WebWire | News by Industry : Maritime / Marine

Oregon Prepares for Possible Radioactive Tsunami Debris

Fri, 3 Feb 2012 14:27:37 EST

EMSL Analytical offers testing services to analyze radioactive samples following the nuclear disaster in Japan.
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Cinnaminson, NJ, February 3rd, 2012
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This month, the Yamhill Valley News-Register published a story about how various Oregon agencies and groups are preparing for potentially radioactive debris to reach the coast.� Recently, they held a conference call to review Oregon's planned response as the one year anniversary of the Japanese earthquake and resulting tsunami approaches in early March.
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Although most experts do not expect the debris to carry much radioactive material, area residents are still concerned.� The bulk of the debris is expected to begin arriving later in the year or into the beginning of next year.
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Materials that may be contaminated with cesium are one significant concern.� According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 'The most common radioactive form of cesium is cesium-137. Another fairly common radioisotope is cesium-134. Cesium-137 is much more significant as an environmental contaminant than cesium-134.'
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Nuclear reactor waste and accidental releases such as at the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear plant accidents did release some cesium into the environment.� The half-life of cesium-137 is 30.17 years. Because of the chemical nature of cesium, it moves easily through the environment which makes the cleanup of cesium-137 difficult.
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Responding to concerns about radioactive debris reaching the shores of Oregon and surrounding states, EMSL Analytical has expanded their radiological sampling capacity.� The environmental laboratory has already witnessed an increase in the number of requests to perform Gamma Spectroscopy analyses.�
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'The ability to measure Gamma isotopes that may have been released from the Japanese nuclear power plant allows EMSL to measure for things such as Cesium-134, Cesium-137, Iodine-131 and other radioactive elements,' reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL Analytical.� 'Samples have already been processed to test food products, soils, vegetation and water matrices with some samples being able to be processed in as short as one day.'
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To learn more about testing for radiological samples, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com.
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About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.� The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.�

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aba Group Talks to Local Businesses About the Importance of Cargo Insurance Coverage in the Coming Cold Snap

Thu, 2 Feb 2012 09:41:07 EST

For those businesses that trade goods inland or overseas, they ought to be looking to safeguard their stock and assets to prevent any additional hardship through cargo loss or the loss of assets.
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Aba Group's Managing Director, Graham Webster says:
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'The economic climate in Europe is still uncertain, and many are still looking for people to blame as seen recently, where the former RBS boss Fred Goodwin was stripped of his knighthood. In times like these, one of the best things a company can do, is to look at its risk management practices to minimise the extent of any damage should something unexpected occur'.
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The likelihood of something 'unexpected happening' are about to increase dramatically. The cold snap that has seen dozens dead across Europe is set to hit the UK later this week, the Army is now on standby for a level 4 'Major Cold Weather Incident'.
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'For those businesses involved in trading or transporting goods inland or overseas, it is vital that they examine the true extent of their Cargo Insurance Coverage. With temperatures forecasted to be below ��-10c, the chances that cargo carrying Lorries and transport might be involved in accidents likely to grow. The same is true of cargo carried by sea or by air. Where the weather might disrupt or damage supply chains, business owners need to ensure they're covered. If the late delivery or loss of goods en route to a customer means that they cannot function properly, the sender needs to ensure that they are covered against any liability' says Mr Webster
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Already in some areas of Wales, roads are becoming impassable where snows and ice have caused vehicles to become trapped in drifts or unable to climb rises in the road. A warning issued by health chiefs says that more than 1,500 people could die each week as a result of the weather, should the UK experience the full force of the cold predicted.
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'When economic times are difficult, it's sensible to consider all of your businesses' insurance needs so that you can spread the costs of losses and avoid business interruption until conditions improve. With weather warnings like these however, it's not only sensible, it is critical, that businesses examine the risk management practices that they have in place so that they can deal with such a disastrous cold weather situation where required' states Mr Webster
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The aba Group is currently advising local businesses across Bolton and Manchester on how they can manage the risks associated with the coming cold weather as well as ensuring that they have the Cargo Insurance Coverage that they need. If you need help or advice on your own Cargo Insurance Coverage, you can speak to the aba Group or any other specialist business insurance brokers.

- ENDS -

About aba Group:
aba Group has been operating in Bolton for years, headed by Managing Director Graham Webster and fellow Director Lynne Eckersley, they have 70 years' experience in the industry between them. Their specialist coverage spans�Academy School Insurance, directors, officers, contractors, engineers, landlords and a whole host of other professional roles and activities; which has seen them become the go-to business insurance brokers locally.

For further information contact:
Email:�insure@abagroup.co.uk
Website:�www.abagroup.co.uk

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Disney Cruise Line expands cruise departures out of Florida

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 12:44:11 EST

Starting 2013, Disney Cruise Line will offer new itineraries, with new destinations. In addition, Disney Cruise Line�will cruise from a second homeport in Florida, with Caribbean sailings departing from the Port of Miami for the very first time, �said Thomas DeSimone, Co-Founder & CEO of CruiseDealership.com

Disney Cruise Line Featured 2013 schedule (which can be booked at this time). Rates and ports of call are subject to change, to get up to date information and cruise deals�vist www.cruisedealership.com

�Mediterranean from Barcelona

Beginning June 1, 2013, the Disney Magic returns to Europe.

The 12-night voyages visit destinations which include Venice, Italy, and Croatia's Dalmatian Coast on one itinerary and Ephesus, Turkey and the Greek Isles including Athens, on another. Each itinerary will offer a voyages departing in June and the other departing in July.

Rates start at $796 per person for four-night cruises, $1,015 per person for seven-night cruises and $2,244 for 12-night cruises departing from Barcelona for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy (prices subject to change) plus incentives for booking thru CruiseDealership.com

Four-night Mediterranean Cruises�
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Departure dates: July 9, Aug. 6

Seven-night Mediterranean Cruise
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy
Departure dates: June 1, 8, Aug. 10, 17, 24, 31

12-night Mediterranean with Greece
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Athens (Piraeus), Greece; Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey; Mykonos, Greece; Valetta, Malta
Departure dates: June 15, July 13

12-night Mediterranean with Venice
Ports: Barcelona; Nice (Villefranche), France; Florence (La Spezia), Italy; Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; Naples, Italy; Venice, Italy (overnight); Dubrovnik, Croatia; Valetta, Malta
Departure dates: June 27, July 25

Bahamas and Western Caribbean Cruises out of Miami

Disney Cruise Line will now leave from Miami for the very first time on Dec. 23, 2012. One six- and one seven-night Caribbean Cruise Voyages onboard the Disney Wonder plus four or five night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean between Jan. 5, 2013, and May 2, 2013. The four- and five-night cruises have a range of itineraries. Ports of call to such destinations as Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Key West; Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for four and five night cruises departing from Miami start at $440 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy plus extra incentives when booked at Cruisedealership.com

Five-night Caribbean
Ports: Miami, Cozumel, Castaway Cay
Departure dates: Jan. 5, 19, Feb, 2, 16, March 2, 16, 30, April 13, 27

Five-night Caribbean
Ports: Miami, Grand Cayman, Cozumel
Departure dates: Jan. 14, 28, Feb. 11, 25, March 11, 25, April 8, 22

Four-night Bahamas
Ports: Miami, Key West, Nassau, Castaway Cay
Departure dates: Jan. 10, 24, Feb. 7, 21, March 7, 21, April 4, 18, May 2

Western Caribbean Cruises from Galveston

The Disney Magic, will also begin departing from Texas in 2012, from the Port of Galveston through May 2013, to the Western Caribbean.

Rates start at $750 per person for six-night cruises and $920 per person for eight-night cruises departing from Galveston for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy plus added incentives when booking at CruiseDealership.com

Six-night Caribbean:
Ports: Galveston, Grand Cayman, Cozumel
Departure dates: Dec. 15 and 29, 2012, Jan. 12, 26, Feb. 9, 23, March 9, 23, April 6, 20. May 4

Eight-night Caribbean:
Ports: Galveston, Key West, Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel
Departure dates: Dec. 21, 2012, Jan. 4, 18, Feb. 1, 15, March 1, 15, 29, April 12, 26, May 10

Alaska from Vancouver

Starting May 27, 2013, the Disney Wonder will cruise seven-nights from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska.

Rates for seven-night Alaska cruises departing from Vancouver start at $1,015 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy plus added incentives when booking online at www.Cruisedealership.com

Seven-night Alaska:
Ports: Vancouver, Tracy Arm (scenic cruising through fjord), Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan
Departure dates: May 27, June 3, 10, 17, 24, July 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, Aug. 5, 12, 19, 26, Sept. 2

Caribbean and Bahamas Cruises from Port Canaveral

The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream will also be departing from a�variety of Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries leaving from Port Canaveral.

The Disney Fantasy will depart out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean Sailings, alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Also Eastern Caribbean Cruises, January through April 2013, with stops at San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy Cruises include Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for seven-night Caribbean cruises on the Disney Fantasy start at $1,085 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy plus Special Deals at CruiseDealership.com

The Disney Dream will cruise three, four and five-night voyages from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay.
Rates for three and four night Bahamas cruises on the Disney Dream start at $450 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy which include incentives when booked online at CruiseDealership.com

CruiseDealership is one of 16,000 North American travel agencies and agent members of CLIA, whose 25 member lines represent over 97% of the cruise berths marketed in North America. According to CLIA statistics, the wide majority of travelers - about 90+% - book cruises through travel agencies, and for good reason: agents excel at finding the perfect cruise to match their client's vacation needs, lifestyle and budget. CruiseDealership is part of� CLIA's certified cruise counselors programs which are the cruise industry's premier professionals, providing the best service and value for travelers' vacation dollar

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Learn To Sail London Courses Now Being Expanded With Nomad Sailing

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:19:20 EST

January 30th 2012 – London, UK – Nomad Sailing are starting the new year off by concentrating on their learn to sail London and Portsmouth courses. These areas are close-by and also have a high population of sailors or people who would like to learn to sail. Sailing courses can be expensive so Nomad Sailing have concentrated their marketing on areas with relatively high wealth such as London.

Nomad Sailing offer sailing courses from the very basic introductory level up to courses that prepare students for the yachtmaster, one of the most highly regarded sailing qualifications. The foundation course known as the competent crew course is carried out in Sussex or Portsmouth. Nomad Sailing are also offering many other RYA courses London. These are mainly the day skipper theory courses as they are classroom based but will also include the learn to sail course. Nomad has aimed to ensure that everyone can manage the course regardless of their lifestyle. Students can opt to do it in one full stretch in London or they can do it online at home. Jim Barden, Co-Director of Nomad Sailing says 'we have tried to make sure that even people with a busy lifestyle can still achieve their dream of getting their day skipper qualification'.

With the end of the winter approaching, Nomad Sailing's peak season is getting closer. In order to be ready for this Nomad Sailing has decided to market solidly on the London and Portsmouth area, rather than spread themselves too thinly over the whole of the South coast of England. Jim Barden, Co-Director of Nomad Sailing states that 'although we would like to get clients from all over the country, we feel that by simply concentrating on London and Portsmouth we will be able to provide a more high quality service and can deliver more courses if we target just one area'.

It clearly is a streamline and efficient method and will ensure that Nomad Sailing have full numbers on their learn to sail courses in London and on their sailing courses in Portsmouth. According to Jim Barden, Co-Director, 'customers will get much more satisfaction and enjoyment from a full sailing course in London rather than a half empty one'.

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SAP and Kieler Woche Bring the Excitement of Sailing to the World

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 12:06:13 EST

SAP NEWSBYTE - SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) today announced its continued premium sponsorship of the world's largest sailing event, the Kieler Woche (Kiel Week), to be held June 16-24, 2012, off the shores of Kiel, Germany. Partnering with Kieler Woche since 2010, SAP delivers solutions that enhance the spectator experience as well as provide sailors with tools to gain greater insight into sailing tactics.

"Real-time race information available on device and on demand allows us to engage with an international audience and provides spectators with the freedom to interact and experience the action from anywhere in the world," said Stefan Lacher, head of Technology for the SAP Sailing Program. "For many, trying to understand what happens out on the water is not easy. Information about which team is ahead, gaining, or losing ground is usually only available at the rounding of the racing buoys or at the finish line. Through partnering with GPS tracking suppliers as well as 2- and 3-D visualization partners, SAP has developed tools to analyze GPS data collected from the boats together with integrated wind measurements from sensors on the race course."

As part of the 2011 Kieler Woche TV broadcast, SAP developed a sailing analytics leader board that displayed the position of every competitor at any time along with live race information such as average speeds, distance travelled, estimated time of arrival at the next mark rounding, gaps to leader and gains and losses per leg. Commentators could access the latest race data with the click of a button to gain unprecedented insight into who triumphed and how they did it. Additionally, through a user research project with a design thinking approach, SAP gained a better understanding of what spectators and sailors expect from an international sailing event. The outcome provided valuable insight into how the company will be able to further enhance the experience for 2012 to support the international broadcast and event platform.

With approximately 3 million visitors, the Kieler Woche is also the largest summer festival in Northern Europe. Throughout the course of the event, over 1,700 events on different topics will take place on land and more than 5,000 yachtsmen from 50 countries will participate in more than 400 planned regatta starts on 10 race courses. To learn more about the event, visit the Kieler Woche Web site. For more information on SAP sponsorships, visit www.sapsponsorships.com. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.

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Fugro Opens A Contact Office For The Offshore Wind Industry In Hamburg

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 11:26:03 EST

In the past 10 years Fugro has performed over 50 geotechnical site investigations for Offshore Windparks in the German waters of the North Sea and Baltic Sea and we shall continue to provide these services in the future. Many Windpark projects are now entering the installation and construction phase and Fugro has extensive experience in the offshore industry providing offshore construction support services. In recent years we have introduced many of these services into the offshore wind market. Our experience with offshore construction support is mainly in the fields of:��

Offshore �wind survey / positioning
ROV / subsea installation support
Jack-up stability and leg penetration studies
Supervision of pile installations / pile monitoring and testing
Cable surveys, burial assessments and cable trenching
Large diameter drilling
Geoscience data integration, management and storage
Weather forecasting and metocean monitoring
Structural instrumentation
Inspection repair and maintenance
Diving operations

Fugro is available for all of the above mentioned services from 01.01.2012 in Hamburg connecting our clients with all the know-how and resources of the entire Fugro group.

Our office location in Hamburg is: Fugro Consult GmbH, Zippelhaus 4, 20457 Hamburg

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Ride the Wave to Savings with YMT Vacations

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:55:30 EST

EL SEGUNDO, CA – With the start of Wave Season, YMT Vacations, the leading provider of affordable group travel packages, is offering four unique Alaska cruises paired with exceptional land tours.� Departing May through September 2012, the itineraries feature a 7-night Alaska cruise of the famed Inside Passage combined with land tours of the Canadian Rockies, the Great Northwest, Denali National Park or the Northern California Coast aboard the Amtrak's Coast Starlight.� Each package provides travelers the opportunity to discover the rugged beauty of the Alaskan landscape and embark on an in-depth exploration of stunning sights throughout the U.S. and Canada.
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'January through March is called Wave Season in the cruise industry, a time when travelers can often find the best deals on cruises for the upcoming year,' stated Jerre Fuqua, President of YMT Vacations.� 'Now is the perfect time to book with YMT to take advantage of exceptional value and the best cabin selection. I encourage travelers to make their plans now as peak dates are selling fast.'�
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Priced from $107 - $193 per day, YMT Alaska Cruise and Tour guests will enjoy gracious service, fabulous food, and wonderful entertainment on their cruise.� In addition, hotel accommodations, sightseeing, and a knowledgeable driver/guide are included on the land portion. �Itineraries include:

Alaska Cruise and Canadian Rockies Tour – 15 days from $1599
Alaska Cruise and Great Northwest Tour – 15 days from $1599
Alaska Cruise and Denali National Park – 14 days from $2699
Alaska Cruise and West Coast Train Tour – 13 days from $1599

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For more information about the Alaska cruises and land tours, to request a brochure, or to make a reservation, please contact YMT Vacations at 1-800-922-9000 or visit the website at www.ymtvacations.com.
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About YMT Vacations:
Based in sunny Los Angeles, YMT Vacations has been a leader in providing affordable travel packages since 1967. YMT tours are targeted to a mature audience and feature land and cruise itineraries to popular destinations including Alaska, Hawaii and Europe.� Over one million travelers have enjoyed YMT's time-tested tour programs and nearly half of guests are repeats or referrals – two facts that illustrate that YMT Vacations truly is the best travel value available.

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