Tag: Greece

To communicate what measures they were takingre accidents at sea The European Commission today sent reasoned opinions to Austria, Greece, Poland and the United Kingdom for their failure to communicate what measures they were taking to transpose Directive2009/18/EC on the investigation of accidents at sea.This is the normal procedure in the event of a persistent failure to communicate such measures despite having received formal notice. Sending a reasoned opinion is the last step in the procedure before possibly taking a matter to the Court of Justice.The EU rulesDirective2009/18/EC lays down the basic principles governing investigations into accidents in the maritime transport sector. It requires Member States to bring into force the necessary legislative, regulatory and administrative implementing provisions before 17June2011.The practical consequences of non-transpositionDirective2009/18/EC aims to improve maritime safety and better prevent pollution from ships by requiring Member States to organise safety investigations after serious accidents at sea. The purpose of these investigations, which are separate from any criminal investigations and are carried out by independent bodies, is to establish what has caused the accidents and draw lessons to improve maritime safety in the future. If they fail to take the necessary measures, Member States prevent such arrangements from being ...

The legislation will enable the hiring of a minimum of six guards per ship Greece will let its large commercial fleet employ armed guards to ward against a surge in pirate attacks, the ministry in charge of security said on Friday, satisfying a long-standing shipowner demand."To improve safe sailing and crew safety aboard Greek ships crossing seas with increased piracy cases, an initiative has been taken to draft legislation for the embarkation of armed individuals on commercial ships," the ministry said.The legislation will enable the hiring of a minimum of six guards per ship on six-month contracts that can be renewed, a ministry source said.The new arrangement will mainly apply to Greek-flagged ships but could be extended to vessels sailing through Greek waters, the source told AFP.This modification will enable Greek-owned ships flying flags of convenience - around 500 vessels according to the union of Greek captains - to also be eligible.Greek authorities had initially resisted shipowner calls to beef up security, a move opposed by crews fearing the presence of armed guards will ultimately only result in pirates switching to heavier weaponry to secure their prize."This measure threatens to set off an arms race with the pirates," said George ...

Cargo liquefaction continues to be a serious physical and economic hazard for shipping Around 120 members of the Greek shipping community attended a seminar on cargo liquefaction hosted by the Piraeus office of the 150 million GT 'A' rated North P&I club.According to associate director and head of the Greek office, Tony Allen, 'Cargo liquefaction continues to be a serious physical and economic hazard for shipping worldwide and the high turnout last night shows it remains a particular concern for our Greek owners and operators'.The event at the Piraeus Marine Club focused on the safety, regulatory and practical issues which arise when shipping cargoes prone to liquefy together with the legal and commercial aspects facing masters when suspect cargoes are presented for loading.Allen told delegates, 'North recognises and continues to support the ongoing efforts of its members to ensure the safety of their vessels and crews when shipping cargoes likely to liquefy. We will continue in conjunction with the International Group of P&I Clubs and other industry bodies such as Intercargo and BIMCO to promote prudent and safe practice.'He confirmed North is fully committed to supporting the International Group's initiatives to put pressure on local shippers and authorities in countries ...

There has not been reported inflow or injury so far Cargo ship ran aground during last night at rocks of the southeast area of Greek island, Syros. The cause is still unknown and there has not been reported inflow or injury.The Marshall Islands flag ship "Cafer Dede" , departed with a crew of 19 members from the area Aliagka Turkey, was bound for Salerno, Italy.Coast Guard hastened to the area for help . According to information so far, there is no risk for the crew.Photo of "Cafer Dede" ran aground at Syros Island

Pirate rumor mill goes crazy as Pirate groups fight over ransom negotiations Claims that at least six Somali pirates were killed and three others were captured by the crew of the Greek owned MT Liquid Velvet chemical tanker which was hijacked last week, are up for debate due to infighting among pirates, according to several pirates who spoke to Somalia Report."Six of our colleagues were killed by the hostages who escaped while the ship was coming to the coastal city of Harardhere in Mudug region. We will retaliate against our enemy," said Abdi, a pirate.Abdi explained that the fighting broke out when the pirates were trying to search the pockets of the crew.Dahir Aden Shuriye, who claimed to be a relative of one of the dead pirates, confirmed the incident and told Somalia Report that the ship signaled NATO a few minutes after the clash ended.Mohamed Ahmed, a pirate source, disputes the claims and said no fight broke out and that the pirates were chewing khat, a stimulant herb, when they spoke to Somalia Report, suggesting that the pirates were impaired.Mohamed Ahmed also said that a number of pirates in the Harardere and Garacad area made up the rumor after ...

22 people on board - Liquid Velvet Somali pirates have hijacked a Greek-owned chemical tanker with 22 people on board in the Gulf of Aden and are taking the vessel towards the Somali coast, a regional maritime expert and a pirate said on Tuesday.The Marshall Islands-flagged Liquid Velvet was seized on Monday in the Gulf of Aden en route to India. The 11,599 DWT vessel is owned by the Greek firm Elmira Tankers, according to the firm's website."It was taken yesterday. It was going from Suez and heading to India," maritime editor Andrew Mwangura said.Increasingly well-armed and violent Somali pirate gangs are expected to carry out more attacks as the monsoon season ends and the seas off the Horn of Africa flatten.A pirate who gave his name as Khalif confirmed the attack."We have hijacked the tanker and it is due to anchor near the shores of Garad," Khalif told Reuters by telephone from the pirate haven of Dhanane.Piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean costs the world economy billions of dollars a year. British Prime Minister David Cameron has said British merchant ships off the coast of Somalia will soon be allowed to carry armed guards.Pirates operating ...

Delegation warns US of trade disruption and calls for armed guards on vessels at risk Greek shipowners have warned of havoc on vital international ocean trades if the menace of piracy is not curtailed more effectively.The message was spelt out "in no uncertain terms" by a delegation of Greek owners who visited Washington this month, meeting rulemakers and officials including US Secretary of Transportation Ray La Hood."They understand the implications if the transport chain is disrupted, which obviously it may be if seafarers are not willing to go into the Indian Ocean, for example," said a source close to the trip, which took place under the auspices of the Union of Greek Shipowners.One owner said: "There is a tendency in the US to think that piracy in the Indian Ocean has very little to do with them. But they understand the implications for trade and we also pointed out the mounting cost of piracy to the American consumer."A report in IFW's sister publication, Lloyd's List, said Greek-controlled shipping was estimated to carry about 20% of US imports and exports, a share partly reflecting the fact that Greek owners on average operate larger ships than many other nationalities.The Union of Greek ...

Pirates Claim First Major Success in Months Somali pirates have hijacked the Greek-owned MT Liquid Velvet, finally bringing to an end a dry spell that has stretched back months, maritime sources told Somalia Report.The ship, which has 21 Filipino crew members and an unarmed security expert of unknown nationality, was taken in the Gulf of Aden on Monday in position 1202 North - 04538 East.The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker is owned and managed by Athens-based Elmira Tankers.Source: Neptune Maritime Security

RINA's activities in Greece have been reinforced by the opening of a Piraeus training centre International certification, verification and ship classification company RINA is celebrating its ties with Greece on its 150th anniversary. Formed in Genoa, Italy, in 1861 as a ship classification society, RINA is today a global multidisciplinary and multi-cultural company with growing business in Greece and the surrounding region.Speaking at a reception to mark the event held on board the SS Hellas Liberty in Piraeus, Mr Ugo Salerno, CEO, RINA, said, "We are very happy to be here in Greece today, celebrating both our growing relationships with Greek partners and our 150 years of experience and tradition. We share the goals of our partners here, working to build a sound resilient business, respecting people, community and environment. We provide experience and competence to support industry in improving its operations, and society in improving the quality of life. We are celebrating on board this historic ship, Hellas Liberty, which is also a symbol of Greek shipping history. Nowadays it is important to look back to our roots, to find the inspiration and the enthusiasm for future challenges.""We are active in every area of industry, transportation and environmental protection ...

To stave off an attack on maritime jobs, pay and pensions Seafarers are starting a rolling programme of action in Greek ports to stave off an attack on maritime jobs, pay and pensions.The workers, represented by the ITF-affiliated Pan-Hellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO), have announced that the programme of 48-hour strikes will start on 17 October. The action responds to the Greek government's attack on maritime workers' employment and pensions rights and follows a series of talks with politicians that ended in deadlock.The union is demanding that the government safeguard current and future job opportunities in the industry, retain social benefits, including pensions, and upgrade maritime training and retraining activities. It also wants the ship owners to re-enter national collective bargaining negotiations so that wages can be upgraded.John Halas, general secretary of PNO, said: "Greek seafarers are determined to defend with dynamism their rights from the cruel attack of the Greek government and will not allow the extermination of Greek seafaring, with a thousand years of history and contribution to the nation."Source: ITF