Port Authorities
Easier Access to UK Tidal Data
The U.K. Hydrographic Office has released a new ADMIRALTY application programming interface (API) that puts U.K. tidal data in the hands of software developers.The U.K. Tidal API gives developers access to accurate data from the U.K.’s largest authoritative network of tidal stations, allowing them to build tidal height and time predictions into their own online applications. These predictions can be useful for a wide range of coastal activities, whether choosing the best time to go surfing and sailing around the U.K.’s beaches…
French Coastguard Searches for Quiksilver Boss Missing at Sea
The French coastguard on Tuesday searched for Pierre Agnes, the chief executive of U.S. surfwear retailer Boardriders Inc, after his 36-foot (10.97 m) sailboat was found washed up on the country's Atlantic coast. Rescuers were scouring the Bay of Biscay waters off Hossegor, a surfing resort from where the 54-year-old Agnes set sail early in the morning, the Landes prefecture said. Agnes sent a message to port authorities indicating that he was delaying his return because of thick fog. His beached boat was later found empty not far from Hossegor.
The 2nd Ballast Water Management Summit
Sign-up for this year’s most in-depth exchange of information and best venue for BWT stakeholders to network and meet regulatory peers is underway. Infocast’s 2nd Ballast Water Management Summit will take place in Long Beach, CA, from February 3-5, 2015. The Summit will host Regulators, Ship Owners & Operators, Shipbuilders, Water Treatment Specialists, Marine Equipment Suppliers, Port Authorities, Shipping/Maritime Associations and others as they exchange information and strategize cost-effective, practical solutions for BWM system compliance now and going forward.
New Procedures for Guanabara Bay Olympic Sailing Event
Port Authorities at Rio de Janeiro are preparing to introduce new procedures for the upcoming Olympic Sailing event to be held in the south and east side of Guanabara Bay in July and August. Sailing teams from around the world will take part and the Brazilian Olympic Committee expecting over 450 craft will participate. Guanabara Bay will be closed for all type of navigation between 11am up to 5pm for both the first stage (28 July-2 August) and the second stage of the event (2-9 August). - There will be 15 alternative anchorage áreas at the Outer Anchorage.
300 Missing After Korean Ferry Capsizes
Almost 300 people were missing after a ferry capsized off South Korea on Wednesday, despite frantic rescue efforts involving coastguard vessels, fishing boats and helicopters, in what could be the country's biggest maritime disaster in over 20 years. The ferry was carrying 459 people, of whom 164 have been rescued, coastguard officials said. It was not immediately clear why the Sewol ferry listed heavily on to its side and capsized in apparently calm conditions off South Korea's southwest coast, but some survivors spoke of what appeared to be an impact prior to the accident. "It was fine.
Monitoring System Takes Guesswork Out of Mooring Mega Vessels
Mooring of large vessels in the LNG, petrochemical and container sectors is an intricate and critical procedure. The process entails bringing together a moving object with a static object, and with the imminent advent of even larger vessels (liquefied natural gas tankers with a capacity of 200,000 cubic meters and container ships with a capacity of 22,000 TEU*), the forces involved are enormous. For tankers and bulk carriers, mooring frequently takes place alongside jetties at the end of finger piers…
Travelers Appoints Bill Queen as President of Ocean Marine
The Travelers Companies, Inc. announced that Bill Queen has been named President of Travelers Ocean Marine. In this role, Queen is responsible for the overall leadership and management of the Travelers Ocean Marine business. "Bill's extensive management experience has prepared him well for this role," said Jim Chapman, President of the Travelers First Party Group. Since joining the First Party Group four years ago, Queen has become increasingly involved with the Ocean Marine organization.
Marina Port Vell Transformation Approved
Marina Port Vell (MPV), Barcelona has announced the exciting news that the Board of Directors of the Port of Barcelona has approved the refurbishment of Marina Port Vell and an overall size expansion. This critical approval provides Marina Port Vell the opportunity to act on worldwide interest from yacht owners and captains to secure homeport and transient berthing needs. Additionally, the Port’s approval includes an extension of MPV’s concession period by 10 years until 2036; the original grant of Marina Port Vell was in 1991 and includes Barceloneta, the Clocktower and Deposit Quays.
3D Vessel Tracking: A New Course in Port Traffic Control
Marine operators and entities have long struggled with the most efficient, effective means to monitor and manage traffic in increasingly busy ports around the world. The marine industry, unlike the airline industry, is unique in that mixed with high levels of commercial traffic is a broad and ever changing mix of personal watercraft of varying sizes, with equal variables in terms of operator experience. Thus the ability to rapidly collect, compute, disseminate and act on information is central to safe port operations. A U.K.
