In this issue: Focus on Greece. Also inside: Samos Steamship Co.; Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd.; Golden Union Shipping Co.; Nicky Pappadakis, Intercargo Chairman; Grain trade
Date: 2010-06-29
Focus on Greece
There is a lot of activity on the bulk carrier scene these days - much more than many of us predicted a year ago.
Samos Steamship Co.: Quality and attention to detail
The history of Samos Steamship Co. in many ways parallels the history of modern Greek shipping. The island of Samos, the original home of the Inglessis family who founded Samos Steamship Co., is well known for its seafaring traditions.
Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd.: Responsibility and accountability on land and at sea
Stephanos Tsonakis meets us in the brand new Glyfada headquarters of Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Ltd., offices that are airy and bright and sparkle in the Greek sun.
Golden Union Shipping Co.: People, the most valuable commodity of all
For George Gabriel, director of Golden Union Shipping Co., it is not difficult to pinpoint the heart of the company's values: he points to a photograph of the company staff and simply says, "It is people who make up the company, and it is people that we invest in."
Nicky Pappadakis, Intercargo Chairman
"Many Greek owners have spent several years at sea so they have the practice and the experience. You will find Greeks in many international fora and the Greek shipping community controls more than 2 000 ships plus newbuildings - we have been in the business for generations," says Nicholas Pappadakis, the Chairman of Intercargo.
DNV's Piraeus office: from a representative office to a regional hub
Since 1921 when DNV's first Greek office was opened in the Cunard Building at 4 Sotiros Street, many things have changed for Norwegian classification society Det Norske Veritas in Greece.
DNV Research & Innovation Piraeus
DNV Research and Innovation (DNVR&I) is the corporate DNV unit with a prime focus on new knowledge and technologies that will have a long-term impact on business growth.
Structural changes in the grain market
In late April, lively grain trading supported a quite healthy freight market.
Developments in the grain market
North America feeds much of the world, growing and exporting about half of the grain that moves in international commerce. The U.S. forecasts agricultural exports this year will top $100 billion, the second highest level ever, as the global recession eases, prices rebound and demand builds for grains and oilseed.
Grain loading and stability
The shift of cargo, and thus proper stowing, is a concern for ships carrying dry cargo. Cargo that is accidentally shifted can result in a lack of stability and, in the worst case, the total loss of a ship.
Fitness for cargo
The Fitness for Cargo Programme covers all of the vessel's major areas, equipment and documentation that are considered to be important for shipping the cargo without damage.
Close-up inspection requirement
New IACS requirements stating the means of access to be provided when performing close-up examinations entered into force in January 2007. The new requirements were based on the experience gained from incidents involving the loss of side shell on Capesize bulk carriers (100,000 dwt and above).
Emergency Towing Booklet - a new requirement for bulk carriers
A new emergency towing procedure requirement was adopted by SOLAS MSC.256(84) on 16 May 2008.
Experience with low sulphur in European ports
On 1 January 2010, Directive 2005/33/EC imposed a 0.1% max sulphur limit on fuels used at berth in EU ports. Leading up to the implementation, the industry was involved in an unprecedented wave of criticism with respect to the potential technical and safety consequences, and many industry organisations and equipment manufacturers aired their concerns.
The new IMSBC Code - The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code
On 4 December 2008, by Resolution MSC.268(85), the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) adopted new regulations for the carriage of solid bulk cargoes. The new code, the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code - hereafter called the IMSBC Code - will supersede the existing Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes - hereafter called the BC Code.
Hatch cover maintenance
Cargo hatch covers are important for the safety of the vessel, crew and cargo. Ensuring weathertight integrity while at sea is the primary objective of hatch covers. A number of reported casualties are related to the loss of weathertight integrity due to the collapse of hatch cover steel structures or failure of securing and locking devices.
Dry bulk market - better than expected
At the beginning of last year, no one expected anything but a collapse of the dry bulk sector. Owners of bulk carriers were pulling their hair out, trying to figure out what was happening to the market.
Market decoupling for dry bulk vessel sizes?
Remarkable differences in freight rate developments for the largest and medium-size bulk carriers have been observed in recent months.