Curtas do Bryant´s

Gulf of Mexico – update MODU incident

The Unified Command issued a news release providing an update on the oil spill response and oil well intervention efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. An accompanying photo release shows the controlled burn of oil on the water and other aspects of the spill response. An imagery release shows an overflight map and NOAA forecast maps. Meanwhile, the White House issued a statement summarizing President Obama’s telephone call to the Governors of the Gulf Coast states assuring them that the Administration will use every single available resource at its disposal in the response efforts. (4/29/10).

DOI – Cape Wind energy project approved

The Department of the Interior issued a news release stating that Secretary Salazar has approved the Cape Wind energy project to be constructed in waters off the State of Massachusetts, subject to additional binding measures to minimize the potential adverse impacts of construction and operation of the facility. (4/28/10).

EPA – control of emissions from large marine diesel engines

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing emission standards for new marine diesel engines with a per-cylinder displacement at or above 30 liters (called Category 3 marine diesel engines) installed on US vessels. These emission standards are equivalent to those adopted in amendments to Annex VI of MARPOL. The standards will apply in two stages – near-term standards for newly built engines will apply beginning in 2011; long-term standards requiring an 80% reduction in NOx emissions will begin in 2016. The rule also finalizes a change in the diesel fuel program that will allow for production and sale of 1,000 ppm sulfur fuel for use in Category 3 marine vessels. In addition, the new fuel requirements will generally forbid the production and sale of other fuels above 1,000 ppm sulfur for use in most US waters, unless alternative devices, procedures, or compliance methods are used to achieve equivalent emissions reductions. The final rule comes into effect on June 29. 75 Fed. Reg. 22895 (April 30, 2010). Note: This document is 171 pages.

IMO – meeting with EC Commissioner

The IMO issued a news release stating that Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos met European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Maria Damanaki to discuss issues of mutual concern. The Secretary-General pointed out the importance of uniform international standards for shipping. The European Commissioner discussed the need for coordinated surveillance. (4/29/10).

Antigua & Barbuda – Proliferation Security Initiative Ship Boarding Agreement

The US Embassy in Barbados issued a news release stating that US Chargé d’Affaires D. Brent Hardt visited Antigua and Barbuda to sign a Proliferation Security Initiative Ship Boarding Agreement with the Government of that nation and to dedicate a new Coast Guard facility at English Harbor. (4/26/10). Note: This item was brought to my attention by my good friend John Bennett of Maritime Protective Services. Fonte: Dennis Bryant.