Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 8 March 2010

Headlines: Indian Ocean – chemical tanker reported hijacked by pirates; Indian Ocean – pirate vessels sunk; Indian Ocean – vessel protection detachment deters pirate attack; MMS – Cape Wind EA and FONNSI; and Shipping Coordinating Committee meeting.

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Indian Ocean – chemical tanker reported hijacked by pirates

The EU Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that a chemical tanker is reported to have been hijacked by pirates in the Indian Ocean 300 nautical miles from Dar El Salam, Tanzania. The tanker has a crew of 21. (3/6/10).

Indian Ocean – pirate vessels sunk

The EU Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that one its warships intercepted a mother ship and a skiff with eleven individuals and pirate paraphernalia on board. The suspected pirates were taken into custody and the two vessels were sunk. (3/5/10).

Indian Ocean – vessel protection detachment deters pirate attack

The EU Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that a Spanish fishing vessel operating in Indian Ocean between the Seychelles and Kenya was attacked by two pirate skiffs, who fired a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). The fishing vessel had embarked a vessel protection detachment of private security guards, who fired warning shots over the heads of the pirates. The pirate skiffs departed the scene. (3/4/10).

MMS – Cape Wind EA and FONNSI

The Minerals Management Service (MMS) issued a notice stating that it has completed its Environmental Assessment (EA) and Finding of No New Significant Impact (FONNSI) regarding the proposed Cape Wind offshore wind farm. The documents state that no new information was found that would necessitate a reanalysis of any of the alternatives or the kinds, levels, or locations of the impacts by the Proposed Action upon the biological, physical, socio-economic, or cultural resources. 75 Fed. Reg. 10500 (March 8, 2010).

Shipping Coordinating Committee – meeting

The Shipping Coordinating Committee, sponsored by the US Department of State, will meet in Washington, DC on March 23. The purpose of the meeting is to prepare for the upcoming session of the IMO Fire Protection Sub-Committee. Topics on the agenda include fixed hydrocarbon gas detection systems on double-hull tankers and entry into enclosed spaces. 75 Fed. Reg. 10546 (March 8, 2010).

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 – March 2010

Redistribution permitted with attribution