Maritime Review (Nov – Dec 2019 Issue)
(click cover to download the magazine)
November 2019
Urgent Alert: “Climate Emergency”
The latest warning issued in early November 2019 by thousands of scientists from 153 countries about instituting measures that would effectively address Climate change speaks volumes in terms of human nature’s resistance to change. According to the scientists, Mother Earth “clearly and unequivocally faces a climate emergency.” She has registered faster than expected acceleration of global warming. This alert came…
The Battle of Midway
A colleague posted about having seen the movie Midway, just released last week, and suggested that it is a good movie to watch. While on a 4-day layover at SBMA, part of a long-planned participation in Anvaya Cove’s annual Pawikan Cup, I decided to check it out and behold! It was playing at Ayala Mall’s Harbor Point at the former…
MARINA To Intensify Modernization Of Domestic Ships
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) will intensify the modernization of domestic ships to provide safer, more convenient, and more comfortable sea transportation services to the riding public. As directed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, the MARINA will encourage more ship operators, particularly those engaged in short distance travel, to invest on fast crafts, and Roll-On…
Cimatu Acts On President Duterte’s Call To Clean-Up Pasig River
DENR Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu hit the ground running Wednesday as the newly appointed chair of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) in answer to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s call to clean the Pasig River. The environment chief led a technical inspection of Pasig River, and pledged to get rid of informal settlers and go after polluters of the…
Making A Choice Defending The Country’s Seas
“The goal of the AFP Modernization Program reads: the Philippines has the longest coast line in the world next to Indonesia and Canada. The sea is extremely significant from an international, navigational, economic, geopolitical and strategic perspective. There is an urgent need to develop a modern and adequately equipped force that will ensure maritime and air space security.” – National…
Excelerate Receives Notice To Proceed From The Philippines For Floating LNG Terminal
On 20-September-2019, Excelerate Energy L.P. (Excelerate) received the Notice to Proceed (NTP) from the Philippine Department of Energy (DOE) to develop a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal in the Bay of Batangas per the DOE’s guidelines for “Rules and Regulation Governing the Philippine Natural Gas Industry.” The project, Luzon LNG, will supply natural gas, sourced from LNG, to…
Time To Fix PCSO And STL
For so long now, the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has been invariably accused of corruption and poor governance. The accusations are many – from systemic corruption; wrong beneficiaries; LOTTO business cornered by two players for almost 30 years now; delinquent LOTTO outlets; co-mingling of funds; paper supplier for 50 years; under-declaration of revenues to reduce taxes; misappropriation of funds;…
Traffic Flow Is Like Blood Flow
Interestingly, traffic flow is like blood flow. Blood circulation is one of the many parts and systems that comprise the human body – an almost perfect machine with a master template that enables the body to function as one. When we are born, the blood circulates normally to distribute oxygen and nutrients to, and…
SSA’s IMO Sulphur Limit 2020 Guidance
International Human Rights Law Proposed Amendments For New UN Oceans Treaty
London, UK. Human Rights at Sea published a short independent legal briefing note on proposed amendments to the draft agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction to include International Human Rights Law. These amendments note an absence of human rights…
What Are Coquina And Tabby?
Coquina and tabby are “bullet-proof” building materials born of the sea. Nearly every child who’s played on the beach has built a simple sand castle by creating a turret with an upturned bucket of sand. Others, more elaborate (and typically built with help from an ambitious parent), boast multiple structures surrounded by moats and rivers that ebb and flow with…
Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer Students Train In US Navy’s Newest Combat Trainer
US NAVAL STATION SAN DIEGO –Naval Surface and Mine Warfighting Development Center (SMWDC) and the Center for Surface Combat Systems (CSCS) hosted 10 students school on 20-September-2019 in CIAT, the Navy’s newest combat trainer, or the Combined integrated Air & Missile defense/anti-submarine Warfare Trainer, to increase operator lethality of Advanced Anti-Submarine Warfare Officers (ASWO). The students will Fleet-up aboard the…
Saildrone Completes First Autonomous Circumnavigation Of Antarctica
A seven-meter (23-foot) long, wind-powered unmanned surface vehicle (USV) called a Saildrone has become the first unmanned system to circumnavigate Antarctica. The vehicle, known as SD 1020, was equipped with a suite of climate-grade sensors, and collected data in previously unchartered waters, enabling new key insights into ocean and climate processes. The 196-day mission was launched from Southport in Bluff,…
The History Of Norway’s STADT
STADT is an awarded technology leader and has been in the power electronics business for more than 30 years. Through its extensive experience, focus on sustainable products and development of the patented STADT Lean Drive technology for electric propulsion of today, there have been major steps. Hallvard L. Slettevoll founded STADT in 1985 in a family barn in his hometown…
Maritime Innovation In The Philippines
Without a doubt, the Maritime Industry in the Philippines is a vibrant cornerstone to the local economy and national workforce stability. To some extent, on an international level as well. One doesn’t have to look very far to understand how innovation with efficiency of operation and an ongoing focus to being environmentally sensitive is paramount in maintaining a balance of…
Wärtsilä Solutions To Support Hurtigruten’s Green Push In Expedition Cruises
The technology group Wärtsilä will supply a broad scope of solutions that will support Hurtigruten, the world’s largest expedition cruise operator, in its push for greener and more sustainable shipping. Hurtigruten, considered one of the world’s most sustainable cruise operators, is converting an additional three vessels to become premium, hybrid-powered expedition cruise ships. The order with Wärtsilä was placed in…
Global Marine Insurance Premiums Rise By 1%, But Future Market Development Remains Uncertain
IUMI – the International Union of Marine Insurance – presented its analysis of the latest marine insurance market trends at this week’s annual conference in Toronto, Canada. Marine underwriting premiums for 2018 were recorded at US$28.9 Billion which represents a single percentage point rise from 2017. With significant challenges facing the market, the modest increase is not significant to herald…
Choices Made Now Are Critical For The Future Of Our Ocean And Cryosphere
The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report highlights the urgency of prioritizing timely, ambitious and coordinated action to address unprecedented and enduring changes in the ocean and cryosphere. The report reveals the benefits of ambitious and effective adaptation for sustainable development and, conversely, the escalating costs and risks of delayed action. The ocean and cryosphere –the frozen…
Addressing Invasive Species In Ships’ Ballast Water – Treaty Amendments Enter Into Force
Amendments to an international treaty aimed at preventing the spread of potentially invasive species in ships’ ballast water entered into force on 13-October-2019. Ships regularly take on sea water in tanks to ensure their stability. Known as ballast water, this can contain many aquatic species, including in microscopic or larval form. These can become invasive and harmful if the ballast…
What is a Sponge
Sponges — simple aquatic animals with dense, yet porous, skeletons — are highly adapted to their environments. Sponges are found in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, and are often mistaken for plants. Scientists believe that their varied colorations may protect them from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Sponges have been around for a very long time, with…