BOW WAVE 448

Bow wave Issue 448--Momento Mori Edition

news and views on trade, insurance and risk

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Wavy Line	sam@wavyline.com
(c)2008 WavyLine.com	Issue No 448 22 Jun 08
Published free of charge to Readers
Editor: Sam Ignarski
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In this issue:

1. Welcome
2. Merchant Mariner War Dead in Japan
3. Crewing Crisis
4. African Trade and Transport Event
5. Tony Beale
6. And Finally...

1. Welcome

Poem of the Week

Nothing Is Lost

Deep in our sub-conscious, we are told
Lie all our memories, lie all the notes
Of all the music we have ever heard
And all the phrases those we loved have spoken,
Sorrows and losses time has since consoled,
Family jokes, out-moded anecdotes
Each sentimental souvenir and token
Everything seen, experienced, each word
Addressed to us in infancy, before
Before we could even know or understand
The implications of our wonderland.
There they all are, the legendary lies
The birthday treats, the sights, the sounds, the tears Forgotten debris of forgotten years
Waiting to be recalled, waiting to rise
Before our world dissolves before our eyes
Waiting for some small, intimate reminder,
A word, a tune, a known familiar scent
An echo from the past when, innocent
We looked upon the present with delight
And doubted not the future would be kinder
And never knew the loneliness of night.

Noel Coward

New Readers this week include:-

Marina Fairfield of recruiters Halcyon
Andrew Wallace of Regis Mutual Management
Chris Osman of WK Webster
Marketeer Paul Fulton of Illuminus
Richard Meade of Informa

News of Readers

Andrew Webster has left Thomas Miller (where he held the position of Loss Prevention Director - TT Club) to Join Savi Performance Logistics as Business Development Director (EMEA)

Contact him at:-

andrewpeterwebster@googlemail.com

Janet Peck's Maritime Bureau, Inc is moving to the Port of Charleston SC to service the ports of Charleston SC USA and Savannah, Ga. USA.

Contact:-

assign_mbi@mbinc.biz

Readers Write

Philip George, the Manager of the Lloyd's Agency of Inchcape Shipping Services (Abu Dhabi) writes:-

Reefer cargo claims have always been a source of disputes and ambiguity. With major shipping lines unwilling to disclose/reveal the temperature recordings for the concerned voyage, Surveyors are at a loss to confirm the cause of the damages. Major lines now maintain a deadly silence on requests for temperature records of concerned containers. Even their own Surveyors are refused this vital data.

With insurance Co’s giving the benefit of doubt to the assured/Consignee’s, in the absence of the temperature records, this has proved to be a means for Shippers to palm off their damaged goods in one form or another.

One of the methods used to circumvent the denial of temperature records from the Carriers was the evolution of portable temperature recording systems such as Ryan, Stires Precision Etc to be placed within the reefer containers. These were initially not advised to the Carriers, but have now become mandatory to be revealed. This has thus also tended to be confiscated by parties likely to be effected by their recordings, during transit.

With these portable temperature recording devices now becoming a part and parcel of all reefer cargo, Shipping lines have in turn now amended their Bills of lading as under:

"Temperature recording device(s) with serial Nos. said

Under the circumstances how can we continue to accept the Carriers inbuilt container records to be always valid and the only confirmation for transit temperatures during transit? Are the Carriers implying that their reefer machinery will never be at fault?

Philip.George@ISS-SHIPPING.COM

From Ross Delaney:-

"According to the paper, each dollar rise in the price of oil over the last three years has added 1% to the cost of transport and every 10% increase in trip distance translates into a 4.5% increase in transport costs" (Bow Wave Issue 447)

In a truck maybe. These guys are spivs and the numbers are a cook up. The EU and US sponsor such lies to defend their agricultural subsidies and tariffs (those that suppress the emerging world and keep poor countries hungry). The latest french b/s is the promotion of local food as "green". They will unearth any pack of lies that suits them.

Why is short sea so much more expensive than long? Divide the cost differential of crews and fuel between 8500 teu and 500 teu revenue over the 2 distances.

Fuel to outcome transport pricing is directly weighted to friction. There are massive differentials of friction between trucking and shipping. Trucking costs will rise inordinantly more than intercontinental shipping per unit of distance. Regional ports should stage a comeback, Asia-EU rail may not get the projected growth rates imagined in this past decade and the US landbridge services will increasingly be questioned.

Contact Ross at:-

rd001@bigpond.com

From Michael Grey:-

Just a correction, you are getting mixed up with your history (Bow Wave Issue 447);the USL Econoliners were neither fuel thirsty, nor fast, but big and heavily in debt, which really killed them off. You may be getting mixed up with McLean's earlier fiasco, with the SL SL7s which drank like fishes and went like the wind.

Michael.Grey@informa.com

From Ravi Sishta:-

The scroll down from 'Poem of the week' to ' And Finally' is getting delightfully longer to complete. Being a Reader for the last 10 years or so, a seafarer for over twenty years and a shore based lubber from stevedore to regulator, these are the only two that catch my fancy. How sad is that, Sam? But a bow wave reaches further as the pitching gets heavier....

ravisishta@rediffmail.com

From Tim Wilkes:-

As a new subscriber, can I add my (probably unpopular) support to your publication of the Austrian jokes in Bow Wave Issue 443. It staggers me that the politically correct try to censor everything. If such topical jokes are not amusing, then where is the line drawn? Seems to me it shifts every time someone wants to make a fuss.

In my view, there is no line to be drawn in humour - nothing is sacred; everything is funny. Is that not the human condition?

tim.wilkes@associatedmarine.co.nz

Note from the Editor

A big edition this week with strong memorial overtones.

Enjoy!

2. Merchant Mariner War Dead in Japan

Rinnosuke Kondoh writes:-

i) Preamble

This piece is prompted by the stories about the merchant marine seafarers who dedicated their lives to the cause of their country, as reported in Bow Wave Issue 445 (June 2) on US Merchant mariners and Issue 446 (June 9) on the UK mariners, The author herewith reports on the situation in Japan. Our major source of information is the data contained in the homepage of the local institution devoted for the commemoration the merchant mariners lost in their service to the cause of this country. The story dates back to 1969, two dozen years after 1945, when Japanese people felt they were emerging from the devastation of the war and began to look around themselves. Japan’s merchant fleet had perished in the war at the hands of the allied forces. The reconstruction of the post-war Japanese merchant fleet began from scratch.

ii) Creation of the place of worship

In 1969 those involved in shipping as well as the fishing industry who survived the war, making a vow for a peaceful sea and for a future with no warfare, agreed to construct a monument remembering, commending and consoling the 60,000 strong souls of the seafarers who lay on the ocean bottom after dedicating their lives to the cause of their country but without being commended and recognized until this date by their countrymen and homeland To accomplish such tasks, the Japan Foundation for Recognizing the Seafarers who lost their lives to the cause of their Country was established by organizing support and assistance from the Ministerial Wings of related industries and other business sectors, of which the major players were the Japanese Shipowners’ Association and the the Japan Fisheries Association. The necessary funds were raised from among the related commericial industries and from the people of Japan at large.

iii) The first memorial services

The site of the monument was selected at the very scenic Kan-non Zaki Park located near Yokosuka, on the Miura Peninsular, at the entrance of the Tokyo Bay where some 700 to 800 ships of all kinds pass every day, and equally significantly, near the Tokyo Martis (Tokyo Bay Maritime Information Center kept by the Japan’s Maritime
Safety Agency (JCG)). The monument was completed in March 1971, on a site occupying some 4300 square metres. The marble stone monument itself was designed by Prof. Junzoh Yoshimura of the Tokyo University of Arts. On May 5th, 1971, the inaugural ceremonies of the monument were held, being honored by the attendance of the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and attended by the known families of the late seafarers, representatives of local autonomous bodies, officials of Japan’s Self Defense Forces, and representatives of commercial sectors and citizens. The Musical Band of the Yokosuka Division of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force offered the music to console the lost souls.

The poem dedicated by the Emperor Empress reads:

Surface of the sea looks so peaceful and calm
Sspread behind the monument remembering the seafarers Who devoted their lives when the country was in distress of war

The poem dedicated by the Empress reads:

I cry with the bereaved families of the brave seafarers who were lost Tears shed in sorrow wet their and my face and also our minds But, I know they were so wet and lonely when they went down

Since then, mostly in the month of May, the memorial services have been organized and attended by the Emperor and Express or by other Imperial family members. The latest (the 38th) annual ceremonies were held on May 15th, 2008 at the Park.

iv) Undertakings of the Foundation

The Foundation as well as organizing and conducting the memorial services, carries on a few ongoing undertakings such as publicity (promulgating the aims and undertakings of the Foundation) and promoting the memorial services as the lapse of time erodes the sentiment of the people at large. It also provides an information service for any query on the merchant mariners who served during WWII and other wars. Although time took its toll and the project ceased to function, the Foundation used to provide financial assistance to the children of the lost mariners by providing monthly tuition of 8,000 yen for the period for their compulsory elementary education (6 years) and junior high school (3 years), and congratulation money of 30,000 yen for entering elementary school and 10,000 yen for the junior high school. The Foundation is reponsible for updating and maintaining records and items of historic importance as well as recording the individual names and the names of the ships last served upon. These are written in brushed ink upon permanent paper and contained in a a stainless steel safe casket.

v) Special appeal by the Foundation

There were over 300,000 soldiers and civilian members of the armed forces on board merchant ships who died in ships attacked by hostile forces or who were overwhelmed by rough weather in the Pacific Ocean. Such people were on board merchant ships, be it for the purpose of deployment to other destinations outside Japan or coming home. The Foundation appeals that we should not forget their fate and further that we should also pray for the peaceful rest of their souls.

rinnoskikonkon@ybb.ne.jp

3. Crewing Crisis

Denzil Stuart writes:-

It has taken some persuasion over a lengthy period but now there is no doubt that the maritime industry is acutely aware and fearful of the developing manpower crisis, afloat and ashore. The latest issue of Currents, the American P&I Club’s magazine, comments on the timebomb that threatens to disrupt shipping operations severely in the near future.

Former mariner Richard Gayton, principal surveyor at Shipowners Claims Bureau Inc., New York, the club’s managers, emphasises the importance of retaining good crew. Meanwhile, the shipping industry is now looking to China to fulfil its crewing needs for the future.

Chinese sources indicate that owners and crewing agencies are targetting the inland provinces to recruit, and some of the larger companies are headquartering their manning bases in these inland areas. These are relatively poor and the salaries offered are still attractive to the younger people. (According to the Shanghai office of the club’s managers, quoting the Ministry of Communications, China has the most populous crew force in the world. At the end of 2006, there were 1.5m. crew working on vessels, including 510,000 on seagoing vessels.)

Marine insurers are well aware of the significant increase in accidents over the last few years. According to recent global research by the International Union of Marine Insurance, ship losses have soared by more than a third in the last two years and there is no sign this increase is slowing.

The P&I market, says Captain Gayton, is also concerned about the impending shortage of experienced, well-trained officers. The IMO has recently been under pressure to address training concerns, and currently has its STCW 95 convention under review. "However, these standards are minimum ones and actual training programmes worldwide differ significantly."

Captain Gayton asserts that this worsening crisis can only be avoided if extraordinary measures are taken now. "A culture of safety and operational integrity needs to be promoted, and the shipowner must focus on recruitment, training and retention programmes if any progress is to be made."

"If these immediate goals are not met, then owners will inevitably face significantly increased insurance premiums as the industry struggles to keep pace with claims."

For the latest issue of Currents, go to:-

http://www.american-club.com

4. African Trade and Transport Event

Milena Bodda writes:-

The growth in demand for Africa’s natural resources has generated a new scramble for Africa, stimulating growth and opportunities in trade, maritime, land and air transport. Experienced African trading interests know just how difficult it remains to move goods and money to, from and within the continent. Equally, while transport operators of all modes have seen benefits from the recent round of privatisation, the rate of trade growth continues to put pressure on the bottlenecks and obstacles that remain, adding cost and competition restrictions to the trade opportunities that Africa desperately needs.

To explore the realities and outlook for companies doing business with Africa, West Africa Business Association, South African Business Forum and African Business Events will host a focused one-day seminar in London on Tuesday July 8th 2008.

Sponsored by Virgin Nigeria, it brings together executives from banking, trade documentation, security, shippers, leading forwarders, sea and air transport operators and consultants to review the key issues. Speakers include Africa experienced executives from Standard Bank, Global Strategies Group, KPMG, Unilever, Cotecna Virgin Nigeria and DSV Air and Sea Limited.

For further details go to:-

http://www.africanbusinessevents.com

5. Tony Beale

Alan Knott writes from Melbourne:-

Those in the shipping industry in Australia and overseas will be sad to learn that the larger than life Tony Beale died last Thursday 12th June from Cancer of the throat. His last post was as General Manager, Safety and Technical Services of TT Line - the firm who run two ferries nightly, Spirit of Tasmania 1 & 2, between Melbourne and Devonport Tasmania.

He started his career in about 1970 in Blue Star Line but only stayed there long enough to meet and marry his life long partner Kathy. She enticed him here to Australia [like so many nurses and teachers and others did to other seafarers]. When he came here he did as so many of us did at that time, joined Australian National Line and stayed with the Company for many years until he was Master of the "Australian Venture".

He then went ashore with ASP Ship Management and after many years as Ship Manager of the Ferries was poached by them to run the ships. This he did in his own way endearing him to many of his colleagues, he mentored many and said that he learnt from all. As GM he was responsible for all things nautical and that even included buying the 2 ferries that are now on the run from Greece. He was a man who knew his mind and if you didn't like what he decided on he would say "if you don't like it you can come and do it yourself"!! His presence will be missed by all those who knew him, his standing in the shipping community was evident by the over 200 people from all sectors who attended his funeral on 17th June.

knott@melbpc.org.au

6. And Finally...

Two entirely respectable golf jokes this week from the house of Frazer Hunt, the well known Sydney jurisconsult.

An 80-year old Irish man goes to the doctor for a check-up.

The doctor is amazed at what good shape the guy is in and asks, 'How do you stay in such great physical condition?' I'm Irish and I am a golfer,' says the old guy,' and that's why. I'm in such good shape.' I'm up well before daylight and out golfing up and down the fairways. Have a glass of whiskey and all is well.'

'Well," says the doctor, "I'm sure that helps, but there's got to be more to it. How old was your Dad when he died?"

"Who said my Dad's dead?"

The doctor is amazed, "You mean you're 80 years old and your Dad's still alive. How old is he?"

"He's 100 years old", says the Old Irish golfer. "In fact he golfed with me this morning, and then we went to the beach for a walk, that's why he's still alive ... he's Irish and he's a golfer, too.

"Well," the doctor says, "that's great, but I'm sure there's more to it than that. How about your Dad's Dad? How old was he when he died?"

"Who said my grandpa's dead?"

Stunned, the doctor asks, "You mean you're 80 years old and your grandfather's still living! Incredible, how old is he?"

"He's 118 years old", says the Old Irish golfer.

The doctor is getting frustrated at this point, "So, I guess he went golfing with you this morning too?"

"No. Grandpa couldn't go this morning because he's getting married today."

At this point the doctor is close to losing it. "Getting married!! Why would a 118 year-old guy want to get married?"

"Who said he wanted to?"

Stevie Wonder and Tiger Woods are in a bar. Tiger turns to Stevie and says, "How's the singing career going?"

Stevie replies, "Not too bad. How's the golf?"

Woods replies, "Not too bad, I've had some problems with my swing, but I think I've got that right, now."

Stevie says, "I always find that when my swing goes wrong, I need to stop playing for a while and not think about it. Then, the next time I play, it seems to be all right."

Tiger says, "You play GOLF?"

Stevie says, "Yes, I've been playing for years".

Tiger says, "But -- you're blind! How can you play golf if you can't see?"

Stevie Wonder replies, "Well, I get my caddy to stand in the middle of the fairway and call to me. I listen for the sound of his voice and play the ball towards him. Then, when I get to where the ball lands, the caddy moves to the green or farther down the fairway and again I play the ball towards his voice."

"But, how do you putt?" asks Tiger.

"Well", says Stevie, "I get my caddy to lean down in front of the hole and call to me with his head on the ground and I just play the ball towards his voice."

Tiger asks, "What's your handicap?"

Stevie says, "Well, actually -- I'm a scratch golfer."

Woods, incredulous, says to Stevie, "We've got to play a round sometime."

Stevie replies, "Well, people don't take me seriously, so I only play for money, and never play for less than $10,000 a hole. That a problem?"

Woods thinks about it and says, " I can afford that, OK, I'm game for that. $10,000 a hole is fine with me. When would you like to play?"

Stevie Wonder says, "Pick a night"

P.S.

Pity the bilingual PR executive at the press conference in Germany announcing a new transatlantic service by Ryanair's CEO Michael O'Leary

http://www.jazzbiscuit.com/2008/06/19/ryanair-atlantic-beds-and-blowjobs/

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