Month: May 2014

Creative Graphic Designer Required

Elaborate Communications

Elaborate Communications seeks a junior Graphic Designer to join our busy maritime team.

This is an ideal opportunity for a newly qualified graduate or a designer wishing to gain experience in the publishing sector.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• BA (Hons) or relevant graphic design qualification

• Good working knowledge of print design

• Relevant work experience within the design sector

• Proficiency in Adobe CS suite, CS4 and above, Photoshop,

Indesign, Illustrator, and QuarkXpress 9

• Web Design knowledge including CSS and HTML or Dreamweaver

• Good working knowledge of Apple Mac computers

• Ability to work efficiently on multiple projects

• Strong attention to detail

• Ability to liaise confidently with PR account managers and clients

To apply please email us an eye-catching portfolio including your cv, together with a couple of examples of your work,  to: dmunford@elabor8.co.uk

For more information please telephone 01296 682051.

THE SWEDISH CLUB MAKES ARCTIC TRADE SAFER

Lisa Jacobs

According to a new publication issued by the Swedish Club, operators transiting the polar regions are not always fully prepared for the unique challenges that they will face. Yet informing their P&I Club and Underwriter allows the owner to get access to hands-on advice that will reduce their exposure to these increased risks.

As longer ice free summers and increased offshore operations focus attention on the polar regions, transits to and from the arctic ports are set to increase significantly. The commercial attractiveness of these new trading routes has seen yearly transits increase fifteen-fold since 2010, to 60 in 2013. The Swedish Club has acknowledged an increased need to support its members in engaging in this trade with a view of making it as safe as possible.

Yet these routes are like no other, requiring a completely new mindset and an understanding of the importance of the risk assessments and regulations necessary for the success of the voyage. There are a very limited number of polar navigators and few crew with experience of navigating in the polar regions. Consequently, to ensure safe passage The Swedish Club recommends that the ship owner consults their Club/Underwriter to obtain proper advice on the enhanced risks connected with trading in these waters, ensuring they embark upon any voyage as well prepared as possible.

“As summer approaches in the northern hemisphere and operators look to take up the increased opportunities that the opening of the routes offers, it is easy to forget that transiting the polar regions requires a unique set of skills.” says Lars Malm, Director, Strategic Business Development & Client Relationship for The Swedish Club.

“Accident avoidance is key. If a casualty was to occur, assistance would be limited due to the lack of infrastructure, and freezing temperatures can seriously impair the operations of any salvage equipment that can get through, escalating a minor incident into a serious casualty. We are dealing with temperatures as low as -50oC with icebergs as hard as concrete floating in unsurveyed waters.”

The need to address gaps in knowledge and co-ordinate ice data and ice regimes has been identified by The Swedish Club.

“The lack of a coherent ice regimen across the regions also adds to the difficulties,” explains Mr Malm. “For example, at present there are only two Arctic ice-regimes – the Russian and Canadian ice regimes. The Polar Code developed by the IMO is now awaiting ratification, but with the rules that are in force today, a vessel should operate in these areas as if it were sailing under an ice regime.”

The Swedish Club has produced a new brochure, ‘Ice – Advice for trading in polar regions’, the latest in its series of Loss Prevention publications, aimed at the shipowner considering operating in these tempting routes.
For a copy please visit ‘Ice – Advice for trading in polar regions’, on the Swedish Club website.

THOME APPOINTS NEW TANKER FLEET COO

Lisa Jacobs

Thome Ship Management has strengthened its senior management tier by appointing Mr Steen Nygaard Madsen as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the Thome Ship Management Tanker Fleet.

Mr Madsen will take up the position on June 1 this year. He brings with him solid experience in running ships, stemming from his seagoing career as well as his time with A.P Moller in Copenhagen where he was operationally responsible for a large section of its fleet. Previously, he was also Technical Director for Nordic Tankers/Herning-Shipping .

Besides his specific experience of running vessels to a very high standard, Steen adds substantial leadership knowledge and hands-on experience in overseeing new-building projects from various yards in Denmark, Germany, Korea and China.

ONBOARD MANAGEMENT IS CRITICAL TO IMPROVING VESSEL SAFETY, SAYS BSM CEO

Lisa Jacobs

Attitude change is key to boosting shipping’s professional image, says Rajaish Bajpaee, Chief Executive Officer of Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM).

Ensuring a robust and dependable safety culture onboard ship is essential to reducing large scale accidents at sea, which is why BSM has placed seafarer attitude-change at the heart of its loss-prevention strategy.

“Getting your onboard and shore-based management teams to embrace a loss-prevention mind-set is crucial to the industry goal of no injuries or loss of life, no damage or loss to cargo, no damage or loss to the ship, and no damage or loss to the environment,” said Rajaish Bajpaee.

He added: “In BSM, we have an elaborate process to select our seafarers with the desired qualities for a career at sea. However, to ensure they have that moral duty (i.e. the ‘attitude’ and ‘engagement’) to themselves, their colleagues and the environment, we actively promote and embed a loss prevention mind-set which, through continuous learning and development, should further improve the way they work onboard.”

According to Rajaish Bajpaee, the industry has to do what it takes to make shipping highly regarded as a professional, intellectually challenging and emotionally satisfying industry to work in.

“It is important that we reinstall the pride in the seafarer’s job and make today’s youngsters dream of becoming a seafarer with the emphasis back on people. At BSM we entrust our top four officers and their teams with full accountability onboard because we believe it is essential to make them fully understand the very important position they hold onboard our ships. This only serves to deepen their level of sense of identity, belonging, and involvement to be an active and recognised member,” he said.

THOME MANAGES ITS FIRST DIS VESSEL

Lisa Jacobs

Thome Ship Management has reached a new milestone by taking over the full management of its first vessel to be flagged under the Danish International Ship Register.
The technical and crew management deal, signed with leading Danish ship owner Evergas, involves the 12,000 cubic metre ethylene carrier JS Greenstone which was placed under the Danish flag during a recent State visit by HM The Queen of Denmark and HRH The Prince Consort to China.

A naming ceremony at the Sinopacific Offshore & Engineering (SOE) shipyard in Qidong was attended by Anne H. Steffensen, Director General of the Danish Shipowners’ Association; Andreas Nordseth, Director General of the Danish Maritime Authority; and Carsten Mortensen, Chairman of the Danish Shipowners’ Association and CEO of Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN.

Mrs Steffensen, who is Godmother of the vessel, said at the naming ceremony: “The name chosen for this vessel signals strength and firmness, and I am certain that this vessel will be a staunch addition to the fleet of Evergas’ modern vessels and the first to proudly sail under the Danish flag.”

Carsten Brix Ostenfeldt, CEO of Thome Ship Management, stressed Thome’s pride at managing its first vessel to be registered under the DIS. He said: “Thome is a global ship manager with close associations with Denmark and Scandinavia. We are one of the pioneers of bringing quality third part ship management to Denmark and so we are delighted to be working closely with our friends at Evergas.”

Videotel Adds ‘Working with Maritime Security Guards’ to its Armoury of Training Initiatives

Debra Massey

It is easy to forget that the use of Private Maritime Security Companies (PMSCs) has only become commonplace in the last few years and that the selection and deployment of armed guards is still an unknown quantity for many operators and crew. In response to this, Videotel has made a new addition to its armoury of training materials with the creation of a brand new programme – Working with Maritime Security Guards – which has been developed in conjunction with the Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) and BIMCO. Produced in association with Steamship Mutual, the training programme had its launch on board the HQS Wellington yesterday evening.

As part of their anti-piracy measures, many shipping companies now employ armed security guards aboard vessels that transit pirate waters. It is essential however that any company that takes this route understands the importance of selecting the right operators for its requirements and understands how best to work with the team to ensure maximum efficiency and integration with everyday operations on board ship.

“There are legal and safety risks associated with the use of armed guards and so it is vital to choose a PMSC that offers highly competent and professionally trained guards who have demonstrable experience in protecting ships against pirate attacks,” explains Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel.

“Once the guards are on board they must be successfully integrated with the crew on both a personal and a professional level. To reinforce this message we have used first-hand accounts from a Company Security Officer (CSO), a PMSC Operations Manager and a guards’ Team Leader.”

The course provides shipping companies and personnel on board ship with useful guidance on how to engage and work successfully with armed guards, from selecting the PMSC through to the guards’ disembarkation at the end of their deployment. It is a companion programme to Videotel’s Piracy and Armed Robbery, Edition 3, which deals with piracy prevention on board ship.

Primarily targeted at CSOs and also Masters and senior officers, Working with Maritime Security Guards is presented in a documentary style and is available as VOD (Videotel on Demand); VOD Online; DVD; eLearning CBT and workbook. It covers the following topics: selecting a PMSC; planning the guards’ deployment; working and living together and responding to a threat.

NEW BREATHALYSER FROM HUTTON’S HELPS CREW PUT SAFETY FIRST

Lisa Jacobs

Safety is paramount at sea and accident risks must be minimised at all times. A new product from leading international ship supplier Hutton’s will help ensure crew are able to operate safely within the law – which is particularly important as legislation to strengthen safety at sea comes into force.

Hutton’s is able to supply a new type of breathalyser machine which does away with the need for complicated, time-consuming recalibration and servicing.

This efficient, lightweight machine is extremely accurate and able to record alcohol levels to three decimal places of 0.1mg/litre blood at an accuracy level of +/- 0.01%.

The Manila Amendments to the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) Convention are due to come into force this year and will further reduce the blood-alcohol limits for seafarers at work.

John MacDonald, General Manager of Hutton’s Medical, said: “This machine is very effective and only the very complex and expensive machines used in police stations can produce a more accurate result. This model is particularly appropriate for use at sea because it does not require regular recalibration. Instead the user just needs to replace the sensor once a year or after 300 tests.

“In this era of improving safety, we are delighted to be able to offer the Alcoscan AL7000 breathalyser to our customers. As a starter kit we provide everything required for a ship to be compliant including a spare sensor. This kit provides 2 years of coverage, after which only an inexpensive replacement sensor needs replacing which can easily be done by ship board personnel.”

Hutton’s customers can benefit from a special Starter Kit offer of just £160.00 throughout the month of June. This includes:
• an AL7000 Breathalyser, including sensor
• a protective case and carry pouch
• a spare calibrated sensor providing 24 months life
• 50 professional disposable mouthpieces
• 2 AA alkaline batteries

After June the price returns to £195.00. Fleet bulk discount is available.

For more information or to place an order contact Hutton’s on tel: +44 (0) 1482 324093
Or see the website: www.huttons-chandlers.com

MLE Workshop to Explore the Dangers of Social Media

Lisa Jacobs

Love it or hate it, social media is part of modern life – and in the wrong hands, it can even be dangerous.

The use of social media as a business tool and how to avoid the pitfalls will be the subject of a half day workshop due to be held during popular Maritime, Logistics and Energy thematic which forms part of the forthcoming International Festival For Business in Liverpool.

Taking place from 2pm on Tuesday June 17 2014, the “Social Media and the Maritime Industry” workshop, organised by Hill Dickinson in conjunction with InterManager, will explore the issues arising from the use of social media, looking at both the good and the bad. The session will consider the advantages of using social media and examine some of the problems and pitfalls which can arise.

Although many of the issues regarding social media and the maritime industry are similar to other industries, there are additional considerations arising from the international nature of our industry with its potential for cultural and religious clashes. Seafarers are often away from their families and friends for long periods of time and have a higher reliance upon social media than other workers.

The first part of the workshop will be chaired by John Hulmes, Chairman of Mersey Maritime, and will be led by a team of informed speakers who have particular knowledge of social media in a business context. Confirmed speakers include:
• Magnus Boyd, partner at international maritime law firm Hill Dickinson and specialist in legal issues arising from misuse of social media
• Anneley Pickles and Sue Henney of KVH Media
• Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General of InterManager

The presentations will be followed by the first public showing of a film specially commissioned by InterManager from Videotel regarding the use of Social Media by Seafarers.

There will then be a workshop discussion of the issues arising from the presentations and points raised by attendees, led by a panel consisting of: Captain Kuba Szymanski (InterManager); Stephen Bond (Videotel); Magnus Boyd (Hill Dickinson); Briony Fisher (MTI Network) and Anneley Pickles (KVH Media).

This workshop is aimed at all those involved in the maritime industry who have an active interest in the use of social media including HR Managers, PR Managers, Claims Managers etc. Numbers will be strictly limited to ensure the workshop allows informed discussion by attendees who have a genuine interest in the subject.

The workshop is supported by InterManager which will use the workshop as the start of a consultation process with a view to presenting a draft Code of Conduct for seafarers at its AGM later this year.

All attendees of the workshop are invited to attend a drinks reception afterwards, to be held in the Hilton Hotel at 5pm.

The Maritime, Logistics & Energy thematic is organised jointly by Mersey Maritime and Shipping Innovation, organiser of last year’s highly successful London International Shipping Week (LISW).

London International Shipping Week Has New Captain at the Helm for 2015 Event

Debra Massey

London International Shipping Week (LISW) has appointed a new Chairman of its Steering Group as it looks forward to the 2015 event (September 7 to 11).

Jeremy Penn has been Chief Executive of The Baltic Exchange since 2003 and was a member of the LISW Steering Group for the highly successful inaugural event in 2013. Jeremy is a non-executive Director and Treasurer of Maritime London and serves on the Board of Maritime UK. He takes over from Shipping Innovation Director Sean Moloney who was Chair in 2013.

Other members of the LISW Steering Group include Doug Barrow, Chief Executive of Maritime London; Guy Patten, Chief Executive of the UK Chamber of Shipping; Simon Bird, Deputy Chairman of the UK Major Ports Group and Vice Chairman of UK Maritime; Jonathan Roberts, Head of Communications at the UK Chamber of Shipping; Linda Willson, Head of Maritime Commerce and Infrastructure, Department for Transport; Dan Torjussen-Proctor, Commercial Director at TheCityUK; Llewellyn Bankes-Hughes and Sean Moloney, Directors at Shipping Innovation, organisers of the event.

Prior to spending the last 10 years at the Baltic Exchange, Mr Penn had 20 years’ experience with Reuters Group PLC where he held a wide range of positions specialising in technology and marketing related to financial information. He was Managing Director of Reuters Asia and was appointed to Reuters Executive Committee in 1996. He has lived and worked in France, Zimbabwe, Morocco, Hong Kong, Australia, Singapore and the USA as well as the UK.

The programme for London International Shipping Week 2015 is already coming together and key sponsors and maritime organisations have pledged their support, including: The Baltic Exchange, The UK Chamber of Shipping, The City UK, Maritime UK and Maritime London.

Organised by Shipping Innovation Limited, a partnership between Elaborate Communications and Petrospot, the event will benefit maritime charities and also Great Ormond Street Hospital, and will once again culminate in a glittering gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Thursday, September 10, 2015.
Further information can be found on the dedicated event website: www.londoninternationalshippingweek.com

Marine Insurance Course from The Swedish Club Aims to Simplify Complex Sector

Debra Massey

The Swedish Club has seen the successful conclusion of its latest Marine Insurance Course, with standing room only and a packed programme of discussions, seminars and speeches from industry experts in Marine Insurance.

The course is an annual event designed to provide an opportunity for those working for shipowners, ship managers, marine insurance brokers and club correspondents, to improve their knowledge of marine insurance and learn more about The Swedish Club.

“We are pleased to be able to take this opportunity to make a contribution to increasing the knowledge base in our sector,” explained Jacob Viero, The Swedish Club’s Director, Marketing & Business Development, speaking from the Club’s headquarters in Gothenburg, where the event was held. “We believe that The Swedish Club is ideally placed to make this contribution to the marine insurance market. Marine claims are by their nature complex, and this course aims to shine a light on the subject by providing essential background knowledge and practical experience to those who want to know more about the sector.”

Run over five days, the initiative covers the important aspects of marine insurance, ranging from terms and conditions to the practical handling of claims and loss prevention. The focus is on the three major types of marine insurance: Protection & Indemnity (P&I), Hull & Machinery (H&M) and Freight Demurrage & Defence (FD&D).

“This year we were delighted to welcome 31 delegates from over 12 countries, and a wide range of disciplines,” concluded Mr Viero. “We are looking forward to the same level of support for our Marine Insurance Seminars, the next which will be running in Piraeus later in the year.”

Braemar Engineering in Tie Up with Nigeria LNG

Debra Massey

Braemar Engineering, the specialist maritime engineering consultancy, is delighted to announce that it has been appointed to act as Shipping Consultants to Bonny Gas Transport, the wholly owned subsidiary of Nigeria LNG (NLNG) responsible for the transport of NLNG’s output over the Atlantic to Europe and the Americas.

Braemar Engineering will oversee the building of six LNG carriers, from design to delivery, with completion of the project anticipated at the end of 2016.

Steel cutting on the first of the project’s LNG carriers took place on April 25 at Samsung’s Geoje shipyard in South Korea. Four of the vessels are being built by Samsung and two by Hyundai.

This consultancy project heralds a genuine partnership approach within the field of carrier design, construction and operation. Seven trainees from Nigeria were employed by Braemar Engineering early this year to take part in the programme. Reporting to the new Project Liaison officer, the highly qualified graduates work both in Braemar’s head office and in various site positions developing their specialist knowledge.
Geoff Green, CEO of Braemar Engineering, heading up the initiative says: “The inception of this project began nearly 12 months ago, and we are pleased to now be in a position to make details known to the marketplace. This project is the fusion of Braemar Engineering’s expertise in the LNG sector with Nigeria LNG’s core values of integrity, teamwork, excellence and caring for people, to create a long term partnership offering benefits to both the industry and to the Nigerian community.

“The future of our industry depends on the quality of the people working within it, and we are committed to developing the skills of young talented individuals who will become the next generation of marine engineering specialists,” he concludes.

—ends—

The Braemar Houston team will be exhibiting on Booth 8746 at the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, 5-8 May 2014, and look forward to meeting with journalists to talk more about the development of this important new project.

SRI welcomes IMO endorsement of ongoing work on fair treatment of seafarers

Debra Massey

The Legal Committee of the International Maritime Organisation has endorsed continuing work to promote as widely as possible the application of the 2006 Guidelines on the fair treatment of seafarers in the event of a maritime accident.

The decision, agreed at the 101st session of the IMO Legal Committee meeting on 28 April – 2 May 2014, followed a survey of IMO member states conducted by Seafarers’ Rights International requesting information on how the states had passed the Guidelines into their laws, or otherwise given effect to the Guidelines.

Some member states who replied to the survey either had already passed all or some of the principles of the Guidelines into their laws, or they already had existing laws to protect the rights of seafarers. However other states still have the Guidelines under consideration and indicated that model legislation, or information from the IMO, would assist them regarding the meaning of the Guidelines and the passing of the Guidelines into their laws.

The IMO Legal Committee called on further states to answer the survey, and for the responses to be analysed, and for the analysis be reported back to the next session of the Legal Committee in 2015.

Commenting on the outcome of the meeting, Deirdre Fitzpatrick, Executive Director of SRI said: “Fair treatment of seafarers has been at the core of the work of SRI since its start up. The recent tragic incident of the South Korean ferry disaster Sewol, and the heart breaking loss of life, has been exacerbated by an apparent rush to judgment and early condemnation of the master and the crew. What we seek is a fair and just process in accordance with the Guidelines in every case.”

She added, “It is not just high profile incidents that affect seafarers. Seafarers face many risks crossing maritime boundaries on a daily basis, and knowing that they will be accorded fair and proper treatment will make the profession more attractive for new recruits.”