Piraeus Port Authority SA announces the completion of the tender and the finalisation of the contract with COSCO SH (Dalian) Shipyard Co. Ltd for the purchase of a new floating repair dock with the following particulars:

Length: 240m. Width: 45m, Draft: 18m, Capacity 205,66t and lifting capacity: 22,000t.

The Dock will be moved and installed in the Ship Repair Zone of Perama after the completion of the necessary infrastructure works in the area. The whole process is expected to be completed by February 2018.

The purchase price of the Dock is twenty-three million eight hundred and thirty-five thousand Euro ((€ 23,835,000.00)

It is also noted that the tender for the appointment of a subcontractor for the project “Improvement of the infrastructure of the Ship Repair Zone (including the floating repair docks) – Phase A” of a sum €6,037,559.29 (excluding VAT) is currently in progress.

CEO of PPA SA captain Fu Chengqiu, on the occasion of the purchase of the large floating repair dock, stated that the investments in the SRZ provided for in the concession contract continue, showing the commitment of PPA and COSCO SHIPPING in the revitalization of the Greek ship repair industry and the creation of new job positions.  

The second annual The Maritime Standard Tanker Conference, which takes place on Tuesday 24th October at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Dubai, has assembled some of the leading names in the industry to speak at the event.

Collectively they will address the top issues facing tanker owners and operators today, making this a must-attend occasion for anyone involved in the oil, products and chemical tanker business.

4th September, Dubai, UAE: Cybercrime is a matter of growing international concern within the tanker shipping sector and The Maritime Standard has responded by making this a key topic for this year’s event. Trevor Pereira, managing director, says, “We have received phenomenal support from the shipping industry for this conference, including the backing of the world’s biggest shipping organisation, BIMCO. One of the highlights of the day is sure to be the presentation by Phil Tinsley, BIMCO’s maritime security manager. This will be an informative session and a timely reminder that cyber security should be on everyone's agenda.”

Mr. Tinsley will illustrate the potential threats from cyber incidents and give advice about how to mitigate those risks through awareness and training. BIMCO’s recently updated industry guidelines will be explained, and attendees will be given an insight into future regulations which will require action by the industry from 2021 onwards, as part of ships’ Safety Management Systems. 

Mr. Tinsley says, “The recent NotPetya ransomware attack and the spoofing of GPS signals in the Black Sea illustrate cybercrime is on the increase in all sectors of the maritime industry. Companies need to be aware of how to handle phishing emails, and to have policies in place to ensure operational and information technologies are separated on board.”

The Maritime Standard Tanker Conference will also feature some of the most high profile and respected names within the region’s tanker and petrochemicals business. The keynote speech will be given by H.E. Sheikh Talal Al-Khaled Al Sabah, chief executive of the Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC), who will reveal plans to expand and upgrade its tanker fleet, as well as initiatives to protect the environment.

Other confirmed speakers at The Maritime Standard Tanker Conference include: H.E. Eduardo Fonseca Ward, Ambassador, Republic of Panama; Ali Shehab, Deputy CEO, Kuwait Oil Tanker Company; Chris Peters, Chief Executive, Emirates Ship Investment Company; Sanjay Mehta, Chairman, S One Capital; Gaurav Moolwaney, Executive Director, Standard Chartered Bank; Petros Doukas, Former Deputy Minister of Finance and Foreign Affairs, Greece; Tarik Al Junaidi, Chief Executive, Oman Shipping Company; and Omar Abu Omar, President, Maritime & Operations, Gulf Navigation Holding. They will be joined by experts in specific operational sectors, such as ship management, communications, ship repair, classification and security, with Captain Patnaik, Director and CEO, International Shipping and Logistics; Roger Harfouch, Regional Director, Marlink Communications; Dr. Ruanthi De Silva, Chief Executive, SCM Plus; Thomas Kriwat, CEO, Mercmarine Group; Lakshmi Janarthanan, Commercial Director, Drydocks World Dubai; Ralph Becker, Regional Business Development Manager, DNV GL; and Katherine Yakunchenkova, General Manager, Al Safina Security, all confirmed to speak.

Trevor Pereira adds, “This is quite simply the finest assembly of the best known names in the region's tanker trade and related industries. We hope to add a few more high profile speakers in the next few weeks, so watch this space!”

The quality of The Maritime Standard Tanker Conference has also won the support of several leading organisations as sponsors and supporters. Alongside BIMCO, these include the Dubai Council for Marine and Maritime Industries (DCMMI); the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST); the Organisation of Islamic Shipowners Association (OISA), the Nautical Institute; The Indian National Ship Owners’ Association (INSA); The Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA); The Mission to Seafarers; Pakistan Ship Agent’s Association (PSAA) and the Women in Shipping and Transport Association (WISTA).

The Maritime Standard Tanker Conference takes place the day after the 4th annual Maritime Standard Awards, which are being held at The Atlantis, The Palm, Dubai on Monday 23rd October 2017. This is a glittering event attended by over 750 senior executives and industry leaders not just from across the region, but worldwide also. Many of these figures have committed to stay on and attend the Tanker Conference, creating unrivalled networking opportunities for those attending.

For more information about the Tanker Conference please go to www.tmstankerconference.com 

For more information about The Maritime Standard Awards please go to www.tmsawards.com

USCG Type Approval of Ecochlor’s unique, patented treatment technology now offers an alternative to UV and Electrochlorination. No treatment on discharge or neutralization is required with the Ecochlor® BWTS!

MAYNARD, MA (August 10, 2017) ─ Ecochlor is pleased to announce that its patented BWTS has received USCG Type Approval. The EcochlorÒ BWTS uses a two-step process that includes filtration and treatment with chlorine dioxide (ClO2). It is completely effective on all aquatic invasive species regardless of water turbidity, salinity or temperature.

Tom Perlich, President and Founder said, “The Ecochlor BWTS works just as effectively as it did when first installed in a ship in 2004 without any fundamental changes. Since that first system was sold, the Ecochlor System has undergone extensive testing and received International Maritime Organization (IMO) Type Approval (2011), US Coast Guard (USCG) Alternative Management System (AMS) Acceptance (2013), and numerous classification society approvals including Lloyd’s Register, American Bureau of Shipping, Class NK, Bureau Veritas, and RMRS. USCG Type Approval, Ecochlor’s final benchmark, validates all the hard work we expended to ensure there is a reliable, efficient, cost-effective treatment system available to shipowners.”

The Ecochlor System provides shipowners with several unique features. One of these is low power consumption, perhaps the lowest in the industry. Typical power requirements for the Ecochlor System treating a total flow rate of 8,000 m3/hr is 12 kWh, with maximum requirements reaching only as high as 35 kWh.

“Not only does the Ecochlor BWTS have low power consumption, it is highly effective in all types of waters, said Steve Candito, Ecochlor’s CEO. The system was engineered with many safety and redundancy features, such as pressurized double wall storage tanks, flow controls and a vacuum mixing chamber where the chlorine dioxide is generated on-demand. Along with supplying a highly effective, safe technology, Ecochlor is committed to offering a more efficient retrofit experience. We are pleased to now list USCG Type Approval Certification among our many achievements.”

Another important feature of the Ecochlor System is a small footprint, which makes it extremely space efficient, even for larger capacity systems. The BWTS offers a modular approach providing further flexibility in tight spaces. Typically, only a single treatment system is required, with up to three chemical injection points connected to the vessel’s ballast lines. USCG Type Approval has been issued for Ecochlor Systems capable of treating ballast flow rates from 500 m3/hr to 16,200 m3/hr.

Marcie Merksamer, Vice President of EnviroManagement, Inc. adds, “For all system manufacturers, getting through the USCG Type Approval process is a long journey, with challenges and successes along the way. I’m pleased to have assisted Ecochlor and collaborated with DNV GL, Golden Bear Facility, and the USCG during the process, and I congratulate the Company on successful completion of USCG Type Approval.”

Perlich said, “Ecochlor’s focus has always been to help shipowners meet regulatory requirements in the most effective and efficient way. In the past year, we have seen significant activity from shipowners who recognize the value of all the benefits in the Ecochlor System. As one of only five USCG Type Approved BWTS in the world, this approval adds Ecochlor to a group that has successfully demonstrated that they can meet the most rigorous testing requirements worldwide.”

Euploia Drydocks and Services Ltd is Ecochlor’s Exclusive Agent in Greece

About Ecochlor

Ecochlor is the only company utilizing the patented chlorine dioxide (ClO2) treatment technology for ballast water and does not require treatment or neutralization on discharge. The system’s efficacy is not impaired by variations in salinity, temperature, turbidity, organics, and vibration. It’s low power requirements make it ideally suited for mid-sized to the world’s largest ships. 

On 9 September around 2:45am local time, the double-bottomed oil tanker Agia Zoni II sank while at anchorage west of the port of Piraeus, Greece. The vessel had on board 2 200 tonnes of fuel oil and 370 tonnes of marine gas oil. Consequently, an oil spill was reported in the area and the east coast of Salamina Island polluted.

On 13 September, the Greek authorities requested the mobilisation of the Aktea OSRV, an oil spill response vessel contracted by EMSA from the Greek company, Environmental Protection Engineering (EPE), and operating in the Aegean Sea. Within a few hours, during the night, the ship ceased its commercial activities and prepared for pollution response operations. The vessel has been on site since 11am local time, 13 September, and is recovering the oil leaking out of the wreck under the command of the Greek authorities.

In order to assess the extent of the spill, the Greek authorities also requested additional satellite images from EMSA. 

“This assistance to the Greek authorities clearly demonstrates the added advantage Member States can have by requesting additional response assets which are available across the European coastline and can be mobilised quickly. It also highlights the responsiveness of EMSA’s satellite image service”, said EMSA Executive Director, Markku Mylly.

The Aktea OSRV is an oil tanker built in 1989 and contracted by EMSA to cover the Aegean Sea area. Transporting oil is the main commercial activity of the vessel. The Aktea OSRV has a storage capacity for recovered oil of 3 000m3 , a heating capacity of 3 000kW and a pumping capacity of 1 000m3 /h.

The on board pollution response arrangement includes two rigid sweeping arms (15m each), two single point inflation booms (250m each), one high capacity skimmer and slick detection radar. Additional equipment includes: a gas detector, mini lab and flashpoint tester.

Korean Register has joined Green Award as a part of its incentives program, offering Green Award certificate holders a special discount on a subscription to its database of IMO instruments - KR CON.

:(from left) Mr. H. C. Lee (Excutive Vice President, KR), Mr. Lee Jeong-kie (Chairman & CEO, KR), Dr. Peter M. Swift (Member of the Advisory Board of the Green Award Foundation), Mr. Jan Fransen (Managing Director, Green Award Foundation)

Ships certified by the Green Award Foundation have a proven record of commitment to superior safety and quality standards as well as demonstrating responsible environmental performance. The certification program is voluntary and supported by a large number of ports, maritime related organisations and companies, it  encourages high standards and best practices in shipping by providing special deals and discounts to Green Award certificate holders.

On Wednesday 13 September, 2017, Korean Register became part of this network of socially responsible incentive providers.

Korean Register works to promote safe ship operations and clean oceans, safeguarding life, property and the environment through the pursuit of excellence in its rules and standards.  Korean Register is offering Green Award certificate holders a 30\% discount on a subscription to KR-CON, its award winning electronic database which contains all of the latest IMO conventions, codes, resolutions and circulars.

A formal ceremony was held in London. "On behalf of the Green Award Committee, I am honoured and delighted to welcome the Korean Register into the Green Award family," said Dr. Peter M Swift, a member of the Committee. "Green Award members are at the forefront of environmentally and socially sustainable shipping, showing leadership by pursuing core values of Corporate Social Responsibility in the maritime industry. Together we will continue our work to improve standards and to promote green shipping practices."

Mr. Lee Jeong-kie, Chairman and CEO of Korean Register added: "We are proud to offer KR-CON to Green Award certificate holders as an incentive and reward for more environmentally friendly operations. This underlines KR's commitment to the protection of the natural environment. Our latest edition of KR-CON offers even better functionality and data access allowing users to quickly and accurately to find whatever information they need."​

About Green Award

The Green Award Foundation was established in 1994. Green Award is a global, independent, non-for-profit quality assurance organization that works by certifying ship managers and vessels that go beyond the industry standards in terms of safety, quality and environmental performance. The scheme is open for sea-going oil and chemical tankers, bulk carriers, LNG and LPG carriers, container carriers and inland navigation barges.

 The essential of Green Award is that it covers a wide range of aspects related to safety quality and the environment. Green Award brings together high quality ships, maritime service providers and ports that want to improve safety, attract quality ships and reduce environmental and safety risks. In fact Green Award acts as the platform for the industry cooperation. Green Award incentive providers (ports and maritime service providers) award ships the highest safety and quality standards of which are confirmed by the Green Award certificate with various benefits such as discounts on the port dues, products and services.

 With over 100 incentive providers in North and South Americas, Europe, Africa, Middle East, Australia and Asia currently participating in the scheme, Green Award motivates ship owners and managers to invest in the improvements on board and ashore and serves as a reliable indicator of the ship's highest standards and as a Corporate Social Responsibility and risk reduction tool for shipping companies and ports.

About Korean Register

The Korean Register is an IACS member classification society established in 1960 with the purpose of promoting safety of life, property and the protection of the marine environment.

KR currently classes an international fleet of 3,063 vessels totaling 69 million GT. It is headquartered in Busan, South Korea and operates a network of 66 offices around the world.

www.krs.co.kr  

EU co-financed Programs POSEIDON MED II and newly launched CYnergy, are joining forces to explore potential synergies between marine, transport and energy sector, arising by the use of LNG.

The Conference entitled “LNG: the meeting point for Marine, Transport & Energy sector in Cyprus”, will be a platform of discussion between government and EU officials,  local authorities, international organizations and market specialists, who will discuss about the opportunities existing along the LNG supply chain and its promotion to the Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Cypriot Minister of Transport, Communications and Works Marios Dimitriades, will open the Conference which is divided in two sessions.  At the Maritime session, pioneers will share their experience on the LNG landscape in marine transportation. The Energy & Transport session, addressed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Commerce, Industry and Tourism of Cyprus Dr. Stelios Himonas, will introduce the CYnergy concept, exploring possible synergies between Greece and Cyprus towards a greener future for the region.

Among agenda highlights will be: representatives from the European Commission (DG Move & DG Energy); the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development – EBRD and many others.

The Conference will take place at the Carob Mill Restaurants (Richard Ballroom), Vasilissis Street, Limassol, Cyprus. It is an open event, subject to registration.

To view the Conference agenda & to register, click here:http://www.poseidonmedii.eu/news/PMII__CYnergy_conference.html

 

About the Conference Organisers

Poseidon Med II project is a practical roadmap which aims to bring about the wide adoption of LNG as a safe, environmentally efficient and viable alternative fuel for shipping and help the East Mediterranean marine transportation propel towards a low-carbon future. The project, which is co-funded by the European Union, involves three countries Greece, Italy and Cyprus, six European ports (Piraeus, Patras, Limassol, Venice, Heraklion, Igoumenitsa) as well as the Revithoussa LNG terminal. The project brings together top experts from the marine, energy and financial sectors to design an integrated LNG value chain and establish a well-functioning and sustainable LNG market.

CYnergy project is a holistic approach towards the establishment of a Natural Gas (NG) system in Cyprus aiming to end the energy isolation of the island through establishing strategic synergies between the sectors of Energy and Transport. Embarking on turning Cyprus into an energy hub in the East Mediterranean, CYnergy targets the development of a sustainable and fully functional NG/LNG market for providing clean and affordable energy to the end user. The project, which is co-financed by the EU, is a collaboration of energy, transport and finance experts as well as public and governmental institutions of Cyprus and Greece.

September 7, 2017, Athens, Greece. DryShips Inc. (NASDAQ:DRYS), or DryShips or the Company, a diversified owner of ocean going cargo vessels, announced today that it has taken delivery of the previously announced high specifications second newbuilding Very Large Gas Carrier (“VLGC”).

The VLGC will be employed under a time charter on a fixed rate with five years firm duration to an oil major. The charterer has options to extend the firm employment period by up to three years. The Company expects a total gross backlog associated with this time charter of up to $92.7 million including the optional periods.

Since the beginning of this year, DryShips has taken delivery of 15 vessels and expects to take delivery of two more by the end of the year.

About DryShips Inc.

The Company is a diversified owner of ocean going cargo vessels that operate worldwide. The Company owns a fleet of (i) 13 Panamax drybulk vessels; (ii) 4 Newcastlemax drybulk vessels; (iii) 5 Kamsarmax drybulk vessels; (iv) 1 Very Large Crude Carrier; (v) 2 Aframax tankers; (vi) 1 Suezmax tanker; (vii) 4 Very Large Gas Carriers, 2 of which are expected to be delivered in October and December of 2017; and (viii) 6 offshore support vessels, comprising 2 platform supply and 4 oil spill recovery vessels.

DryShips’ common stock is listed on the NASDAQ Capital Market where it trades under the symbol “DRYS.”

www.dryships.com

Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp., announced today that The Nasdaq Stock Market (“Nasdaq”) has confirmed that the Company has regained compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5550(a)(2) concerning the minimum bid price of the Company’s common stock. This matter is now considered closed.

About Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp.
Seanergy Maritime Holdings Corp. is an international shipping company that provides marine dry bulk transportation services through the ownership and operation of dry bulk vessels. The Company
currently owns a modern fleet of eleven dry bulk carriers, consisting of nine Capesizes and two Supramaxes, with a combined cargo-carrying capacity of approximately 1,682,582 dwt and an
average fleet age of about 8.4 years.

The Company is incorporated in the Marshall Islands with executive offices in Athens, Greece and an office in Hong Kong. The Company's common shares and class A warrants trade on the Nasdaq
Capital Market under the symbols “SHIP” and “SHIPW”, respectively.

www.seanergymaritime.com

Keppel Offshore & Marine Limited (Keppel O&M) has entered into a Heads of Agreement (HOA) with Pavilion Energy and Indonesia state-owned PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) to explore opportunities in the development of small-scale Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) distribution in West Indonesia.

The signing of the agreement took place at the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat in Singapore.

The HOA follows the discussion between the Indonesia and Singapore governments regarding bilateral energy cooperation during the Singapore-Indonesia Leaders' Retreat held in Semarang last year. A joint feasibility study was subsequently carried out, which demonstrated the cost savings and mutual benefits that can arise from collaboration in the small-scale LNG value chain.

The HOA intends to leverage on the combined expertise of the companies in the small-scale LNG value chain to distribute LNG in an economic manner to remote areas in West Indonesia. LNG can be delivered to floating and onshore LNG terminals using small LNG carriers, where it is regasified and used to generate electricity at PLN's power plants.

Mr Chris Ong, CEO of Keppel O&M, said, 'Keppel has almost 30 years of experience in the LNG space. With a comprehensive suite of solutions for every stage of the gas value chain, including the world's first Floating Liquefaction Vessel (FLNGV) conversion and the world's first Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) conversion, we are able to provide cost effective, end-to-end solutions for our customers.'

The abovementioned HOA will not have any material impact on the net tangible assets and earnings per share of Keppel Corporation Limited for the financial year ending 31 December 2017.

About Keppel Offshore & Marine

Keppel Offshore & Marine (Keppel O&M) is a global leader in offshore rig design, construction and repair, ship repair and conversion, and specialised shipbuilding. Its Near Market, Near Customer strategy is bolstered by a global network of more than 15 yards and offices in the Asia Pacific, Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, the Caspian Sea, Middle East and the North Sea regions. Integrating the experience and expertise of its yards worldwide, Keppel O&M aims to be the provider of choice and partner for solutions for the offshore and marine industry.

www.keppelom.com

About Pavilion Energy

Pavilion Energy invests in key liquefied natural gas (LNG) businesses to support the growth of a sustainable future in the region. Pavilion Gas, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Pavilion Energy, is responsible for the marketing and distribution of natural gas in Singapore and the region, including small-scale LNG and LNG bunkering initiatives; and participates in LNG trading across the globe. In 2016, Pavilion Gas was appointed by the Singapore Energy Market Authority (EMA) as an LNG Importer for Singapore.

www.pavilionenergy.com.sg

About PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN)

Established in 1965, PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) is an Indonesian state-owned company and the main generator of electricity throughout the country. It delivers solutions throughout the electricity value chain, from generation to supply and distribution and other electricity- and energy-related services.

 

With China Development Bank (CDB) and the Greek Public Power Corporation (PPC) set to sign a cooperation agreement which could be worth many tens of million of dollars, China’s has sought to stress the economic and social benefits of investment cooperation between Chinese and Greek companies as they have been cited as a source of concern for some Western countries.

The CDB / PPC agreement will be signed in Greece’s second city Thessaloniki, 9 September, within the framework of the 82nd Thessaloniki International Fair and will be a feature of the fair, at which China is the honoured country. The nine-day event will have as a focus the promotion of Greece as an energy hub for the Balkans and Europe.

“PPC aspires to have a leading role not only in the reconstruction of the energy sector, but also in its development and modernisation prospects,” the PPC said.

Chinese companies have been investing heavily in Greece in recent months and this has raised concerns among Greece’s neighbours and the wider Europe.

Indeed, 30 August, in response to a question by China's English language Global Times, China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said in a statement: “Chinese companies’ investment in Greece has yielded positive economic and social benefits.” It added, China and Greece have maintained a deep friendship, positive political relationship and a smooth development in economic and trade ties.

In June, State Grid Corp, China’s largest utility, completed an acquisition of 24\% stake in Greece’s power grid operator ADMIE for $356m. State Grid’s deal followed another massive investment by China Cosco Shipping in Greece’s largest port, and the home of Greek shipping, Piraeus. Total investment in Piraeus could top $1bn if Cosco fully implements its plans for the port.

These are just the latest in a wave of Chinese investments in Greece. According to the MOFCOM statement released to the Global Times, at the end of June, China has invested a total of $1.3bn in Greek projects such as ports, shipping, telecommunication and photovoltaic.

Such investments into the EU country have reportedly caused some concerns in the West. The New York Times cited such investments as a way of China expanding its “foothold in Greece, and by extension, in Europe.” But MOFCOM, 30 August, termed such investments as “successful examples” of cooperation between Chinese and Greek companies that show the massive potential for further cooperation. The Ministry also pointed to rising Greek investment in China and fast-growing exports to China.

As of end of June, Greece has invested a total of $96.4m in 147 projects in China, and Greek exports to China jumped 44.3\% year-on-year in the first half of the year to $180m, according to the MOFCOM statement. Chinese exports to Greece rose 4.3\% year-on-year to $2.1bn during the same period.

Reporting its first half financials recently, Cosco Shipping singled out Piraeus reporting group profit from terminal companies in which it has a controlling stake was mainly attributable to Piraeus Container Terminal. In fact Piraeus profits were down 39.4\% at just under $11m in the first half, “mainly attributable to completion of construction work” on terminals in the port.

Further, with the privatization of Alexandroupoli port now in process Cosco has already expressed interest. Alexandroupoli is the focus of plans to bring LNG into the Balkans through the construction of an LNG terminal at the northeastern Greek port.

David Glass
Greece Correspondent, Seatrade Maritime