Press release: British Prime Minister appoints Trade Envoy for Sri Lanka

Ranil Jayawardena, MP, as British Prime Minister's trade envoy for Sri Lanka Ranil Jayawardena – UK trade envoy for Sri Lanka

Mr Jayawardena’s role as trade envoy will be to support and enhance the development of Britain’s trade and investment with Sri Lanka.

The Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy will be visiting Sri Lanka from 15th to 17th February to meet with senior members of the government and engage with British business’s working in Sri Lanka.

Mr. Jayawardena was elected as the Member of Parliament for North East Hampshire in May 2015 and was reelected in 2017. He has a degree in government from the London School of Economics. In Parliament he is the chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Sri Lanka. Mr. Jayawardena’s father is of Sri Lankan origin.

Mr. Jayawardena said:

Given the shared history and close bonds of friendship between Britain and Sri Lanka – and with my family ties to Sri Lanka – I am looking forward to serving as the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy at an exciting time for both our countries.

There’s lots of scope for further trade and investment between Britain and Sri Lanka. I recently visited ‘Port City’, one among many initiatives that the Sri Lankan Government is pushing forward that demonstrate its commitment to creating the right conditions for economic growth. Port City will provide a range of opportunities for UK-based professional services to work with Sri Lankan partners to take forward our shared ambitions to develop international business. I am confident that engagement by the UK’s professional services sector will help Port City to attract international investment and build its reputation.

British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka James Dauris said:

For centuries Britain has been a global trading nation. Today we have one of the world’s largest economies and strong commercial relationships with countries around the globe. As the Sri Lankan economy grows we are seeing an encouraging increase in the number of British companies wanting to do business with Sri Lanka. Mr. Jayawardana’s appointment will help us to encourage more UK firms to look at options for doing business in and with Sri Lanka and to boost bilateral trade.

Published 7 February 2018




News story: Investigation into the policy and process followed by the Victim Contact Scheme in the Worboys case

On 19 January, Secretary of State David Gauke told Parliament he had asked Chief Inspector of Probation, Dame Glenys Stacey, to urgently review the way the victim contact scheme engaged with victims in the Worboys case.

Dame Glenys Stacey has completed this report and submitted her findings to the Justice Secretary.

Investigation into the policy and process followed by the Victim Contact Scheme in the Worboys case

Receiving the report, Secretary of State David Gauke said:

I am extremely grateful for Dame Glenys Stacey’s thorough report into the operation of the Victim Contact Scheme in the Worboys case – it will be an invaluable part of our urgent work to review parole transparency and victim contact.

It is reassuring that the correct procedures were followed and that in some respects Victim Liaison Officers have gone above and beyond the victim contact requirements.

However, I fully accept that there are things we can do much better. That’s why we have already changed the letters we send to victims to make them more compassionate, clearer and more informative, but there is more to do. We will take these findings and improve the system.

Read the Secretary of State’s oral statement on Transparency of the Parole Board and Victim Support




News story: £60m farming productivity fund launched at Dairy-Tech

Speaking to attendees and delegates at this year’s Dairy Tech event held in Stoneleigh Park, Minister Eustice praised the variety of technology on show at the event and explained how farmers can benefit from the grants.

Many of the items eligible for funding are highly relevant to the dairy sector, including specialist foot trimming crushes and calving detectors, but there is a range of innovative items from which the majority of farmers can find something they would want to apply for.

Farmers can apply online to the Countryside Productivity Small Grant Scheme, requesting a grant between £3,000 and £12,000 towards the costs of farm equipment.

Opening the event alongside Lord Curry and the Chairman of the RABDF Mike King, Minister Eustice explained how the scheme has been designed with simplicity in mind, to save farmers valuable time.

Farming Minister George Eustice said:

It’s fantastic to see the scale of innovation here in Stoneleigh, where over 250 exhibitors are showcasing some truly advanced products and services which have come to the market for dairy farmers to improve productivity.

The dairy industry is our largest agricultural sector and we want to make sure farmers can become more resilient, competitive and able to capitalise on the growing global interest in quality British produce as we leave the EU.

By opening this small grants scheme, we hope more farmers will be able to access this equipment and embark on more innovative and ambitious projects.

Last year Defra also opened a series of offers for larger grants through the Countryside Productivity scheme. Farmers can apply for grants of over £35,000 for a range of different projects, including for making more efficient use of resources, processing products, and other innovative projects.




News story: New National College for the nuclear industry launches

A new college that will train thousands of technicians and engineers to support Britain’s future nuclear programmes, create cleaner energy and provide a highly skilled workforce has opened its doors today (7 February).

The National College for Nuclear has hubs in Cumbria (Lakes College) and Somerset (Bridgwater & Taunton College), and state of the art facilities that include virtual, simulated laboratories. The college will help thousands of young people and learners gain the knowledge and skills they need to work in the growing nuclear sector, that provides vital low carbon power to businesses across the country.

The facility is one of five National Colleges being established by the government. The colleges are a key part of the Industrial Strategy, the Government’s plan to develop the technical skills of young people, provide industry with a skilled workforce across a range of sectors and support the country’s long-term economic growth. Other colleges already open include the College of Creative and Cultural Industries; Digital Skills and High Speed Rail.

The growing nuclear sector will see the development of twelve new reactors across five sites in the future, and with approximately 6,000 people each year needed for technical and professional roles, the National College for Nuclear will key part of producing the workforce and expertise required.

Apprenticeships and Skills Minister Anne Milton said:

I am thrilled to announce the launch of the National College for Nuclear.

This College will provide our nuclear industry with the highly skilled engineers, scientists, technicians it needs to grow – as well as giving more people the opportunities they need to get on in today’s competitive job market.

The impressive training facilities in Somerset and Cumbria demonstrate what can be achieved when Government, employers and providers work together to deliver high-quality education. I wish all the trainees and apprentices the very best of luck for the future as they embark on this exciting journey.

Leading nuclear industry experts Sellafield Ltd and EDF Energy will work alongside the University of Cumbria and the University of Bristol to train up to 3500 learners by 2020.

Stuart Crooks, EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C Managing Director, said:

EDF Energy is proud to be a partner in the National College for Nuclear. It will support the new nuclear renaissance in Britain and is a prime example of industrial strategy in action.

The southern hub in Somerset will stand alongside the excellent training facilities at Bridgwater & Taunton College which are already helping to provide essential skills needed for Britain’s economy. Together they show the big and positive impact new nuclear is having on jobs, skills and industrial capacity.

Chairman of the National College for Nuclear Colin Reed said:

It is with pride and expectation that we open the Northern and Southern hubs of the National College for Nuclear today. The journey to this point has been challenging and rewarding. We have students in place at both hubs benefiting from high level vocational education in state of the art facilities that were funded through Government vision.

From this start we are poised to grow to meet the challenge of nuclear skills in the years to come, both in student numbers at the existing hubs and also as we add further training deliverers at other locations to support the National demand.

Business Minister Richard Harrington said:

This is a pivotal moment for the future of nuclear energy in the UK. Through our Industrial Strategy, we are building a Britain fit for the future. These new learning hubs will give young people a fantastic opportunity to enter a highly skilled and well paid industry.




Press release: FOREIGN FLAGGED SHIPS UNDER DETENTION IN THE UK DURING JANUARY 2018

During January, there were six new detentions of foreign flagged vessels in a UK port, four vessels remained under detention from previous months. A total of six vessels remain under detention at the end of January.

  1. In response to one of the recommendations of Lord Donaldson’s inquiry into the prevention of pollution from merchant shipping, and in compliance with the EU Directive on Port State Control (2009/16/EC as amended), the Maritime and Coastguard agency (MCA) publishes details of the foreign flagged vessels detained in UK ports each month.

  2. The UK is part of a regional agreement on port state control known as the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control (Paris MOU) and information on all ships that are inspected is held centrally in an electronic database known as THETIS. This allows the ships with a high risk rating and poor detention records to be targeted for future inspection.

  3. Inspections of foreign flagged ships in UK ports are undertaken by surveyors from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency. When a ship is found to be not in compliance with applicable convention requirements, a deficiency may be raised. If any of their deficiencies are so serious they have to be rectified before departure, then the ship will be detained.

  4. All deficiencies should be rectified before departure if at all possible.

  5. When applicable, the list includes those passenger craft prevented from operating under the provisions of the EU Directive on Mandatory Surveys for the safe operation of regular Ro-Ro ferry and high speed passenger craft services (1999/35/EU).

Notes on the list of detentions

  • Full details of the ship. The accompanying detention list shows ship’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) number which is unchanging throughout the ship’s life and uniquely identifies it. It also shows the ship’s name and flag state at the time of its inspection.
  • Company. The company shown in the vessel’s Safety Management Certificate (SMC) or if there is no SMC, then the party otherwise believed to be responsible for the safety of the ship at the time of inspection.
  • Classification Society. The list shows the Classification Society responsible for classing the ship only.
  • Recognised Organisation. Responsible for conducting the statutory surveys: and issuing statutory certificates on behalf of the Flag State
  • White (WL), Grey (GL) and Black lists (BL) are issued by the Paris MoU on 01 July each year and shows the performance of flag State.

SHIPS DETAINED IN JANUARY 2018

Vessel Name: YASEMIN

GT: 4355

IMO: 9136836

Flag: Malta (White List)

Company: 1st Denizcilik Ltd

Classification Society: NKK

Recognised Organisation: NKK Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: NKK

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: NKK

Date and Place of Detention: 31st January 2018 at Southampton

Summary: Four deficiencies with two grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
18313 – Cleanliness Signs of vermin Yes
05105 – MF/HF Radio installation Not as required Yes
07420 – Means of escape Blocked No
16105 – Access control to the ship Not as required No

This vessel was still detained on 31st January 2018

Vessel Name: GEORGIY USHAKOV

GT: 6204

IMO: 9210335

Flag: Russian Federation (White List)

Company: JSC Maritime Trade Port of Khatanga

Classification Society: RMRS

Recognised Organisation: RMRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: RMRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: RMRS

Date and Place of Detention: 30th January 2018 at Grimsby

Summary: Sixteen deficiencies with two grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
04114 – Emergency source of power – Emergency generator Not as required Yes
01316 – Cargo information Missing information No
10127 – Voyage or passage plan Not as required No
10117 – Echo sounder Inoperative No
10115 – GNSS receiver/Terrestrial radio navigation switch Inoperative No
11101 – Lifeboats Not ready for use No
04103 – Emergency lighting, batteries and switches Inoperative No
11117 – Lifebuoys incl. provision and distribution Light missing No
18407 – Lighting (working spaces) Missing No
07199 – Other (fire safety) Other No
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire resisting divisions Not as required No
18432 – Risk evaluation, training and instructions to seafarers Not as required No
18324 – Cold room, cleanliness, cold room temperature Not as required No
10101 – Pilot ladders and hoist/pilot transfer arrangements Missing No
04106 – Emergency steering position communications/compass reading Inoperative No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes

This vessel was still detained on 31st January 2018

Vessel Name: LIVA GRETA

GT: 851

IMO: 8801072

Flag: Latvia (White Flag)

Company: Aquarius Ship Management Co

Classification Society: RINA

Recognised Organisation: RINA

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: RMRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: RMRS

Date and Place of Detention: 16th January 2018 at Troon

Summary: Eleven deficiencies with one grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
18425 – Access/structural features (ship) Damaged Yes
10111 – Charts Missing No
10129 – Navigation records Not as required No
01201 – Certificates for master and officers Not as required No
11116 – Distress flares Expired No
18401 – Medical equipment, medical chest, medical guide Expired No
01310 – Signs, indications Missing No
18416 – Ropes and wires Damaged No
03103 – Railings, gangway, walkway and means of safe passage Damaged No
03110 – Bulwarks and freeing ports Damaged No
15150 – ISM Not as required No

This vessel was released on 20th January 2018

Vessel Name: DEEPSEA WORKER

GT: 3345

IMO: 7905285

Flag: St Vincent & Grenadines

Company: Seaway Offshore LLC

Classification Society: DNV GL

Recognised Organisation: DNV GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: DNV GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: DNV GL

Date and Place of Detention: 19th January 2018 at Sunderland

Summary: Fifteen deficiencies with one grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
16105 – Access control Not as required No
01214 – Enforcement by flag state Missing No
01137 – Civil liability for oil pollution damage cert Missing No
10127 – Voyage or passage plan Lack of information No
10116 – Nautical publications Missing No
18399 – Other (Accommodation, recreational facilities) Other No
07122 – Fire control plan Not updated No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
07109 – Fixed fire extinguishing installation Not as required No
18302 – Sanitary Facilities Not as required No
18324 – Cold room, cold room cleanliness, cold room temperature Inoperative No
14499 – Other (Marpol Annex IV) Other No
07114 – Remote means of control (opening, pumps, ventilation etc.) Machinery spaces Inoperative No
03108 – Ventilators air pipes, casings Corroded No
14108 – 15ppm alarm arrangements Inoperative No

This vessel was still detained on 31st January 2018

Vessel Name: NAS PATHFINDER

GT: 224

IMO: 7312402

Flag: Panama (White Flag)

Company: Hakvoort Transport Shipping BV

Classification Society: QRS

Recognised Organisation: QRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: N/A

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: N/A

Date and Place of Detention: 16th January 2018 at Dover

Summary: Twenty three deficiencies with eleven grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention  
01214 – Endorsement by flagstate Missing Yes  
01220 – Seafarers’ employment agreement (SEA) Missing Yes  
10111 – Charts Not updated Yes  
10116 – Nautical publications Not updated Yes  
10127 – Voyage or passage plan   Not as required Yes
01108 – Load lines (including exemption) Missing Yes  
11116 – Distress flares Expired No  
11117 – Lifebuoys inc. provisions and disposition Not as required No  
18417 – Anchoring devices Not properly maintained No  
18399 – Other (Accommodation, recreational facilities) Other No  
13101 – Propulsion main engine Not as required No  
02113 – Hull – cracking Cracked No  
11104 – Rescue boats Not ready for use Yes  
07199 – Other (fire safety) Other Yes  
04102 – Emergency fire pump and its pipes Not as required Yes  
07110 – Fire fighting equipment and appliances Not as required Yes  
18404 – Electrical Unsafe Yes  
04103 – Emergency lighting, batteries and switches Inoperative No  
18299 – Other (conditions of employment) Other No  
11113 – Launching arrangements for rescue boats Not as required No  
07113 – Fire pumps and its pipes Not as required No  
06199 – Other (cargo) Other No  
07118 – International shore connection Not as required No  

This vessel was released on 25th January 2018

Vessel Name: A2B ENERGY

GT: 3999

IMO: 9183427

Flag: Netherlands (White flag)

Company: Holwerda Shipmanagement BV

Classification Society: DNV GL

Recognised Organisation: DNV GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: DNV GL

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: DNV GL

Date and Place of Detention: 11th January 2018 at Blyth

Summary: Seventeen deficiencies with two grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
10138 – BNWAS Inoperative No
03106 – Windows, sidescuttles and deadlights Not properly maintained No
10109 – Lights, shapes, sound signals Not properly maintained No
18407 – Lighting (working spaces) Damaged No
18425 – Access/structural features (ship) Not as required No
02114 – Bulkhead – corrosion Holed No
10105 – Magnetic compass Not readable No
07106 – Fire detection and alarm system Not as required No
18416 – Ropes and wires Not as required No
03108 – Ventilators, air pipes, casings Damaged Yes
18399 – Other (accommodation, recreational facilities) Other No
13103 – Gauges, thermometers, etc. Not as required No
18420 – Cleanliness of engine room Not as required No
04103 – Emergency lighting, batteries and switches Not as required No
14105 – Pumping, piping and discharge arrangements Not as required No
15150 – ISM Not as required Yes
07105 – Fire doors/opening in fire resisting divisions Not as required No

This vessel was released on 14th January 2018

DETENTIONS CARRIED OVER FROM PREVIOUS MONTHS

Vessel Name: DOLLY C

GT: 652

IMO: 7222310

Flag: St Vincent & Grenadines (Grey List)

Company: No Information

Classification Society: No Information

Recognised Organisation: No Information

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: No Information

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: No Information

Date and Place of Detention: 29th November 2017 at Falmouth

Summary: Eight deficiencies with eight grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
01209 – Manning specified by the minimum safe manning doc Missing Yes
01214 – Endorsement by flagstate Missing Yes
07111 – Personal equipment for fire safety Missing Yes
01199 – Other (Certificates) Other Yes
11116 – Distress flares Missing Yes
05103 – Main installation Missing equipment Yes
10105 – Magnetic compass Not as required Yes
14103 – Segregation of oil and water ballast Not as required Yes

This vessel was still detained on 31st January 2018

Vessel Name: MALAVIYA SEVEN

GT: 3001

IMO: 9087312

Flag: India (Grey List)

Company: GOL Offshore Ltd

Classification Society: IRS

Recognised Organisation: IRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM Doc: IRS

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: IRS

Date and Place of Detention: 5th October 2016 at Aberdeen

Summary: Five deficiencies with five grounds for detention

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
07105 – Fire doors/openings in fire resisting divisions Not as required Yes
07113 – Fire pumps and its pipes Not as required Yes
18203 – Wages Missing Yes
01220 – Seafarers employment agreement (SEA) Invalid Yes
18204 – Calculation and payment of wages No records Yes

This vessel was released on 27th January 2018

Vessel Name: SEA TRIDENT

GT: 964.

IMO No: 7393169.

Flag: PANAMA (white list)

Company:

Classification Society: Expired

Recognised Organisation: Expired

Recognised Organisation for ISM DOC:

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC:

Date and Place of Detention: 17 June 2016, West Cowes

Summary: Seventeen deficiencies with seventeen grounds for detentions

Defective item Nature of defect Ground for Detention
01101 – Cargo ship safety equipment cert Expired Yes
01102 – Cargo Ship safety construction cert Expired Yes
01104 – Cargo ship safety radio cert Expired Yes
01108 – Loadline cert Expired Yes
01117 – IOPP (International Oil Pollution Prevention cert Expired Yes
01119 – International Sewage Pollution Prevention cert Expired Yes
01124 – International Air Pollution Prevention cert Expired Yes
01137 – Civil liability for bunker oil pollution damage cert Expired Yes
01199 – Other certs (Certificate of class) Expired Yes
01201 – Certificates for master and officers Missing Yes
10111 – Charts Not updated Yes
10116 – Publications Nautical Not updated Yes
11108 – Inflatable liferafts Expired Yes
11116 – Distress flares Missing Yes
07109 – Fixed fire fighting extinguishing installation Not as required Yes
07110 – Fire fighting equipment & appliances Not as required Yes
01140 – Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance Missing Yes

This vessel was still detained on 31st January 2018

Vessel Name: CIEN PORCIENTO (General Cargo)

GT: 106.

IMO No: 8944446.

Flag: Unregistered.

Company: Open Window Inc.

Classification Society: Unclassed.

Recognised Organisation: Not applicable.

Recognised Organisation for ISM DOC: Not applicable.

Recognised Organisation for ISM SMC: Not applicable

Date and Place of detention: 4 March 2010, Lowestoft

Summary: Thirty deficiencies including seven grounds for detention

This vessel was still detained on 31st January 2018

Notes to Editors

• The MCA is a partner in the Sea Vision UK campaign to raise awareness and understanding of the sea and maritime activities. Sea Vision promotes the importance and economic value of the sector and works to highlight the exciting range of activities and career opportunities available to young people within the UK growing maritime sector at www.seavision.org.uk

• Follow us on Twitter: @MCA_media

For further information please contact Maritime and Coastguard Agency Press Office, on: +44 (0) 2380 329 401 Press releases and further information about the agency is available here.