MarineBuzz.com

Keel for India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC), was laid by Defence Minister Shri AK Antony at Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) in Kochi on February 28. The IAC is scheduled to be completed by 2014. This marks India as the fourth nation in the world to have the capability of designing and building 40,000 tonne aircraft carriers.

Some of the interesting features of IAC are:

• the design and construction of the project as Air Defence Ship (ADS) was sanctioned by the government in January 2003.
• designed by Directorate of Naval Design (DND) of Indian Navy as Project 71.
• the production commenced in November 2006.
• would be capable of operating an aircraft mix of Russian MiG-29K, Ka 31 and indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
• the ship construction is planned in two phases.
  • the First phase covers work up to first launch in end 2010.
  • the second phase would cover all balance work till delivery of the ship to the Navy in end 2014.

Continue Reading…

Good news to yachting enthusiasts. Chennai Port Trust (CPT) is planning to set up a ‘Yacht Marina’ by the year-end.

Some of the interesting features of Yacht Marina are:

• to come up along a 200 metre stretch in the Boat Basin area in the west quay.
• to have an area of around 15,000 square metres with amenities such as lockers and rest rooms.
• to be set up with an outlay of INR 10 million.
• more than a dozen yachts and sailing boats can be berthed at a time.
• it is reported that Ocean Blue Marinas, which had set up marina for Volvo Ocean Race 2008 stopover at Kochi and the Hyderabad based Balaji group are keen to take up this project.

Continue Reading…

Pakistan is preparing to conduct “Aman (Peace) 09″, multinational maritime military exercise in North Arabian Sea from March 05. The first exercise of Aman series was conducted in March 2007. Aman-07 was attended by 14 Ships from Bangladesh, China, France, Italy, Malaysia, UK and USA Navies. Also 21 countries attended the Exercise as observer.

Some of the interesting features of Aman (Peace) 09 are:

• to go on for 10 days.
• slogan of the exercise is: Together for Peace
• 52 countries have been invited to participate including U.S, Russia, U.K, China, France.
• China’s destroyer “Guangzhou” (Hull Number 168) has left on February 21 from Sanya City of Hainan Province to participate in the exercise.

Continue Reading…

Subsequent to sea based terrorist attacks in Mumbai on November 26, 2008 the Indian government has initiated series of measures to improve coastal security. The government has clarified in clear terms that the task of guarding the coastline is entrusted to Coast Guard and the responsibility of overall maritime security rests with the Indian Navy.

Government Role

Some of the measures initiated by the government to improve coastal security are:

• Coordinated working of Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport & Highways and Ministry of Agriculture to review, upgrade and strengthen the coastal security of the country.
• Directed all coastal states/Union Territories
  • to expedite the implementation of the approved Coastal Security Scheme such as early completion of construction of coastal police stations, check posts, out-posts and barracks apart from sanctioning, recruitment and training of executive and technical manpower.
  • to immediately start coastal patrolling by locally hired fishing boats/trawlers, charges being reimbursable by MHA.
  • to carry out vulnerability/gap analysis on their coasts in consultation with Coast Guard, and furnish their additional requirements for formulation of a comprehensive proposal for further approval of the Government of India.
• Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways has been directed to streamline the process of registration of all types of vessels, i.e., fishing as well as non-fishing vessels, and also to ensure fitting/provision of navigational and communication equipments on these boats.
• Ministry of Agriculture, Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairies & Fisheries is taking steps to issue ID cards to all the fishermen.
• The Registrar General of India (RGI) is also issuing ID cards under Multi-purpose National Identity Card (MNICs) Scheme to all the population in the coastal villages including fishermen.

Despite the preventive actions being taken by the government, we can not ignore

Continue Reading…

Viskund Asia (Pvt) Limited donated a brand new speedboat model “Viksund 605″ to the Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka on February 20 as a tribute to the victorious armed forces. Viskund Asia manufactures boats for fishing, water sports in Sri Lanka and exports to Scandinavian and far eastern countries. The speedboat is expected to be utilized for the coastguard duties.

Here is the photograph of Viksund 605 from Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka.

Continue Reading…

You can view real pirates at the Field Museum, Chicago. This is an opportunity to get the true tale of Real Pirates. This is a journey into the exciting world of real pirates to experience their fascinating, true adventures. Real Pirates tells the true story of the Whydah, a pirate ship that sunk off the coast of Cape Cod over 250 years ago.

Some of the interesting features of the exhibition are:

• an exhibition from National Geographic
• you can view more than 200 artifacts from the first fully authenticated pirate ship discovered in U.S. waters
  • everyday objects.
  • personal items.
  • treasure chests of jewelry, coins.
  • weaponry such as cannons, pistols, knives.
  • priceless treasures of gold and silver.
• also you can
  • find out what it was like to be a true pirate.
  • the code of conduct they lived by and the surprisingly democratic, outlaw society they created.
  • even learn the steps pirates took to fire a real cannon.
  • step on board a re-creation of the ship’s stern, walk into the captain’s quarters, and go below deck to discover what life was like aboard a real pirate ship.
• can be viewed from February 25 to October 25

Continue Reading…

All navies are switching over to stealth technology to enhance their first strike capability in case of conflicts. The Royal Swedish Navy is getting ready to operate Visby class corvettes designed with stealth technology by the year end. The construction was started in 1996 by Swedish shipbuilder Kockums. Four corvettes are already with FMV (the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) for fitment of weapon systems and sea trials.

Some of the interesting features of Visby class stealth corvettes:

• detection range of 13 km in rough seas and 22 km in calm seas without jamming.
• detection range of 8 km in rough seas and 11 km in calm seas in jammed environment.
• constructed with composite (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) non-magnetic hull that features large, flat surfaces and sharp edges to lower its radar cross section, hydro acoustic, magnetic, infra red, optical signatures.
• use waterjets for propulsion
  • to operate in shallow waters.
  • to avoid detection by submarines.
  • to achieve higher speeds.
• multi mission capability
  • mine clearance.
  • antisubmarine warfare (ASW).
  • surface combat.
  • marine surveillance.
  • protection of commercial shipping.
• the ships are
  • Visby (K31) was launched in June 2000 and was delivered to FMV in June 2002 for fitment of weapon systems.
  • Helsingborg (K32) was launched in June 2003 and delivered in April 2006.
  • Harnosand (K33) was launched in December 2004 and delivered in June 2006.
  • Nykoping (K34) was launched in August 2005 and delivered in September 2006.
  • Karlstad (K35) was launched in August 2006.
• specifications
  • length: 73 metres
  • beam: 10.4 metres
  • draft: 2.4 metres
  • displacement: 600 tons
  • crew: 43
  • speed: more than 35 knots
• designed to operate light weight helicopter.

Here are the advantages of Stealth Ships over Conventional Ships

Continue Reading…

Sri Lanka Army on February 19, captured underwater scooters, diving kits, oxygen cylinders and many other diving equipments used by terrorists from Ampalavanpokkanai town, west of Puthukudiyirippu.

Here are some photographs released by Ministry of Defence, Sri Lanka.

Continue Reading…

The 9th edition of the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX 2009) is ready to start at Abu Dhabi, UAE on February 22. IDEX 2009 is officially supported by the UAE Government and coordinated by the UAE Armed Forces. The American USS Gladiator, the British HMS Chiddingfold, the Capt Bettica from Italy and INS Sarvekshak hydrographic survey vessel from India are expected to be present during the event.

Some of the interesting features of IDEX 2009 are:

• to be inaugurated by UAE President and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
• one of the world’s largest exhibitions to showcase systems, equipment and services for all three defence environments, land, sea and air.
• to be held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition & Conference Centre (ADNEC).
• over 900 exhibitors representing over 70 countries are to participate.
• you can view equipment and systems aboard naval ships berthed at ADNEC Quay, just across a footbridge from the IDEX exhibition halls.
• you can watch dynamic demonstrations of amphibious capability, featuring marine personnel, craft and vehicles.
• more than 45,000 visitors worldwide are expected to attend.
• some of the marine related exhibits are
  • Anti-Mine Systems (Ground/Sea)
  • Coastal Defence System
  • Naval Vessels including Warships
  • Submarines
  • Undersea Defence Technology
  • Marine Communication
  • Maritime UAV
• to meet the needs of prospective buyers from the growing defence markets in the Middle East, Asia and Far East.
• the event is scheduled to conclude on February 26.

Continue Reading…

You can calculate sea route distance in Google Maps from AXSMarine Distance Table.

You have the options to select

• Start Port
• Destination Port
• Speed of the vessel
• Draft of the vessel

After setting the input parameters, you get

• the route plotted in the Google Map
• the total distance in nautical miles
• travel time in days

Here is a sample distance calculation from Kandla Port to Kolkata Port. Click the map for results.

Continue Reading…

The third edition of Samira Mumbai International Boat Show (SMIBS) 2009 is ready to start on February 19. 

Some of the interesting features of SMIBS 2009 are:

• To be held from February 19 to 22.
• Number of Exhibitors: 100 to 150. List is here.
• Exhibition Area: On Land – 20,000 square metres.
• Boat show events are:
  • VIP Preview Evening: on February 19
  • SMIBS Regatta
  • Press Conference
  • Networking Dinner: on February 20
  • other sponsored events and shows

Continue Reading…

On February 10, unprecedented collision took place in space between Russian Cosmos 2251 satellite and U.S Iridium satellite over Siberia at an altitude of 490 miles (790 km). Reason for collision of intact space crafts is under investigation.

Now British and French nuclear submarines have proved that collision can take place underwater also. It seems in underwater, submarines prefer to navigate by closing eyes and keeping ears open.

News reports worldwide say that British submarine HMS Vanguard and French submarine Le Triomphant have collided in the Atlantic Ocean on February 04. The collision has caused minor damage to the vessels without any radioactive leaks underwater.

In response to this, the statement from the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Jonathon Band available from the Royal Navy News on February 16 is here:

Two submerged SSBN, one French and the other UK, were conducting routine national patrols in the Atlantic Ocean. Recently, the two submarines came into contact at very low speed. Both submarines remained safe and no injuries occurred. We can confirm that the capability remained unaffected and there has been no compromise to nuclear safety. HMS Vanguard returned safely to Faslane under her own power on 14 February.

The reasons for submarine collision:

Continue Reading…

The Governor of Tamil Nadu, Shri Surjit Singh Barnala commissioned Waterjet Propelled Fast Attack Crafts INS Carnicobar and INS Chetlat, at Chennai on February 16.

Here is the press release from Press Information Bureau issued on February 13.

In a unique event, on 16 Feb 09, the Indian Navy will commission two ships, INS Carnicobar & INS Chetlat on the same day. These would be the first two in a series of ten Water Jet fast attack ships being built at Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata. The ships are being commissioned at Chennai by the Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu, Shri Surjit Singh Barnala and are the first ever water jet propelled ships of the Indian Navy. The commissioning marks another step in the direction of indigenisation of the Navy’s ship building efforts.

These fast attack crafts are named after pristine islands located in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep respectively and will be based at Chennai thereby strengthening coastal security of the region. These fast attack crafts are most suited for interception of fast moving surface crafts apart from performing anti smuggling, fisheries protection, as well as search and rescue operations where time is of paramount importance.
These are the two ships of a new generation of ten Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts, designed and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers, Kolkata. They are an improvement upon the earlier version of the Fast Attack Crafts, with a more efficient hull form developed indigenously. The Fast Attack Crafts can achieve speeds in excess of 35 knots.

The Water Jets of these ships are coupled with latest generation MTU 16V 4000 M90 engines with a combined propulsion power of 8160KW. The modified Aluminium superstructure of the vessels, reduces their Radar Cross Sections (RCS) and also provides improved habitability. A Reverse Osmosis (RO) Plants allow for fresh water generation increasing vessel endurance while the Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) complies with the latest International Maritime Organisation (IMO) regulations on sea pollution. The armament includes the 30mm CRN-91 Gun along with sensors manufactured by Ordnance Factory, Medak. The ships are equipped with IGLA missiles, SLRs, HMGs and LMG/MMG in their armament fit. These features are an up-dation over ships of the previous class and the current version of design is comparable with similar ships, built across the world.

Here are some photographs from Ministry of Defence, India on this occasion:

Continue Reading…

Last week, four crew members of Korean ship MV Bright Star died onboard due to stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. This happened when the vessel was near the coast of South India. The vessel had total 20 member crew and the remaining crew also became sick. Indian Coast Guard immediately assisted the ship’s crew. Preliminary investigations suggest a case of extreme food poisoning.

The sequence of events are:

• The vessel carrying animal fodder sailed out from Kandla port in Gujarat on February 09. The vessel was bound for Singapore.
• The crew after consuming tinned meat and fish on the night of February 10 developed stomach ache, diarrhea and vomiting.
• Due to extreme food poisoning, four crew members one after the other died onboard on February 11. The dead crew are:
  • Jophil Pin, age 22 and Goseong Gaan, age 19 from South Korea.
  • Saw Myohtut, age 32 and Saw David, age 29 from Myanmar.
• As the remaining crew also started falling sick, the vessel contacted Korean Coast Guard for help.
• Korean Coast Guard further contacted Indian Coast Guard for necessary assistance.
• On February 13 morning, Offshore Patrol Vessel “Vikram” and Inshore Patrol Vessel “Ahalya Bai” of Coast Guard with a medical team approached MV Bright Star to assist and found the vessel afloat near Kanyakumari (Cape Comorin).
• The Coast Guard found four sailors dead on board the ship and all the remaining were severely ill. The condition of the Captain, Kim Kio, 40, of Korea and another crew member, Minsin Chai, 28, was very critical.
• All the crew members were then taken to Nagercoil for treatment.
• Arrangements are being made to hand over the dead crew to clearing and forwarding agents of Kochi.

Continue Reading…

What the marine species at Giant Ocean Tank (GOT) of New England Aquarium are doing now ?

To find out, have a webcam view here or click the image on right.

Some of the interesting features of GOT and New England Aquarium are:

• The Aquarium was founded in 1969 and is a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation.
• Located at Boston.
• Attracts over 1.3 million visitors a year and is a major public education resource.
• Four storeys tall and holds 200,000 gallons of salt water.
• Holds more than 630 individual animals representing more than 130 species, including three sand tiger sharks and several rays.
• Divers spend hours swimming with the animals in the GOT to feed the animals, help provide medical treatment and clean the exhibit.

Continue Reading…