The Maritime Executive brings us news on the type approval by Det Norske Veritas (DNV) class society of the Ulstein Bridge Alarm System (Ulstein BAS). The system, developed by Ulstein Elektro is specifically designed to enable a near fail-safe, one-man bridge operation through a ladder of alarms or alerts to other qualified navigators, and the master should a situation occur that needs the attention of others.

Here is the latest directly from Maersk:

Maersk Alabama Situation: 0600 EDT Update

Norfolk, Va., 9 April 2009: The current situation involving the Maersk Alabama has remained much the same throughout the night. The ship’s crewmembers have been accounted for and are safely aboard the vessel. However, the ship’s captain remains in the custody of the pirates, who departed in one of the ship’s encapsulated life boats on April 8.

I came across this photo that demonstrates the staggering impact the economic downturn has had on global shipping. Many idle ships are now being used to store empty shipping containers as ports now face dealing with mounting stacks of empty containers.   I have yet to notice a drastic increase in idled U.S. ships, however it [...]