Malta Ship Photos & Action Photos

Aircraft of the Week - AS-332LI Super Puma   The Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma (now Airbus Helicopters H215)   is a four-bladed, twin-engine, medium-size utility helicopter   developed and marketed by Aerospatiale and Eurocopter (now Airbus Helicopters) . It is an enlarged and re-engined version of the original Aerospatiale SA 330 Puma.   First flying in 1978, the Super Puma succeeded the SA 330 Puma as the main production model of the type in 1980; since 1990, Super Pumas in military service have been marketed under the AS532 Cougar  designation. In civilian service, a next generation successor to the AS 332 was introduced in 2004, the further-enlarged Eurocopter EC225 Super Puma. Images below are of  G-BMCX Bristow Helicopters AS-332LI Super Puma during SAR Exercise with KIRBY - 08.10.2009 -  www.maltashipphotos.com And in storage at Misurata Airforce Base in Libya back to 19th September, 2011 - www.maltashipphotos.com 

Ship of The Week - SAMSUN. Ciner Shipping, Turkey operates the 2013 Chinese built bulker SAMSUN. She was built at DAYANG SHIPBUILDING at Yangzhou, China. She has a deadweight of 63,500 tons flying a Maltese (MLT) Flag with port of registry as Valletta.  Images of SAMSUN with IMO 9657777 underway offshore Sicily on 5th May, 2017 - www.maltashipphotos.com

CMA CGM to Build World’s Largest Containerships at Chinese Yards French shipping group CMA CGM plans to build nine of the world’s largest container ships at two Chinese shipyards, the state-run China Daily newspaper reported on Wednesday. Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co confirmed that it and its sister yard Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co, had received a letter of intent from CMA CGM for the ships, which would be capable of carrying 22,000 20-foot equivalent unit containers (TEU), the newspaper said. The final order was subject to board approval from both sides, the newspaper said. Both yards are owned by state-run China State Shipbuilding Corporation. CMA CGM did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Calls to Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding and Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding outside office hours were not immediately answered. Should they be built, CMA CGM’s 22,000 TEU vessels will leapfrog the OOCL Hong Kong to take the crown of the world’s large

Lurssen built Super Yacht MARTHA ANN for sale The 2008 Lurssen built 70.2m (230 ft) Super Yacht MARTHA ANN has been announced for sale. She's registered at Cayman Islands (CYM) with port of registry as George Town. She was refitted in 2014 by Melita Marine Group, Malta in their floating dock NAZLAB. She's powered by 2 Caterpillar Engines with 2,010 HP which produces a cruising speed of 13 knots. Compliment is 22 crew and 12 guests with 7 cabins. Asking price is $ 79,000,000. Image of MARTHA ANN during refit at Malta back to 10th October, 2014 - www.maltashipphotos.com

Maersk Supply is starting to see longer contracts According to a press release from Maersk Supply Service (MSS)  - Maersk Supply Service has secured a long-term contract with Subtec S.A de C.V. of Mexico, a subsidiary of Blue Marine Group, for one of its Stingray new-building vessels.  Maersk Supply Service will enter the Mexican market for the very first time with a long-term contract award with Blue Marine Group. Not only does this contract open up further opportunities in the Mexico region, it also provides significant contract coverage for the coming years and secures utilization of one of the company’s four Stingray Subsea Support Vessel new-buildings. "This contract is the result of two companies working together to provide a superior integrated service offering and we look forward to building a strong partnership with Blue Marine Group going forward.  The contract will commence in autumn 2018 with a firm duration until June 2020. Image of MAERSK DETECTO

Ship of the Week - AL HUSSEIN. Car and passenger ferry built by Hall, Russell & Co, Aberdeen, that entered service, Mallaig to Armadale (Skye), in 1964 for David MacBrayne as  Clansman . In 1972 she was rebuilt so that she could carry larger lorries, involving heightening her and giving her a new bow door. Then Ullapool to Stornoway service and, from 1977, reserve ship but chartered to P&O for Northern Isles service in the winters. Sold in 1984 to Torbay Seaways for new Channel Islands service but was not suitable and sold on to Mira Shipping of Malta and renamed  Tamira  for a Malta-Gozo service that also never materialised. Sold again and employed in the Gulf of Aqaba and renamed  Al Hussein , then sold and renamed  Al Rasheed  in 1986. By 2002 she was lying abandoned off the coast of Sudan. Here seen as AL HUSSEIN with IMO 6404935 moored at Coal Wharf, Grand Harbour, Malta - 27.03.1986 - www.maltashipphotos.com

Cargo ship ran aground in North sea General cargo ship NINA 1 ran aground at Wangerooge, Frisian Islands, North sea, since 0630 UTC Aug 18th , while approaching Wangerooge. As of 1500 UTC Aug 18th, vessel was still aground, according to AIS. Extent of damages unknown, vessel was en route from Thyboron Denmark. General cargo ship NINA 1, IMO 8402668, dwt 1485, built 1984, flag S.Vincent, manager BALTNAUTIC SHIPPING LTD, Lithuania.

Drillship inside Valletta - NOBLE GLOBETROTTER II - 22.08.2017 On Tuesday 22nd August at 0650 hrs the 2013 built Globetrotter Class Drillship NOBLE GLOBETROTTER II was seen entering Valletta for the first time to berth at Magazine Wharf that belongs to Valletta Gateway Terminals Ltd. Rig Type Drillship Rig Design Globetrotter Class Builder STX Shipbuilding & Huisman Year Built/Upgraded 2013 Classification ABS +A1, Drilling Unit, Ice Class IA, (E), +AMS, +ACCU, +DPS-3, RW Flag Liberia MODU Code 1989 Water Depth 10,000 ft Drilling Depth 40,000 ft Variable Deck Load 45,459 kips Hook Load 2,000 kips Setback Capacity 2,100 kips Quarters Capacity 180 Draft  (Operating/Transit) 39 ft / 39 ft Moonpool 89 ft x 37 ft Depth 62 ft Length 620 ft Breadth 105 ft All images - www.maltashipphotos.com

Norway Arrests Greenpeace Ship and 35 Activists During Protest at Arctic Oil Well Image of ARCTIC SUNRISE with IMO 7382902 anchored at Bunkering Area 1, Malta back to 2nd June 2010 - www.maltashipphotos.com Norwegian authorities have detained Greenpeace vessel ARCTIC SUNRISE after a protest at a Statoil contracted drilling rig at Norway’s northernmost oil field in the Barents Sea, the environmental group said in a statement. Greenpeace said the vessel and 35 activists were unlawfully detained after entering the exclusion zone of Statoil’s Korpfjell well, halting drilling operations for the ssdr SONGA ENABLER. The ship, activists and crew members were all arrested by the Norwegian Coast Guard, the group said. Greenpeace said it hopes the protest will send a message to the Norwegian government to stop oil drilling in the Arctic. “Just 10 days before ratifying the Paris Agreement, in June 2016, the “environmentally friendly” Norwegian government granted new oil license

Transocean to acquire Songa Offshore Transocean has agreed to acquire the entire share capital of Songa Offshore , under a transaction estimated at around $3.4 billion. The combination of Songa Offshore and Transocean is a strategic fit,” said Frederik W. Mohn, chairman of Songa Offshore. “By adding Songa Offshore's Semi-Submersible Oil Rigs (SSDR)   to Transocean’s existing harsh environment fleet, the combined company will be the leader within this segment which is showing signs of recovery.” Transocean CEO Jeremy Thigpen added: “The acquisition will strengthen Transocean’s position as the leading offshore driller with exposure to deep- and harsh-water markets. Upon closing, Transocean will add four high-specification harsh environment floaters, in addition to three legacy mid-water harsh environment rigs…” Assuming shareholder approval for the transaction, Mohn will be nominated to serve as director on the Transocean board. Image of Drillship SONGA SAT

Disabled Russian trawler under tow by Norwegian Coastguard. Russian trawler BOREY fouled  a net in her propeller at 1930 hrs on August 16th in the Norwegian Sea 30 nm south of Bear Island. Disabled vessel requested assistance, which was rendered by Norway Coast Guard patrol ship KV SENJA took trawler on tow and headed for Tromse Norway. At 1700hrs UTC August 18th the towage  was around 70/75 nm north of Tromse. Reefer trawler BOREY, IMO 7720001, displacement 1201, built 1978, flag Russia, owner Nord-Cap Co., Murmansk. Image of KV 1 TITRAN off Karmsundet, Norway back to 26th March, 2002 - www.maltashipphotos.com

Luxury yacht fire, at Nice, France. A fire broke out  aboard the 39 metre motor yacht IF ONLY    earlier on August 17th as the vessel approached Nice, France. Local enforcements were quickly on scene and managed to secure all guests and crew before continuing to fight the fire. There were 11 people on board, including 7 passengers and 4 crew/ Passengers evacuated, crew remained on board to fight fire. Firefighters, SAR boats and even helicopter were deployed in firefighting. No news yet on yacht damages. Built by Feadship as the WALANKA  and launched in 1974. IF ONLY   underwent a major refit in 1989. This steel and aluminium yacht can accommodate a maximum of eight guests and nine crewmembers. with Italian Flag. Credit to Marine Nationale 

Senegal Detained Italian Grimaldi’s ro/ro ship Dakar High Court on Aug 8th warranted detentions of Italian ro/ro ship GRANDE NIGERIA, as a security until damage cost is paid. On July 29th GRANDE NIGERIA broke off her moorings at Dakar port, and collided with berthed ferry DIAMBOGNE, which is serving Dakar-Ziguinchor route. DIAMBOGNE suffered severe damages – her hull was breached starboard, ensuing water ingress flooded engine room. Since July 29, both vessels remain at Dakar port. Passenger ro-ro ship DIAMBOGNE, IMO 9714458, GT 2679, built 2014, flag Senegal, manager COSAMA SA, Dakar. Ro-ro cargo ship GRANDE NIGERIA, IMO 9246580, GT 56738, built 2003, flag Italy, owner Grimaldi Group.

Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship FORT AUSTIN fire at Birkenhead, UK Fire erupted on upper deck of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship RFA FORT AUSTIN A 386  on Aug 15, at Cammel Laird Dock, Birkenhead. Fire was quickly extinguished by reportedly, firefighting engines, while all 60 ship’s personnel were evacuated. Fire estimated as not serious, though emanating a lot of smoke. RFA Fort Austin (A386), IMO 7342938, Fort Rosalie-class replenishment ship, displacement 23482, built 1978, Complement: 114 RFA, 36 RNSTS, 45 RN Fleet Air Arm personnel. Image of RFA FORT AUSTIN A 386 bound to Portsmouth, UK back to 30th May 2009 - www.maltashipphotos.com

Defend Europe Ship C STAR will not be granted permission by Maltese authorities. Image of SUUNTA now renamed C STAR entering Valletta,Malta back to 16th November 2012 - www.maltashipphotos.com A controversial anti-migrant ship, currently anchored outside territorial waters (otw), will be refused entry into the island if permission is requested.   The ship, the C STAR belonging to the Defend Europe movement, has been plagued by controversy for weeks, as it tries to block the rescue of refugees from the Mediterranean Sea, which it described as part of an “invasion” endangering the continent. Unlike the below tweet regarding the VOS HESTIA - Save The Children Vessel is not berthed at Catania but at Valletta. Rik Goverde, who is with the Save the Children team in Catania, said they aren’t entirely clear what Defend Europe’s aims are. “We don’t mind them being there, but interfering in the rescue would be a violation of maritime law,” he said. Goverde rejected Defe

Decomposed body found at sea off Portomaso - 16.08.2017 A decomposed body of a male person was found a mile out at sea near Portomaso this evening and brought to land aboard MELITA I AFM SAR launch. Police confirmed that the body was discovered at about 1845hrs of which both P 02 and MELITA I left their base at Marsamxett Harbour. A magisterial inquiry is under way. Images of P 02 and MELITA I rushing to the scene at 1850 hrs - www.maltashipphotos.com

GOLFO AZZURRO - Threatened by Libyan Coastguard - 15.08.2017 Mediterranean, Aug 15 (Reuters) - The Libyan coastguard intercepted a humanitarian rescue ship in the Mediterranean on Tuesday, ordering it to sail to Tripoli or risk being targeted, a Reuters photographer aboard said. The vessel operated by the Spanish Humanitarian Organisation Proactiva Open Arms was repeatedly contacted by the Libyan Coastguard Vessel 654 according to VHF Radio transmissions heard by the photographer. 'You are sailing in our waters for months now and you are conducting activities that are causing problems to Libyan State Sovereignty ' said a man who identified himself as p[art of the Libyan Coastguard , speaking in English. 'Therefore I ask you to alter your course towards Tripoli Port. If you do not obey the orders right now .....you will be targeted', the voice said. GOLFO AZZURRO was then told to leave Libyan Waters of which she headed North followed by the Libyan Coastg

Amateur Drone Pilot Makes Unauthorized Landing on Deck of an Aircraft Carrier An amateur drone pilot has sparked a security review of Britain’s biggest and most technologically advanced aircraft carrier after landing his handheld drone on the deck of the carrier while it was docked in Scotland. The unidentified pilot told British media that he conducted a flyover of the HMS Queen Elizabeth using his DJI Phantom drone when it was docked Invergordon in July. During the flight, the drone even made an emergency landing on the deck of the carrier due to high winds, but it was able to take off again after the pilot snapped a few pictures.  The pilot posted the footage on a local drone photography Facebook group on  Friday morning, but the footage has since been taken down.  https://youtu.be/10wYWKUq2e8 Speaking anonymously to the media, the pilot said he was surprised that his unauthorized flight went completely unchallenged by the authorities, which he says exposes a poten

FPSO ARMADA KRAKEN spotted towed to the North Sea. The harsh-environment floating, production, storage and offloading (FPSO) vessel ARMADA KRAKEN named in August 2016 was deployed to produce the heavy oil found in the EnQuest, a UK-based E&P company to operate Kraken field in the UK sector of the North Sea. At the end of October, the FPSO left Keppel Offshore & Marine’s shipyard in Singapore heading to Deepwater Anchorage to undertake commissioning work. Kraken field is a large heavy oil accumulation, located in the East Shetland basin, and it is estimated to contain approximately 140 million barrels of gross oil reserves. The Kraken FPSO vessel is able to handle a peak fluid rate of 460,000 barrels per day (bpd) and 80,000 barrels of oil per day (bopd), 275,000 bpd of water injection, 20 million standard cubic feet (MMscf) of gas handling and has a storage capacity of 600,000 barrels. She was towed by ALP CENTRE (IMO 9398541 ex-ORCUS) and ALP GUARD (IMO 9398539 e