Bryant’s Maritime Blog – 9 September 2010

Headlines: Gulf of Aden – pirates hijack tanker; ReCAAP – special report re Pulau Anambas and Pulau Mangkai; DOJ – Somali pleads guilty to conspiracy to commit piracy; DOJ – chief engineer sentenced for falsifying ORB; NIC – sixth bill sent to responsible parties; NIC – update re Macondo well; FMC – special reporting requirements for TSA and WTSA; FMC – September 22 meeting; FMC – agency priorities; EPA – objection to USACE dredging proposal; and UNCITRAL – Luxembourg signs Rotterdam Rules.

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Gulf of Aden – pirates hijack tanker

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that a chemical tanker with a crew of 18 has been hijacked by pirates while sailing in the Internationally Recommended Transit Corridor in the Gulf of Aden. (9/8/10).

ReCAAP – special report re Pulau Anambas and Pulau Mangkai

The ReCAAP Information Sharing Centre issued a Special Report on the situation off Pulau Anambas and Pulau Mangkai, Indonesia. During the period 16 August through 5 September, there have been nine reported incidents of actual or attempted piracy/robbery against ships transiting near these islands. Vessels operating in this vicinity should maintain extra vigilance and remain as far off shore as feasible. (9/8/10).

DOJ – Somali pleads guilty to conspiracy to commit piracy

The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a news release stating that a Somali pled guilty to conspiracy to commit piracy and conspiracy to use a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. According to his plea agreement, he and other Somalis, armed with AK 47 automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenades, and handguns, boarded and seized a Danish freighter in the Indian Ocean on November 7, 2008. The vessel, its crew, and cargo were held off the Somali coast until a ransom was paid on January 14, 2009. The plea agreement provides for a recommended sentence of 25 years in prison. Last month, this individual pled guilty to attacking to plunder a vessel, engaging in an act of violence against persons on a vessel, and using a firearm during a crime of violence. (9/8/10).

DOJ – chief engineer sentenced for falsifying ORB

The Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a news release stating that the former chief engineer of a bulk carrier was sentenced to three years probation, a $5,000 fine, and a $100 special assessment for failing to maintain an accurate oil record book (ORB). The sentence stems from the overboard disposal of oil residue, sludge, oil, and oily mixtures into the ocean at the chief engineer’s direction and his subsequent efforts to conceal the discharges by falsifying onboard records. (9/3/10).

NIC – sixth bill sent to responsible parties

The National Incident Command (NIC) issued a news release stating that the federal government’s sixth bill for response and recovery operations relating to the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil spill, in the amount of $128.5 million, has been sent to the responsible parties. The first five bills, totaling $389.9 million, have been paid in full. (9/8/10).

NIC – update re Macondo well

The National Incident Command (NIC) issued an update on activities related to the Macondo well. (9/8/10).

FMC – special reporting requirements for TSA and WTSA

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued an Order imposing special reporting requirements for the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (TSA) and the Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement (WTSA). (9/3/10).

FMC – September 22 meeting

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a Notice stating that the time of its September 22 meeting has been changed to 2:00 p.m. (9/8/10).

FMC – agency priorities

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) posted Remarks delivered by Chairman Richard Lidinsky at the Global Shippers’ Forum in Macau. He identified three goals of the agency: (1) to provide economic relief and assist the economic recovery for job growth; (2) to facilitate green efforts and job-creating environmental innovations; and (3) to protect against activities that can harm vital trade. (9/6/10).

EPA – objection to USACE dredging proposal

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a news release stating that the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Draft Environmental Impact Statement for dredging of sand and gravel in the Missouri River presents insufficient scientific information to support issuance of dredging permits. (9/8/10).

UNCITRAL – Luxembourg signs Rotterdam Rules

The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) issued a press release stating that Luxembourg has become the 22nd party to sign the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea (popularly known as the Rotterdam Rules). The Rules are intended to establish a uniform and modern global legal regime governing the rights and obligations of stakeholders in the maritime transport industry under a single contract for door-to-door carriage. (9/6/10).

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 – September 2010

Redistribution permitted with attribution