Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 12 May 2010

Headlines: Gulf of Aden – pirates hijack product tanker; Somalia – pirates release hijacked ship following ransom payment; Malaysia – attempted robbery of bulk carrier; Gulf of Mexico oil spill – current response operations; Joint Investigation – open hearings begin; NOAA – emergency fisheries closure in Gulf of Mexico; FMC – speech by Chairman Lidinsky; St. Lawrence Seaway – increase in cargo shipped; Senate – hearing on offshore oil and gas development; IMO – preview of MSC session; and Singapore – request for medical advice and evacuation.

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Gulf of Aden – pirates hijack product tanker

The EU Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that a product tanker has been hijacked by pirates in the Gulf of Aden approximately 100 nautical miles east of Aden (Yemen). The ship has 15 crewmembers. (5/11/10).

Somalia – pirates release hijacked ship following ransom payment

The EU Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) issued a press release stating that pirates in the stronghold of Bargaal, Somalia released the cargo ship Talca following payment of a ransom. The vessel had been hijacked on 23 March approximately 120 nautical miles off the coast of Oman. (5/11/10).

Malaysia – attempted robbery of bulk carrier

The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre issued an Incident Alert stating that a bulk carrier anchored off the southeast coast of Malaysia was boarded by six or seven armed robbers. The robbers were discovered in the engine room and fled when the alarm was sounded. (5/10/10).

Gulf of Mexico oil spill – current response operations

The Unified Command issued a news release summarizing current operations to respond to the ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. (5/11/10).

Joint Investigation – open hearings begin

The Joint Investigation into the loss of the MODU Deepwater Horizon issued a news release stating that it completed the first day of open hearings in Kenner, Louisiana. Further testimony will be heard on May 12. (5/11/10).

NOAA – emergency fisheries closure in Gulf of Mexico

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) amended its emergency rule regarding closure of fisheries in the Gulf of Mexico due to the ongoing oil spill. Comments on the amendment should be submitted by May 17. 75 Fed. Reg. 26679 (May 12, 2010).

FMC – speech delivered by Chairman Lidinsky

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) posted a speech delivered by Chairman Richard A. Lidinsky, Jr. to the Cotton Club in Washington, DC. He spoke about the mission of the FMC and the issues of current importance, including the economic recovery of the maritime industry; capacity for US exporters; the impact of EU deregulation; and the Shanghai Shipping Exchange. (5/6/10).

St. Lawrence Seaway – increase in cargo shipped

The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System issued a news release stating that it experienced an 18% increase in cargo shipped through the system from January through April 2010, compared to the same period in 2009. (5/11/10).

Senate – hearing on offshore oil and gas development

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources conducted a hearing to review current issues related to offshore oil and gas development. An opening statement was made by Committee Chair Jeff Bingaman (D-NM). Dr. F. E. Beck, Texas A&M University testified concerning the multiple barriers used in deep high-pressure drilling to prevent blowouts. Mr. Elmer Danenberger testified concerning the current regulatory regime and made recommendations for improvement. Mr. Lamar McKay, BP America, testified concerning efforts to stop the continuing release of oil and to respond to the oil that has been released. Mr. Steven Newman, Transocean Limited, testified concerning the roles of the various parties to the well drilling process. Mr. Tim Probert, Halliburton, testified concerning the cementing job that it was performing at the direction of the contracting party. (5/11/10).

IMO – preview of MSC session

The IMO issued a news release stating that the upcoming session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) will consider goal-based standards for new ship construction, implementation of the Long-Range Identification and Tracking (LRIT) system, and amendments to the SOLAS Convention. (5/11/10).

Singapore – request for medical advice and evacuation

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a circular advising owners, operators, agents, and masters of ships located within the Singapore Maritime Search and Rescue Region (MSRR) of the procedures for obtaining medical advice and medical evacuation of persons on board. Port Marine Circular 7/2010 (5/11/10).

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 – May 2010

Redistribution permitted with attribution