Dutch shipbuilding group Damen has announced the successful float-out of the Antarctic Supply Research Vessel (ASRV) RSV Nuyina currently under construction at Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania. The float-out took place over the weekend as the water levels in the yard’s dry dock holding the newbuild were raised by six meters; a process taking two days to complete. Once … [Read more...]
You Know About Harbor Pilots But WTF Is An Ice Pilot?
By Nick Ameen (USCG) Each year when the Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star visits Antarctica, its crew faces a unique challenge. Creating a navigable channel through a frozen sea to the National Science’s Foundation’s (NSF) McMurdo Station, where the ice is up to 10 feet thick, requires a particular set of skills. This is why the Polar Star is one of only two Coast Guard cutters … [Read more...]
Timelapse Video: Icebreaking LNG Carrier ‘Eduard Toll’ Transits the Northern Sea Route
Shortly after its official delivery last month, Teekay's new icebreaking LNG carrier Eduard Toll made its way to complete both its first loading at the Sabetta Terminal in the Russian Arctic and its first discharge in Montoir, France after sailing across the Northern Sea Route unescorted. The voyage marked the latest major milestone for shipping in the Arctic … [Read more...]
Arctech Helsinki Delivers Fourth and Final Multi-Functional Icebreaker to Russia’s SCF Group
Finland's Arctech Helsinki Shipyard has delivered the fourth icebreaker in a four-vessel series for Russian shipping company SCF Group (Sovcomflot). The vessel, known at the yard as NB 514, was handed over to SCF Group at the end of January after undergoing sea trials in the Gulf of Finland last fall. NB 514 was formally named after former Russian Prime Minister Yevgenyi … [Read more...]
U.S., Canadian Coast Guard Renew to Icebreaking Partnership on Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway
The U.S. and Canadian Coast Guard have renewed an icebreaking partnership in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway marine transportation system with the signing last month of an updated Memorandum of Understanding between their agencies. The renewed United States/Canadian Coast Guard MOU strengthens the mutual commitment for ensuring vital icebreaking operations in the … [Read more...]