Your daily news service from ports around the world.
In this HOT PORT NEWS, read about:
- United Kingdom, River Forth – Survey operations between Forth Rail Bridge & Dhu Craig buoy
- United Kingdom, Dundee – Fender construction works continue
- Singapore, all ports – Use of privately contracted armed security personnel
- Hong Kong, Hong Kong – Port Facilities and Light Dues Incentive Scheme
DATE: September 20, 2012 COUNTRY: United Kingdom PORT: River Forth Survey operations between Forth Rail Bridge & Dhu Craig buoy
Commencing on or about Thursday 20 September for a period of about 10 days until on/about Sunday 30 September 2012, ASPECT SURVEYS will be undertaking bathymetric and magnetic survey work for the full width of the River between Forth Rail Bridge and Dhu Craig buoy for the new Forth Replacement Crossing.
The survey will be carried out from the vessel ‘REMOTE SENSOR’ (7 metre White hull and superstructure catamaran with forward cabin and twin outboard engines).
During survey operations this vessel will display shapes and lights as required by International Regulations and advise FTNS of all movements and will maintain a listening watch on VHF Channels 71 and 16.
An 80 metre cable with equipment will be deployed from ‘REMOTE SENSOR’ and due to the vessel’s slow survey speed, all mariners are requested to proceed with caution when navigating in this area and keep well clear of the survey vessel particularly astern and her equipment.
For information about operations in the UK contact GAC UK at uk@gac.com
DATE: September 20, 2012 COUNTRY: United Kingdom PORT: Dundee Fender construction works continue
Works are continuing this week on the construction of fenders on the navigational span piers on the River Tay at Dundee.
Pouring of in situ concrete is progressing. The Dina M is at present on location at the bridge piers.
Vessels engaged in this phase of the operation are the Crane Barge Dina M and the Workboats Forth Constructor, Forth Boxer, Lesley M and Forth Mariner.
For information about operations in the UK contact GAC UK at uk@gac.com
DATE: September 20, 2012 COUNTRY: Singapore PORT: all ports Use of privately contracted armed security personnel
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has issued guidance on the use of privately contracted armed security personnel on board Singapore-registered vessels while transiting high risk areas, in line with the revised interim guidance being promulgated by International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
In its Shipping Circular No.15 of 2012 dated 18 September 2012, the MPA states that, taking into account the guidance provided by the IMO, there may be scenarios that ship owners are considering the use of armed guards for ships transiting the piracy High Risk Area due to the increased threat by Somalia-based pirates.
However, the use of PCASP should not be considered as an alternative to Best Management Practices (BMP) and other protective measures.
Singapore law does not prohibit the use of armed security personnel on board Singapore-registered ships, although the carriage and use of firearms and ammunition on board Singapore-registered ships is not encouraged given the potential escalation of violence and increased risks of crew injury and fatality. While the crew of a Singapore-registered ship, or their hired armed security personnel may lawfully bear arms, they will still be liable under Singapore’s laws if they use their arms on board the ship without lawful excuse, as a person on board is not exempted from criminal liability in respect of any offence that he commits on the ship.
Whether to use PCASP within the High Risk Area is a decision for the individual ship owner after a thorough risk assessment and after ensuring all other practical means of self protection have been employed.
For further details or information about operations in Singapore contact GAC Singapore at Singapore@gac.com
DATE: September 20, 2012 COUNTRY: Hong Kong PORT: Hong Kong Port Facilities and Light Dues Incentive Scheme
Starting from 26 September 2012, ocean going vessels (OGVs) can enjoy a 50% reduction in port facilities and light dues if they use cleaner fuel while berthing in Hong Kong waters.
The owner, operator or his agent of OGVs joining the scheme should first make a one-off registration for their vessels with the Environmental Protection Department (EPD). Registration has commenced on 17 September 2012. To apply for the reduction in port facilities and light dues, the vessel after registration will have to submit two declaration forms signed by the shipmaster to the Marine Department (MD), for every port call to Hong Kong, which indicate the use of fuel with sulphur content not more than 0.5% while at berth.
The first declaration form shall be submitted to MD no later than 4 hours after the vessel has switched to cleaner fuel while berthing in Hong Kong waters.
The second declaration form together with certified true copies of Bunker Delivery Note and Engine Room Log Book signed by the shipmaster shall be submitted to MD within 3 days after the vessel has left Hong Kong waters.
(For information about operations in HOng Kong contact GAC Hong Kong at shipping.hongkong@gac.com)
Source: Government of Hong Kong SAR Marine Department Notice No.132 of 2012
