News | MEBA Union

Time-Lapse: Maersk Ship Transits New Suez Canal in 3 Minutes

Aug 14, 2015 09:43 AM

Here is a new time-lapse video from Maersk Line showing a transit of the New Suez Canal, an adjacent waterway that now allows vessels to pass each other through most of the canal, cutting transit times from 18 hours to 11 hours for southbound traffic and theoretically allowing more ships through the canal.

Hawaiian Challenge to Jones Act Fails

Aug 14, 2015 09:42 AM

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit turned away a challenge to the Jones Act on July 30, 2015, reports Charlie Papavizas, Esq., Partner, Winston & Strawn LLP on the maritime attorneys’ blog MaritimeFedWatch. The case was brought by six individuals and one corporation in Hawaii who had certain shipper interests. They argued that the Jones Act impaired interstate trade and therefore violated the United States Constitution.

Pacific Partnership: 100 Days on USNS Mercy

Aug 14, 2015 09:41 AM

On the hospital ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), I am part of the Military Sealift Command (MSC) civilian mariners (CIVMAR). You might be surprised to know that MSC is part of the Department of the Navy. The CIVMARs are responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Mercy, everything from watch standing, navigation, deck work and engine room operations. As cadet CIVMARs, we are required to do 100 days at sea as part of our training.

New Rules Proposed for Maritime Security Program

Aug 07, 2015 12:51 PM

On August 5, 2015, the U.S. Maritime Administration proposed new rules for the U.S. Maritime Security Program (MSP). MSP secures the services of 60 privately owned U.S.-flag vessels for the U.S. Government in exchange for an annual stipend currently set at $3.1 million. The largest participant in the Program is Maersk Line, Limited.

Six Quick Facts About the New Suez Canal

Aug 07, 2015 12:50 PM

Egypt on Thursday opens the New Suez Canal, an extension which flanks the existing 145-year-old waterway and part of a larger undertaking to expand trade.

Shipbreaking Deaths Continue

Aug 07, 2015 09:48 AM

The NGO Shipbreaking Platform published its sixth South Asia Quarterly Update stating that a spate of recent deaths indicates that there is still a lack of safety equipment being used in the industry.

NOL Sale a Bargain with Modern Fleet

Aug 07, 2015 09:48 AM

Singapore’s Temasek Holdings' sale of Neptune Orient Lines offers potential buyers a modern fleet at a bargain — around $2 billion, according to industry and banking sources.

Jones Act Challenge Fails

Aug 07, 2015 09:47 AM

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit turned away a challenge to the Jones Act on July 30, 2015. The case, brought in Hawaii by certain shipper interests, argued that the Jones Act impaired interstate trade and therefore violated the United States Constitution.

U.S. Coast Guard Celebrates 225th Anniversary

Aug 07, 2015 09:46 AM

The U.S. Coast Guard celebrates 225 years of service on Tuesday.

U.S. Representative Seeks To Honor Merchant Mariners

Jul 31, 2015 12:56 PM

U.S. Representative Susan W. Brooks (R- Ind.) wants to grant World War II Merchant Mariners with the highest civilian honor. Brooks has introduced the Merchant Marine of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act (HR 2992) to Congress. If passed, the bill would collectively award a Congressional Gold Medal to merchant mariners who served during World War II.