Headlines: UNSC – piracy courts to be urgently considered; Somalia – VLCC released by pirates; New Bedford – anchorage ground and RNA proposals; BOEMRE – commercial leasing for wind power off Delaware; Vancouver, Washington – grant to fund rail access to port; House – bill introduced to reform BOEMRE; EIB – loan approved for port of Koper, Slovenia; and Panama Canal – summary for March 2011.
April 12, 2011
Bryant’s Maritime Blog 
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. “Honesty is the best policy, but insanity is a better defense.” (Steve Landesburg).
UNSC – piracy courts to be urgently considered
The United Nations (UN) issued a news release stating that the Security Council decided to urgently consider the establishment of specialized courts to try suspected pirates both in Somalia and in the region. The unanimously-adopted resolution stresses the need for a comprehensive response to tackle piracy and its underlying causes. State and non-state actors affected by piracy, most notably the international shipping community, are urged to provide support for a host of judicial and detention related projects through the trust fund set up for that purpose. (4/11/11).
Somalia – VLCC released by pirates
The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that the very large crude carrier (VLCC) Irene SL has been released from pirate control. The vessel was hijacked on February 9 in the North Arabian Sea approximately 350 nautical miles southeast of Muscat. The crew of 25 is reportedly in good condition. (4/11/11).
New Bedford – anchorage ground and RNA proposals
The US Coast Guard proposes to amend an existing anchorage ground in New Bedford that overlaps a pilot underwater cap on a Superfund Site. It also proposes to establish a regulated navigation area (RNA) for waters above the Superfund Site. Comments on the proposals should be submitted by May 12. 76 Fed. Reg. 20287 (April 12, 2011).
BOEMRE – commercial leasing for wind power off Delaware
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) issued a notice stating that it has determined that no competitive interest exists in acquiring a commercial wind lease in the area offshore Delaware. Bluewater Wind Delaware LLC submitted the only valid expression of commercial interest. BOEMRE will proceed with the noncompetitive lease process for the proposed lease area. 76 Fed. Reg. 20367 (April 12, 2011).
Vancouver, Washington – grant to fund rail access to port
The Department of Transportation (DOT) issued a news release stating that it and the Port of Vancouver, Washington has entered into an agreement to improve rail access to the port, eliminating a freight chokepoint. The improvements will be funded by a $10 million grant from the TIGER II (Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery) program. (4/11/11).
House – bill introduced to reform BOEMRE
Representative Buchanan (R-FL) introduced the Oil Spill Prevention Act of 2011 (H.R. 1393) to reform the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement and offshore drilling for oil and gas, to repeal the limitation of liability of a responsible party for discharge of oil from an offshore facility, and for other purposes. (4/6/11).
EIB – loan approved for port of Koper, Slovenia
The European Investment Bank (EIB) issued a press release stating that it is providing a loan of EUR 35 million to finance the upgrading of the infrastructure of the Slovenian Adriatic seaport of Koper with the aim of increasing the port’s capacity and enabling larger throughputs to cater to the increased transport demands. (4/11/11).
Panama Canal – summary for March 2011
The Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory summarizing operations for March 2011. It includes the schedule for lock maintenance for the remainder of the calendar year. Advisory 7-2011 (4/7/11).
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
© Dennis L. Bryant – April 2011
Redistribution permitted with attribution
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