Month: March 2013

Braemar SA Recruits for the Future

Debra Massey

In a move which reinforces its commitment to future growth, Braemar (Incorporating The Salvage Association), (Braemar SA), announces important new additions to its worldwide team of marine surveyors and consultants, as well as the opening of two new locations.

In the growing New York office, John Walker will be joining Braemar SA as Chief Surveyor, P&I and Legal Services Manager for the Americas, bringing with him extensive experience of marine consultancy at a senior level. Also new to the New York office is Luca Bruga, a naval architect, who will be joining as a Staff Surveyor. Luca was previously with The American P&I Club where he most recently worked within their loss prevention department.

Elsewhere three new Staff Surveyors have also been appointed. Christian Vammen brings his industry expertise to Dubai, Paul Saunders, a marine engineer becomes part of the London team and Freddie Lighthelm, a master mariner, joins in Capetown.

Braemar SA has opened an office in Seattle to support US West Coast operations, and north into Canada and Alaska, with Jonathan Wanliss appointed as Principal Surveyor. Within the Far East region it has established an office in Manila, with Marx Quebral transferring from the Singapore office to take on the role of Principal Surveyor.

Speaking on these new appointments and new offices Nigel Clark, Braemar SA Managing Director, says; “In our industry, recruiting well qualified and experienced technical staff is always a challenge, and I’m delighted that we have managed to attract five new recruits of such high calibre. Not only will our new staff members help to grow our business but they will also, along with our existing surveyors and consultants, form a part of our succession planning process to ensure we have suitably qualified and experienced senior managers in the future. I’m also delighted with the progress to date of our new offices in Seattle and Manila, both of which are proving very successful.”

The Eco Battle Will Be Fought As Much With The Existing Fleet Warns Bibby Boss

Elaborate Communications

The Eco Ship revolution may be on the horizon but these new ships will not replace the existing fleet overnight and ship managers are under increasing pressure to come up with solutions to save ship owners money when it comes to fuel efficiency and operation expediency, according to Simon Barham, Chief Operating Officer at Bibby Ship Management.

While slow steaming is an option, it can put ship owners at an operational disadvantage and not running their ships’ engines at optimum speed in itself brings its own maintenance problems, he said.

“The eco ships are coming but they wont be here overnight. The existing fleet is relatively young and a high percentage of the vessels that are out there today are those which need to be managed efficiently. Can we manage existing ships more efficiently? Yes we can. We’ve seen already the SEEMPS ( ship energy efficiency management plan)- there are a lot of people who are offering SEEMPs off the shelf and not actually looking at what they can do for them as owners.

“There are other options and alternative methods of reducing down fuel consumption. For example, design modifications can be made in dry docks that improve a vessel’s overall performance. Slight changes in hull forms or optimising trim and the like will work on certain vessels but not on others yet the solution can also be something as straightforward as better weather routeing. Good shipmanagement can impact a voyage and can work to reduce any potential over expenditure on fuels,” he stressed.

Managing ships is all about teamwork and you need to get the buy in across the board – especially from the guys onboard the ships. It is essential that that the Masters and the Chief Engineers understand what we are trying to achieve here.

However, according to the Bibby Ship Management COO, issues that need to be considered will be the ECAs and the cost-related ability of ships to switch fuel as they move in and out of these areas.

Mr Barham added: “It must be said that switching on to low sulphur fuel is not a problem but switching on to gas oil is and that will need some modifications to the vessel. The main engines themselves are not designed to burn light fuels. That will mean that changes will have to be made – pumps will have to be examined, even the design of some ships will have to be looked at because it is debateable whether some ships will actually have enough space to carry the additional bunker fuel tanks.

“As a lot of the existing fleet was built in the late 1990s or early 2000s, many will only have a couple of bunker tanks. They’re already carrying heavy fuel and light fuel and now they’re going to have to carry gas oil. There’s going to be a lot of conversions going on. There is a cost element involved there as well.

“As a word of warning are the savings actually to do with all the eco designs that are coming out?, Yes to a certain extent they are, but possibly not as much as some of the yards will want to make out and I for one am sceptical that all the promises of lower consumption will in fact become a reality . I believe that ship managers will play an important role in controlling consumptions not only on existing ships but also on the eco ships of the future,” he concluded.

Sea Marshals Urges Ship Operators To Stay Vigilant in High Risk Area

Elaborate Communications

The threat to maritime trade from Somali pirates continues and ship operators should stay vigilant and adhere to Best Management Practices, according to leading private maritime security company Sea Marshals Ltd, which counsels against complacency at this time.

Latest security industry intelligence points to a likely upsurge in pirate attacks, particularly given recent releases of hijacked vessels and a reduction in attack success rates.

Thomas Jakobsson, Chief of Operations for UK headquartered Sea Marshals Ltd, says: “Private maritime security companies are expecting the pirate attack groups to renew their activity in the coming months as they try to acquire more vessels.

“It is essential that vessels maintain a high state of preparedness and our team leaders, who are well trained in analysing intelligence and threat reports, are working hard to ensure this information is communicated to Masters and crew before and during transits through the High Risk Area. Now is definitely not the time for complacency,” he warns. “Any lapse in security or failure to follow BMP4 just plays into the hands of the pirates and significantly increases the risk of attack or capture.”

Sea Marshals advises all its clients of the need to robustly comply with BMP4 as applicable to their vessel, particularly the reporting requirements and vessel hardening measures. Sea Marshals’ own Standard Operating Procedures are built around all relevant BMP4 recommendations. In addition, the company places huge emphasis on training its personnel in the Rules on Use Of Force and the implementation of non-violent measures at all times.

Steve Collins, Sea Marshals’ Operations Manager, points out: “The Best Management Practices are an essential tool in the fight against piracy and in protecting the vessel, its crew and our onboard security team.”

Yet there are still instances of ships not complying with BMP. In fact the Maritime Security Centre, Horn of Africa (MSCHOA) monitors vessels’ adherence with BMP4 and reports instances of non-compliance on a monthly basis.

Mr Collins says: “Much is being made of the recent decrease in attacks, availability of naval forces in the region and armed guards proving an effective deterrent, and rightly so. But we are now seeing this translate to a potentially worrying lack of vigilance and due care by vessels in the High Risk Area.  Even with these procedures being advised and our Team Leaders trying to enforce them, we have documented instances of Masters refusing to follow them.  Our teams cannot override the Master’s wishes without being seen to be disrespectful, breaching our acknowledgment of SOLAS and IMO recommendations and, of course, without losing the trust and working relationship with the Master and crew that is vital to a safe transit.”

Any such non-compliance is also a breach of Sea Marshals’ own Standard Operating Procedures. Mr Collins says security operatives on any non-compliant vessel will adapt and report as best they can during the transit but the company will take such a breach seriously and may refuse to embark the vessel in future unless procedures are implemented correctly.

“Sea Marshals Ltd is engaging with ship-owners, clients, Masters and crew to stress the importance of BMP4 regardless of what the perceived threat level is,” he says. “We must all ensure the situation in the region of Somalia does not escalate again.”

Magnificent Seven as Liberia Endorses Videotel Training Programmes

Debra Massey

Videotel is delighted to announce that seven of its training
courses have been approved by the Liberian International Ship and Corporate
Registry (LISCR/the Liberian Registry). This brings to 17 the total number of
Videotel courses approved by LISCR and further cements Videotel’s long term
connection with the Liberian Registry.

 

“The Liberian Registry is the second largest in the world
and represents 11 % of the world’s ocean going fleet,” says Carl J Drumgoole,
Director of Training Center and Course Approval. “The Liberian Maritime Program
is renowned for quality, efficiency, safety and service and we only endorse
those organizations that can meet those high standards themselves.”

 

The seven Videotel courses approved are Advanced Oil Tanker
Safety; Enclosed Space Entry and Emergency Awareness; ECDIS Training; GMDSS Training;
IMDG Code Training; Marine Environmental Awareness and Maritime Security
Awareness. These courses are delivered in a range of multimedia formats to suit
the requirements of the individual customer.

 

“One of the key roles of the Liberian Registry is to advise
its clients on the most appropriate qualifications and endorsements necessary
to ensure STCW compliance,” says Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel Marine
International. “Videotel takes take great care to produce accurate, up to date,
quality training solutions targeted to meet real training needs, and we are
delighted to support the Liberian Registry in that endeavour.”

 

As the shipping industry moves on so will the relationship
between the Registry and Videotel. There is a plan for more courses to be
approved in the future, and Videotel continues to work with the Liberian
Registry to raise awareness of and participation in the courses available to
seafarers under the Liberian Maritime Program.

 

Magnificent Seven as Liberia Endorses Videotel Training Programmes

Debra Massey

Videotel is delighted to announce that seven of its training
courses have been approved by the Liberian International Ship and Corporate
Registry (LISCR/the Liberian Registry). This brings to 17 the total number of
Videotel courses approved by LISCR and further cements Videotel’s long term
connection with the Liberian Registry.

 

“The Liberian Registry is the second largest in the world
and represents 11 % of the world’s ocean going fleet,” says Carl J Drumgoole,
Director of Training Center and Course Approval. “The Liberian Maritime Program
is renowned for quality, efficiency, safety and service and we only endorse
those organizations that can meet those high standards themselves.”

 

The seven Videotel courses approved are Advanced Oil Tanker
Safety; Enclosed Space Entry and Emergency Awareness; ECDIS Training; GMDSS Training;
IMDG Code Training; Marine Environmental Awareness and Maritime Security
Awareness. These courses are delivered in a range of multimedia formats to suit
the requirements of the individual customer.

 

“One of the key roles of the Liberian Registry is to advise
its clients on the most appropriate qualifications and endorsements necessary
to ensure STCW compliance,” says Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel Marine
International. “Videotel takes take great care to produce accurate, up to date,
quality training solutions targeted to meet real training needs, and we are
delighted to support the Liberian Registry in that endeavour.”

 

As the shipping industry moves on so will the relationship
between the Registry and Videotel. There is a plan for more courses to be
approved in the future, and Videotel continues to work with the Liberian
Registry to raise awareness of and participation in the courses available to
seafarers under the Liberian Maritime Program.

 

Magnificent Seven as Liberia Endorses Videotel Training Programmes

Debra Massey

Videotel is delighted to announce that seven of its training
courses have been approved by the Liberian International Ship and Corporate
Registry (LISCR/the Liberian Registry). This brings to 17 the total number of
Videotel courses approved by LISCR and further cements Videotel’s long term
connection with the Liberian Registry.

 

“The Liberian Registry is the second largest in the world
and represents 11 % of the world’s ocean going fleet,” says Carl J Drumgoole,
Director of Training Center and Course Approval. “The Liberian Maritime Program
is renowned for quality, efficiency, safety and service and we only endorse
those organizations that can meet those high standards themselves.”

 

The seven Videotel courses approved are Advanced Oil Tanker
Safety; Enclosed Space Entry and Emergency Awareness; ECDIS Training; GMDSS Training;
IMDG Code Training; Marine Environmental Awareness and Maritime Security
Awareness. These courses are delivered in a range of multimedia formats to suit
the requirements of the individual customer.

 

“One of the key roles of the Liberian Registry is to advise
its clients on the most appropriate qualifications and endorsements necessary
to ensure STCW compliance,” says Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel Marine
International. “Videotel takes take great care to produce accurate, up to date,
quality training solutions targeted to meet real training needs, and we are
delighted to support the Liberian Registry in that endeavour.”

 

As the shipping industry moves on so will the relationship
between the Registry and Videotel. There is a plan for more courses to be
approved in the future, and Videotel continues to work with the Liberian
Registry to raise awareness of and participation in the courses available to
seafarers under the Liberian Maritime Program.

 

Magnificent Seven as Liberia Endorses Videotel Training Programmes

Debra Massey

Videotel is delighted to announce that seven of its training
courses have been approved by the Liberian International Ship and Corporate
Registry (LISCR/the Liberian Registry). This brings to 17 the total number of
Videotel courses approved by LISCR and further cements Videotel’s long term
connection with the Liberian Registry.

 

“The Liberian Registry is the second largest in the world
and represents 11 % of the world’s ocean going fleet,” says Carl J Drumgoole,
Director of Training Center and Course Approval. “The Liberian Maritime Program
is renowned for quality, efficiency, safety and service and we only endorse
those organizations that can meet those high standards themselves.”

 

The seven Videotel courses approved are Advanced Oil Tanker
Safety; Enclosed Space Entry and Emergency Awareness; ECDIS Training; GMDSS Training;
IMDG Code Training; Marine Environmental Awareness and Maritime Security
Awareness. These courses are delivered in a range of multimedia formats to suit
the requirements of the individual customer.

 

“One of the key roles of the Liberian Registry is to advise
its clients on the most appropriate qualifications and endorsements necessary
to ensure STCW compliance,” says Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel Marine
International. “Videotel takes take great care to produce accurate, up to date,
quality training solutions targeted to meet real training needs, and we are
delighted to support the Liberian Registry in that endeavour.”

 

As the shipping industry moves on so will the relationship
between the Registry and Videotel. There is a plan for more courses to be
approved in the future, and Videotel continues to work with the Liberian
Registry to raise awareness of and participation in the courses available to
seafarers under the Liberian Maritime Program.

 

ICS Chairman Calls For Economic Sustainability

Elaborate Communications

Stringent measures to reduce shipping’s impact on the environment need to also be economically sustainable, warns the Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS).

Speaking at this week’s Connecticut Maritime Association event in USA, Mr Masamichi Morooka told delegates: “In a truly difficult economic climate like the present, which for many shipping companies is the worst in living memory, there is really only one issue on the minds of ship operators working on the waterfront – and that question is: ‘how are we going to survive’?”

“The protection of the environment is of great importance, but we must balance the measures we take with the economic impact of these measures. At present shipping finance has virtually dried up. This is not just for new ships but also for the investments needed to continue operating existing ships in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner,” he pointed out.

Speaking during a key debate on The Regulatory Environment, Mr Morooka questioned: “If a shipping company is already sinking in debt, how is it going to pay for the retrofitting of expensive new ballast water treatment systems that will be required in the next few years, at an estimated cost of between one and five million dollars per ship?”

He pointed out that investing in environmental measures such as exhaust gas cleaning systems and ‘green’ technologies to reduce CO2 emissions, as well as installing ballast water treatment systems and the use of distillate fuels, could cost the shipping industry “hundreds of billions”. “How will ship operators manage all these additional costs rising so high that they have a dramatic impact on world trade or force cargo back onto roads or to other, less carbon-efficient modes of transport?”

“We are committed to protecting the environment but I do not believe that shipowners should shy away from asking these challenging questions,” Mr Morooka said.

“While our regulators have a responsibility to balance the interests of shipowners with the need to protect the environment and the interests of wider society, they also need to be pragmatic and to have an understanding of the impact that their actions are having on the industry’s own long-term sustainability. Otherwise there is a danger of creating an industry in which investors will not want to invest,” he warned.

Braemar Engineering Announces New One Stop Shop for LNG Fuelling

Debra Massey

Braemar Engineering, the marine engineering consultancy arm within the Braemar Shipping Services Group, has launched a new venture which recognises the growing importance of LNG as a global maritime fuel source.

It will be taking its experience and skills in dynamic positioning (DP), LNG in the marine environment, and LNG supply, and applying them to a new operation that will advise on every aspect of the use of LNG as a fuel source in the offshore sector.

“This venture is a logical extension for us,” says Geoff Green, Managing Director of Braemar Engineering (formerly Wavespec). “We have unparalleled expertise in the use of LNG as fuel in the marine environment and the marine transportation and storage of LNG. Braemar Engineering has been involved in projects which have delivered more than 100 LNG fuelled vessels in the last 10 years, and we are one of only a handful of companies with the capability to carry out an LNG fuel supply FMEA (Failure Modes and Effects Analysis). This involves a systematic analysis of these complex systems to identify potential design and process failures before they occur and we then use our specialist knowledge to minimise the risk of failure.”

Braemar Engineering’s shore-based LNG group supports the entire LNG supply chain from natural gas pipeline supply through to pre-treatment and LNG liquefaction; LNG transportation by land or sea; LNG receiving; and regasification ready for end use at the burner tip. Its project services cover all aspects of the process, from conceptual siting/feasibility studies, code compliance and permitting through to design, front-end engineering and design (FEED), construction oversight, commissioning and right through to start-up.

The new venture, headed up by Sheila McClain, VP Business Development, is based in Houston Texas and will begin focusing on operations in the Gulf of Mexico, but according to Ms McClain, opportunities exist in the offshore sector in other areas around the world. “We believe that Braemar Engineering is the only company offering a full range of LNG fuelling services from pipeline to combustion,” she explains. “We have developed this project team in response to demands from our customers and look to build a reputation as the ‘one stop shop’ in LNG as fuel in the maritime industry.”

Braemar Engineering has earned a reputation for unrivalled expertise in DP Systems, DP Audits, DP FMEAs and DP FMEA Management.

Elaborate To Represent Singapore Shipping Association

Elaborate Communications

The Singapore Shipping Association has chosen Elaborate Communications as its international public relations representative.

Elaborate’s team of PR practitioners, led by former maritime journalist Sean Moloney, Elaborate’s Managing Director, will work with the SSA to highlight the work the Association engages on behalf of its members as well as its commitment to playing its part in helping the further development of Singapore as a major international maritime centre.

The Singapore Shipping Association was formed in 1985 from the amalgamation of five previous shipping associations. It works on behalf of its members who are ship owners and operators, shipmanagers, ship agents and ship brokers.

Announcing this exciting new venture, Sean Moloney said: “ I am delighted that we will be working closely with the SSA in the months to come and look forward to creating a close link between this important shipping association and the global maritime and business press.”

—ends—

Notes to Editors:

  • Elaborate Communications is a multi-faceted public relations, marketing and advertising agency representing a wide range of international maritime industry clients. www.elabor8.co.uk

Lowest Maintenance Costs in Industry with New UltraPads from Cargo Care

Debra Massey

Cargo Care has made an important contribution in the battle to minimise operating costs. In a difficult year for the shipping industry, with bunker costs rising and shipowners and ship managers finding they can no longer postpone essential maintenance tasks on vessels, it has launched a brand new low wear hatch cover support pad, saving money on fitting, on wear and on man-hours.

In coming years a lot of the traditionally fitted Bronze-Teflon type hatch cover bearing pads will need to be changed. Hatch cover support pads are an important part to transfer the vertical forces of the hatch cover into the coaming structure of a vessel. Not replacing the support pads in time can cause an increase of these forces into the coaming structure which can cause severe damage to the coaming and hatch cover.

The UltraPad offers the lowest wear on the market today. With a unique locking pin to speed up mounting it is a truly universal product offered in multiple sizes to fit different makes of hatch cover, simplifies maintenance and replaces traditional Bronze Teflon type support pads – at 30 – 40% of the cost, and in a fraction of the time. Without losing quality as the UltraPad is the only hatch cover support pad on the market today with a Germanischer Lloyd Type Approval.

“The options for cost control in our industry are limited and we must look to reducing costs in all areas of the business,” says Peter Peltenburg, Group Director of Cargo Care Solutions.

“With the typical container vessels having fitted hundreds to thousands of hatch cover support pads – all needing to be regularly inspected and often replaced – any initiative that reduces this burden must be welcomed,“ explains Mr Peltenburg.”Support pads are a critical area which can lead to high ship maintenance costs during service life. The UltraPad provides our customers with the lowest wear rate available on the market today which improves support pad lifetime, and lowers hatch cover maintenance.”

An unusual new feature of the new UltraPad is the set of prefabricated grooves of variable depth positioned on areas where the pads wear down most, making detecting wear on the pads speedy and accurate.

Voyage Destination Changes No Problem for New Look BP Shipping Marine Distance Tables

Debra Massey

A recent upgrade to AtoBviaC ‘s end user applications for the BP Shipping Marine Distance Tables now means that users can adjust routes and obtain distances to match their own operations. The changes make it possible for the user to produce deviation reports following changes in voyage destinations.
Tanker owners, operators, charterers and ships’ masters are often faced with evaluating changes in trading patterns due to geo-political events and oil supply and demand imbalances. They are used to relying upon AtoBviaC’s BP Shipping Marine Distance Tables to provide accurate and viable distances, based on actual routes, to estimate true costs and to maximise potential profit.
AtoBviaCs’ new interfaces for the BP Shipping Marine Distance Tables are ‘Port to Port –Online’ and ‘Port to Port v4’. Both applications allow users to edit routes to meet their particular needs.
“Accurate distances provide the starting point for accurate voyage calculations and decision making,” explains Captain Trevor Hall, Director of AtoBviaC. ”Managing a routeing change mid -voyage can be a complex business, and it is important that the user is aware of the implications involved in calculating the costs for the revised voyage. Changing market conditions have motivated our customers to request this editing tool and we are delighted to have been able to respond to their demands.
“The route editing facility and the associated route scanning allows users to determine their own preferred routes, either to route through piracy areas or to minimise costs associated with ECA legislation or to meet load line requirements. Any changes to routes may still take into account environmentally sensitive areas; ship separation schemes; geographic features and man-made obstacles which are retained features of the Distance Table’s applications. Additionally, all voyage details including maps and ECA distances can now be exported in pdf format.”
The BP Shipping Marine Distance Tables are widely used within the marine industry and contain all ports, offshore terminals and transhipment areas needed by its many users, particularly: Worldscale; oil tankers; gas carriers (LNG & LPG); the container trade and the bulk shipping of coal and ore.
Further details of this enhancement, featuring video demonstrations, can be found on:
http://www.atobviaconline.com/HelpFiles/PortToPort/index.html?route_editing_examples.htm

World Bank offers to aid Jamaica’s Logistics Hub plans

Sean Moloney

Jamaica’s plans to become one of the world’s top four logistics centres has received a major boost after the World Bank committed to providing technical and other assistance for specific aspects of the proposed Global Logistics Hub initiative.

The World Bank Group, through its representative to Jamaica, Giorgio Valentini, has endorsed the Government of Jamaica’s plans for the logistics hub initiative, describing it as ‘transformational’ when implemented which will significantly enhance Jamaica’s potential for growth.

A 16 person delegation from the World Bank Group visited Jamaica last month for consultations on Jamaica’s Country Partnership Strategy which will feature the Logistics Hub Initiative. The Country Partnership Strategy will govern the relationship between the island and the World Bank between 2014 and 2017. The World Bank Group (WBG) support includes issues such as Public Private Partnerships, infrastructure needs and infrastructure investment funds, facilitation mechanisms, energy needs, capacity building and providing a skilled workforce. The WBG is also concerned with providing a safety net for the most vulnerable in society.

High level discussions have already started with a number of overseas investors to develop vast areas of prime real estate to handle increased volumes of air and sea cargo. Projects under discussion include growth of container throughput at the Port of Kingston ahead of the expansion of the Panama Canal, as well as the development of commodity ports to handle petroleum products, coal, minerals and grain; the development of an air cargo strong hold through the expansion of existing airports and construction of an air cargo airport as well as the construction of large scale ship repair dry docks and aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul facilities. Special economic zones are also being conceptualised by a wide range of local and foreign investors.

Once completed the initiative, which is being spearheaded by the Jamaica Ministry of Industry, Investment and Commerce, will transform Jamaica into the fourth node or pillar in the global supply and logistics chain alongside Singapore, Dubai and Rotterdam. A critical element in the equation to make the Logistics Hub successful is the involvement of suitable, long-term investors. The Government of Jamaica is already in discussion with some prospective partners as well as looking for new ones.

The World Bank sees the initiative operating within the context of the Caribbean Growth Forum, a joint venture between the Inter-American Development Bank, the World Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank. The World Bank Group has already started to provide technical assistance in developing precursors of the master plan for the logistics hub and in support of the Port Community System.

To assess the ability of internal logistics to unlock the country, the World Bank Group has already started ground work on creating a GIS database, a trucking survey, a port and aviation survey, a regional trade survey, and an assessment of air, marine and ICT connectivity. This initial work should be completed by June 30, 2013, and will feed into the overall master plan. The master plan will serve to define how Jamaica should be positioned as a global hub, assess the internal logistics and the infrastructure and energy needs of the special economic zones being created and demonstrate how the logistics potential of Jamaica can motivate international interventions plus attract private sector investment.

The World Bank notes that thousands of jobs will have to be created to support the logistics hub. Efforts have already started to look at the training of human capital to fuel the needs of the hub and also strategically for export under special agreement with large markets like the US and Canada. This ‘export’ of Jamaican labour, can enhance the island’s comparative advantages of having the perfect geographical location, and a strong English speaking work force. Thousands of jobs are expected to be created in areas such as, mechatronics integration of marine engineering, (mechanical, electrical and informatics), various ship board professions such as electromechanical engineering, port operations management, heavy duty equipment operations, logistics and supply chain management.

Jamaica’s proposal to become the fourth node in the global logistics chain is a critical component of the Government’s growth strategy. The recent IMF staff-level agreement on the key elements of an economic program to be supported by a 48-month arrangement under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF), in the amount of US$750 million calls for reforms to improve growth-generating efficiency through enhancements to the business environment, increased competitiveness, and strengthened institutional capacity. Despite considerable inertia within multilateral circles due to Jamaica’s development record, the Global Logistics Hub Initiative has rekindled believe in the growth prospects of the country.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Industry Investment and Commerce, Anthony Hylton recently led a mission to Washington (February 18-22) to continue talks with the World Bank Group on additional areas of collaboration and support for the Logistics Hub.

The Jamaican Mission held a number of meetings with the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation(IFC), the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC). Meetings were also held with US Chamber of Commerce and the US Trade and Development Agency. The US Chamber offered to promote the Logistics Hub among its membership while the USTDA is assessing specific components of the Logistics Hub for grant assistance especially where these activities support US trade and development. Separate meetings were held with the law firms Curtis, Mallet-Prevost Colt & Mosle and also Sandler, Travis, Rosenberg.

A technical mission from the World Bank Group will again be in Jamaica from March 4-March 18 to commence work on the internal/external logistics assessment of the initiative.

—ends—

Notes to Editors:
• The Logistics Hub Initiative represents the next stage in the evolution of Jamaica’s airports, seaports and industrial infrastructure. Jamaica’s world class logistics zones enhance distribution operations thereby allowing businesses based in Jamaica to fully integrate into globalised and complex supply chains.
• Jamaica’s Logistics Hub will consist of world class seaports (handling containers, dry bulk and liquid bulk commodities), airports, special economic zones, free zones, logistics parks, logistics centres, integrated intermodal transport capabilities, supporting infrastructure, telecommunications and trade facilitation mechanisms.
• With the right investment and global partnerships, Jamaica can become the transhipment and air cargo logistics hub of the Americas and the Caribbean’s strategic handling point for bulk commodities; the Latin America and Caribbean centre for aviation-related maintenance, repair and overhaul and ship repair and dry docking
• Large corporations and logistics service providers will be encouraged to set up operations, control towers, headquarters and BPOs (business process outsourcing) in Jamaica.

For Further Information Please Contact:

Elaborate Communications: Sean Moloney Tel: + 44 1296 682356

Braemar Adjusting appoints new Regional Managing Director of the Americas

Sean Moloney

Braemar Adjusting is delighted to announce the appointment of Pierre Krouse (Pete) as Regional Managing Director of the Americas, with effect from 2 April 2013.

It follows the decision by Chris Dye to leave his current position after more than 13 years with the company and 33 years working as an independent Adjuster. Chris will remain with Braemar Adjusting until 30 April 2013 to ensure a seamless transition of his case load and management responsibilities before commencing his new role as Claims Director for Allianz in Houston.

Welcoming Pete to his new position, Grant Smith, Braemar Adjusting Group Managing Director, said: “Pete has been with the company for 25 years and was one of the original directors of Steege Kingston. While working for the group, Pete graduated from Law School in 1993 and remains a member in good standing of the Texas Bar and of the Maritime Law Association.

“While he has surveyed, investigated and adjusted a wide variety of both onshore and offshore claims throughout that period, Pete is recognised by the energy market as an industry leader in the offshore sector. He has specialised in mobile offshore drilling units, production platforms, pipelines, vessels, ROVs seismic streamers and geophysical exploration equipment.

“Pete’s appointment illustrates we have the right succession planning in place throughout the group and while we are sorry to lose Chris after so many years of valuable service to the company we wish him every success in the future,” Mr Smith said.

These changes coincide with Chuck Madeley ending his secondment to sister company Braemar Casbarian on 1 March 2013, at which time he will resume a full case load and assist Pete in the management of the Houston office.
—ends—

Notes to Editors:

• Braemar Adjusting (formally Steege) is recognised as a leading loss adjuster by the Energy Power and Mining insurance markets worldwide.

• The company has the required expertise and experience to handle both onshore and offshore, upstream and downstream operational and construction losses.

• Braemar Adjusting specialises in the adjustment of insurance claims involving offshore platforms and production vessels, subsea infrastructure, onshore and offshore drilling units, control of well, refineries, petrochemical plants, gas plants, power (including renewables), mining, major infrastructure claims, together with associated business interruption losses.

• Braemar Adjusting is part of the Braemar Technical Services division of Braemar Shipping Services plc.

For Further Information Please Contact:
Elaborate Communications: Sean Moloney Tel: +44 (0) 1296 682356