Discover the Oceanic: Ratings & Maritime News

On January 22, 2024, Yemen's Houthi movement declared that it had launched a missile strike against the U.S.-flagged vessel 'Ocean Jazz' in the Gulf of Aden, an announcement made via the al-Masirah television network. The 'Ocean Jazz' has been known to transport U.S. military cargoes, elevating the claim's significance. However, the U.S. Navy has categorically refuted these allegations, stating that they maintain ongoing communication with the ship, affirming its safety. Operated by US Ocean LLC, the heavy-lift carrier is integral to global transportation and logistics for U.S. military and humanitarian operations. The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet labeled the Houthi claims as 'patently false,' emphasizing that NAVCENT has ensured steady contact with the 'Ocean Jazz' during its voyage. Notably, the ship had been navigating since transferring through the Suez Canal and had recently arrived in the Red Sea on January 18. It has a history of charters through the U.S. Navy’s Military Sealift Command, which manages non-combatant, civilian-manned vessels for the U.S. Department of Defense’s ocean transportation needs. This announcement by the Houthis comes as they have previously threatened U.S. and British maritime forces in retaliation for military actions taken in Yemen. On the same date, U.S. and UK forces confirmed they had executed additional military strikes against eight Houthi targets in Yemen, marking a continued campaign against Houthi operations, specifically targeting underground storage facilities and sites related to their missile and air surveillance capabilities.

At the conclusion of this week, Stornoway Harbour proudly welcomed the impressive offshore construction vessel OIG Giant II to Arnish Pier. With a weight of 18,118 gross tonnes, the Giant II has secured its place as the largest vessel to ever berth alongside at Stornoway Harbour. Spanning an impressive 172 meters in length, this vessel was originally constructed as a heavy lift dock ship in 2010. However, a significant conversion in 2011 transformed it into a state-of-the-art installation platform for offshore structures and equipment, specifically designed to support the burgeoning renewable energy sector. The Giant II's current mission at Stornoway involves loading key components, including the sub-frame and ballast elements of a tidal turbine. This turbine is set to be installed at a test site off the coast of Orkney next week. Should the tidal turbine demonstrate its efficacy, it is anticipated that further orders for additional units will follow, with a possibility that some of these units may be constructed right at Arnish. This landmark event not only showcases the capabilities of Stornoway Harbour but also emphasizes the growing importance of renewable energy initiatives in the region.

On August 9, 2011, the vessel known as the "Combi Dock IV" made its way back to Lloyd Yard in Bremerhaven, just 19 months after its initial delivery. This ship is set for a significant transformation as it transitions to serve the OIG Offshore Installation Group under its new name, "OIG Giant II", with operations commencing in September. This move follows the successful conversion of its predecessor, the "Combi Dock II", which has been active since August 2008 as the support vessel "Blue Giant", currently engaged in operations within the Gulf of Mexico as "OIG Giant I" for Harrens OIG. The refurbishment of "OIG Giant II" will involve extensive modifications, including the addition of a helicopter platform at the front of the vessel and a substantial accommodation block weighing 500 tons that can house up to 86 crew members. This accommodation module will feature new cabins, restrooms, pantries, and more, with an impressive size of 13 meters by 18 meters by 21 meters. Fabrication of this module will take place at WST Weser Stahlbau, and it will be lifted onto the ship by the sheerleg crane "Enak". Moreover, two of the four onboard cranes will undergo enhancements to improve their capacity. A moonpool measuring 7.80 x 7.40 meters will be integrated into the ship’s design, allowing for the efficient deployment of divers and equipment through the hull. The vessel will also have six additional generators installed, enhancing its power capabilities. To ensure precise positioning at sea, the "OIG Giant II" will be fitted with a sophisticated Dynamic Positioning System (DPS), which requires enlarging the existing bow thrusters and adding two stern thrusters. Additionally, two 3-meter diameter Azipod thrusters will be mounted beneath the hull. Upon completion and redelivery, the "OIG Giant II" is initially scheduled to transport three turbines for a new power station, marking the beginning of its new chapter in offshore support operations.