Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog–2 February 2011

Headlines: Columbia River – update on response to oil spill; BOEMRE – reorganization and offshore wind energy projects; UNCITRAL – Spain ratifies Rotterdam Rules; Australia – review of National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea; and Ground Hog’s Day.

February 2, 2011

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Bryant’s Maritime Consulting - 4845 SW 91st Way - Gainesville, FL 32608-8135 - USA

Tel: 1-352-692-5493 – Email: dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com – Internet: http://brymar-consulting.com

Note: This blog is one section of the Bryant’s Maritime Consulting website. Visit the site for more extensive maritime regulatory information. Individual concerns may be addressed by retaining Dennis Bryant directly. Much of the highlighted text in this newsletter constitutes links to Internet sites providing more detailed information. Links on this page may be in PDF format, requiring use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. Comments on these postings are encouraged and may be made by clicking the envelope that appears at the end of each posting. Be aware that the daily blog entry is a single posting, even though it contains a number of individual items. Remembering the future.

Columbia River – update on response to oil spill

clip_image004 The US Coast Guard issued a news release updating that status of the response to oil discharge from the derelict vessel partially sunk in the Columbia River near Camas, Washington. Protective boom has been deployed in an effort to reduce the likelihood of further oil escaping into the river. A total of 1,450 gallons of oil has been recovered to date. The amount of oil remaining on the vessel is unknown, but it has a capacity for approximately 953,000 gallons. A unified command, consisting of federal, state, and local agencies, as well as cleanup contractors, has been established to manage the response effort. The vessel is outside the shipping channel, but a no-wake zone has been established in adjacent waters to ensure the safety of workers and to prevent further damage. (1/31/11).

BOEMRE – reorganization and offshore wind energy projects

clip_image006 The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) issued a news release stating that Director Michael Bromwich delivered remarks at the Offshore Wind Power Conference in Boston. Among other things, he discussed the reorganization of the Minerals Management Service (MMS) and current offshore wind energy projects. (2/1/11).

UNCITRAL – Spain ratifies the Rotterdam Rules

clip_image008 The United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) issued a press release stating that Spain has become the first State Party to ratify the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Carriage of Goods Wholly or Partly by Sea (commonly referred to as the Rotterdam Rules). The Rotterdam Rules, adopted by the UN General Assembly on 11 December 2008, are intended to establish a uniform and modern global legal regime governing rights and obligations of stakeholders in the maritime transport industry under a single contract for door-to-door carriage of goods. The Rules will come into effect after ratification or accession by 20 nations. (1/24/11).

Australia – review of National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea

clip_image010 The Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Anthony Albanese, issued a media release stating that the Government is undertaking a review of the National Plan to Combat Pollution of the Sea. Comments on the Plan should be submitted by the end of February. (2/1/11).

Ground Hog’s Day – February 2, 2011

clip_image012 February 2 is celebrated as Ground Hog's Day throughout the civilized world (i.e., Canada and the United States). On this day, if the ground hog comes out of its burrow and fails to see its shadow, winter will end in six weeks. If, though, the ground hog sees its shadow, then spring will arrive in a month and a half. (2/2/11).

If you have questions regarding the above items, please contact the editor:

Dennis L. Bryant

Bryant’s Maritime Consulting

4845 SW 91st Way
Gainesville, FL 32608-8135

USA

1-352-692-5493
dennis.l.bryant@gmail.com

http://brymar-consulting.com

© Dennis L. Bryant – February 2011

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