Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 17 September 2010

Headlines: NIC – relief well intercepts Macondo well; NIC – economic report on drilling moratorium; FMC – meeting agenda; USCG – port access study re Off San Francisco; House – bill introduced re use of dispersants in oil spills; House – bill introduced re export and import of natural gas; Senate – bill introduced to restore Gulf coast; Court – EFT attachment struck down; Prince Rupert – shore power for visiting ships; Hong Kong – dredging operations in Kowloon Bay; Gulf of Aden – Indian Navy neutralizes pirates; and Talk Like A Pirate Day – September 19, 2010.

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NIC – relief well intercepts Macondo well

The National Incident Command (NIC) issued a news release stating that evidence indicates that the relief well has intercepted the annulus of the Macondo well. Preparations are now commencing to cement the annulus and complete the bottom kill in the Macondo well. (9/16/10).

NIC – economic report on drilling moratorium

The National Incident Command (NIC) posted the Inter-Agency Economic Report entitled: Estimating the Economic Effects of the Deepwater Drilling Moratorium on the Gulf Coast Economy. The report estimates that, during the six-month period of the moratorium, average employment of rig workers in the Gulf of Mexico fell by about 2,000 and that total spending by drilling operators declined by $1.8 billion. Overall, the moratorium may temporarily result in up to 8,000 to 12,000 fewer jobs in the Gulf Coast, but that most of these jobs will return when the moratorium ends. The impact is expected to be more heavily concentrated in smaller businesses than in larger companies. (9/16/10). Note: Curiously, this report has no government agency logo and includes no authorship information.

FMC – meeting agenda

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a notice stating that it will meeting in Washington, DC on September 22. During the open portion of the meeting, it will receive an update on the study of the European Union (EU) block exemption repeal and a briefing on the passenger vessel financial responsibility notice of inquiry information collection. During the closed portion of the meeting, it will receive a briefing on the financial responsibility of Cruise West; a briefing on economic conditions and impact on stakeholders; and a briefing on the Shanghai Shipping Exchange and China Ministry of Transport regulations. 75 Fed. Reg. 57024 (September 17, 2010).

USCG – port access study re Off San Francisco

The US Coast Guard issued a notice stating that it will conduct a meeting in Oakland on December 10 to receive public comments for its Port Access Route Study: Off San Francisco. The goal of the study is to assess whether the current vessel routing system is effective in its predictability of vessel movements, which may improve marine safety. 75 Fed. Reg. 56919 (September 17, 2010).

House – bill introduced re use of dispersants in oil spills

Representative Pallone (D-NJ) introduced the Safe Dispersants Act (H.R. 6119) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to ensure the safe and proper use of dispersants in the event of an oil spill or release of hazardous substances, and for other purposes. (9/14/10).

House – bill introduced re export and import of natural gas

Representative Wu (D-OR) introduced the Local Control for Energy and Environment Act (H.R. 6124) to amend certain provisions of the Natural Gas Act relating to exportation or importation of natural gas, and for other purposes. (9/14/10).

Senate – bill introduced to restore Gulf coast

Senator Vitter (R-LA) introduced a bill (S. 3792) to provide for restoration of the coastal areas of the Gulf of Mexico affected by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and for other purposes. Official text of the bill is not yet available. (9/15/10).

Court – EFT attachment struck down

In a per curiam decision, the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit has again refused to revive attachment of electronic fund transfers (EFTs) through use of Rule B of the Supplemental Rules for Admiralty or Maritime Claims and Asset Forfeiture. The arguments of plaintiff, which were all found to be unavailing, were: (1) that defendant made a general appearance to object to the attachment; (2) that defendant consented to transfer of its funds to the court clerk while the matter was pending; and (3) that the EFT in this case was between banks accounts held be the same party. India Steamship Company v. Kobil Petroleum, No. 09-4564-cv (2nd Cir., September 16, 2010).

Prince Rupert – shore power for visiting ships

Transport Canada issued a news release stating that the Government of Canada will invest $2.5 million in the Fairview Terminal project at Prince Rupert, British Columbia to provide shore power capacity to container ships through an electric cable management system. Prince Rupert will be the first Canadian port to offer shore power for visiting ships. (9/14/10).

Hong Kong – dredging operations in Kowloon Bay

The Hong Kong Marine Department issued a notice stating that, with immediate effect and for a period of approximately 40 months, dredging operations will be carried out in Kowloon Bay. Vessels operating in vicinity of the dredging operations should proceed with caution. Notice No. 136/2010 (9/15/10).

Gulf of Aden – Indian Navy neutralizes pirates

The Indian Ministry of Defence issued a press release stating that an Indian Navy warship escorting merchant vessels through the Gulf of Aden intercepted and neutralized a pirate dhow that was approaching the convoy. A cache of weapons was removed from the dhow. This was the third such incident in four days for the Indian warship. (9/16/10).

Talk Like A Pirate Day – September 19, 2010

Sunday, September 19, 2010, is “Talk Like A Pirate Day”. Festivities are planned from Las Vegas to Henderson, Nevada. Join in the fun, but please remember that there are still real pirates out there – holding ships and crew hostage. Vast!

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 2010

Redistribution permitted with attribution