Heerema Marine Contractors (HMC) has selected Kongsberg Maritime's K-Sim Offshore simulation platform to enhance crane operator training and the safe, efficient implementation of heavy lift operations. With the contract signed on May 21st 2014, delivery of what will become the world's most advanced offshore heavy lift crane simulator is planned for September 2015. It will be installed at a new simulation center in the HMC Academy at the company's HQ in Leiden, the Netherlands.

As a leading international offshore oil and gas marine contractor specializing in transporting, installing and removing offshore facilities, HMC's requirement when selecting its simulation partner was to develop a system that could train the most competent crane operators and conduct detailed pre-mission training for heavy-lift projects. To meet these requirements, Kongsberg Maritime will develop a unique simulator based on the K-Sim Offshore platform, which is already in use at several high-profile offshore training facilities worldwide.

"In addition to the technical capabilities of the K-Sim Offshore Simulator, especially including its high-level hydrodynamics, it was important to find a simulator supplier that we could work closely with on such an extensive project," comments Catina Geselschap, Project manager at the HMC Academy. "Kongsberg Maritime demonstrates not only the technical competence to deliver such a complex and sophisticated simulator, but also an open approach that encouraged dialogue and a willingness to find a solution working in close cooperation with Heerema."

The Kongsberg Maritime scope of supply includes two offshore crane operator domes and a DNV Class A bridge with K-Sim DP simulator, which is based on the same Kongsberg Maritime K-Pos DP systems used on Heerema's vessels. To achieve highly realistic training, the K-Sim Offshore simulator will feature detailed models of three HMC deepwater construction vessels; Thialf (Semi-Sub), Balder (Semi-Sub) and Aegir, in addition to several barges (including H-851) and a supply vessel.

Supporting Heerema's plans to use the simulator for project planning, testing & verification, Kongsberg Maritime is also developing a set of library objects and models of offshore installations and equipment used for simulating specific heavy lift projects; such as lifting Jackets, top sides and subsea templates from barge to vessel or from vessel and overboard. Also included in the delivery is an extensive instructor and debrief system, and two deck operator trainers (deck position simulator) designed to train for communication and teamwork between the crane operator and deck operators.

"Heerema is pushing limits with real operations and the K-Sim Offshore simulator project will push limits within training for heavy-lift applications," says Harald Kluken, Area Sales Manager, Kongsberg Maritime Simulation. "As our most advanced offshore heavy lift crane simulator to date, this project will take the K-Sim Offshore simulator platform a great step forwards in regards to engineering and pre-simulation for complex heavy lift operations."

Caterpillar Marine is pleased to announce Cat® power and propulsion offerings have been selected to provide complete propulsion solutions for four ocean-going towing vessels designed by Ulstein Design and Solutions. Each vessel will have 4x 9 M 32 C propulsion engines, rated at 4500 bkW @ 600 rpm. Also onboard each vessel will be 3x Cat C32 auxiliary generator sets rated at 940 ekW @ 1800 rpm as well as 1x Cat C9 generator set to provide emergency power. All four vessels will be equipped with 2x AEM shaft generators rated at 3150 ekW @ 1200 rpm. Each vessel has two Cat BCP1330F main propellers, two BTT625 tunnel thrusters and two BTT419 tunnel thrusters. The MaK and Cat power and propulsion solutions will be delivered over the course of the next year.

Designed to tow large structures such as offshore drilling rigs, ULSTEIN SX157 design vessels offer a 300-ton bollard pull and are capable of operating at full loads for 45 days without refueling. The vessels will be constructed at the Niigata Shipyard in Japan. Cat dealer Pon Power led the Caterpillar efforts on the sale in conjunction with Cat Propulsion. Upon completion of construction the vessels will be owned and operated by ALP Maritime Services, which was recently acquired by Teekay Services.

"This remarkable project is a milestone achievement for Caterpillar Marine as it represents to the global marine industry what we are capable of as a comprehensive provider of not only power solutions but propulsion systems. Through our rigorous project management and close collaboration with Cat dealer Pon Power, we have been able to seamlessly work with Ulstein to equip the vessels with performance solutions you can only get from Caterpillar ," Alexander Kohse, Caterpillar Marine global offshore segment manager noted. "As a result of the synergies we offer amongst our power, propulsion and comprehensive service offerings, shipyards and operators can rely on Caterpillar for more than ever before."

Cat BCP controllable-pitch main propellers have been specifically designed and developed for heavy-duty applications with the pitch setting hydraulic servo cylinder in the hub. The hub lubrication system is a unique oil circulating system with an integrated moisture monitoring system. This is the first hub system in the shipbuilding industry where the moisture content is constantly checked, making it possible to protect the entire propeller system as well as the environment.

Cat tunnel thrusters feature a modular design with modern transmission layout and custom-designed blades to suit each individual application. The complete thruster can be mounted and dismounted in the tunnel (swing-in/swingout design) and can be driven by electric motor or diesel engine. Built to meet the demands of the major classification standards, the thrusters offer customers maximum reliability with minimum downtime and good serviceability.

UK-based Rix Sea Shuttle will shortly take delivery of their first ever Damen vessel – a Fast Crew Supplier 2610 – to support their growing involvement in the offshore crew transfer market.

The new vessel, the Rix Lion, is due for delivery on July 4th, just 6 weeks after signing the contract. "Our yards in Singapore and Vietnam build the FCS 2610 as a stock model," says Damen Sales Manager United Kingdom & Ireland Arjen van Elk. "As such, we can offer our clients very fast delivery times." This particular vessel was constructed at Damen Shipyards Singapore.

"We chose the Damen FCS 2610 because it is the best vessel on the market," says Rix Sea Shuttle Director James Doyle. "It is a vessel with an excellent reputation and our customers demand that." Rix Sea Shuttle requested the Rix Lion to have a number of adaptations. For example, a deck crane and modified railings on the fore deck increase the area available for equipment transfer. A second generator set and a high pressure cleaner have also been added. Finally, the new vessel will be painted 'Rix-green' to match the livery of the rest of the company's offshore crew transfer fleet.

The FCS 2610 offers a safe and stable platform for fast crew transfer combined with a large deck with equipment movement. The twin hulls reduce the slamming movements associated with fast transport at sea. "Offshore wind turbine technicians are typically non-mariners, so we aim to get them to work as comfortably and as safely as possible," explains Mr Van Elk. Onboard Wi-Fi provides further luxury. "Rix Sea Shuttle is a new client for us," continues Mr Van Elk. "They too are a family-owned company and we are very happy to have them onboard. We are looking forward to continuing an open and trusting relationship with them in the future."

"You can't fail to be impressed by Damen," continues Mr Doyle. "If you want a vessel delivered this season, instead of next year, then Damen is the choice."

Founded in 2012, Rix Sea Shuttle provides offshore personnel and equipment transfers as well as fuel bunkering and secure warehousing services at 16 UK locations. The company is part of the 140 year old, fifth generation JR Rix & Sons Group of companies and holds ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 accreditation standards.

Newbuild orders for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) are picking up in expectation of rising demand but risk putting the sector's recovery at risk, according to Drewry's latest Tanker Forecaster report.

New ordering activity has accelerated in the VLCC segment, extending the upward trend of 2013. VLCC orders started picking up in 2013, when 26 units were ordered after the subdued contracting period of 2011-12, during which just 21 VLCC orders were reported. The trend gained momentum in the first quarter of 2014 with a total of 15 VLCCs ordered, as compared with only six vessels in the fourth quarter of 2013.

"Attractive yard prices, expectations of faster growth in demand for large crude carriers (amid rising trade on long-haul routes) and growing interest from private equity firms in the tanker market resulted in increased ordering in 2013," said Rajesh Verma, editor of Drewry's Tanker Forecaster. "The recent firming in freight rates in the period market also added fuel to the fire."

Demand on long-haul routes is increasing with changing trade patterns in the oil market. The surge in US shale oil production and downstream expansions in Asia are resulting in higher crude oil exports from Latin America, the Caribbean and West Africa to distant Asian markets. By contrast, exports to the US are declining.

"Tonnage utilization in the VLCC market has not picked up sufficiently to accommodate any surge in ordering activity, putting the sector's recovery at risk over the coming years," warned Verma. "The recent slowdown in the Chinese economy is an additional concern for the VLCC market, as many refinery projects are being delayed or cancelled due to slowing oil demand growth in the country. So, owners need to be cautious."

"Tanker Forecaster" is a quarterly report published by Drewry Maritime Research and is priced at £2075. The report will be available from the Drewry website www.drewry.co.uk.

Harkand successfully completed the test fit of the newbuild self-propelled hyperbaric lifeboat (SPHL) to the hyperbaric rescue facility (HRF) at Unique Maritime Group's facility in New Iberia, Louisiana.

Harkand DSV Upgrade includes Self-propelled Hyberbaric Lifeboat

In the Gulf of Mexico, industry standards require diving support vessels to be equipped with a means of hyperbaric evacuation that will provide immediate rescue for divers in saturation, if an emergency evacuation is required. Harkand has taken the extra step in providing an SPHL which provides a controlled escape for the divers who can be navigated to a safe harbor with and HRF.

The SPHL test mating was the first milestone in the USD 8.5 Million upgrade of the diving support vessel (DSV) Harkand Swordfish which is currently working in the Gulf of Mexico.

Harkand is completely upgrading the 1000' ABS Classed Saturation Diving System which will be fully IMCA compliant. An additional decompression dive chamber (DDC) will be added, increasing the capacity for divers to 15. The upgrade to DSV Harkand Swordfish also includes an upgrade of the three-man bell to the highest industry standards. The vessel will also be fitted with a 165' IMCA compliant surface diving system.

Mike Brown, general manager – diving operations, North America and Africa, said: "Our diving operation is rapidly expanding. During this growth period, we are focused on the safety of our personnel and the quality of our equipment. We are not interested in just complying to the industry safety standards, we are listening to the experienced, knowledgeable members of our team and implementing the safest equipment available. Harkand is focused on setting the standards for diving and IRM.

"In addition to the upgrade to the DSV Swordfish, Harkand is adding two IMCA compliant and DNV classed surface gas diving spreads to our Gulf of Mexico assets. The first will be delivered early Q4 2014."

Harkand provides offshore vessels, ROVs, diving, survey services, project management and engineering to the oil and gas and renewables industries. Employing close to 1,000 people at bases in Aberdeen, London, Houston, and Singapore; Harkand aims at being the leading subsea IRM and light construction contractor globally.

Adding to its fleet of 37 conventional and ASD vessels, Signet Maritime Corporation took ownership of its ninth newly constructed tractor tug in six years. SIGNET ARCTURUS, a 105' x 38' Z-Drive, designed by Robert Allan Ltd. of Vancouver, British Columbia was delivered by Patti Marine Enterprises of Pensacola, Florida on May 25, 2014.

SIGNET ARCTURUS is powered by two Caterpillar model C175-16 main engines, each rated 3417 BHP at 1800 RPM. The engines are coupled to two Rolls-Royce US 255 CP azimuth thrusters via carbon fiber shafting, providing thrust for ABS certified sustained bollard pull of 83.45 metric tonnes. All Caterpillar mains and John Deere 6068TFM76 generator engines aboard the vessel are U.S. EPA Tier 3 certified for reduced emissions.

Joseph W. Dahl, Vice President, Signet Maritime said "this technologically advanced newbuild complements Signet's offshore towing, rig escort and subsea expansion." SIGNET ARCTURUS will be joined by her sister, SIGNET POLARIS, a second ocean towing tractor tug, scheduled for delivery later this month from Patti Marine. Both tugs will be based at Signet's Ocean Towing Division in Port Fourchon, Louisiana for service to the offshore energy industry. Further, Dahl said, "Bundling the controllable pitch propeller (CPP) tractor technology with the brute strength of SIGNET WARHORSE tugs will provide our customers the best of both worlds in strength and agility."

The vessel is equipped with fire resistant wheelhouse windows for servicing LNG and drilling platforms to ensure safety of the crew in case of fire hazard. It is USCG Inspected and is certified ABS International Air Pollution Prevention, International Oil Pollution Prevention and International Energy Efficiency for environmental compliance. Deck machinery includes a Markey model DEPCF-52S, 75 HP electric bow winch and Markey model TESD-34, 100 HP electric double-drum towing winch. The bow winch contains 650 feet of 3-inch diameter synthetic line and the towing winch contains 2 ¼" x 2500' tow wire and one 2 ¼" x 1500' tow wire. SIGNET ARCTURUS is ABS Maltese Cross A1, Towing Vessel, Escort Vessel, Fire Fighting Vessel Class 1, Maltese Cross AMS.

With the inclusion of the ARCTURUS and the POLARIS, the Offshore Towing Division has increased its fleet to ten OTVs, equipping Signet to provide energy service companies with high bollard pull towing and marine movements from harbor to offshore throughout the Gulf of Mexico.

Aberdeen-based standby vessel operator Atlantic Offshore Rescue has secured a five year charter with five, one year options to extend with Shell UK to support operations in the Gannet, Annasuria and the Dana Petroleum Triton Asset in the central North Sea.

John Bryce, managing director of Atlantic Offshore Rescue

Ocean Osprey, a brand new Class A tanker assist, rescue and standby ship will be used to provide emergency recovery, rescue cover, tanker assistance and general field support in offshore operations. The vessel is the first of a new H820 design from Havyard Ship Design and was developed in close collaboration with Atlantic Offshore.

The 66.9 metre long vessel was built in Passai, Spain by Zamakona shipbuilders over a fifteen month period to replace Ocean Searcher. Two further sister vessels are also under construction as part of the company's £300million fleet modernisation programme.

The new vessel has secured 30 jobs and is one of 12 Emergency Response and Rescue Vessels (ERRV) managed by the company from its Aberdeen base.

Ocean Osprey can accommodate up to 21 employees and has the capacity to rescue more than 300 persons. It will make its North Sea debut later this month to begin operations.

Atlantic Offshore Rescue is part of the Atlantic Offshore Group, which is based in Norway. Atlantic Offshore Rescue Ltd employs 350 people (approximately 330 seamen and 20 office-based staff) and provides multi-role offshore and emergency rescue and response vessels for many of the oil majors operating in the North Sea.

John Bryce, managing director of Atlantic Offshore Rescue, said: "Securing this charteris down to the first class vessels we offer clients, as well as the experience and professionalism of our team.

"Ocean Osprey features some of the most up to date shipping technology, replaces Ocean Searcher and secures 30 jobs. Launching the new vessel is also part of our ongoing commitment to provide the very best, cutting edge emergency response to those operating in the North Sea, an absolutely crucial part of all oil and gas operations."

In January this year, Atlantic Offshore Rescue commissioned a £6 million Class A ERRV vessel for a two year charter with Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd (Nexen) to provide emergency vessel cover for Nexen's flagship Golden Eagle Area Development in the North Sea.

Mr Bryce continued: "Obtaining this contract, our second long term charter this year, is a real milestone for Atlantic Offshore and, we look forward to fulfilling further contracts in the coming months."

Inclusive of Atlantic Offshore Rescue's 12 vessels, Atlantic Offshore Group currently operates a fleet of 24 ERRVs and PSVs and manages further PSVs on behalf of third parties.

The Group's aim is to continue to expand its capabilities within both the Norwegian and British sector of the North Sea and to be able to provide cross-border solutions reflecting the needs of its clients for both ERRVs and PSVs.

Over the past decade or so, as offshore oil has grown in importance, the development of vessels to meet the needs of the industry has made great strides. The needs for reliability in demanding sea conditions will put any hull to

A starboard-side view of the Royal Thai Navy patrol boats.

the test. It is not unusual for a commercial vessel serving the petro-industry to clock up 6000 or more hours of operation per year. For vessels operating on time charter, down time can be expensive.

The versatile crew boats that have been developed to meet these expectations are particularly versatile. Their aluminum hulls and multi-engine power provide safe transport of personnel and well as the versatility to carry significant cargos.

Thailand’s Marsun Shipyard has built many of these boats over the years. With three Cummins KTA38 M2 engines each rated at 1350 HP turning fixed pitch propellers the aluminum-hulled vessels make speeds in excess of 24 knots with positive sea-keeping abilities. Marsun also has a long established relationship with the Royal Thai Navy. Not surprisingly the crew boats for the petro industry drew the attention of some astute navy people and an idea was born.

The concept of a military style patrol boat on a commercial hull platform was developed with the engineering departments of Marsun Shipyard and the Royal Thai Navy. A patrol boat required a larger superstructure as well as some armament. To accommodate the additional weight, with increasing speed, the design team decided to increase the horsepower of the navy patrol version. This was accomplished by replacing the Cummins KTA38 M2 engines with three 1800-HP Cummins KTA50-M engines. The 36-meter hull maintained the same 7.6-meter beam and hull form. 

The latest three modified version vessels, with 63-square-meters of clear deck space, retain much of the 36-meter crew boat’s large 67-square-meter after deck. This gives the patrol boat the same 50-ton load capacity and allows the vessel to carry two 20-foot containers on the aft deck should the need arise. Modifications also give the vessel significant flexibility in operations, such as search and rescue capabilities, not found on most patrol vessels of this size. The aft deck is designed with the capacity to mount surface-to-surface missiles. The forward deck has installed a 20 mm machine gun (a 30 mm machine gun is an option). Additional flexible space is designed-in to provide a control system command room in future.

The resulting patrol boat, with a total of 5400 reliable horsepower, achieves speeds in excess of 27-knots. Although the larger engines require more fuel, navy specifications required less fuel capacity than the commercial vessel, which balanced the increase in engine weight. Overall the navy vessel has less weight and consumes less fuel than similar sized patrol boats while offering full functionality in sea state 5 conditions. The combination of a proven commercial hull and a functional patrol deck-layout and superstructure will continue to give good service under all conditions for many years to come.

A new module addressing the implications of SOLAS regulations for the recovery of crew and passengers in distress at sea has been released by leading maritime training provider, Seagull.

The Seagull module, Recovery of persons from the water (CBT 297), is directed at management and operational staff responsible for a ship's safety management system.

The need to recover people from water usually occurs at short notice in emergency situations. The training module will help those onboard to draw up a ship-specific plan and it emphasises the need for everyone onboard ship to be familiar with their role in it.

The objectives include being able to identify the risks, recognise the factors that should be taken into account and list the essential requirements of a plan as well as know that drills must take place and be recorded.

In addition, the module's objectives include being able to list the actions to be taken to help those rescued to recover from the effects of being in cold water and to identify actions that can be taken when direct rescue is not possible.

Roger Ringstad, Roger Ringstad, Managing Director, Seagull AS, says: "This module helps ship's staff prepare, revise and review plans and procedures in line with SOLAS 111/17-1), which came into force on July 1 2014 and means that all ships will now have ship-specific plans and procedures for the recovery of persons from the water".

"The requirements apply to new ships constructed (with keel laid) on or after July 1 2014, and to existing ships by the first periodical or renewal safety equipment survey after this date. Ro-Ro passenger ships have already been requested to carry means of recovery equipment and should have complied already with the requirements."

Seagull's 60-minute, English language module has been created with the assistance of the Norwegian-headquartered supplier of safety, rescue and inspection equipment, Dacon AS, and with the UK company Jason's Cradle® Man Overboard Solutions, whose MOB system is used globally to retrieve people quickly and horizontally from the water.

"The importance of the horizontal recovery position cannot be overstated, as an estimated 20% of persons die during vertical lifting," says Mr Ringstad. "Horizontal lifting reduces the possibilities of 'dry drowning' and it is one of the quickest and safest methods of retrieving both conscious and unconscious persons."

The Damen shipbuilders in the Dutch province of Friesland will not just be sitting on their laurels after the delivery and christening of the two Damen Combi Freighters 3850 (the Noordvliet and Zuidvliet) and the Damen Combi Coaster 2500 MV Anita (photo). "We are seeing a real market for smaller vessels and an interest in the vessels we build." The specialised yard, part of Damen Shipyards Group, is ready for a market revival.

This was what Remko Bouma of Damen Shipyards Bergum had to say about the developments in the maritime industry, in which Damen Shipyards plays a prominent role. This is because the Damen Group's shipyards have plenty to offer. The branch in Bergum contributes by building vessels in the 8200, 2500 and 3850 series, as well as other products in its portfolio. The Combi Freighters 3850 Noordvliet and Zuidvliet have already been deployed in regular service from the Baltic States to the Black Sea, where their sister ships previously supplied by Damen have already proven themselves. The Combi Freighters 3850 generally transport project-specific, bulk and non-bulk cargoes. The Noordvliet and Zuidvliet showed what they could do on their maiden voyages, during which they transported parts and equipment for wind farms from Germany to the Mediterranean region. Both ships had cargo on both of their two cargo decks.

MV Anita
Erik Schultz, the Commercial Director at Damen Shipyards Bergum, seconded his colleague Bouma's positive interpretation of the market, including while serving as master of ceremonies during the christening of the Damen Combi Coaster 2500 MV Anita. This sea/river vessel has been chartered by Vertom USC Holding, a Rotterdam-based tramp shipping agency. Among other things, MV Anita can transport 54 TEU or a total of 2,500 tonnes of dry bulk goods, steel, or other types of cargo. The sea/river vessel runs routes between the United Kingdom and ports in continental Europe. Through environmentally friendly features, in particular by flexibly deploying its main engine (which saves fuel) but other "eco" measures as well, the vessel can be operated much more fuel efficiently than its predecessors in the same class.

This vessel and "marine freight superbroker" (and former chair of the Dutch Marine Freight Brokers Association [Nederlandse Zeebevrachters Sociëteit]) Ary Vijfvinkel have something in common: MV Anita was named for Vijfvinkel's wife, Anita Vijfvinkel-Pevenage. Damen Shipyards and Vertom UCS Holding found this gesture to be a proper way to honour the man who for many years was the face of international marine freight brokerage. His wife Anita was proud to be able to assist with the christening of the MV.

Signet Maritime Corporation, a global marine transportation provider, has announced it has completed its acquisition of eight Harvey Gulf International Marine offshore towing vessels (OTVs) ranging in size from 153 to 75 metric tons bollard pull. The sale will encompass all Harvey OTVs, spares, business and supplies. Signet has committed to retention of all crewmembers and plans for Tier 3 Generation of power onboard all eight tugs with conversions starting immediately.

Signet Warhorse II

The purchase expands Signet's vessel classes and allows the Company to broaden its service, offering over 38 ASD tractor and conventional vessels to customers in the Gulf of Mexico and worldwide. When combined, the modern fleet under Signet ownership and operation will average 11 years of age. "The combination of Harvey and Signet follows a thorough due diligence process and is fully consistent with our strategy of being a "one-stop turnkey" source for all our customers' needs," stated J. Barry Snyder, Signet's President. Further, he commented, "This acquisition will accelerate our growth plans and we are very excited to welcome the talented and hardworking employees of Harvey OTVs to the Signet team."

Shane J. Guidry, Chairman & CEO, Harvey Gulf said, "Our two companies share a strong culture of entrepreneurship and a focus on quality and service to the customer. I look forward to seeing the talented people of Harvey and Signet work together as we continue to fulfill our commitment to meet all our customer needs."

Since 1976, Signet has been a preeminent maritime transportation source for quality vessels. The Company specializes in rig moves, towing, ship assist and escort, vessel design, new vessel construction, repair and maintenance. Keeping the Company at the forefront of technology in the maritime industry, Signet was one of the first to incorporate EPA Tier 3 engines into all its vessel designs. Most recently, Signet's ASD reverse tractor tugs participated in the safe movements of Shell OLYMPUS, Chevron's Jack & St. Malo, Anadarko's LUCIUS, and Chevron's BIG FOOT.
The addition of the eight ocean-class offshore towing vessels enhances Signet's high-performance fleet and enables it to provide ocean towing of semi-submersible, jack-up drilling rigs, TLPs, anchor handling, and subsea pipeline installation support.

The transfer of OTV ownership was completed on May 15, 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana with financing provided by Wells Fargo Equipment Finance as part of a $209 million syndicated financing facility. All vessels are scheduled for Tier 3 upgrade and refurbishment at Signet Shipbuilding & Repair in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Signet will continue to maintain its Offshore Towing Division operations from Port Fourchon, Louisiana.

The purchase of the powerful bollard pull ABS classed towing vessels includes: 

· Signet Warhorse I 152.63 metric tons
· Signet Warhorse II 153.58 metric tons
· Signet Warhorse III 135.44 metric tons 
· Signet Lightning 98.76 metric tons
· Signet Thunder 89.74 metric tons 
· Signet Intruder 86.98 metric tonnes
· Signet Titan 82.81 metric tons 
· Signet Trojan 75.70 metric tons.

Kongsberg Maritime Engineering (KME) has signed a contract with Gina Krog LLC, a subsidiary of Teekay Shipping AS, for supply of an Integrated Control and Safety System (ICSS) and Power package to the Gina Krog FSO (Floating Storage and Offloading) unit, to be delivered to the Statoil operated Gina Krog field on the Norwegian continental shelf, North Sea.

Teekay recently entered an agreement with Statoil to provide the FSO for the Gina Krog field. The $220 million conversion project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2017, before the newly converted FSO unit will commence operations under a time-charter contract to Statoil.

With delivery due to start Q2 2014, KME's project scope includes design, engineering, manufacturing, testing and supply of all materials, equipment, accessories and tools required for the complete ICSS, Medium Voltage Switchboard, Low Voltage Switchboard (440VAC / 230VAC), thruster transformers, thruster drives, thruster motors and 230VAC distribution, for installation and operation on the FSO.

KME is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kongsberg Maritime and has since 2008 acted as a contracting solution company specialising in EIT engineering and system integration on an EPC basis (Engineering, Procurement & Construction) with strong focus on project management, contracting engineering and site management. KME offers a coherent engineering and management service based on Kongsberg Maritime's established technical competence and experience with marine and offshore operations.

Teekay Offshore Partners L.P. is an international provider of marine transportation, oil production and storage services to the offshore oil industry focusing on the fast-growing, deepwater offshore oil regions of the North Sea and Brazil. Teekay Offshore owns interests in shuttle tankers, floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) units, floating storage and offtake (FSO) units and conventional oil tankers. Teekay Offshore has rights to participate in certain other FPSO and shuttle tanker opportunities provided by Teekay Corporation (NYSE: TK) and Sevan Marine ASA (Oslo Bors: SEVAN). A majority of Teekay Offshore's fleet trades on long-term, stable contracts and it is structured as a publicly-traded master limited partnership.

BOURBON celebrates delivery of the 500th vessel, placing the group at the head of the world's largest fleet of vessels operated1 for the offshore marine services industry

BOURBON announces the entry into service of the 500th vessel - the Bourbon Evolution 806, the 6th vessel of the 1st series of IMR2 vessels for the offshore industry. BOURBON thus ranks among the world's leading groups for the offshore marine services industry.

This delivery validates BOURBON's strategic decision to focus on achieving economies of scale through standardization and construction in series, thus offering its customers a reliable innovative fleet with optimized service quality: ""We are delighted with the delivery of this 500th vessel, which reflects our commitment to provide the means to continue our development and to best serve the needs of our clients. We are now realizing the fruits of seeds sown over several years when we invested in a series of standardized vessels to achieve a global leadership position in our market."" asserts Gael Bodénès, Chief Operating Officer.

With a fleet of 500 vessels averaging 6.3 years of age, BOURBON operates worldwide with over 11,000 employees providing local services through 28 operating affiliates who ensure commercial and contractual relationships, as well as local technical support on-site, close to operations. By year-end 2015, the delivery of the 34 vessels under construction will make the fleet even larger and better able to serve the most demanding customers.

BOURBON'S standardization policy is best illustrated by the success of its series of vessels:

The Bourbon Liberty series: By the end of 2014, the fleet will include 111 next-generation Bourbon Liberty vessels offering high standards of quality and performance. They have a prove client track record, thanks to their embedded technologies such as the class 2 dynamic
positioning system, backup equipment, cargo capacity and the optimization of fuel consumption.

The Bourbon Evolution 800 series: With the delivery of the 500th vessel, BOURBON currently has 6 Bourbon Evolution vessels in operation (and 4 more under construction) in this 1st series of IMR vessels positioned within the deepwater offshore market. With a class 3 dynamic positioning system, these highly reliable vessels have outstanding maneuverability and their backup equipment guarantees optimum safety.

The seismic support vessel series: BOURBON has pioneered the 1st series of 6 seismic support vessels, custom designed for CGG that allows the provisioning of fuel, equipment and personnel to seismic vessels ensuring the safety of their operations. 4 vessels are already fully operational.

The Bourbon Explorer 500 series: This is a new series of 20 PSV vessels launched in 2014, 4 of which are already in operation. Their cargo capacity is a real added value, as they have been optimized to supply modern drilling equipment with a large carrying capacity of slurry (drilling lubricant) of 1,500 m3. They can also carry up to 50 people, offering the customer additional accommodation capacity on the oil fields.

As part of its growth strategy, BOURBON not only focuses on construction in series, but also on centralizing maintenance and personnel's training via a structured industrial organization.

As part of its growth strategy, BOURBON not only focuses on construction in series, but also on centralizing maintenance and personnel's training via a structured industrial organization.

BOURBON Repair Centers: Pooling the fleet's technical support, carried out by the Group at the local level makes it possible to provide all subsidiaries with the necessary technical specialists and parts inventories, with 6 BOURBON Repair Centers deployed close to their operations.

Standard exchange: Thanks to its Plug & Play standard exchange system BOURBON is able to replace all of its propulsion units with new or reconditioned components, thus eliminating the need for the vessel to remain in the repair center. Standard replacements reduce repair time to the strict minimum.

BOURBON Training Centers: BOURBON's 15 Training Centers contribute to standardizing the company's worldwide training efforts for all crews. As the fleet becomes more and more standardized, specific training programs have been put together to perfectly meet the safety requirements and the quality of service provided to the customer.

The vessels standardization policy and centralization of maintenance allow BOURBON teams to ensure customers operational continuity as well as achieving high levels of technical availability of 94.5% in 2013.

1 Vessels owned or on bareboat charter
2 Inspection, Maintenance and Repair of subsea infrastructure

James Fisher Defense, the leading global sub-sea operations and engineering company, has stated that navies around the world are now seriously addressing the need to re-develop their skills in the use of maritime warfare, specifically in relation to maritime Special Forces and strategies for operations and intelligence gathering. This is leading to new challenges in how sub-sea and surface systems are designed, manufactured and integrated.

JFD, which is exhibiting its new range of Swimmer Delivery Vehicles (SDVs) at the Undersea Defense Technology conference in Liverpool, UK, believe there are a number of reasons for this changing dynamic. This includes the increasing reliance on good and accurate intelligence to enable successful missions despite reduced defense budgets; the fast-paced nature of today's threats and the need to launch intelligence operations at very short notice. As well as this, there is still a continued need for human intelligence gathering to complement the progression in satellite and overhead surveillance innovation.

Ben Sharples, Director, James Fisher Defense, said:

"In recent years there has been a shift to land-based conflicts, such as Afghanistan, as well as the war against terror. However, we are now seeing a significant change as navies look to reintegrate and develop their maritime Special Forces skills. In particular, in today's environment, threats happen quickly, which demands a rapid response in the gathering of accurate intelligence. In addition to this, with navies wanting to keep their physical assets as far away from conflict as possible, we are seeing a focus on surface and sub-surface delivery, which is leading to the development and integration of advanced swimmer delivery vehicles onto suitable submarines and other platforms."

However this change also presents challenges from a design, manufacture, implementation and training perspective. For example, it is critical to be able to get combat divers successfully through Lock in/Lock out (LiLo) systems. And with divers needing to operate at shallow depths to avoid decompression issues, the design of sub-sea systems is also being tested in terms of delivery capability and the rapid configuration that is required to suit a specific mission.

Sharples continued:

"What we're finding is that it is critical to be able to deliver a scalable solution that facilitates the inclusion of existing legacy systems, as well as allowing room for the development of new and emerging technologies and next generation systems. And importantly, there must be a phased integration, in conjunction with advanced training, so that systems can be increased in their sophistication as skill sets develop."

JFD, as one of the world's most experienced and innovative SDV providers, recently launched a new range of SDVs called The SEAL Pod; surface or sub-sea craft, which can be optimized for a particular deployment method or mission profile and can be provided in a number of configurations:

SEAL Carrier; surface and subsurface vehicle operating at speeds greater than 30 kts delivered by surface ship or air-drop.
Sub SEAL; six-man submersibles delivered via an attachment to the casing of a submarine
Torpedo SEAL; a two-man chariot delivered within a standard submarine torpedo tube

Advanced power system maximizes operational flexibility and safety for new generation vessels

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won contracts worth in excess of $20 million to supply electrical power and propulsion systems for two next generation offshore vessels.

The first vessel, of ULSTEIN SX165 design, is being constructed at Ulstein Verft in Norway for Island Ventures 11, the joint venture set up in 2012 by the leading US and Norwegian owners Edison Chouest Offshore and Island Offshore, whose advanced subsea service vessels provide high quality solutions to the offshore oil industry.

Ulstein SX165

At 28 meters wide and 145.7 meters long, and with accommodation for 200 people, the SX165 will be the largest vessel constructed by Ulstein Verft and is due for delivery in Q3 2015. It is equipped with two cranes that can lift 400 tons and 140 tons respectively, and has three separate engine rooms to provide extreme operational reliability.
ABB is to supply an advanced complete power and diesel electric system package comprising medium voltage generators, switchboards, transformers, frequency converters and motors to provide reliable and fuel efficient propulsion. Health, safety and the environment have been a key focus in the design of the vessel and ABB's scope of supply reflects this through its advanced power system, which is capable of achieving the requirements needed to run the system in closed ring in DP3.

The second vessel, for Island Offshore, features the innovative Rolls-Royce UT 777 design for optimal subsea operations including top hole drilling, light well intervention, subsea construction and inspection, maintenance and repair work. ABB will supply an advanced complete power and diesel electric system package comprising medium voltage generators, switchboards including power management system, transformers, frequency converters and motors. ABB will also supply complete fire & gas monitoring and control systems for fire and gas detection.

Rolls Royce UT 777

In addition, both power distribution and propulsion systems will be monitored by ABB's remote diagnostic system (RDS), which helps to reduce repair time of installations and improve operational safety when reducing the need for on-site visits by providing immediate 24/7 assistance from a global technical center. 

The second vessel will be constructed at Kawasaki Heavy Industries in Japan and delivery is scheduled for 2017.

"ABB's advanced power system and remote diagnostic system will maximize the operational flexibility and safety." said Heikki Soljama, head of ABB's Business Unit Marine and Cranes. "We look forward to cooperating in the projects and to delivering high quality services to these pioneering new ships."

ABS Secures Prestigious FLNG Classification Contract

The PETRONAS facility is scheduled to start deepwater operations offshore Sabah, Malaysia, in 2018

ABS, a leading provider of classification and technical services to the global offshore industry, has been awarded the classification contract from PETRONAS, Malaysia's national oil company, for the company's second floating LNG facility (PFLNG 2). The vessel will be built at the Samsung Heavy Industries yard in Geoje, Korea.

"This is a very significant award for us," says ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki. "It also is the natural next step for an organization that is widely recognized as the leader in the classification of offshore production units and LNG ships."

ABS has a long history working with floating gas concepts, classing the first offshore LPG storage unit in the world in 1997 and the first LPG FPSO in 2005. ABS has awarded approval in principle (AIP) for ten floating LNG concepts and has performed pre-front-end engineering and design (FEED) and FEED work on a number of others.

As the selected class society for the PFLNG 2 unit, ABS will provide a comprehensive suite of technical services, including classification.

PFLNG 2, which is scheduled to see first gas production in early 2018, will be moored via an external turret on the deepwater Rotan gas field offshore Sabah, Malaysia. Designed to produce 1.5 million metric tons of LNG per year, the vessel is expected to operate on site for a minimum of 20 years without dry docking.

ABS Vice President for Global Gas Solutions Patrick Janssens views this as the first of many potential awards.

"The search for new energy reserves is seeing exploration activities shift to the type of remote offshore fields on which facilities like the PFLNG 2 are perfectly suited to operate," Janssens says. "With the growing demand for gas around the world, there will be a continued emphasis on FLNG-related technology, and ABS will continue to play a leading role."

The award to class this FLNG newbuild comes just months after the unveiling of the ABS Global Gas Solutions team, a multidisciplinary group of engineers formed to respond to the rapidly escalating number of gas-related projects, including LNG and LPG transportation, the use of LNG and LPG as fuel and the growing number of FLNG projects.

There currently are more than 150 floating oil and gas facilities in the ABS-classed fleet, the largest single market share of any classification society.