Curtas do Bryant´s

NATO – all-Arab naval task force to address piracy

The NATO Shipping Centre issued an update stating that the Arab media is reporting that eleven littoral states of the Persian Gulf and Red Sea have agreed to create an all-Arab naval task force to prevent the spread of piracy in the region. The task force would comprise warships from Bahrain, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. The Saudi navy will coordinate joint efforts for a period of one year. (7/1/09).

Spain and US discuss piracy problem

The US Department of Defense issued a news release stating that during the meeting between US Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Spanish Minister of Defense Carme Chacon the parties discussed, among other things, the need for a legal framework to address the piracy problem off Somalia. (7/1/09).

EPA – air emission standards to be proposed for large ships

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a news release stating that it intends to propose regulations that would impose air emission standards for large ships that would harmonize with international standards. The draft proposal would impose nitrogen oxide (NOx) limits on Category 3 marine diesel engines installed on US ships similar to those provided for on foreign ships under recent amendments to Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention. It would also forbid the sale of marine diesel fuel for use in the US Emissions Control Area (ECA) of above 1% sulphur content. (7/1/09).

California – requirement for low-sulphur fuel

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) issued a news release stating that, effective July 1, ocean-going ships must use low-sulphur fuel when operating within 24 nautical miles of the California coast. (7/1/09).

USCG – voluntary compliance with MARPOL Annex IV

Overcoming some minor technical glitches, the US Coast Guard posted its guidance for owners and operators of US commercial vessels to voluntarily comply with international ship sewage regulations found in Annex IV to the MARPOL Convention. The United States is currently not party to Annex IV, but requirements of the Annex would be enforced against applicable US ships that call in the ports of nations that are party to the Annex. The Coast Guard circular also provides guidance to manufacturers of shipboard sewage processing equipment and to facilities that test such equipment. NVIC 1-09 (6/23/09).

New Zealand – French warship rescues family on disabled yacht

Maritime New Zealand issued a media release stating that, at the request of RCC New Zealand, a French warship diverted course and rescued a family of eight whose yacht have become dismasted and disabled on a voyage from Tonga to New Zealand. A Royal New Zealand Air Force plane also assisted. (7/1/09). Fonte: Dennis Bryant.