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Articles by Mark Langdon
HHS Secretary Announces Intent to Extend HHS-OIG Exclusion Authority to CMS, Expanding the Administration’s Anti-Fraud Campaign
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced that he would give CMS the authority to exclude individuals and entities from participation in federal health care programs, an authority previously held only by HHS-OIG.
HHS Secretary Announces Intent to Extend HHS-OIG Exclusion Authority to CMS, Expanding the Administration’s Anti-Fraud Campaign
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently announced that he would give CMS the authority to exclude individuals and entities from participation in federal health care programs, an authority previously held only by HHS-OIG.
Taking aerospace coatings to infinity and beyond
Meet Michael Suhara, the man who’s light years ahead with painting the future of aerospace coatings. Imagine being able to create flying works of art – dazzling designs that can turn the skies into a soaring showcase of aeronautic creativity. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it. However, if you ask Michael Suhara to describe his role at AkzoNobel, he’ll cryptically tell you he’s the Senior Technical Service Coordinator for Aerospace Coatings. That doesn’t even tell half the story.
Taking aerospace coatings to infinity and beyond
Meet Michael Suhara, the man who’s light years ahead with painting the future of aerospace coatings. Imagine being able to create flying works of art – dazzling designs that can turn the skies into a soaring showcase of aeronautic creativity. It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it. However, if you ask Michael Suhara to describe his role at AkzoNobel, he’ll cryptically tell you he’s the Senior Technical Service Coordinator for Aerospace Coatings. That doesn’t even tell half the story.
Gibdock completes renewal of Technip’s Deep Blue
Gibdock has completed a significant assignment in the offshore market, after Technip entrusted the Gibraltar yard with the repair and renewal of Deep Blue – the flagship in its specialised pipelay and subsea construction fleet.
Foreship UK surpasses 100 project milestone
May 28, 2025 | Featured Article, News alternative fuel solutions | cruise | dry dock | DryDock | drydocking | energy efficiency technologies | ferry | Foreship | Foreship UK | marine engineering | naval architecture | project milestone | retrofit | ship operators | ship repair | ship theory | shipowners | shiprepair | stability assessments NEWS|SEAFIRST|OPINION|MAGAZINE|ADVERTISING|JOBS|CONTACT Foreship UK surpasses 100 project milestone Foreship UK has completed its 100th project, marking a...
AkzoNobel bonds with IPG Photonics over laser curing for powder coatings A pioneering partnership has been forged between AkzoNobel and IPG Photonics focused on applying laser technology for curing powder coatings. The groundbreaking process involves calibrating the company’s Interpon powder coating formulations for optimal results with laser curing solutions from IPG. This will offer a faster and more energy efficient alternative to conventional curing methods.
Weld America announces leadership transition
Weld America, a subsidiary of Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc., (CSI) announces the appointment of Jeff Bristow as Executive Director and Vice President, effective immediately. Bristow succeeds Ken Mebane, who retired recently after more than 46 years of dedicated service to the company. Bristow brings more than 20 years of shipbuilding and leadership experience to Weld America in contract administration, estimating/pricing, and program management.
ASRY celebrates GTT certification for LNG carrier repairs
ASRY, has been awarded certification by Gaztransport & Technigaz (GTT), a leading engineering company in containment systems for the shipping and storage in cryogenic conditions of LNG (liquefied natural gas) worldwide. The accreditation recognizes ASRY’s compliance with the highest international standards for the repair and maintenance of LNG carriers. The certification was announced during ASRY’s participation in the Seatrade Maritime Qatar conference, held in Doha in the first week of February.
AkzoNobel launches game-changing waterborne basecoat for bodyshops
A new generation waterborne basecoat for vehicle repair which can significantly improve bodyshop productivity and performance has been developed by AkzoNobel. Requiring just a single visit to the spray booth, Sikkens Autowave Optima helps achieve up to 50% faster process times compared with conventional basecoat application methods. It means energy costs and carbon emissions can both be reduced by up to 60%*.
Gibdock Yachting to provide dedicated service to luxury refit market
Gibdock has announced the launch of Gibdock Yachting as a dedicated division focusing on a key area of business growth for the Gibraltar ship repair and maintenance yard. Gibdock Yachting will build on Gibdock’s long-standing expertise in maintaining and refitting superyachts. It will also work in a strategic partnership with BWA Yachting – the world’s largest superyacht agency and yachting services provider – to communicate the yard’s reputation for high quality and on time redelivery.
MB92 Group acquires leading superyacht painter Pinmar
MB92 Group, one of the world’s leading superyacht refit, repair, and maintenance companies has completed its acquisition of GYG Ltd, a leading superyacht painting, service and supply company which trades under the Pinmar, Pinmar Yacht Supply and Technocraft brands. This milestone is part of MB92’s strategic plan to drive growth through consolidation, strengthening its ability to meet evolving industry demands.
ABS Approves Ammonia Fuel Retrofit Solution from Nikkiso
An ammonia fuel supply system that can be retrofitted to existing vessels or installed on newbuilds has earned approval in principle (AIP) from ABS. The ammonia fuel supply system from Nikkiso Clean Energy & Industrial Gases, part of Nikkiso Co, Ltd’s Industrial Division, features high efficiency pumps and an integrated fuel management system. ABS completed design reviews based on class and statutory requirements.
Medicare Part D’s New Cost-Smoothing Program: Key Insights and Impacts
Beginning in January 2025, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, including stand-alone and Medicare Advantage Part D Plans, must provide enrollees with the option to smooth their out-of-pocket (OOP) prescription drug costs (capped at $2,000 in CY2025) evenly throughout the plan year.
Color Line to futureproof Ro-Pax vessels with Wärtsilä hybrid scrubber upgrade
Wärtsilä will upgrade the exhaust treatment system onboard four vessels in Norwegian operator Color Line’s fleet. Wärtsilä will add close-looped functionality to the ships’ current open-loop scrubbers, enabling the ships to operate at maximum efficiency, safely and in the most environmentally sustainable way possible. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in Q3 2024.
AkzoNobel upgrades Chinese site to meet buoyant demand for coatings
A newly updated and automated production line is up and running at AkzoNobel’s Suzhou site in China, part of a €14 million investment designed to accelerate growth and double the plant’s capacity for marine and protective coatings by 2025. The recent upgrade – which will already boost daily capacity by more than 40% – is scheduled to be followed by updates to three additional lines, which will result in the doubling of overall capacity before the end of next year.
MacGregor secures crane order for MMA Offshore
MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has received a large order for its 50-tonne active heave compensated (AHC) crane to be installed on board MMA Valour, a versatile and flexible multi-purpose platform supply vessel. The vessel has a proven track record in servicing a broad range of offshore work scopes across the energy and offshore wind sectors. The contract has been booked into Cargotec’s second quarter 2024 order intake, with crane supply scheduled for the third quarter of 2025.
Rio Tinto selects Alfa Laval OceanGlide fluidic air lubrication
Alfa Laval will provide Rio Tinto, the world’s largest dry bulk shipper, with the OceanGlide fluidic air lubrication system. This innovative system enhances a ship’s propulsion efficiency and energy savings while sailing. Rio Tinto has selected the Alfa Laval OceanGlide fluidic air lubrication system for one of its bulk carriers, as part of its focus to boost vessel energy efficiency and decarbonise shipping.
BASF Coatings signs Global Preferred Partnership agreement with INEOS Automotive
INEOS Automotive and BASF’s Coatings division have signed an agreement on a global automotive refinish body and paint development. The partners will commit to a long-term strategic collaboration that enables them to exceed the industry standard in vehicle body repair and paint refinish. The partnership includes the supply of sustainable refinish solutions, expertise and latest digital color-matching solutions and training.
AkzoNobel transforms town in Pakistan with the power of paint
Residents of around 1,000 homes in the town of Mustafabad are benefiting from the cooling power of paint after AkzoNobel teamed up with the Akhuwat Foundation to carry out the company’s largest ever “Let’s Colour” project in Pakistan. With average summer temperatures in the region peaking close to 50°C, the exteriors of the homes have been painted with Dulux Weathershield. The product features Keep Cool Technology, which can reduce surface temperatures by up to 5°C.
Carnival Corporation signs LTSA with MAN PrimeServ
MAN Energy Solutions, MAN Energy Solutions USA and Carnival Corporation & plc, the world’s largest cruise company, have signed a service agreement (LTSA) for five of Carnival’s Vista Class cruise ships powered by MAN 48/60CR type engines. The scope of the agreement covers the management of all maintenance, including planning, parts, technical advisory service, training and remote monitoring support. MAN Energy Solutions will manage the agreement via MAN PrimeServ, its after-sales brand.
LR supported by Greek shipping leaders launches Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre in Athens
The Lloyd’s Register (LR) Maritime Decarbonisation Hub is collaborating with five leading shipowners as Founding Members in the establishment of a not-for-profit Athens-based global Maritime Emissions Reduction Centre (M-ERC) that will focus on optimising the efficiency of the existing fleet. LR and The Founding Members believe that this is a significant initiative, which underlines the importance of Athens as an international maritime centre.
Thordon Bearings supplies its first TG100 seal in Chile
Leading water-lubricated bearings and seals innovator Thordon Bearings has completed the installation of its award-winning TG100 tailshaft seals on a twin-screw passenger vessel. The retrofit took place during a scheduled drydocking at a Chilean yard in October 2023. It is the Canadian company’s first TG100 reference aboard a Chilean operated vessel.
Wärtsilä to support efficiency of Carnival’s waste handling with four-year technical support agreement
Wärtsilä Water & Waste, part of technology group Wärtsilä, has signed a four-year Service, Spares and Technical Support agreement with cruise operator Carnival Corporation & plc. The contract covers a platform for providing the support needed to maintain and operate the onboard waste-handling equipment efficiently, and in compliance with the most stringent environmental regulations. The order was recorded in Wärtsilä’s order book in Q2 2023.
DeepOcean charters converted offshore support vessel
DeepOcean enters into a long-time charter agreement for the Island Condor – to be re-named Island Ocean multi-purpose support vessel (MPSV) – following conversion and upgrade. The vessel will be converted from a 2014-built vessel to a modern construction support vessel equipped with a 150 Te crane which will provide subsea inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR), light construction and recycling services to DeepOcean’s customers in the offshore renewables and oil and gas industries.
Drydocking pre-inspection avoids future pain
Sometimes costly, periodically mandatory and ultimately inevitable, the drydocking is part of the normal life of a ship. However, with days in dock also experienced as lost earnings, the stakes are high for what is a rare opportunity to deal with the safety, environmental and efficiency issues that cannot be handled in service. MacGregor recently created a new drydocking superintendent function within its organisation to provide internal and customer-facing focal points for project delivery.
Methanol space challenge finds Superstorage solution
On the understanding that ‘green’ methanol will one day run vessels almost emission-free, commercial shipping is increasingly looking favourably on a fuel type which – in its current form – is widely used in other industries. Derived today principally from natural gas, methanol is nonetheless available, relatively easy to handle and predictable.
Healthcare and Life Sciences Compliance Reminders for "Commercial Only" Arrangements
Two recent developments serve as reminders that healthcare and life sciences companies should take care in structuring so-called “commercial only” arrangements that seek to reduce U.S. Anti-Kickback Statute (AKS) risk by excluding federal healthcare program (FHCP) patients from the arrangement.
HHS-OIG releases General Compliance Program Guidance for Healthcare Industry
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) earlier this week released General Compliance Program Guidance (GCPG) applicable to all individuals and entities involved in the healthcare industry. As discussed in a prior Sidley Update, the GCPG is the first in a series of voluntary, nonbinding compliance program guidances (CPGs) that HHS-OIG intends to publish in response to stakeholder feedback.
Newcastle United predictions: Magpies need to maintain last season's form
- Fans excited by Sandro Tonali arrival - Champions League could take its toll on squad - Recommended bet: Alexander Isak to win the Golden Boot Not since the 2002-03 season have Newcastle United played in the Champions League group stage, but last term's fourth-place Premier League finish means the Magpies will once again mixing it with Europe's elite.
New York Enacts New Requirement for Prior Notice of Certain Healthcare Transactions
On May, 3, 2023, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed into law a requirement for certain healthcare entities to notify the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) at least 30 days before closing certain “material transactions.” The notice requirement, which is a change from the original proposal, which required approval by NYSDOH, goes into effect on August 1, 2023.
HHS-OIG Announces Plan to Modernize Healthcare Compliance Program Guidances
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) recently announced its plan to update the format of and public notice protocol for its voluntary, nonbinding compliance program guidances (CPGs) based on feedback it received as part of HHS-OIG’s Modernization Initiative and other input.
England vs USA predictions: Three Lions can flourish in American spaces
- England started in fine fashion with six goals against Iran - USA were left hanging on at the end against Wales - Recommended bet: England to win and over 1.5 goals England started their World Cup campaign with a superb 6-2 win over Iran and will be looking to book their place in the knockout stages by beating USA on Friday.
2022-23 UEFA Champions League predictions and best bets: Barcelona gamble could pay off
Real Madrid has won the Champions League 4 times since Barcelona’s most recent success in 2014-15 but the famous trophy could return to Camp Nou this season. The last 12 winners of the UEFA Champions League have all come from either Spain (7 wins), England (3) or Germany (2 wins) and Barcelona will be hungry for a 6th European crown after Madrid won its record-breaking 14th with a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in last season’s final.
Aston Villa vs Manchester City predictions: Haaland to lead City slickers
Aston Villa have made a slow start to the Premier League season and things will not get any easier for boss Steven Gerrard when his strugglers face rampant champions Manchester City. Gerrard's outfit have lost four of their opening five league games and scored just four goals which is five fewer than City's remarkable hotshot Erling Haaland. The Norwegian will rock up at Villa Park aiming to be the first Premier League player to score a hat-trick of hat-tricks.
Ranked! The 11 best non-league goals of all time
The English non-league rarely delivers the kind of beautiful football worthy of the world’s top divisions, but every once in a while players at this level can show the pros how it’s done and produce something truly special. From Roberto Carlos-esque free-kicks to finishes that Zlatan Ibrahimovic would be proud of, these are the best goals ever scored in English football outside of the top four divisions...
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