News

Maersk Becomes First Carrier to Offer Street Turn Services in the U.S.
by The Maritime Executive
Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Avantida, an E2Open company, today announced that Maersk, one of the world’s largest shipping lines, has started to offer street turn services on their platform in the United States and Canada. This represents Avantida’s first step into the US and Canadian markets.

Empty container triangulation, or the interchange of an intermodal container outside of a marine terminal or yard (street turns), is a well-known activity in the US. By offering this on Avantida’s online platform, transporter and logistics companies are freed from the administrative hassle of having to request and process street turns manually. Through the automated request process offered by Maersk, dispatchers and planners requesting street turns will get an accurate, reliable response in a matter of minutes. So not only will they enjoy the time and cost savings of carrying out street turns, they will also benefit from a fully digital process and, undoubtedly, aid in reducing CO2 emissions as these efficiencies help cut unnecessary truck miles.

“Both shipping lines and transporters continue to look for agile, cost-saving tools that can optimise their planning, and our platform has a proven track record of improving efficiency,” said Luc De Clerck, CEO, Avantida. “The platform has changed the way shipping lines in Europe are doing business, and after our launch in Mexico, it was a natural next step to introduce Avantida to the United States and Canada.”

Today, the Avantida platform is active in Belgium, The Netherlands, Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Lithuania, Scandinavia, Switzerland, the UK, Mexico and now the United States and Canada. Overall, the platform counts on over 4,000 registered companies and facilitates an average of 2,000 transactions a day.

ABS Grants AIP for Neptun's Wind Turbine Transport Vessel
by The Maritime Executive
Tuesday, January 15, 2019

ABS Grants AIP for Neptun's Wind Turbine Transport Vessel

"Blue Azurit" first vessel designed to transport components for turbines in excess of 9 MW

ABS has granted Approval in Principal (AIP) to Neptun Ship Design for its Wind Turbine Transport Vessel design, the first to support transporting parts for turbines greater than 9 megawatts (MW).

The 178m long Blue Azurit design allows wind turbine manufacturers to produce full length welded towers ready for installation. The energy-efficient vessel is designed to pick up components direct from the supplier’s berth, transport parts to an offshore harbor, or feed them to the installation vessel.

“The scale of offshore wind turbines continues to increase steadily, offering greater efficiencies to the market. We are working with Neptun to verify compliance with ABS Rules, as it strives to deliver enhanced vessel capabilities supporting the wind industry’s continued growth, while increasing reliability and efficiency,” said Wei Huang, ABS Director, Global Offshore.

“The ABS extensive offshore industry experience made them the natural choice to support this project. Blue Azurit will help the offshore wind industry meet pressure to reduce costs, minimize project risks, deliver higher reliability and support renewable energy targets from new offshore wind nations,” said Gerald Hadaschik, Neptun Managing Director.

In granting this AIP, ABS conducted a preliminary engineering plan review and considers, that the conceptual engineering is feasible for the intended application and is, in principle, in compliance with the ABS Rules for Building and Classing Offshore Support Vessels, 2018.

ABS remains the preferred classification organization for the offshore and energy industry as it has for more than 60 years. ABS has extensive experience supporting innovation in the offshore wind industry, including classification of Seajacks “Scylla”, the world’s largest and most advanced wind farm installation and offshore construction vessel, constructed by Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea. ABS is also playing a role in supporting the development of innovative concepts for future floating wind farm projects.

Nieuw Statendam Arrives with Artistic Edge from YSA Design
by The Maritime Executive
Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Around 2,500 original artworks aboard Holland America Line’s newest cruise ship look beyond simply working in sympathy with their seaborne surroundings to put the visual surprises of contemporary art at the centre of the cruising experience.
 
Developed by YSA Design and Art@YSA, curated art has been a special area of focus on board the 99,902gt Pinnacle-class vessel Nieuw Statendam, where it is seen as a key differentiator likely to catch the attention of new and repeat cruise guests alike.
 
As with sister ship Koningsdam, YSA Design has played a role on the 2,666-guest capacity ship, in this case developing and project managing the theatre, stairs & lift lobbies, Neptune and observation lounges, Tamarind Restaurant, spa, kids zones, all outdoor areas, magrodome and several other public spaces.
 
For Nieuw Statendam, YSA Design and Art@YSA have also envisaged how all ship interiors can be transformed by the introduction of often dramatic and sometimes playful contemporary art, going on to select works and manage their installation throughout the ship. Its team took account of the need to source some of the artworks to align with the fluid curves associated with the ‘Architecture of Music’ theme used across multiple Pinnacle-class interiors.

YSA Design chairman and partner Trond Sigurdsen said that the curated art project offers a distinct expression of HAL’s branding objectives. “Of course, all curated art must meet maritime safety rules and work in proportion to the height and other space restrictions on board ship but the curator’s role includes integrating bold and original art with spectacular ship design to create something even better. Appreciation of the arts is a theme running throughout Nieuw Statendam, but the curated art project as food for the mind of the cruise guest has been developed exclusively by YSA Design.”

Sigurdsen said that YSA Design had created Nieuw Statendam’s interiors that are light-filled and predisposed as settings in which to appreciate art. YSA Design and its forerunner company Yran & Storbraaten has worked with HAL since 2002, overseeing its increasing use of original artworks as a differentiator in a 10-ship collaboration, he added. “Visual arts have been pivotal in evolving the brand in a way that retains its classic associations but adds edginess to appeal to a broader demographic. Three works on Nieuw Statendam even use the HAL logo as their inspirational motif.” 

With 160 artists featured, the ship houses one of the largest art collections at sea, according to Anne-Cecilie Thidemansen, YSA Design`s art consultant. Its three stair towers, for example, are effectively vertical art galleries graced by limited edition photographs, paintings and sculptures. “Visually arresting art can help passengers get their bearings onboard a huge cruise ship but it also provides talking points and, on repeat viewing, can offer fresh discoveries. Art changes situations and environments, which means it can also change perceptions,” said Thidemansen.

Works onboard include contributions from established artists. One of the most intriguing works of art is the piece by Bernard Pras, which offers a deconstructed homage to Magritte in the form of a sculpture that requires a defined vantage point to be recognisable. From any other point of view, it appears to be a random collection of recycled waste. 

Other works provide examples of contemporary art playfulness: Deck 9, for example, features a version of the Michelangelo statue David holding a mobile phone. “The artist is saying something about classical sculpture and modern obsessions, but there’s a further layer of irony if passengers see David as a ‘selfie moment’,” said Thidemansen. 

She added: “Many of the artists on board are overdue for recognition, while others are young and emerging. It is a real pleasure to support talent wherever it is found, but there is also satisfaction in delivering fantastic pieces to the client knowing that prices will appreciate with wider exposure.”

Kontainers Makes Key Executive Appointments
by The Maritime Executive
Tuesday, January 15, 2019

After a break through 2018 signing multiple top 10 global carriers, top 20 freight forwarders, releasing a world first new product range and signing millions of dollars of new contracts, Kontainers, an enterprise software as a service company serving carriers and freight forwarders with their own branded platforms, is taking the next steps toward being a dominant force in Enterprise SAAS in the freight sector with a number of new appointments:

Jesper E. Thomsen - Adviser and investor

John Gilleran - Adviser

Graham Parker CEO says, "We are delighted to bring significant advisers of the highest caliber into the business as we head toward our next goal of $10m annual recurring revenue. The people we are bringing in and the team we are building reflect that ambition towards positioning ourselves as the Salesforce of shipping. Maersk recently commented that using Kontainers helped them to accelerate their journey at a critical phase, and having done this for the biggest and most advanced in the industry, we can do it for everyone else too!"

Charles Lee, CTO, commented, "Our ultra-modern multi-tenant architecture puts us in a great position for the next five years to build even deeper products for the wider freight industry. We will continue to focus on extending our platform capability that allows our clients to acquire their customers cheaper and easier than ever before, while adding advanced functionality to increase throughput and reduce operating costs."

Thomsen has been advising Kontainers since early 2018, and is an independent adviser and investor, but perhaps most known for his background with Maersk Line, where he was Vice President for the global sales and customer service functions, as well as headed up the digital transformation program. He adds: "I think there is a tremendous opportunity in the market to support the carriers and freight forwarders on their digital journey. It isn't obvious to an industry outsider, but they are capable of handling extreme complexity and they have customer relationships that go back several years - but they do need help, and Kontainers can be part of solving that problem much quicker and cheaper than they can do themselves."

Gilleran has global Enterprise software experience scaling companies and sold his company to Accenture during 2017. He adds, "The Kontainers team is at the forefront of the digital redefinition of the global ocean freight marketplace. This is a tremendous opportunity to be part of something very special, and I am delighted to be helping them on the journey."
 

Synergy Group Fleet Boosted by New 20,000+ TEU Container Ship
by The Maritime Executive
Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Synergy Group has taken delivery of Ever Gifted, an Ultra Large Container Vessel (ULCV) newbuilding constructed by renowned Japanese shipbuilder Imabari Shipbuilding.

Currently under Synergy’s technical management on Evergreen Line’s popular Far East-North Europe and Mediterranean service, the 20,000+ TEU capacity ULCV is one of the largest container ships in service worldwide.

“As a leader within the ship management sector, we are thrilled to join the 20,000+ TEU club,” said Captain Rajesh Unni, CEO and Founder of Singapore-headquartered Synergy Group. 

“The Ever Gifted is one of the highest capacity container ships currently in service. It is also one of the most efficient, enviro-friendly and impressive vessels deployed across Evergreen’s service network. It offers fuel-efficient headhaul options and slow steaming variations on backhauls. We are absolutely delighted to have been entrusted with its safe operation.”

The Singapore-flagged, 199,489dwt Ever Gifted has an overall length (L.O.A) of 399.98 metres, beam of 58.8 meters, total capacity of 20,388 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEU) and 1,300 reefer points.

Fitted with a fuel optimized MAN B&W 11-cylinder G95ME engine, Ever Gifted offers a service speed of 23.2 knots and weighs in at 217,762 MT.

On January 15, Synergy will take delivery of Ever Grade, a sistership of Ever Gifted also constructed by Imabari Shipbuilding. “We eagerly look forward to the addition of the next set of ULCVs joining our fleet in the very near future as their Owners take advantage of our expertise in the management of the world’s largest container ships,” said Captain Unni.

“With a fleet of more than 200 vessels covering all sectors of the commercial maritime fleet, adding these ULCVs to our fleet further emphasizes how Synergy Group has cemented it status as one of the world’s leading ship managers.”

Synergy continues to break new ground in technical and commercial shipmanagement innovation, consistently demonstrating its ability to manage the most technologically-advanced vessels joining the global fleet. In November last year, Synergy also joined with leading shipowners Reederei NORD and NISSEN Kaiun to set up N2Tankers, a new Aframax tanker pool. 

“I think we have shown time and again that Synergy is uniquely equipped to take on the most demanding technical and commercial shipmanagement challenges,” said Captain Unni.

“Two years ago, we prepared and trained specialized crew to operate the world’s first Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLEC). It is challenges like these that we excel in. It’s not only about managing traditional ships. As a technical partner for shipowners, we need to be prepared to take on the challenges posed by new technology.

“Larger ships result in more complexity. New technology brings many unknowns. Modern ship management is about preparing the next generation of crew to face these challenges and put in place processes that work seamlessly for these new kinds of vessel operations. Our teams have proven over and over that they can find the right solutions.

“These achievements would not be possible if our onshore and seagoing staff were not equipped and supported to ensure they perform to the peak of their capabilities.

“It’s all about people and building a unique culture. It takes time, but every step in that journey is worthwhile.”
 

[Week 3] Tuesday Oil Market Movements
by Ship Bunker
Tuesday, January 15, 2019

China promising tax cuts boosts crude prices by 3.2 percent.

Bunker Saving HullWiper Service Enters Africa
by Ship Bunker
Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Now available in Mauritius.

Video: Livestock Carrier Blown Aground off Turkey
by The Maritime Executive
Tuesday, January 15, 2019

The Lebanese-flagged livestock carrier Wardeh has gone aground near the port of Mersin, Turkey. The vessel dragged anchor in heavy weather and found bottom a few hundred meters from shore. 

The vessel had been anchored in the harbor for many months, and Turkish media reports suggest that she was awaiting new work after failed negotiations for a sale. Two crewmembers are on board, and Turkish Coast Guard teams are working to safely evacuate them. 

The storm also caused flooding along the port city's waterfront and along the Sini River. Strong winds with gusts to 55 knots toppled trees and billboards, and several buildings suffered damage. 

The 1978-built Wardeh is owned by a Lebanese company, and in recent years she was active in the South American livestock trade. A 2016 inspection in Cartagena found a wide range of deficiencies, including issues with her fire pump, main engine, lifesaving devices and MARPOL compliance. A followup in 2017 at the same port found additional issues, including several fire safety deficiencies related to firefighting equipment, alarms and means of escape.

Report: USS Fitzgerald's Deficiencies Were Worse than Acknowledged
by The Maritime Executive
Tuesday, January 15, 2019

According to a new report first released by Navy Times, the U.S. Navy's public assessment of the USS Fitzgerald collision did not disclose the full extent of the deficiencies on board the ill-fated destroyer.

In the early hours of June 17, 2017, the Fitzgerald's bridge team was navigating at 20 knots in heavy traffic on the approaches to Tokyo. Due to a loss of situational awareness, she collided with the merchant vessel ACX Crystal, causing hundreds of millions of dollars in damage to the destroyer and killing seven sailors. 

According to the Navy's public report, in the hours prior to the collision, Fitzgerald's bridge team did not did not maintain a proper lookout, broadcast AIS, properly tune their radar or follow VTS lanes. They also failed to communicate with other vessels or with their own ship's Command Information Center (CIC), even in extremis, and did not sound the general alarm until after the collision.

While these factors were concerning enough to prompt the Navy to remove all personnel involved - and to charge the Fitzgerald's commander with negligent homicide - the new report suggests that there was much more. 

A separate Judge Advocate General investigation was conducted in parallel, and its report was used for the Navy's own legal and disciplinary purposes. Its contents were not intended to see publication. According to this report, conducted by Rear Adm. (lower half) Brian Fort and first made public by Navy Times, the Fitzgerald's state of readiness had reached unusually low levels.

Upon boarding Fitzgerald after the accident, Rear Adm. Fort found the destroyer's CIC in disarray, filled with personal items, workout gear, trash, food waste and bottles of urine. Much of its high-tech equipment was broken, and the work orders to fix it had gone unfilled for months. On the bridge, the AIS system and the radar's auto-track (ARPA) feature were so unreliable that Fitzgerald's watchstanders did not use them. 

Based on interviews with Fitzgerald's crew, Fort concluded that morale was low and discipline was lax. "Procedural compliance by bridge watchstanders is not the norm onboard FTZ, as evidenced by numerous, almost routine, violations of the CO's standing orders," he wrote. Fort's team also administered Rules of the Road tests to Fitzgerald's officers and found that they averaged about 60 percent; three out of 22 scored above 80 percent. The minimum passing score for licensed American mariners is 90 percent. 

Fort also noted that Commander Bryce Benson was not on the Fitzgerald's bridge at the time of the collision, even though he had only been in command for a few days and had never sailed the Fitzgerald out of the busy waters off Tokyo. “It is inexplicable that neither Benson nor [his XO] were on the bridge for his first outbound Yokosuka transit as CO, at night, in close proximity to land, and expecting moderately dense fishing and merchant traffic,” Fort wrote. 

Mercuria's Proposal for Aegean Restructuring, DIP Plan Gets Court Approval
by Ship Bunker
Tuesday, January 15, 2019

The deal sees Mercuria get 100% of the New Common Equity in reorganized Aegean.