Wednesday, October 7, 2009

IBIA presses ahead with plans for industry qualification

(http://www.august.energy.biz/, October 08, Thursday) --- IBIA press release...

(Merlin Communications) -- The International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has been consulting with its members to help identify the best way to institute a professional bunker industry qualification, plans for which were first unveiled last year.

At the forthcoming IBIA Annual Convention, to be held in Singapore from October 12 to 16, IBIA chairman Chris Fisher will tell delegates, “IBIA is not looking to move further into the training sector, but many of our members have shown an interest in an IBIA qualification. The concept under consideration envisages IBIA preparing examination material for up to three levels – Basic, Advanced and Higher.

“IBIA would work with existing training establishments to ensure that the proper examination material subjects were included, to the level required, and would then recommend appropriate training programmes for students wishing to take the examinations. And IBIA would select an existing, professional third party to provide facilities on a global basis for students to sit the examinations under controlled conditions

“Clearly, IBIA cannot become involved in the cost of attending third-party training events, but our aim is to keep the cost of the examination and qualification process as low as possible by providing examination facilities in as many locations around the world as possible. This would keep student travel costs down. The examination fee should be modest; sufficient to cover venue costs, invigilation and certification. Where possible we would endeavour to minimise costs by registering a number of students to sit the examination at the same time.”

Last year IBIA carried out industry research on the need for qualifications in the bunker industry, albeit on a relatively small population of its members. Recently it obtained additional feedback from members on a number of issues, including whether they believe that a professional bunkering qualification would help raise industry standards, and whether they would support those wishing to gain such a qualification. The response has been very positive and the survey findings will be presented at the IBIA convention in Singapore next week.

Chris Fisher says, “Education is vital. Specifically, I believe that, if the buyer is well-trained and qualified, a large proportion of problems could be avoided. Too many owners are leaving their purchase functions to individual operators who never have time to attend courses or conferences. Traders, brokers and suppliers do make up most of the delegates on training courses, but more education is needed. Purchasers and suppliers need to be aware of the benefits that well-informed staff can give to their company. Qualifications would be a great way to enhance both IBIA and the bunkering industry and would allow people in the industry to develop and gain personal satisfaction.”

At the IBIA Convention, subjects under discussion will include quality determination, environmental and financial challenges, and positioning for recovery in Asia.

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Monday, October 5, 2009

SINGAPORE: Industry specialist HMT to lead expert discussion at October 28-29 fuel storage event


Article from EnergyAsia...

(EnergyAsia, October 2, Friday) --- Global tank solutions provider HMT will be spearheading efforts at upgrading terminal storage industry practices in Asia at the “Fuel Storage and Terminalling Course: Management and Operations” event on October 28-29 in Singapore.

Through its Singapore office at HMT Pte Ltd, the Texas, US-based storage tank specialists will be sharing their in-depth knowledge and worldwide experience with diverse members of the regional storage tank industry including terminal owners and operators, oil and gas companies, power generation companies, fuel and bunker traders, logistics and distribution experts, tank inspection, maintenance and cleaning service providers, engineering firms, health, environment, safety and security specialists, surveyors and numerous ancillary services providers.

Bill Stapleton, executive vice president at HMT Inc, will be flying-in from the company’s headquarters in Houston, the US to join Paul Butler, regional manager for Asia-Pacific, to share their expertise.

Mr Stapleton, a storage tank industry veteran with over 30 years’ experience, will present “Innovation in Tank Design and Construction to Attain Operating Capacity Gains and Inventory Reduction”, “Best Practices of Operations and Management”, Environmental Strategies for Storage Terminals” and “Strategies for Tank Storage Maintenance”.

Mr Butler, who has 15 years in the industry, will be co-presenting on the above topics.

HMT provides a complete line of products and services for aboveground storage tanks including tank inspection, maintenance and repair, fabrication, engineering and design, coating and lining, calibration, new tank construction and turnkey services. The company’s tank products meet or exceed the requirements for Emission Controls under the US EPA, API and European IPPC / BREF regulations.

Organised by August Energy Pte Ltd, next month’s fuel storage event is prompted by the surging demand for fuel storage facilities due to the global oil stockpiling frenzy to address energy security concerns.

Other expert firms sharing their domain knowledge at the event the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), ST-Airport Services Pte Ltd, STET Maritime Pte Ltd, Emerson Process Management, Applus RTD Application Centre Asia & Pacific, TechSafe Sales Asia Pte Ltd, and Fairworth Associates.

They will cover topics related specifically to the safety, security, environmental and health issues of operating fuel storage tanks and terminals in Singapore and Asia. As more companies build oil, gas and chemical storage terminals in the region, there is growing concern that these facilities, if not properly designed, built and managed, could pose a threat to the community at large.

The course programme and other event details are available at August Energy’s site http://www.augustenergy.biz/. Also, please contact August Energy at +65 6438 0933, or send an email to singapore@hmttank.com.

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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

SINGAPORE: Neftech targets at least 10% fuel cost saving, lower emissions for shipping industry with new technology

(http://www.augustenergy.biz/, September 22, Tuesday --- Article from EnergyAsia ...

(http://www.energyasia.com/) --- Two Singapore companies, green energy R&D company Neftech Pte Ltd and container shipping operator APL, have agreed to work together to develop cleaner and more efficient fuel solutions for use in shipping fleets. They expect Neftech’s proprietary cavitation technology to deliver at least 10% in fuel cost saving for users in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from ships.

Neftech has begun installing cavitation technology equipment on 20 ships owned and operated by APL, a wholly-owned subsidiary of global container shipping, terminals and logistics group Neptune Orient Lines Limited (NOL).

At a joint briefing last week, the companies said the technology, developed by Russian scientists, uses a fuel emulsification process that adds water to heavy fuel oil to produce a superior emulsified fuel for ships. HFO is the low-grade fuel used for powering the engines of ocean-going vessels.

They said that tests conducted on two APL container ships over a 12-month period showed “significant” fuel savings on generators and main engines, as well as substantial reductions in the ships’ carbon emissions.

Victor Levin, the Singapore-based Russian chairman of Neftech, said: “We believe we are the first in this industry to utilise this revolutionary Cavitation Technology for the fuel emulsification process.

“The cavitation effect (breaks) water clusters into smaller clusters or individual molecules, thereby achieving more complete fuel combustion. As such, there will be higher efficiency in fuel consumption as compared to the conventional HFO. In addition to substantial fuel cost savings for ship owners and operators, this application will also reduce the shipping industry’s continuing production of main greenhouse gases.”

Cheng Wai Keung, NOL chairman, said: “In today’s highly challenging business landscape, reducing costs, increasing efficiency and lessening the environmental impact of our operations are among the biggest challenges we face. Neftech offers a strong value proposition.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Neftech will bear the cost of installating its fuel-saving equipment on-board the 20 ships, with payment terms to be in the form of fuel savings and carbon credits to be shared with APL in an agreed ratio based on proven and documented cost savings. The installation programme is expected to be completed over the next 12 months.

Mr Levin said he expects Neftech, which has started marketing the technology to other shipping companies and the power industry, to make annual revenue of around US$1 billion.

Justifying this ambitious target, Lim How Teck, a Neftech shareholder and former NOL deputy CEO, said the company will make a strong case for fuel savings with the shipping industry which spends more than US$160 billion a year on fuel. This is based on their use of nearly 370 million tons of fuel a year at an average cost of US$450 per tonne.

Incorporated in Singapore in 2007, Neftech is a high tech company founded by
Russian scientists with over 35 years of research and development expertise in the field of cavitation technology.

The company is 63%-owned by Russian interests with the remaining held by local shareholders including S.P. Quek, China Auto Corp chairman, former NOL director and deputy CEO Lim How Teck, GK Goh chairman Goh Geok Khim and former transport minister Yeo Cheow Tong.

APL is a global container shipping business offering more than 60 weekly services and more than 500 calls at more than 140 ports worldwide.

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Sunday, September 13, 2009

Speed Limit At The Marina South Pier (MSP)

(http://www.augustenergy.biz/, September 14, Monday) --- MPA News Centre release...

Port Marine Circular
No 14 of 2009

08 Sep 2009
Shipping Community
Harbour Craft Community
Pleasure Craft Community

1 The wakes created by craft proceeding at high speed within MSP have raised various safety concerns such as danger to commuters alighting and boarding craft berthed at landing points/pontoons, damage to craft berthed at landing points/pontoons and parting of ropes of craft tied at mooring buoys.

2 In the interests of safety and preventing damage to property, the Port Master hereby imposes, pursuant to Regulation 33(2) of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Port) Regulations (the “Port Regulations”), a Speed Limit of six (6) knots for all craft operating in the approaches to MSP within the area bounded by the line joining the following geographical positions:

WGS 84 Datum
Point Latitude (N) Longitude (E)
1 01°16.227'N 103°51.783'E
2 01°16.359'N 103°51.964'E
3 01°16.197'N 103°52.080'E
4 01°1.065'N 103°51.899'E,

to the point of origin in point 1 and as illustrated in the attached chartlet.

3 The Speed Limit must be strictly observed at all times, except when a temporary increase in speed is necessary in order to avoid immediate danger.

4 Any person who causes or permits any craft to proceed at a speed in excess of the Speed Limit shall be guilty of an offence, and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 under Regulation 78 of the Port Regulations.

Ram K Kumar
for Port Master
Maritime And Port Authority Of Singapore

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Wednesday, September 9, 2009

SINGAPORE: Ezra in landmark deal to extract more value from its fleet management expertise

(http://www.augustenergy.biz/, September 10, Thursday --- Article from EnergyAsia ...

(http://www.energyasia.com/) ---Ezra Holdings Limited, the Singapore-based support and marine services provider for the offshore oil and gas industry, said it has signed a vessel operating agreement (VOA) that will power its future returns and growth without any major capital outlay.

As part of the agreement, Ezra said it will manage and operate four new anchor, handling, towing and supply (AHTS) vessels for an unnamed offshore specialist fund in return for a half-share of the profit earned, after deducting direct operating expenses from the charter revenue.

The vessels are still under construction, with the first AHTS slated for delivery in the first quarter of 2010. The vessels provide basic offshore oil and gas support services industry that are deployed throughout the oil field life cycle.

Ezra’s managing director, Lionel Lee, said: “This latest deal sets us in line with our strategy to expand our capabilities and extract value from our existing expertise in offshore fleet management. This is a powerful endorsement of our edge in the sector and we intend to grow this into a viable and highly profitable business for the group.

* Full version of report can be found in EnergyAsia Daily at http://www.energyasia.com/

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Monday, September 7, 2009

Pro-enterprise Initiative: Introduction of Temporary Harbour Craft Permit For Vessel Involved In An Approved Marine Project (THCPMP)

(http://www.augustenergy.biz/, September 07, Monday) --- MPA News Centre release...

In accordance with Regulation 4 of the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (Harbour Craft) Regulations (the ‘Harbour Craft Regulations’), every harbour craft used within the port must be licensed.

Currently, any harbour craft which is not licensed but intended for temporary use for intra-port transportation of cargo or passengers, or other intra-port activities may apply for a daily Temporary Harbour Craft Permit (THCP) under Regulation 39 of the Harbour Craft Regulations.

2 To facilitate flexibility and short-term deployment of vessels engaged in marine projects, MPA has reviewed our existing regulatory frameworkT1 and will be introducing a new 6-monthly permit called the Temporary Harbour Craft Permit for Marine Projects (THCPMP). With effect from 1 September 09, owners or agents of such vessels can apply for the THCPMP. Applicants for a THCPMP should note the following:-

• The marine project for which the vessel is intended to be deployed must be one that has been approved by the Port Master;
• A vessel granted the THCPMP is only allowed to operate within the approved project area. Vessels that are to be deployed for use outside the project areas should continue to apply for a THCP;
• The vessel must possess valid ship certificates issued by a flag State and insurance acceptable to the Port Master;
• The Port Master may require any of the recognized classification societies to inspect and assess the condition of the vessel to operate at the project area;
• The vessel must be properly manned by a master who possesses a valid Harbour Craft Master Course Certificate;
• Permit fees for the THCPMP are payable at the rate of $100 per 10 GT or part thereof for a period of 6 months;
• No refund of permit fees for any unused period of the THCPMP will be granted.
• The Port Master reserves the right to vary any existing condition of a THCPMP and to impose additional conditions at any time.

3 Applications for the THCPMP must be submitted to the Port Master on the application form, attached as Appendix 1, via e-mail osdc@mpa.gov,sg or facsimile no. 6325-2376. The application will be processed within 3 working days and the approved THCPMP will be issued to the applicant via email or fax. Please note that this service is currently not available through the Marinet and that over-the-counter applications will not be accepted at OSDC.

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Wednesday, September 2, 2009

COMPANY: Vopak raised forecast for 2009 earnings by 10% after 16.2% surge in 1H net profit

(http://www.augustenergy.biz/, September 03, Thursday --- Article from EnergyAsia ...

(http://www.energyasia.com/) --- On the back of strong demand for its services and expansion of storage capacity, Dutch oil and chemical logistics giant Royal Vopak has raised its earnings expectation by 10% from its previous forecast of 450 million euro. It now expects to achieve an operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) excluding exceptional items of around 495 million euro. (US$1=0.7 euro).

The company reported a sharp rise of 16.2% in first half net profit to 114.9 million euro year-on-year while revenue was up by 8.4% to 492.1 million euro. Its earnings per ordinary share surged 15.1% to 1.83 euro.

The company said its worldwide storage capacity expanded by 800,000 cubic metres to 27.9 million cubic metres over the same period. Half of the new capacity came onstream in Singapore.

It expects to add another 2.8 million cubic metres of storage capacity to be added through 2011 at a cost of 1.6 billion euro.

Vopak said its operating profit in Asia rose by 39% to 64.5 million euro in the first half of the year, fuelled by large capacity additions in Singapore and high levels of activity in China. The utilisation rate reached 95% in the first half of the year.

* Full version of report can be found in EnergyAsia Report
September 2009 issue

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