Made in Europe.
The Dip bar got its name after the most common exercise that can be executed on this training accessories. However, there is a wide range of exercises that can also be performed on the dip bar, to strengthen the upper part of the body’s muscle groups.
This product went through a process of chataphorization, and can therefore also be used outdoors. Chataphorization is a special process that prevents the steel to rust when exposed to humidity.


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Government Shutdown: Atlantic Seismic Permitting Blocked by Judge
A federal court judge on Friday ruled that the federal government cannot process seismic testing permits for offshore oil drilling during the ongoing government shutdown, dealing a blow Trump administration's energy agenda.Judge Richard Gergel of the U.S. District Court in South Carolina issued the decision in response to a motion filed by a range of conservation and business groups and coastal cities opposed to the adminstration's efforts to expand U.S. offshore drilling.The…
Ballast Water Management: By the Numbers
With compliance deadlines on the horizon for many shipowners, the study revealed a critical need for owners to start their technology-selection process, and to resist buying BWM systems based on initial price alone.ABS has just completed its second comprehensive survey of the shipping industry’s progress towards global compliance with ballast-water regulations, finding just over a third of installed management systems (BWMS) to be fully operational.The survey’s findings, which were supported by a series of workshops in New Orleans…
U.S. Government Shutdown: Assessing the Impact on Maritime
On December 22, 2018, a continuing resolution passed by Congress to fund a portion of the U.S. Government into the 2019 fiscal year expired and was not renewed resulting in a partial federal government shutdown. Among the affected Executive Departments are the Department of Homeland Security (which includes the Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection), the Department of Transportation (which includes the Maritime Administration), the Department of Interior (which includes the Bureau of Environment and Enforcement (BSEE) and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM))…
HII to Acquire Fulcrum IT Services
Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Fulcrum IT Services, LLC, an information technology and government consulting company headquartered in Centerville, Va. The planned acquisition is expected to close in February.Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.Fulcrum expands HII’s capabilities in enhanced situational awareness and predictive threat analytics through Fulcrum’s advanced engineering, cyber security, software development, big data engineering, and intelligence and special operations experience. Fulcrum will join HII’s Technical Solutions division.
Seaspan Awarded Major Joint Support Ships Contract
Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) has awarded L3 MAPPS a contract for work on Canada’s new Joint Support Ships (JSS).According to a press release, the award is one of several to be announced for Canadian suppliers supporting Seaspan’s work on naval supply ships under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). This work will contribute to Seaspan fulfilling its Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy commitments.Based in Montreal, L3 MAPPS will provide the globally deployed Integrated Platform Management System (IPMS) for JSS.
Port of Seattle Joins Washington's 'Maritime Blue Strategy'
The Port of Seattle joined with a broad range of maritime stakeholders in support of Governor Jay Inslee’s ‘Maritime Blue Strategy’.According to a press note, the Strategy aims to advance the region’s maritime-based, “blue economy” through increased collaboration between its diverse sectors to promote innovation and sustainable practices that support a competitive gateway with a 21st Century workforce.Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman served as a member of the Maritime Blue Advisory Committee.The Maritime Blue Strategy aims to make Washington State home to a world-class…
Turkey Increases Sea Pollution Fines
Pollution fines for vessels in Turkish waters have significantly increased, marine insurer West of England said.In Turkish waters, environmental protection is developing and significant fines are applicable to vessels that violate Turkish anti-pollution regulations in accordance with the Turkish Environmental Code.According to new government notification, in addition, fines against persons and legal entities have been separated with the rates for fines against legal entities now between three and fourteen times higher than previously.
Yantian Express: The Fire Primarily Contained
The fire has been primarily contained. Three salvage tugs are currently providing assistance to Yantian Express, which suffered a cargo fire on 3 January in the Atlantic.Another ocean-going tug is also on its way to further assist the operations, said a press release from Ocean Network Express (ONE). The Hapag-Lloyd containership is alliance partner of ONE."Unfortunately, we are unable to provide you the possible port of refuge and estimated time of arrival at this moment. Details will be advised once the information has been determined…
USCG Investigating Fatal Sinking
The U.S. Coast Guard has launched a formal marine casualty investigation into an incident involving the commercial crabbing vessel Mary B II, which capsized off Newport, Oregon, January 9, 2019, resulting in the loss of three lives and loss of the vessel.The crew of the 42-foot fishing vessel Mary B II were attempting to cross the Yaquina Bay Bar when the vessel capsized in rough waters with all three crewmembers on board.Rear Adm. David Throop, Coast Guard 13th District Commander, authorized the investigation pursuant to the authority contained in Title 46, United States Code, Section 6301 and the regulations promulgated thereunder.The probe will be led by Cmdr. Karen Denny, the executive officer of Marine Safety Unit Portland, who will issue a report upon the investigation's completion.
Bill to Honor U.S. Merchant Mariners of WWII Introduced
Rep. John Garamendi introduced House Resolution 550, aka the Merchant Mariners of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act, in Congress Tuesday.The bill aims to award a Congressional Gold Medal to merchant mariners who served in World War II. The Gold Medal is one of the highest honors awarded in the United States.“Throughout the Second World War, our armed forces relied on the Merchant Marine to ferry supplies, cargo and personnel into both theaters of operation, and they paid a heavy price in service to their country…
Denmark Adopts New Strategy for Cyber Security
The Danish Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs has launched a new sectoral strategy for the shipping industry. The strategy is a part of the Danish government’s national strategy for cyber and information security.The strategy contains a number of initiatives aimed at strengthening IT security and preventing cyber threats in the maritime sector, according to a press release from Danish Maritime Authority (DMA).The objective of the strategy is to ensure that safety…
Global Piracy Up in 2018, Gulf of Guinea Leads
Piracy increased on the world’s seas in 2018, with a marked rise in attacks against ships and crews around West Africa, the International Chamber of Commerce’s International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) latest annual piracy report reveals.Worldwide, the IMB Piracy Reporting Centre (PRC) recorded 201 incidents of maritime piracy and armed robbery in 2018, up from 180 in 2017.The Gulf of Guinea remains increasingly dangerous for seafarers. Reports of attacks in waters between the Ivory Coast and the Democratic Republic of Congo more than doubled in 2018…
Coast Guard, Partner Agencies Interdict Dozens in Last 72-hours
The Coast Guard interdicted 66 migrants in the last 72-hours in five separate events near Puerto Rico.The Coast Guard, and federal and Commonwealth of Puerto Rico law enforcement partners have interdicted more than 380 migrants and stopped several narcotics smuggling attempts since October of 2018.“These recent migrant and drug interdiction cases, though smaller than what we see at our land borders, are a reminder of the constant threat toward the American citizens of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands,” said Rear Adm. Peter Brown, Coast Guard 7th District commander.
First U.S. Crude Cargoes Head to China Since Trade Breakthrough
Three cargoes of U.S. crude are heading to China from the U.S. Gulf Coast, trade sources said on Monday, the first departures since late September and a 90-day pause in the two countries' trade war that began last month.The vessels left Galveston, Texas, last month and are scheduled to arrive at Chinese ports between late January and early March, according to shipbrokers and vessel tracking data. The shipments mark a change since Chinese buyers largely began avoiding U.S. oil during the trade dispute that flared last summer."It looks like China has resumed purchasing U.S.
Suez Canal Revenues Plunge in November
Egypt's Suez Canal revenues fell to $461.5 million in November, down around 8.8 percent from October's $506.1 million, data from the cabinet's website showed on Tuesday.The canal is the fastest shipping route between Europe and Asia and one of the government's main sources of foreign currency.Reporting by Ahmed Tolba
Port of Everett Earns Marad Short Sea Shipping Designation
The Port of Everett has achieved another vital step in reducing congestion on the I-5 corridor while moving more freight in the region. The Port was notified this month that it received designation by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as a Federal Maritime Administration Marine Highway Project for the Puget Sound Container on Barge Service under the America’s Marine Highway Program.The Port is one of 25 marine highway projects in the nation, and the only marine project designation on the West Coast.
Coast Guard Conducts Medevac of Fisher off Kauai
The Coast Guard successfully medevaced a 37-year-old Filipino crewmember off a tuna longliner 80-miles north of Kauai, Sunday."Our trained crews and hoist-capable aircraft are vital to ensuring mariners reach a higher level of medical care quickly," said Petty Officer 2nd Class Ashley Gray, a communication unit controller with Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. "Our aircrews worked effectively with the fishermen to conduct the hoist, and delivered their crewmember in stable condition…
UPDATE: Egypt Egypt Reopens Four of Six Ports Shut Due to Bad Weather
Egypt had previously closed four ports on the Red Sea and two on the Mediterranean due to bad weather, officials said on Sunday.Over the weekend, the ports of Suez and Zeitiyat were shut in Suez governorate, the Red Sea Ports Authority said. Adabiya and Ain Sokhna ports, in the same governorate, also closed, a source at the General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone said.Today, Egypt reopened four ports on the Red Sea on Monday, a day after they were closed due to bad weather conditions, authorities said.
Cable Ship Capsizes near Singapore after Tanker Collision
An undersea cable and pipe-laying ship, the Vanuatu-flagged MV Star Centurion, capsized in the Indonesian waters of the Singapore Straits after a collision with a tanker on Sunday, with no fatalities, authorities said on Monday.The Singapore Straits are one of the world's busiest shipping zones with hundreds of container ships, oil and fuel tankers and dry bulk carriers daily traversing the waters that connect east Asia to Europe, India and Africa.The collision happened just north of Bintan…
BIMCO: US Box Imports Break Records Despite Uncertainty Ahead
Container imports on both the US East Coast (USEC) and West Coast (USWC) had a strong year in 2018, growing 3.7% and 8% respectively in the first 11 months of the year compared to the same period in 2017.Record high levels of inbound laden containers were experienced on both coasts in October with the USWC at 1.09 million TEU and the USEC at 0.91 million TEU according to BIMCO’s own data.The first two months of 2018 saw the USWC coast’s laden imports increase 11.7% from the start of 2017, with the accumulated growth rate then stabilising to around 4% for the rest of the year.
Vice Adm. Richard Hunt to lead SNA
Retired Vice Adm. Richard Hunt will assume the position of president of the Surface Navy Association (SNA) at the association’s annual symposium in January. Hunt succeeds retired Vice Adm. Barry McCullough, who has been president since 2013.Hunt is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison and was commissioned in February 1976 through the Officer Candidate School program in Newport, R.I. He attended Naval Post Graduate School, receiving a Master of Science in Telecommunications Systems Management in March 1988.He has served in USS Sampson (DDG 10), USS Underwood (FFG 36) and USS Roark (FF 1053), and has commanded USS Crommelin (FFG 37) and USS Philippine Sea (CG 58).
NASSCO Expands Ships Production Capacity
National Steel and Shipbuilding Company (NASSCO) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday to commission its new panel line, which expands steel production capabilities for the construction of commercial and government ships in San Diego.The American shipbuilding company with three shipyards located in San Diego, Norfolk, and Mayport said in a press release that the new panel line enables distortion-free welding of plates as thin as five millimeters to produce lighter, more energy efficient ships.The cutting-edge facility uses hybrid laser arc welding and numerically controlled robots to mill…
Indian Ports Register Positive Growth of 3.77%
The major ports in India have recorded a growth of 3.77% and together handled 518.6 Million Tonnes of cargo during the period April to December, 2018 as against 499.7 Million Tonnes handled during the corresponding period of previous year.According to the press information bureau, govt of India, for the period from April- December 2018, Nine Ports Kolkata (incl. Haldia), Paradip, Visakhapatnam, Kamarajar, Chennai, Cochin, New Mangalore, JNPT and Deendayal have registered positive growth in traffic.The highest growth was registered by Kamarajar Port (18.38%)…
Coast Guard, Partners Stop Multiple Smuggling Events off Puerto Rico
The Coast Guard interdicted a vessel, Monday, with 35 Dominican migrants and 4 kilograms of heroin approximately 34 miles west of Desecheo, Puerto Rico.The crew of a Coast Guard Air Station Miami HC-144 Ocean Sentry, deployed to Air Station Borinquen, Puerto Rico, detected the vessel Monday evening. Watchstanders with Coast Guard Sector San Juan diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Heriberto Hernandez (WPC-1114), who arrived on scene, embarked the 35 migrants and discovered a backpack…
DNV GL, Washington State Partner for Sustainable Maritime Growth
Washington State partnered with DNV GL in late 2017 to develop the “Washington Maritime Blue” strategy for the sustainable development of the state’s $38 billion maritime industry. With that strategy now complete, the State unveils how it plans to achieve the vision of being home to a world-class, thriving, and sustainable maritime industry by 2050.At an event in Seattle, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee’s Maritime Innovation Advisory Council unveiled the results of their…
Surface Navy Association to Hold Annual Symposium
The Surface Navy Association will hold its 31st National Symposium January 15-17, 2019 at the Crystal City Hyatt Regency Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, Va.The symposium will feature senior Navy leaders delivering keynote remarks, focused on the theme of “Ready, Agile, Focused: Own the Fight!”Featured speakers include Vice Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Bill Moran; Commander, Naval Surface Forces/Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet Vice Adm. Richard A. Brown, USN; Director, Surface Warfare (N96) Rear Adm. Ronald A. Boxall; and Director, Expeditionary Warfare (N95) Maj. Gen.
Exxon Ships Have Not Returned to Disputed Area off Guyana
Seismic research vessels hired by Exxon Mobil to explore for oil off Guyana's coast have not returned to the site of a December incident with Venezuela's navy, but they may in the future, Guyana's foreign minister said on Thursday.Guyana, with no history of oil production, has become the focus of intense interest since Exxon announced the discovery of over 5 billion barrels of oil and gas off its shores. That has reignited a century-old territorial dispute with neighboring Venezuela.
Mergers: Commission to Assess Acquisition of Chantiers de l'Atlantique by Fincantieri
The European Commission has agreed to the request submitted by France and Germany asking it to look at Fincantieri's proposed acquisition of Chantiers de l'Atlantique in the light of the EU Merger Regulation.The Commission considers that the transaction could harm competition at European and global level.The proposed acquisition of Chantiers de l'Atlantique by Fincantieri does not reach the turnover thresholds set by the EU Merger Regulation for transactions notifiable to the European Commission because of their European dimension. However, the plan was notified for authorisation in France and Germany.France submitted a referral request pursuant to Article 22(1) of the EU Merger Regulation.
Diesel Futures Project Slowdown in 2019: Kemp
By the end of last year, hedge fund positions in diesel had fallen to a level normally associated with a sharp slowdown in economic growth if not an outright recession.Most middle distillate fuels such as diesel, gasoil and jet fuel are consumed in freight transport (ships, trucks, railroads and air cargo) as well as manufacturing and mining.Middle distillate consumption and prices are therefore more closely tied to the state of the economy than other refined fuels such as gasoline.
Concor Begins Maiden Coastal Voyage
India has huge potential for enhancing modal share of coastal shipping and inland water navigation. The current share is only 7% unlike countries like China with 24% and Germany 11%. India looks to tap this segment in a big way.The maiden coastal voyage of a vessel of Container Corporation of India (Concor) was flagged off by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Shipping and Piyush Goyal, Union Minister for Railways.CONCOR is a public sector unit (PSU) under Ministry of railways. The vessel SSL Mumbai is sailing from Kandla Port to Tuticorin via Mangalore and Cochin.
India Okays Marititme MoU with Denmark
Indian Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime issues between India and Denmark.The MoU is proposed to be signed during the upcoming visit of the Denmark officials to India in January, 2019.Signing of the MoU will pave way for both countries for exploration of areas for bilateral collaboration in facilitating cross-border cooperation and investments between the maritime sectors of India and Denmark.The agreement will enable both the countries to exchange expertise…
Grounded Bulk Carrier Refloated near Virginia
A 958-foot bulk carrier has refloated after running aground about 2.5 miles east of Virginia Beach, Thursday morning.Crew members aboard the vessel, JSW Salem, contacted U.S. Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders in Portsmouth after the Panamanian flagged ship ran aground near Cape Henry Buoy #4.The ship's crew reported there were 120,000 metric tons of coal and 26 people aboard the ship.A 45-foot Response Boat-Medium crew from Station Little Creek launched and arrived on scene to assist.
U.S. Forecaster Sees 65 pct Chance of El Niño in Spring
There is a 65 percent chance of an El Niño weather pattern emerging during the northern hemisphere spring this year, a U.S. government weather forecaster said on Thursday."However, given the timing and that a weak event is favored, significant global impacts are not anticipated during the remainder of winter, even if conditions were to form," the National Weather Service's Climate Prediction Center (CPC) added in its monthly forecast.Last month, the weather forecaster pegged the chances of the El Niño emerging at 60 percent during spring 2019.The last El Niño, a warming of ocean surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific that typically occurs every few years…
Russian President Commissions Kaliningrad LNG Terminal
Russian President Vladimir Putin inaugurated a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal that will serve as a back-up gas supply solution for the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad on the Baltic Sea. The facility includes floating storage regasification unit (FSRU) in Baltic Sea enclave.Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller said: "The floating storage regasification platform is currently moored at the receiving terminal; that platform will convert LNG into gas to pump into the underground facility…
Denmark to Introduce Digital Ship Registration
A proposal for new legislation has to advance digitalisation of the Danish International Registry of Shipping (DIRS) been submitted to the Danish Parliament.If adopted, digital ship registration will move closer to becoming reality, which will in turn reduce paper-work and time spent on transmission of document, said Danish Maritime Authority (DMA).In order to facilitate the digitalisation of both deeds and mortgages as well as the work routines of registration, the new proposal…
Trade War Contributes to U.S. LNG Export Decline
The number of U.S. liquefied natural gas vessels that went to China in 2018 fell by around 20 percent from the prior year as the trade war between Beijing and Washington heated up.In recent weeks, however, that dispute has cooled somewhat with talks in China this week between Chinese and U.S. trade teams raising hopes additional tariffs can be avoided.As the trade war escalated during the last six months of 2018, only six LNG vessels went from the United States to China, down from 25 during the same period in 2017. China imposed tariffs on U.S.
Indonesian Navy Acquires Two New Training Vessels
According to Wikipedia, “Indonesia has a total land area of 1,904,569 square kilometers (735,358 sq mi), Including 93,000 square kilometers (35,908 sq mi) of inland seas (straits, bays, and other bodies of water). The additional surrounding sea areas bring Indonesia's generally recognized territory (land and sea) to about 5 million km2.”The nation of over 17,000 islands has 54,720 km (34,000Mi) of coastline and maintains a growing navy. In addition to national security, the navy…
MacGregor Deck Machinery Selected for Heavy-Duty Naval Operations
MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has been selected to supply deck machinery equipment for a US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) T-ATSX-class vessel under construction at Gulf Island Shipyards, in Houma, Louisiana, US. The order was booked into Cargotec's fourth quarter 2018 order intake and the equipment is planned for delivery during the first quarter of 2020.MacGregor's latest naval contract with Gulf Island Shipyards, a subsidiary of Gulf Island Fabrication Inc, includes the option for a further seven vessels. The towing, salvage and rescue ship (T-ATSX) is a new class of vessel that will be deployed for worldwide naval service including open-ocean towing…
USCG Update – Mitigation Efforts Due to Partial Government Shutdown
To mitigate the impact caused by the partial lapse in appropriations and shutdown of National Maritime Center (NMC) operations, the following actions are being taken:Merchant Mariner Credentials (MMC) (National Endorsements only) and Medical Certificates that expired in December 2018 or expire in January 2019 are extended as valid until March 31, 2019. Print the attached letter and carry it with your credential.Additional Information (AI) letters, sent to mariners that expired in December 2018 or expire in January 2019 are extended to March 31…
Malta Allows Migrants to Disembark Ahead of EU Redistribution
Malta will allow 49 migrants who have been stranded at sea for weeks to disembark in Valletta, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said on Wednesday, adding that they will then be re-distributed among eight European Union countries.The Sea-Watch 3, a vessel run by a German humanitarian group, plucked 32 people from an unsafe boat off the coast of Libya on Dec. 22. Another German charity, Sea-Eye, rescued 17 others on Dec. 29.They have both been sailing back in forth in Maltese waters for days after Italy, Malta and all other EU countries refused to offer them a port of safety."The migrants will be transferred from the ships to Maltese patrol boats and brought to Malta.
Shipbuilding: French, German Intervention Upsets Italy
Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini attacked France and Germany on Tuesday over their role in a European Union investigation into a planned merger involving Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri."What has happened is extremely serious, France and Germany behaved wrongly.
China Bans Open-Loop Scrubber Discharge at 'Some' Ports
China's maritime authority has banned the discharge of "wash water" used in ships to strip hazardous sulphur emissions from engine exhaust gases from Jan. 1 for some ports, according to a government document reviewed by Reuters on Tuesday.The ban on water discharge from so-called open-loop scrubbers is part of an effort to prepare for International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules that will ban ships from using fuel oil with a sulphur content of more than 0.5 percent from 2020…
SeaRose FPSO Production Remains On Hold
Oil production continues to be suspended at the SeaRose FPSO, about 350 kilometers east of St. John’s for the last 50 days. There’s no information on when production will resume.Production was suspended and shutdown began on November 16 after two spills - an estimated 250,000-liter spill - following a storm.Efforts were underway to resume production after the storm when a failed flowline connector near the South White Rose Extension drill center caused oil to be spilled into the environment.According to a notification from Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board (C-NLOPB)…
DFDS Gets Brexit Contract by the UK
Danish shipping and logistics company DFDS has been awarded a contract by the UK government to provide additional ferry capacity in the North Sea.Maria Anagnostou, Fleet Management, will be responsible for handling DFDS’ contract about additional ferry capacity in the North Sea with UK Department for Transport.The UK Department for Transport announced that it had signed a contract with DFDS to provide additional ferry capacity to prepare for “the possibility of severe congestion at and around UK ports from 29.3.2019…
Six Killed as Cargo Ship Sinks Off Turkey's Coast
A cargo ship sank in rough waters off Turkey's Black Sea coast on Monday, killing six crew members including its captain, officials and media reports said.Seven other crew members were rescued by Turkish Coast Guard teams after a Panama-flagged vessel sank in the Black Sea off Turkey's northern Samsun province.According to a statement released by the Interior Ministry, coastguard teams were dispatched off 77 miles Samsun after receiving a distress call from the Volgo Balt 214.Thirteen crew members…
APM Terminals Inland Services Gets Clearance in India
APM Terminals Inland Services' integrated Inland Container Depot (ICD) and supply chain solutions facility at Chakan, Pune has achieved a significant first after being awarded an environmental clearance certificate by the Indian government.The certification authorises the facility to store, handle, transport, and deliver hazardous chemicals in any form – a critical requirement for all industries dealing with chemicals in domestic and international trade and a key safeguard for…
Chabahar Port Begins Commercial Operations
Commercial operations began at ndia Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ), at Chabahar with the arrival of a vessel after Government of India took over the operations.A Cyprus registered bulk carrier had arrived at Chabahar with 72458 MT of corn cargo. The vessel MV MACHERAS berthed at the terminal at 0130 hrs on 30th December 2018. Thus IPGCFZ carried out its first cargo operation by discharging the imported cargo(ex Brazil) using pneumatic un-loaders.India has written a history with its engagement in Chabahar, claimed a governement release.
Coast Guard Begins Ice Breaking Ops in the Western Great Lakes
U.S. Coast Guard Sector Sault Sainte Marie commenced Operation Taconite, the Coast Guard’s largest domestic icebreaking operation, Monday, in response to expanded ice growth in the commercial ports of Western Lake Superior and the St. Marys River.Operation Taconite encompasses Lake Superior, St. Marys River, Straits of Mackinac, Georgian Bay, Green Bay, northern Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. Ice breaking operations are based on the following order of priorities: search and rescue…
Coast Guard Coordinates Boxship Fire Response
The Coast Guard continues coordinating response efforts to ensure the safety of the crew of a container ship approximately 1,015 miles northeast of Bermuda, Monday.Saturday evening, 11 non-essential crew members were evacuated from the Yantian Express to the tugboat Smit Nicobar and Sunday morning all remaining crew were evacuated to the Smit Nicobar.The Coast Guard is currently monitoring the situation. The Smit Nicobar remains on scene providing fire fighting assistance.The commercial tugboat Maersk Mobiliser is also en route and approximately 80 miles northwest of the Yantian Express.
U.S. Coast Guard Assists Haitian Coast Guard Stop Illegal Migrant Voyage
The U.S. Coast Guard assisted the Haitian Coast Guard stop approximately 70 Haitian migrants Sunday approximately 26 miles north of Cap Haïtien, Haiti.At approximately 1:30 a.m., the Coast Guard Cutter Vigilant (WMEC-617) crew sighted a roughly 40-foot Haitian freighter. The cutter Vigilant crew launched a smallboat crew to question the people aboard. Upon detection, the freighter changed course back south to Haiti. The cutter Vigilant crew continued to shadow the vessel while Coast Guard 7th District watchstanders contacted the Haitian Coast Guard.
UK Opposition Party Chides Government Over Ferry Contract
Britain's opposition Labour Party on Monday criticized the government for awarding a 14 million pound ($18 million) contract to a ferry company with no ships to provide backup freight cover in the event of a no-deal Brexit.Labour's transport spokesman, Andy McDonald, said the transport ministry had failed to carry out proper checks on the company, Seaborne Freight."The Department for Transport's claim that it carried out due diligence is increasingly incredible given the mounting evidence of a lack of relevant expertise or experience," McDonald said."Our economy depends on these trading routes continuing to function yet [Transport Secretary] Chris Grayling is prepared to rely on amateurs in the event of a no deal…
Crew Evacuates from Burning Box Ship off Canada
The German shipping line Hapag Lloyd said on Sunday it had evacuated the crew from its container ship, the Yantian Express, off Canada's east coast after a fire spread."Due to bad weather conditions, the fire has not been successfully contained yet and has significantly increased in intensity at times," the firm said in a statement on Sunday."For this reason, a decision was made to evacuate the crew. The complete crew is unharmed."Hapag Lloyd had said on Friday that it was trying to extinguish the fire.(Reporting by Edward Taylor; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
Two Dead as Bulker in Distress in the Black Sea
Two people died and another four were missing on Monday after a ship carrying coal sent a distress signal off the northern coast of Turkey, the coast guard and the local governor's office said.The Panama-flagged vessel, which departed from Russia's Azov port, sent out a distress signal around 148 kilometers (92 miles) off the northeastern Black Sea province of Samsun, the coast guard said.Thirteen crew members were on the bulk carrier including nine Ukraine nationals, two Azerbaijan nationals and two Russians, the Samsun governor's office said.The coast guard said the distress signal was received regarding a "possible sinking" of the ship.Seven members of the crew had been rescued so far while a search and rescue operation continued for the other four, the coast guard said.
BAE Systems to Modernise USS Shoup
BAE Systems has received a $78.8 million contract for the maintenance and modernisation of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, USS Shoup.The value of the competitively awarded contract could reach $87.6 million if all options are exercised, said a press release.According to the release, the scope of the depot modernisation period availability includes dry-docking the ship and performing underwater hull preservation works. BAE Systems will also upgrade the ship’s Aegis combat system and its command and control equipment…
Taiwan: Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Bags CGA Ship Order
The construction of a 600-tonne Coast Guard Administration (CGA) patrol ship by the Taiwan-based shipbuilding company Jong Shyn Shipbuilding Corporation (JSSC) began in Kaohsiung.An official statement from Taiwan coast guard said that the ship is the first of a dozen to be produced by the company for the agency.According to Taipei Times, CGA Fleet Branch head Hsieh Ching-chin and JSSC Chairman Han Pi-hsiang presided over the initiation ceremony Friday to mark the start of the…
Austalia, Iran Sign Shipbuilding Pact
The Australian government decided to increase cooperation with Tehran in marine industries and shipbuilding irrespective of the US sanctions, reports Mehr News Agency, quoting the deputy head of Iran's Industrial Development and Renovation Organization (IDRO).After meeting Australian Ambassador Ian Biggs, Mohammad Nouri Amiri, deputy head of IDRO said that in spite of the US sanctions, Australia will cooperate with Iran in newly-developed marine industries and shipbuilding know…
USCG: EPIRBs and False Alerts
After responding to over 700 false alerts in 2018, the Coast Guard is urging anyone with an emergency position indicating radio beacon to properly register their device.An EPIRB is a device that transmits a distress signal to a satellite system called Cospas-Sarsat. The satellites relay the signal to a network of ground units and ultimately to the Coast Guard and other emergency responders.Owners of commercial fishing vessels, uninspected passenger vessels that carry six or more people, and uninspected commercial vessels are legally required to carry an EPIRB.
Grounded Bulker Stops Vessel Traffic Near New Orleans
Vessel traffic in the Lower Mississippi River near New Orleans has come to a stop after a 837-foot bulk carrier ran aground close to mile marker 3.5 Friday morning.The navigation channel has been closed and more than 50 vessels are waiting in queue to transit in or out of the river, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, who added that the number of vessels is larger than normal due to dense fog in the area over the last few days.The Coast Guard said it received a report at 8:32 a.m. that the 837-foot Anglo Alexandria had run aground at mile marker 3.5. There are no current reports of injuries of pollution.The U.K. flagged bulker has activated its vessel response plan (VRP) and a tug is on-scene to assist, the Coast Guard said.The cause of the incident is under investigation.
HMS Argyll Hunts Submarines in the Philippine Sea
HMS Argyll has hunted down submarines in the Philippine Sea during exercises with allied navies from Japan and the United States.This was the first time these navies have combined like this as they tested their specialist anti-submarine warfare skills.Japan’s helicopter destroyer JS Izumo worked with the Plymouth-based frigate to hunt down a US Navy Submarine, which was playing the part of the enemy during two days of training.Argyll has already worked alongside the Japanese navy…
Update: Coast Guard Responds to Tug and Barge Accident on the Ohio River
The Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Towing Company, the responsible party, are continuing their response to a tug and barge accident on the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky, Wednesday.The water at the McAlpine Dam rose approximately three feet over the course of the past 24 hours causing one additional barge to sink. Nine barges are currently lying on the dam just above the falls. Seven of the nine barges sank.The Coast Guard, Army Corps of Engineers, and the responsible party are working together to evaluate the ever-changing situation each day.
Dutch Authorities Demand Clean-Up Costs From MSC Line
Dutch authorities will hold Swiss shipping line MSC liable for the cost of cleaning up debris from more than 270 cargo containers that fell off one of its vessels and washed up on shore, officials said on Friday.The Dutch coastguard said a criminal investigation had been launched by prosecutors into the incident, one of the largest of its kind off the coast of the Netherlands.The containers, some holding hazardous chemicals, fell off one of the world's largest container ships…
Coast Guard, Marshall Islands Respond to Grounded Fish Carrier
The U.S. Coast Guard today released these images of the stricken vessel.A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules aircrew flies over the 308-foot Chinese-flagged commercial fish carrier Ou Ya Leng No. 6 on Taka Atoll in the Marshall Islands, Jan. 3, 2019 MHT.Two fishing vessels are en route and expected to arrive Thursday. The Republic of the Marshall Islands has also dispatched their patrol vessel Lomor to respond.The vessel is reportedly a fish carrier targeting squid in the Western and…
Thousands Flee as Tropical Storm Nears Thailand Coast
Thailand's first tropical storm in three decades, packing winds of up to 80 kph (50 mph), is expected to make landfall on Friday evening, sending thousands of people flocking to shelter inland and shutting down a major airport.The winds accompanying tropical storm Pabuk churned up high waves and gusts in the Gulf of Thailand, ahead of its arrival in the southern province of Nakhon Si Thammarat.Weather officials warned of torrential downpours and strong winds in 15 provinces in the Thai south…
India Takes Over Iran's Chabahar Port
India has formally taken over operations at Iran’s strategic Chabahar Port. According to the government of India, India Ports Global Chabahar Free Zone (IPGCFZ) a special purpose vehicle (SPV) of Indian Ports Global (IPGL) in Iran has taken over interim operation of the Chabahar Port with effect from December 24.Representatives from India, Iran, and Afghanistan met in Tehran to formally hand over control to IPGL.Accoding to IRNA news agency, IPGL had been granted the lease for…
Kalmar to Automatize Melbourne VICT Terminal
The provider of cargo handling solutions and services to ports, terminals, Kalmar has signed a maintenance and support agreement with International Container Terminal Services, Inc (ICTSI) covering the automated container handling solution operating at Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT).The order was booked in Cargotec's Q4 2018 order intake with the agreement coming into effect in November 2018, said a press release. Australia's first fully automated container terminal, VICT, welcomed its first vessel in March 2017.
Moore Stephens: Leaner, Greener Shipping Will Attract Investment in 2019
Accountant and shipping adviser Moore Stephens says shipping will continue to attract investors in 2019 if it fulfills its ESG (environmental, social and governance) responsibilities.In the latest issue of Bottom Line, the Moore Stephens shipping sector newsletter, Richard Greiner, a partner in the firm’s Shipping & Transport team, says, “It has been suggested that the future is very much like the present, only longer. Should that prove to be the case for the shipping industry…
Coast Guard Suspends Search for Remaining Sincerity Ace Mariner
The Coast Guard has suspended the active search for the remaining unaccounted for crewmember of the Sincerity Ace, Wednesday.“Following the conclusion of morning and afternoon searches by our aircraft and commercial vessels we suspended the active search. This is always a difficult decision and takes many factors into account,” said Chief Petty Officer Dennis Vetrano, with Coast Guard Joint Rescue Coordination Center Honolulu. "We extend our condolences to the families and loved…
Coast Guard Raises Minimum Random Drug Testing Rate to 50 PCT
The Coast Guard announced in the Federal Register that the calendar year 2019 minimum random drug testing rate is set at 50 percent of covered crewmembers. This rate is effective January 1, 2019 through December 31, 2019.The Coast Guard has increased the minimum random drug testing rate for 2019 as a result of Drug and Alcohol Management Information System (MIS) data for the most recent reporting year indicating that the positive rate is greater than one percent. 46 CFR part 16.230(f)(2)…
Fishing Vessel Aground in the Marshall Islands
The U.S. Coast Guard response continues to the grounding of the 308-foot Chinese-flagged commercial fishing carrier Ou Ya Leng No. 6 on Taka Atoll in the Marshall Islands, Wednesday.A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules crew arrived and made contact with the mariners who remain aboard the vessel and are awaiting rescue.Initial reports from MRCC China stated the crew abandoned ship and were on the atoll, but upon arrival, the Hercules crew confirmed they are aboard the vessel and using emergency generator power.
Polskie LNG Begins LNG Terminal Expansion Program
Polskie LNG, the owner and operator of LNG terminal in Poland published the contract notice that officially commences the tender procedure with the view to select the contractor for the expansion of LNG terminal in Poland, Świnoujście.These components include construction of the third LNG process storage tank, delivery of additional process installations increasing the regasification capacity, and the LNG transhipment installation together with a railway siding.The overall objective of the said projects is not only to increase Poland's energy security…
Coast Guard Searching for 2 People East of Jupiter Inlet
The Coast Guard continues to search Tuesday for two missing people 46 miles east of Jupiter Inlet.The two people missing are a Bahamian national, a suspected migrant smuggler, and a 9-year-old Haitian national.
USS Porter Arrives in Turkey
The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Porter (DDG 78) arrives in Aksaz, Turkey for a regular scheduled port visit on its sixth forward-deployed naval forces patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, Jan. 1, 2019.The ship's patrol is a demonstration of the U.S. Navy's continued commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships in the European and African region.While on patrol, Porter will conduct naval operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe.U.S.
USS Chung-Hoon Seizes Drugs in Gulf of Aden
The guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) interdicted a shipment of narcotics aboard a stateless vessel while conducting maritime security operations in the international waters of the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 27.Chung-Hoon’s visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team seized over 11,000 pounds of hashish while conducting a flag verification boarding.“We have been conducting maritime security operations along suspected maritime smuggling routes in order to interdict illicit shipments into Yemen and Somalia,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Brent Jackson, commanding officer of Chung-Hoon.
UK Defends Brexit Ferry Contract to Inexperienced Ferry Operator
Britain's transport minister has defended awarding a 14 million-pound ($18 million) contract for shipping goods after Brexit to a new ferry company that owns no ships.The government last week awarded three contracts to charter extra ferries to ease congestion if the United Kingdom fails to secure a trade deal before leaving the European Union in March.The smallest contract was won by Seaborne Freight, a British business that has never previously operated a ferry route, raising concern about whether the new service would be ready."I make no apologies for supporting a new British business," Transport Minister Chris Grayling told BBC radio on Wednesday. "We have looked very carefully at this business.
Britain Deploys Extra Patrol Boats as Migrant Crossings Rise
Britain is recalling two patrol boats from overseas deployments to help deal with an increase in the number of migrants trying to reach the country from France, interior minister Sajid Javid said on Monday.Javid said there had been an increase in the number of migrants crossing the English Channel from France and last week he declared the situation a "major incident".On Monday, following a meeting of officials in London, he said two the additional ships would join three other vessels already working in the channel.He said 230 migrants had attempted to cross one of the world's busiest shipping lanes in December, although almost half were prevented from leaving France.The number is a tiny fraction of those regularly attempting to reach European Union territory by crossing the Mediterranean f
Coast Guard, Good Samaritans Respond to Ro/Ro Fire in Pacific Ocean
The Coast Guard and good Samaritans aboard several commercial vessels are responding to a reported vessel fire on the 650-foot Sincerity Ace 1,800 nautical miles (2071 statute miles) northwest of Oahu on the high seas, Monday.“The distance involved here requires any and all available support, we thank the crews of the commercial vessels for volunteering to assist and have Coast Guard air support en route,” said Petty Officer 1st Class Les Elliott of JRCC Honolulu.One commercial vessel…
Royal Austalian Navy Seizes Illegal Drug Shipments
Royal Australian Navy frigate HMAS Ballarat has seized more than 900 kilos of heroin worth approximately $279 million* during two boarding operations that took place 21–23 Dec 18 as part of Operation MANITOU.Ballarat conducted flag verification checks by boarding vessels of interest, under the direction of the Combined Maritime Forces’ (CMF) Combined Task Force (CTF) 150 in international waters in the Arabian Sea. The fishing vessels, known as dhows, were believed to be engaging in illegal activity.The boarding team discovered and seized illegal narcotics on both dhows.
Ocean Infinity Joins Search for Lost Bulker
U.S. based Ocean Infinity said it has been awarded a contract from the Government of South Korea to search for the wreckage of lost bulk carrier Stellar Daisy, which sank on on March 31, 2017, with 24 people on board.The Stellar Daisy was transporting iron ore from Brazil to China when it was lost in the South Atlantic Ocean, approximately 2,500 nautical miles due east of Uruguay.Ocean Infinity said it expects to commence search operations in January 2019 using its high-tech fleet of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
Chung-Hoon Seizes Drugs in Gulf of Aden
The guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) interdicted a shipment of narcotics aboard a stateless vessel while conducting maritime security operations in the international waters of the Gulf of Aden, Dec. 27.Chung-Hoon’s visit, board, search and seizure (VBSS) team seized over 11,000 pounds of hashish while conducting a flag verification boarding.“We have been conducting maritime security operations along suspected maritime smuggling routes in order to interdict illicit shipments into Yemen and Somalia,” said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Brent Jackson, commanding officer of Chung-Hoon.
Coast Guard Assists Sailing Vessel 50 Miles off NC
The Coast Guard saved three mariners aboard a disabled sailing vessel more than 50 miles east southeast of Cape Lookout, Saturday evening.At 9:45 a.m., watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector North Carolina received notification of the 36-foot disabled sailing vessel Cloud from Sea Tow. All persons aboard the sailing vessel had donned their life jackets and there were no injuries or medical concerns aboard.The Coast Guard launched Coast Guard Cutter Richard Snyder to assist, and diverted…
Iran's Revolutionary Guards to Upgrade Speed Boats with Stealth Tech
Iran's Revolutionary Guards said on Monday they plan to upgrade their speed boats in the Gulf with radar-evading stealth technology and new missile launchers as tensions rise between Tehran and Washington in the vital oil shipping route.Ending a long absence of U.S. aircraft carriers in the region, the USS John C. Stennis entered the Gulf last week, and was shadowed by the Revolutionary Guards' speed boats.There have been periodic confrontations between the Revolutionary Guards vessels and U.S. military in the Gulf, although the number of incidents has dropped in recent months."We are trying to increase the agility of the Guards' speed boats and equip them with stealth technology to facilitate their operations…
UK: Rising Migrant Channel Crossings are a "major incident"
British interior minister Sajid Javid has said the fast-growing number of would-be immigrants crossing the English Channel from France in dinghies is a "major incident."Nearly 70 people have been intercepted in the past three days as they try to reach England by crossing one of the world's busiest shipping lanes.Javid is also seeking an urgent call with his French counterpart over the weekend, his ministry said."He has insisted the Home Office treat the situation as a major incident and has ...
Partial Government Shutdown Shutters Coast Guard NMC, REC's
Due to the partial government shutdown, the National Maritime Center (NMC) and all Regional Exam Centers (RECs) are closed until further notice.Customer walk-in service is suspended. Examinations and other REC appointments are cancelled, and REC appointment calendars are closed. Applications may continue to be e-mailed or mailed in and will be processed when the shutdown is over.The following limited operations will be maintained:The Customer Service Center call center is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. EST, Monday through Friday. You may reach the call center at 1-888-IASKNMC (427-5662) and IASKNMC@uscg.mil.The NMC website will provide…
Coast Guard Reopens Ohio River for Restricted Movements
The Coast Guard, the Army Corps of Engineers and Tennessee Valley Towing Company, the responsible party, are continuing their response to a tug and barge accident on the Ohio River in Louisville, Kentucky, Thursday.The Coast Guard reopened the Ohio River to all vessel traffic from Twelve Mile Island to McAlpine Lock and Dam.Traffic movement is currently only permitted during daylight hours and with an assist vessel, which is available pre-stationed at McAlpine Lock and Dam.Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Ohio Valley received a report at approximately 8:10 p.m.…
MacGregor: Cleared by S. Korean Regulators for TTS Acquisition
MacGregor, part of Cargotec, received a clearance decision from the South Korean Fair Trade Commission on the company's acquisition of the marine and offshore businesses of TTS Group ASA, which was announced on 8 February, 2018.MacGregor announced the approval from the German regulator on November 6, 2018 but is still waiting for the approval from the competition authority in China. As communicated on December 20, 2018, MacGregor expects to close the transaction in Q1 2019.
Brexit:: P&O Re-flags Two Ships for Tax Reasons
British ferry and shipping freight operator P&O is reviewing its UK-registered fleet and is already re-flagging two vessels to keep European Union tax arrangements ahead of Britain's departure from the bloc, the company said.A P&O spokesman said two of its UK ships operating on the English Channel route to France would be re-flagged to Cyprus."The change is being made to preserve the tonnage tax financing arrangements, under which the ships should remain flagged in an EU member state," a statement said.The spokesman added that P&O was reviewing the flag status of its four other ships operating
FMC Offices Closed due Partial Federal Shutdown
The Federal Maritime Commission is closed effective Wednesday, December 26, 2018 as part of the partial federal government shutdown due to a lapse in appropriations. The Commission will resume normal operations when appropriations legislation is enacted and the federal government reopens.With the exceptions of Acting Chairman Michael A. Khouri and Commissioner Rebecca Dye, who are Presidentially-appointed, Senate-confirmed officials, all Commission employees have been placed on furlough and are prohibited by law from performing any duties during the shutdown.
USN Awards Sub Safety Contracts
Oceaneering International Inc., Chesapeake, Virginia (N64498-19-D-0001); Huntington Ingalls Inc., Newport News, Virginia (N64498-19-D-0002); and General Dynamics Electric Boat, Groton, Connecticut (N64498-19-D-0003), are being awarded cost-plus-fixed-fee, indefinite-delivery/indefinite quantity multiple award contracts with firm-fixed-priced ordering provisions for Submarine Safety (SUBSAFE) and Level I engineering and technical services in the amounts of $827,674,072; $874,341,811; and $1,110,350,671, respectively. This requirement is for management and technical services for the support installation, troubleshooting, repair, and maintenance of main and auxiliary weapons…
Third Party Oversight
... one year after the commandant’s Final Action Memo on the El Faro sinking.“… the Coast Guard is ultimately responsible to monitor the performance of third parties that perform delegated functions and also to guarantee the effectiveness of vessel inspections and surveys. Yet the Coast Guard failed to adequately oversee the third party in this case, and the investigation reveals that the Coast Guard has not sustained the proficiency and policy framework to do so in general. The…
U.S. Navy Carrier Group Enters the Gulf
Iran says ready to respond, but U.S. aircraft carrier no threatIran is ready to respond to any hostile U.S. action, but it does not consider the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Gulf last week a significant threat, an Iranian navy commander said on Monday.The USS John C. Stennis entered the Gulf on Friday, ending a long absence of U.S. aircraft carriers in the region as tensions rise between Tehran and Washington."The presence of this warship is insignificant to us,"…
Ohio River Closed Near Louisville after Barge Breakaway
A section of the Ohio River near Louisville, Ky. has been closed to all vessel traffic after 15 loaded coal barges broke away from a towing vessel that made contact with a bridge in the area.The U.S. Coast Guard said its watchstanders at Sector Ohio Valley received a report at approximately 8:10 p.m., Tuesday, that the towing vessel Debbie Graham, made contact with the 2nd Street Bridge, causing the 15 coal barges that it was pushing to break free. The cause of the incident is…
Soldier-run PDVSA and AWOL Oil Output
Last July 6, Major General Manuel Quevedo joined his wife, a Catholic priest and a gathering of oil workers in prayer in a conference room at the headquarters of Petroleos de Venezuela SA, or PDVSA.The career military officer, who for the past year has been boss at the troubled state-owned oil company, was at no ordinary mass. The gathering, rather, was a ceremony at which he and other senior oil ministry officials asked God to boost oil output."This place of peace and spirituality…
Venezuela Navy Confronts Exxon Vessel in Guyana Border Dispute
Venezuela's navy "intercepted" a ship exploring for oil on behalf of Exxon Mobil Corp in Guyanese waters over the weekend, Guyana's foreign ministry said in a statement, while neighboring Venezuela said the incident occurred within its territory.The latest incident in a century-old border dispute comes after a series of offshore oil discoveries have given Guyana the potential to become one of Latin America's largest producers. In OPEC member Venezuela, by contrast, crude output has tumbled to the lowest levels in nearly 70 years amid an economic crisis.The Ramform Tethys vessel…
Iran Ready to Respond, but U.S. Aircraft Carrier no Threat
Iran said on Monday it was ready to respond to any hostile U.S. action, but it did not consider the arrival of a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Gulf last week as a significant threat.The USS John C. Stennis entered the Gulf on Friday, ending a long absence of U.S. aircraft carriers in the region as tensions rise between Tehran and Washington."The presence of this warship is insignificant to us," Iran's Navy commander Habibollah Sayyari was quoted as saying by the semi-official ISNA news agency."We will not allow this warship to come near our territorial waters in the Persian Gulf," he added.Sayyari said the U.S. navy was allowed to sail in international waters near Iran, just as the Iranian navy could sail in the Atlantic Ocean near U.S.
DOE Streamlines LNG Export Requirements
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) would now only require U.S. LNG exporters to report the country or countries of LNG deliveries, not country of end-use, to satisfy the DOE’s destination reporting requirement.Further, DOE announced additional efforts to streamline the reporting requirements for LNG export supply sales and contracts.“With the United States now being the world’s top producer of oil and natural gas, it is imperative that U.S. LNG companies have all the tools they need to get their American product into the international market,” said U.S.
Venezuela Navy intercepts ExxonMobil Oil Explore Ship
The Venezuela's navy on Saturday "intercepted" a ship exploring for oil on behalf of Exxon Mobil Corp. in Guyanese waters, neighboring Guyana's foreign ministry said in a statement, in the latest incident in a century-old border dispute.A series of offshore oil discoveries in recent years have given Guyana the potential to become one of Latin America's largest producers. In OPEC member Venezuela, by contrast, crude output has tumbled to its lowest levels in nearly 70 years amid an economic crisis.The Ramform Tethys vessel, which belongs to Norwegian company Petroleum Geo-Services (PGS) and was conducting seismic survey work on behalf of Exxon…
UK Special Forces Move to Retake Hijacked Ship
An operation led by British navy special forces is under way to retake control of an Italian cargo ship off the English coast after stowaways threatened crew members on Friday, the political editor of The Sun newspaper said, Reuters reported.Police said earlier they did not think the incident aboard the Grande Tema in the Thames Estuary - involving four stowaways - was piracy or terrorism related.(Reuters writing by William Schomberg, Editing by James Dalgleish)
Ingalls Shipbuilding: $930M Contract for Pair of USCG Ships
Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (NYSE: HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division has received two fixed-price incentive contracts from the U.S. Coast Guard to build two additional National Security Cutters for the U.S. Coast Guard. The contract values for the a 10th and 11th ships in the program are $468.75 million for NSC 10 and $462.13 million for NSC 11.“This additional funding for two NSCs is a great accomplishment on which to end the year,” said Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias.
Bath Iron Works Wins Contract for Fifth DDG 51 Destroyer
The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Bath Iron Works a contract to build a fifth DDG 51 destroyer as part of the multi-year award announced in September. General Dynamics Bath Iron Works is a business unit of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).In the most recent multi-year competition, BIW was awarded four ships. The Navy held a separate competition for an option ship as part of its commitment to growing the fleet. The Arleigh Burke class destroyer will be funded in the Fiscal…
KML Plays Key Role in Rescue of Stricken Russian Ship
Marine contractors, Keynvor Morlift (KML), played a significant role on Tuesday in saving the Russian ship, ‘Kuzma Minin’, which ran aground just off Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth.KML’s large all weather commercial Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), was the 1st vessel alongside after the ship ran aground at around 0500 on Tuesday morning. The RIB was mobilized with team members from both KML and Seawide Services. KML’s multicat ‘Sarah Grey’, together with KML heavy anchors, ground tackle and salvage equipment…
Vattenfall Okays 605MW Kriegers Flak offshore Wind Farm
Swedish state-owned power company Vattenfall has reached a final investment decision for the 605MW Kriegers Flak offshore wind farm in the Danish waters of the Baltic Sea.Vattenfall has made the final investment decisions for the offshore wind farm Kriegers Flak in Denmark. Further action for Vesterhav Syd & Nord is awaiting the result of the appeal process. The two projects amount to a total value of 1.7 billion euro (USD 1.95 bln)" said a statement from the Europe's generator of electricity and heat in Denmark…
ExxonMobil Drops USD 25 bln Canadian LNG Project
U.S. oil major Exxon Mobil Corp. has withdrawn its environmental assessment application for a $25-billion LNG export facility on the B.C. coast it proposed in 2015. No reasons given for withdrawing from environmental review process.“After careful review, ExxonMobil Canada and Imperial Oil Resources have withdrawn the WCC LNG project from the B.C. Environmental Assessment process,” a notice on WCC LNG website says. It also says that its websie will only be available until the end…
PSA, ONE Launch Container Terminal in Singapore
The global transport company Ocean Network Express (ONE) and PSA Singapore (PSA),the flagship terminal of the global port group PSA International, will join hands to form a joint venture company based at Pasir Panjang Terminal in Singapore.Subject to regulatory approvals, the joint venture terminal is scheduled to commence operations in the first half of 2019 and operate four mega container berths with a combined annual handling capacity of 4 million TEUs, said a press release from the global container shipping company headquartered in Singapore.Pasir Panjang Terminal…

domain: news


text:
Despite the neoconservative establishment's best efforts at amending history, Mr. Bush will go down as the first U.S. president to lose two wars. Efforts at spinning the recent "military success" in Iraq have met their inevitable collision with ground truth.
On Sunday, Turkey bombed militant Kurdish targets in northern Iraq, following up the air strikes with artillery shelling. “Turkish Armed Forces gave one message to Turkish people and rest of the world,” said General Yasar Buyukanit, commander of the Turkish Army. “It can be winter, snowing or them hiding in caves, but we would ultimately find and hit them.”
Yes, General, you can ultimately find them and hit them if the U.S. tells you where they are and gives you permission to fly into their air space, like it did this time. Giving Turkey permission to attack the Kurds was no doubt cheaper than having Blackwater do it, and it certainly created far fewer legal complications. And it was a darn sight safer to let another country use our intelligence to carry out an offensive action than to take that action ourselves. That way, when our intelligence turns out to be wrong again, it's not our fault that women and children get blown to kingdom come instead of the bad guys we were after because we're not the ones who dropped the bombs.
Your Old Kit Baghdad
The oafish U.S. handling of long-standing issues in Kurdish northern Iraq has, in essence, created yet another major front in a war that was already noteworthy for its resemblance to the Whack-a-Mole game so popular at America's favorite pizzeria for children. And it's not as if things are going swimmingly on all the old fronts.
Last month, Iraq's government invited its more than 1.4 million refugees currently in Syria to return home. That presents a huge problem for the occupying American force. According to Colonel William E. Rapp, a senior aide to the commanding general in Iraq David Petraeus, "There is an element of the violence being down because segregation has already happened."
In other words, sectarian violence between Sunnis and Shiites in places like Baghdad is down because the Sunnis and Shias living in integrated neighborhoods packed their bags and hightailed it out of there. When former Baghdad residents return, they're likely to find someone of the opposite sect living in their old homes (providing that their old homes still exist).
They'll also find a changed security situation.
The hundreds of senior and mid-level members of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr's Mahdi Army arrested by U.S. forces during the surge have been replaced by boys, some as young as 15. These al-Sadr youth, who terrorize Sunnis and non-cooperative Shiites alike operate with virtual impunity "under the radar" of American forces in the city, disguised as, of all things, themselves. "No one will suspect they are Mahdi Army," says one young militiaman of his comrades, as they patrol the streets on foot and mopeds, dressed in blue jeans and baseball caps. These young militants, intoxicated with their newfound power, have turned Baghdad into a bizarre reincarnation of Al Capone era Chicago. Theft and extortion are rampant. Many young Mahdi soldiers have become ruthless murderers.
The return to Baghdad by refugees—particularly Sunni refugees—will be like an infusion of kerosene on a conflagration already barely under control. What is the U.S. military's proposed solution for avoiding the pending catastrophe?
Iraqis have to ask themselves, ""Do you even want to come back?" offers Colonel Rapp.
Unfortunately for most Iraqi refugees, whether or not they want to come back is a moot point. Syria and other countries neighboring Iraq have recently stepped up efforts to evict them. Imagine that, countries who are tired of uninvited immigrants. This situation has been gestating for a long time, but U.S. high command is completely unready for it, just as it's been unready for every predictable disaster that has occurred since the staged fall of Saddam Hussein's statue.
What will those refugees do? It's a good thing for us they can't swim to Canada and Mexico and slip into America through our porous borders, huh? Think how many of them there terrorists might sneak in with them!
Meanwhile, Back at the Other Fiasco…
From AFP: "The Pentagon confirmed Monday that the US military and its NATO partners were reviewing plans for Afghanistan, rocked by its bloodiest year since 2001 amid a fierce Taliban resurgence."
Afghanistan, once the crown jewel in Mr. Bush's war on terror, is now the bloody ball of fur on the side of the road that nobody wants to look at or touch. President Hamid Karzai's government has no influence outside of the capital city of Kabul; Afghanistan is a world leader in narcotics exports and a sanctuary for terrorists. And to think, the mission was accomplished in Afghanistan well before we even ventured into Iraq.
Defense Secretary Robert Gates, sounding more every day like he's just another standard Bush appointee, says the fate of the Afghanistan mission is in the hands of his NATO allies and has asked that a European official be put in charge of coordinating (i.e., taking the fall for) the international presence in Afghanistan.
With all this beautiful ugliness collapsing around his ankles, Mr. Bush continues to make boo noise about Iran. During a Monday speech to the Rotary Club in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Mr. Bush agreed with one of the Rotarians that Iran has a nuclear weapon, even though the recent National Intelligence Estimate says they have neither a nuclear weapon nor a nuclear weapons program. He also stated that Iran is a threat to peace, even though its defense budget is less than one 20th that of the United States, even though it has never started a war, even though during the one war it fought—with Iraq, a war that Saddam Hussein initiated by invading Iran—it was unable to project land or air power significantly beyond its own borders.
On paper, it would be impossible for Iran to win a war against the United States; but keep in mind that Mr. Bush has achieved the impossible twice before. He might still go for the hat trick.
Commander Jeff Huber, U.S. Navy (Retired) writes from Virginia Beach, Virginia. Jeff's novel Bathtub Admirals (Kunati Books) will be available April 1, 2008.

domain: politics


text:
DETROIT (AP) — Ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been told to give up the names of people who wired him $4,000 he failed to disclose to the state.
Corrections spokesman Russ Marlan said in published reports Friday that Kilpatrick didn’t tell officials about the money until Thursday — the same day he was fitted with an electronic tether for not disclosing another $2,000 sent last month from a Chicago pastor.
Kilpatrick still owes Detroit $855,000 in restitution from an earlier criminal case. He is required to report gifts and other income as a condition of his parole.
Kilpatrick is on trial for public corruption in federal court in Detroit. He is confined to his mother’s home in the city and banned from traveling to Texas where his wife and three sons live.
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domain: law


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A B O U T U S
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Freshest in the county
A beautiful vegetable platter or fruit basket would be the perfect addition to any event. Planning a menu for the next holiday event, wedding, baby shower, or birthday party? How about a beautifully crafted veggie or fruit platter? Julio's Fruit Boutique lovingly crafts every platter and basket with care. Your guests will be standing in line to get their hands on the produce from Julio's Fruit Boutique.
Did you know that the average person in the U.S. gains an extra pound over the holidays? This year whether you're hosting or a guest, how about providing your family and friends with a healthy alternative? A gorgeous platter from Julio's Fruit Boutique won't disappoint.
A fruit or veggie platter from Julio's Fruit Boutique will be the talk of the table!
Our employees have been trained to create beautiful platter presentations for any event. Your next event won't be complete without a fruit or veggie platter from Julio's Fruit Boutique.
Call today to order: 201-836-4135
Call us to order yours today!
Julio's Fruit Boutique has spent the last 27 years perfecting a balance between art and taste, this is known as "Julio's formula". All of our professionals are dedicated to creating for you, the best tasting platters and fruit baskets. We guarantee that every platter or basket you purchase from Julio's Fruit Boutique is created with the highest quality for our customers.

domain: food


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Features and Benefits
-Hydrates, refreshes and nourishes fresh flowers, foliage and potted plants.
-Works with all flower types.
-Prevent premature petal drop, dehydration, wilting and browning.
-The finishing step for hydrating fresh cut flowers to maximize customer satisfaction.
-It fortify finished arrangement and promote flowers opening, color development and foliage quality.

domain: hobby


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Deciding to keep the existing unified, ‘load once and play’ style website over building something new was becoming untenable. So I finally made the call to start fresh.
The old website was outdated, difficult to modify, and had no content management system.
I’m no longer as dedicated to website design as I once was. Coding is something I enjoy as a hobby, but it’s the creation of visual content that I’m really passionate about.
That’s not to say it wasn’t beautiful and I didn’t love it, the website was one of my favourite things I’ve ever made. It had won design awards that got it featured in the Melbourne Museum and was a heap of fun to make, but it’s time to move on.
I’m very excited to see the launch of the brand new website, rebuilt completely.
Using WordPress has been brilliant, and adding new articles and updating the site takes a fraction of the time it has previously. I’m able to keep this site up to date without devoting hours to modifying files individually.
Another big focus was on written content and information. Although the previous website was attractive and engaging with a clean and simple layout, and light animation to guide the viewer, the focus was overly on the website itself as a piece of art, not the content.
The new site lets me either write anything from brief descriptions to full feature articles, or keep it simple as things have always been.
I was sad to see the old site go, but I’m very happy to finally have a new and better site than ever.


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There’s more to see and do at Silver Star Mountain this summer.
More than 21 renowned Okanagan and B.C. artists are exhibiting their new works – painting, sculpture, textile art and more – at Gallery Odin, located on the Knoll, at Silver Star Mountain this summer.
Opening receptions for the summer exhibition take place Thursday, June 23 from 6-10 p.m. and Saturday, June 25 from 2-6 p.m.
Gallery Odin is located at 215 Odin Rd. Summer hours are Thursday and Saturdays, from 2 to 6 p.m. or call 250-503-0822 for an appointment.


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What's new in this version (1.0.1):
Small bug fix..
Goa Radio app for Android.
Enjoy Goa radio Stations on your android device.
Note: It requires Wifi or 3G(charges apply from your carrier).
disclaimer: Channels in these applications belongs to respective channel owners.We dont have any relation to channeel owners.
Apps from the same developer
Wimbledon Radio,is having a live playing of official Wimbledon Radio(live),and also PODCASTS,an ...
Christian Radio comes with special features of most christian based radio stations.
Punjab Radio Application for Android.
Enjoy Punjab radio stations on your android devices.
It requires Wifi o ...
A Online Radio
AOR is complete online Radio player, with its capability to play any channel.
enjoy TOP mexican radio stations on DroidAcir app. Stations are powered by ACIR.
Related Android Apps
Helps you keep track of all your favorite shows on the Revision3 network.
Find all the latest show updates, ...
The Classic FM app lets you listen to Classic FM and lots of UK radio stations on your Android phone.
The app also ...
Zadig Voltaire Ebook
Découvrez Zadig ou la destinée, l'oeuvre de Voltaire en Ebook.
A Babylone, Zadig est un jeune h ...
Listen to Grooveshark on your Android device for FREE.
ReLoop Pak Rave
YOU NEED RELOOP TO USE THIS!
Rave Loops, Beats, and Stabs from Future Music for use with ReLoop Music Se ...
Find more Android apps and games
Androlicious.com is a website that shows applications and games from Android Market. You can download and install apps and games directly from Android Market using an Android phone or by using WebConnect mobile application.

domain: entertainment


The first pictures showing the external damage behind the radiator leak aboard a Soyuz spacecraft docked at the International Space Station were made public by Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, on Monday, February 13. Roscosmos claims that a meteoroid strike was what caused the damage, and the organization is still looking into the matter. A camera on the manipulator in the US section of the ISS was used in taking pictures of the hole in the thermoregulation system of the ship’s radiator.
The leak was discovered on December 14. This made the launch of a new Soyuz spacecraft, MS-23, to be delayed until March 2023. Meanwhile, while the situation was being investigated. This delay comes after another coolant leak on the Progress 82 robotic cargo spacecraft. The leak was discovered two days before the photographs were made public.
The Soyuz MS-22 sent NASA astronaut Frank Rubio and cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitry Petelin to the International Space Station in September. It poses no threat to the station or its crew, according to NASA program officials, despite the leak. However, the ISS partners are still trying desperately to find an answer to this issue.
Astronauts cannot be flown back to Earth on the leaking Soyuz MS-22 unless there is an emergency aboard the station. Prokopyev and Petelin will return in the MS-22 if an evacuation is required prior to the arrival of MS-23. Rubio, on the other hand, is going to have to travel on a SpaceX Dragon capsule. The SpaceX Dragon capsule can only hold four additional astronauts. It is considered to be a dangerous idea to have a third person aboard the coolant-less Soyuz during the scorching ascent through Earth’s atmosphere.
Originally, the Soyuz MS-23 was planned to launch from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome in February. It will replace the problematic MS-22, which has been postponed until March. Rubio, Prokopyev, and Petelin’s missions won’t likely be greatly impacted by the short delay. This is because they were already expected to spend twice as much time on the ISS.
Following the mishap, NASA and SpaceX are in talks to increase shielding on the latter’s Crew Dragon spacecraft. Crew-6, the following SpaceX personnel mission to the ISS, is slated to launch on February 26.
The incident serves as a reminder of the significance of routine maintenance and examinations of spacecraft. In addition, it highlights the necessity of emergency procedures and backup plans in the event of unplanned mishaps. To protect the safety of astronauts and crewmembers, it is crucial to maintain a high degree of attention and preparation as space exploration and travel become more widespread.


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Island Winds East 610
333 West Beach Blvd. Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Cozy 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo that sleeps six is located on the 6th floor of Island Winds East. · Living area has a sofa queen sleeper, flat screen television. Fully equipped, updated kitchen with all major appliances · Dining area seats four at the table and the kitchen bar seats two.· King size bed in the master bedroom. Queen in second bedroom. Fully updated bathrooms. Stacked washer and dryer in the hallway closet · Balcony has seating to take in the gorgeous gulf front view Island Winds East Units: Onsite parking is limited to one (1) parking pass per unit, regardless of size during Spring Break, mid May through mid August, Labor Day, and Shrimp Festival event.
Master Bedroom: King Bed
Guest Bedroom: Queen Bed
Living Area: Sleeper Sofa
Linens come furnished but please bring your own beach towels. Guests receive a “starter pack” of laundry detergent, dish washing detergent, one trash bag per trash can, and travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and soap per bathroom.
This property is located at 333 West Beach Blvd in Gulf Shores, Alabama.
Island Winds East sits directly on the BEACH in the heart of Gulf Shores, Alabama. You and your family will be within walking distance (3-5 minute walk) of the "T" and many restaurants including The Hangout, Bahama Bob's, Beachside Restaurant and more! There's a gulf front pool to cool off in and there is enough room for the entire family at a price that will not break your budget!
THE BEACHBALL DIFFERENCE
BEACHBALL PROPERTIES is a boutique, family-owned vacation rental and property management company servicing the beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast. We offer a premier selection of condos, duplexes, and private homes that will fit any family size and most budgets in Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan. We are here for all your Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Fort Morgan vacation rental needs. Our team is passionate about sharing the local beach lifestyle, and we work diligently to ensure that your entire vacation is hassle free and fun from reservation to check-out. Our office is located at 22989 Perdido Beach Blvd. in Orange Beach, Alabama.
Every property in our portfolio has been vetted and verified so you can book with confidence. If you have questions prior to your trip, we are happy to assist you. During your stay, a BEACHBALL representative will be available 24/7 to help with any issues that may arise.
-Parking passes are purchased through the property manager located on site.
-Amenities include free WiFi, cable, and a fully equipped kitchen
-Linens come furnished but please bring your own beach towels.
-Guests receive a “starter pack” of laundry detergent, dish washing detergent, one trash bag per trash can, and travel-sized shampoo, conditioner, and soap per bathroom.
-Must be at least 25 years old to book and staying at the property for the duration of the stay.
-Additional fees and taxes may apply
-Photo ID may be required upon check-in
-Check-in is at 4 p.m. (no exceptions)
-Check-out is at 10 a.m. (you will be charged an extra day if you stay in the property later than 10 a.m.)
- A full list of our rules and regulations is contained in our Tenant Vacation Rental Agreement, which you will agree to upon booking.
Come Have a Ball at the Beach!
**This property is proudly managed by BEACHBALL PROPERTIES in Orange Beach, Alabama. **
* Rates subject to change up until time of booking**

domain: travel


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A dedicated space for inspiration and discovery, Smartify connects collections and audiences
Knowledge at your fingertips. Smartify instantly identifies art, objects and architecture, so visitors can discover the stories behind each piece.
Custom audio guides, maps and a dedicated venue page supports visitors through each step of the journey.
8年迅雷老司机跟你聊：迅雷玩客云—是玩你的云还是真正给你 ...:2021-3-10 · 8年迅雷老司机跟你聊：迅雷玩客云—是玩你的云还是真正给你玩的云？,由什么值得买值友发布在好物社区的真实分享，本文是作者亲身的购买使用感受伍及中立消费见解，旨为在广大网友中传播更 …
All in one guide. Smartify combines tours, way-finding and much more into an award-winning elegant design.
Cloud-based software to reliably catalogue, manage and organise your collection, while integrating directly with the Smartify visitor app.
Harness the power of data, understand audiences and fuel growth with Smartify analytics.
Our expert team includes data-scientists, developers, agile coaches, designers and arts and heritage professionals.
During this global pandemic Smartify is working to provide museums worldwide with a way to reach audiences at home and to support the re-opening of museum buildings with safe social distancing. Get in touch to get started with fifty complimentary collection items.

domain: design


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(CHICAGO) – Researchers have found that both African-American and Latino children have significantly higher rates of corn, shellfish and fish allergies than white children, confirming that race and ethnicity play an important role in how people are affected by food allergy.
The findings come from the first study designed to assess and characterize the racial and ethnic difference in food allergies among children in the United States. The study was conducted by allergy and immunology experts at Rush University Medical Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Results of the study were published in the Nov. 21 issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice.
“Food allergy is a prevalent condition in the U.S., but little is known about its characteristics and severity in racial minority groups,” said Dr. Mahboobeh Mahdavinia, the study’s principal investigator and lead author, and an allergy and immunology expert at Rush. “Our goal was to characterize the food allergy related outcomes in these children and to identify any disparities in health care usage among African-American, Latino and white children with food allergy.”
Study included 817 children seen at hospitals for food allergies
Food allergy is an immune system reaction that occurs soon after eating a certain food. Even a tiny amount of the food individuals are allergic to can trigger signs and symptoms, such as digestive problems, hives, breathing problems or anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially fatal allergic reaction). Food allergy is major public health concern, affecting eight percent of children in the U.S. with an estimated economic burden of $24.8 billion annually.
“It has been well documented that the prevalence of food allergy has been increasing in children in the U.S., but little data and research exists about its frequency, severity and outcomes among minority race and ethnicities in the U.S.,” said Mahdavinia.
Mahdavinia and her colleagues at Rush, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center and Lurie Children’s conducted a large study of children ranging in age from birth to 17 who were diagnosed with food allergy and were seen in allergy/immunology clinics at two urban tertiary care centers in the U.S.
The study included 817 children in all and was composed of 35 percent African-Americans, 12 percent Latino, and 53 percent non-Hispanic white children.
African-American, Latino children received less care for food allergies
Results of the study indicate that compared with non-Hispanic, white children, African-American children had significantly higher odds of having asthma and eczema, as well as significantly higher odds of allergy to wheat, soy, corn, fish and shellfish.
“We found African-American children had a significantly higher rate of wheat allergy than did white children,” Mahdavinia said. “The higher rate of wheat allergy among African American children could potentially explain the higher rates of anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction that requires immediate care, and the emergency room visits observed in this population.”
“Wheat-based bread is a staple in the U.S. and consumed on a daily basis in most U.S. households, with an average consumption of more than 130 pounds per person per year. Wheat allergy can be a significant financial burden, especially for low-income families,” Mahdavinia added.
Latino children had significantly higher odds of allergy to corn, fish and shellfish, but a similar rate of asthma compared to non-Hispanic white children. The rate of corn allergy in Latinos could be due to corn being a major food staple in Mexican and other Latino families.
The study also found that compared with whites, African American and Latino children received less follow-up care for food allergy from an allergy specialist and had higher rates of food allergy related anaphylaxis and emergency room visits.
African-American and Latino children have higher odds of ER visits
In this study, 55 percent of African-American, 18 percent of Latino and 11 percent of white children were covered by Medicaid, indicating lower income rates among the African American families participating in the study.
Low-income children incur higher costs for emergency room visits and hospitalization and spend less on specialty care. Shorter follow-up duration can negatively affect food allergy outcomes and can increase rate of death.
Peanut was the most common food allergen in all three groups. The only allergen more common among white children than African American and Latino children was tree nut. Tree nut allergies are distinct from peanut allergy because peanuts are legumes, whereas a tree nut is a hard-shelled fruit.
“A major concern is that African-American and Hispanic children had significantly higher rates of food-induced anaphylaxis than white children. Furthermore, African-American and Hispanic children also had higher odds of emergency room visits for food allergy related reactions compared to white children,” said Mahdavinia.
Doctors should be on lookout for racially prevalent allergies
“The three centers evaluated their patient population separately, but when we pooled the data together we saw the striking similarity of the findings among the centers, which confirmed our initial suspicion that food allergies present differently in various races. This is an important issue to make pediatricians and allergist aware of so they can look for the relevant allergies in each of the various races,” said Dr. Amal Assa’ad, study co-author and allergy and immunology expert at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.
“We found a difference in the insurance coverage among the various races, which may impact access to care and adherence to follow up visits and avoidance measures,” added Assa’ad.
“We need to conduct further research to identify food allergy and food sensitivities among all races and ethnicities so we can develop culturally-sensitive and effective educational programs to improve food allergy outcomes for all children,” Mahdavinia said.
“It is critically important for us to understand food allergy in children of different races and ethnicities, so we can improve management for all children,” said Dr. Ruchi Gupta, senior author of the study, pediatrician and researcher at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and associate professor of pediatrics and medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Co-authors from Rush, Cincinnati Children’s, and Lurie Children’s include Dr. Amal Assad, Dr. Erica Palmisano, Dr. Aisha Mohamed, Dr. Christine James, Bridget Smith, PhD, Dr. Zeeshan Zahid, Dr. Mary Kay Tobin and physician assistant Susan Fox.