The American Board of Shipping (ABS) just published the “ABS Guide for LNG Fuel Ready Vessels”.This guide was created as a way to support members in preparing newbuilds for their future conversion to gas propulsion.The ABS Guide makes formal the process for those who want to plan for LNG conversion in the future, by giving them a detailed review and approval, as well as an associated class notation.According to ABS Chairman and CEO, Christopher J. Wiernicki, “ABS is a leader in LNG as fuel,...

The Maritime Administration can, in certain cases, issue waivers of the “U.S.-build” requirement under the Jones Act, for vessels of unknown build or foreign vessels to operate in the U.S. as commercial passenger vessels.The application processTo allow for these waivers, the Administration has set up specific procedures. For the application process, the Maritime Administration requires the following:1. A $500 application fee per request (non-refundable)2. Completed application3. Period of...

The United States Navy has just released guidance on suicide prevention for health professionals and commanders by lessening access to lethal means by instituting voluntary storage of privately-owned firearms. The measure is part of a larger Department of Defense strategy to prevent suicide and similar tragedies in the military.Said Captain Mike D. Smith, the Director of Navy Suicide Prevention Branch, "Firearms were used in half of all Navy suicide deaths in 2012 and 2013, and continue to be...

The latest study by Moore Stephens, international accountant and shipping consultant, reveals that vessel operating costs will likely rise by nearly three percent in both 2014 and 2015.This new survey is based on responses from individuals in the international shipping industry – primarily managers and owners in Europe and Asia.The responses revealed that the primary sources of the increase in costs are crew wages and repairs and maintenance. For example, crew wages are estimated to increase by...