Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 28 May 2010

Headlines: USCG – tanker banned from US ports for three years; USGS – oil flow spill rate; Louisiana – section of barrier island authorized for feasibility assessment; USCG-MMS – Joint Investigation witness list; NOAA – busy hurricane season predicted; USCG – safety alert re AIS text messaging; CBP – supply chain security MOU with China; Astoria – ship loses power; House – hearing on OCS oil and gas strategy; British Isles – aids to navigation review; Ireland – seismic survey; and Singapore – meeting of Revolving Fund Committee.

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USCG – tanker banned from US ports for three years

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it is restricting the Norwegian-flag tanker Wilmina from US ports for three years due to several marine environmental-related violations. (5/27/10).

USGS – oil spill flow rate

The US Geological Survey (USCG) issued a news release stating that the National Incident Command’s Flow Rate Technical Group (FRTG) estimates that the flow rate from the Gulf of Mexico oil spill is in the range of 12,000 and 19,000 barrels per day. (5/27/10).

Louisiana – section of barrier island authorized for feasibility assessment

The Unified Command issued a news release stating that the National Incident Commander has authorized construction of a section of barrier island off the coast of Louisiana to determine its feasibility in stopping oil from coming ashore. This authorization will avoid the necessity of payment of construction costs by the state of Louisiana. (5/27/10).

USCG-MMS – Joint Investigation witness list

The US Coast Guard and Minerals Management Service (MMS) posted the witness list for the next session of the Joint Investigation of the MODU Deepwater Horizon casualty. The session will be held in Kenner, Louisiana on May 28. (5/27/10).

NOAA – busy hurricane season predicted

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a news release stating that, across the entire North Atlantic Basin for the six month season which begins June 1, it is projecting a 70% probability of the following ranges: (a) 14-23 Named Storms (top winds of 39 mph or higher), including; (b) 8-14 Hurricanes (top winds of 74 mph or higher), of which; (c) 3-7 could be Major Hurricanes (Category 3, 4, or 5, with winds of at least 111 mph). This would be one of the more active hurricane seasons on record. (5/27/10).

USCG – safety alert re AIS text messaging

The US Coast Guard issued a Safety Alert reminding the maritime community that AIS text messaging is not a substitute for compliance with Vessel Bridge-to-Bridge Radiotelephone regulations or for use of whistle signals and display of lights and shapes in accordance with the COLREGS. AIS text messages are also not received and processed in the same manner as GMDSS messages. (5/27/10).

CBP – supply chain security MOU with China

The US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) issued a news release stating that it has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China on supply chain security and facilitation. (5/26/10).

Astoria – ship loses power

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it is responding to a bulk carrier that lost engine and generator power outside the entrance of the Columbia River near Astoria. The ship is now anchored. Its destination was Portland, Oregon. (5/27/10).

House – hearing on OCS oil and gas strategy

The House Committee on Natural Resources conducted the second day of its hearing on OCS Oil and Gas Strategy on May 27. Mr. Lamar McKay, BP America, testified concerning the complexities of stopping the oil flow and cleaning up the oil that has been spilled. Mr. Steven Newman, Transocean, testified concerning the many parties involved in the exploratory drilling operation. Mr. Randall Luthi, National Ocean Industries Association, testified concerning the industry-wide effort to respond to the tragic events in the Gulf of Mexico. Mr. Michael Hirshfield, Oceana, testified the environmental impacts of offshore oil and gas drilling. Dr. Michelle Foss, University of Texas, testified about the economic importance of domestic oil and gas production.

British Isles – aids to navigation review

On behalf of the Trinity House Lighthouse Service, the Northern Lighthouse Board, and the Commissioners of Irish Lights, Trinity House posted the Aids to Navigation Review 2010-2015. This review addresses the current and anticipated future requirements for safe passage of national and international shipping in these waters. (5/26/10). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend John Bennett of Maritime Protective Services.

Ireland – seismic survey

The Irish Department of Transport issued a notice stating that, commencing in early June and lasting for about four weeks, a seismic vessel will be conducting survey work off the southwest coast of Ireland. During this time, the vessel will be restricted in its ability to maneuver. All vessels are requested to give this operation a wide berth. (5/26/10).

Singapore – meeting of Revolving Fund Committee

The Singapore Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) issued a news release stating that the Straits of Malacca and Singapore Revolving Fund Committee (RFC) held its 31st meeting in Singapore on May 27. The RFC meets annually to discuss issues relating to oil spills and to update the Standard Operating Procedure for Joint Oil Spill Combat in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. This meeting took place amidst a concerted oil spill clean-up operation by the three states following the collision on May 25 between an oil tanker and a bulk carrier in the Singapore TSS. (5/27/10).

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