The Mission to Seafarers: One World, One Mission Compiled by Capt
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DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2015 – 075 Number 075 *** COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS *** Sunday 15-03-2015 News reports received from readers and Internet News articles copied from various news sites. The SPIEGELGRACHT enroute Amsterdam – Photo : Simon Wolf (c) 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 32.375+ active addresses 15-03-2015 Page 1 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2015 – 075 EVENTS, INCIDENTS & OPERATIONS The AIDA AURA moored in Malta Photo: Michael Cassar (c) Fugro’s independence threatened as Boskalis swoops in The future independence of Netherlands-based geosciences and geotechnical surveying group Fugro is under threat after one of its main shareholders, Royal Boskalis Westminster, issued it with a writ of summons in an attempt to force a vote on one of its measures protecting it from a hostile takeover. The summons comes just two months after Boskalis - a dredging and marine services specialist also based in the Netherlands - increased its shareholding in Fugro to over 20%, a move it claimed was not a precursor to a takeover bid. The writ concerns the Foundation Continuity Fugro (Stichting Continuïteit Fugro) which in the event of a hostile takeover can be issued with a large proportion of shares, independent from Fugro, in order to maintain its independence. It is one of three such measures Fugro has in place to prevent itself from an unsolicited bid.While Fugro has said it is willing to discuss the foundation at its shareholder meeting at the end of April, Boskalis wants it tabled as a voting item, something Fugro claims is against the law. In a recent statement issued by Fugro, the firm reiterated it “highly values” its position as an independent geotechnical and surveying and has had these anti-takeover measures in place long before the “unsolicited stake building by Boskalis”. The firm said: “Fugro is disappointed by the position of Boskalis and opposes the action taken by Boskalis. This legal action is neither justified nor in the interest of Fugro's stakeholders, and there is no legitimate interest for Boskalis given its repeated and explicit public statements that its holding in Fugro is not a step towards making an offer for Fugro.”A hearing to decide if the foundation measure will be subject to a vote will be heard by the Dutch District Court on the 17 March 2015. Although Boskalis increased its holding in Fugro to 20.01% in January this year, the company stressed it was not a precursor to a takeover bid. According to a statement from Boskalis: “The strategy of Boskalis is focused on offshore Distribution : daily to 32.375+ active addresses 15-03-2015 Page 2 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2015 – 075 and [maritime] infrastructure, making use of the combination of high end know-how and maritime assets. This fits very well with the activities of Fugro. The two companies have a lot in common in the area of assets, knowledge, capital intensity, global coverage, client base and are both global leaders in niche markets.”The case compounds a difficult period for Fugro with latest financial accounts described by the firm as “poor due to the strong deterioration of the oil and gas market and performance issues”. Despite group revenue rising 6.1% to €2.5 billion (US$3,1 billion) in the year ending 31 December 2014, earnings before tax (EBITDA) fell 31.7% to $453 million. However, the EBITDA does not include $765 million the company totted up in impairments and write-offs. Fugro CEO Paul van Riel said of the recent performance: “Clearly, the way forward for Fugro is to fully focus on its survey and geotechnical activities. We are actively seeking options to reduce our share in Seabed Geosolutions and the process is underway to find a partner for Subsea Services; options include a divestment of (part of) the subsea business.“We anticipate a weak oil and gas market for some time to come, while the infrastructure and wind farm markets continue to provide good opportunities. Our plan for 2015 is clear: focus on profitability, cash flow and strengthening the balance sheet by implementing restructuring measures.“Strategically, our main objective is to implement the announced portfolio changes to strengthen the company, simplify and reduce the cost of the organisation and improve operational performance. This will position the company well to benefit from recovery in the oil and gas market when the demand- supply balance is restored.” Source : environment-analyst The MSC ALICANTE outbound from Rio de Janeiro – photo : Cees van der Kooij (c) Welcome to Australia, sorry about the cyclone IT TOOK eight years for this cruise ship to finally visit Australia. And in a case of extraordinary bad luck, a cyclone also decided to stop by at the same time. The MSC Orchestra, carrying around 2500 passengers on its maiden journey to Australia, has been forced to cancel its scheduled stop in Cairns due to Cyclone Nathan. Instead, the ship has slowed and will stop in Brisbane on today Left : Conditions on the ship. It’s a bit wet It had last stopped at Bali on the March 8.It comes just weeks after another cruise ship — Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas— was caught up in a cyclone drama in Distribution : daily to 32.375+ active addresses 15-03-2015 Page 3 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2015 – 075 Australia. The following statement has been released on the MSC Cruise page:“Unfortunately, due to adverse weather conditions affecting the Far North Queensland region, we regret to confirm that MSC Orchestra was compelled to cancel the call at Cairns, originally scheduled for Friday 13 March. “This change in itinerary was necessary due to the formation of a tropical low storm/cyclone in north-eastern Queensland. This step, taken in consultation with the Australian Maritime Authorities, was necessary to ensure the wellbeing and comfort of all guests and crew members — our number one priority at all times.”Cyclone Nathan remains a category 2 and the Bureau of Meteorology expects it to turn around and headed east later Almost 80mm fell in Cairns overnight and heavy rains continue to fall around the region. Source : newscom.au The Mission to Seafarers: One World, One Mission Compiled by Capt. Piet Sinke Piracy, shipwreck, abandonment and separation from loved ones are just a few of the problems merchant seafarers face. Around the world, The Mission to Seafarers provides help and support to the 1.5 million men and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat. The Mission to Seafarers work in over 260 ports caring for seafarers of all ranks, nationalities and beliefs. Through their global network of chaplains, staff and volunteers we offer practical, emotional and spiritual support to Distribution : daily to 32.375+ active addresses 15-03-2015 Page 4 DAILY COLLECTION OF MARITIME PRESS CLIPPINGS 2015 – 075 seafarers through ship visits, drop-in centres and a range of welfare and emergency support services. In over 100 ports the Flying Angel centres provide a ‘home away from home’ for seafarers who may have been at sea for up to two years. Here they can enjoy time away from their ship and use internet and phone facilities to get in touch with loved ones after months away. In an emergency, the Mission to Seafarers is often the only help on offer. No matter what problem a seafarer is facing, be it injury, abandonment, non-payment of wages or personal difficulties, they know they can turn to the local Mission for help, advice and support. the chaplains and volunteers offer practical and financial support, advocacy services, family liaison or simply a space to talk in a time of crisis. The Mission to Seafarers was founded in 1856 and is entirely funded by voluntary donations. In 121 ports we run Flying Angel Centres – port-based buildings which provide affordable access to the internet and telephone for seafarers wanting to contact home. Many of these facilities operate around the clock to meet the needs of crews arriving day and night. Along with access to communications, the centres offer recreational facilities and a small shop which sells essential supplies. In all of our centres, a quiet chapel is provided for seafarers wishing to get pastoral support, counsel and spiritual assistance. The Mariners club started in Hong Kong in 1863 when a Sailors' Home was founded in Hong Kong when a hostel building was provided at West Point by a number of local firms. The firm of Jardine Matheson took a prominent part in this St. Peter's Church was built in the compound & initially was used by locally resident Europeans and was later to become the Seamen's Church. The Sailors' Home & The Missions to Seamen opened on 23rd April, 1933 at 40 Gloucester Road, Hong Kong Extensive damage was suffered during the occupation in 1941. This was made good and the building completely furnished from local resources at the cessation of hostilities Site clearance for a new Mariners' Club at the present location at the Middle road began. Foundation stone laid on 21st January 1966 and The Mariners' Club was officially opened 30 May, 1967 by H.E.