Headlines: UN & US – tackling the scourge of piracy; Malta & Russia – update re MV Arctic Sea; USCG meetings re ballast water standards; DOE – application to export LNG; Canada & US – joint survey of continental shelf; Canada & US – joint SAR training; Panama Canal – PANAMAX 2009 multi-national training exercise; New Zealand – reminder re dangers of enclosed and confined spaces; UK – preliminary examination of allision with lock gate; EC – maritime planning for the Mediterranean Sea; and California – grant for diesel truck replacement at LA/LB.
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UN & US – tackling the scourge of piracy
The United Nations issued a news release stating that dozens of nations signed the New York Declaration at UN Headquarters in New York on September 9. The Declaration commits those nations to taking greater steps to prevent or deter further pirate attacks in waters off the coast of Somalia. Signatories included the United States, China, France, and the United Kingdom. The US Department of State issued a press release that includes the text of the Declaration. (9/10/09).
Malta & Russia – update re MV Arctic Sea
The Malta Maritime Authority issued a press release stating that the MV Arctic Sea is under the control of Russian Authorities and is located 16 nautical miles off Las Palmas. A team comprised of officials from the Malta Police Force and the Malta Maritime Authority boarded the ship on 10 September and are currently carrying out a maritime safety investigation in parallel with a law enforcement investigation. (9/11/09).
USCG – meetings re ballast water standards
The US Coast Guard issued a notice regarding standards for living organisms in ship’s ballast water discharged in US waters. Public meetings on this issue will be held in Seattle (September 28); New Orleans (September 30); Chicago (October 2); Washington, DC (October 8); Oakland (October 27); and New York (October 29). Written comments should be submitted by November 27. The agency has also made available a White Paper explaining the two-phase approach of its proposed ballast water discharge standard. 74 Fed. Reg. 46964 (September 14, 2009).
DOE – application to export LNG
The Department of Energy (DOE) has received an application from ConocoPhillips Company for authorization to export liquefied natural gas (LNG) from its facility at Quintana Island, Texas. Comments on the application should be submitted by October 14. 74 Fed. Reg. 46990 (September 14, 2009).
Canada & US – joint survey of continental shelf
Natural Resources Canada issued a news release stating that Canada and the United States are conducting a joint survey of the North American continental shelf under the Arctic Ocean. Data collected will form part of Canada’s submission to the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf. (9/10/09).
Canada & US – joint SAR training
The US Coast Guard issued a news release highlighting joint search and rescue (SAR) training by the Canadian Forces (CF), the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) and the US Coast Guard in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Regular training is vital if an organization is to remain always ready. (9/11/09).
Panama Canal – PANAMAX 2009 multi-national training exercise
The Panama Canal Authority issued an advisory stating that PANAMAX 2009, a multi-national training exercise focusing on defense of the Panama Canal, will be held September 11-23. Merchant ships approaching the Canal may encounter military vessels and may be requested to provide identifying information. Cooperation with these requests is appreciated. Advisory 16-2009 (9/11/09).
New Zealand – reminder re dangers of enclosed and confined spaces
Maritime New Zealand issued a bulletin reminding the maritime industry of the dangers relating to entry into enclosed and confined spaces on board ships. Such entry should not be undertaken without adequate safety preparation. Safety Bulletin 21 (9/11/09).
UK – preliminary examination of allision with lock gate
The UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) issued the summary of its preliminary examination of a ship’s allision with a lock gate in Antwerp on July 4, 2009. As the ship was preparing to depart its moorings, its controllable pitch propeller suddenly changed from zero pitch to full astern. Being unable to regain control of the propeller pitch, the master pushed the emergency stop button to shut down the main engine and ordered the anchors to be let go. The ship made contact with the lock gate (which had been 150m astern) before its progress could be halted. Investigation was unable to verify the cause, but it was noted that the 17-year-old CPP servo unit control board showed evidence of some heat damage. (9/11/09).
EC – maritime planning for the Mediterranean Sea
The European Commission issued a press release stating that it has developed a strategy to improve maritime governance in the Mediterranean Sea. The strategy addresses maritime spatial planning; integrated coastal zone management; integrated research; and integrated maritime surveillance. (9/11/09).
California – grant for diesel truck replacement at LA/LB
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued a news release stating that it sent a grant agreement to the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) that will immediately free up $45 million in grant funds to replace diesel trucks operating in and out of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. (9/3/09).
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 – September 2009
Redistribution permitted with attribution
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