NYK-operated Owari Maru, an ore carrier, was awarded the Meteorological Agency’s Director-General Award on June 1 for the contribution the ship has made to meteorological business development by observing marine weather conditions and transmitting observation results over an extended period of time.

Every year, Japan’s minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, together with the director-general of the Japan Meteorological Agency, commend vessels that have participated in observing and reporting marine weather conditions, and NYK-operated vessels have now been awarded the Meteorological Agency’s Director-General Award for three consecutive years since 2018.

Owari Maru, which was recognized this year, has been in operation since 2007, annually transporting about 1.6 million tons of iron ore mainly from Australia to Japan.

NYK will continue to provide information on marine weather conditions to help ensure ship safety.

Length Overall: 319.58 meters
Breadth: 54.00 meters
Designed Draft: 18.10 meters
Gross Tonnage: 113,928 tons
Deadweight Tonnage: 229,013 tons
Ship Management: Hachiuma Steamship Co. Ltd.

Because oceans cover 70 percent of the earth’s surface, they greatly affect world weather. However, meteorological data on oceans is limited, which creates “blind spots” in the meteorological observation of the world.

Meteorological data collection by vessels sailing oceans helps compensate for the shortcomings of meteorological surveys. Not only is data collection encouraged by the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO), data collection is also stipulated in the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS Convention) of the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO).

The underlying concept is that vessels navigating oceans help collect information on weather conditions in the oceans, and in exchange, oceangoing ships receive weather data from meteorological agencies around the world.

The method for ships transmitting weather data is standardized. Observation results of wind direction, atmospheric pressure and temperature, water temperature, the height of sea swells, and the types and heights of clouds, are all converted into numerical codes. This information is then distributed throughout the world via WMO’s international weather-data communication network. Based on such information, meteorological agencies around the globe compile meteorological data, such as weather charts, which are then fed back to traveling vessels.

Even vessels equipped with computers and other state-of-the-art devices need to be warned of dangerous weather conditions, such as typhoons and thick fog. On the other hand, even cutting-edge weather-forecast technology using the most sophisticated computers is of little use in the absence of meteorological data for vast oceans around the globe.

It may be said, therefore, that our day-to-day life on land, not to mention the safety of oceangoing vessels, benefits immeasurably from the meteorological data that are collected through this win-win relationship between land and oceans in the observation of weather conditions.

Advaita, a dedicated cement carrier under construction at Penglai Zhongbai Jinglu Ship Industry Co., Ltd, China was successfully floated out on 30th March 2020. The vessel is being built under classification of Indian Register of Shipping (IRClass). This event is exceptionally significant as many constraints were faced prior to the successful launch, in light of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

IRClass surveyors braved the constantly changing scenario of both global and local restrictions and immense challenges including movement of manpower, to ensure the float happened as scheduled. Advaita, is approx.160m long, 22200 dwt, dedicated cement carrier  and is designed  to comply to all  the latest IMO conventions and codes like SOLAS, MARPOL, Loadline etc for worldwide operations.

Mr. P K Mishra, Head (Operations) of IRClass commented: ‘I’m glad we were able to put into action and demonstrate our ability to adapt and respond quickly to the changing environment. This is a true test of IRClass’ competence and I am extremely proud of our team for putting in the tremendous effort in the face of these challenges and continuing to soldier on even in such exceptional circumstances’.

‘The safety and well-being of IRClass’ surveyors is the top priority for us and all safety measures and precautions are in place for them to carry out their roles. IRClass remains truly committed to its members to support their business needs and will continue monitoring the changing circumstances to ensure that their needs are met’, he further added.

The combination of Rand and ASC moves almost 50 million tons annually of dry bulk commodities such as iron ore, coal and limestone on vessels ranging in size from 634 feet to over 1,000 feet.

“ASC is thrilled to be a part of the creation of a truly unique company with the scale and flexibility to meet the diverse needs of the Great Lakes region,” said David Foster, President of American Steamship Company.“ASC brings new asset classes to the combined company alongwith the efficient, highly qualified crews and shoreside personnel that operate them, all making the combinedcompany one of the premier marine transportation companies in North America.”