Darren Shelton 🚢’s Post

The MV Dali striking the Francis Scott Key Bridge may be just the tip of the iceberg. As if to emphasise the scale of the issue facing the marine industry, the post below notes, not one, but two vessels which suffered power/propulsion failure while navigating the Mississippi in the space of as many days - both incidents within the last two weeks - There is a clear need to review the provision of comprehensive Failure Mode and Effect Analysis - maintenance procedures - operating procedures in enclosed waters - escort tugs. #ShipsandShipping #technology

A large part of our day-to-day operations consists of harbor maintenance and ship repairs. As the name says Marine Repair @yourservice www.marinerepair.nl #maritime #offshore #shipsandshipping

Navigate the seas with confidence! Oceanic Star's Flag State Documentation guarantees legal compliance for vessels, ensuring smooth sailing ahead. ⚓️🌊 . . #oceanicstar #flagstatedocumentation #legalcompliance #maritimelaw #smoothsailing #marineengineer #deckcadet #sailors #vessel #ocean #navigation #mariners #mariners #seamanlife #nautical

MSIB - PORT CONDITION X-RAY Effective 4:00 pm EST on August 4th, 2024, Coast Guard Captain of the Port (COTP) Charleston, South Carolina set Port Condition X-RAY for coastal South Carolina. Threatening winds (34 kts/39 mph) from Tropical Storm DEBBY are possible along the coast of South Carolina within 48 hours. Pleasure craft are advised to seek safe harbor. All oceangoing commercial vessels and oceangoing barges greater than 500 gross tons are to finalize plans for departing the port area prior to the storms arrival. Vessels unable to depart must immediately contact Coast Guard Sector Charleston to receive permission to remain in port and are required to submit a safe mooring plan in writing. Vessels bound for this port, which are unable to depart 24-hours prior to threatening winds making landfall, are advised to seek an alternate destination. Facilities are advised to finalize their heavy weather plan and take all necessary precautions to adequately prepare for the forecasted conditions. Commercial vessel operators and recreational boat owners should ensure their vessels are secure at berth and will not pose a hazard to surrounding vessels or the environment. Mariners are reminded that drawbridges may not be operating when sustained wind speeds reach 25 mph or when an evacuation is in progress. This MSIB can be viewed at https://lnkd.in/dA_DhaGZ. For questions regarding this MSIB or for Coast Guard-related emergencies, please contact the Sector Charleston 24-hour Command Center at (843) 740-7050.

The salvage operation for the oil tanker MT #Sounion is encountering difficulties as the private companies involved in the rescue efforts have found that current conditions are unsuitable for towing the vessel, leading to the exploration of alternative solutions. The Greek-registered Sounion, which was carrying around 1 million barrels of crude #oil, poses a severe environmental threat after being ignited by #Yemen ’s #Houthi militants on August 23. The EU naval mission Operation #ASPIDES, which has been protecting the tugboats engaged in the salvage operation since September 1, reported that the private companies have determined that the conditions are not appropriate for towing and that proceeding would be unsafe. They are now seeking alternative methods. It would appear that the salvage operation was underway or about to begin this morning (3 Sep) Spotted on Landsat 8-9, Sounion surrounded by what is potentially the FS Forbin and a FREMM Class frigate 2 other unknown vessels loitering as well. Imagery from MT ANDERSON. However, it seems the tugs were either unable to extinguish the fires or that the superstructure of the vessel is damaged after being exposed to extreme temperatures and cannot be towed. In terms of what’s next: the priority has to be to extinguish the fires to 1. Prevent further damage to the ship’s superstructure and 2. Reduce the amount of time it is taking to get on board and conduct an assessment before oil begins to leak. Next, if the vessel is assessed to be too damaged to tow, the oil must be transferred to (an)other vessel(s) to prevent leakage, then work can begin on SOUNION to secure the vessel before being towed for repairs.

Bollinger delivers US Coast Guard Cutter David Duren (FRC 1156) Bollinger Shipyards recently delivered the USCGC David Duren to the U.S. Coast Guard in Key West, Florida. This is the 182nd vessel Bollinger has delivered to the U.S. Coast Guard over a 35-year period and the 56th Fast Response Cutter (“FRC”) delivered under the current program. “We’re incredibly proud to deliver the USCGC David Duren, the first of three Fast Response Cutters to be homeported in Astoria, Oregon, we’re confident that pound for pound, the quality and capabilities of the FRC platform are unmatched and that this vessel will outperform its mission requirements and expectations in the challenging conditions where it will operate in the Pacific Northwest. Our unique experience building for the Coast Guard is unparalleled and has shown time and time again that we successfully deliver the highest quality vessels on a reliable, aggressive production schedule. We look forward to continuing our historic partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard.” Bollinger President & CEO Ben Bordelon The USCGC David Duren will be the first of three FRCs to be homeported in Sector Columbia River, which is known as “The Protectors of the Pacific Northwest.” The sector is responsible for coastal safety, security, and environmental protection, as well as protecting and securing vital infrastructure, rescuing mariners in peril at sea, enforcing federal law, maintaining navigable waterways, and responding to all hazards impacting the maritime transportation system along the Oregon coast. As the U.S. Congress continues to debate Fiscal Year 2024 government funding, the future of the Fast Response Cutter Program remains uncertain. While the House Homeland Security Appropriations Bill included funding for four new FRCs, the Senate bill did not include funding for any new vessels. The prospect for a year-long Continuing Resolution (CR) at last year’s funding level introduces a critical level of uncertainty, as funding levels continue to lag behind the meteoric rise in raw material and input costs. The Coast Guard’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget to Congress includes procuring two more FRCs to provide increased Coast Guard presence and engagement with allied and partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region. Last year, Adm. Linda Fagan, the Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard, said, “The Indo-Pacific is clearly a consequential region for America’s future. The United States Indo-Pacific Strategy identifies an expanded role for the U.S. Coast Guard as a top Administration priority as we seek to ensure a region that is free and open. The U.S. Coast Guard will continue its long history of operational presence in the region with additional cutter patrols and deployable specialized forces.” Each FRC is named for an enlisted Coast Guard hero who distinguished themselves in the line of duty. Boatswain’s Mate Master Chief David N. Duren was one of the most iconic figures in the history of Coast Guard surfmen....

In a recent incident, the M/V Dali collided with Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in tragic loss of life and significant economic disruption. This serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks in commercial shipping, where vessels transport over 80% of global trade, valued at $14 trillion. Following past disasters like the Exxon Valdez spill, lawmakers mandated tug escorts for laden tankers in sensitive areas. This proactive measure underscores the need for preemptive safety protocols. Consider the intricate waterways of regions like the San Francisco Bay Area, where tanker transits navigate challenging conditions. Implementing tugboat escorts, tailored to vessel tonnage, emerges as a vital solution to mitigate potential disasters. Recent incidents globally underscore the urgency of adopting such measures industry-wide. Let's prioritize safety by advocating for the widespread adoption of tug escorts. Together, we can ensure safer seas and safeguard lives. #MaritimeSafety #TugEscorts #SafetyFirst

Legal aspect: The Crucial Role of the DPA in Casualty Response #maritime #shipping #vessels #shipsandshipping #maritimelaw #maritimesafety #shipmanagement #maritimeindustry #ships #shippingindustry #marineindustry #maritimehistory #ocean #seafarers #shipbuilding #shipowners #maritimesecurity #maritimeinnovation #maritimelaw #maritimetraining #maritimeeducation 

Update: First vessel passes through a temporary channel around the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge but significant work remains to restore maritime traffic flow. Follow the link for more details: 👉 🔗 https://lnkd.in/e_FW44X2  #BaltimoreKeyBridge #SupplyChain #Baltimorekeybridge #ShippingIndustry  

Legal aspect: The Crucial Role of the DPA in Casualty Response #maritime #shipping #vessels #shipsandshipping #maritimelaw #maritimesafety #shipmanagement #maritimeindustry #ships #shippingindustry #marineindustry #maritimehistory #ocean #seafarers #shipbuilding #shipowners #maritimesecurity #maritimeinnovation #maritimelaw #maritimetraining #maritimeeducation