Adirondack Scenic Railroad's Alco RS-18 ready For Polar Express Runs

Polar Express - Hear The Music

Departing Union Station, Utica, New York Daily For A Magical Ride To The North Pole

More Christmas Tains

I enjoyed the picture of the Adirondack Scenic Railway Christmas train. You may not be aware that CP Rail runs a Christmas train every year complete with entertaiment (the entertainers live in a couple of beautiful private cars). The train (actually 2 of them) goes across Canada and the U.S. One boxcar has been modified to serve as a stage. People are asked to bring donations to local food banks when they come to see the train.

It is, I understand, an all volunteer effort by CP Rail, its yard workers who decorate the trains and the crews that man it.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Blog

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train 2011 On You Tube

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train 2011 Departure

Pat Smith

CONTRIBUTOR For This Feature:

   Rich. BausPat Smith

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The Collision Causes 3 Containers To Fall From M/V MSC Nederland Onto The Deck of M/T Elka Apollon

From The Cargo Letter - Oct. 5 2011

Greek flagged, 799-foot tanker M/T Elka Apollon with 24 crew on board (10 Greeks & 14 internationals) collided with Panama flagged vessel M/V MSC Nederland in the Houston Ship Channel on Oct. 31 2011, causing damage to both and a small hydraulic fuel leak.

The U.S. Coast Guard responded to the collision at 9:47 am. They say the container ship and chemical tanker ran into one another at the Bayport Ship Channel and Houston Ship Channel intersection near light 75.

782-Foot M/V MSC Nederland Looses 3 Containers In The Collision

M/T Elka Apollon Has Whooped Open A Can of Deere On M/V MSC Nederland

The Tractors Were Rearranged In The Collision, But John Deere Corp. Is Know To Carry High Quality Marine Cargo Insurance - Because "Ship Happens"!

CONTRIBUTOR For This Feature:

An important contributor who must remain anonymous

INDEX

From The Cargo Letter - Oct. 5 2011 - stranded at Astrolabe Reef, off Tauranga, Maritime New Zealand

47,230-dwt Liberian-flagged boxship M/V Rena (IMO: 8806802, built 1990, 3029 TEU) carrying 25 crew struck the Astrolabe Reef and grounded on Oct 5. Several breaches have been identified in the hull but no breaches in the fuel tanks. A light sheen of oil was detected in the surrounding water which is able to be dispersed easily. No injuries. [From our Sr. Correspondent Tim Schwabedissen, 5-10-11]

Astrolabe Reef - an ironic place to ground a vessel

An astrolabe is an elaborate inclinometer, historically used by astronomers, navigators, and astrologers. Its many uses include locating and predicting the positions of the Sun, Moon, planets, and stars, determining local time given local latitude and vice-versa, surveying, triangulation, and to cast horoscopes. It was used in classical antiquity, through the Islamic Golden Age, the European Middle Ages and Renaissance for all these purposes. In the Islamic world, it was also used to calculate the Qibla and to find the times for Salah, prayers.

There is often confusion between the astrolabe and the mariner's astrolabe. While the astrolabe could be useful for determining latitude on land, it was an awkward instrument for use on the heaving deck of a ship or in wind. The mariner's astrolabe was developed to address these issues.

Under the present circumstances of M/V Rena, Astrolabe Reef is an ironic grounding location. M/V Rena might have been better off using an astrolabe for navigation, but now there is ample opportunity for M/V Rena to use the inclinometer feature for calculating her list.

THE IRONY MOST CRUEL

But the irony most cruel is having US$800,000 of sauvignon blanc stuck on the Astrolabe Reef -- a fact not lost on the Marlborough area winery that shares the same name. Blenheim wine company Astrolabe Ltd. has a shipment of 4,000 cases on the 236-meter M/V Rena. The wine was destined for the Irish Christmas market. Indeed, officials have doubled crews for the salvage effort upon learning of this peril for the sauvignon blanc. There is great sadness in Dublin, where a vigil in underway.

We hope Astrolabe Ltd had quality marine cargo insurance -- because a significant part of the cargo value -- if not most of it -- will be spent in General Average to save M/V Rena. Cargo insurance pays for General Average claims, to the insured amount.

Perhaps Astrolabe LTD should have used it's own astrolabe in planning this shipment.

Astrolabe Reef Peaks From The Sea -- Tip of The Berg

From The Cargo Letter - Oct. 5 2011 - stranded at Astrolabe Reef, off Tauranga, Maritime New Zealand

Maritime New Zealand says hydraulic oil has spilt from M/V Rena which has struck a reef near the Tauranga Harbour on Oct. 5, however the vessel's fuel tanks are still intact.

The 236m cargoM/V Rena, which carries a Liberian flag, struck the Astrolabe Reef, north of Motiti Island, around 2.20am. There are no reported injuries to the 25 crew on board.

A "light oil sheen" found on the surface has been identified as hydraulic oil, Maritime New Zealand says.

M/V Rena, which left Napier bound for Tauranga Port, is reportedly on a 10 degree list, but is stable on the reef. Two of her cargo holds are flooded, and pumps are being used to extract the water. "As a precautionary measure, fuel in tanks on the port side is being transferred to the starboard side," Maritime New Zealand said in a statement.

"The ship's captain is in discussion with the ship's owner and salvage experts to assess how best to move the ship off the reef - this is expected to take some time."

MNZ's Marine Pollution Response Service is mobilising its team of trained spill responders, as well as specialist equipment to the site. Members of the National Oiled Wildlife Response Team have also responded to Tauranga.

The Astrolabe Reef is about 4 nautical miles north of Motiti Island (about 12 nautical miles off the coast).

In August, the 22-year-old M/V Rena was detained for a day in Freemantle, Western Australia, by the Australian Maritime Safety Authority after "serious deficiencies" were found on the ship.The authority's report found the vessel had "not been maintained between surveys", the "hatchway cover securing arrangements defective" and cargo was not stowed and secured as stipulated in the cargo securing manual. The vessel was released after these issues were addressed.

M/V Rena is owned by the company Costamare Inc, of Greece, and was under the charter of the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC).

VIDEO oF M/V Rena At Astrolabe Reef

Expanded Photo Feature - we continue to follow the story of M/V Rena

From The Cargo Letter - Oct. 7 2011 - stranded at Littlehampton, UK

Lightering operations will begin on October 10 with the focus of removing the heavy oil and diesel fuel from M/V Rena first.  A naval architect is expected on scene and to evaluate if any other cargo will need to be lightered off M/V Rena before salvage can begin.  The tug M/V Waka Kume out of Auckland has been charted to assist in the salvage operation. The tug is expected to be on scene by the next day.

Greatest fear -- the oil tanks have been compromised. Over 20 tons of oil has thus far leaked from /V Rena -- but there are 2,000 tons aboard.

Four vessels from the New Zealand Defence Force have been deployed for the response, comprising Rotoiti, Taupo, Manawanui and Endeavour.

Editors Note

The saga of M/V Rena will be breaking news for the foreseeable future, as we have experienced with so many nail biting stories of this type over the years. Normally The Cargo Letter would provide you with daily updates and a flood of exciting photos -- including many we have already collected.

Unfortunately, we must depart to attend the FIATA World Congress at Cairo, Egypt very shortly. We expect a break in our coverage, but plan to resume this story, with a full feature, in a about two weeks. If history holds true to form, M/V Rena will remain breaking news at that time. With M/V Rena hard aground and her holds flooded -- the big question is whether this troubled vessel can be saved?

Thanks to all our loyal Contributors, whose valued efforts brings depth to the features we provide for you.

McD - your Editor

Reader Comments - Oct. 8 2011

From the various news stories it appears M/V Rena may be leaking some fuel oil while she has definitely already leaked some lighter oils. New Zealand is very proud of its 'clean grean' image as tourism is a major part of their economy, so the oil leak concerns are the headline stories in all the local media.

Weather has been remarkably calm so far but heavier seas are forecast from Oct. 10. Maritime NZ ordered the shipowners to appoint a salvor two days ago and Svitzer was signed.

I just thought to check the tides at the time of the grounding, M/V Rena did indeed go aground only 27 minutes after high tide. High tide was at 0153 local time, she grounded at approximately 0220.

Looking at the images of M/V Rena, her forward half seems to be stuck fast, her stern half still floating. I wonder how, the structure of M/V Rena will cope with that if the heavier seas do arrive That explains why M/V Rena looks so high in a lot of the photos.

Stuart Midgley - Duck Brothers Transport Pty Ltd,, Australia

Expanded Photo Feature - we continue to follow the story of M/V Rena

CONTRIBUTORS For This Feature

Simon Dutto

Ashley Black - UK

William Cooke - Hawaii

Todd Drake

Ben Gundry

David Kempster - Australia

Stuart Midgley - Duck Brothers Transport Pty Ltd, , Australia

John Nichols - Scottsdale, AZ

Jude Ravo

Reuben

Expanded Photo Feature - we continue to follow the story of M/V Rena

INDEX

A Caribbean Airlines Boeing 737-800 In Better Days

From The Cargo Letter - July 30 2011 - Miracle At Guyana

Caribbean Airlines flight BW-523 from Trinidad seemingly overshot the runway at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana at 1.32 a.m. Saturday, July 30. The Boeing 737-800 broke in two pieces. There were no fatalities among the 163 passengers and crew on board although 35 people were treated for injuries at medical facilities in Guyana.

Flight BW-523 Overshot Runway 06 At 1.32 a.m. On July 30 2011

Preliminary Findings By Investigators Point To Pilot Error Rather Than Mechanical Or Other System Malfunctions

Investigators Believe The Pilot of The Four Year Boeing 737-800 Old Had Not Dropped His Flaps Prior To Landing

From The Cargo Letter - Aug. 5 2011 - Miracle At Guyana

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, preliminary findings by investigators into the July 30 Caribbean Airlines crash landing in Guyana point to pilot error rather than mechanical or other system malfunctions. The findings were based on eyewitness accounts and data retrieved from the plane's data-recorders

Excessive speed and other suspected lapses in landing procedures at the were cited by investigators as the primary reasons that the airliner rolled off the runway at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.

It was ascertained that the flaps and slats -- movable panels on the front and rear edges of the wings of the jet -- were apparently not extended as required before touchdown. Proper configuration of the wing surfaces is essential to decelerate most airliners during descents.

A source indicated that information from the flight recorders, as well as marks on the runway, confirmed that the jet touched down close to halfway along the length of the runway.

The Importance of Flaps & Slats

The amount of lift generated by a wing depends on the shape of the airfoil, the wing area, and the aircraft velocity.

During takeoff and landing the airplane's velocity is relatively low. To keep the lift high, airplane designers try to increase the wing area and change the airfoil shape by putting some moving parts on the wings' leading and trailing edges. The part on the leading edge is called a slat, while the part on the trailing edge is called a flap. The flaps and slats move along metal tracks built into the wings. Moving the flaps aft (toward the tail) and the slats forward increases the wing area. Pivoting the leading edge of the slat and the trailing edge of the flap downward increases the effective camber of the airfoil, which increases the lift. In addition, the large aft-projected area of the flap increases the drag of the aircraft. This helps the airplane slow down for landing.

The next time you fly in an airliner, watch the wings during takeoff and landing. On takeoff, we want high lift and low drag, so the flaps will be set downward at a moderate setting. During landing we want high lift and high drag, so the flaps and slats will be fully deployed. When the wheels touch down, we want to decrease the lift (to keep the plane on the ground!), so you will often see spoilers deployed on the top of the wing to kill the lift. Spoilers create additional drag to slow down the plane.

Whatever The Cause -- 162 Passengers & Crew Walked Aaway From This Miracle At Guyana

The Belly Cargo Did Not Fare As Well

The Miracle Landings of 2009

We will never forget the January 2009 "Miracle On The Hudson" when US Airways Flight 1549 survived it's 3 minute flight -- and was successfully landed in the Hudson River of New York with the courage and skill of Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger, III. The "Miracle" was simply stated: there were no fatalities. Captain Chesley B. Sullenberger, III performed the improbable!

Our Photo Feature: "Miracle On The Hudson" -- Includes The Complete History of Aircraft Water Landings

Just 42 days later there was to be the "Miracle At Schipol" As Captain Hasan Tahsin Arisan brought his Turkish Airlines B737-800 down in a muddy farming field, short of a safe landing at Amsterdam's Schiphol International Airport. Miracle? Again, that's the only definition when 127 souls survived a horrendous impact from which no one should have walked away. Actually, about 30 of the 127 survivors did just that -- walked away with no deaths.

Our Photo Feature: "Miracle At Schipol"

The next major miracle was to happen when an American Airlines plane with more than 150 people on board overshot the runway on the night of Dec. 22 2009, while landing in heavy rain in Kingston, Jamaica, injuring more than 40 people. Flight 331 took off from Miami International Airport at 8:52 p.m. ET and arrived at Kingston's Norman Manley International Airport at 10:22 p.m. ET. The flight originated at Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. It was carrying 148 passengers and six crew members. Even though the Boeing 737-800 broke into three sections -- all walked away -- another absolute miracle'

Our Photo Feature: "Miracle At Kingston"

Indeed, 2009 was the year of aviation miracles!

The Miracle Landings of 2011

Our Photo Feature: "Minor Miracle On The Obi"

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From The Cargo Letter - June 12 2011 - Malibu's Navy

The affluent, beachfront city of Malibu in western Los Angeles County, California, United States, with a population was 12,645 and home to movie stars, now sports its own navy, as the AEGIS guided missle destroyer USS John Paul Jones DDG 53 made a one-of-a-kind port call on the June 11 - 12 2011 weekend for Navy Days. The 505-foot-long guided missile destroyer is a member of the U.S. Third Fleet, based in San Diego. "Ships like this don't normally visit open ocean piers," said City Council member Jefferson "Zuma Jay" Wagner. "It's very, very rare. They usually dock in a harbor. This has never been done before in the city of Malibu." Tours of the vessel for all were conducted by shore boat over the week end. The vessel is named for America's greatest naval hero -- American Revolutionary War Captain John Paul Jones.

Only In California

The 505 Foot USS John Paul Jones DDG 53 Is Showcased Behind Two of Malibu Navy's More Numerous Coastal Patrol Craft

Your Editor Turned Out With The Entire Town To Welcome USS John Paul Jones DDG 53 On Malibu Pier

The John Paul Jones Crew of 338 Experienced Some Malibu-style R&R During The Special Weekend End And Were Guests of Honor At A Private Barbecue.

In The Words of Malibu

"If you happen upon any of these fine men and women, please do extend your hand in gratitude for their dedication and service. It means so much to them to know that when they are deployed overseas, their family is supported by all of us so let's give them that memory to hold onto during the time they are separated. Buy them a cup of coffee, send over a dessert but of all that each of us could do it's the extension of gratitude that they hold close wherever they are. And a few adopt-a-soldier dinners will be held"

We Say Bravo Zulu! It Was A Great Week End For A Great Cause.

Michael S. McDaniel

INDEX

Container M/V Deneb In Better Days

Port of Algeciras, Cadiz Province, Southern Spain.

It Is The Largest City On The Bay of Gibraltar (In Spanish, The Bahía de Algeciras).

From The Cargo Letter - June 11 2011 - A Capsize In Cadiz

A container ship's crewmember was injured after 101 meter M/V Deneb partially capsized at Juan Carlos I dock of the Port of Algeciras. According to port sources "the incident has led to two tugs are holding the vessels from the sea". Officials "have created a security perimeter" to prevent further problems. Cause of the accident is being investigated.

The Juan Carlos I dock is managed by Maersk in Algeciras.

M/V Deneb usually makes the crossing of the Straits of Gibraltar, carrying containers between Port of Algeciras and North Africa.

CONTRIBUTOR For This Feature

Jorge Martin

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Fugro Corp.'s CASA 212 In Better Days

This Amazing Aircraft Is Outfitted For Aerial Mineal Discovety & Earth Sciences Exploration

Unfortunately, Fugro Corp.'s CASA 212 Suffered Engine Failure On Her April 2 2011 Takeoff From Saskatoon, Canada

Fugro Corp.'s CASA 212 Suffered Engine Failure

From The Cargo Letter - April 3 2011 - A Crash In Saskatoon, Canada

A twin engine CASA 212 airplane crashed into a sound barrier along a busy street in Saskatoon's north end April 2 evening, killing one person on-board.

"I looked up and the plane was right above us and I saw the faces of the pilots. I remember seeing their faces. They looked terrified," said eyewitness Jayden Ernst.

Just before 6:30 p.m., the airplane plunged from the sky, skimmed condominium buildings to the southeast of the intersection of Wanuskewin Road and 51st Street and smashed into the sound wall on the east side of Wanuskewin.

The twin engine CASA 212 was on approach to Saskatoon's John G. Diefenbaker International Airport, but one of its engines had failed, Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services said. Five kilometres from the airport, the plane lost power.

The 42-year-old pilot and the 57-year-old co-pilot were taken to Royal University Hospital in stable condition, according to MD Ambulance.

Iaroslav Gorokhovski, a 47-year-old man from Embrum, Ont. Canada, died at the scene.

The aircraft is owned by Fugro Companies, which has divisions that conduct aerial surveys and is known for its work involving surveys over resource properties in Saskatchewan.

Fire trucks from Saskatoon Fire & Protective Services and the Saskatoon airport responded to the scene and were on standby at the airport. Initial reports indicated the airplane had 1,000 pounds on fuel onboard.

A Transportation Safety Board spokesman says during the next few days, investigators in Saskatoon will collect information and sections of the aircraft.

47-year-old Iaroslav Gorokhovski was the lone passenger in the turboprop registered to Fugro Airborne Surveys.

Terry McConnell, the managing director of Fugro 's Ottawa office, says the aircraft was conducting a geological sweep around 6:15 p.m.

The pilot reported an engine failure.

McConnell stated that the Casa 212 model began to gain altitude before the other engine stopped.

An emergency was then declared.

Witnesses suggest that the pilot and co-pilot tried to avoid homes and a grocery store during the approach to John G. Diefenbaker International Airport.

The plane narrowly missed a busy street but hit a northern neighbourhood's brick sound barrier, killing Gorokhovski.

The other two men - also Fugro employees - were rushed to an area hospital for undisclosed injuries. They have been released.

No one on the ground was injured.

Transportation Safety Board and Transport Canada officials are sifting through the wreckage.

The exact cause of the crash may not be known for several months.

The aircraft was apparently built in 1981.

Lone Passenger Iaroslav Gorokhovski, a 47-year-old man from Embrum, Ont. Canada, died at the scene.

In All Modes of Transport Dangers Are Inherit -- But Here Even The Data Collection Was Covered By Insurance

Is Your Domestic & International Cargo Covered?

Editor Note

These pilots may very well have given their lives to avoid the homes and the grocery store during their emergency re-approach to John G. Diefenbaker International Airport. The number of actual heroes in our industry is beyond measure.

For whatever reason, the men & women who operate our vessels, planes, trains & trucks all tend to demonstrate this particular trait in that ultimate time of crisis.

McD

INDEX For This Feature

Fugro Corp

Wiki

Casa 212

CONTRIBUTOR For This Feature

Our Doc - an important contributor who must remain anonymous

INDEX

Catch This Deal Fast - Before It Floats Away

From The Cargo Letter - March 11 2011 - The Cargo Was Steak & Lobster

It is normally the vallet who brings our car after a fine dining experience, but that process also required the intervention of a tug boat for diners at the Waterfront restaurant on March 11.

Diners at Jeff Ruby's Waterfront restaurant found themselves floating down the Ohio River during the dinner rush at 10:15 pm when the floating restaurant broke from its moorings. All had to be rescued one by one with a makeshift gangplank of ladders and ropes after the boat came to rest against a bridge about 100 feet downriver. Officials said the hours-long rescue was orderly and calm. Women were rescued first, then the men. One patron would climb down the gangplank wearing a life jacket, which would then be sent back up for the next person.

The Waterfront specializes in seafood dishes and, when docked, is located at the Pete Rose Pier in Covington, Ohio. A tugboat is currently holding the restaurant in place, and will help move the Waterfront to its new location.

Cris Collinsworth, NBC's game analyst for Sunday Night Football, was among those rescued.

Jeff Ruby's Waterfront Restaurant - Stuck Under The Bridge Which Carries U.S. Highway 127 Across The Ohio River

People Could Only Be Rescued One At A Time, So It Took Several Hours To Evacuate. No injuries Were Reported. Date of The Next Voyage Has Not Been Announced.

Reader Comment - March 14 2011

"Although the restaurant has a great view of Cincinnati 'Ohio', it's actually normally docked in Covington, 'Kentucky'."

Lee Anne Ward, PMP

Reader Comment - March 14 2011

"I find it incredible that only one lifebelt could be found to safely transfer diners to the shore. One assumes that a safety standby was wearing a second life jacket although I fear that thisassumption might be naive.

Murphy's Law proved itself here. What were the causes of the unscheduled departure? What is the back-up plan in such a scenario? Was a risk assesment or safety plan made? Was adequate safety equipment available(probably already answered) ?If the answer to any one of these is no, then no insurer would be likely to pay out for injuries or fatalities.

What was the underwriters assesment? Perhaps it was carried out in a fine atmosphere of bill (or check!) free dining.

This is worrying. I wonder what international certification and rules are in place for such establishments?"

Peter Wright - West Kilbride, Scotland

CONTRIBUTOR For This Feature

Sean Garcia

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"Ship Happens! ©" Beautifully!

From The Cargo Letter - March 9 2011

A tractor-trailer hauling industrial printer cartridges rolled over on the ramp from Route 128 North to Interstate 95 North in Peabody, Massachusetts spewing ink across the roadway. No other vehicles were involved in the March 9 2011 and the driver was not injured in the crash, which occurred about 6:10 a.m.

Several hundreds of gallons of ink splattered onto the highway creating the most colorful cargo loss in history! A potential Carmack claim in technicolor!

Approximately 16,000 pounds of ink cartridges from the Flint Group, an Indianapolis-based company selling printing and packaging products, was bound for a newspaper company in Portland, Maine. Red, blue, and yellow ink cartridges were inside the truck. Workers from TMC Services in Bellingham are removing the ink, he said. The process involves laying sand over the ink, which soaks it up, and then sweeping the sand away. The ink is non-flammable.

There were no injuriesd, so we can look at the lighter side of this.

CONTRIBUTOR For This Feature

Christoph M. Wahner

Photo by Winslow Townson for The Boston Globe

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