News
Aviation industry shows encouraging demand growth
Both passenger and cargo industries are showing encouraging signs for growth in 2010, according to the International Air Transportation Association.
The IATA stated in its latest Airlines Financial Monitor publication that the aviation industry is finally recuperating, particularly in Asian and developing markets.
International air passenger traffic grew 6.4 percent in January compared to a year earlier, with Asia, Latin America and the Middle East lifting demand, claimed IATA.
Cargo demand also grew 28.3 percent in January compared to the same month in 2009, as businesses moved to restock inventories, said the International Air Transport Association in a statement.
In the Middle East, demand soared 23.6 percent in January compared to January 2009, while in Latin America, growth was also a robust 11 percent.
A recovery in passenger traffic was noteworthy among Asian-Pacific carriers also, which showed a 6.5 percent growth.
In North America and Europe, carriers recorded a more muted upturn, with passenger traffic demand up 2.1 percent and 3.1 percent. IATA explained this sluggish yet steady recovery.
"This reflects the jobless recovery from the recession in which consumers are focused on paying down debt."
World airlines suffered a huge traffic decline since last year in wake of the economic crisis, making 2009 the "worst year the industry has ever seen," IATA had said, adding that recovery in 2010 would be take time.
09/03/10
BA cabin crew delay strike action amid hope of deal
British Airways crew members have agreed to suspend strike action amid rumours of a settlement with the company over their huge staff cuts.
Painstaking negotiations are still taking place with the Unite union and its cabin crew branch, BASSA, with BA executives. The decision to hold back the strike action was taken after crew members were informed by a valued source there could be a settlement in sight. This news has been well-received by holiday-goers hoping to travel over the Easter period.
Unite members endorsed strike action this earlier this week in a vote that saw an 80 percent call in favour of a walkout. Under trade union legislation, the union has until 22 March 2010 before its strike action authorization has expired.
However, the news of delay does not mean a strike if off the table. The BASSA website said the strike was “still very much on the cards” and “That strike could be announced at any time, depending on how BA now responds.”
2010 has seen extremely difficult times for BA with the airline in confrontation with staff since introducing a scheme that would see one less crew member during all long haul flights. The airline company are also hoping to lower the wages of staff and enforce further stringent contractual agreements.
BA is now pushing ahead with its fast-track recruitment of temporary staff if indeed the strike does go ahead.
09/03/2010
Oasis of the Seas fitted with cutting-edge navigation technology
Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas has been with fitted with the innovative navigation technology, MarineSTAR manoeuvring system.
The satellite aided navigation technology system primarily assists with the berthing of ships. Inspiration for the systems was drawn from American GPS satellite and the Russian GLONASS constellation.
The new system provides speed and heading information to a higher level of accurateness than the original navigational aids such as the gyro compass.
The MarineSTAR system installed on the Oasis of the Seas is embedded within a Sperry Marine Vision Master integrated bridge system.
Captain William Wright, senior vice president of Royal Caribbean International stated: "MarineSTAR provides highly accurate position information that has saved us time and fuel in docking operations as well as adding to the ship’s high performance navigation capabilities.”
Business development manager of the company, Haydn Jones, also added that work is well advanced on the system to assist with bunker fuel optimization, in addition to its navigation data functions as well as overall improved availability, integrity and reliability.
09/03/2010
European eel stocks plummet due to overfishing in France
Conservationists have grave concerns over depleting European eel stocks as the fish is placed under the endangered species list.
A recent EU campaign to save the endangered fish seems to have floundered because of French fishermen exporting too many new-born eels to China. France holds a staggering 90 percent of the continents eels and plays a critical role in saving the rapidly disappearing species.
French fishermen have been accused of acting recklessly with their colossal export plans. France hopes to farm a massive 14.5 tonnes of glass eels and export them to China, where they can fetch a huge sum of profit – 800 Euros per kilo. If they do participate in such destructive trade, the country will not be able to meet their preservation and restocking commitments which they had entered under an EU rescue plan.
The eel was added to Appendix Two of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species in 2007 which saw restrictions on fishing. Many European countries announced a voluntary ban on harvesting the fish despite being largely dependent on the sale of the fish as a prime source of income. However, France negotiated a set export quota of 14.5 tones, enabling them to use up to four million newborn glass eels, therefore inhibiting the reproduction of new stocks.
Andrew Kerr, the Sustainable Eel Group chairman commented: "It is highly likely that the 14.5 tones will absorb all the remaining catch in France, and short-term profit will triumph over sustainability."
"The ultimate effect of this plundering will be to slow the recovery of the eel, by losing them from their natural European environment. French fishermen are being permitted to make large short-term profit through exports to China in priority over meeting their EU obligation to make 35 per cent of the catch available for restocking.
"Should France continue with these exports and fail to put aside the 35 per cent they could be subjected to EU infraction proceedings."
09/03/2010
National Weather Service introduce new Hurricane Wind Scale
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced it is adopting a new hurricane scale starting from this season.
The new scale, Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, is an improvement on the original Saffir-Simpson Scale model as it no longer ties specific storm surge and flooding effects to each category. Taking the advice from highly respected wind scientists and industry officials, modifications of the scale were made because associated flooding and storm surge values are reliant on a combination of the intensity, size and motion of the storm as well as the depth of the near shore waters and local topographical features.
NOAA illustrated the need for the improved wind scale by examining Hurricanes Ike and Charley. Hurricane Ike was a large storm that was classed as a Category 2 hurricane, with a peak storm surge of 15 to 20 feet. However, Hurricane Charley, which struck Florida in 2004, was a Category 4 hurricane, but only produced a peak storm surge of 6 to 7 feet.
It is hoped in decoupling these variables the forecasting and prediction of storms can be more reliable than ever. NOAA’s dedicated scientists use cutting-edge research and high-tech instrumentation to provide citizens, planners, emergency services with reliable information when they need it and consistently look to improving their essential marine resources.
09/03/10
Diana Shipping To Confirm New Container Shipping Line Investment
Bulk ship operator Diana Shipping has confirmed that they have agreed to invest US$50 million in the previously announced new project involving a company formed for the purpose of investing in containerships.
The investment by Diana is equivalent to an interest of approximately 38% of the common shares of the new company. The balance of the new company’s common shares is being purchased by institutional and accredited investors in a private transaction. The funds raised are anticipated to be used in investment in vessels for the new line over the next 12-18 months.
Diana Shipping will also enter into administrative and vessel management agreements with the new company and certain Diana Shipping executives will also hold positions as executives of the new company.
In addition, Diana Shipping has agreed not to invest in any other container shipping line, while the new company has agreed not to invest in dry bulk carriers.
The news comes after a successful start to the year for Diana, which has managed to secure several lucrative contracts for its Panamax fleet of bulk vessels.
Recent good performances in the bulk market due to continued demand for raw materials, especially from China, means it appears that Diana is doing well enough to enter the depressed container shipping market in anticipation of an improvement in that sector as the global economy improves.
Source:http://www.dianashippinginc.com/
23/02/10
Princess Cruises to build newer and larger cruise ships
Princess Cruises has just announced plans to build two new cruise ships. The new additions are set to be the largest cruise ships in Princess’ fleet.
Although there was speculation just a few weeks ago that the cruise line was considering building a new ship, this is the first formal confirmation of the deal.
The first of the new ships is expected to be introduced in 2013, with a second ship launched during the following year. Princess Cruises has called upon Fincantieri to construct the new ships.
According to Princess Cruises, both new ships are expected to weigh around 139,000 tons. The cruise ships will be among the largest in operation with the capability to accommodate approximately 3,600 passengers.
At the present time, the Ruby Princess is the largest cruise ship in Princess’ fleet weighing 116,000 tons. The new ships that are set to be constructed are dwarfed only by the largest ships including Royal Caribbean’s recently launched Oasis of the Seas, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, and the Norwegian Epic which is expected to debut this summer.
Regarding Princess Cruises cruise ships, cruise expert Stewart Chiron said "You can go on any of their classes of ships and feel right at home. With the interior decor and the flow of the ships, its very easy for a Princess Cruises passenger to become very accustomed to going along." Chiron also pointed out that the cruise line maintains a loyal base of repeat passengers.
Source:http://www.bestcruisedeal.co.uk/news_detail.asp?newsid=451/princess-cruises-to-build-newer-and-larger-cruise-ships
23/02/10
China opens fourth port to International cruise ships
The Tianjin Port in the north of China will this year open to international cruise ships for maintenance and refuelling.
It is expected the fourth port in China will see the world’s leading cruise companies, such as Costa Cruises and Royal Caribbean International, make Tianjin its homeport for their cruises on their Asian itineraries from this year.
The increase in cruise ship infrastructure is expected to act as a boost in tourism numbers for China which has already seen an increase over the past few years. In 2009 numbers visiting China hit a staggering 200,000 compared with 10,000 recorded in 2005.
A spokesperson for the Tiankin Port Group stated the homeport will have two berths in use for Costa's ship Costa Romantica and Royal Caribbean's ship Legend of the Seas in June and explained the Tianjin port will offer comprehensive services for the ships, including loading supply, maintenance and disposing waste. Both Costa Romantica and Legend of the Seas will start and finish their cruises in Tianjin on their journeys between China, Japan and Korea in summer 2010.
The spokesperson for the Tiankin Port Group group explained the company would build another four berths in the homeport if the cruise business was successful.
12/02/10
Dredging for Scallops banned in Welsh waters
Welsh scallop fishing is set to be banned in several areas off the Welsh coast to protect habitats, stock levels and marine species.
The Rural Affairs Minister for the Welsh Assembly Government, Elin Jones, announced today the new regulations for scallop fishing will come into action on 1 March 2010.
Plans to protect and conserve scallop fishing have been on the agenda since October in response to depleting stocks. A main factor for the dwindling numbers had been the poor management of fishing in the Cardigan Bay area, with scallop harvesting reaching a 15-fold increase.
Ms Jones told the BBC:
“My decision to introduce these regulations follows the significant increase in scallop dredging activity within Cardigan Bay over recent years. The new regulations will protect scallop stocks and safeguard important marine species and habitats through a range of technical and spatial restrictions.
The technical measures introduced will enhance management of the scallop fishery in Welsh waters, while the spatial restrictions will control the activity in areas which have been identified as important to vulnerable marine species and habitats.”
However, one area of Cardigan Bay will remain open for scallop dredging on the basis of advanced research by Bangor University and advice from the Countryside Council for Wales.
Ms Jones is now set to tackle the management of cockle and mussel fishing in a similar attempt to curb the damaging effects of overfishing.
12/02/10
BA suspend staff over chat room slander
One of Britain’s most respected and established airlines are in major disputes with its employees after discovering defaming comments left by cabin crew in an online chat room.
British Airways said it was given no choice but to take action over "inappropriate postings" made on the website of union Unite, and added that the company would not accept such malicious comments.
BA has come under fire from employees and industry officials alike after the suspension of crew over the comments. Many see the drastic action taken by BA on its staff as an attempt to smother the employee’s voices and opinions and therefore impeding on their right to freedom of speech.
The need for open dialogue and transparency has long been a crucial aspect to ensure employees, stakeholder and industry are communicating effectively in order to work together toward a common goal. Therefore, it is essential companies have an open forum to discuss critical matters which could lead to such frustration experienced felt by British Airways. Crew 2 Crew’s communications portal provides an autonomous and neutral platform for both industry and crew members alike and hopes to counteract such intense problems within crew industries.
Unite is now threatening further strike action over what they claim to be appalling jobs and working conditions. The result of the ballot for airline employees is due to be announced on 22 February 2010.
12/02/10
Amver Realease new iPhone app
Amver announced today that they have launched a new app on the iTunes store for iPods and iPhones. The app aims to provide a single, one-click source for followers of Amver to keep track of their twitter feed and blog posts. Recognising the changing way in which users consume new media, this launch 'ensures our program has a foothold in the future' a spokesperson for Amver said.
Amver, sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, is a unique, computer-based, and voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to persons in distress at sea.
08/02/10
United States Navy Ship to aid Haitian Earthquake victims
International Navy and Army forces have started to fly out wounded victims of the Haitian earthquake to the USNS Comfort Hospital ship, owned by the United States Navy.
Captain Richard Sharpe, a Navy trauma surgeon, explained the ship would be used to its full potential and capacity to allow as many patients to be seen as possible.
"The Comfort is going to full capacity. . . .We’ve never done this before.” However, in these extreme circumstances all resources are being pushed to the limit.
Patients with extreme or life threatening injuries are prioritized and will be transported by Red Cross trucks to a nearby landing pad where Blackhawk helicopters will lift the injured to the Comfort hospital ship. After treatment, Haitian volunteers and troops from Hynes’ 1st Battalion of the 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment will take the patients to Army ambulances.
The main challenge of the operation, Capt. Sharpe explained, is not getting patients to the operating room but employing an efficient strategy to allow the fast flow of patients and as many victims to be treated as possible. Capt. Sharpe postulated the biggest test would come after surgical treatment – the control of patient flow on and off of the ship. “If we can’t move them off the ship, it becomes a floating hotel…The two-way street is a tough thing to set up.” As well the efficient flow of patients, a focus must also be kept on the post-treatment care of victims to ensure they have somewhere to recover and recuperate after treatment.
01/02/10
30-Foot waves batter Container Ship in Hawaiian 3-day storm
The Horizon Hunter was heading for Guam when it was caught in a violent three-day gale which saw 30-foot waves and winds up to 50 mph batter the large container ship, hurling six shipping containers overboard.
As the container ship reached Honolulu, the evidence of the storm was clear by the dozen of skewed and misplaced shipping containers, some cascading over the edge of the ship’s hull. Several containers stored above deck were damaged as the storm hit its peak on Thursday night, the company said. However, cargo in transit is covered by insurance to allow for these unpredictable occurrences.
Horizon Lines commented that none of the ship’s crew were injured in the 3-day storm and there was no substantial damage to the ship’s hull.
Hawaiian Stevedores are now working with the Coast Guard and state harbour officials to clean up and remove the containers to protect against any possible cargo leaks or spills. The Horizon Hunter is set to resume its expedition to Guam in the next few days.
01/02/10
US to send thousands of Marines to Haitian earthquake relief
The United States is sending another 4,000 sailors and marines to Haiti following criticisms that President Barrack Obama went back on his promise of intensive help and involvement from the US government.
The 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and USS Nassau Amphibious Ready Group would "significantly" increase the ability to quickly provide aid, the navy said. Survivors in some towns are still waiting for help after the original 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck eight days ago. Furthermore, the additional aftershock that rocked that capital is still thought to have possibly caused further casualties.
Haitian officials say the number who have died as a result of the quake is likely to be between 100,000 and 200,000 - 75,000 bodies have already been buried in mass graves. However, UN officials have stated it is likely the actual number of people who have died will never be fully established.
People are still being found alive in the rubble and time is now critical for the possibility of still finding survivors. However, the added help of US marines and sailors is hoped to dramatically increase rescue efforts.
21/01/10
The New Queen Elizabeth cruise ship sets sail in style
A bottle of Prosecco was ceremoniously smashed against the side of the new Queen Elizabeth cruise ship in a traditional Italian ceremony to mark the ship's first journey.
The chief engineer known for his innovative and original ship construction, Willie Farmer, sadly passed away soon after the construction of the ship and had worked on both the original and iconic Queen Elizabeth and the QE2.
Following the traditions for the Italian 'float out' and birth of ships, the Queen Elizabeth 2 was sent out into the Adriatic Sea by the opening of the floodgates at the entrance of the dry dock at the very same place the cruise liner was welded together.
The latest QE2 furthers the trend in modern luxurious cruise ships while still holding resemblance to the original ship, with highly decorative and sophisticated art deco influences. The regal cruise liner boasts a cavernous ballroom, numerous dining rooms, bowling green, croquet lawn, on-board gym as well as an 800-seat theatre.
The vessel's first world voyage will commence January 2011 and will dock from Southampton to over 23 countries.
20/01/10
The end of an era in Maritime Navigation
THE U.S Secretary of Homeland Security has announced that the widely utilised maritime navigation system, LORAN C, will cease from operations in United States waters from 8 February 2010. The termination of the once revolutionary navigational service is as a result of further developments in the field of navigational technology.
LORAN C has provided many seafarers with precise navigation for years, however the infrastructure has now been taken over by Global Positioning System (GPS). GPS has become a widely used aid to navigation worldwide, as well as being a useful tool for map-making, scientific uses, tracking and surveillance. A public outreach campaign has now commenced to phase out the old navigation system and decommission the stations operating the system.
However, there will not be a complete wipe out of the navigational technology. Five LORAN stations that are a part of international agreements with Canada and Russia will remain in operation until the agreement has expired.
Many will be saddened to see the termination of LORAN C operating centres and their rich history in serving some of the harshest and most remote environments on Earth.
Homeland Security express their recognition and appreciation to all those who have served at LORAN operating centres and stress their aim to minimize any adverse effects the closure of LORAN Stations and termination or LORAN C technology will have on communities.
20/01/10
Australian Flight Safety Foundation launch ground-breaking helicopter safety initiative
The Flight Safety Foundation has today launched the Australian Helicopter Advisory Group (AHAG), a group which aims to pursue the continuous improvement of helicopter safety and the prevention of accidents. The independent group will identify current and emerging safety issues and work to address problems and provide an independent voice within the industry
The creation of this independent body has been greeted with great enthusiasm from various Australian industry authorities, in particular the Australian Transportation Safety Board who seek to support any process that enhances safety and protection in the previously hazard-ridden industry. The AHAG group is predicted to have the potential to transform and galvanize safety procedures as well as being an effective vehicle in promoting dialogue and communication within the industry.
The Australian Helicopter Advisory Group (AHAG) is made up of more than 20 experts from every facet within the Australian aviation industry. The group's founder, Flight Safety Foundation, is a non-profit, international organization concentrating on research, education and book publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation's mission is to pursue the continuous improvement of global aviation safety and the prevention of accidents.
Although the independent safety body is focusing on the challenges facing the Australian aviation industry primarily, it is believed their findings will be greatly valuable to an international audience and further develop safety within the aviation industry on a world-wide scale.
11/12/09
Shell admits spilling over 60,000 barrels of oil in Nigeria
Oil giant Shell has confessed to emitting approximately 61,000 barrels of crude oil in Nigerian waters last year, greatly due to the activities of militants in the Niger Delta.
Shell claims that over 48,000 barrels of oil spilled was as a result of armed and dangerous activist groups blowing up pipelines in numerous separate incidents.
The extreme rise of spillages in the transnational company became significantly greater last year as company officials were apparently stopped by local communities from sealing oil leaks, according to Shell's Nigerian subsidiary - Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).
The Nigerian subsidiary also reported nearly 100 incidents of crude oil theft last year, as well as criminal incidents of pipeline theft and 'malicious damage'.
Nigeria's Shell Petroleum Development Company is the largest private-sector oil and gas company and has over 6,000km of pipelines, and 90 oilfields in the Niger Delta.
11/12/09
Finnish designers reveal the latest in cruise ship design
Finnish shipbuilders have given a sneak peak of their new innovative designs for modern cruise liners.
Renowned for innovation, the Finnish team of designers claim to have built the world's largest cruise liner set to hit international docks within a year.
STX Finland Cruise claim to have solved many angsts traditional cruise ships suffer from - such as aesthetics, speed and fuel efficiency; design issues parallel to that of the aviation industry. Aesthetics have been the main agenda covered with the once traditional and static sun deck now transforming into radical interchangeable platform, so that customers are met with something entirely new for each occasion.
Elaborate features also include a 750 - seat theatre modeled on an ancient Greek amphitheater, a skating rink and a youth area.
Although the plans are still to be fully revealed, graphical animations of the ocean cruiser show it to be a truly visionary concept, one set to transform passenger experiences for the future.
26/11/09
Oil giant confirms staff cuts are imminent
Fears have been heightened among Shell workers as the oil giant announces plans to dramatically cut its global workforce.
A further blow from the global recession has meant the oil conglomerate has had to restructure and reorganize jobs by the end of this year, a plan deemed 'Transition 2009', rumored to see a substantial cut of 10,000 jobs worldwide.
Shell's Chief Executive, Mr Voser, refused to say how many posts among the global workforce of 102,000 could be under threat in the restructuring which started earlier this year.
A shell spokesperson explained the reasons for the job massacre is the reduction of costs and overall time management of the company, commenting:
"Shell needs to become a more efficient company, with faster decision-making, sharper implementation of strategy, and more focus on costs and value. Transition 2009 is the beginning of that change."
Top management jobs are expected to be hit the hardest, with the effect on the offshore workforce thought to be minimal. However, with Shell earlier this month announcing a 70% drop in profits, no workers are in a position to feel comfortable.
19/08/09