SMW Edition - MCI

ENCOURAGING GROWTH RECORDED BY MCI FOR 2016

MCI 2016 - 1

 

KIA ORANA!

Maritime Cook Islands registered a 6% growth in its fleet in 2016 with 132 new vessels. The MCI fleet grew from 525 vessels in 2015 to 558 vessels at the end of December 2016.

While growth came from across the board and from a broad selection of deputy registrars, special mention should be made of Deputy Registrar (DR) Cem Ertem and his team in Turkey and DR Tai Yeng Cheng Singapore.

MCI 2016 - 1 (2)

MCI’s CEO Glenn Armstrong said: “A big congratulations to everyone connected to the flag for a year which has seen encouraging growth and expansion. In 2017, we hope to further improve the quality of our service, and recognise that everyone has a role to play in contributing to the growth of MCI as a ship registry – it is a team effort; no contribution is too small.”

Despite the fleet growth, in purely tonnage added terms, the figures represented a 4% decrease in tonnage year on year, with 1,707,853 gross tons, entered on the registry, a decrease of 75,952 gross tons from 2015.

MCI’s latest figures show that 105 vessels were de-registered in 2016.

Mr. Armstrong expressed confidence in the outlook for MCI in 2017 despite last year being one of the gloomiest ever in the maritime industry including the bankruptcy of South Korea’s biggest shipping line Hanjin, which disrupted global trade.

The Hanjin bankruptcy had its positive side, he noted. “We are starting to see some significant merger and acquisition activity at this stage of the cycle – and this shows the industry is improving, slowly but surely,” he added.


MARITIME COOK ISLANDS STRENGTHENS ITS TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT

MCI - Technical Dept 2017 (1)
Top: Paolo Favilli; Bottom (From left): Andrea Pippa, Rachel Andreani and Brendan Smith

Maritime Cook Islands (“MCI”), the international ship registry, has significantly enhanced its technical department with a series of senior appointments.

The new department now has a much stronger presence in the key European market following the appointments of Paolo Favilli, Rachele Andreani, Brendan Smith and Andrea Emanuele Pippa.

Brendan Smith is based in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, home of the flag while his three colleagues are based in Europe. The reconstituted department, consisting of experienced professionals with industry-relevant technical expertise, aims to further solidify MCI’s presence in Europe, and to improve service standards to MCI’s clients in the region.

Paolo Favilli
Heading the newly-reconstituted department is Head of Technical Department, Paolo Favilli who is based in Genoa, Italy. Covering merchant vessels specifically in the European region, Paolo is primarily responsible for ongoing business development in the region.

Paolo previously worked as the Project Director at International Maritime Safety, Security and Environment Academy, managing and coordinating activities related to IPSEA Project and supporting the maritime transport sector in Africa.

Rachele Andreani
Technical Manager Rachele Andreani, joins MCI from a leading full-service yachting company where she took on several roles – Company Security Officer, Deputy Designated Person Ashore (Monaco and Miami), Qualified Individual for OPA ’90 and Safety Superintendent for all the fleet.

A qualified Deck Officer, Rachele has close to 15 years of experience in the maritime industry – roles in the audit, safety, security and environmental departments for companies operating in commercial shipping, offshore, cruise and superyachts sectors – and a degree in Maritime Law.

Andrea Emanuele Pippa
Andrea Emanuele Pippa joins the technical department as Surveyor and Yacht Technical Expert of MCI, and will be based in Italy.

Andrea has over 13 years of experience in the shipping industry, specifically on recreational and charter crafts in Italy, providing surveys and technical consultancy. He is also a full member of the International Institute of Marine Surveying (IIMS), having attained it in 2014.

Andrea is also a freelance technical consultant for ships and those of mega-yacht status – performing economical evaluation, pre-purchase surveys, and claims for companies and private owners.

Brendan Smith
Brendan Smith takes on a new appointment as Technical Manager who will be based in Rarotonga, Cook Islands.

He brings with him knowledge gained at sea and ashore, and has held several varying positions – from a Dogman on the Marine Operations Team to a Skipper of the Mina Campbell, an 18-metre tug boat for towing operations.

Brendan returned to the Cook Islands in mid-2016 where he took on the role of a Project Manager with Air Rarotonga, a position held prior to joining MCI.


MARITIME COOK ISLANDS BOOSTS PRESENCE IN EUROPE

Paula and Marilena
From left: Marilena Andrenacci, Paula Manarangi

Maritime Cook Islands (“MCI”), the international ship registry, has recently appointed Paula Manarangi as Manager for Europe and Marilena Andrenacci as Fleet Manager, significantly boosting MCI’s presence in Europe. Both appointments are based in Italy.

Paula Manarangi

Paula started with MCI back in 2008 and holds a Bachelor of Laws, as well as a Masters in Maritime Law (with distinction) from the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta.

Paula Manarangi was promoted to Manager – Europe on 1 January 2017 and is responsible for the oversight of the Turkish and Italian fleet; and ensuring the support of other MCI Deputy Registrars within the European region and time zone. She is also responsible in ensuring the quality standards of services provided by MCI are of acceptable standards – this includes ensuring procedures are compliant with national and international standards.

Her most recent accomplishment at MCI is the development and implementation of the new online Maritime Cook Islands information technology operating system, MARCI – an online registry, survey and certification system that is user-friendly and effective. It will automate some administrative responsibilities, and also help MCI Deputy Registrars and Surveyors in its provision of prompt and efficient services to clients.

Marilena Andrenacci

An experienced Project Manager, newly-appointed Fleet Manager Marilena Andrenacci specialises in the implementation of government policy and stakeholder management often in an international and multilingual setting.

Marilena has undergone introduction to MCI and fleet management and will complete Flag State Implementation training by the end of April 2017.

Prior to her appointment at MCI, Marilena was involved in the strategic management of one of the European Commission’s policy programmes in a partner country (Switzerland), and the coordination of conferences and events during 2015’s Milan World Fair for the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and UK Trade and Investment.

Her other involvements then also include developing communication strategies, management of workshop and training cycles, and making large amounts of policy-based information and guidelines available to the general public or specific target groups.


MCI AT SINGAPORE MARITIME WEEK

Glenn Armstrong

MCI’s CEO, Glenn Armstrong, will be at the Singapore Maritime Week, which is set to take place from 22-28 April 2017.

SMW 2017

Singapore Maritime Week, driven by the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), gathers the international maritime community in Singapore for a week of conferences, dialogues, exhibitions and social events.

Aside from a round of meetings and networking events, Glenn is expected to attend Sea Asia 2017 and the 2nd Asian Marine Casualty Forum.


TECHNICAL MANAGER ATTENDS MARINE MONEY IN HONG KONG

Brendan at Marine Money Forum
Photo provided by Marine Money Asia

Brendan Smith, the Technical Manager for the Cook Islands attended the 10th Annual Hong Kong Ship Finance Forum at the Renaissance Harbour View Hotel, Hong Kong on 6th April 2017. It was a successful turnout, with over 190 delegates attended the event this year.

The forum, organized by Marine Money, discussed on the future vision for Hong Kong shipping, how Hong Kong can capitalise on China’s far-reaching Belt and Road project, why the Hong Kong capital markets remain an opportunity for raising finance in Asia, and how Hong Kong continues to act as a superconductor between China and the rest of the world.

Commenting on the forum, Brendan said: “When Marine Money Business Development Manager Andrew Oates invited me to attend, I jumped at the chance. It was a great opportunity to network with people from different sectors of the maritime Industry. The topics on the agenda proved to be engaging and I learnt a lot. Looking forward to the next Marine Money Forum!”


MCI DEPUTY REGISTRARS CONFERENCE 2017

Image: Bahia Mar, Fort Lauderdale
Image: Bahia Mar, Fort Lauderdale

The annual meeting of Maritime Cook Islands’ International Deputy Registrars will be held in Fort Lauderdale this year, from 26th -30th June 2017.

Following last year’s meeting in Rarotonga, Cook Islands, this conference is a gathering of almost all deputy registrars, alongside MCI executive staff members and advisors, to discuss the activities and achievements of the previous year and to anticipate a further year of the registry’s global growth.

The first two days of the conference will be focused on yachts, while the third day will cover both yachts and cargo. Cargo will be discussed on the final two days.

Topics that will be discussed at this meet include:

  • Day 1 – Yacht registration: A Competitor Analysis
  • Day 2 – Flag Registry Issues and Cruising Permits
  • Day 3 – Discussion on The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW)
  • Day 4 – Introduction of New Technical Department and their Plan
  • Day 5 – An Update on New Conventions

COOK ISLANDS’ WOMEN IN MARITIME ASSOCIATION (CIWIMA)

CIWIMA 2
Left: Tiphanie Pito (Bunkers/Wrecks Officer, MCI), Niki Rattle (Speaker of Cook Islands Parliament), Stephen Simpson (Maritime Director, Ministry of Transport), Taimata Allsworth (President CIWiMA), Tania George (Vice President of CIWiMA), Jenner Davis (Private Attorney), Teina McKenzie (Member)

The Cook Islands Women in Maritime Association (CIWiMA) held its inaugural General Meeting on 29th March 2017 at Maritime Cook Islands. The evening was a success with the election of the first Executive Committee:

  • President: Taimata Allsworth
  • Vice President: Tania George
  • Secretary: Stacey Mischeski
  • Treasurer: Maria Guadalupe Harreguy
  • Maritime Administrator Representative: Jillian Carson-Jackson
  • Public Relations and Communications Officer: Katrina Matheson
  • Member: Teina McKenzie

One of the objectives is to promote and create awareness of women and their role in the maritime industry as an important contributor to the economy.

Taimata Allsworth, the President of CIWiMA said “It is an honour and very exciting to establish CIWiMA, the first of its kind in the Cook Islands maritime industry. With a dynamic, knowledgeable, experienced and passionate team, we are enthusiastic about the opportunities ahead, I have complete assurance in the executive committee. We will take a holistic and collective approach to engage members and stakeholders of the industry in order to achieve CIWiMA’s objectives and to that end I quote the words of George William Curtis, “It is not the ship so much as the skilful sailing that assures the prosperous voyage.”


TANKER VESSEL CONCORD M REGISTERS WITH THE COOK ISLANDS

Concord M 1

Singapore Deputy Registrar, TY Cheng, has just entered oil tanker vessel Concord M, into the Maritime Cook Islands registry.
Concord M 2

Built in 1996, the oil tanker vessel (IMO 9116931) is registered with the Cook Islands flag with the following particulars:
Length: 330.27
Gross Tonnage: 156,590 tonnes
Deadweight: 301,345 tonnes

Concord M is operated by MTM Ship Management (MTMSM) which was founded in 1988 in Singapore. Since then, MTMSM has progressed into competitive ship management with a fleet over 60 vessels for owners based in Japan, Hong Kong, Indonesia, USA and United Kingdom.


PICTON CASTLE CAPTAIN VISITS HEAD OFFICE

Capt Dan

Captain Dan Moreland presented a framed photo of his vessel, the Picton Castle to the Registrar of Ships, Mrs Moeroa Matheson. Capt. Moreland has been with the flag since its infancy and has a close relationship with the flag.

He was visiting the Cook Islands for a few months with his family before heading back to Nova Scotia, Canada to set sail on their eleventh world circumnavigation.

The vessel will sail south for the Caribbean, through the Panama Canal, to the Galapagos Islands, island in French Polynesia including Mangareva, the Marquesas, the Tuamotus and Tahiti, many of the Cook Islands including Penrhyn Atoll, Aitutaki, Rarotonga and Palmerston Atoll, Vava’u in the Kingdom of Tonga, a number of islands in Vanuatu, Bali, Rodrigues, Reunion, South Africa, Namibia, St. Helena, a number of Caribbean islands and Bermuda before returning to Lunenburg in May 2019.

This voyage is open to men and women ages 18 and above of all nationalities. No sailing experience is required – just good health and the desire to be a working part of the crew.

For more information, visit their website http://www.picton-castle.com


TURKEY’S AMBASSADOR TO THE COOK ISLANDS VISITS MARITIME COOK ISLANDS

Turkey ambassador
From left: Ned Howard (Secretary of the Ministry of Transport), Siai Taylor (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration), Ahmet Ergin (Turkey’s Ambassador to Cook Islands), Amelia Fukofuka (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration) and Glenn Armstrong (CEO, Maritime Cook Islands)

On 15 March 2017, Turkey’s Ambassador to Cook Islands, Ahmet Ergin, presented his credentials to the Queen’s Representative Tom Marsters in a ceremony that was held at the Government House in Cook Islands.

With Deputy Prime Minister Teariki Heather and Foreign Affairs Secretary Tepaeru Herrmann representing the Government, the ceremony was attended by various dignitaries including the Paramount Chief of the Township of Avarua, Vakatini Ariki.

During his visit to the Cook Islands, His Excellency Mr. Ergin had a wide-ranging discussion with Maritime Cook Islands (MCI)’s CEO, Glenn Armstrong together with Ned Howard, Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, and staff from Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration on various matters related to Cook Islands flagged vessels that are currently operating in Turkey.

H.E. Mr. Ahmet Ergin is based with the Turkish Embassy in Wellington, New Zealand.


DR FOCUS: TY CHENG

TY

It was through a former employee of the Maritime Cook Islands (MCI) that started Deputy Registrar, TY Cheng’s relationship with the Cook Islands flag.

Owner of maritime consultancy firm, OSPL Pte Ltd, TY recalled the very first ship he brought in for MCI – a 28-tonne vessel. To date, TY has brought in a range of vessels, not only small bunker boats but also Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) for the flag.

He pointed out that because Singapore is a maritime hub, there is naturally a prominent target audience of owners. The challenge, according to TY, is how MCI stands out among its competitors – other registries – in services rendered.

And in his opinion, with the MARCI online system and a good spread of DRs internationally, serving various time zones, as well as the practice of decentralisation by CEO Glenn Armstrong which allows for a smoother service process, MCI is well on its way in setting itself apart from its competitors.

It may come as a surprise to many but shipping industry technical expert TY also runs a fashion line. Hear it from TY himself here!


YWAM MEDICAL SHIPS ACQUIRES NEW VESSEL, MV I’ASTROLABE

MV I

YWAM Medical Ships has recently acquired MV I’Astrolabe, a 65-metre supply vessel, for their work in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The MCI-flagged vessel has served in Antarctica as a scientific supply and research vessel for the last 30 years, just returning from the ice a few weeks ago, and will soon be repurposed as a medical and training ship for PNG.

Soon to be renamed MV YWAM Liberty, the vessel is the fourth vessel to be deployed by YWAM Medical Ships into PNG.

According to Director of YWAM Medical Ship (PNG), Mr. Ken Mulligan, the acquisition of the vessel represents hope for tens of thousands of people with critical health and training needs in PNG.

Since 2010, YWAM Medical Ships has delivered 648,062 services and training to 145,567 people.


MCI AT ASIA-PACIFIC HEADS OF MARITIME SAFETY AGENCIES (APHOMSA) 2017

APHOMSA

Maritime Cook Island’s Tania George attended the 18th Session of the Asia-Pacific Heads of Maritime Safety Agencies (APHoMSA) Forum, which was held in Langkawi, Malaysia this year.

This annual forum was established in 1996 to promote safe, secure shipping and a clean marine environment within the Asia- Pacific region. Gathering senior maritime officials to build and maintain a strong understanding of shared maritime issues, identify and coordinate technical cooperation efforts and represent the region’s interest in enhancing international standards is helping to achieve this.

Heads of maritime agencies of respective APHoMSA member states attended the forum. To date, APHoMSA has 23 members and eight standing observer organisations.

Thirty-four papers were presented. These papers were categorized to be under one of the four pillars of APHoMSA, (regional cooperation, safety at sea, including Seafarer welfare, maritime incident response and protecting the marine environment), depending upon subject matter. It was of great interest to see what other maritime agencies are doing / planning / sharing. The information gathered and contacts made were of great value.

Of special interest were the connections made with other female delegates/attendees. Approximately 8% of the people present at the forum were women. The opportunity to meet members from the Asia-Pacific region within the maritime safety sector is greatly appreciated.

Thank you to the Malaysian Ministry of Transport for hosting the forum. Other activities during the week included a seminar on maritime leadership and branding, attending the opening of LIMA ‘17, and a special dinner for the maritime and aviation attendees. Thank you also to IMO for funding and promoting women in maritime, as well as SPC, Pacific Community, for making the travel arrangements.

Next year will be Chile’s year to shine, especially as the country celebrates its 200th birthday.