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Archives for January 2019

SAL Heavy Lift delivers bridge sections from China to Norway

January 28, 2019 by

 

Hamburg, 28 Janu190128 MV Trina discharging unit 2.2 - 73,86 x 9 x 5,8 m - 426 tary 2019 – SAL Heavy Lift delivers 12 bridge sections for the Beitstadsundbrua bridge from China to Norway.The final bridge is part of the largest road construction project in northern Trøndelag, will measure 580 m in length and will connect the municipalities of Steinkjer and Malm, crossing the Beitstadfjorden. The bridge will make travelling between northern parts of Trøndelag county considerably safer, as well as reduce travelling time significantly.

In a mountainous country like Norway, which is cut apart by deep fjords, bridge building is a virtue of necessity. Today there are over 18.000 bridges, summing up to 446 km and each with an average length of 250 m, spread across Norway. The latest addition will be the 580 m long “Beitstadsundbrua”.

Connecting the municipalities of Steinkjer and Malm, whilst crossing the Beitstadfjorden, the Beitstadsundbrua will not only be longer than the average bridge in Norway, but also ensure increased road safety and accessibility. All whilst helping locals to cut down travel times and benefiting the local economy and environment.

“The new County Road (FV 17 and 720) including Beitstadsundet Bridge, will eliminate the distance challenges the region has. The new road and bridge significant increases the municipality of Verran’s opportunities to further develop existing industries and attract new industry. The municipality is now, due to the new road and bridge, in dialogue with industrial companies exploiting establishment of industry in Verran”, states Jacob Almlid, Special Advisor Industry & Commerce at Verran Kommune.

SAL’s heavy lift vessel MV Trina (Type 176) was appointed to support the construction of the new bridge by shipping twelve bridge sections from Nantong, China to Malm, Norway. All twelve sections weigh a total of 2.800 t, with the heaviest unit weighing 426 t (73.8 x 9 x 5.8 m) and the longest unit measuring 75 x 5.9 x 5.8 m (327 t).

With a total of four single lifts and eight tandem lifts, the SAL experts were able to stow all twelve bridge sections in two layers under deck, and another layer on deck of the vessel.

“It only took us 35 days to directly sail to Malm from Nantong in China,” Sune Thorleifsson, Head of Projects at SAL explains, “despite the unique conditions in the port of Malm, with an only 20 m wide jetty and 2 m tidal range, it took just 6 days until we were able to successfully and smoothly deliver 20.668 cbm of cargo to our client.” Due to local port regulations all twelve bridge sections were directly discharged onto SPMT’s, 25 m away from alongside the vessel. A tailor-made mooring arrangement contributed to the success of the discharging operations.

“During the period of discharge of the bridge segments to the Beitstadsundet Bridge, onto SPMT`s for transport to Fosdalen-Industrier AS`s assembly site, we experienced a good and professional collaboration with SAL,” says Terje Skjevik, Owner & CEO of Fosdalen-Industrier AS, “we are very satisfied with the overall performance, on HSE, on technical and on schedule. All parties knew the challenging environment for the discharge, in spite of these challenges the operation and collaboration was excellent.”

Thanks to the detailed preparation work, which was done in close cooperation between SAL and their general agent in Norway Messers. Alex Birger Grieg AS, the last bridge section was successfully discharged early January 2019. Installation works are planned to start around Easter. The entire road building project, which involves building new and improved roads between the towns of Sprova, Malm and Dyrstad will be finished and open to public by the end of 2019.

ENDS

About SAL Heavy Lift

SAL Heavy Lift, a member of the Harren & Partner Group, is one of the world’s leading carriers specialized in sea transport of heavy lift and project cargo. The company was founded in 1980 as “Schiffahrtskontor Altes Land GmbH & Co. KG” and belongs to Harren & Partner Group since 2017. The modern fleet of 19 heavy lift vessels offers highly flexible options to customers. The vessels of SAL Heavy Lift boast an impressive travel speed of 20 knots, up to 3500 square metres of unobstructed main deck space and combined crane capacities ranging from 550 to 2000 tons: amongst the world’s highest lifting capacity in the heavy lift sector. As a leading global company in the heavy lift and project cargo segment, the company meets the highest standards with regard to quality, technical innovation and health, safety and environment.   www.sal-heavylift.com 

Filed Under: SAL Heavy Lift

“K”LINE Awarded CDP’s “A List 2018” on Climate Change ― Earning Highest Rating “A” for Three Consecutive Years

January 24, 2019 by

“K” LINE is proud to announce that the company was recognized as “A List,” the top rating, on climate change from CDP, which is an international non-profit organization (NPO) engaging in activities for realizing sustainable economy, in “CDP 2018 Debriefing Session” held on January 22 in Tokyo. The“A List” is awarded to companies that are evaluated as global leaders in their response to climate change.

From among the companies that disclosed their climate change information in response to a questionnaire sent from CDP on behalf of 650 institutional investors with total assets of over 87 trillion US dollars, 126 companies whose measures against climate change such as emissions reduction activities in the reported year were regarded as outstanding were recognized in the A List last year. Japanese companies number 20 among these and only 7 companies were selected for three consecutive years.

In our medium-term management plan, we have set ESG (Environment, Society and Governance) initiatives as a key management issue. As for the field of the environment, we are advancing measures in accordance with “K” LINE Environmental Vision 2050 – Securing Blue Seas for Tomorrow -*. In particular, initiation of a framework “DRIVE GREEN NETWORK” for continually promoting environmental preservation activities while ensuring environmental compliance throughout the entire “K” Line Group bore fruit to gain the 3rd straight year to receive the A List rating.

As an environmental front runner, we will continue to aim for the realization of business – marine transportation being more environmentally low-loaded and highly efficient from which more people throughout the world can benefit.

 

Filed Under: "K" Line

First Discharge of LPG from Ichthys LNG Project in Japan Carried by “K” LINE’s VLGC “GRACE RIVER”

January 24, 2019 by

January 23, 2019 

Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., Tokyo, (hereinafter referred to as “K” LINE) is proud to announce that “K” LINE’s VLGC “GRACE RIVER” carried and successfully discharged Ichthys LNG Project’s first LPG cargo carried to Japan, which was imported by Astomos Energy Corporation at KYUSHU L.P.G. Fukushima Terminal today.

Ichthys LNG Project is the first large-scale LNG project by global standards operated by INPEX CORPORATION. The Project is characterized as “All Japan” for its features such as  70% of approx. 8.9 million tons per year of LNG produced by the Project will be supplied to Japanese customers, along with the fact that Japanese companies are major participants in crucial parts of the Project’s value chain, including exploration and production, building of liquefaction plants and receiving terminals, laying pipelines, and maritime transportation. In addition to LNG, the Project will produce LPG (approx. 1.65 million tons per year) as well as approx. 100,000 barrels of condensate per day at peak.

We are proud further to mention that “K” LINE Group will be more involved in the shipment of LNG, LPG and condensate exported by the Project. The Project’s first LNG cargo was carried by our LNG carrier “PACIFIC BREEZE” in October 2018, and it is planned that Aframax tankers operated by our subsidiary in Singapore will carry condensate products.

Recalling the importance of our crucial role in the energy value chain, “K” Line Group is committed to continue providing the most reliable and stable service possible to our valued customers with assurance of the highest standard of safety. 

http://www.kline.co.jp/en/

 

Filed Under: "K" Line

American P&I Club reports positive progress on many fronts in 2019 New Year Report

January 24, 2019 by

Key indicators advance steadily: premium and tonnage increase while claims remain subdued

New York, January 24, 2019: The American P & I Club has recently issued a circular containing a progress report highlighting some of the latest Club metrics in regard to tonnage, premium, claims, investment income and free reserves as the 2019 renewal draws near.

Most of the Club’s key operational indicators show positive progress. Premium and tonnage have maintained their upward trajectory, claims have remained subdued – both in relation to attritional exposures and larger losses – and, despite heavy turbulence in the financial markets toward the end of 2018, the Club’s funds under investment have held up well.

Tonnage and premium development

  • The Club’s profile in this respect has remained broadly stable over the past twelve months
  • Class I (P & I) tonnage has grown by about 3%, Class II (FD & D) by 1%
  • Premium has increased by about 2% in regard to P & I entries, and by 1% for FD & D business
  • Grounds for optimism that these trends will continue into 2019 as the prospects for the maritime sector improve.

Development of retained claims

  • Frequency and severity of losses have shown a downward trend in recent years
  • Incurred claims at December 20, 2018 were 17% lower than those for 2017 at the same point of emergence
  • Figures augur well for 2018 policy year’s ultimate claims outturn going forward.

Development of Pool claims

  • 2014 through 2016 policy years continue to develop favorably
  • 2017 and 2018 are emerging at higher levels of aggregate loss
  • More a reversion to historical mean than indication of above-trend inflationary pressure.

Development of premium per gross ton (GT) and retained claims per GT

  • Important driver of premium pricing has been a steady decline in the average cost of claims
  • But average premium per ton has moved slightly upward since the beginning of 2018
  • Encouraging sign which reflects the Club’s policy of prudent risk pricing.

Investment performance

  • Return of 8.1% for 2017 was the best the Club had achieved in nearly a decade
  • Earnings for 2018 were challenged by the considerable turbulence experienced in the investment markets
  • Fund performance was flat at year-end, demonstrating resilience of the Club’s asset class selection

Development of statutory surplus/free reserves per GT

  • Remains consistent over recent years
  • Supported by a benign claims environment, prudent levels of risk pricing and respectable investment returns.

Eagle Ocean Marine (EOM)

  • American Club’s fixed premium facility, Eagle Ocean Marine, continues to complement Club activity
  • EOM compound premium growth over last three years nearly 20% per annum
  • Aggregate combined ratio less than 70% since 2011 inception to year-end 2018.

American Hellenic Hull Insurance Co. Ltd. (AHHIC)

  • AHHIC shows steady growth over first thirty months of operation
  • At year-end 2018, about 2,300 vessels within AHHIC portfolio, with broad range of domiciles and vessel types
  • Aggregate gross loss ratio for 2018 very favorable, aided by rising premium rates and growing profitability
  • American Club continues to benefit from substantial cross-selling opportunities.

Joe Hughes, Chairman & CEO, Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc., Managers for the American Club said that the New Year’s report was intended to provide Members, their brokers and the Club’s many other friends and associates with a useful picture of the Club’s affairs – and those of its related businesses – at this important juncture in its continuing development.

He added: “As the American Club moves further into its second century of service to the global maritime community, it looks forward with its characteristic energy and enthusiasm to growing success in its expanding fields of enterprise over the years ahead.”

ENDS           

Notes to Editors

More information on the above press release, with tables and charts illustrating the performance of key indicators, can be found in the American Club’s Circular 02/19 at this link: https://www.american-club.com/files/files/cir_02_19.pdf

The American Club

American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc. (the American Club) was established in New York in 1917. It is the only mutual Protection and Indemnity Club domiciled in the entire Americas and its headquarters are in New York, USA.

The American Club has been successful in recent years in building on its US heritage to create a truly international insurer with a global reach second-to-none in the industry. Day to day management of the American Club is provided by Shipowners Claims Bureau, Inc. also headquartered in New York.

The Club is able to provide local service for its members across all time zones, communicating in eleven languages, and has subsidiary offices located in London, Piraeus, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Houston, plus a worldwide network of correspondents.

The Club is a member of the International Group of P&I Clubs, a collective of thirteen mutuals which together provide Protection and Indemnity insurance for some 90% of all world shipping.

For more information, please visit the Club’s website http://www.american-club.com/

P&I Insurance

Protection and Indemnity insurance (commonly referred to as “P&I”) provides cover to shipowners and charterers against third-party liabilities encountered in their commercial operations; typical exposures include damage to cargo, pollution, death/injury or illness of passengers or crew or damage to docks and other installations.

Running in parallel with a ship’s hull and machinery cover, traditional P&I cover distinguishes itself from usual forms of marine insurance by being based on the not-for-profit principle of mutuality where Members of the Club are both the insurers and the assureds.

Filed Under: The American Club

Evergreen Opens Four New Offices in Latin America

January 14, 2019 by

January 14, 2019 – In view of the growth potential in Latin American trade, Evergreen Line is continuing to establish its own offices at main service locations in the region. The move will strengthen the effectiveness of the line’s operations, improve its capability to react to market opportunities, optimize the efficiency of its network routing and enhance its competitiveness in the area.

Evergreen Line has just opened its own agency in Colombia following the establishments of other offices in Peru, Chile and Mexico over the past few months. In setting up these offices Evergreen confirms its continued commitment to serving the trade and economy of Latin American west coast region. The dedicated personnel at these locations will have responsibility for local marketing and sales, customer service, shipping documentation, ground transport and port operations.

In order to expand the container transport options for its customers in Far East – Latin American west coast trade, Evergreen has teamed up with partners to add two more trans-pacific services; these are in addition to the two currently operated by Evergreen. As a result the range of direct ports of call on offer via, the now four weekly services, has been expanded to Pusan (South Korea), Qingdao and Xiamen (China) and, in Latin America, Ensenada (Mexico) and Lirquen (Chile).

Although Latin America has an abundance of natural resources, a variety of common consumer goods are imported. The pattern of economic trade with East Asia is consequently complementary. The latter has a fully developed manufacturing industry base and, at the same time a requirement for the mineral resources, as well as the fruits, seafood and other agricultural products in which Latin America is so rich. The opposing seasonality of southern and northern hemispheres enhances this symbiosis and extends further the choices for Asian consumers.

Among the Latin American countries, Chile, with the longest coastline of any country in the world stretching to more than 4,300 kilometres, has an extraordinary range of climate patterns which endows it with a vast array of natural produce from both the land and the ocean. In response to customer demand for exporting such commodities, Evergreen has adjusted its service routings, greatly cutting down the transit time for Chilean exports to East Asia and therefore assisting local fresh produce exporters to take advantage of business opportunities.

Evergreen Line is committed to providing efficient shipping transportation throughout its global service network. In addition to an on-going fleet renewal program, the line has also expanded its regional operations in recent years. As of today, Evergreen Line has established its own agency offices in more than 30 countries around the world in the belief that this commitment will provide superior transport services for its customers.

Filed Under: Evergreen Line