News
NOL Profit Soars 44%
Neptune Orient Lines (NOL) reported a net profit for 2007 of $523m, 44% higher than the result for 2006. The Group's EBIT was $613m, 53% higher than in 2006. NOL Group President and CEO, Dr. Thomas Held, said: "At the start of 2007, we said NOL had a clear, unambiguous intention to grow profitably. We have delivered on that pledge." For the whole of 2007, APL carried record volumes of 2.4 million FEU. This was 12% more than in 2006, with particularly strong volume increases in the Intra-Asia trade lane. APL's headhaul utilization in 2007 continued to be at a high average level of 96%. "Our business model with its focus on yield, value-added services, high asset utilization and cost management has again delivered a good financial performance," Dr. Held said. Appeals for the Fifth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a claim filed by a mariner against various pilot boards based on the statute of limitations and failure to meet the age restriction. In the instant case, plaintiff mariner, who is an AfricanAmerican, tried for a number of years to be accepted by the Crescent River Port Pilots Association and the Board of River Port Pilots Commissioners for the Port of New Orleans as an apprentice pilot. Eventually, he brought this action alleging discrimination on the basis of race. The court found that his older claims were barred by the statute of limitations and he could not succeed with the more recent claims because by then he was at least 40 years old, which exceeds the age eligibility for new apprentice pilots. The court took this action reluctantly, noting defendants' "allegedly deficient record of including AfricanAmericans in their number." Mitchell v. Crescent River Port Pilots Association, No. 07-30525 (Source: HK Law).
Mariner's Claim Dismissed
In an unpublished decision, the U.S. Court of
Innovative Theater Set for Costa Ships
Work is proceeding at Fincantieri's Marghera shipyard on the construction of the Costa Luminosa, the next flagship of the Costa Cruises fleet. Two blocks have been laid in the buildinggraving dock; they weigh 444 and 280 tons and will constitute the heart of the ship's theater. The new show lounge will have seating capacity of over 800 and be arranged as a huge amphitheater on three levels at the fore end of the liner. Delivery of the Costa Luminosa, which will be 92,700 gt and provide accommodations for 2828 guests, is scheduled for April 2009. The theater, on which work commenced with the laying of the two building blocks, is one of the leading-edge innovations with regard to the shipboard entertainment. It is a sophisticated structure which will have a surface area of 1300 sq. m., height of about 10 m, and seating capacity of more than 800; the show lounge will feature amenities and technology setting an example for similar entertainment facilities built ashore. In particular, advanced "LED" technology will ensure a special effects capability so spectacular as to constitute, in itself, a "show within the show". The Costa fleet currently includes a total of 12 theatres, one on each ship, with seating capacities ranging from 300 to over 1350; on board there are more than 140 professional performing artists, plus 50 lighting and sound engineers. The theaters on the most recent flagships feature cutting-edge technology such as a digital audio console enabling full automation of all operations an advanced "Dolby surround" system delivering enhanced rich stereo sound throughout the auditorium, a fully automated stage controlled by a PC with dedicated software controlling the opening and closing of curtains, a remote control of the flying bars, a turntable stage and revolving music bandstand. In addition, there is a full-fledged "laser show" which can project film clips and
12
images, consisting of two monochromatic beams and one multicolor beam plus 26 mirrors arranged in the theater.
Above: The 'block' which will contain the innovative new theater on Costa Luminosa. Below: An artist's rendition of the new theater.
Maritime Reporter & Engineering News