, about 3% less than in 2007. (9/24/09).

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 – September 2009

Redistribution permitted with attribution