Curtas do Bryant´s

Senate – hearing offshore oil and gas development

On May 18, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources conducted a hearing regarding Offshore Oil and Gas Development. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar testified that BP has accepted responsibility for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and is working to stop the flow of oil and clean up the oil that has been spilled. BP has also confirmed that it will pay for all removal costs and damages regardless of whether the statutory liability cap in the Oil Pollution Act applies. (5/18/10).

Senate – hearing on response efforts to the Gulf Coast oil spill

On May 18, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science & Transportation conducted a hearing on Response Efforts to the Gulf Coast Oil Spill. Opening statements were made by Committee Chair Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) made opening statements. Admiral Thad Allen, US Coast Guard, testified concerning the ongoing response effort. Ms. Jane Lubchenco, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, testified regarding support provided by NOAA. Mr. Lamar McKay, BP America, testified regarding efforts to stop the flow of oil and to clean up the oil that has been discharged. Mr. Steven Newman, Transocean Ltd., testified regarding efforts to drill a relief well and to determine the cause of the casualty. Dr. Deborah French McCay, Applied Science Associates, testified concerning potential impacts of the oil spill on marine and coastal ecosystems. (5/18/10).

Senate – bill introduced to increase OPA 90 liability cap

Senator Vitter (R-LA) introduced the Oil Spill Response and Assistance Act (S. 3375) to amend the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 to increase the cap on liability for economic damages resulting from an oil spill, and for other purposes. (5/13/10).

IMO – cooperation can provide anti-piracy blueprint

The IMO issued a news release stating that Secretary-General Efthimios Mitropoulos told the UN General Assembly that multilateral cooperation arrangements can provide the means to reduce the risk of piracy attacks on innocent ships. (5/17/10).

Australia – update Shen Neng 1

Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) issued a media release stating that the first phase of lightering of coal from the damaged bulk carrier Shen Neng 1 has been completed. Coal in the amount of 7,500 tons was transferred to the first of several vessels and it has now departed. Transfer operations involving a second ship have commenced. A total of 19,000 tons of coal is to be transferred so that the Shen Neng 1 can safety be towed overseas for repair. (5/17/10).

Canada – new regulations onboard emergencies

Transport Canada issued a news release announcing new regulations relating to passenger and crew safety with regard to onboard emergencies and abandonment of the vessel. The new regulations, which came into effect on May 12, make practice drills more realistic and efficient. (5/14/10). Fonte: Dennis Bryant.