The following article originally appeared on MDA.gov, a resource of the National Maritime Domain Awareness Coordination Office, which is responsible for coordinating efforts within the U.S. government to promote the safety and security of the global maritime domain.

The Creating Climate Wealth Summit took place May 3-4, 2011 at the Nationals Park Conference Center in Washington, DC. The workshops were attended by executives, investors, entrepreneurs, and leaders from the private and public sector. The purpose was to identify specific U.S. pathways to accelerate deployment of green solutions in the face of low expectations and weak mandates.

The Carbon War Room, a non-profit organization created by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson focused on market-driven solutions to address climate change, convened the summit and assembled leaders from the finance, transportation, energy, agriculture industries, as well as government in an effort to jumpstart efforts that will have immediate impacts on global climate change.

Workshops were divided into seven working tracks, all with significant implications for the maritime sector: distributed generation, energy efficiency, personal transportation, island economies, aviation and renewable fuels, shipping and freight, and sustainable agriculture. Discussions in the Shipping and Freight workshop were varied and discussed profitable means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that are immediately actionable.

One prominent idea was support for the Energy Efficiency Rating (EER), a standard to rate vessels’ efficiency. In order to encourage higher EERs, special consideration could be given to efficient ships in port, however inefficient ships would find themselves burdened with disincentives and higher port fees. This effort is heavily supported by the larger shipping companies, who are already heavily invested in efficiency measures for the purpose of fuel savings. Thus, it would put smaller operators at an even greater competitive disadvantage.

Various technologies were discussed as means to prompt savings of energy costs as well as greenhouse gas emissions. The adoption of more efficient fuels, innovative engine designs, and the use of supplemental sails entered the conversation. Furthermore, participants explored the use of capital to promote the development and distribution of new technologies.

While many of the ideas discussed were interesting, one promising intersection of fuel efficiency and Maritime Domain Awareness was the Virtual Arrival system, an initiative developed by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) and the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners (INTERTANKO). Virtual Arrival involves information sharing between vessels at sea and their destination port. By altering its speed to arrive at port just as a berth is available, the ship burns less fuel in transit, burns no generator fuel at anchorage, and avoids demurrage.

See related article by SEAaT (Shipping Emissions Abatement and Trading): The Shipping Virtual Arrival Project by OCIMF and Intertanko http://www.seaat.org/Article.aspx?articleid=59

The Creating Climate Wealth Summit series, in Washington, Sydney and London, aims to accelerate create economic growth, entrepreneurial wealth, well paid jobs, and make billion ton (gigaton) carbon reductions.

Related Links:

The Creating Climate Wealth Summit
http://creatingclimatewealth.com/washington-d-c

Carbon War Room
http://www.carbonwarroom.com/

Source: MDA.gov

Today, June 21st, is World Hydrography Day, a day to recognize our ocean surveyors.  Check out this video from Mary Glackin, NOAA’s Deputy Under Secretary, as she explains how hydrography supports the U.S. economy, keeps mariners safe, and protects our coastal communities and ecosystems.

Nor-shipping 2011, one of the premier events for the European maritime industry, is kicking off this week in Oslo, Norway.  This years show dares to ask the question ‘What’s next?‘ and the conferences May 24 and 25 will explore the theme from a number of different perspectives.  So what is next?  Well, the major themes leading up to this years show has been the shipping industries push to offshore oil and gas and social media.

Nor-Shipping 2011 will be hosting its first-ever Offshore Agenda conference to highlight the growing demand from the offshore oil and gas industry.  Specifically, the conference is marking Brazil’s importance as a hotspot for offshore service providers with Petrobas’ CEO José Sergio Gabrielli delivering the keynote address and officially marking Day Two of the conference ‘Brazilian Day’.  The conferences will also  feature presentations by top industry leaders such as Tor Olav Trøim of Frontline, Peter Evensen from Teekay Corp, Peter Anker of RS Platou, Cecilie Fredriksen with Frontline, Thomas Wilhelmsen of Wilh. Wilhelmsen, Roy Reite from STX OSV and Karl Johan Bakken of Farstad Shipping ASA to name few.

Embracing social media, Nor-Shipping has launched an official twitter page and an interctive “ebook” to compliment the show and has already received praise for their digital strategy by ShipServ, a company that has proved itself forerunner in the maritime industries push online.  The new website, NextGenerationShipping.com, was launched in January as a platform for discussion leading up to Nor-Shipping.  The website is a callaborative effort  from companies such as ABB, DNV, Kongsberg, Jotun, Wilhelmsen, Wartsila, and Ulstein among others.  You can also follow the show by using #Norshipping hashtag on Twitter.

With everything going on, hopefully by the end of the week the shipping industry will have a clearer answer to the question “what’s next?.”  Keep checking back to gCaptain for updates on the show.

The genesis of the AMVER system ultimately finds its roots in the RMS TITANIC disaster in 1912. Ships passing within sight of the ill-fated passenger liner were unaware that it had hit an iceberg and was sinking. However, the resultant idea of a ship-reporting system that could identify other ships in the area of a ship in distress, which could then be sent to its assistance, would not become a reality until the advent of computer technology. As late as the mid-twentieth century, the world’s commercial shipping fleet and burgeoning air transport system lacked an available full-time, global emergency reporting system. On April 15, 1958, the United States Coast Guard and commercial shipping representatives began discussions that led to the creation of AMVER.

“National Maritime Day is a wonderful opportunity to recognize our merchant mariners and their tireless efforts to facilitate world trade while preserving safety at sea”, observed Clay Maitland, NAMEPA founding chairman and dinner chairman. “AMVER is a voluntary program where commercial implications are set aside to preserve safety of life at sea. This is a maritime ‘good news’ story that should make its way into the mainstream consciousness of our global society.”

This year, 535 ships from 77 companies will receive recognition awards presented by Admiral Robert Papp, Commandant of the USCG, for volunteering to aid distressed vessels during 2010. Companies being recognized include Overseas Shipholding Group, APL Maritime, Maersk, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Roymar Ship Management, Eagle Bulk Shipping, Wilhelmsen Shipping, CSL International, Crowley, Chevron Shipping, Sea River Maritime, Carnival Corporation, BLT Chembulk, Genco, Edison Chouest, Horizon Lines, Interocean American Shipping, Laurin Maritime, NCL, Matson, Seabulk and Seacor, and Teekay Shipping.

The evening is also being sponsored by the International Propeller Club, Blank Rome Maritime, Chamber of Shipping of America, Clay Maitland, Det Norske Veritas, Sea Research Foundation, TBS, and Torm. The cost to attend the dinner is $250 or $2500 for a table.

For more information on reserving a spot, CLICK HERE.

Photo: In 2006, AMVER participating ship M/V Anthemis rescued 4 in a sailboat taking on water, 400 miles off the Virgina Coast. Credit Amver

Thanks again to our hosts for the great party, and their continued support of gCaptain.

“NAMEPA was conceived at just the right time,” stated Founding Chairman Clay Maitland.  “The public’s eyes were turning to the environment, while at the same time the maritime industry sought mechanisms for insuring its preservation.  These two goals were achieved in our region by the formation of NAMEPA.”

NAMEPA was predicated on the nearly 30 year old model established by George P. Livanos when he founded HELMEPA (Hellenic Marine Environment Protection Association).  Today there are 7 MEPAs around the world.  While each MEPA has its own programs, they share the mission “To Save the Seas”.

“While establishing a new association has its risks,” observed NAMEPA Co-Founder and Executive Director Carleen Lyden-Kluss, “NAMEPA has had many rewards.  I am so very proud of the way our industry as supported and embraced NAMEPA.  We are gratified by the interest in membership, sponsorship of our programs, our relationships with other agencies, and commitment of our Board of Directors in their guidance of the organization.”

Since its founding, NAMEPA has produced 4 World Maritime Day Observances, including the 2009 World Maritime Day Parallel Event, four National Maritime Day Seminars, two spill response exercises, and six Environmental Intelligence in Shipping Seminars.  Through its partnership with the North American Maritime Ministry Association (NAMMA), it has distributed 12,000 copies of the American Club’s environmental crimes poster and 2000 marine debris posters to seafarers.  Along with the Sea Research Foundation it has mounted three children’s drawing competitions with this year’s contest reaching out to 500,000 schoolchildren from K-12.  NAMEPA is also in the process of producing a MARPOL/marine science educational tool for seafarers, as well as developing a marine debris teaching module for elementary students.  The latter will be tested in New Haven, CT schools this fall working with the USCG’s Sector Long Island as classroom educators.

More information on the North American Marine Environment Protection Association, including upcoming events, can be found at www.namepa.net or by visiting the North American Marine Environment Protection Association Facebook Page.

Photo: Left to Right, Robert J. Whitney; Jr.- ABS, Jeffrey Lantz, USCG; Jeanne Grasso, President of WISTA USA and partner at Blank Rome LLP; Stacey H. Mitchell, Department of Justice (at podium).

At its Annual General Meeting in Washington, DC last week, more than 70 WISTA USA members and guests gathered to discuss issues of concern to the maritime community.  Leading authorities from the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Department of Justice, regulatory and trade associations, and the U.S. Congress met with shipping professionals to discuss and debate the current status of environmental and enforcement issues and the impact of the 112th Congress on the industry, and to examine strategies for moving forward.

“WISTA USA meets annually in various cities around the country”, stated WISTA USA President and Blank Rome LLP partner Jeanne Grasso.  “We took advantage of the meeting in Washington to invite high-level public and private sector leaders in our industry to participate in substantive discussions with our membership on Coast Guard regulatory issues, Department of Justice enforcement initiatives and legislative action in Congress.  Needless to say, there was a lot to cover.”

Rear Admiral Frederick J. Kenney, the United States Coast Guard’s Judge Advocate General, opened the proceedings with an overview of the Deepwater Horizon incident, citing many of the challenges faced during the response effort.  Despite this being the first instance of a “Spill of National Significance”, it was not the largest oil spill on record.  “The largest spill occurred during the first Gulf war,” RADM Kenney reminded the group.  “The largest spill in the United States was was a land-based spill in Kern County California in the early part of the last century.”

Jeffrey Lantz, Director of Commercial Regulations and Standards for the United States Coast Guard and the U.S. nominee for Secretary General of the IMO, followed with a description of the rulemakings currently in the pipeline, how many had been concluded, and his belief that with the arrival of new Coast Guard personnel, the processes would be accelerated.  Even so, Mr. Lantz noted that with respect to significant rulemakings, they can take several years from start to finish.

Stacey H. Mitchell, Chief of the Environmental Crimes Section of the US Department of Justice, mapped out her goals for that agency.  After stating that “80,000,000 gallons of oil, or 8 times the Exxon Valdez spill, are intentionally and illegally discharged from vessels every year”, Ms. Mitchell underscored her intention to eradicate this practice.  In addition to better coordination amongst U.S. federal agencies and international counterparts, Ms. Mitchell asserted that her department will “Focus on responsible corporate officials, and seek enhanced sanctions where warranted.  We are also seeking support from industry to expel intentional MARPOL violators from responsible maritime organizations.”  Further suggestions included approaching P&I clubs to prevent compensation of fines and/or to institute a premium surcharge to companies for intentional criminal violations, or a possible premium concession for compliant companies.

Ms. Mitchell expressed her concern about the increase in Oily Water Separator prosecutions, which was echoed by RADM Kenney who indicated that the incidence of violations was on the rise.

Dabney Hegg, Professional Staff Member, Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies, Senate Committee on Appropriations, offered the most discouraging news: “This Congress will not advance the agenda of the maritime community”, she stated.  “In former years, you had Senators Ted Stevens, Trent Lott, Ernst Hollings and John Breaux, who had maritime issues in mind, and, when appropriate, could be counted on to stand up.  Those maritime leaders are gone, and where we are now is a static state.”  When asked about the potential demise of the Jones Act, Ms. Hegg replied: “As long as my heart beats, I will defend the Jones Act.”

Jean Godwin, Executive Vice President of the American Association of Port Authorities, focused her presentation on critical infrastructure needs, and the resources to get projects done.  “The federal government does not fully utilize the Harbor Maintenance Tax (HMT) for its intended purpose”, Ms. Godwin claimed.  “Our infrastructure, including dredging, needs $1.3-$1.5 billion annually.  Through the Harbor Maintenance Tax, the government collects $1.5 billion, but these funds are not dedicated to dredging.  We need to improve our nation’s transportation infrastructure on the land and waterside to increase competitiveness and our ability to accommodate trade growth and expanded exports.”

During the business meeting portion of WISTA USA’s AGM, Jeanne Grasso welcomed the establishment of a new WISTA USA Chapter in the Pacific Northwest under the leadership of newly appointed Chapter President Captain Katharine Sweeney.  “Not only does the United States have the largest membership in WISTA International, but we continue to grow and expand geographically as demonstrated by this new chapter”, said Grasso.

Delegates also had an opportunity to network while touring the Freer/Sackler galleries of the Smithsonian Museum and the U.S. Capitol, watch the House of Representatives debate amendments to an energy bill, and take boat cruise on the Potomac River.

WISTA is an international organization for women in management positions involved in the maritime transportation business and related trades worldwide. WISTA is a major player in attracting more women to the industry and in supporting women in management positions.  WISTA USA has eight chapters around the United States with over 230 members from 20 states.

For more information about WISTA go to www.wista.net

Last year our industry’s first broad-scale advocacy day on Capitol Hill was a resounding success. “The Sail-In was widely supported by the American maritime industry including international and domestic ocean carriers, terminal operators and labor unions.  We had folks from 20 states, 48 congressional districts, 28 companies, 9 unions and labor organizations, and 10 related associations,” reported VADM Albert J. Herberger, a former U.S. Maritime Administrator and head of last year’s volunteer organizing group.  “That’s a powerful message to Congress,” he added. And we plan to build on that success in 2011.

But The Stakes Have Gone Up

The 2010 mid-term elections brought significant changes to the congressional committees that oversee maritime issues. As a result, a tremendous amount of institutional knowledge and support was lost. A few quick examples:

• Three of the 4 most important House committee chairmen for maritime issues did not return to the 112^th Congress.
• There are 20 freshmen members now on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
• More than a dozen members who were visited by our industry during last year’s Sail-In did not return to Congress.

And The Climb Has Gotten Steeper

The Sail-In is a powerful and direct way to protect and advocate for your job, your company or union, and the maritime industry as a whole. Participants will be actively engaged in the democratic process that the U.S. Constitution guarantees. It will be motivational and inspiring and attendees will leave Washington with a much better view of how government affects our industry and vice versa.

Like all government programs, the legislative struts that support the US-Flag maritime industry are under intense pressure in the new Congress. While we welcome that scrutiny and feel confident that our industry brings tremendous value to our nation, the maritime industry’s story is a bit complex (as it relates to policy) and must be told repeatedly.

So How Can You Help?

Come join us on May 4^th on Capitol Hill and let your voice of support be heard.

This is a one-day event on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. The day starts at 8:00 a.m. in the Rayburn House Office Building (rooms B338/B339 – best accessed via the Independence Ave. entrance) for a breakfast and organizing session. You’ll be divided into teams of 5 or 6 with a leader (please see FAQs) and you’ll sit with your team at the breakfast. At 9:30 you’ll leave the breakfast for your meetings with members of Congress and/or their staff; all meetings will be prearranged. At lunchtime, from 12:00 Noon – 2:00, we’ll have a complimentary lunch buffet at the Capitol Hill Club (diagonally behind the Cannon House Office Building) or you can catch lunch in one of the cafeterias on the Hill – whichever is most convenient. Then in the afternoon you’ll have more congressional meetings for a total of 6 or 7 for the day. Finally, from 5:00 – 7:00 we’ll hold our closing reception in Room 1300 of the Longworth House Office Building (the Agriculture Committee Hearing Room) where it was held last year with members of Congress stopping by to mingle and say a few words from the podium. About two weeks out from the event, you’ll receive an email from Clint Eisenhauer of the event’s planning committee with more details, but, this, above, is the basic schedule for the day.

Click here to register for the event. There is no cost other than your travel expenses. Breakfast, a buffet lunch and a closing reception will be provided. Most of your questions can be answered by clicking on the frequently asked questions (FAQs). The sooner you can let us know that you’re coming the more helpful it will be. Thanks.

The Carbon War Room Shipping Operation, in partnership with www.ShippingEfficiency.org and the Low Carbon Shipping Consortium, are hosting an open seminar examining the main barriers to greening the maritime supply chain and reducing CO2 emissions.

The programme includes focus on:

• Efficiency data and information flows
• Split incentives of the owner-charterer relationship
• Financing clean tech investment
• The meeting will be chaired by John Aitken, Secretary General, SEAaT, and will be hosted by Peter Boyd, COO Carbon War Room and Tristan Smith, UCL Energy Institute.

If you wish to attend this event please contact:

Kate Astley, kastley@carbonwarroom.com or call +44 (0) 1865 514214

Sponsorship packages are also available from:

Alison Jarabo-Martin, alison@fathomshipping.com or call +44 (0) 1865 600 125

Location: Bentham Denys Holland Lecture Theatre, Bentham House, University of Central London, 4 – 8 Endsleigh Gardens, London, WC1H 0EG.

This week the gCaptain team is in New Orleans attending the annual International WorkBoat Show.  The show is huge, with thousands of visitors from all over the world and easily a few hundred exhibitors sprawled throughout the Morial Convention Center.  Yesterday, we were able to meet with a number of the largest companies operating in the maritime and offshore industries, something that is always good for us (and you).

The highlight of the day was Admiral Thad Allen’s Shipyard Day Keynote address.  For those of you who missed it, Ben Strong from the Amver blog has a good write up and be sure to click over to the full article for a roundup of tweets from Allen’s speech.

If you weren’t able to attend Thad Allen’s presentation today at the International Boat Show here is the breakdown of Tweets we provided.  It was nice to see our old boss today.  Despite a hoarse voice he provided an excellent overview of leadership in complex incidents drawing on his experience from Hurricane Katrina, Haiti, and the Deepwater Horizon spill.  He also answered questions from the audience.

What’s he up to now?  He’s working as a Fellow at the Rand Corporation.  Want to hear more from Allen?  Check out his interview with the Harvard Business Review.

For those of you in the New Orleans area today and tomorrow, I highly suggest coming by the show.

[Image via Amver Blog]