DHS Radiation Detector Tests Inconclusive
March 5th, 2008Tests of radiation detectors performed last year by the Department of Homeland Security showed inconclusive results. The intention is to use these detectors at U.S. borders and ports to find nuclear materials in cross border shipments and prevent terrorist attacks.
In the new report, the review team concluded that the testing last year was not able to show whether the machines, known as advanced spectroscopic portal radiation monitors, or ASPs, could “detect and identify actual objects that might be smuggled” into the country, according to portions of the report released by Congress.
A proposed project would involve installation of as many as 1,400 ASPs, which cost about $377,000 each. Several congressional representatives are calling for a hold on the project until testing can confirm whether these detectors work as well as proponents have stated.
Link: Washington Post (registration required)
Northrop Grumman Fined $400,000 For Illegal Exports
January 28th, 2008Northrop Grumman was fined $400,000 for illegal export of components for navigation equipment. The fine covers 131 violations of Export Administration Regulations.
BIS press release follows:
The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced today that Northrop Grumman Corporation (Northrop) of Los Angeles, Calif., has agreed to pay a $400,000 civil penalty to settle allegations that it committed 131 violations of the Export Administration Regulations, both in its own capacity and as successor to Litton Industries, Inc., which Northrop acquired in April 2001.
“This settlement is a reminder that comprehensive export control compliance is vital and obligatory. The Bureau of Industry and Security will continue to work with industry to increase awareness of the importance of comprehensive export control due diligence in corporate transactions, particularly in the post-9/11 environment,” said Mario Mancuso, Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security.
The allegations primarily involved unlicensed exports of specially designed components for navigation equipment and module manufacturing data that were to destinations in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Italy, and the United Kingdom between January 1998 and September 2002.
Northrop voluntarily self-disclosed the violations and cooperated fully in the investigation. BIS considers voluntary self-disclosures to be a significant mitigating factor when negotiating settlements of administrative cases.
MV Beluga Skysails Begins Maiden Voyage
January 24th, 2008
Beluga Shipping has begun what may be a new era in shipping with the maiden voyage of the MV “Beluga SkySails” a cargo vessel using the SkySails towing kite system which adds wind power to assist in moving the vessel over the ocean.
The MV “Beluga SkySails” has started her maiden voyage according to plan. The world’s first multipurpose heavy lift project carrier that due to an innovative towing kite system is co-powered by wind energy, did cast off on Tuesday evening (22nd of January, 2008) at 8.18 pm from “Columbuskaje” in Bremerhaven. The port of destination for the first voyage over approximately 4400 sea miles in length is Guanta in Venezuela.
The MV “Beluga SkySails” is equipped with a 160 square meter sail which will be scaled up over the coming year to 320 square meters and may, depending on wind conditions, lead to savings of as much as 20 to 30 percent. Larger vessels are planned for the future:
… two larger multi purpose heavy lift project carriers of the Beluga P1- series, which are to be equipped with SkySails systems in the near future, too, and are currently under construction, kites having a sail area of as much as 600 square metres will then be used. On this basis, fuel savings in the dimension of up to ten tons daily can be anticipated according to present-day estimates, corresponding to a reduction in ship voyage expenses of over 6,000 US dollars.
This is an interesting development worth watching over the coming years to see whether anticipated savings actually materialize. If they do, expect more carriers to adopt the SkySails system.
Link: Beluga Shipping
New Cargo Fee at Ports of Los Angeles - Long Beach
January 22nd, 2008A new fee has been added at the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles to improve traffic flow and air quality. The fee is anticipated to be $15 per loaded TEU beginning January 1, 2009.
The proposed fee will be assessed on every loaded 20-foot equivalent (TEU) cargo container entering or leaving any terminal by truck or train beginning January 1, 2009. The amount will fluctuate based on the current funding needs of approved projects. It is anticipated that the charge would be $15 per loaded TEU for seven years, but could vary depending on availability of public funds and timing of environmental approvals. … The fee is in addition to one enacted in December to help fund the ports’ Clean Trucks Program.
Link: Port of Long Beach
India to Europe Container Rates on the Rise
January 10th, 2008Shipping goods from India to Europe will be getting substantially more costly, rates are set to rise by $200 per 20-foot equivalent unit, or TEU, and $400 per 40-foot equivalent unit, or FEU, from 1 February, it currently costs about $1,400 for shipping a TEU from India to any one of the European ports.
A group of 19 container shipping firms, known as the India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ceylon (IPBC) Conference, that operates services between Europe and the Indian subcontinent, have announced their decision to implement the rate hike, which will remain valid at least until 31 March. …
The IPBC conference members include ANL, CMA CGM, Hamburg Sud, Hapag-Lloyd AG, K-Line, MacAndrews and Co. Ltd, Maersk Line, MISC Berhad, CSAV Norasia Liner Services, Rickmers, Safmarine Container Lines NV, Shipping Corp. of India Ltd (SCI), United Arab Shipping Co., Yang Ming Line and Zim Integrated Shipping Services Ltd.
Link: Livemint
