South East Shipping News

 

Maersk Line and Rickmers-Linie form U.S. flag project cargo partnership

September 19 - Maersk Line, Limited and Rickmers-Linie (America), Inc. have formed a partnership to provide breakbulk and project cargo shipping using two newly-built multi-purpose ships to be operated under the U.S. flag.

The partnership brings together the complementary capabilities of the two companies to offer customers a new option for moving large and heavy cargoes worldwide, says an official statement.

Both lines believe that customers seeking heavy lift multipurpose vessels under the U.S. flag will benefit from this partnership. The new 19,000 deadweight ton vessels, named Maersk Illinois (pictured below) and Maersk Texas, each have a combined maximum lift of 480 tonnes and are twice the size of U.S. flag multipurpose vessels currently in operation. The service will operate as Maersk-Rickmers U.S. Flag Project Carrier, Maersk-Rickmers for short.

“The Maersk-Rickmers service is designed for shippers needing U.S. flag service and seeking the advantageous economics of large multi-purpose vessels,” said Dave Harriss, director of Ship Management and Chartering at Maersk Line, Limited. “As part of our market analysis, we heard from shippers who said they want greater flexibility from their carriers and the ability to support all their cargo requirements. We listened, and the Maersk-Rickmers service is designed with our customers in mind.”

“The Maersk-Rickmers partnership will have a positive effect on U.S. trade by providing cargo owners the customer-oriented service that both companies are known for,” said Sean Carney, president and CEO of Rickmers-Linie (America). “This adds a new dimension to the portfolio of services Rickmers-Linie provides to customers in the project and breakbulk cargo markets.”

With more than 175 years to its name, Rickmers-Linie provides a global network of liner services for the transportation of power generation machinery, wind power equipment, railway locomotives, yachts and similar
cargoes and is recognised as a leader in ocean transportation of breakbulk, heavy lift and project cargoes.

Maersk Line, Limited (MLL) is an American company headquartered in Norfolk, VA that provides U.S. flag transportation, ship management and maritime technical services to government and commercial customers. As a business within the A.P. Moller - Maersk Group, MLL combines experience, maritime expertise and global reach.

“The introduction of these vessels further signals Maersk Line, Limited’s long-term commitment to the U.S. flag,” said John F. Reinhart, president and CEO of Maersk Line, Limited. “The partnership with Rickmers forms a strong team that will deliver outstanding service to shippers worldwide.”

The ships are currently under the Marshall Islands flag and are preparing for their maiden voyages. In November, the vessels are scheduled to complete the process to bring them under the U.S. flag. As the shipowner, MLL is responsible for the reflagging, a process it has completed almost 40 times since 2005.

Industry Financial Forecast - September 2011

Released 20 September 2011 Key points from our full report on the outlook for airline financial performance in 2011:

The deterioration in the economic outlook means that weak airline market growth and weak airline profits will extend into 2012; However, air travel has held up better than expected to date and airlines managed to restore asset utilization in Q2; As a result profitability this year has not weakened as much as expected - we have revised up 2011 forecast profits to $6.5bn (from $4bn); But with weak major economies, weak transport markets and slipping load factors in 2012 we expect another year of weak profits ($4.8bn); Whenever world GDP growth has fallen below 2% in the past 40 years the industry has made losses - forecast 2.5% growth this year and 2.4% in 2012 is perilously close to this (but I think it would be a mistake to go out, at this stage, with a forecast of losses based on a possible recession); Oil prices are expected to decline moderately to $100/b in 2012 but hedging, which limited fuel bill increases this year, will delay any reduction in fuel bills in 2012; Air travel markets are forecast to slow with economic growth from 5.9% to 4.6% growth in 2012 but air freight growth is expected to improve after growth of only 1.4% this year (partly due to recovery in Japan); The region with the weakest economic and home markets outlook - Europe - is expected to generate the lowest profits in 2012; The strongest region - Asia, including rebounding Japan - is expected to see airlines maintaining profit levels in 2012; Latin American airlines are forecast to generate the highest profit margins in 2011 and 2012, reflecting robust economies and business models; We have upgraded our forecasts for the Middle Eastern airlines as previous loss-makers improve performance and economies remain robust; North American airlines are expected to only add modestly to capacity which will limit the weakening of 2012 profits despite US economic worries.

Crowley sets up dedicated project cargo management division

September 20 – A Project Solutions group that “bundles company-wide capabilities and assets with world-class project management skills to provide complete turnkey marine solutions” has been launched by Jacksonville, Florida-based shipping group Crowley Maritime Corporation.

The ambition for the division, headed by Crowley vice president Craig Tornga, is to evaluate customers' overall project requirements to determine what services and assets Crowley can bring to the table, whether they are company-provided or from third parties, to provide comprehensive solutions to customers with multifaceted marine and offshore construction-related projects, says the company.

For customers in the upstream energy and offshore construction industries, Project Solutions can create project schedules and develop effective plans that have clear responsibilities and milestones. The team will manage the scope of each project, including identifying problems. Serving as the single point of responsibility, Crowley can align the efforts of designers, contractors, and third parties to project goals and standards.

Additionally, Project Solutions has access to a variety of Crowley-owned assets and equipment, including a diverse fleet of high-horsepower tugs and large deck barges. The company's 455 Series deck barges (121.9m x 32.0m x 7.6m) provide both the capacity and deck strength needed to accommodate large drilling and production units used for deepwater offshore energy exploration and development.

"Over the years, our work with upstream energy customers, whether their projects are offshore or onshore in remote locations, has typically taken us from a defined role to one of increased project management scope as we demonstrate our competence and professionalism," said Tom Crowley, chairman, president and CEO. "Putting some formal structure around our project management capabilities with talented people and processes will allow us to help customers transform ambiguous projects into ones that are focused, productive and deliver tangible results."

Vitol Pulls Plug on Port Everglades Oil Products Terminal Project

September 20, 2011 [OPIS] - Vitol has abruptly cancelled its $31.4 million plan to revamp and restart an oil products terminal at Port Everglades in Florida.

The latest news will further push back Port Everglades' plan to add products storage capacity, following lengthy delays due to bidding issues since 2009. However, Port Everglades may decide to pursue other uses for that unused terminal site. The pull-out news came as a surprise as Vitol had previously laid a master plan to expand aggressively in the Florida jet fuel supply and trading market. "We need to draft a memo to the Broward County Commission to let them know that Vitol/Blueknight has withdrawn," said an official at Port Everglades. "Then we need to determine if we want to go back out with a bid request. We may decide to use the land for other purposes. This has not been decided," he said. According to James Dyer, VP Business Development, Vitol and CEO of Blueknight Energy Partners, there are key issues that could not be resolved. Port Everglades was informed of Vitol's pull-out late last week. Vitol cited "indemnification against third-party environmental claims and the valuation of the improvements in the events of a termination for a breach by the County as one reason for the project cancellation. Vitol did not highlight any concerns about demand and supply in the Southeast market. In June, Vitol won the tender issued by Broward County to restart a products terminal at Port Everglades.   The Port Everglades terminal would have been the second terminal for Vitol in Florida.    Vitol owns and operates an existing jet supply and storage at its 2.8-million-bbl capacity terminal at Port Canaveral, which was opened for business in February 2009. The new terminal project at Port Everglades would cost $31.4 million.      The privately owned Vitol Inc. had said that it had the financial capacity to fully fund the capital investment required for the proposed new petroleum storage facility at Port Everglades. The company had Shareholder Equity in excess of $1 billion.   Vitol was expected to pay an annual base rent of no less than $1.05 million.    Unlike the Port Canaveral terminal, which has 24 tanks for gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, liquid propane and fuel oil, the new terminal at Port Everglades was to have an initial storage capacity to store 945,000 bbl of jet fuel and ethanol in 10 tanks.   Initially, Vitol planned to use seven tanks for jet fuel and one or two for ethanol.    Vitol Aviation planned to expand its business scope by delivering jet fuel to local airports in Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Palm Beach.   At the outset, all products would be either shipped to local airports or transferred intra-Port Everglades.    Port Everglades is considered the gateway to the Miami and Fort Lauderdale markets in south Florida. Vitol was not planning on storing diesel fuel or gasoline at Port Everglades.    However, should the product mix change in the future, Vitol would be willing to provide fuel to the County in the event of an emergency.     Vitol would receive ethanol from U.S. producers as well as from CBI countries.    Vitol and Blue Knight Energy Partners, which would operate the terminal, would accept third-party throughput volumes for any storage capacity not utilized for proprietary purposes.

    Bernuth, CMA CGM, Crowley, Seaboard, SeaFreight, and Zim raise rates

 

 

    Member lines of the Caribbean Shipowners Association: Bernuth, CMA CGM, Crowley, Seaboard, SeaFreight, and Zim will begin assessing a peak season surcharge fee on southbound shipments from the United States to Caribbean destinations from Oct. 9.

   The announcement was first made on Jan. 13 to allow exporters and importers time to include the surcharge in their 2011 business plans, CSA said.

   The peak season surcharge will remain in effect through Dec. 11, and is a temporary surcharge of $150 per TEU. It will be applied without exception southbound to all CSA Caribbean basin service destinations.

   “Stress on availability of containers and space to serve exports from United States may be expected to last through the 2011 peak season,” CSA warned. “The surcharge will enable carriers to recover the higher costs caused by projected increased volumes, including equipment positioning, labor overtime, port congestion, cruise liners and extra loaders.”

   The surcharge will be assessed as follows:

   • Twenty-foot container, $150.

   • Forty-foot container, $300.

   • More than 40 feet, $338.

   • Vehicles up to 700 cubic feet, $88 each.

   • Vehicles exceeding 700 cubic feet, $7 weight/measure (40 cubic feet or 2,000 pounds).

   • Breakbulk or less than containerload, $7 weight/measure (40 cubic feet or 2,000 pounds).

   • LCL (1 cubic foot), 17 cents per cubic foot.

   • LCL (100 pounds), 34 cents per cubic weight,

   CSA members are Bernuth, CMA CGM, Crowley, Seaboard, SeaFreight, and Zim. These carriers serve trade lanes between the United States and the Caribbean destinations of Anguilla, Antigua, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, Saba, St Barths, St Eustatius, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Maarten, St Vincent, Trinidad, Jamaica, Guyana and Suriname.

 

TUG ENGINEER - Port Everglades, FL

Division : Seabulk Towing, Inc.

Location : Port Everglades FL US 33316

Job Code : 298

Job Type : Full Time

Career Level : Experienced (Non-Manager)

Education : High School or equivalent

Category : Engineering,Maritime

Compensation : From 303 To 309 USD Per Day

Shift/Hours : One for One - 7/7

Job Description :

Seabulk Towing is one of the leading tugboat operators in the United States. Seabulk Towing operates along the Gulf Coast and Southeastern Seaboard.  We are currently seeking a Port Engineer to join our Port Everglades team.

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not limited to the following: 

1. The Engineer must operate diesel engines, air compressors, hydraulic and electrical systems, water and sewer systems, heating and cooling systems, and firefighting systems.
2. Conducts scheduled maintenance and housekeeping duties on machinery. Accomplish machine shop work, piping repairs, fuel oil/lubes loading/transfers, use hand, air and electrically powered tools, maintain repetitive motions when using a chain falls or operating valve knobs and wheels, and endure high ambient temperatures.
3. Assist on deck as needed with line handling duties. 
4. Responding to ship and oil spill emergencies that may require an ability to scale a 4 foot vertical height, ascend and descend 40 foot vertical ladders.
5. Ensure work assignments are safely and efficiently conducted according to Seabulk Towing’s Safety Management System Manual.
6. Ensure that all Federal and State environmental regulations are followed.
7. The Engineer will be responsible for completing the Engine Room Logs and entering the maintenance history into a computer based software program.

Seabulk Towing, reserves the right to revise or change job duties and responsibilities as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Job Requirements :

Required Qualifications:

   

Experience:  2 years or more Engineering seatime

 

Languages:  English

 

Skills/Software:  Basic computer skills

 

Licenses/Certifications:  DDE 4000 or higher

 

Traits:  Ability to work well with others, self starter, proactive

 

Preferred Qualifications:

 

Experience:  Harbor towing experience and/or work experience with Z-drives. Offshore/coastal towing experience recommended.

 

Skills/Software:  NS5 and/or other maintenance software programs

EOE/AAP

CMA CGM Group adds another Jacksonville service

 Wednesday, September 14, 2011,

  

Sarah Mueller

Reporter - Jacksonville Business Journal

 

 

The French shipping line the CMA CGM Group is adding Jacksonville as a direct port of call on a new service.

 

The addition to its CAGEMA Main Liner service includes direct service to New York. The port already has CMA service from Asia, but the new move adds service from the Caribbean, said Raul Alfonso, senior director of trade development and and global marketing for the Jacksonville Port Authority    .

 

CMA is the world’s third largest container shipping group and the largest shipping group in France.

 

The change became effective Sept. 9 and a ship has already made its first stop in Jacksonville. The new ports of call are intended to enhance East Coast port coverage, CMA said in a news release.

 

The company also switched the ports of Castries (St. Lucia), Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), El Guamache (Venezuela) and Oranjestad (Aruba) to other CMA CGM Group services.

 

“In addition to wider coverage of the U.S. East Coast, the combination of CAGEMA Main Liner, CAGEMA Inter Island, the PEX 2 loop 2 and the Venezuela Feeder means we can provide all these ports on a weekly basis with the same quality of service,” said Jean-Yves Duval, vice president of Caribbean and Latin America Lines.

 

The new CAGEMA Main Liner service rotation is now: New York – Savannah – Jacksonville – Miami – Kingston – Rio Haina – San Juan – Philipsburg – Vieux Fort – Bridgetown – New York.

Genting unveils US$3b Miami resort-casino plan

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay-led Genting Group had on Wednesday, Sept 14 unveiled an artist impression of its planned US$3 billion (RM9.24 billion) resort with four hotels, 50 restaurants along Biscayne Bay in Miami that could be completed within three to five years, if it gets a casino licence.

 

“If destination casinos are approved in the next year or two, they'll build it all at once,” Genting spokesman Tadd Schwartz was quoted by SunSentinel.com in a report dated Sept 14.

"If not, they'll build it as the market demands, and take 10 to 15 years."

In fact, with its recent purchase of the 650,000 sq ft Omni Mall site in Miami from a distressed seller, Genting could open a casino with restaurants, bars and entertainment facilities as early as in the Fall 2012, if allowed to do so, the Miami Herald quoted Colin Au, a Genting principal as saying on Sept 14.

Written by Cindy Yeap of theedgemalaysia.com

Thursday, 15 September 2011 19:12

By combining the Omni Center with the Miami Herald property and the Checkers site Genting purchased on Biscayne Boulevard, Genting has now assembled about 30 acres of land there, the Miami Herald reported.

As what Genting bought was some US$200 million worth of debt papers, there is still need to complete foreclosure of the Omni property, that includes the Hilton hotel, office tenants and parking garages, which would reportedly be retained.

Genting, whom alongside the world’s biggest casino names like Las Vegas Sands’ Sheldon Adelson who had been lobbying for Florida legislators to allow gaming outside tribal areas, is the first to unveil a big scale plan that could change Miami’s and the broader Florida state’s economic outlook if the Singapore-style multiplier effect is attained.

The project that would change Miami’s skyline would create up to 15,000 construction jobs and employ 30,000 in the long-term, the SunSentinel.com quoted Genting officials as saying.

Genting expects to be ready to start site work on the Miami Herald land as early as Spring 2012, and the project could be completed as early as the Fall 2014, the Miami Herald quoted chairman Lim as saying.

While architect Bernardo Fort-Brescia, who reportedly showed renderings of fish-shaped buildings, breezeways with ocean views and a 3.6-acre beach and swimmable lagoon, insists Genting sees gaming as “just one of many amenities”, analysts say Genting would have a harder time getting returns on its investment if a casino is not part of the equation.

That is mirrored by how construction will only be fast-tracked once it gets a go-ahead to offer blackjack, poker, roulette, craps, slot machines and other gaming favourites on the property built on a 13.9 acre site where the Miami Herald building sits.

Genting proposes 5,200 rooms spread over four hotel towers, two condominium towers with 1,000 units, a 700,000 sq ft convention centre, shopping space, 50 restaurants and nightclubs covering about 10 million sq ft on that land it paid US$236 million for on May 27 this year, according to news reports.

The project’s largest hotel will have 2,000 rooms, making it about 25% bigger than the Fontainebleau Miami Beach, the current leader.

A spot on the third and fourth floors have been staked aside for a casino.

"If you just drop a square box with slot machines and table games you won't have much of an economic impact," Genting’s Au was quoted as saying by SunSentinal.com. "But we think this will be the finest resort in America."

Architect Fort-Brescia sees the Resorts World site as a centerpiece to the three-mile section that runs past Bayfront Park, Bayside, AmericanAirlines Arena and the Adrienne Arsht Center.

"When you describe Miami and Florida, you inevitably come back to the water," he reportedly said. "We've captured that relationship with this design.

The state has yet to approve any kind of destination casino, let alone Genting's plan specifically, SunSentinel.com wrote.

The report also quotes John Lockwood, a gaming law expert in Tallahassee who represents several gambling interests as saying: "The Genting proposal creates a unique policy decision for state lawmakers that will require balance between generating substantial state revenue and creating a competitive environment where the destination casinos, pari-mutuel facilities and Seminole Tribe can prosper.”

“Competition is good,” the Miami Herald quoted Lim as saying. “The best should win. Hopefully we have done enough and continue to do enough to prove we are the best.”

Genting estimates that if two destination gambling resorts are approved for Miami, there would be a 30% growth in airline revenues — 5.4 million more airline passengers and another US$2 billion in revenue for the airlines and US$170 million in additional fees for Miami International Airport. The hotel industry would see a 50% gain in revenue or about US$1 billion, the news report read.

Genting has reportedly hired Washington Economics Group and Ardvin Laffer Moore to conduct independent studies to verify the economic impact of Resorts World Miami and destination resorts, with results expected within a month.

“Resorts World Miami will be someplace that’s unique and people will want to come to Miami to experience it,” Lim reportedly said. “It will be the face of Miami – hopefully.”

Meanwhile, US Representative Erik Fresen, R-Miami, and Sen. Ellyn Bogdanoff, R-Fort Lauderdale, reportedly say they will propose legislation for companies such as Genting to bid on licenses for resort-style casinos in South Florida.

"It won't be geared toward any one vendor," Bogdanoff reportedly said. "We're coming up with a concept and a framework, but at the end of the day you're going to have 160 people total [the House and the Senate] poking at this."

Genting, which already has Resorts World operations in Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines and soon, New York, also owns 50% of Norwegian Cruise Line Ltd that recently re-filed for listing in the US.

The group, also the UK’s largest casino operator, on June 28 this year was awarded a large casino licence to develop a leisure and entertainment complex at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham.

“Our goal is to create Resort World Miami as the most successful destination in the Americas,” Lim said in a statement dated Sept 15, issued after market hours to Bursa Malaysia.

Resorts World Miami will be the highlight of a three-mile Baywalk beginning at the Miami River and running north to Margaret Pace Park. The Baywalk will link Bayfront Park, Bayside Market Place, American Airlines Arena, Museum Park, the Miami Art Museum currently under construction, the new Miami Science Museum that’s being designed, the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts and the Omni Centre.

All that will be connected by new public spaces and pedestrian, jogging and cycling paths that would activate this stretch of partly completed Miami waterfront, its statement read.

Genting Bhd rose six sen or 0.64% to close at RM9.50 on Thursday while Genting Malaysia added three sen or 0.9% to RM3.36. On the Singapore Exchange, Genting Singapore advanced two cents or 1.2% to S$1.69.

 

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Important Meetings - Easy Links to each Section Biscayne National Park General Management Plan Joint Industry Update Luncheon Luncheon RSVP Link Directions to Industry Update Luncheon 16th Annual Yacht Sales & the Law Seminar! Topics and RSVP Information for Seminar Biscayne National Park General Management Plan Please Attend a Public Meeting on the Biscayne National Park General Management Plan    All Marine Council members are encouraged to attend one of the Public Comment sessions regarding the Biscayne National Park General Management Plan.  These changes will effect the Marine Industry.  Some of the alternatives may restrict fishing in large portions of the park.  It also potentially could propose to establish no motorized vessels along the shoreline.     Biscayne National Park seeks public comment on its management plan proposals. The public can comment at meetings THIS WEEK, through a National Park Service website detailing the alternatives or by mailing written comments by Oct. 31. Emails will not be accepted.   Click Here to review the plan        The Miami Herald reported last week that "There are five versions of the plan but in the "preferred alternative'' endorsed by park managers, the marine reserve would cover 16 square miles of shallow and deeper reefs starting just north of Caesar Creek and east of Hawk Channel."      Another alternative designed to maximize environmental protection would expand slow speed and no motor zones, more than double the size of the no-fishing zone and add an access-by-permit only area in shallow waters north of Black Point.    The four other alternatives call for changes affecting everyone who boats, paddles, dives, spears or fishes in a sprawling park that encompasses much of Biscayne Bay, stretching from Stiltsville down to just north of Key Largo, and covering Elliott Key and string of other islands as well as miles of heavily visited coral reefs.       PUBLIC MEETINGS   Tuesday, September 13, 2011  6:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m. Crowne Plaza Hotel   950 NW 42nd Avenue Miami, Florida    Wednesday, September 14, 2011 6:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m.    Florida City Hall 404 W. Palm Drive Florida, City, Florida    Thursday, September 15, 2011 6:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m.   Holiday Inn Key Largo 99701 Overseas Highway Key Largo, Florida Mailed comments:    General Management Plan Biscayne National Park 9700 SW 328th Street. Homestead, Florida  33033-5634    Website: www.parkplanning.nps.gov/bisc   More information: bisc_planning@nps.gov RSVP Today - Important Industry Luncheon! Our next Luncheon will be a joint meeting with various S. Florida Trade Associations including the U.S. Superyacht Association, the Marine Industries Association of South Florida and the Marine Council for an update on the Marine Industry! Wednesday, September 28, 2011 at Jungle Island 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, FL  33132    Come and network with not just your fellow Marine Council members, but also other industry professionals.  This meeting will include a panel discussion and update from each of the participating Associations.    Luncheon RSVP Information Please RSVP to the Marine Council office before:   Wednesday  September 21, 2011   Registration: 11:45 a.m. Lunch Meeting: 12:00 p.m.     Members: $30.00 (Includes members of any of the participating groups) Non-Members & Guests: $40.00     RSVP to Anne Hunt at  Phone: 954-523-1004 Email: anne@billfishtournament.com  Directions to Luncheon       Jungle Island 1111 Parrot Jungle Trail Miami, FL  33132     Map to Jungle Island     16th Annual Yacht Sales & the Law Seminar!   The Marine Council and FYBA present the 16th Annual Yachts Sales & The Law Seminar   Sponsored by   Alley Maass Rogers & Lindsay P.A. Willis Marine Superyacht Insurance     Tuesday, October 4, 2011 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  followed by a cocktail Reception Sheraton Airport Hotel   Dania, Florida Preliminary Topics Tenders and Toys. (Taxes & Closings) Welcome tot he Bahamas.  How to get in....., and how to get back home Broker Liability for Employees, Independents and Contractors Jurisdiction, Venue, Contracts and your Commissions Customs, Duty and Boat Shows New Proposals for Changes in the Ship Brokers Act     CPYB's attending will earn 8 credits towards recertification. Attorneys earn Florida Bar CLE credits.      All day seminars includes continental breakfast, a.m. break, lunch, p.m. break and cocktail reception.      Click here for more Information and Registration Form

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