World-renowned Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) specialist Ramora UK (www.ramorauk.com) has safely disposed of an unexploded World War II mine onsite at one of the world’s largest offshore windfarm.
 
The four-man Ramora UK team used a Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) to place a countermining charge next to the 1,500lb (680kg) mine which had been assessed as high-risk due to damage previously sustained to it.

Throughout the procedure a 1,500m safety zone was maintained to protect other vessels in the area.
 
A controlled explosion was then initiated from a safe distance, leaving an underwater crater 65ft (20m) wide by 13ft (4m) deep.

Fishers should no longer throw tonnes of unwanted fish back into the sea, the European Commission said as it revealed its plan to reform the European Union's Common Fisheries Policy.

A major part of the reform would be to take decisions on fisheries away from Brussels and allow member states to decide so that they can take account of local conditions. Other proposals include adopting an ecosystem-based approach to limit the impact of fishing and reducing fleet overcapacity without the use of subsidies.

To come into operation in 2013, the new policy would phase out so-called 'discards' and give fleets quota shares guaranteed for at least 15 years. The commission said in the Mediterranean 82 per cent of fish stocks were overfished and 63 per cent in the Atlantic.

Following a fire which completely destroyed the factory and offices of Ocean Safety’s depot in Port Glasgow, the UK’s biggest independent supplier of safety equipment to the marine sector has opened its doors once again, just four months after its stock and offices were almost completely destroyed.

The company has re-located the Scottish office to Greenock, in a strategic waterfront position close to the Customs House and the site of a proposed new marina.  “We are back in business as of today,”

There was a real vibrancy to the 14th edition of Seawork.  While the business of maintaining Europe’s marine infrastructure is important work, the prospects surrounding marine renewable energy are proving exciting.  By making the most of these opportunities for business, Seawork continues to reinforce its position as Europe’s leading commercial marine exhibition and conference.

This year’s 14th annual Seawork drew an enthusiastic response from all who attended the three-day event. Held in the ABP Port of Southampton (14-16 June), there were almost 12% more visitors than in the previous year. Of particular significance was the increase in those travelling from overseas. Examples included a party of 12 foreign Naval Attachés from countries including North and South America, Europe and Asia. 

Sunny Thakrar, group finance director at Sunseeker, has confirmed the company has appointed top accountancy firm Deloitte as its new auditors after many years with Grant Thornton, writes Matt Johnson.

“Periodically changing auditors is regarded as standard corporate governance in order to preserve the independence of the audit,” Mr Thrakrar told Boating Business.

Sunseeker’s move to Deloitte is all part of the restructuring process that began when the company acquired its new shareholders in June 2010 and initiated a review of its advisory arrangements.