Bryant’s Maritime Blog–8 July 2011

Headlines: PNT – recommendation to FCC re LightSquared; FMC – meeting; NTSB – meeting; FERC – Weaver’s Cove withdraws application for Fall River LNG site; NOAA – hydrographic survey of Arctic waters; BOEMRE – comment sought for Beaufort Sea EA; BOEMRE – effects of EMFs from undersea power cables; DHS – Maritime Operations Coordination Plan; IMO – preview of MEPC session; New Zealand – oil pollution preparedness and response; and UK – Liverpool turnaround cruise operations proposed.

July 8, 2011

Bryant’s Maritime Blog
Bryant’s Maritime Consulting - 4845 SW 91^st 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. Searching for the elusive Higgs bison.

PNT – recommendation to FCC re LightSquared

The National Coordination Office for Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) posted the letter and report sent on its behalf to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reporting the results of the assessment of LightSquared Terrestrial Broadband System Effects on GPS Receivers and GPS-dependent Applications. The assessment shows that implementing the LightSquared planned deployment for terrestrial operations poses a significant potential for harmful interference to Global Positioning System (GPS) services. LightSquared has now proposed a modification to its planned deployment. It is recommended that the FCC continue to withhold authorization for LightSquared to commence commercial operations until all the available test data can be analyzed and all valid concerns have been resolved. (7/6/11). Note: This is a big deal! The original LightSquared proposal had the capability to severely degrade the GPS system throughout the United States and coastal waters. The FCC should adopt the PNT recommendations and require LightSquared to clearly demonstrate non-interference with GPS and related applications prior to implementation.

FMC – meeting

The Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) issued a notice stating that it will meet in Washington, DC on July 13. Matters to be considered during the open session include an update on the Congress of Latin American Ports and Peru Discussions and options for Passenger Vessel Financial Responsibility Requirements (Performance). Matters to be considered during the closed session include: (1) the Transpacific Stabilization Agreement and Westbound Transpacific Stabilization Agreement Transcript Filing Requirement; (2) the Proposed PierPass Traffic Mitigation Fee Increase; (3) SSA Terminals v. The City of Oakland; and (4) the Reconstruction Proceedings and Chapter 15 Bankruptcy Petition of The Containership Company. 76 Fed. Reg. 40365 (July 8, 2011).

NTSB – meeting

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a news release stating that it will meet in Washington, DC on July 12. Among other things, it will consider the collision in San Diego Bay on December 20, 2009 between a US Coast Guard vessel and a recreational vessel with the loss of one life. (7/7/11).

FERC – Weaver’s Cove withdraws application for Fall River LNG site

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Notice stating that Weaver’s Cove Energy, LLC filed a notice of withdrawal regarding it’s application for authorization to construct and operate a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Fall River, Massachusetts. No motion in opposition was filed and the Commission did not disallow the withdrawal, which became effective on July 6. (7/6/11).

NOAA – hydrographic survey of Arctic waters

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) issued a news release stating that one of its ships has departed to conduct hydrographic surveys in remote areas of the Arctic. The focus of the survey will be in Kotzebue Sound. (7/7/11).

BOEMRE – comment sought for Beaufort Sea EA

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) issued a press release stating that it is seeking public comment in connection with an environmental assessment (EA) it will prepare on a revised Exploration Plan (EP) submitted by Shell Offshore, Inc. for shallow water exploratory drilling in the Beaufort Sea. Comments should be submitted by July 15. (7/5/11).

BOEMRE – effects of EMFs from undersea power cables

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation, and Enforcement (BOEMRE) posted the 426-page report entitled “Effects of EMFs from Undersea Power Cables on Elasmobranches and other Marine Species”. The study discusses engineering solutions to reduce electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure, identification of data gaps in existing scientific literature, and suggested research priorities. The findings will assist in evaluating the effectiveness of strategies designed to avoid or reduce potential effects on marine life associated with future offshore renewable energy projects. (7/7/11).

DHS – Maritime Operations Coordination Plan

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued an announcement stating that the cross-component Maritime Operations Coordination (MOC) Plan has been signed by USCG Commandant Admiral Robert Papp, Jr.; CBP Commissioner Alan Bersin; and ICE Director John Morton. As explained in the accompanying news release, the Plan is intended to strengthen coordination, planning, information sharing, and intelligence integration for maritime operations of the three agencies. (7/7/11).

IMO – preview of MEPC session

The IMO issued a news release summarizing the agenda for the upcoming session of the Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). It will consider proposed amendments to MARPOL Annex VI to make mandatory the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI), for new ships, and the Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP). It will also consider, with a view to adoption, the designation of a new United States Caribbean Sea Area Emission Control Area (ECA), designation of the Baltic Sea as a Special Area with respect to pollution by sewage from ships, and a revised Annex V related to control of garbage. (7/7/11).

New Zealand – oil pollution preparedness and response

Maritime New Zealand maintains a webpage with regard to responding to spills and pollution. Recently, a review of New Zealand’s oil pollution preparedness and response capability was undertaken. Based on that review, Maritime New Zealand developed an Action Plan for implementation of the recommendations contained in the review. (7/7/11).

UK – Liverpool turnaround cruise operations proposed

The UK Department for Transport (DfT) issued a notice stating that the Liverpool Cruise Terminal proposes to commence turnaround cruise operations. Comments on the proposal should be submitted by 15 September. (7/7/11).

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 – July 2011

Redistribution permitted with attribution