DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

29-12-2012 ; SIEM EMERALD at Vitoria (Brazil) PHOTO:Capt@ Jan Plug (c)

Due to circumstances this week the newsclippings may reach you irregularly

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 1 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

31-`12-2012 JEPPENSEN MAERSK Departing Port Chalmers. photo: Renee van Baalen (c)

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 2 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

THe DEVON STRAIT passing the river Seine enroute LE HAVRE – Photo; Fabian Montreuil©

Russian nuclear- powered icebreaker to head for the White Sea on Jan. 4, 2013

The nuclear-powered icebreaker "50 Years of Victory" is scheduled to depart from its home port of Murmansk on January 4, 2012, the ship owner Atomflot said. The vessel will set sail to the White Sea, where the powerful icebreaker will be engaged in escort of large-tonnage tankers from the edge of the White Sea to the inner anchorage of the port of Vitino.

According to tentative schedule on January 16 the Atomflot- owened nuclear-powered icebreaker "Russia" will start her icebreaking and escort duties under the contract with Federal Rosmorport in the Gulf of Finland. The Russia will assist cargo

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 3 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

ships bound for the ports of Ust-Luga, Vysotsk, Primorsk and Big Port St. Petersburg. Photo50 Years of Victory : Beau Bisso (c)

"All States, along the territorial waters border of which the nuclear-powered icebreaker will follow, have been noticed about its operation on the dates through the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Besides, a separate notification has been sent to STUK, Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority of Finland", the Atomflot’s statement said.At the 2012 ice formation on the Gulf is more intense than the previous winter. In the last winter navigation season nuclear-powered icebreakers of Atomflot escorted a total of 322 cargo ships: the icebreaker 50 Years of Victory - 185 ships, the icebreaker Russia – 185 vessels.

Now, the icebreaker "Vaigach" is escorting the M/V Kapitan Danilkin owned by Murmansk Shipping Company. Since January 1, 2013 the atomic icebreaker is to commence operation in the Yenisei Gulf, cutting a path in ice- covered waters for the vessels of Norilsk Nickel, which will continue until the beginning of ice break-up next spring.

The FEDERAL RHINE enroute Gent, passing Sas van Gent photo: Stan Muller (c)

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 4 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

Russia sends another naval ship to Syria Russian news agencies say the navy is sending another ship to the Syrian port of Tartus, where Russia has a naval base.The reports Sunday by the ITAR-Tass and Interfax news agency cited an unidentified official in the military general staff as saying the Novocherkassk, a large landing ship, has set sail from the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk. The ship is expected to arrive in the Tartus area in early January.The reports gave no information on the ship's intent. But Russian diplomats have said that Moscow is preparing a plan to evacuate thousands of Russians from Syria if necessary. The Defense Ministry announced two weeks ago that several ships were being dispatched to the Source : AP / The Tribune

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 5 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

Vale celebrates arrival of 'vale sohar' bulk carrier to Sultanate with members of community Monday, 'Vale Sohar', one of the largest bulk carriers in the world, was welcomed to Oman by members of the North Al Batinah community headed by H.E. Sheikh Hilal bin Ali Al Habsi, Wali of Sohar. With the capacity to transport 400,000 tons of minerals and the length of four football fields, the vessel docked at Vale's deep-water jetty in the Port of Sohar to unload iron ore on its first voyage from Brazil. His Excellency conveyed the feelings of community on this occasion and highlighted the importance of Vale's contributions to the sustainable development of Oman. He said, "Vale is a pioneering company committed to implement sustainable social initiatives and we can already see the impact the company has made on the communities." "It gives us a great pride to see Sohar's name on a vessel that pays tribute to our seafaring traditions as it travels the globe carrying the history, legacy and pride of Omanis to the world," expressed H.E. Sheikh Al Habsi in his speech to the attendees.

To commemorate the vessel's arrival, Vale organized a special event for members of the community to visit the Industrial Complex in Liwa. The visitors were met by Rodrigo Elisei, Pelletizing Plant Operation Manager, as well as senior members of Vale's team. "With two of our four bulk carriers built by Oman Shipping Company now in service, we are witnessing the start of a new logistics era for the region. Vale Sohar sails from Brazil to Oman, carrying the legacy, history and pride of the Omanis to unveil it to the whole world revealing the strong relationship between Vale and Oman. Although Vale's history in Oman is still young, however, we can confidently say that this relationship is getting stronger day by day targeting to contribute to the prosperity and development of the Omani economy," said Rodrigo Elisei. The two remaining vessels, 'Vale Shinas' and 'Vale Saham' are currently in the final stages of construction and are scheduled to be handed over during the first quarter of 2013. The first vessel to arrive to Oman was 'Vale Liwa' which unloaded its shipment of iron ore last month and is currently en route to Brazil for reloading. Due to the very large capacity of these carriers, the shipments create a 'virtual iron ore mine' in Oman which ultimately allows Vale to serve its growing network of clients in the , North Africa and Indian Sub-Continent faster and more efficiently.

Your feedback is important to me so please drop me an email if you have any photos or articles that may be of interest to the maritime interested people at sea and ashore PLEASE SEND ALL PHOTOS / ARTICLES TO : [email protected]

If you don't like to receive this bulletin anymore : To unsubscribe click here (English version) or visit the subscription page on our website. http://www.maasmondmaritime.com/uitschrijven.aspx?lan=en-US

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 6 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

EVENTS, INCIDENTS & OPERATIONS

Container ships on schedule as US strike avertedMonday, 31 December Longshoremen in New Jersey had threatened to strike on December 29 over container royalties, a move that would have impacted container ship schedules for Bermuda. Bermuda Container Line vice president Howard Pitcher confirmed the Oleander is expected to leave New Jersey next Friday, arriving January 7 as scheduled. BCL was informed this morning that negotiations between the International Longshoremen’s Association and the Employers Group on the US East Coast would continue as a result of a 30-day extension on the initial notice of strike action. The two sides walked away from the negotiating table without an agreement in place earlier this week. A BCL statement said: “We anticipate that both sides will come to an agreement prior to the end of this 30-day extension. We will continue to keep you informed of any news we receive as soon as we receive it.” A statement was also issued by the US Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, via BCL. Director George Cohen said: “The container royalty payment issue has been agreed upon in principle by the parties, subject to achieving an overall collective bargaining agreement. "The parties have further agreed to an additional extension of 30 days (ie until midnight, January 28) during which time the parties shall negotiate all remaining outstanding Master Agreement issues, including those relating to New York and New Jersey. “Given that negotiations will be continuing and consistent with the Agency’s commitment of confidentiality to the parties, FMCS shall not disclose the substance of the container royalty payment agreement. "What I can report is that the agreement on this important subject represents a major positive step toward achieving an overall collective bargaining agreement. "While some significant issues remain in contention, I am cautiously optimistic that they can be resolved in the upcoming 30-day extension period.” Source: Royal Gazette

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 7 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

MARINE ASSETS CORPORATION X3 Tower, 36-06, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai. UAE. – Tel +971 4425 3547 www.macoffshore.net - [email protected]

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 8 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 9 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

Visit address : Nijverheidstraat 4-6 2802 AL GOUDA The Netherlands T +31 [0]182 51 55 44 F +31 [0]182 51 79 00 Mail address : P.O. Box 252 2800 AG GOUDA The Netherlands E [email protected] I www.endenburg.com

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 10 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

Independent Consultants and Brokers in the International Tug and Supply Vessel market (offices in London and Singapore)

Telephone : +44 (0) 20 8398 9833 Facsimile : + 44 (0) 20 8398 1618 E-mail : [email protected] Internet : www.marint.co.uk

ALSO INTERESTED IN THIS FREE MARITIME NEWSCLIPPINGS ? PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITE : WWW.MAASMONDMARITIME.COM AND REGISTER FOR FREE !

CASUALTY REPORTING

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 11 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

Iranian dry bulk carrier sinks off Umm

Al Quwain

An Iranian cargo ship carrying barrels sank on December 27 about 10 nautical miles off the coast of Umm Al Quwain, but all six crewmen were rescued, an official at Umm Al Quwain Civil Defence told Gulf News.cThe Iranian ship registered as Al Jasourah sank in UAE waters in a storm which battered the northern emirates waters. It sank in deep water between Umm Al Quwain and Ras Al Khaimah on Friday morning at around 10,30am.The ship had left Sharjah and was heading for Iran at the time of the incident, said authorities.Officials were working yesterday to confirm whether the barrels were empty or not. Source: Port News

Blackout aboard ship stranded off Chennai Coast Guard Ship C-401 commissioned at PorbandarKarnataka boat crew rescued by Navy, Goa coast guardCoast Guard rescue 13 fishermen in distress at deep seaCoast Guard to intercept illegal trawlers to ensure safe sojourn of b...No. of FB friends decides your success metric.CHENNAI: The stranded oil tanker Pratibha Warna ran out of power on Saturday night, posing a danger to other ships at sea. The tanker, carrying 220 metric tones of heavy fuel oil, will be unable to communicate with or signal other vessels.

The dead vessel, which arrived in Chennai seas on October 7, is about 1.5 nautical miles from the port. If another vessel collides with it, it could cause an oil spill that will be an environmental hazard.Shipping experts say the 220 metric tonnes of heavy fuel oil could affect city's 20 nautical mile coastline if it spills. Industry analyst and veteran sailor Manoj Joy said Pratibha Warna is more dangerous as it is a single hull vessel unlike the double hull Pratibha Cauvery that was washed ashore in October. "The met department has reported the formation of a low pressure area by January 4. Ignoring this crucial situation could cause a major environmental catastrophe," said Joy, who coordinates Sailors' Helpline.

Port officials suggest immediate intervention from the directorate general of shipping. The sailors on board are also unwell. On Sunday, a sailor with food poisoning was brought to shore, a day after another sailor in a critical condition was airlifted by the coast guard.

Despite the Merchant Shipping Act having strict rules about holding a ship's owner accountable for abandoning a vessel and risking the lives of sailors, the union shipping ministry has not taken action against Pratibha Warna's owner Sunil Pawar.

"The silence from the ministry and DG Shipping gives us the signal that our lives are not important. Most of us are between 24 and 30 years old," said Mukesh Kumar Parmal, the 26-year-old chief engineer of the ship, who was brought ashore on Sunday after he fell sick.

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 12 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

K Sreekumar, inspector of International Transport Workers Federation (ITF), said all three generators were not working on board. "Seafarers' Port Welfare Committee will supply food and drinking water for a few more days," he said.

Sailors are forced to catch fish and collect rainwater to survive. "We had to manage with rice and fish that we caught from the sea. We couldn't catch fish for three days because of the bad weather," said Parmal, who is to be married on January 5 in his village in Rajasthan. The salaries of all the sailors have not been paid for more than six months. Many sailors have completed their contract period NAVY NEWS

Silent sub: Russian noiseless Borei class nuclear submarine immersed

Super-modern, powerful and almost noiseless Russian nuclear submarine Vladimir Monomakh has been put in water to become the third ship of the Borei project. The cruiser is about to begin sea trials and mooring to become fully operational in 2013. Vladimir Monomakh was laid down at Russia’s largest shipbuilding complex Sevmash, located on the shores of the White Sea in the town of Severodvinsk in northern Russia on March 19, 2006 – the 100th anniversary of the Russian submarine fleet. Borei-class submarine Length: 170 m Beam: 13.5 m Draught: 10 m Test depth: 450 m Displacement: 14,720 tons surfaced 24,000 tons submerged

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 13 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

Speed: 29 knots (54 km/h) Complement: 107 (55 officers) Armament: 16-20 × Bulava SLBMs 6 × 533 mm torpedo tubes It belongs to a class of missile strategic submarine cruisers with a new generation of nuclear reactor, which allows the submarine to dive to a depth of 480 meters. It can spend up to three months in autonomous navigation and, thanks to the latest achievements in the reduction of noise, it is almost silent compared to previous generations of submarines. The submarine is armed with the new missile system, which has from 16 to 20 solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles Bulava (SS-NX-30 by NATO classification). The rocket is able to overcome any prospective missile defense system. On August 27, 2011, the Russian Defense Ministry reported on a successful test of Bulava to investigate its maximum range. The missile was launched from the White Sea, flew 9,300km in just 33 minutes, and then fell in the specified area in the Pacific Ocean. All Borei class submarines are equipped with a floating rescue chamber designed to fit in the whole crew Source RT- Today

SHIPYARD NEWS

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 14 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

ROUTE, PORTS & SERVICES

Jebel Ali Port expansion on target as terminal 2 quay wall extension foundation is completed Monday, 31 December 2012 | 00:00 In a special ceremony at Jebel Ali, DP World Chairman H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem has formally overseen the installation of the last of the 2752 65 ton blocks that make up the foundation of the extended quay wall of the 1 million TEU (twenty foot equivalent container units) expansion of Jebel Ali Container Terminal 2.

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 15 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

The expansion, scheduled to open for business in the second quarter of 2013, extends the quay wall by 400 metres to 3000 metres, allowing the simultaneous handling of six 15000 TEU mega ships. Meanwhile, across the harbour from Terminal 2, work is also well underway on the brand new, state of the art, 4 million TEU capacity Terminal 3, set to open in 2014, taking Jebel Ali’s total capacity to 19 million TEU. Welcoming the progress made on the expansion work, H.E. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman, DP World, said: “DP World’s pipeline of expansion projects and new developments are in line with the industry’s emerging horizons both in terms of capacity and technology. As our flagship facility and the largest port in the Middle East, Jebel Ali has consistently brought efficiency to one of the busiest supply chains in the world. DP World remains committed to supporting Dubai’s unparalleled position as the region’s commercial hub and welcoming the next generation mega container ships.” Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region, said: “For well over a year now, DP World, UAE Region has been handling volumes of more than 1 million TEU every month. With our customers now deploying ultra large container ships (ULCS), Jebel Ali is racing ahead with its capacity expansion to meet their demand. The expansion of Terminal 2 and the development of Terminal 3 will allow us to offer customers not just greater efficiencies but also economies of scale to match changing trade patterns.” When the expansion work is complete, Jebel Ali Port will be able to handle ten of the next generation 18,000 TEU mega vessels at the same time – the only port in the region able to do so. The expansions also will create more than 1,000 jobs directly. In the first nine months of 2012 DP World, UAE Region, handled 9.98 million TEU, 4.6% ahead of the same period last year. Source: DP World

t/m 7 jan

Safeguarding maritime frontiers a challenging job: COAS : Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General on Saturday said safeguarding the maritime frontiers of the country was a challenging responsibility, which requires unflinching dedication, selfless devotion and continuous pursuit of excellence in profession. This he said while speaking as the chief guest at the 98th Midshipmen Commissioning term, and 7th SSC Officers’ class, comprising a total of 118 officers, at the Naval Academy, PNS Rahbar, upon completion of rigorous training, says an ISPR press release. Upon his arrival, the COAS was received by Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Mohammad Asif Sandila.General Kayani extended his heartiest felicitations to the graduating midshipmen on their completion of training and commission into cadre of . “This day marks the beginning of a lifelong commitment, to

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 16 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

safeguarding the maritime frontiers of your motherland. It is a challenging responsibility which requires unflinching dedication, selfless devotion, and, above all, continuous pursuit of excellence in profession,” he said. “You are joining a proud and prestigious service. Pakistan Navy has a glorious past. You will need highest qualities of intellect and character to come up to the standards set by your predecessors. I am confident, that Naval Academy has equipped you with the leadership attributes and correct professional attitude that will make your task easier. Your immaculate turn out, smart drill and dignified poise is reflective of the high standards of training at the , for which, I congratulate the commandant, faculty and all those involved in your training,” General Kayani said.

He further said: “As military , you would be required to develop your professional acumen as well as an awareness of the social, economic and informational threats to our national security. This puts added responsibilities on your shoulders, particularly with reference to motivation and training of the men you will command. This will require continuous self improvement. You must keep yourself abreast, in a fast evolving world, where technology drives doctrines and thinking. Put in time for studies, reflection and discussion. Encourage frank exchange of ideas among yourselves and with your men. You would find that an open mind will carry you through seemingly impossible situations.” Earlier, in his welcome address, Commandant Pakistan Naval Academy highlighted the salient features of the officers training at the Pakistan Naval Academy. He apprised the audience that commissioning term comprises 78 officers including three from Republic of Sudan, whereas, the SSC officers’ class comprises 40 cadets which also includes six female officers. They would then embark upon the next phase of training in their respective branches leading to award of Bachelors degrees in Management Information System, Marine Engineering, Electronic Engineering and Supply Chain Management.

Later, the chief guest gave away prizes to the officers who had distinguished themselves with their outstanding performance. Midshipmen Syed Sohail Kazim was awarded the Sword of Honour for his overall best performance. Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee Gold Medal, CNS Gold Medal, Quaid-i-Azam Gold Medal and Commandant Gold Medal were awarded to Cadet Muhammad Sayyaf Pasha, Cadet Belal Mohammad Saif, Lieut Shahnawaz Abbasi and to Cadet Hina Mujeeb respectively. Naeem Ahmed received Pakistan Naval Academy, Dirk. The Proficiency Banner was presented to Main Top Squadron.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of senior officers from the three services, officers from the civil services and diplomats, including parents and relatives of the commissioning officers.

Paranaguá Sets New Standards For Container Ports In South AmericaSunday, 30 December 2012 | 00:00 Only weeks after having received permission to lift all restrictions to navigate at night, TCP - 3rd biggest Brazilian container port located in Paranagua has become the first port in the region to receive approval to allow unrestricted access of vessels featuring the new Panama Canal’s maximum dimensions of 368 meter in length and a beam of 51 meters. Luiz Antonio Alves, CEO of TCP commented “We are truly delighted to have received this permission by the Port Authorities, which will set new standards for ports in Brazil and the region as a whole. Above

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 17 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

all, it will allow our customers to bring even larger ships to TCP and thereby reduce their unit costs. This will bring benefits to both the carriers and the Brazilian exporters and importers” TCP has gone through a remarkable transformation since the facility, in early 2011, was acquired by Advent International, a U.S based private equity firm. From being the one of worst performing container terminals in Brazil, with an average berth productivity of less than 30 container moves per hour in 2010, the terminal today regularly exceeds 100 moves per hour. The average for November was 79 mph which places the port’s productivity on par with ports in North America and .Jesper Kjaedegaard, a Non-Executive Board Director and an advisor to TCP added, “It’s all about putting the customer in focus and understanding that each hour saved in the port, means thousands of dollars in savings to the carrier. Within 18 months, TCP has eliminated waiting time to berth and more than doubled the berth productivity by a combination of changing the culture, the team and investing in new equipment. What used to be a port call requiring some 48 hours is now being reliably and consistently completed within 12-18 hours which has a huge cost benefit to TCP’s clients“ A 315 m extension of the terminal is under construction and scheduled to be completed by November 2013. This will expand TCP’s berth capacity to more than 1.5 mill TEU.source: TCP

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 18 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 19 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

Philippine Port Operator ICTSI Pulls Out of Syrian Port Investment Due to Unrest Philippine port operator International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICT.PH) said Friday it has pulled out its investment in a port in Syria due to civil unrest and violence in the Middle Eastern country. ICTSI told the stock exchange that it sent-through its wholly owned Tartous International Container Terminal JSC-a notice of termination of its 10-year agreement with Syrian port agency Tartous Port General Co. to develop, maintain and operate the Tartous container port, located on the Mediterranean coast of Syria. The company cited "unforeseen change of circumstances brought about the civil unrest and violence which has gravely affected business and trade in Syria" in terminating the deal, which started in March 2007. The company said the Syrian operation accounts for 0.4% of ICTSI's total assets as of September 2012. ICTSI said it will write off the deal and assets in Syria at a cost of around $1.2 million, and save around $4 million annually in port fees and cash operating expenses from the termination of the deal.

11 Fuel-Laden Ships To Discharge At Lagos Ports Saturday, 29 December 2012 | Eleven ships are waiting to discharge petroleum products at the various oil terminals in Lagos ports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has said. The ``Shipping Position’’, a daily publication of the NPA, made available to newsmen on Thursday, indicated that six of the ships were laden with petrol. According to the publication, three of the ships will discharge aviation fuel, while two will discharge kerosene. The document reported that five other ships were waiting to discharge general cargoes, rice and bulk sugar. It said that 87 ships, carrying different cargoes, would sail into Lagos ports between Dec. 27 and Jan. 15, 2013. The NPA said that 18 of the ships would arrive with petroleum products.Source: Leadership PLEASE MAINTAIN YOUR MAILBOX, DUE TO NEW POLICY OF THE PROVIDER, YOUR ADDRESS WILL BE “DEACTIVATED” AUTOMATICALLY IF THE MAIL IS BOUNCED BACK TO OUR SERVER If this happens to you please send me a mail at [email protected] to reactivate your address again, please do not write this in the guestbook because I am not checking this guest book daily.

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 20 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

Kolkata Port Trust to impose royalty on cargo handlers After deciding to claim damages from the Haldia Bulk Terminals (HBT), the Kolkata Port Trust is now planning to impose royalty on cargo service providers at the Haldia Dock Complex (HDC). With this move, the port authorities hope to overcome the losses it incurred due to the exit of ABG Haldia Bulk Terminals from berth No. 2 and 8 at HDC on October 28, a senior official told Business Standard. The Kolkata Port Trust has also sought legal opinion on the matter before it sends the proposal to the shipping ministry for their consent, as mandated by the Major Port Trusts Act. “All tariffs have to be decided by the Tariff Authority for Major Ports (TAMP). Kolkata has had a major problem of expensive cargo handling due to the port’s riverine nature,” said K Mohandas, former shipping secretary. The Kolkata Port Trust is in a tough financial situation with increase in expenditure and fall in cargo volumes due to economic slowdown. Its liability towards the pension fund alone is around Rs 3,200 crore. Currently, the handling agents do not have to pay any royalty to the Kolkata Port Trust, for the cargo handled by them. Without the consent of TAMP and the Central government, the Kolkata Port Trust cannot go ahead with its plan to levy any such charge. Besides, the Kolkata Port Trust board is also likely to negotiate the issue of retrenched workforce at HBT-operated berths with the handling agents. According to people in the know, the port has negotiated a royalty of Rs 25 per metric tonne for the cargo handled, in case HBT is not operating at berths two and eight. The two berths were put up for bid in 2007 for providing on-board and on-shore services. ABG, which started cargo operations at the berth in September 2010, gave a termination notice to the port in October this year. The Kolkata Port Trust has alleged that ABG illegally abandoned the terminal operations. In November, the port authorities had encashed the bank guarantee of Rs 4 crore provided by ABG at the time of signing the contract. The Port Trust had earlier refused ABG and its partner Louis Dreyfus to remove its equipment worth Rs 140 crore, including six cranes, 50 dumpers, 26 loaders and waybridges out of Haldia. HBT — a joint venture between home-grown ABG Infralogistics and French Louis Dreyfus Armateurs — had pulled out of its 10-year contract for cargo handling operations, blaming political climate and “vested interest” by the port authorities. Source: Business Standard …. PHOTO OF THE DAY …..

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 21 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2012 365

The AP Argosy at The river Seine Photo; Fabian Montreuil(c)

The compiler of the news clippings disclaim all liability for any loss, damage or expense however caused, arising from the sending, receipt, or use of this e-mail communication and on any reliance placed upon the information provided through this free service and does not guarantee the completeness or accuracy of the information

UNSUBSCRIBE / UITSCHRIJF PROCEDURE To unsubscribe click here (English version) or visit the subscription page on our website. http://www.maasmondmaritime.com/uitschrijven.aspx?lan=en-US

Om uit te schrijven klik hier (Nederlands) of bezoek de inschrijvingspagina op onze website. http://www.maasmondmaritime.com/uitschrijven.aspx?lan=nl-NL

Distribution : daily to 24200+ active addresses 00-00-2012 Page 22