Marine

Antarctica’s Pine Island Glacier Ice Shelf Melting Is the Lowest Ever Recorded

News Analysis: The Ship and Icebreakers getting lodged in the thick Ice of Antarctica’s Waters and needed to be rescued in the past few days, lead many Scientists to question the validity of “Global Warming Due To Man’s Activities” (GWDTMA). Pine Island Glacier Ice Shelf Melting Is the Lowest Ever Recorded And Less Than Half Of That Recorded In 2010!

Along with the measurable increase in Ice in Antarctica, many suspicion ‘more enigmatic mechanisms” may be working. They think over longer periods of time, other Natural Systems may be at work, producing the Ebb and Flow of Ice in Antarctica. Today, more Measured Ice is  located  in the Arctic Ocean as well (as tested by the U.S. Government). Adding to this puzzle, the “Ozone Hole” in Antarctica’s Sky has also been measurably shrinking.

Some Politicians touted  ‘GWDTMA’ to the Media;  the “Journalism Majors” in the Media heard the “Clarion Call” from those Politicians. Subsequently, the “Race Was On” to find ANY Environmentalists’ Opinions that ‘GWDTMA’ was “Ruining the Earth”. Rather than consider the possibility that Natural Events which created and eliminated Ice Ages on Earth, might also be at work today, they steadfastly decried Man’s Activities.

These same people who are “GWDTMA’ Enthusiasts might willingly accept the “Acupressure of Skyscrapers Causing Earthquakes Theory” without much evidence.   

A Scientist, studying the Earth and/or the Cosmos, who is  “Worth his Salt” will Analyze, Theorize,  Criticize, and then Realize his “Answer” ultimately is “A Strong Possibility”; such is Scientific Refutation.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.scmp.com/business/article/1400130/antarctic-mystery-heats-ships-trapped-ice

 

Royal Dutch Shell (RDS) To Drill For Natural Gas In New Zealand Waters

News Analysis: Off the shores of New Zealand and extending out 100+/-km (62+/- mi) into the Pacific Ocean lies the area of the ‘Great South Basin’ to which ‘RDS’ will drill a ‘Exploratory Natural Gas Well’. This is expected to occur within the next 24 months and cost up to $200 Million Dollars. If gas is discovered in sufficient amounts,  a network of appraisal wells would be drilled over the next ten years. Following that series of wells (if sufficient in size of deposit) would be production wells drilled in the area.

Drilling in 1,300 Meters (4,265 feet) ocean depth, a Semi-Submersible Rig or a Drilling Ship would be employed. ‘RDS’, being a Environmentally Cautious Group, will take every precaution to perform this arduous process correctly, many people say.

People who complain about the ‘High Cost Of  Fuels ‘ should consider the  ‘Astronomic Cost of Oil and Gas Exploration “Off-Shore”. Perhaps if they do, they will be less inclined to listen to the rhetoric of Politicians (with Personal Vested Interests) who enjoy decrying “Off-Shore Drilling”. 

Reality.

Reference: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11182574

Siberian Divers in -45C (-49F) Weather Expand Cold Knowledge For Others And Set A World Record

News Analysis: Diving in the 2C (35.6F) waters of the Lena River with an Ambient Temperature of -45C (-49F) was risky indeed. If Ice particles were to form in the diver’s lungs, suffocation could occur.

Emergency Medical Personnel throughout the World should be made of this Event since it may give them insight into how a Human Body can cope successfully in such deleterious conditions.

Russians are indeed noted for their historical “Toughness” in Extreme Conditions.

They are a People NOT to be Underestimated.

Reality.

Reference: http://siberiantimes.com/other/others/news/new-year-2014-begins-with-a-world-record-in-siberia/

NYK Shipping Lines Builds Japan’s First Dual-Use LNG/Heavy Fuel Tugboat

News Analysis: Japan’s Nippon Yusen Kaisha ‘NYK’ Shipping Line has received Japanese Government Funding for this New-Build. This advanced approach to controlling Maritime Harbor Atmospheric Pollution is commendable. It is hoped this vessel will be a precursor for such vessels operating in the heaviest of Harbor Atmospheric Pollution areas of the World, such as the Port of Los Angeles, in Southern California. NYK Shipping Lines maintains a technological advantage over many competitors. It realizes there is only One Precious Atmosphere in the World; it must be protected. 

Reality.

Reference: http://www.nyk.com/english/release/2446/002945.html

★ India Awakens To Benefits Of Manufacturing And Industrial Exports

News Analysis: This year of 2013, India expects to Export approximately $325 Billion Dollars of Goods. It has a Trade Deficit of $100 Billion Dollars presently. Due to this imbalance, India has established  a “National Manufacturing Policy” which itself establishes ‘National Manufacturing and Investment Zones’.

The Indian Government realizes that it needs to Accelerate Development of “Higher-End” Manufacturing for the Country’s long term Economic Benefit. Presently, Manufacturing is largely confined to: Chemicals, Computer Software, Engineering Tools, Jewelry, Leather Goods, Refined Petroleum Products and Textiles. None of the aforementioned are considered by Manufacturing Experts to be ‘Sophisticated Constructions’ (SC) such as Airplanes, Computerized Numerical Control Machinery, Helicopters, High-Speed Locomotives, Liquefied Natural Gas Ships, Robotics, Submarines, or Similar Constructions.

The Indian Government needs Foreign Direct Investment to occur with regards to its Manufacturing Sector. To get Currencies from Foreign Investors is the ‘Easier’ part of the “Equation for Manufacturing Growth” (EMG). Liberalizing Investment Returns will bring in the monies from Mutual Funds, Private Investors, and other entities.

The more difficult segment of ‘EMG’ are bringing in experienced Manufacturing Engineers and Management which have dealt with  ‘SC’. They are few and far between as to their abundance Internationally. A Technique used, by a neighboring country, was to engage WIDELY in the use of Joint Ventures in Constructions. To date, India has engaged in this process very lightly, but growing,  some people say.

Upon determining what Products the Indian Government would like for Export, appropriate funding for Research & Development will be immediately needed. In the Product Designs, any Added Value” that can be added vs. competing product in the marketplace will give India an ‘Edge” for sales. Since India will be Product-Wise the ‘New Kid On The Block’, Product Warranties that are All-Encompassing will be necessary for Consumer Satisfaction.

Efficient Marketing of the Fabrications is essential for Customer Awareness of Indian Products. A word to the Wise is: “Do NOT Besmirch the Products of Others”. Always take the “High Road”. Discuss how your Products Exceed the Needs of a possible Customer; and do it at a Competitive Price. Ergo, a Customer “Gets More Product For Less Money”; Who can resist getting Value?

Timely Delivery of “High-End” Products ARE IMPERATIVE. Only Manufacturing Fools deliver Aircraft, Machinery, Ships,  and such Late. There is NO EXCUSE for it barring a Catastrophe of Epic Proportions. When it occurs, it shows Ineptitude of Cost Estimating, Production Planning, Fabrication, and/or Vendor Selection. Worst of off it shows Management has NOT and does NOT Comprehend (ed)  where the Company went Wrong Earlier.  What “Short-Cuts” in Manufacturing or Inspection were taken to FINALLY get the Product (s) delivered? (Many Big-Name Manufacturers do; but they deny this of course.) Any  of Corporate Management that allows for such Mediocrity should be terminated. It is Unacceptable!

Once the Products are delivered on a timely basis to Customers, Communication by Manufacturing Management with Customer Management is essential. It conveys to Buyers that your Company Cares about their Needs. The Old Adage that: “Good-Will Is Worth 40%” is as true today as when it was first spoken.

“Say What You Mean, And Mean What You Say”.

The very capable Indian Government appears to be moving in the correct direction as to seeking Increased Manufacturing. Intelligent, hard-working Indians are readily available towards this realization. There is absolutely NO REASON the Indian People cannot attain that which they desire as to growth of Manufacturing in the Nation; especially with their Inspired Leadership. 

All of this enthusiasm by the Indian Government bodes well for Investors who can help the Manufacturing Sector develop. Opportunities avail themselves to those who seek them.

Reality.

Reference: http://www.siasat.com/english/news/focus-manufacturing-boost-exports-sharma

Arctic Ice Increase Of 50% Bodes Well For Man

News Analysis: Arctic Ice Increase Of 50% Bodes Well For Man after all of the rampant “Gloom and Doom” Predictions of some people. Some Environmentalists and many Politicians automatically ‘signed up’ to the “Catastrophic Global Warming – Exclusively Caused By Man – Club” (CGWECBMC). All too often, rather than studying such matters with an “Approved Start Baseline” for Data Collection over Time,  this is not performed (and the results are next to meaningless).   Starting to discuss ‘Climate Change’ which may evidence “+ and-” adjustments to the Weather  was not done; Instead, in “Global Warming, “only+” was used. 

Rhetoric by People with Hidden Agendas prescribed “Draconian” Corrective Measures (at huge expense to others) to ‘fix the problem’. Unfortunately, they chose to forget that in Nature there is an Ebb and a Flow. For example, Siberian Meadow-lands through the Arctic area were a reality long ago. Obviously things were warmer for the Flora and Fauna then; the ‘CGWECBMC’ will not discuss this fact. 

The Evidence of “Climate Change” is compelling. As to how much of it is “Mother Nature’s Work” and how much is “Man’s” only time will tell; time measured by Decades and Centuries (not Months nor Years). Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/ljgluqf

Chinese Shipyards Look To Research And Development In Off-Shore Oil Rig Fabrications

News Analysis: Chinese Shipyards Look To Research And Development In Off-Shore Oil Rig Fabrications; this, to meet or exceed such manufacturing in Japan and South Korea. More oil being discovered in all of the Oceans of the World bode well for the equipment needed for its extraction. Chinese understand that with the level of Quality that must be incorporated into both the design and build of Oil Rigs, more than just lower Price is involved in the selection process. Some of the Chinese Shipyards are ‘fast tracking’ obtaining Research And Development (R&D) Knowledge by purchasing established Companies that have it. ‘R&D’ purchased may be less expensive in both time and money than earning it over many years. The Yards already know the Quality they are  producing  in vessels is very Sea Worthy. Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/l5642lp

Port Of Piraeus, Greece, Gets China’s Financial Support

News Analysis: Port Of Piraeus, Greece, Gets China’s Financial Support to develop it beyond Ship Containerization Projects. Now,  Huawei Electronics will be distributing its Products throughout Europe by way of Piraeus.  Since China pays little attention  to Press Reports of “Gloom and Doom” being circulated in the Western Press, It makes its own “Long Term Growth” Assessments of a Nation. It has done so with Greece (Hellas).

Greece is ideal for Corporations or Countries who in Business value: Location, Location, Location.

Reality.

Reference: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2013-12/13/c_132963670.htm

“Prelude” To A New Technology In Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Processing

News Analysis: “Prelude” To A New Technology In Floating Liquefied Natural Gas Processing  by Royal Dutch Shell is a 488 Meter (1,601 feet) Vessel (built by Samsung Shipyard In South Korea). This Vessel will be employed in the Indian Ocean offshore of Australia.

Royal Dutch Shell is to be commended for pursuing this State-of-the-Art Technology. Now, every effort should be made to let the World Petrochemical Users know of such a Reality; as well as the Great Expense Ventured in creating the “Prelude”. After doing so, perhaps Politicians will diminish their Sophomoric Rhetoric about the cost of Petrochemicals.

Billions of Dollars invested on  Craft as the “Prelude” are not ‘sourced out of thin air’. They are derived from the results of ” Expensive Upstream (to this Vessel’s Operations) and Downstream Production” and Sales to Customers Worldwide. Reality.

Reference: http://tinyurl.com/lnawtfz

Chile To Have International Construction Consortium Build A Huge Suspension Bridge

News Analysis: Chile To Have International Construction Consortium Build A Huge Suspension Bridge Linking Chiloe Island to the Continent. Chiloe Island parallels the Andes and is 190 Km (118 Mi) Long and 65 Km (40 Mi) wide with 155,000+ people living on the Island.

The Suspension Bridge across the channel will be 8,500 feet long and of four traffic lanes. The distance between Support Pillars will be 3,200 feet. As such, it will be one of the longest Suspension Bridges in Latin America.

Korean, Brazilian, French and Norwegian Companies proposed building the bridge in 79 months.  The cost is estimated at $680 Million Dollars.

Experienced Multi-National Engineering Companies cooperating is an efficient Methodology to overcome possible Technical Difficulties in a large project such as this.

The Government of Chile is to be commended for its Vision as regards providing for the Infrastructure needs of its Citizens.

Reference: http://santiagotimes.cl/massive-bridge-project-approved-link-chiloe-continent/