Curtas do Bryant´s

OFAC – economic sanctions against Iran

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) issued a notice publishing the names of 37 newly-designated entities and five newly-designed individuals whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to Executive Order 13382 relating to proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Many of these entities are associated with the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL). The designations are effective immediately. 75 Fed. Reg. 70352 (November 17, 2010).

FERC – East River tidal energy project

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a notice concluding the pre-filing process and approving the process plan and schedule for the East River Tidal Energy Pilot Project. The project calls for construction and operation of a tidal energy facility in the East River at Hell Gate. 75 Fed. Reg. 70224 (November 17, 2010).

NATO – Shipping Centre Alerts

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) posted its latest chart of Shipping Centre Alerts. It shows both Alerts and pirate events for the years 2008, 2009, and 2010 in waters in and around the Indian Ocean. (11/16/10).

Kenya – Best Management Practices deter pirates

The EU NAVFOR issued a press release stating that the freighter African Eagle was attacked by pirates off the coast of Kenya, but evaded capture through the use of Best Management Practices. Barbed wire and electrical fencing installed on the vessel prevented the pirates from boarding. (11/16/10).

Kiribati & Fiji – shipping pollution violation investigation

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) issued a media release stating that it recently conducted workshops in Kiribati and Fiji regarding investigation of shipping pollution violations. (11/16/10).

Suez Canal opened to shipping – November 17, 1869

The Suez Canal opened to shipping on November 17, 1869. Excavation of the Canal had taken ten years, using forced labor and rudimentary mechanical equipment. Construction had been opposed by British interests, who feared competition in trade with India. Once the Canal opened and proved successful, British interests acquired a majority ownership. The Canal was closed to shipping during the Suez Crises of 1956-57 and during the Arab-Israeli Wars of 1967 and 1973. In 2008, over 21,000 ships transited the Canal, earning the Government of Egypt over $5 billion in tolls. Fonte: Dennis Bryant.