GL orders surge to record high

German Classification Society, Germanischer Lloyd (GL), has notched up a new record for orders received in the period from January to August 2003. The Society received new orders for the classification of seagoing ships with a total volume of 5.6 million GT. The order level rose to the historic mark of 10 million GT, corresponding to 11.3 per cent of the world order level. At present, GL alone has 44 large container carriers of the 8,000 TEU class waiting for classification. In the estimation of GL Executive Board Member Dr. Hans G. Payer, the vessels of this size will develop into the new standard for jumbo container ships.

However, the growth in size will not end there: in addition to a 9,200 TEU design study that was completed recently, GL is also working on the design for a 12,000 TEU vessel on behalf of a shipyard.

NOL profits soar

Neptune Orient Lines Ltd has recorded a first half-year net profit of $88.7 million on turnover of $2.6 billion. This compares to a loss of $155.7 million with a turnover of $2.2 billion for the same period in 2002.

Turnover for the group improved by 19 per cent with each of the group's three core businesses, APL, supply chain management company APL Logistics and crude oil transportation company American Eagle Tankers (AET), all improving on overall performance. Chairman Cheng Wai Keung said that the turnaround that began at the beginning of the year had been sustained, with rates continuing to correct to more historic levels on all of APL Liner's trade lanes. The performance of APL Logistics' performance showed good improvement and chartering rates remained relatively strong.

IBIA relocates base

With effect from August 25, the International Bunker Industry Association (IBIA) has relocated from London to Southampton, on the UK south coast. Ian Adams, IBIA secretary general said, "Relocating to Southampton is part of a planned initiative designed to streamline administrative procedures and costs, while maintaining efficiency and service to members.

Southampton is one of the UK's largest ports and a bunkering centre in its own right, with the huge Fawley refinery close by. From Southampton we can run an efficient administration and not have to support heavy rental overheads." As part of its relocation program, IBIA has also appointed a new administrator, Anne Chambers, who will be working with Adams in Southampton.

Seabulk expands fleet

The Seabulk Offshore group of companies has decided to add a new UT-710 Anchor Handling Tug Supply Vessel (AHTS) to its fleet, making the 226-ft. Seabulk South Atlantic the fifth newbuild vessel in Seabulk's 2003 fleet renewal programme.

Built by Norway-based Brevik Construction, the 10,050-hp Seabulk South Atlantic joins the fleet on a five-year bareboat charter agreement that includes an option to purchase at the contract's end.

Seabulk South Atlantic, which moves at speeds up to 15.5 knots, has a certified bollard pull of 133 MT, and provides a large triple-drum anchor handling/tow winch with up to 300 tons line pull and 450 tons brake load.

The UT-710, which was designed by Rolls Royce Marine, incorporates a substantial amount of that manufacturer's equipment, including the main engines, thruster, rudder, and automation and control systems. The vessel is also fitted with high Liquid Mud and Brine capability in addition to FF1 class-notation and Dynamic Positioning DP1.

Resulting from its versatile capabilities, the vessel can therefore serve in a multiple support role assisting heavy-duty semi-submersible rigs for exploration and development drilling, as well as fulfilling the steadily growing demand for offshore terminal support work.