Maritime News

New calendar 2012

2011-10-02T12:20:00.000+01:00

Ferry Publications,specialist ferry and boating publications,boating and ferries publisher.

Interesting calendar for all maritime enthusiasts

2011-10-02T12:16:00.000+01:00

Ferry Publications,specialist ferry and boating publications,boating and ferries publisher.

Ireland sees port development as key to renewable energy opportunities

2011-10-02T12:03:00.000+01:00

Ireland sees port development as key to renewable energy opportunities

Maritime Matters

2011-10-02T11:58:00.000+01:00

MaritimeMatters: Cruise Ship News, Ocean Liner History

Seasure Shipping Ltd announces launch of VesselsValue.com (VV)

2011-08-03T19:21:00.000+01:00

Seasure Shipping Ltd announces launch of VesselsValue.com (VV)

An online service for valuing commercial vessels

A London based firm of shipbrokers established in 1993 who specialise in Sale and Purchase, today announced the launch of VesselsValue.com, the first online service that provides automated, data-driven valuations, signalling a change in the way ocean going vessels are valued.

VV’s software processes the global fleet using all comparable sales, adjusting for sale recency, ship specifications and changes in freight earnings, to produce real time market values in seconds.

Values tankers and bulkcarriers up to 500,000 dwt*

You search by name, ex-name, IMO number or operator

Algorithms give you instantly calculated ship values taking into account the latest market information

*tankers from 29,500 dwt, bulkcarriers from 20,000 dwt

As an online service, huge volumes of valuations can be produced that are confidential and always accessible.

Going for gold on ship values

2011-08-03T19:18:00.000+01:00

Finally on there way.

2011-04-22T18:13:00.001+01:00

An operation to lift a former Aran Islands passenger ferry onto the deck of a large cargo ship in Galway harbour has been successfully completed.

Thor Gitta

2011-04-17T11:01:00.000+01:00

Interesting site for ship spotting.

Ferries Not giving up there fight to stay

2011-04-17T10:52:00.000+01:00

A new hitch has halted attempts to lift two passenger ferries onto the deck of a large cargo ship in Galway Docks this afternoon.
The ferries were to be transported form Galway to the Indian Ocean island of Mauritius.
Two previous attempts were unsuccessful and this afternoon the latest attempt was halted.
Galway Harbour Master Captain Brian Sheridan said fresh concerns had emerged over the ability of the crane on board the Thor Gitta to lift the ferries onto its deck.
The operation, which got under way at 7am, has been suspended for the day.
The admiralty order arresting the Thor Gitta was lifted this afternoon.
The first freighter which was sent to carry out the operation ran aground on the rocks at Rossaveal during a storm.
A week later, three men were injured in an accident in Galway Harbour when a sling broke as one of the ferries was being loaded onto a second cargo ship.

The Shipping Law Blog

2011-04-10T11:29:00.003+01:00

The Shipping Law Blog: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

BBC News - Grimsby trawler ship's bell returns to crew's relatives

2011-04-08T19:44:00.001+01:00

BBC News - Grimsby trawler ship's bell returns to crew's relatives: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

BBC News - Stranded Bibby Topaz refloats in Lerwick

2011-04-08T19:16:00.000+01:00

BBC News - Stranded Bibby Topaz refloats in Lerwick: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Three hurt loading ferry onto freight ship - RTÉ News

2011-04-07T18:22:00.001+01:00

Three hurt loading ferry onto freight ship - RTÉ News: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Cargo ship runs aground off Connemara - RTÉ News

2011-04-07T18:21:00.001+01:00

Cargo ship runs aground off Connemara - RTÉ News: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Auction Notice

2011-03-17T14:56:00.000Z

Auction Notice - On Instructions from a Major Finance Company ONLINE TENDER SALE OF DREDGERS, TUGS, JACK UP PONTOON, FLAT TOP BARGES, COMMERCIAL DIVING EQUIPMENT, CRANES (Former Assets of a Marine Civil Engineering and Diving Company) including: “Agem One” 20m x 10m Jack Up Barge c/w Twin Schottel Propulsion “Reloader” 22m x 10m Dumb Dredger 2 x Ex-US Army Dumb Deck Cargo Barges 35m x 10m Ex-US Army Dumb Deck Cargo Barges c/w Spud Legs, 35m x 10m “Kingston Lacy” 21m Motor Tug, 500hp “Hermes” 24m Motor Tug, 625kw (Ex-Swedish Navy) Divers Decompression Chamber; Wet Bell System; 2 x Diver Support Mobile Units NCK C41B Andes Crawler Crane; 2005, Unic 295CR Crawler Crane; 2006, Unic 506 and 2006 Unic 295 Mini Cranes; 2008, Kubota 17.5kva Genset Viewing to be held at: MONTROSE AND TROON IN SCOTLAND, UK Viewing to be held on: Tuesday 15th March, 2011 10:00am - 4:00pm at Troon and Wednesday 16th March, 2011 10:00am – 4:00pm at Montrose Closing date for Online Tenders: Friday 18th March, 2011 12 noon Please visit www.amsauctions.co.uk to Register and Place Bids. Tel: +44 1242 241111. Email: info@amsauctions.co.uk. Web: www.amsauctions.co.uk.

Maritime Journal - ‘Cormorant’ salvages trawler off Dunkirk

2011-03-17T14:53:00.001Z

Maritime Journal - ‘Cormorant’ salvages trawler off Dunkirk: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Maritime Journal - Joint project tug on show at Seawork

2011-03-17T14:53:00.000Z

Maritime Journal - Joint project tug on show at Seawork: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Inishowen Maritime Museum - Special Events

2011-03-17T14:48:00.000Z

Inishowen Maritime Museum - Special Events: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

BBC News - Meet John Coe the orca whale who visits Wales each year

2011-01-27T15:15:00.000Z

BBC News - Meet John Coe the orca whale who visits Wales each year: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

BBC News - Trade through Belfast Harbour up by 5%

2011-01-27T15:12:00.000Z

BBC News - Trade through Belfast Harbour up by 5%: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

A Very Dear Friend, Gone But Not Forgotten

2011-01-27T15:07:00.000Z

Leven met hem was een unieke ervaring,
zijn liefde en zorgzaamheid voor zijn medemens,
zijn humor, wat zullen wij hem missen.
Teun Kaagman
Alkmaar, Schoorl,
13 mei 1936 20 januari 2011
Atie Kaagman – Caarls
Ingeborg en Iwan
Maaike, Hilde, Luke, Leonie
Paul en Christern
Tijmen
Hogeweijdt 4
1871 VG Schoorl
Gelegenheid tot condoleren op woensdag 26
januari van 19.00 tot 19.45 uur in het Yarden
Uitvaartcentrum Alkmaar, Overkrocht 20.
De crematieplechtigheid zal plaatsvinden op
donderdag 27 januari om 13.15 uur in crematorium
“Schagerkogge”, Haringhuizerweg 3, Schagen.
Na afloop is er tevens gelegenheid tot condoleren
in de ontvangkamer aldaar.

UTV News - Search for missing passenger stood down

2011-01-22T10:08:00.000Z

UTV News - Search for missing passenger stood down

Ministerial Launch of Irish Offshore Training Capability or World Leader in Offshore Simulation Partners with National Maritime College

2010-12-16T20:55:00.000Z

NEWS RELEASE

EMBARGO: December 17, 2010

Ministerial Launch of Irish Offshore Training Capability

World Leader in Offshore Simulation Partners with National Maritime College

SEFtec NMCI Offshore Ltd (SNO), a public / private joint venture between SEFtec Global Training Ltd and The National Maritime College of Ireland (NMCI), will be launched on the 17^th December 2010 at the National Maritime College, Co. Cork, by the Minister of Enterprise, Trade & Employment, Batt O’Keeffe.

This venture is a shining example of how to bring together state of the art public infrastructure, in the form of one of the world’s most advanced maritime colleges, with private enterprise’s expertise in not only offshore training, but in the design, manufacture, installation, commissioning and service of training simulators for the global maritime industry.

The Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, Batt O'Keeffe TD, who launched the public-private joint venture, said it would support jobs and the growth of the Irish offshore exploration and wind energy sectors. 'The future is bright for the partnership we are announcing here this afternoon. The maritime sector is a diverse and developing global industry that requires huge levels of skill and technical capability,' said Minister O'Keeffe.

Focused on supporting the successful and sustainable growth of the Irish offshore exploration sector, SNO has successfully secured the approval of the Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organization (OPITO) for its programme of courses. In a sector that is completely focused on safety, OPITO has become the global industries focal point for skills, training and workforce development.

“SNO is very proud to have achieved its OPITO approval this year, the approval came about in a phenomenal time frame and this wouldn’t have been possible without the combined efforts of both public and private joint venture partners. This will mean that we can service not only the growing needs of Ireland’s offshore sector, but train for the global industry as well” Conor Mowlds, Managing Director SNO Ltd.

SEFtec, an Irish SME with a global focus, commenced trading in 2004 and has quickly become one of the world’s leaders in the provision of offshore simulation equipment. Based in a state-of-the-art facility in Cork it has diversified its activities from the design and fabrication of offshore training simulation equipment to training and already operates an OPITO centre in Kazakhstan.

The NMCI, a public private partnership between the Cork Institute of Technology, Vita Lend Lease and the Irish Naval Service was opened in 2004, represents a €60 million investment by the state in maritime training, and is one of the world’s most advanced maritime colleges.

The future aim of SNO is to break into the offshore renewable energy sector, with the development of their Offshore Wind Energy Safety Training course (OWEST) ear marked for further development. The OWEST course currently involves Helicopter Winching Techniques, Life Saving Appliances and Vessel Abandonment which is key training for anyone working on or near Offshore Wind Energy Sites.

For further information visit www.seftec.ie or www.nmci.ie

ENDS

For further Press Information: Please contact Cian O’Regan, cian.oregan@nmci.ie,

Photo Caption:

Delegates on the OPITO approved BOSIET - Offshore Training Course, at the National Maritime College in Ringaskiddy using the Helicopter Underwater Training Simulator, HUET systems are used to simulate a controlled crash landing by a helicopter onto water.

Picture: Pascal Ungerer

Maritime Professional - Deep-Sea Robot Lost at Sea

2010-03-17T19:33:00.000Z

Maritime Professional - Deep-Sea Robot Lost at Sea

The Case of the Toppling Tug draft « Bob Couttie’s Maritime Accident Casebook

2010-03-17T19:16:00.000Z

The Case of the Toppling Tug draft « Bob Couttie’s Maritime Accident Casebook

Life at SEA

2010-03-17T12:15:00.000Z

Life at SEA

Daily Record Our Heroes 2010: Search and rescue pilot Tony Gear has saved hundreds in 35-year career - The Daily Record

2010-03-17T11:57:00.000Z

Daily Record Our Heroes 2010: Search and rescue pilot Tony Gear has saved hundreds in 35-year career - The Daily Record

Boy Hit By Distress Flare Critically Injured

2009-11-17T11:38:00.002Z

9:44am UK, Monday November 16, 2009

Andy Jack, Sky News Online

A four-year-old boy has been critically injured after being hit by a distress flare while walking with his family.

Marine distress flares similar to the type which hit the boy in Romford, Essex

Police described it as an "horrific incident" in which the rocket flare appeared to have been set off horizontally rather than vertically.

The boy was out with his mother, father and baby sister in Romford, Essex.

He was taken to Queen's Hospital and later transferred to a hospital in central London, where his condition was described as critical but stable.

Police were called by ambulance staff who initially believed the boy had been struck by a firework.

But forensic officers found the remains of a hand-held parachute-assisted rocket flare close to where the incident happened in Chatteris Avenue, Harold Hill, on Saturday afternoon.

Detectives want to trace a young boy who was asking about the injured boy's condition at the scene before police arrived and a woman driver who offered to take the child to hospital.

Detective Inspector David Cavanagh said: "If you are one of these people, or you know who they may be, please call us.

"We are also keen to hear from anyone who was in or around the area around at the time of the incident who may have seen or heard anything they thought might be suspicious."

Boat Hire on the River Shannon

2009-03-08T19:46:00.001Z

Planning a cruise on The River Shannon? At Pleasure Cruisers we can make this happen for you! What better way to enjoy the delights of this magnificent waterway other than in the comfort of a privately owned cruiser? At Pleasure Cruisers all our boats are privately owned and are well appointed to provide you with everything you will need to make your holiday a "Pleasure"!

When you step on board you will find everything, from a well equipped galley to Flat Screen TV/DVD, bedding, towels, life jackets, charts, binoculars and anything else that we think you may require to complete your holiday, including advice on your itinerary if required.

If you have had previous boating experience all the better but if not, don't worry! Our instructors will spend as long as it takes to make you feel comfortable handling the boat before they hand the controls over to you.

We at Pleasure Cruisers are in touch with your needs; we tailor our services to your requirements and offer you The Personal Touch!

Afloat - Latest News

2009-02-02T09:12:00.001Z

Afloat - Latest News: "Asgard campaign hits the papers
Monday, 02 February 2009

High profile signatories to Afloat's Raise the Asgard campaign have caught the attention of the national media this morning including musician Jimmy Crowley whose song 'My Love is a Tall Ship' has been adopted as the anthem for the campaign. Crowley tells Lorna Siggins of the Irish Times that he is also prepared to play benefit gigs in the US to raise salvage funds. The campaign will also feature in this Friday's RTE Seascapes programme presented by Tom MacSweeney. The Afloat petition to raise the Asgard began last week and has received 10,000 hits, attracting over 300 signatures and comments to date. Click here to view and join the hundreds of names already online."

Afloat - Latest News

2009-02-02T09:12:00.000Z

Afloat - Latest News

2009-02-02T09:10:00.000Z

Afloat - Latest News

BBC NEWS | UK | Scotland | South of Scotland | Crew rescued from stricken barge

2009-02-01T16:42:00.000Z

BBC NEWS UK Scotland South of Scotland Crew rescued from stricken barge

BBC NEWS | Scotland | South of Scotland | Ferry passengers back on dry land

2009-02-01T16:41:00.000Z

BBC NEWS Scotland South of Scotland Ferry passengers back on dry land

RTÉ News: Asgard II sinks off French coast

2008-09-11T11:43:00.000+01:00

RTÉ News: Asgard II sinks off French coast: "Asgard II sinks off French coast
Thursday, 11 September 2008 10:45

The sail training vessel Asgard II has sunk 20 miles off the coast of France in the Bay of Biscay.

The ship was lost at 8.25 local time (7.25am Irish time) 20 nautical miles from the French coast, south-west of Belle-Île-en-Mer..

Asgard II had earlier been abandoned after taking water overnight.
Advertisement

The alarm was raised shortly before 2.30am this morning.

The Government-owned Asgard II was heading from Falmouth in Cornwall to La Rochelle in France for minor maintenance.

On board were five crew and 20 trainees, most of them Irish.

At 2.20am, UK Marine Coastguard in Kinloss picked up a distress signal from the vessel.

It is understood the Master of the Asgard reported the ship was taking in water.

All crew and trainees took to life-rafts, and have been rescued safely by a French coastguard vessel.

They were taken to a hotel on the nearby island of Belle-Île-en-Mer.

The Irish Ambassador to France, Anne Anderson, will meet the Asgard's crew on Belle-Île later this morning.

A spokesperson from the Department of Defence said the Asgard had water up to its decks, but had not yet sunk.

The LE Niamh was on its way to offer assistance.

Commandant Fergal Purcell of the Defence"

Nautical Mishaps, Maritime Calamities

2008-09-02T17:45:00.000+01:00

Nautical Mishaps, Maritime Calamities
London, 1 September/GNN/ --

MARITIME AND COASTGUARD AGENCY News Release (Duty Press Notice) issued by The Government News Network on 1 September 2008
A search is currently underway 35 nautical miles north east of Fraserburgh after a man overboard was reported from oil standby vessel 'Grampian Hunter' at 2355 last night (Sunday).

Aberdeen Coastguard received the call reporting that the man had not been seen since 2100 and scrambled Rescue Helicopter 137 from Lossiemouth to begin a search. 13 other vessels in the area (fishing and standby vessels) also responded to calls for assistance.

After exhausting the search area the helicopter was later stood down due to poor weather, however nine vessels continue the search, which is currently still ongoing.

Aberdeen Coastguard Watch Manager Fiona Hastie said:

"The search will continue until further notice for a missing British seafarer suspected of falling overboard from Aberdeen registered oil standby vessel 'Grampian Hunter'.

Weather on scene is foggy in patches with rain and poor visibility and Southeasterly force 3 winds."

BBC NEWS | Business | Crew crisis as super-yacht industry booms

2008-06-18T12:49:00.000+01:00

BBC NEWS Business Crew crisis as super-yacht industry booms

New Fethard lifeboat named

2008-06-10T10:47:00.000+01:00

New Fethard lifeboat named

All Discussions - gCaptain Maritime Forum

2008-06-10T10:32:00.000+01:00

All Discussions - gCaptain Maritime Forum

Welcome to Pleasure Cruisers!

2008-06-10T09:50:00.000+01:00

Welcome to Pleasure Cruisers!

More Maritime News For Free

2008-03-21T11:32:00.000Z

http://www.ibiblio.org/maritime/media/index.php?cat=1462

BBC NEWS | UK | Northern Ireland | Bad weather hits refloat attempt

2008-01-31T13:43:00.000Z

BBC NEWS UK Northern Ireland Bad weather hits refloat attempt

Cargo ship runs aground in English Channel - Telegraph

2008-01-02T12:18:00.000Z

Cargo ship runs aground in English Channel - Telegraph

Malin Head To Close

2007-12-06T16:40:00.000Z

STAFF at Malin Head Marine Rescue Centre say they derive no comfort from claims their workplace will be retained as a coast guard station.They believe at most, only two workers will keep their jobs under such a scheme with 16 more set to get the axe.The 18 workers were responding to Fianna Fáil Senator Cecilia Keaveney who stressed last week that Malin Head and its sister station in Valentia would not be closed or disposed of as Irish coast guard locations.She said there would be "no diminution in the quality of the emergency response capability on the west coast" though admitting "the precise nature of their long-term function has yet to be finalised". But the Malin Head staff told InishowenNews.com: "Senator Keaveney's statement does not get away from the fact that if current plans are allowed to go ahead Malin Head and Valentia Coast Guard will close as rescue centres, resulting in a loss of sustainable jobs in Inishowen and Valentia Island.

Pere Charles raised to surface Thursday, 8 November 2007 17:46

2007-11-08T18:58:00.000Z

The wreck of the trawler Pere Charles has been raised to the surface around 1km off the Waterford coast.
Salvage contractors successfully raised the wreck of the sunken vessel this afternoon.
Coastguard officials say it appears the boat was badly damaged when it sank.

Highland Radio- Co Donegal, Ireland- Local Radio Station

2007-05-02T16:33:00.000+01:00

Highland Radio- Co Donegal, Ireland- Local Radio Station:
Safety warning after teen drowns at sea May 02, 3:41 pm
The Irish Coastguard has issued a warning about the use of inflatable on the sea following the death yesterday of a teenager off the Coast of Co. Derry.15 year old Robert McMullan from Coleraine was swept to sea after a rubber dinghy he and a friend where in capsized off a beech at the costal town of Castlerock.His friend managed to make it ashore where he raised the alarm and an extensive search operation was launched.Robert was discovered in the water by the Donegal based Greencastle Lifeboat at around 5 O'clock yesterday evening.He was airlifted to hospital where he later died.

Cruise ships keep heading for UK and Europe

2007-05-01T10:51:00.001+01:00

Cruise ships keep heading for UK and Europe: "Cruise ships keep heading for UK and Europe
Despite American spelling, CARNIVAL SPLENDOR will debut in the UK

Carnival Cruise Lines' new 113,300-ton CARNIVAL SPLENDOR - representing a new class of vessel with a host of innovations including exclusive new 'spa staterooms' that surround a luxurious 21,000-square-foot health and wellness centre -- will debut in July 2008 operating the line's first-ever Northern European cruise programme.

These 12-day Northern Europe voyages, which will operate July 13 - Aug. 30, 2008, will offer guests a diversity of shoreside experiences with visits to historic, centuries-old cities in Denmark, Germany, Finland, Russia, Estonia, and The Netherlands."

Latest ferry from Polish shipyard arrives on the Clyde

2007-05-01T10:51:00.000+01:00

Latest ferry from Polish shipyard arrives on the Clyde: "Latest ferry from Polish shipyard arrives on the Clyde
She was eagerly awaited and at last she arrives on the Clyde

Sister to the mv BUTE delivered last year, the latest new ferry built for Caledonian MacBrayne, the mv ARGYLE, arrived on a day soaked, not with April showers, but with April sunshine this morning, 29th April 2007.

Enthusiasts and Calmac travellers alike have been awaiting the new ferry, but probably true to say that the former have anticipated her arrival long before your average Rothesay-goer has, with AIS screens being hungrily scanned as she left her builders in Gdansk until her arrival, ( via a short stop in Portland) on the Firth of Clyde's welcoming waters earlier on today."

Sunday Business Post | Irish Business News

2007-05-01T10:42:00.000+01:00

Sunday Business Post Irish Business News: "Donegal trawler company sues state
29 April 2007 By Ian Kehoe
The company behind one of the country’s largest supertrawlers has launched a multimillion-euro legal action against the state, claiming the government unlawfully reduced its fishing quota.

Atlantean, a Donegal company that operates a vessel of the same name, has taken judicial review proceedings in the High Court against the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources.

The company is also seeking €4million in damages. If Atlantean is successful, more than a dozen other vessels could take similar actions.

The potential liability to the state is estimated at between €60 million and €80 million. Atlantean is owned by Dublin-based fisherman Des Faherty, but operate s from Killybegs in Co Donegal. The case has now been listed for hearing in the Commercial Court, the part of the High Court which fast-tracks multimillion euro business disputes."

Professional Mariner

2007-05-01T10:32:00.000+01:00

Professional Mariner

The Pilot Boat: Human Error#links

2007-05-01T10:27:00.000+01:00

The Pilot Boat: Human Error#links

Fictional Human Error

2007-05-01T10:20:00.000+01:00

Very interesting blog on pilot boats, with a fictional human error story link here.

.·´¯`·-» BLOGUE dos NAVIOS e do MAR - SHIPS AND THE SEA «-·´¯`·.

2007-05-01T10:15:00.000+01:00

.·´¯`·-» BLOGUE dos NAVIOS e do MAR - SHIPS AND THE SEA «-·´¯`·.: "Following a refit and dry dock at the Lisnave shipyard in Setubal, the Cruise Ship THE WORLD (43.188 GT / 2002), was photographed leaving the river Sado outbound for Lisbon on 30 April 2007."

Other Maritime Blogs

2007-05-01T09:37:00.000+01:00

Was looking around for other Maritime blogs on the net and we came across, this great blog Called Tims Times. They have some lovely pictures of a French pilot boat coming alongside.

Safe Cruise: U.S. Maritime Security Expo - Sept 19-20, 2006 in New York City

2007-04-29T19:53:00.000+01:00

Safe Cruise: U.S. Maritime Security Expo - Sept 19-20, 2006 in New York City

Dublin Port

2007-04-29T19:33:00.000+01:00

Dublin Port sought to join One51 ICG bid
29 April 2007 By Richard Curran - Sunday Business Post
Dublin Port sounded out the Department of Transport on the possibility ofjoining the One51/Doyle consortium bidding to buy Irish Continental Group(ICG), The Sunday Business Post has learned.Department officials and transport minister Martin Cullen were not keen onthe idea and declined to give the state port company the go-ahead for themove. Dublin Port is a 50 per cent shareholder in Greenore Port in Co Louth,while Philip Lynch's One51 owns the remaining stake. Disussions took placebetween One51 and Dublin Port with a view to the state company joining theconsortium, a source close to One51 confirmed.However, he said given the length of time it would have taken the portcompany to raise funds and take action on the bid, no deal materialised.However, a government source said Dublin Port's suggestion of gettinginvolved ''did not get enthusiastic response from officials''.One51 and the Doyle Group complained last week about delays in the duediligence process. They have written to the independent directors of ICGgiving specific details of how they say they have been ''severely hamperedby delays."The letter was sent on Friday and includes what it says are delays insupplying due diligence information, from management accounts, to auditfiles and details of lease agreements.The letter claims requests for divisional breakdowns of management accountshave not yielded adequate results and that as of Friday morning its advisersare ''awaiting a revised draft of a hold harmless letter relating to the UKtax files and a hold harmless letter relating to the Dutch tax files has notyet been furnished''.It also states that ''the implications on the timing of these delays weresuch that we could not meet the firm intention announcement deadline of 10May 2007 which you have imposed."The letter also warns that ''it is imperative that the independent directorsdo all within their powers to ensure the consortium be given access to thelevel of information that is necessary to create as level a playing field asis possible against an offer from the company's management team."

Lough Ree water plans to create a ‘Dead Sea’ - Westmeath Independent

2007-04-23T17:24:00.000+01:00

Lough Ree water plans to create a ‘Dead Sea’ - Westmeath Independent: "Karen Downey
reports
The Progressive Democrats have criticised the proposals to extract water from Lough Ree to supply Dublin city, saying this would lead to a destruction of the lake and the river Shannon, similar to what is occurring in the Dead Sea.
In the first edition of a constituency newssheet, the Longford/Westmeath Democrat, the PDs drew comparisons with the destruction of the Dead Sea. Over 30 years more than half the surface of the Dead Sea has disappeared with the water level dropping by 262ft. Experts agree that in less than 50 years the Dead Sea will have disappeared forever.
The article outlines that the cause of this destruction was the extraction of water from the River Jordan, the source of the Dead Sea’s water.
There is a proposal funded by the World Bank to reduce and reverse the damage through diverting water from the Red Sea in a canal or pipe system over 175km to the shores of the Dead Sea. This proposal, however, is meeting with opposition from the authorities at the Gulf of Aquaba, the suggested extraction point. "

BBC NEWS | UK | England | Nottinghamshire | Two lose appeal over sail death

2007-04-23T15:02:00.000+01:00

BBC NEWS UK England Nottinghamshire Two lose appeal over sail death: "Last Updated: Monday, 23 April 2007, 12:55 GMT 13:55 UK
Two lose appeal over sail death
Laura had been sailing the catamaran with two friends
Two of the three holiday firm workers found guilty of negligence when a Nottinghamshire schoolgirl drowned have had their convictions upheld.
Laura Morgan, 11, of Woodborough, died on 31 July 2003 in Paleros in Greece when the catamaran she was in capsized and trapped her underneath.
The three employees of tour operator Sunsail had appealed against their suspended sentences. Two of the workers had their sentences reduced, but a third was overturned. "

BBC NEWS | UK | England | Hampshire | World's largest cruise ship calls

2007-04-23T15:00:00.000+01:00

BBC NEWS UK England Hampshire World's largest cruise ship calls: "The world's newest and joint largest cruise ship has arrived in a British port for a promotional visit.
The 160,000 metric ton Liberty of the Seas has docked in Southampton on its first port of call and its only European visit.
The 1,112ft-long ship has 15 decks for 4,375 passengers. It is longer than three-and-a-half football pitches.
It is slightly bigger than Cunard's liner Queen Mary 2 and is the sister ship of Freedom of the Seas.
Facilities onboard include a surf simulator, rock climbing wall, ice skating rink and children's water park, as well as a casino and spas. "

2007-04-22T17:24:00.001+01:00

On Getting Run Over By A Container Ship
Clark March 14th, 2007
If you have arrived at this website, it is either because you are one of my friends and family who have been following my trip around the world, or because you have recently read about me in a magazine and know me as that guy who got run over by a container ship.
Yes, it is true. A container ship did run over me and my little sailboat, but we both survived. Myself and my two crewmembers miraculously came out without a scratch. Condesa took about six months and $40,000 to be herself again.

RTÉ.ie Radio1: Seascapes

2007-04-15T21:08:00.000+01:00

RTÉ.ie Radio1: Seascapes: "APRIL 12 - 13
The National Coastal Conference - 'Towards the Sustainable Development of Ireland's Coast,' will be held at the Boole Library in University College, Cork. Details Email to iconet@ucc.ie
APRIL 14
The annual general meeting of the Irish Sailing Association will be held at 5pm in Poolbeg Yacht Club in Dublin.
APRIL 15
The Irish Boat Jumble will be held at Carrickfergus Sailing Club in County Antrim. For information phone a Northern Ireland number 07721 888789 or Email to: john.boatjumble@btinternet.com
MAY 5 - 7
The Bagenalstown Festival of Boats will take place.
MAY 6
The Tuskar Run Sea Race will take place in Wexford on this Bank Holiday Weekend. This is a race that Ferrycarrig Rowing Club runs every 2 years and is a 15-mile open sea race from Rosslare Harbour to Wexford Town. Details from phone 087 6561939.
MAY 25 - 28
The Bell Lawrie Scottish Sail Racing Series will take place at Tarbert in Scotland.
MAY 26 - 27
Athy Water Festival. "
JUNE 2 - 4The Inland Waterways Association Suir Rally to Carrick-on-Suir will be held on the June Bank Holiday Weekend, June 2-4.
The Cork Ocean to City Race will also take place also on the June Bank Holiday Weekend, when the fleet of rowing boats will race to the city centre. For details phone Cork (021) 4847673 or go to the website www.oceantocity.com
JUNE 4Join the Tall Ship TENACIOUS on a 6-day voyage from Dublin to Falmouth. For details and those of other voyages aboard this ship go to the website www.jst.org.uk
JUNE 14Clifden Open Boat Angling Tournament will be held from Thursday, June 14 to Monday, June 18 at Clifden in Connemara, Co.Galway. For details go to www.clifdenstationhouse.com
JUNE 22 - 24The SAAB Sailing Cruiser Racing National Championships will be held at the Royal Cork Yacht Club in Crosshaven.
AUGUST 18The Inishbofin Charity Challenge Swim will be staged.

Bourbon Dolphin:

2007-04-13T16:03:00.001+01:00

Bourbon Dolphin: BOURBON is giving top priority to rescue operations and to crew members’ relatives

BOURBON is giving top priority to the rescue of the 5 missing people and support to the families of those involved. The Bourbon Dolphin accident occurred Thursday evening while the ship was on operations 75 nautical miles North West of the Shetland Islands with 15 people on board.

This accident is a terrible tragedy, with 3 people confirmed deceased and 5 people still missing. The 7 others have been treated at the hospital in Shetland Islands. None of these 7 were seriously wounded.

Rescue teams from the Shetland Coast Guards went to the zone immediately and they are still in the rescue zone with the Royal Air Force searching for the 5 missing people.

BOURBON is in close contact with the families and is doing all it can for them and a BOURBON support team is in place at Bourbon Offshore Norway headoffice. A plane has been chartered to fly relatives, officials and Bourbon Offshore Norway Executives to Shetland Islands.

Jacques de Chateauvieux, CEO of BOURBON, and Christian Lefevre, Deputy CEO of BOURBON and Bourbon Offshore CEO will arrive at Bourbon Offshore Norway Headquarters during the afternoon.

The company emergency response team in Norway, supported by BOURBON emergency management team in Marseilles is, according to the Safety Management System plan, assessing the information available at this time.

New information will be released as soon as relevant facts are available and fully checked.

Salvage Plan

2007-04-13T08:32:00.001+01:00

RTÉ News: Salvage plan to rescue stranded tanker
A salvage plan to recover the chemical tanker West Sailor has been approved by the Irish Coastguard this afternoon.
The plan is to tow the vessel to the Cork Dockyard for repairs.
The operation, which will see a tug tow the stranded vessel, is due to commence at 10pm tonight and it is expected to take 30 hours to reach County Kerry.
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Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Greece cleans up oil spill from sunken cruise ship

2007-04-09T16:52:00.000+01:00

Scotsman.com News - Latest News - Greece cleans up oil spill from sunken cruise ship: "Greece cleans up oil spill from sunken cruise ship
By George Georgiopoulos
ATHENS (Reuters) - Experts struggled on Monday to disperse an oil spill along the coast of the Greek island of Santorini caused by the sinking of a cruise ship as a search took place to try and locate two missing French passengers."

Cruise ship captain blames currents for sinking - CNN.com

2007-04-08T18:13:00.000+01:00

Cruise ship captain blames currents for sinking - CNN.com: "Story Highlights• Captain of cruise ship blames currents off Greek island for sinking
• Captain and five officers of sunken Greek cruise ship charged with negligence
• Nearly 1,600 evacuated when ship sinks off Aegean island
• Two French passengers still not been accounted for "

IOL: Cruise ship officers charged after sinking

2007-04-07T15:48:00.000+01:00

IOL: Cruise ship officers charged after sinking: "Cruise ship officers charged after sinking
07/04/2007 - 15:08:25
A Greek prosecutor today pressed negligence charges against the captain and five officers of a cruise ship that sank off an Aegean Sea island, state television reported.
The six officers were charged with causing a shipwreck through negligence, breaching international shipping safety regulations and polluting the environment. All were released pending further investigations.
Earlier it was revealed that divers are searching the sunken wreckage of the ship for the bodies of a Frenchman and his daughter, missing after the vessel foundered on a volcanic reef in Greece.
They are the only two people missing after what passengers described as a chaotic evacuation in the Aegean Sea.
Nearly 1,600 people were rescued from the sinking ship in a three-hour operation, but some passengers complained of an insufficient supply of life vests, little guidance from crew members and being forced into a steep climb down rope-ladders to safety."

BreakingNews.ie: Ireland

2007-04-07T15:45:00.000+01:00

BreakingNews.ie: Ireland: "The bodies of two teenagers whose boat capsized in a forest park lake in Co Down were today recovered.
The victims, an 18-year-old man and a 16-year-old girl who are believed to be related, were found after a search operation lasting almost eight hours at Castlewellan Forest Park in Co Down.
The alarm was raised after 1am by another man who was on the boat, but he managed to swim to shore.
Police, coastguard and fire service personnel were dispatched to the scene near a caravan park. A police helicopter using infra red equipment was also deployed.
The bodies were recovered at around 11.30am as a crowd of people gathered at the scene of the tragedy.
The families and locals began to leave the scene at around 12.40pm.
There were tears as teenagers comforted each other. Relatives and neighbours also hugged each other as the extent of the tragedy began to hit home.
The victims were named later by police as 16-year-old Clare Steele and Rory McAlinden, aged 18. They were both from Castlewellan."

Reuters AlertNet - Greek boats search for missing French tourists

2007-04-07T10:57:00.000+01:00

Reuters AlertNet - Greek boats search for missing French tourists: "By Karolos Grohmann
ATHENS, April 7 (Reuters) - Greek rescue boats on Saturday scoured the waters around the Aegean island of Santorini for two French tourists missing after the evacuation of a cruise ship which ran aground.
The 22,412-tonne Sea Diamond, run by Louis Cruise Lines, ran aground on Thursday just minutes away from the shore of the picturesque island, one of Greece's most popular tourist destinations. It listed and was evacuated within a few hours.
Louis Cruise Lines said there were 730 Americans, 112 Spaniards, 100 French and many other foreign nationals on board, including Germans, Britons and Australians, plus the crew."

BBC NEWS | Europe | Divers search for Greek ship pair

2007-04-07T10:03:00.000+01:00

BBC NEWS Europe Divers search for Greek ship pair: "Greek navy divers are continuing to search for two French tourists missing after a cruise ship sank off the Greek island of Santorini on Thursday.
The 45-year-old man and his 16-year-old daughter were among 1,600 people aboard the Greek-flagged Sea Diamond when it ran aground and began taking in water.
The remaining passengers and crew were evacuated hours before the vessel sank in the Aegean Sea.
The captain is due to be questioned by a public prosecutor. "

RTÉ News: ITF says Ireland can expect more ships

2007-04-07T09:34:00.000+01:00

RTÉ News: ITF says Ireland can expect more ships: "Saturday, 7 April 2007 06:40
The International Transport Federation has said Ireland can expect the arrival of more and more ships whose crews are seeking payments and basic working rights.
The ITF's General Secretary, David Cockcroft, said Ireland was now at the forefront of a global battle against the abuse of seafarers."

RTÉ News: Two missing after boat capsized

2007-04-07T09:07:00.000+01:00

RTÉ News: Two missing after boat capsized: "Saturday, 7 April 2007 08:36
Two young people are missing after their boat capsized on a lake in Castlewellan in Co Down.
The alarm was raised at around 1am this morning by a third occupant of the boat who swam ashore and raised the alarm.
A search is getting under way for the missing 18-year-old and a 16-year-old."

RTÉ News: Public urged to take care on beaches

2007-04-07T08:29:00.000+01:00

RTÉ News: Public urged to take care on beaches: "Saturday, 7 April 2007 06:40
The Irish Water Association has called for the public to take care at the beaches this weekend. The IWA says that there an average of 13 people drown every month and that many people will take to the water for the first time in the year this weekend.
They have advised that lifejackets should be worn on boats, with care taken on the inland waterways, on rivers and at beaches."

2 missing after cruise ship sinks off Greek island

2007-04-06T14:37:00.000+01:00

2 missing after cruise ship sinks off Greek island: "Two people are missing after a Mediterranean cruise ship sank Friday, 15 hours after striking a reef off the Greek island of Santorini. A 45-year-old French man and his 16-year-old daughter are missing, said officials."

RTÉ News: 1,200 evacuated from Greek cruise ship

2007-04-05T18:09:00.000+01:00

RTÉ News: 1,200 evacuated from Greek cruise ship: "1,200 evacuated from Greek cruise ship
Thursday, 5 April 2007 17:54
Around 1,200 passengers have been evacuated from a Greek cruise ship that ran aground near the Aegean island of Santorini.
Officials said around 300 crew members remained on board the Greek-flagged Sea Diamond, which was listing after its hull was holed.
The Louis Cruise Lines, which runs the ship, said many Americans and Germans were among the passengers, and there was no record of any Irish people on board."

BBC NEWS | Northern Ireland | First cruise ship arrives in city

2007-04-03T17:36:00.000+01:00

BBC NEWS Northern Ireland First cruise ship arrives in city: "The first cruise ship to visit Belfast this year arrived in the city on Saturday. The Black Prince brought about 400 visitors and is scheduled to make seven calls to the city this year."

Mercy Ships UK - News

2007-04-03T16:37:00.000+01:00

Mercy Ships UK - News: "The world’s largest non-governmental hospital ship, the Africa Mercy, has successfully completed ‘sea trials’ enabling it to sail on its inaugural trip to Africa. The former Danish rail ferry, has been converted into a state-of-the-art hospital ship at a cost of over £30 million and will provide free healthcare and community development services to the poorest people of Africa"

Irish Sailing Academy: Home page

2007-04-02T15:56:00.000+01:00

Irish Sailing Academy: Home page:
"The Irish Sailing Academy mission is to share our passion of sailing with others.
We love what we do and are dedicated to promoting one of the most exiting sports around today. Whether it's racing round the cans, crossing an ocean or just going for a blast on a sunny summer's day sailing has something to offer.
It doesn't matter if you're 8 or 80 you can always get that 'life is good' feeling after a sail. So come join us at the academy and let the world be your oyster."

Nautilus UK

2007-04-01T14:23:00.000+01:00

Nautilus UK: "Maritime union officials today condemned the owners and operators of a new ferry service between Portsmouth and Cherbourg as 'thoroughly irresponsible'.
Crew members onboard the Cyprus-flagged vessel Celtic Mist are serving in 'appalling conditions' - with some suffering from exposure to CO2 in the engineroom, said Nautilus UK/ITF inspector Tommy Molloy."

BYM Marine & Maritime News

2007-04-01T14:06:00.000+01:00

BYM Marine & Maritime News: "UK. Maritime & Coastguard Agency detains seven foreign ships in the UK during February
Thursday, 22 March 2007

The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) announced today that seven foreign ships were under detention in UK ports during February 2007 after failing Port State Control (PSC) safety inspection.
Latest monthly figures show that there were six new detentions of foreign flagged ships in UK ports during February 2007, compared with three new detentions during January 2007. One vessel remained in detention from the previous month. The overall rate of detentions compared with inspections carried out over the last twelve months is just below 4.5%, a slight decrease compared with January's twelve month rate.
During the month of February 130 Port State Control inspections were carried out in the UK. For those ships inspected during February a total of 31 vessels had no deficiencies raised against them, 66 had between one and five deficiencies, 19 had between six and ten deficiencies, 12 had between eleven and twenty deficiencies and 2 vessels had more than twenty deficiencies.
Five general cargo vessels and one bulk carrier were detained in February. One vessel was registered with a flag state listed on the Paris MOU black list, four were registered with states on the white list and one was registered with a state on the grey list.
Vessels detained in February included:
a 1,707 GT general cargo vessel with inoperative main and defective emergency steering gear;
a 2,323 GT general cargo vessel whose port lifeboat davit collapsed during abandon ship drill;
a 36,433 GT bulk carrier detained in very poor condition, indicating a lack of maintenance of the ship and equipment under the International Safety "

Maritime Union Leaders Sentenced | World Latest | Guardian Unlimited

2007-04-01T14:05:00.000+01:00

Maritime Union Leaders Sentenced World Latest Guardian Unlimited: "Maritime Union Leaders Sentenced

Friday March 30, 2007 5:31 AM
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - The leader of a national maritime union was sentenced Thursday to 6 years in prison for spending organizational funds on personal luxuries, including a bachelor party and repairs for a dive boat.
U.S. District Judge James Cohn sentenced Michael McKay, 59, to 6 years, and McKay's brother, Robert, 56, to 15 months.
The McKays were found guilty in December of racketeering conspiracy and several lesser charges stemming from their time as president and secretary-treasurer, respectively, of American Maritime Officers."

Royal Caribbean Names Godmother of Liberty of Seas

2007-04-01T13:31:00.000+01:00

Royal Caribbean Names Godmother of Liberty of Seas: "Royal Caribbean Names Godmother of Liberty of Seas
Friday, March 30, 2007

After a six month search, Royal Caribbean International today named travel agent Donnalea Madaley godmother of the cruise line’s newest ship, Liberty of the Seas, at Cruise Lines International Association’s Cruise3Sixty conference. Donnalea, of Ontario-based Marlin Travel, was selected from among nearly 2,500 nominations of exemplary women travel agents who have demonstrated dedication to philanthropy and service in their communities. In the spirit of maritime tradition, Donnalea will participate in the naming ceremony of Liberty on May 18, 2007, and help launch the cruise ship, a prestigious role often performed by dignitaries and celebrities. In addition to being chosen as Liberty’s godmother, Donnalea also will receive a $25,000 check from Royal Caribbean for Hands Across the Nations (HATN), a service organization created and led by Donnalea and her"

Cruise ship news, shipping reports at MARITIME MATTERS

2007-04-01T13:22:00.000+01:00

Cruise ship news, shipping reports at MARITIME MATTERS: "LUSITANIA Revisited
April 1: Ireland's Supreme Court ruling allows LUSITANIA dive to proceed. Santa Fe venture capitalist Gregg Bemis seeks to conduct a forensic dive to solve remaining mysteries about the sinking of the Cunard ship by a German submarine May 7, 1915. The wreck lies within Ireland's territorial waters, approximately 12 miles off the southwest coast, 300 feet below the surface. Previously a license for the dive had not been granted by Ireland which claims the LUSITANIA is an archaeological site. Bemis will be searching for evidence of the cause of the second explosion heard by survivors, many believe the ship was carrying high explosives and not just the munitions and chemicals listed on its manifest. Others argue an explosion in the ship's steam-generating plant was the cause. Bemis hopes to recover more items from the LUSITANIA for museums to display, although valuable art, rumored to have been on board the ship, belongs to the Irish government. The dive may commence as early as summer 2008 when divers will cut a circular 6-foot hole in the hull to begin the exploration."

NSnet - Maritime News and Information

2007-04-01T13:20:00.000+01:00

NSnet - Maritime News and Information: "French oil port strike could pinch summer supplies: A strike by workers at the Mediterranean terminal Fos-Lavera over employment at a new Gaz de France (GDF) terminal is now in its third week. The dispute started on March 14 when GDF rejected a union demand that only port staff should hook up liquefied natural gas cargoes at a GDF terminal due to start up at the end of 2007. The two sides failed to reach a compromise on Thursday, but continued talks on Friday may be resolving the issue. The terminal is the world's third-largest port for refined oil products. If the strike continues, the French strike could crimp summer fuel supplies to Europe and the United States. See 'Talks held on Marseille port row,' BBC News, 3/29/07."

NSnet - Maritime News and Information

2007-04-01T13:17:00.000+01:00

NSnet - Maritime News and Information: "Container accident shuts down shipping in the Rhine: The German cargo ship Excelsior lost 31 of its 103 containers on the Rhine River on Sunday afternoon. The river is one of Germany's busiest commercial shipping routes. One container was retrieved by Tuesday, but the accident has closed a 12-mile stretch of the river around Cologne. German Transport Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee said he hoped traffic could resume by Friday. A crack in the cargo ship's hull is suspected to have led to Sunday's accident. See 'Germany's Rhine Closes to Shipping, Associated Press at WashingtonPost.com, 3/27/07."

IOL: Amateurs poised for Telkom airwaves

2007-04-01T13:16:00.000+01:00

IOL: Amateurs poised for Telkom airwaves: " March 29 2007 at 06:10PM

Amateur radio operators offered on Thursday to step in if monitoring of shipping emergency calls is affected by a Telkom strike.
The strike, by staff at Telkom's maritime radio facility in Milnerton, Cape Town, is set to start at midnight. Hans van de Groenendaal, spokesperson for the SA Radio League, said the league had contacted rescue authorities to offer its services. He said members routinely monitored the amateur frequencies used by yachts in South African waters, and had in the past alerted authorities to boats in distress. Monitoring all shipping frequencies would simply be an extension of this. The league counts some 1 400 radio amateurs nationwide as members."

NSnet - Maritime News and Information

2007-04-01T13:13:00.000+01:00

NSnet - Maritime News and Information: "Three dead in Sydney ferry accident: Three people were killed, eight injured and a 14-year-old girl was still missing on Thursday after a collision between the HarbourCat ferry Pam Burridge and a private motor cruiser beneath Sydney Harbour Bridge late on Wednesday night. It was the second fatal accident in two months involving ferries, in what is one of the busiest parts of the harbor. A number of helicopters, police divers and several boats including two other ferries helped with the search and rescue operation. Police divers have been searching for the missing teenage girl, who is from Queensland. The cruiser rolled over and later sank after the collision; the ferry has been moored nearby. Both boats will be inspected by police; the crew of the ferry have been tested for alcohol and drugs. See 'Divers search for girl missing after fatal ferry crash,' ABC News Online, 3/29/07."

Coast Guard Helping Stuck Ship Back into Shipping Channel

2007-04-01T13:09:00.000+01:00

Coast Guard Helping Stuck Ship Back into Shipping Channel: "Coast Guard Helping Stuck Ship Back into Shipping Channel
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Coast Guard crews are working to get a freighter ship unstuck after it lost power and ran aground near the central span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. The bridge was shut down in both directions this morning as a precaution, snarling rush hour traffic. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the freighter lost power after passing through the central span of the bridge. The pilot of the vessel ran it into a sandbar so it wouldn’t drift near the bridge. Fox showed Coast Guard tugboats circling the freighter. The most recent view showed them helping the ship back into the deeper waters of the shipping channel. Source: fox"

Aker Yards and MSC Signed Cruise Ship Contract

2007-04-01T13:07:00.000+01:00

Aker Yards and MSC Signed Cruise Ship Contract: "Aker Yards and MSC Signed Cruise Ship Contract
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Aker Yards has signed a contract with MSC Cruises to build a 4th MSC Musica Class Cruise ship. The MSC Magnifica will be built at Aker Yards, Saint-Nazaire and delivered in 2010. The value of the contract is approximately $546.8m (EUR 410 million.) The contract is subject to financing. Like its three predecessors (MSC Musica, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia, this 89,600 GT cruise ship is 294 metres long and just over 32 metres wide, and complies with the Panama Canal Standard. "

Chemical Online News for chemical processing professionals

2007-04-01T12:54:00.000+01:00

Chemical Online News for chemical processing professionals: "True Hybrid Tug To Be Built By Foss Maritime
3/12/2007
Seattle, WA - Foss Maritime Company announced that it plans to build the true hybrid tug boat, a “green” vessel that will significantly reduce harmful nitrogen oxide, particulate matter, sulphur dioxide and carbon emissions. It will also consume less fuel and be quieter than its conventional predecessors."