Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 4 June 2010

Headlines: Gulf of Mexico oil spill – bill for $69 million presented to BP; Gulf of Mexico – five additional barrier islands to be built; CRS – potential Stafford Act declarations for Gulf Coast oil spill; Maine – ferry grounding under investigation; EC – formal request to Ireland on port state control; Australia – helicopter operations; New Zealand – support for Gulf of Mexico spill response; and Panama Canal – dredging bids submitted.

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Gulf of Mexico oil spill – bill for $69 million presented to BP

The Unified Command issued a news release stating that the federal government has presented to BP and other responsible parties a preliminary bill in the amount of $69 million for response and recovery operations to date for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. (6/3/10).

Gulf of Mexico – five additional barrier islands to be built

The Unified Command issued a news release stating that five additional barrier islands in the Gulf of Mexico to protect Louisiana wetlands for oil incursion. This action is being taken after assessment showed that the first barrier island provided a measure of protection from the oil. (6/3/10).

CRS – potential Stafford Act declarations for Gulf Coast oil spill

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) issued a Report for Congress on issues relative to potential Stafford Act declarations for the Gulf Coast oil spill. The report notes that spill response efforts are currently operating under authority of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90). Invoking the Stafford Act might lead to complications. On the other hand, OPA 90 has no provisions for long-term recovery assistance. R41234 (5/13/10).

Maine – ferry grounding under investigation

The US Coast Guard issued a news release stating that it is investigating the grounding of a Maine State Ferry Service vessel with 30 persons on board at Vinalhaven. There were no injuries and no reports of pollution. (6/3/10).

EC – formal request to Ireland on port state control

The European Commission (EC) issued a press release stating that it has sent a reasoned opinion to Irish authorities for failing to properly implement the EU directive on port state control. An inspection visit by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) revealed that Ireland fails to identify all vessels entering its ports and fails to impose penalties. (6/3/10).

Australia – helicopter operations

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a notice advising the maritime community that Issue 3 of Marine Orders Part 57 Helicopter Operations (MO 57) will come into effect on 1 August 2010. Among other things, the revision incorporates the International Chamber of Shipping’s Guide to Helicopter/Ship Operations, 4th Edition (2008). Marine Notice 6/2010 (3/18/10).

New Zealand – support for Gulf of Mexico spill response

Maritime New Zealand issued a news release stating that, at the invitation of one of the oil spill response companies assisting with the clean-up of the Gulf of Mexico spill, it is sending two of its technical experts to the United States. One will work in the command center, while the second will work with a shoreline assessment team. (6/3/10).

Panama Canal – dredging bids submitted

The Panama Canal Authority issued a press release stating that it received bids from six companies for dredging a portion of Gatun Lake. This dredging is a part of the overall Canal expansion project. (6/1/10).

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 – June 2010

Redistribution permitted with attribution