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The Sultanate of Oman Orders Two Multi-Purpose High Speed Ferries

Henderson WA May 15, 2006 - The Sultanate of Oman and Austal today signed a contract for two 65 meter, 50 knot, multi-purpose passenger-vehicle catamaran ferries following a competitive international tender process.

The identical aluminum vessels, scheduled for delivery in 2007 and early 2008, have the capacity to carry 203 passengers and 56 cars or 54 lane meters of trucks plus 40 cars. The ferries are to provide a new tourism service to Oman’s ruggedly spectacular northern coastline and will be the flagship vessels in the Sultanate’s expanded marine transport and security network.

Speaking on behalf of the Sultanate, H.E. Ahmed bin Abdulnabi Macki, Minister of National Economy and Deputy Chairman of the Financial Affairs and Energy Resources Council, commented:

"Our requirement for these new ferries to meet the highest safety and passenger comfort standards with very high speeds, created a challenging tender requirement. We are pleased to confirm Austal’s involvement in this important project aimed at furthering Oman’s growing reputation as a premier international tourist destination."

In thanking the Minister, Austal’s Executive Chairman, John Rothwell responded:

"These two state of the art passenger and vehicle high speed vessels reflect Austal’s focus on tailoring marine transportation solutions to the operator’s individual needs."

"With fifteen vessels now operating in the Middle East, and ten in nearby Turkey, this prestigious contract further cements Austal’s commitment to, and understanding of, the unique needs of the region."

The Sultanate of Oman is situated on the southeast corner of the Arabian Peninsula. The coastline extends 1,700 km from the Strait of Hormuz in the north, to the borders of the Republic of Yemen in the south and overlooks three seas namely, the Arabian Gulf, Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The scenic Musandam Peninsula forms the country's northern tip, and is the intended destination for the two Austal Auto Express ferries.

Optimized to cover the 180 nautical mile journey at speeds of up to 50 knots, each ferry is to be powered by four MTU 20 cylinder 1163 series diesel engines driving a Rolls Royce / KaMeWa waterjet propulsion system. Austal Sales Manager, Bill Hicks said this powerful propulsion package was selected to achieve the strict performance targets with special consideration for the local operating conditions.

"Oman’s approach to this contract from the outset has set a high standard not only in terms of performance but equally so with regard to safety, comfort and quality of finish. We have developed an exciting new design with many innovative features complying with the highest international standards for passenger ferries and tailored to local Oman conditions," he said.

Passenger accommodation features high quality seating and catering facilities all located on a single deck with additional seakeeping comfort provided by a SeaState Motion Control System.

Onboard features also include a helicopter landing facility that has been incorporated into the design to allow for emergency operations, as may be required, by the Police Coast Guard.

The vessel is being built in accordance with the requirements and under the survey of Det Norske Veritas, conforming to the International Maritime Organization High Speed Craft code (HSC 2000).

• Length overall: 64.8 meters
• Length waterline: 61.1 meters
• Beam molded: 16.7 meters
• Hull depth molded: 6.2 meters
• Hull draft (maximum): 2.1 meters
• Deadweight (maximum): 146 tonnes
• Passengers 203
• Crew 12
• Vehicles: 56 cars
• or 54 truck lane meters + 40 cars
• Axle loads:
• - aft main deck: 9 tonnes (single wheel)
• 12 tonnes (dual wheel)
• - remainder of main deck: 3 tonnes (single wheel)
• Vehicle deck clear height: 3.1 meters
• Helideck capacity: Augusta Westland AB139, or equivalent
• Fuel (approx): 44,000 liters

• Main engines: 4 x MTU 20V 1163 TB73L
• 4 x 6,500 kW
• Propulsion: 4 x Kamewa 90SII
• Gearboxes: 4 x Reintjes
• Service speed: 50 knots

RIDE CONTROL:

• SeaState

• Classification: Det Norske Veritas
• IMO HSC 2000
  

Implant Sciences Accepts Order for Quantum Sniffer(TM) Explosives Detector from Local Maritime Agency

Wakefield MA May 16, 2006 - Implant Sciences Corporation a developer and manufacturer of products for national security, medicine and industry, today announced new orders for four (4) units of our Quantum Sniffer handheld explosives detection equipment to be shipped to a local maritime agency in Massachusetts responsible for the daily transportation of public passengers and vehicles. Disclosure of the final destination, disposition and use of the units ordered is not provided here for security reasons.

Joanne Arsenault, Implant Sciences' VP of Sales & Marketing-Security Division, stated, "We are gratified at being selected by our maritime customer for this order, which we believe is important for several reasons. First, Implant was selected as the recipient of this order in a competitive bid process, which included well-known multi-national suppliers of security equipment. Additionally, the bid process began in March of 2006. We were pleased that Implant was able to demonstrate the benefits of our explosives detection technology and close this deal so quickly when the typical sales cycle takes far more many months. Finally, we will be working closely with our maritime customer in developing protocols for the use of explosives detection technology in maritime applications, such as the transportation of public passengers and vehicles. We are hopeful that in developing these protocols, Implant may gain a competitive advantage in the U.S. for the placement of additional equipment in similar maritime transportation situations throughout the country."

Dr. Anthony J. Armini, PhD., CEO of Implant Sciences, commented, "I would like to congratulate Joanne and her sales team in this important victory over several formidable competitors. I agree with Joanne that this is an important victory and it could open new doors domestically for the sale of our explosives detection products. We believe that cooperation with our maritime customer in developing protocols could be an important step in assisting other U.S. maritime agencies, both in the private and governmental sectors, in establishing their protocols for how explosives detection equipment could be deployed in this application. We are hopeful that this may also increase the commercial exposure to our technology, and the importance it could play in strengthening security, to potential customers in various maritime industries concerned with the transportation of public passengers and vehicles, such as cruise lines and local and regional ferry systems."

Samsung Heavy Industries Uses DELMIA Digital Technology for Futuristic Digital Shipbuilding Plant; Simulation-Based Manufacturing (SBM) Will Strengthen Shipbuilder's Competitive Edge in the Manufacturing Industry

Auburn Hills MI May 16, 2006 - Dassault Systemes (DS), a world leader in 3D and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) solutions, today announced that the world's leading shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has built a simulation-based digital shipyard using DELMIA digital manufacturing technology, enabling the company to successfully establish a real-time supply chain network for collaborative production.

With DELMIA, SHI's Korea-based Geoje Shipyard is able to simulate design and engineering processes and digitally manage its facilities, procedures, and engineering schedules by shipbuilding in a virtual environment. "In the future, Simulation-Based Manufacturing (SBM) will play a pivotal role in strengthening the competitiveness of manufacturing by applying IT technologies," noted Hwang Gyu-Ok, general manager of the Information System Group for SHI.

"The digital shipyard is not a simple operational system, but rather a key infrastructure, so it is critical that we use the best technology in Simulation-Based Manufacturing."

"SHI has successfully implemented a new conceptual digital shipyard solution simulating the whole process, ranging from conceptual design through operation to maintenance," added Bertrand Saint-Martin, vice-president, DELMIA Asia-Pacific Operations. "Dassault Systemes is proud to have partnered with SHI to facilitate this innovation."

In order to increase its competitiveness, SHI joined the Korean government-led project for building a simulation-based digital shipyard, managed by the Ministry of Information and Communication and the Ministry of Commerce, Energy and Industry. DELMIA digital manufacturing solutions were implemented for the core virtual shipbuilding technology, in collaboration with experts from six universities including the Ocean Engineering Department of Seoul National University and the Korea Marine Ocean Research Development Institute.

In the first phase of its project to design an integrated simulator for processes from loading to manufacturing the hull, SHI adopted the DELMIA solutions IGRIP, VNC, QUEST and DELFOI Integrator to verify the digital modeling and manufacturing design. The simulation enabled analyses of the operation rate by equipment and period, which in turn led to enhanced customer satisfaction and technological competitiveness, reducing the time required to analyze operations from over 30 minutes to five. The simulation-based manufacturing management is expected to reduce cost by $7.3 million a year.

In addition, thanks to the possibility of verifying shipbuilding processes virtually using DELMIA Digital Shipbuilding Solution (DSS), SHI was granted the gold award for the Pacific Rim in the World's Business Process Management Conference at the end of last year, and the Business Process award for leading technology by Samsung IT Symposium, a knowledge management award within the Samsung Group.

The digital shipyard is currently being operated in the third dock at Geoje shipyard. SHI's new factory and the DSS are scheduled to be extended to the first and second docks. Additional implementations are being discussed.

Federal Investment for Dredging in Gaspe Peninsula & Magdalen Islands

Ottawa May 15, 2006 - The Honorable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Pontiac, announced today on behalf of the Honorable Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, a federal investment of $731,000 for annual maintenance dredging at eight fishing harbors in the Gaspe Peninsula and Magdalen Islands, Quebec.

In the Gaspe Peninsula, $275,000 will be invested for maintenance dredging at the fishing harbors of L’Anse-à-Beaufils, Gascons (Ruisseau Chapados), Ste-Therèse-de-Gaspe, and Saint-Godefroi.

In the Magdalen Islands, $456,000 will be invested for maintenance dredging at the fishing harbors of Grosse-Île (Cap du Dauphin), Île d’Entree, Millerand, and Pointe-Basse.

"Fishers of these important harbors in the Gaspe Peninsula and the Magdalen Islands will certainly benefit from this federal funding," said Minister Cannon. "Safe and efficient harbors are necessary to support our fishers and their success in the commercial fishery."

The dredging is necessary to ensure that vessels have adequate water depth in basins and channels. Fishers will be provided with safe navigational conditions during the upcoming fishing season.

Dredging began in April and will continue over the following months. A work schedule is being provided to all Harbor Authorities so that they may inform the fishers of the planned dredging dates for each harbor.

All these projects are being undertaken by Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s Small Craft Harbors Program, in close collaboration with the Harbor Authorities that manage and operate the facilities for local users. Such close co-operation with clients allows the federal government to provide an operable system of harbors and facilities throughout Canada, in support of commercial fishers.

Morocco Fishing Agreement gets EU Parliamentary Approval

Brussels May 16, 2006 - The EP approved a fisheries partnership agreement between the European Community and Morocco today, despite some MEPs' reservations about its international legal ramifications regarding Western Sahara.

The fishing agreement with Morocco covers 119 vessels, mostly from France, Spain and Portugal, although it also includes a 60 000 tonne quota for industrial pelagic fishing for several northern European fleets. The financial contribution is set at €36.1 million per year, making this agreement the most valuable of all EC fisheries agreements. The Parliament's consultative report was drafted by Daniel Varela Suanzes-Carpegna (EPP-ED, ES), and passed by 409 votes in favor with 167 against with 79 abstentions.

The report approves the fishing agreement and protocol, although it demands "an annual report on the implementation of the agreement" before it gives its go-ahead for the negotiation of the next protocol. It also asks "in the event of evidence that the use to which the Agreement is being put is in contravention of international obligations, the Commission shall take immediate steps to suspend the Agreement." This addition refers to the relationship between Morocco and Western Sahara.

Several MEPs had been troubled by the inclusion of the waters of Western Sahara in the fishing agreement. They were concerned that by signing an agreement with Morocco giving the EU fishing fleet access to waters off the coast of Western Sahara (i.e. south of the 27.4 degree line), the EU would be breaking its commitments to the UN. Several amendments were therefore submitted to prohibit fishing in these areas, but they were voted down.

The fishing agreement is expected to be approved by the Council on 22 May, allowing the agreement to enter into force before the first payments are due on 30 June. The Parliament had previously rejected using the urgency procedure to ratify the agreement during its April session

Daily Matsu-Mawei Ferry Service to Commence Soon

Taipei May 16, 2006 - Direct shipping services will be established on a daily basis between Taiwan's Matsu and Mawei in China's Fujian Province starting next month, said Lienchiang County Magistrate Chen Hsueh-sheng on Monday.

Matsu, which is administered by the Lienchiang County government, is one of the nation's two outlying islands connected by the "mini three links" with China.

Ferries between Matsu and Mawei in China currently run every day of the week except Saturdays.

Chen said he paid a visit to the Fuzhou mayor on Sunday, and exchanged views on establishing ferry services between Matsu and Mawei on Saturdays.

An influx of Chinese tourists is expected on Matsu with the Cabinet's decision to allow more Chinese to travel to Taiwan.

The number of passengers between the two destinations using the "mini three links" has grown more than 20-fold since the service was launched on January 1, 2001, according to Ministry of Transportation & Communications statistics.

Shippex Shipping Express Consumer Advisory Notice

Washington May 16, 2006 - The Federal Maritime Commission issues this notice to alert consumers about the activities of an entity using the name Shippex Shipping Express (referred to as "Shippex" throughout this notice). Shippex should not be confused with Shipex LLC of Houston TX, which is properly licensed and bonded, and not related to Shippex.

Shippex is not licensed and bonded, but is offering, through its web site (www.shippex.net), to move household goods for consumers via ocean transportation to other countries. Shippex appears to be operating in violation of the Shipping Act of 1984, as it is unlawful to carry on such activities without a Commission issued license and without appropriate consumer financial protection, such as a surety bond.

Shippex allegedly has been collecting payment from consumers for the delivery of their goods to a foreign destination. Shippex may be related to an unlicensed entity the Commission is presently investigating for allegedly collecting payment from consumers for moving their goods to a foreign destination, but failing to deliver the goods as promised, demanding additional monies before delivering the goods, delaying delivery for an extended period of time, and threatening retribution against their consumer customers.

UN & Partners Launch Program for Sustainable African Fisheries

New York May 16, 2006 - A new partnership involving the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization was launched today to raise $240 million for the first-ever program to establish sustainable fisheries in Africa's large marine ecosystems, curtail overfishing and reduce poverty in coastal communities over the next 10 years.

The partnership, which also includes the African Union (AU), the World Bank, WWF-Global Conservation Organization (formerly known as the World Wildlife Fund), the African Union (AU), has an initial commitment of $60 million from the Global Environment Facility.

Fishing makes a vital contribution to the food and nutritional security of 200 million Africans and provides income for over 10 million mostly small-scale fisherfolk, farmers and entrepreneurs, FAO said. In addition, fish has become a leading export commodity for Africa, with an annual export value of $2.7 billion.

The funds are to be matched 3 to 1 in from other donors for a total of some $240 million over the next 10 years, FAO said.

The World Bank, FAO and WWF-Global, through extensive consultations, have over the last two years designed the investment fund and promoted the partnership with the AU and Africa's coastal countries.. The AU will chair an advisory committee including regional fisheries management organizations that will oversee funds and partnership activities.

Community-driven management programs, monitoring, control of fisheries, protecting marine areas and developing alternative livelihoods to fishing are among the activities eligible for support through the fund.

Minister Reappoints Brian Charles Ducharme to Great Lakes Pilotage Authority

Ottawa May 16, 2006 - Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Lawrence Cannon, today announced the reappointment of Mr. Brian Charles Ducharme, of Windsor, Ontario, as chair of the Great Lakes Pilotage Authority.

"I am very pleased to announce that Mr. Ducharme will continue to serve in this leadership role with the Great Lakes Pilotage Authority," said Minister Cannon. "His extensive experience with the authority, law and commitments to local organizations will be an asset for the authority."

Brian Charles Ducharme received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Windsor in 1972 and then his bachelor of laws in 1977. He was called to the Ontario Bar in 1978 and is currently in private practice. Mr. Ducharme has been the vice-president of the Windsor Club; member and president of the board of directors of Hiatus House, a home for battered women and children in the Windsor region; the founding president of the Windsor Essex Bilingual Legal Clinic; and the past commodore of the Windsor Yacht Club.

The Great Lakes Pilotage Authority is a Crown corporation created under the Pilotage Act to provide safe and effective pilotage services within Canadian waters in the Province of Quebec, south of St. Lambert Lock, and in and around the provinces of Ontario and Manitoba.

Minister Appoints Gerard Fitzpatrick to Atlantic Pilotage Authority

Ottawa May 16, 2006 - Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Lawrence Cannon, today announced the appointment of Gerard Fitzpatrick of York, PEI, as vice-chair of the board of directors of the Atlantic Pilotage Authority.

"The Atlantic Pilotage Authority plays an important role in providing safe and effective pilotage services within Canadian waters in and around the Atlantic region," said Minister Cannon. "Mr. Fitzpatrick's experience in business and accounting will serve him well as he takes up his new responsibilities on the board."

Gerard Fitzpatrick, CA, graduated from the University of Prince Edward Island with a bachelor of business administration degree. He is a founding member of Beaton Fitzpatrick Murray, a professional accounting practice, and has worked in the audit department of the Province of Prince Edward Island. Mr. Fitzpatrick is past chairman of Georgetown Shipyards, past president of the Prince Edward Island Institute of Chartered Accountants and past chairman of the Atlantic School of Chartered Accountancy. Mr. Fitzpatrick is currently a member of the board of directors of the Atlantic Pilotage Authority and has been since 2002.

The Atlantic Pilotage Authority is a Crown corporation created in 1972 under the Pilotage Act. It is responsible for operating and maintaining a safe, efficient and economical pilotage service on all coastal waters in the Atlantic region. The Authority sets pilotage charges that allow it to operate on a self-sustaining financial basis.

StealthGas Vessel Rescues Couple Off the Coast of Indonesia

New York May 16, 2006 - A fully pressurized liquefied petroleum gas carrier, the Gas Shanghai, rescued a British and South African couple Tuesday after their yacht sank off the coast of Indonesia.

The vessel's crew was first alerted to the couple in distress after the officer of watch noticed a plume of smoke and an emergency flare on the horizon, said an executive of StealthGas, Inc. - owners of the vessel.

The couple was sailing aboard the 65-foot cutter-type yacht, Ilala, when an onboard fire broke out ultimately sinking the yacht. The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

The couple are no yachting novices; Mr. Johnson holds a British Yachtmaster certificates and has been sailing, racing and instructing for 27 years, while Mrs. Johnson is a qualified master and rescue diver and has been sailing and racing for three years.

The Johnsons own and operate Phuket-based Ilala Yacht Charterers, with the Ilala offering personalized holidays for up to 8 guests in Andaman Sea, according to the yacht charterers' website. The Johnsons were hosts of the yacht, and personally captained it, the website said.

The Gas Shanghai, crewed by Singapore-based TESMA, took the couple aboard from their life raft and delivered them to authorities ashore when the vessel reached the port of Kerteh, Malaysia around 1400 hrs Thursday, executives at StealthGas' Athens headquarters said. Upon arrival at the port, the Johnsons were delivered to the Kerteh Immigration office, where officials had already been alerted by the British High Commission to await their arrival and repatriate them to Indonesia.

Captain Salvador of the Marshall Islands-flagged Gas Shanghai said he was pleased to have been able to assist the Johnsons, who he described as being "a truly wonderful couple." He said that in a communication from the British High Commission to the vessel he was told that the Johnsons were doing well and "off for a good night's sleep."

The British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur praised the Gas Shanghai's officers and crew for their "fantastic and efficient assistance to Mr. Johnson and his wife."

The rescue effort attracted international media attention, including Lloyd's List, among others.

Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline Connects Vital New LNG Supply

Halifax May 16, 2006 - In an application to be filed today with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline (Maritimes) announced plans to expand its U.S. pipeline system to connect a significant and vital new source of natural gas to serve growing markets.

The proposed Maritimes Phase IV project will add facilities to transport much needed natural gas supply from the proposed Canaport(TM) LNG import terminal in Saint John, New Brunswick, to growing markets in Atlantic Canada and the Northeastern United States. Canaport(TM) LNG is a joint venture of Repsol YPF and Irving Oil Limited. Repsol YPF has executed an agreement with Maritimes to transport re-gasified LNG in the United States on its existing pipeline system.

"The Canaport(TM) LNG re-gasification terminal in Saint John offers a new reliable source of natural gas and increases energy supply diversity and security for the region. This new supply source will help minimize the impact on consumers of disruptions brought on by events like last year's hurricanes," said Doug Bloom, president, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline. "We have been a full partner in developing the transportation system to link this new supply to energy-hungry markets. Canaport(TM) LNG could be the first LNG re- gasification terminal on the Atlantic coast to be constructed in decades and is a welcome development for energy consumers from New Brunswick to Maine, and New Hampshire to Massachusetts."

The re-gasified LNG will be transported in Canada from the Canaport(TM) LNG Terminal on the proposed Brunswick Pipeline, to an interconnection with the Maritimes system at the U.S.-Canada border. Earlier today, Emera Inc. announced plans for its full ownership investment in the proposed Brunswick Pipeline. An affiliate of Duke Energy will permit and construct the Brunswick Pipeline.

"Demand for LNG is strong throughout the northeast region. The arrangements to expand Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline, along with agreements with Emera, complete the full value chain arrangements and will enable our project to be first to market with secure natural gas supplies," said Phil Ribbeck Director, LNG North America, for Repsol YPF. "We are happy to be working with strong regional partners such as Irving, Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline and Emera. We have all our required permits and are moving forward with the LNG terminal construction."

The Proposed Maritimes U.S. Expansion Facilities

The Phase IV Project will increase Maritimes' capacity by approximately 418,000 dekatherms per day through a combination of:

• the addition of five compressor stations in Maine,
• approximately 1.7 miles of 30-inch pipeline in Maine and
• modifications to existing U.S. facilities.

Construction of the proposed expansion facilities is anticipated to begin in June 2007, with an expected in-service date of Nov. 1, 2008.

"This expansion will provide Maritimes' shippers with a significant rate reduction, and will offer customers in Atlantic Canada, Eastern Canada and the U.S. Northeast the real opportunity to secure a safe, reliable, efficient and economic supply of a quality, clean-burning energy source. It expands our energy options and improves our energy security," concluded Bloom.

Tallship Irving Johnson Re-Commissioning Ceremony

San Pedro May 16, 2006 - The Irving Johnson, one of two Official Tallships of the City of Los Angeles, is being re-commissioned after months of repairs for damage sustained when the boat ran aground in Ventura County. The re-commissioning ceremony will take place at Berth 78 in the Port of Los Angeles, 11:00 am on Saturday, May 20, 2006.

The Irving Johnson and the Exy Johnson are twin Brigantine tallships built at the Port of Los Angeles and the heart of the Los Angeles Maritime Institute's TopSail Youth Sail Training program. The TopSail program has been successfully teaching at-risk youth in Los Angeles the joys of sailing while instilling the values of teamwork, cooperation and confidence. The Port of Los Angeles has a long history with the TopSail program and is a major sponsor.

Garnering national press coverage in March 2005 with the heartbreaking image of the beautiful tallship aground just offshore in Ventura County, the Irving Johnson sustained substantial damage in the incident. The boat spent four days aground before being freed and towed back to Los Angeles. Repairs to the Irving Johnson were done by Gambol Industries in Long Beach, who did an impressive job of bringing the boat back to its original -- if not better! -- glory.

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