Kongsberg Maritime has launched a new portfolio of fully ‘Integrated Vessel Concepts’ designed to harmonize handling, operations and energy systems on a wide range of specific vessel types. The concepts are the product of the company’s new ‘Integration’ strategy, which has been established this summer to leverage existing and new KONGSBERG technology to achieve tangible operational efficiency improvements.
With its new Integration strategy applied to specific vessels, KONGSBERG has created a new level of integration to enable more dynamics and distributed power management between disparate systems on board. The first set of vessels types to receive Integrated Vessel Concept configurations cover a wide spectrum of maritime operations. Vessel types include: Container, Forage Carrier, FPSO, Inspection Maintenance & Repair, Research, Ro-Pax, Shuttle Tanker, Small Scale LNG, Superyacht, Trawler and Wind Farm Support.
Image courtesy: Kongsberg Maritime
To facilitate Integrated Vessel Concepts, KONGSBERG is further developing its scope of supply to the global shipbuilding industry with focus on electrical systems including switchboards and drives. Electrical systems will be fully integrated with on board technology, ensuring optimal power consumption for dynamic vessel operations. With integration between disparate systems, distributed power management, data sharing on board and ashore can be significantly improved, facilitating enhanced decision making across the operational chain.
Though purposely designed for a broad range of vessel types and customizable to specific requirements, several specific new systems have already been developed for use within KONGSBERG’s Integrated Vessel Concepts. These include for the first time, the vessel dynamics integrated into the power management layer, providing a new concept for Energy Control. Integrating all elements of the power plant to the energy control layer and distributing control functions closer to the consumers with fast acting sensors, redefines the definition of efficiency.
Dynamic Load prediction (DLP) – a new Dynamic Positioning (DP) system to predict power usage for a vessel’s thrusters, Dynamic Inertia Control (DIC) and Dynamic Supervision & Control (DSC) are some of the new features enhancing energy control for DP operations. Solutions for power plant optimization include power regeneration using permanent magnetic electric motors for rotating equipment and enhanced battery solutions for peak shaving and storage. Examples include systems for vessels with large rotating equipment like winches and electric gangways, which are designed to convert motion into power.
Already highly regarded as a maritime technology company through its delivery of extensive i.e. automation, navigation and maneuvering systems for merchant and offshore vessels, KONGSBERG is actively developing existing partnerships and creating new partnerships with industry leaders to facilitate its new energy and engineering innovations. The company’s work in EIT projects forms the basis of its expanded energy focused product line, which will be further developed and integrated with more recognizable KONGSBERG technology for automation and operations.
“A primary driver for the development of our Integration strategy and Integrated Vessel Concepts is conservation and predictable utilization of energy, resulting in lower fuel consumption and the associated environmental benefits. However, we also want to create ‘free’ energy for hybrid or even fully electric power configurations, which are now becoming more viable due to less expensive batteries and more sophisticated power management,” said Srinivas Tati, Vice President, Business Development, Kongsberg Maritime. “Our approach to integration goes much deeper though. We have studied in-depth how different vessels operate to understand how the unification of on board technologies can change how we think about and conduct maritime operations at every level.”
Watch the video, ‘Welcome to a new world of integrated performance’
The GLOBAL PROVIDER, Maxum Petroleum's newest vessel is currently under construction at Jesse Co. in Tacoma, Washington and expected to enter service in January 2017.
Scott Prince, CEO of Maxum Petroleum said “The launch of this vessel demonstrates our continued commitment to enhance our service capabilities for our customers throughout the West Coast and Pacific Northwest.”
“The GLOBAL PROVIDER is the result of years of collaboration between our Maxum Team, our valued customers, Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) and Jesse Engineering to develop a tank-ship with the versatility and capacity to enhance our commitment to quality, customer service and our on-going dedication to providing fuel, lubricants and related services to meet the mission critical needs of our valued clients,” says Dan Kovacich, VP of Maxum Petroleum.
EBDG's scope for the project included concept and contract design, regulatory support and detail design. The EBDG Team is working closely with Jesse Engineering, the Washington based fabricator selected to undertake the build for this project. EBDG Project Manager, James Jennings is “proud of the results of our work with Maxum and Jesse Engineering designing such a capable vessel to support the Puget Sound Maritime Community.”
Features of the GLOBAL PROVIDER include:
Maxum Petroleum is the premier provider of marine diesel fuel and lubricants on the US West Coast between San Diego, Ca, and Vancouver, B.C. with offices and operations in Seattle, Wa., Portland, Or., San Francisco, Ca. and LA/LB, Ca.
EBDG is an employee-owned company with offices in Seattle, New Orleans and Ketchikan that provides naval architecture, marine engineering and production support services to owners, operators and shipyards across the country. With a focus on responsiveness, EBDG delivers designs that are better to build and better to operate.
Jesse Co, a Washington Corporation, was founded by Darrell Jesse in 1976, and has grown to be one of the largest specialty steel fabricators on the West Coast. They have built a solid reputation for innovative solutions, efficiency in design, and strong collaborative project management that provides smooth project facilitation. Cost Savings in construction and operations are the result of the expert strategic planning team and extensive customer service.
The international science community’s newest ocean research platform, a deep-rated remotely operated vehicle (ROV) called SuBastian, will be positioned and navigated using acoustic and inertial technologies supplied by Sonardyne Inc., based in Houston.
Built by the Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI), a private non-profit operating foundation located in California, SuBastian will provide scientists from around the world with new opportunities to explore and study the ocean. Capable of diving to 4,500 meters, the vehicle has been equipped with a state-of-the-art equipment package that includes a reconfigurable payload skid for deploying and recovering experiments, a 4K Ultra-High Definition camera capable of streaming live video to the surface and a comprehensive suite of scientific sampling sensors.
Following a survey of the deep ocean research experts that make up SuBastian’s Science Advisory Group, the need for both accurate and multiple means of subsea navigation was identified as a priority mission requirement. The group commented that provision of the best available integrated acoustic and inertial navigation sensors underpinned the scientific value of the observations and data gathered by SuBastian.
When SuBastian enters service this summer, it will be operated from SOI’s research vessel, Falkor, which has been operating with Sonardyne’s Ranger 2 Ultra-Short BaseLine (USBL) acoustic positioning system since 2012. During that time, the system has provided scientists with the ability to track equipment down to abyssal depths in excess of 5,000 meters.
Based on their extensive track record with Ranger 2, SOI and Sonardyne worked together to configure an integrated navigation solution for SuBastian. This resulted in the supply of a SPRINT Inertial Navigation System (INS), Syrinx 600 kHz Doppler Velocity Log (DVL) and a Wideband Mini Transponder (WMT), all of which is compatible with the Falkor’s existing Ranger 2 topside hardware.
Now in its third generation, Sonardyne’s SPRINT exploits the long-term precision of acoustic positioning with the continuous availability and fast update rate of inertial sensors. This combination provides robust vehicle positioning during periods of challenging acoustic conditions and helps to improve sensor data quality and vehicle control. Uniquely, SPRINT supports dual gyrocompass and INS operating modes, meaning that SuBastian’s pilots and science teams will be able to rely upon its output simultaneously. Its new, lightweight titanium housing also provides valuable space and weight savings that can instead be used for scientific payload or samples.
SuBastian is also now one of the first research vehicles in the world to benefit from Sonardyne’s recently introduced Syrinx DVL. DVLs are an important element of any ROV’s navigation system as they enable the vehicle’s velocity and distance travelled to be measured. When tightly integrated with INS, acoustic and depth observations, a true estimate of the vehicle’s position can be calculated.
Syrinx differs from other DVLs in that it offers high altitude (up to 175 meters) navigation capability normally only available from a 300 kHz DVL with the high precision and accuracy of a 1200 kHz DVL. Its adaptive bottom lock has been demonstrated to provide consistency and reliability over challenging and changing seafloor topography, which together with its high update rate, will enable SuBastian to undertake complex missions in any environment.
Completing the navigation suite for SuBastian is WMT, a high-power USBL transponder built upon Sonardyne’s latest 6G (sixth generation) wideband acoustic architecture that provides robust, high update rate positioning in any water depth, shallow or deep.
Commenting on this major contract, Kim Swords, Senior Application Engineer with Sonardyne in Houston said, “SuBastian is the first vehicle in the world to be equipped with a full spread of our Ranger 2 USBL, SPRINT INS and Syrinx DVL technologies. We’ve worked closely with SOI to configure the optimum subsea navigation solution for SuBastian so that when it begins to acquire data for the international science community later this summer, it will do so with the highest precision possible.”
For more information on SPRINT, click here
For more information on the Schmidt Ocean Institute, click here
Specialist aluminium boatbuilder, Aluminium Marine Consultants (AMC), has added a new surface effect ship (SES) design to its portfolio which is geared towards the crew transfer vessel market and designed by Norway’s Espeland and Skomedal Naval Architects (ESNA).
The new ESNA Tern SES CTV is a next generation high performance crew transfer vessel, offering turbine access in up to 2.5m significant wave height, with a maximum speed above 40 knots and greatly reduced speed loss in high seas.
Rob Stewart, commercial director, AMC, said: “This vessel is unique in the qualities that it offers and we’re very excited to work with ESNA. This new design will enhance the AMC portfolio and help innovate the crew transfer vessel market.”
The vessel’s tern hull consists of two slender catamaran hulls with the area between the hulls closed with flexible reinforced rubber fingers in the bow and an inflated rubber bag in the stern.
This allows centrifugal fans blow air into the enclosed space, providing an air cushion that lifts up to 80% of the vessel weight.
In fact, the vessel can be lifted up and down approximately two meters, which means it is able to cancel up to the same height of vessel motion in waves. This is especially effective in long waves/swell, where all other vessel types will float and follow the wave surface.
The remaining 20% of the vessel’s weight is supported by side hull buoyancy which allows for high vessel speed because frictional resistance is decreased.
The Tern is equipped with a computer controlled active motion damping system which reduces vertical motions both at high and low vessel speeds reducing seasickness.
As the lift fans supply air to the air cushion, the control system actively controls vent valves that either ventilate the air cushion to a low pressure or closes the valves so that the air cushion pressure is increased.
Norway-based boat system and davit-handling specialist Vestdavit has secured a breakthrough order for its unique MissionEase multi-boat handling solution for mission bays, under contract to offshore support vessel owner Esvagt.
Multi-boat handling on the high seas will be a defining characteristic of flexibility for offshore ships in the years ahead, according to Vestdavit, and MissionEase’s fast and safe solution for transferring boats between storage and davit is expected to enhance the attraction of ships up for charter.
MissionEase is the first multi-boat handling system in the offshore segment which has been designed from its conception for the widest array of ancillary craft, including RIBS, ROVs and Unmanned Support Vessels. It uses a system of hydraulic cradles running along the mission bay deck to move boats from their stowage positions to the maintenance, preparation or launch areas, whose patented feeding system links seamlessly with dual or single-point davits on either side of the vessel.
Esvagt has specified the innovative MissionEase in-hangar boat transfer system for installation onboard a crew change vessel under construction at Spanish shipbuilder Astillero Zamakona. The system will have capacity for four boats, with a transverse MissionEase cradle with lift and lowering capability feeding boats to one Vestdavit TDB telescopic davits on each side of ship.
“The mission bay is becoming a key capability for vessels offshore, where flexibility in operations can be the most significant attraction,” said Vestdavit Managing Director Rolf Andreas Wigand. “We are delighted that a company whose reputation has been built on operating some of the industry’s most flexible ships is the early first adopter of MissionEase.
The Esvagt crew boat installation will feature four fixed boat supports on deck, adaptable to accommodate three different boat types, plus one transverse cradle with lift and lowering capability. The cradles move across the ship, picking up boats from the supports and feeding them to the davits for launching.
With its own braking system, MissionEase allows boats to be moved within the bay, even in high seas or with a list on the vessel for launching, or back to stow when recovered. A single operator can control both davits and the cradle system by remote control, while the system also benefits from a manual back-up, with accumulators built-on for emergency operations in case of blackouts.
As part of the Esvagt contract, Vestdavit is also delivering a Workboat davit to accommodate a daughter craft onboard, with an SWL telescopic painter boom.
“Many existing multi-boat handling systems rely on overhead gantries to lift boats within the bay. This can be hazardous when ships are in motion, while slinging and unslinging boats consumes precious time that operators cannot afford,” said Wigand. “MissionEase brings together all of our experience with naval and seismic ships to ensure the benefits of the mission bay can be successfully applied across a growing range of offshore vessel types.” Access a video showing the MissionEase system in operation.
Damen Shipyards Sharjah (DSS) in the United Arab Emirates has won a contract to build a shallow draught, self-propelled Jack-up Pontoon 3526 for the UAE-based contractor Aqua Diving Services Ltd. Once delivered, it will be used primarily to deliver offshore support services, including the provision of accommodation facilities for personnel as well as operating as a work platform with crane facilities.
Aqua Diving Services (ADS) has specifically designed the Jack-up for Middle East operations and is closely cooperating with Damen Shipyards Sharjah for the construction of the unit. The jack-up, which will be named the Aqua Rise III and will have accommodation for up to 128 personnel with a 350m² of deck space and two cranes, rated at 75 and 15 tons respectively. The vessel will also be fitted with a helideck and life boats.
Aqua Diving Services was established in the United Arab Emirates in 1975 and today delivers a wide range of sub-sea services as well as other support to offshore oil and gas operators in the region. The company already owns and operates a fleet of two Jack up pontoons. Aqua Rise III is due for delivery in early 2018 and promises to be a state of the art vessel offering services to a long list of clients in the Arabian Gulf.
Mr. Clive Frost, Managing Director of Aqua Diving Services, commented that building the vessel of Aqua design at a high quality shipyard like Damen Shipyards Sharjah was a win-win for both parties and that he is very much looking forward to the delivery of Aqua Rise III.
Pascal Slingerland, Sales Manager Middle East for Damen Shipyards Group commented that this order is fitting in with Damen’s strategy to become more active in the lift-boat market and to build vessels outside the standard Damen portfolio. This is a further sign that local clients value Damen’s strong track record and reputation as a shipbuilder delivering superior quality at the right price.
Lerwick Port Authority have inaugurated a new Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) which utilizes the latest technology to improve the handling of ship movements at the busy Shetland port.
Transas, a world-leader in providing harmonized integrated solutions to the maritime industry, has installed the system across four sites covering the port area – port control in the main building and three remote stations, at Rova Head north of Lerwick and Maryfield and Kirkabister, on the island of Bressay, monitoring the northern approaches, inner harbor and southern approaches, respectively. Fibre and microwave links supply data back to port control.
Lerwick Harbour’s port control room and the newly installed Vessel Monitoring System, with Deputy Harbourmaster Alexander Simpson (left) and Port Controller Douglas Garrick (right). Credit: John Coutts.
The completion is being marked today (Friday 19 August, 2016), with invitations extended to port users to view the new system.
The modernizing VMS project, including the Transas contract, telecommunications and civil works, cost £450,000.
The Port Authority’s Deputy Harbourmaster, Captain Alexander Simpson, said: “The VMS is already a great asset for Port Control in handling shipping movements and providing navigational assistance. It combines data from multiple sensors in very user-friendly vector chart operator display units, extends Port Control’s VHF radio range, displays weather information and linked cameras deliver CCTV coverage – all enhancing the efficiency and safety of operations.
“The investment in the VMS is just one of several projects expanding the port’s infrastructure at a time when we are welcoming larger vessels – for example, the biggest cruise ship yet at Lerwick arrived this week.”
The new VMS is based on the high-end Navi-Harbour software solution from Transas. Hardware equipment scope consists of Class A AIS Transponders, Northrop Grumman Sperry Marine Vision Master radars, a Jotron VHF Communication System, Gill Meteorological sensors, general IT hardware platform and an APC Power Backup System.
“The Transas Ship Traffic Control solutions installed at Lerwick Harbour will provide tools for coordinated approach to maritime traffic control, monitoring and decision support which is vital in the era of rapid digital transformation,” comments Frank Coles, Transas CEO.
As part of a wider project to refurbish the Authority’s office in Albert Building, the port control room in Albert Building has been completely renovated, including a new server room. Transas closely collaborated with the Authority to design a new layout for the service within the building and contracted local support from H Williamson & Sons for installation and ongoing maintenance.
As part of its comprehensive customer support program, Transas also provided the Authority with an Operator Training Course and Maintenance Service Plan.
Conversion of the ground floor of Albert Building to a new reception and offices is underway, for completion by year-end as part of the phased refurbishment program.
Lerwick is “Britain’s Top Port”, the most northerly commercial harbour in the country, handling more than 10,000 vessel movements in-and-out of the port annually, plus numerous movements within the harbour, and servicing a range of industries, along with the Shetland community. It is a leading centre for the fishing sector; for the offshore oil and gas industry in the Northern North Sea and North-Eastern Atlantic; Shetland’s lifeline ferry port to the Scottish mainland and a popular-port-of-call for cruise ships. Lerwick is a Trust Port, with the Authority responsible for management, maintenance and regulation, with all profits reinvested in the harbour.
Transas’ vision is to lead the way in creating an ecosystem of harmonised integrated solutions in safety, navigation and ship operations. In creating these solutions Transas unites global maritime stakeholders in the future of e-Navigation and operations.
True to its vision, Transas has introduced THESIS, the Transas Harmonized Eco System of Integrated Solutions. THESIS is a flexible data resource where Ship, Fleet Operations, Academy (simulation & training) and Ship Traffic Control can all be connected to the ecosystem, effectively a community working together on a cloud based shared data platform to enable smarter operations, safety and navigation. United into a single environment, navigation, simulation, vessel traffic, and fleet management systems become a decision support tool using the data provided by Transas software solutions. Transas operates more than 20 own regional offices and has a global network of partners around the world.
ABB has launched a new arctic course for deck officers in response to strong demand from the ice-going vessel segment. The course has been developed in cooperation with customers and will provide deep understanding of the operational principles of diesel-electric Azipod vessels, taking into account vessel safety, environmental and economical requirements and operational efficiency and maintenance needs when operating in arctic conditions.
“Demand from the ice going segment for ABB’s solutions has been strong for some time,” said Juha Koskela, Managing Director of ABB’s Marine and Ports business unit. “By combining ABB’s expertise with the needs of the customer, we have set a new benchmark for arctic training.”
Juha Koskela, Managing Director, ABB Marine and Ports
The course will build on the company’s long history of working with ice class vessels, ABB delivered the first electric propulsion system to an icebreaker in 1939. Azipod propulsion has also gained a strong foothold in the segment and has recently expanded its reach to ice class passenger vessels.
The 5-day course is held in cooperation with Aboa Mare training center in Turku, Finland. Training consists of discussions, lessons and full mission bridge simulator exercises. Topics of the lessons vary from Azipod vessel operation and propulsion system behavior in all conditions to resource management and bridge communication. After the course the crew will be able to fully utilize the flexibility of the propulsion system, identify potential malfunctions of the propulsion system and cope with them without sacrificing vessel safety. The new course will complement the portfolio of 35 different courses offered by the Marine Academy.
Captain Takashi Saito, Marine Manager from MOL LNG Transport took the new course and said, “The training was way beyond my expectations. We look forward to sending other seafarers to expand their knowledge of polar conditions.”
Micael Vuorio, Training Manager at Aboa Mare said “We are pleased to continue our cooperation with ABB on designing the best courses available at the market. Aboa Mare provides a diversified training portfolio, including training according to the Polar Code, as well as training for Baltic ice conditions and this expertise is also included in to ABB´s new training course.”
Damen Trading’s story begins in 1986, with Damen Shipyards Group responding to growing market demand for used vessels. Since then, Damen Trading has gone on to sell over 500 used vessels, right across the maritime spectrum, developing along the way a reputation for personalized, reliable service.
The decision to establish Damen Trading was a logical one, says Senior Sales Manager Michel Radjiman “With Damen Marine Services already operating its own charter fleet, from the outset we had a lot of operational knowledge in-house. This helped us provide sound consultation to our clients, guiding them through the process of purchasing the right vessel for their requirements.”
Photo credit: Damen Trading
Mr. Radjiman says every sale is unique. The more than 500 vessels Damen Trading has sold to date have included offerings as varied as high-tech passenger catamarans and common river ferries to Damen Pushy Cats and large ASD Tugs. And, with the company’s international footprint, the diversity is guaranteed.
Damen Trading has always delivered a very personalized service to its clients, believing, like the Damen Shipyards Group generally, in the importance of developing relationships for the long term. Mr. Radjiman explains: “We have managed to create a large network of owners and clients who return to us time and again when they need to buy or sell a vessel. In this way we have developed the kind of partnership with our customers where trust and mutual respect are strong features, to the benefit of both parties.”
As part of this personal approach, Damen Trading’s Sales Managers and Sales Support team is there to assist clients with everything, be it the drawing up of sales documentation, conducting surveys, or simply arranging transportation necessary for viewing a vessel.
The brokerage business has changed enormously since 1986 when Damen Trading started out with just telex, a fax machine and a telephone. With the arrival of the internet, everyone can become a vessel broker. But, as Mr. Radjiman points out, not everyone has the track record of Damen Trading. “Coupled with the personal service, in which we take so much pride, we also have the experience to guide our clients throughout the entire sales process, from the initial first step to final delivery – and beyond. This is what makes the difference!”
Technip and DOF Subsea announces that through their 50/50 owned affiliate TechDof Brasil AS, they have taken final delivery of the pipe-lay support vessel (PLSV) Skandi Açu. The vessel has been approved for hire by Petrobras and commenced as per commitment at 00h00 on August 13th 2016 its 8-year charter contract. It is the first of 4 PLSVs fixed on long-term charters with Petrobras which were awarded to the joint venture between DOF Subsea and Technip in August 2013.
Skandi Açu: Photo credit: DOF Subsea
The vessel is designed to achieve a 650-ton laying tension capacity, thus enabling the installation of large diameter flexible pipes in ultra-deepwater environments, such as the Brazilian pre-salt.
The vessel has been built by VARD in Romania and Norway, and the main pipelaying equipment by Huisman in Czech Republic and in the Netherlands. Skandi Açu has gone through complete sea-trials and acceptance tests by Petrobras. The long-term financing of Skandi Açu is arranged by Société Générale, GIEK and Eksportkreditt.
DOF Subsea CEO, Mons S. Aase, said: “The extensive newbuild program of 4 PLSVs together with Technip has combined the subsea and vessel expertise across our organizations. Taking final delivery of Skandi Açu and commencing the contract with Petrobras is an important milestone in our partnership with Technip, and the joint venture now has 3 vessels in operations. I look forward to seeing the vessel in operation in the years to come.”
Hallvard Hasselknippe, President Subsea for Technip, commented further: "This new state-of-the-art PLSV, with the most advanced pipelay equipment and highest flexible pipelay tension capacity in the world, demonstrates again our extensive ultra-deepwater pipelaying experience, and our commitment to enable projects offshore for our clients."
Allseas’ dynamically positioned single-lift installation/decommissioning and pipelay vessel “Pioneering Spirit” successfully executed her maiden heavy lift project, removal of the 13,500 t Yme mobile offshore production unit (MOPU) in the North Sea, 100 km off the coast of Norway, on 22 August 2016 for Repsol Norge AS.
Photo credit: Allseas
The Yme MOPU is a jack-up type platform standing on three steel legs of 3.5 m diameter, which are inserted approximately 10 m inside the subsea storage tank columns at 93 m water depth.
With this platform removal, Allseas was able to demonstrate the unique single-lift capabilities of “Pioneering Spirit”.
The platform has since been sea-fastened on board and the vessel is currently on her way to the newly developed dismantling yard in Lutelandet, Norway.
Meeting all requirements regarding quality, safety and the environment, Damen Shipyards Antalya has secured comprehensive ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certification. This achievement coincides with a period of rapid expansion that has seen the addition of three new production halls within the space of two years.
“These certifications confirm the quality of our production processes,” comments Damen Shipyards Antalya Managing Director Auke van der Zee. “They also show our commitment to safe and clean working practices. It is this dedication to quality that our customers expect from Damen.”
Photo courtesy: Damen Shipyards
Moreover, the yard attained these valuable endorsements of quality within a period of six months; the shortest amount of time a company in Turkey has achieved this.
Damen Shipyards Antalya opened in 2013 after the purchase of the Cyrus yard by Damen Shipyards Group. Since then the yard has continued to develop and build vessels up to 35 meters in length. Despite being best known for specialising in composite vessel construction, Damen Shipyards Antalya added steel and aluminium vessel fabrication to its list of capabilities last year with the addition of two new production halls. Production subsequently increased: the three sites delivered 54 ships in 2015 (an increase of more than 20 compared to the previous year).
Importantly, this rise in production was accompanied by an increasing number of vessel types under production. “The diversity of vessels that we build here is shown best by the fact that there are currently seven different types of ships in the water here,” highlights Van der Zee.
These vessels include Damen’s Stan Pilot 1505, Stan Pilot 1605, Stan Patrol 1605, Interceptor 1503, Interceptor 1102, Fast Crew Supplier 5009 and the Search and Rescue Vessel 1906. Furthermore, the yard is also equipped to build various examples from Damen’s Public Transport range.
The yard’s expansion continued this year too with the inauguration of a fourth production hall. "With this new building location, we have further expanded our capacity for steel and aluminium vessel construction,” says Van der Zee. “We can now build an even wider range of vessels, including larger ferries and Fast Yacht Support vessels.
“If you look at how much we have achieved in such a short time, I'm very curious to see what we will accomplish over the next three and a half years.”
Kongsberg Maritime’s energy, handling and operational technology solutions are to be further combined in complete vessel concepts under a new ‘Integration’ strategy introduced at ONS 2016. KONGSBERG is creating a new integrated platform to enable solutions that network seamlessly to provide tangible benefits with efficient operations on vessels and ashore.
KONGSBERG’s unique integrated vessel concepts meet the current and future demands of customers in the seaborne, offshore and marine marketplaces. Each individual concept is tailored for specific vessel types and the unique integration provides a technology edge, by combining separate systems to enhance day-to-day performance and long-term asset management.
The new concepts are a natural evolution of KONGSBERG’s Full Picture approach and promise to deliver much-needed integrated performance through even greater operational efficiency. The concepts utilize distributed technology platform architecture, unified into a unique technology edge working as one across the energy, handling and operational solutions. This provides a mode-based operational environment that collects information, delivers analysis and empowers proof-enabled decision-making.
KONGSBERG’s unique integrated approach delivers cost savings and enhances vessel and fleet efficiency, safety, life-cycle management, reliability and availability with complete benefits on each, while strengthening decision making capabilities and enabling the continual optimization of energy use. The unified solutions also enhance on-shore expertise that can steer on-board activity, feeding into planning, monitoring and controlling complex operations, and making real-time decisions in close collaboration with crew, while also providing a layer for analysis. This improves performance, efficiency and productivity.
Redefining energy management to energy control using new technical energy solutions that work in harmony with dynamic operation environments to monitor, manage and optimize energy use is a key aspect of KONGSBERG’s new integration concepts. This results in optimal energy utilization, less environmental impact and maintenance free solutions, for all vessels and all power sources, from conventional fuels to battery, hybrid and LNG.
Other core technology aspects include advanced handling solutions with integrated control and energy management. KONGSBERG’s truly automated heave compensating, high precision and energy efficient handling solutions enable better productivity, reduce costs and improve safety and security for the most demanding handling tasks. Integrated with i.e. energy systems, automation and dynamic positioning, maritime handling operations become safer and more cost effective.
Handling solutions are designed with the unique principles of utilizing energy from rotating equipment to optimize and regenerate power that reduces energy utilization. The integration of automation with the dynamics of the vessel operations enhances productivity and reduces human error.
Integration is a network and service layer that supports greater distributed control and monitoring functions across diverse equipment on board a vessel. Such an integrated network provides enhanced fleet management, enabled by increased connectivity, data capture and analysis in addition to continual control and measurement, with information now available on a single integrated platform supporting efficient planning, execution and decision making. Essentially, integration delivers a unified platform helping better resource utilization, sharing and task management for today and tomorrow.
“On the path to autonomy and remotely controlled operations, our new approach to integration is an important step forward. Greater integration mitigates risk and introduces superior cross-vessel understanding and situational awareness. Connecting systems increases potential for automation and autonomy, with more automated procedures and less personnel, enhancing safety and security,” said Stene Førsund, EVP Global Sales & Marketing, Kongsberg Maritime.
Gibdock achieved its busiest month this year in the offshore market in June 2016, pressing home its strategic location and reputation for high quality, on-time redelivery, at a time when it is updating a series of management, safety and environment accreditations.
Four offshore vessels were at Gibdock at the same time, highlighting its status as the ‘go to’ regional hub for OSV, seismic survey ship, dive support vessel, anchor handling tug supply ship, pipe layer and construction support vessel work, says Managing Director Richard Beards.
Simultaneous attention to four offshore support vessels at Gibdock demonstrates that the Gibraltar yard is now a regional hub for this specialized repair, maintenance and renewal work, operating as a base for mobilization and de-mobilization projects. Photo credit: Gibdock
“We are now attracting offshore vessels operating worldwide, but our advantageous location enables us to be particularly competitive for assets being mobilised, or demobilised in the Mediterranean and West Africa areas,” he says. The 127m long, 10,979grt CSV left the yard on June 29th following a 21-day stay in Dock 1. Work included the removal and overhaul of the complete propulsion system, and port and starboard gearboxes, plus routine five-year survey work. Normand Cutter.The biggest offshore vessel project undertaken by Gibdock so far this year involved Solstad Shipping.
Norway-based Solstad is now a regular Gibdock customer. Conrad Melhus, Solstad Shipping’s technical manager, says: “We chose Gibdock because of the good relationship we have with them, their reliability, and their good 'hands on' management with short reporting lines. They are also centrally positioned, with easy access by road from the main spare parts hubs in Europe.”
Also in the yard in June were: Atlantic Offshore’s 1,200 dwt, 1975-built AHTS Ocean Sky, for repair and maintenance in Dock 3, the 2011-built, 5,640dwt DSV Harkand Da Vinci in Dock 1; and Farstad’s 2009-built, multi-functional 121.5m subsea support vessel Far Samson, for afloat repairs.
Mr Beards says that Gibdock’s recent investment in Pad 1, a specialized prefabrication area alongside Dock 1, has been especially beneficial for more offshore projects, allowing the yard to take on more complex projects. “In line with our offshore successes, we are continually improving our QHSE, at a time when owners are watching every last dollar and some shipyards may be tempted to seek work based on aggressive pricing alone. We know that safety and the environment in particular are key concerns for offshore owners and operators,”
Gibdock is transitioning from ISO 9001:2008 to ISO 9001:2015 quality and from ISO 14001:2004 to ISO 14001:2015 environmental standard accreditation.
The U.S. Coast Guard has certified Danos’ fabrication facility in Amelia, La. as an official port facility. This designation allows both foreign and US vessels to access the facility or remain docked there.
The Coast Guard granted Danos port facility status following approval of the company’s facility security plan under Title 33 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 105.
“In addition to opening our Amelia facility up to foreign vessels for transporting fabrication projects, port facility status also allows us to provide docking services for idle vessels,” said Mark Danos, vice president of project services.
Located on 175 acres along Bayou Boeuf, the facility’s five thousand linear feet of bulkhead and 18-foot water depth can accommodate large-scale custom fabrication projects of more than 1,000 tons.
Inmarsat (LSE:ISAT.L), a leading provider of global mobile satellite communications, announces at Nor-Fishing 2016 that Fleet Xpress is being extended in Northern Europe, demonstrating a new market-specific commitment for the high-speed broadband service, powered by Global Xpress, that is revolutionizing maritime connectivity.
Launched at the end of March 2016, Inmarsat Maritime’s Fleet Xpress service sets a new standard in broadband maritime communications. It achieves the highest levels of reliable high speed connectivity and exceptional performance across the world’s oceans, as well as facilitating innovative applications to enhance safety, crew welfare and operational efficiency. The extension of Fleet Xpress will reach across the North Sea, Norwegian Sea, Barents Sea and Baltic Sea.
“We prioritized this region as a focus for region-specific roll-out after listening to the needs of our customers,” says Ronald Spithout, President Inmarsat Maritime. “We can now address the specific requirements of the large number of fishing and offshore support vessels in the region with segment specific plans. The new plans will enable fishing companies to realize the power of ‘big data’ and to take advantage of revolutionary new applications that together will maximize vessel performance and help save operational cost. We have a number of fishing vessels in the region, such as the MS Smaragd, that are currently migrating from XpressLink, Inmarsat’s Ku-band service to Fleet Xpress, and will be able to benefit from higher speeds and higher capacity in the region.”
“We also realize there are a great deal of offshore support vessels based in the region with a need to transfer real-time operational data to the oil majors back ashore to help drive efficiencies and save costs.”
Reliable connectivity will also address welfare issue for crews. Commercial fishing crews have a close affinity with mobile technology – on average bringing three devices each on board*. In offshore, the presence or lack of internet often determines crew retention rates.
“Fleet Xpress allows seafarers easy and reliable connectivity,” says Mr. Spithout. “For mariners working in some of the most demanding conditions at sea, links to friends and family are vital, while Internet access alleviates boredom during downtime.”
Fleet Xpress roll-out is proving to be “a game changer for every market we engage with”, Mr. Spithout says. The combination of high-speed connectivity and new capacity, together with applications to support crew welfare and safety, we truly are taking maritime communications to the next level. We are delighted to announce extended coverage of Fleet Xpress across Northern Europe on the first day of Nor-Fishing 2016.”
The new segment specific plans will be announced in Q4 2016.
Fleet Xpress is the maritime service powered by the Global Xpress network – based on Inmarsat’s I-5 generation satellites and the FleetBroadband I-4 satellites. Inmarsat has already announced plans for further Ka-band and L-band service enhancements, after contracting with Airbus at the end of 2015 to build the first two satellites in its sixth-generation I-6 fleet.
Fleet Xpress delivers a unique, fully integrated dual capability of high speed, high capacity services (Global Xpress) together with high reliability safety-level services (FleetBroadband) in a single commercial package which is available across the globe. Fleet Xpress is further enriched by Inmarsat Gateway, a unique service enablement platform designed to provide ship owners, managers and operators with access to a new generation of value-added maritime applications, services and solutions.
Fleet Xpress will be taken to market through Inmarsat’s powerful and committed direct and indirect sales channels. Over 7,500 vessels have already committed to the Fleet Xpress service to date.
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