BOURBON has become a leader in offshore marine services after a long development program consisting of significant investments in innovative vessels built in series, enabling greater operational and cost control for its clients.

In the very difficult market facing the offshore services sector, BOURBON is particularly resilient due to its operational performance and cost control but also due to the end of its investment program which is enabling free cash flow generation.

However, the direction taken by its customers towards the energy transition that is underway is driving BOURBON to seek the diversification of its activities to support these new directions and open real growth prospects.

Therefore, BOURBON has decided to acquire the activities of the global leader in ethane transportation, with a market share greater than 50% in a market expected to have strong growth.

It comprises the following companies who are currently owned by their majority shareholder, JACCAR Holdings:

100% of Greenship Gas, a Singaporean owned “shipping trust” comprising directly or indirectly of:

A fleet of 17 vessels (of which 13 vessels are currently in service) dedicated to the transport of Ethane gas, Ethylene and LNG and having an average age of 3,5 years;

100% of EVERGAS, operator and contractor of gas transportation services;

100% of Greenship Gas Manager Pte. Ltd, manager of the Greenship Gas “shipping trust”;

80 % of JHW Engineering & Contracting limited. This company encompasses the design and engineering of vessels, the technology and control of a manufacturing platform for mega-tanks as well as procurement activities and contracting and management of gas projects.

The final completion of the acquisition, which was authorized by the Board of Directors on March 28, taking into account the opinion of an ad hoc committee and the opinion of an independent expert, is subject to ratification by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on May 26, 2016, during which related parties will vote their shares in a manner so as to not influence the decision.

The purchase price for these companies is US$320 million with a net debt as of December 31, 2015 of US$389, the financing of the vessels being transferred as part of the transaction.

BOURBON will benefit from a seller’s credit of US$100 million with no interest for a maximum period of three years. It is anticipated to have in place a US$220 million bridge loan for a maximum period of three years. In fact, BOURBON will proceed, once the transaction is completed, with the resale of 80% of the ownership of the vessels, which will then be retained on bareboat charter for a minimum period of ten years. The bridge loan signed at the time of the acquisition would then be reimbursed and the impact on BOURBON’s debt decreased significantly.

Following approval of the transaction at the end of the Annual General Meeting on May 26, 2016 at which time he will be at the end of his mandate, M. Jacques de Chateauvieux would be named Chairman and CEO of BOURBON.

The perspectives “BOURBON Beyond BOURBON” will be presented in Paris and will be available on BOURBON’s web site on March 30, 2016.

Leading United Arab Emirates shipyard Grandweld has secured its position as the number one regional shipyard for the offshore segment, completing construction of a total of 17 vessels over the space of the last year. Latest projects include advanced crew boats, dive maintenance and support vessels, and work crane boats for a who’s who of Middle East energy firms and offshore contractors.

Grandweld, which has been operating from its Dubai base since 1984, specializes in vessels custom built to conduct complex operations in the region’s challenging offshore environment.

These range from three recently delivered work crane boats for Kuwait Oil Company - optimized for duties such as heavy lifting, oil-pollution control, SPM hose handling, and supply to remote areas – to two modified 42 meter long crew boats (FNSA-3 and FNSA-4) for Fujairah National Shipping Agency. The latter vessels are capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots and customized to execute operations such as security duties, fast transportation of offshore personal and cargo, and the rapid supply of fuel and freshwater.

“The Middle East is a unique environment, with unique challenges and opportunities,” states Mr. Jamal Abki, General Manager Grandweld Shipyards. “We have a history of producing vessels that excel here. We use that understanding to continually enhance our offering, while building new relationships with international clients who can benefit from our expertise when it comes to meeting their own exacting requirements.

“Our integrated proposition is efficient, flexible and modern, while our in-house engineers and project managers are world class. In addition, we invest heavily in research and development to enhance our own designs, as well as using respected external designers when desired. This ensures our vessels are leading the way in operational efficiency, reliability and performance - something the industry clearly appreciates.”

Further noteworthy deliveries over the last months include three 34.3 meter aluminum crew boats to Jana Marine Services, a 50 meter Dive Maintenance & Support Vessel to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), and the 42 meter crew boats Stanford Volga and Stanford Niger, which are capable of carrying 83 people at speeds of 25 knots.

“It’s an exciting time for the business, and our customers,” concludes Jamal Abki. “As the offshore trend points towards more optimized, complex vessels, our knowledge and experience allows us to respond with advanced newbuilds that deliver added performance and competitiveness for our clients.

“We’re now looking forward to building on our leading market position over the space of the next 12 months, and beyond.”

Demands for increased collaboration in the oil and gas industry are being reflected through a record rise in vessel shares, according to Peterson, the international energy logistics provider.

The company, which is leading the way in collaborative vessel sharing, has seen a record number of vessel sharing arrangements since the turn of the year.

Seven shares were arranged between operators in the central and Northern North Sea throughout January and February. All were facilitated by Peterson through the Aberdeen Marine Logistics Alliance (AMLA), a vessel sharing initiative designed to maximise efficiency and reduce marine logistics costs.

Left to right: Kees Wouters, Marine Project Supervisor; Jekaterina Mjackova, Marine Business Analyst, Eric Witton, Marine Manager; Loek Sakkers, Director Projects

As the facilitator of AMLA, Peterson helps members source cost effective solutions for their unscheduled shipping requirements by arranging vessel shares with other companies operating in the North Sea, thus reducing both financial costs and environmental impact.

During 2014 and 2015, despite increasingly challenging market conditions, the combined financial benefit for companies participating in ALMA shares was £2 million, together with a reduction in CO₂ emissions of approximately 800 tonnes, the equivalent of removing 275 cars from the road for a year.

With 15 years of experience in combining sailings via an efficient pool of supply vessels and shared supply bases, Peterson has developed in-depth knowledge and expertise of vessel sharing which is supported by the continuous development of supporting software solutions.

Loek Sakkers, Director of projects, Peterson said: “As was recently highlighted by Oil & Gas UK and others, there is an urgent need for widespread collaboration in the North Sea. We share this view and believe significant opportunities exist within the supply chain to do just that through increased vessel sharing. We believe the recent unprecedented number of vessel shares indicates that the industry is not only listening to the calls for greater collaboration but responding positively.

“We have a long established record in providing vessel sharing initiatives, including the successful Southern North Sea pool, and are delighted to be transferring this expertise to the wider North Sea region.”

Commenting on the arrangement, James Crawford, managing director of Wood Group PSN in the UK and Africa, said: “Our commitment is to contributing to the industry’s long-term sustainability and we are focused on working in collaboration with partners across the sector to find new opportunities to work together.

“Working with AMLA/Peterson is a strong example of this, and we are confident of the mutual benefits created by this model of combined sailings, which we believe can become best practice for the industry in the long-term.”

As well as addressing operators’ reactive vessel requirements through AMLA, Peterson is working with a number of UKCS operators to establish a formal pool for scheduled cargo movements. The pool offers members significant efficiency gains together with maximum fleet flexibility. When an operator charters a vessel independently, it is usually hired on a per day basis regardless of requirements. In a pool, the operator can use a vessel one day and the next day the vessel can be used by another operator. When the fleet available comprises of multiple vessels, the flexibility and availability is increased. Peterson’s role is to focus on maximum fleet utilisation and optimising vessel use per individual operator to reduce overall idle time.

Vessel sharing is one of a range of services offered by Peterson’s Integrated Marine Services (PIMS). Based at new premises within Peterson’s existing quayside base at Waterloo Quay, Aberdeen, the team provides services including all types of marine and vessel audits, inspections and surveys, the provision of expert marine personnel, dynamic positioning and marine engineering.

Gibdock has confirmed its role as one of the offshore industry’s pre-eminent shiprepair and conversion yards through its selection for the afloat mobilization of Seajacks Scylla, the largest and most advanced windfarm installation jack-up ever built.

Following delivery to Seajacks by Samsung Heavy Industries at the end of 2015, Scylla was discharged to Gibraltar waters from the heavylift transporter Osprey before being towed into Gibdock for reactivation works at the yard’s South Mole.

“This is a remarkable acknowledgement of Gibdock’s emergence as a yard of choice for owners wishing to mobilize offshore assets,” said Richard Beards, Managing Director, Gibdock. “Our location at the gateway to the Mediterranean and our accreditation for offshore work are proving pivotal for owners in the high specification offshore industry. The arrival of this state-of-the-art jack-up also demonstrates that the sector’s true innovators recognize Gibdock as their first option for quality workmanship and on time completion.”

Gibdock was chosen for the mobilization of Seajacks Scylla, the largest windfarm jack-up ever built

Kevin Alcock, Seajacks Vice President New Build Projects, said: “We are very pleased with the assistance given by Gibdock in the successful reactivation of Seajacks Scylla following delivery to Europe. Gibdock has proved to be a very competent and flexible shipyard. We look forward to working with them again in the future.”

Seajacks Scylla completed reactivation in record time (five days) and departed for Great Yarmouth (UK) in preparation for starting her first contract with on the Veja Mate offshore windfarm in March, off the coast of Germany.

Scylla has been designed to meet demands set by North West European markets, including those associated with working UK Round 3, Scottish territorial waters. The self-propelled jack-up is equipped with a 1,540T leg-encircling crane, can install components in water depths of up to 65m, and can transport monopoles and turbines of up 7-8MW capacity. She is the fifth modern, specialized offshore vessel to join the fleet of UK-based Seajacks.

Damen Shipyards Group has developed a committed response to the increasing number of laid up Platform Supply Vessels (PSVs) resulting from the current predicament facing the offshore oil and gas industry. The Dutch company’s solution involves converting idle PSVs into vessels capable of taking on roles in alternative sectors such as aquaculture, shipping and defense.

The situation that the offshore oil and gas industry is experiencing is having serious consequences throughout the sector. Compounding factors include historically low oil prices, halted exploration projects and reduced production. This vicious circle is completed by a substantial drop in support vessel day rates.

LFC 3000 artist impression

Damen has a solution to get these vessels active and profitable once again. “Our design teams have come up with workable ideas across several industries. For example, we can convert a laid up PSV into a profitable Container Feeder or, for naval operations, a Logistic Support Vessel,” informs Damen Sales Manager Remko Hottentot. “The possibilities are numerous. It will also be possible to transform a PSV into an accommodation and O&M vessel”

The ship conversion know-how stems from Damen’s worldwide network of fifteen repair and conversion yards. “With a strong reputation for engineering, craftsmanship and project management skills, Damen’s conversion teams are highly experienced in giving vessels a new lease of life, while staying on schedule and on budget,” states Mr. Hottentott.

One example of an already developed proposal is the Damen Live Fish Carrier 8916 for the aquaculture industry. “Here, the concept of using the existing PSV platform is ideal, yielding many advantages for live fish carrying situations.”

In addition to permanent conversion concepts, Damen can also create temporary designs. These can be applied to vessels originally built by Damen or other shipbuilding companies.

Based in Damen’s Stavanger office, Sales Manager Norway Remko Hottentot has witnessed the sight of ports and harbours dotted with laid up PSVs. “We can offer significant design and conversion expertise to owners and operators looking for effective solutions,” he says. “In combination with reliable financing support, this makes up a unique combination of activities that can be translated into realistic conversion packages.”

Bourbon announces that it has taken delivery, as scheduled, of the Bourbon Arctic from the Vard Brattvåg shipyard (Norway) and completed her first anchor handling operation. The vessel was engaged in the disconnection and unmooring operation of the ‘Island Innovator’ located at the Fosen field in the central North Sea.

As a large AHTS (Anchor Handling Tug Supply) vessel, the Bourbon Arctic is specially designed to operate in remote areas all over the world and equipped for advanced anchor handling and towing operations. Capable of intervening in the most complex environments, she boasts a bollard pull of 307 t in boost mode and 193 t in diesel electric mode, this being among the highest Bollard Pull in the world in this mode. Her winch and storage capacities may have no equivalent on the market. It is thanks to her exceptional capacities that it has been chosen by Lundin Petroleum.

Capable of intervening in the most complex environments, she boasts a bollard pull of 307 t

Extremely versatile, she can perform numerous tasks in addition to anchor-handling, such as supply duties, oil recovery, standby operations, firefighting, rescue (up to 300 survivors) and ROV operations. With a strengthened hull and enhanced winterization equipment (Ice class), she is perfectly suited for work in temperatures down to -20° C while ensuring maximum safety conditions.

She has large passenger accommodation capacities (SPS class) as she can welcome for up to 60 persons (including crew) and has the flexibility to be used as a floatel when not engaged in anchor-handling operations. Classified as a Clean Design vessel, Bourbon Arctic complies with the most stringent requirements with regards to emissions to the air and discharges to the sea. The vessel is equipped with a dual propulsion system allowing her to adapt power needs to the type of operation with diesel electric mode, resulting in reduced fuel consumption compared to conventional AHTS.

“I have been onboard the vessel for nine days and I am greatly impressed; BourboN has really stepped up on most levels with this vessel. It’s easy to see that, once completed with an ROV and a first class ROV operator, this could be a very good vessel for most of our marine operations.” adds Sigmund Hertzberg, Senior Marine Supervisor of Lundin Norway AS.

“We are proud to take delivery of the Bourbon Arctic and to have already demonstrated her strengths: Commissioned by Swedish independent firm Lundin Petroleum for a mission early March, this unique AHTS has performed anchor handling operations utilizing its extreme capacities. BOURBON ordered this vessel in 2014 in order to complement the range of services we offer to the most demanding clients. Thanks to her unique winch and storage capacities and to her highest standards (clean & comfort class, DP 2, dual propulsion), she is the most powerful vessel in Bourbon’s fleet.” explains Gaël Bodénès, Chief Operating Officer of Bourbon.

Wilhelmsen Ships Service (WSS), a leading global provider of products and services to the shipping industry, is launching a lifejacket specially designed to safeguard workers in the harshest offshore environments. The Unitor Inflatable Lifejacket features class leading buoyancy, a Hammar automatic hydrostatic release system, and a design that is rugged, yet also light and comfortable to wear when performing demanding offshore tasks.

“There’s no shortage of lifejackets on the market, but few that are created to match the unique requirements of working offshore,” comments Philip Gatland, WSS Western Australia Manager.

“The Unitor Inflatable Lifejacket is very light, easy to put on and easy to wear, allowing both free movement and optimal protection. It features a patented interlocking lobe bladder that inflates automatically – although only when needed, not in rain, spray or humid conditions – and self-rights the user in under five seconds, even when unconscious.

“It is high visibility, heavy duty and compliant with ISO 12402-3 regulations, offering what we believe is the best protection on the market today. Full stop.”

The innovative design of the life jacket forms an effective wave barrier. This ensures that, regardless of whether the wearer is conscious or not, water is not channelled towards their face, protecting airflows. In addition, its 170N buoyancy rating compares favourably to the industry standard 150N, providing extra safety for larger operators or those carrying tools.

“Our global network and longstanding customer relationships have helped inform this new product, ensuring that we create something that is tailored specifically for the marketplace’s needs,” adds Gatland.

“Safety is always the first priority for offshore operators, so it’s our priority too. We are committed to providing solutions that are first class, available and cost effective, and The Unitor Inflatable Lifejacket is the epitome of that proposition.”

The lifejacket, which was unveiled to customers for the first time at the recent Australasian Oil and Gas Exhibition and Conference (AOG) in Perth, is protected by a heavy duty nylon cover, offers manual inflation, features reflective tape and also comes with a whistle for attracting attention.

Unitor is a proprietary brand owned and supplied worldwide by WSS. Other leading Unitor products include marine chemicals, fire fighting and safety equipment, and an extensive range of high quality marine equipment.

Falck Safety Services and VIKING Saatsea have signed a preferred partnership agreement to offer unique blended learning STCW refresher training that combines onboard-online theoretical and practical exercises with practical onshore training. The unique training gives the maritime industry three benefits: Lower costs, better learning and global consistency in how mariners are trained.

The new offering, launched on 1 January 2016, forms an innovative answer to the maritime industry’s need to achieve full compliance with the STCW Convention and Code by January 1, 2017 in regards to training, certification and competency management.

While such time- and cost-efficiencies are welcomed in the industry, VIKING Saatsea’s CEO, Kim Baarsøe, explains that there is a broader perspective to the alliance:

“In the past, learning was squeezed into a rather short period of time,” he says. “Research tells us, however, that this is anything but optimal for learning retention, which is why our new, joint training package with Falck Safety Services covers a five-year certification period that combines on shore practical exercises with onboard training in the participant’s real environment.

This also means, for example, that the theory component can be repeated as often as needed without incurring further costs.”

VIKING Saatsea, with its unique digital platform, will offer onboard refresher theory training as part of the deal. The company’s solution enables crew to reduce their training time on shore, lets crew train at their own pace while at sea, and tracks competency status for easier administration. Company-specific training requirements and equipment can be added to the solution.

Falck Safety Services is the worldwide leader in safety training and brings practical, land-based STCW refresher training to the table, using its onshore facilities in 19 countries and at 38 training centers. In 2014 Falck Safety Services trained more than 370,000 people worldwide and thus brings deep expertise to the table.

Working together, the two companies initially plan to offer seven courses, ranging from Sea Survival to Advanced Fire Fighting. The new training concept has been approved by the Danish Maritime Authority.

By combining Falck’s safety training experience with VIKING Saatsea’s innovative technology we are creating a cost effective and high quality safety training solution for the industry”, says Torben Korsgaard, Senior Director of Global Business Development at Falck Safety Services. “VIKING and Falck have worked together for 30 years, so we know we can deliver high quality to the customers together”.

Ship owners will need to act now to ensure they comply with new firefighting rules brought into force on January 1, 2016 for all new buildings warns WSS.

New amendments to the safety of life at sea convention (SOLAS), which are now in force have laid down extensive ground rules for firefighting on ships designed to carry containers on or above the weather deck and built on or after January 1, 2016.

Wilhelmsen Ships Service’s (WSS) Unitor lance and X-flow water monitor have been specifically designed to meet all the requirements of the new SOLAS rules.

Lance1. Photo credit: Wilhelmsen Ship Service

“As container ships have increased in size, so too has the need for effective measures to ensure the safety of the crew and cargo when substantial numbers of containers are carried on deck,” says Andrew Sheriff, Business Manager, Safety, WSS.

“Given the sensitive cargos carried on many container ships, crew members need to be able to respond quickly and effectively in an emergency situation.”

Containership fires have presented many challenges for the industry in recent years, with recent casualties like the MSC Flaminia in 2012 and the 18,000 teu Barzan in 2015 underlining the importance of a swift response in critical circumstances.

SOLAS Regulation II-2/10.7.3 requires at least one water mist lance to be carried on the vessel. In addition, ships designed to carry five or more tiers of containers on or above the weather deck must carry mobile water monitors – the number needed depending on the breadth of the vessel. This regulation is for new vessels delivered in 2016, but WSS also encourages owners to consider the package for existing vessels. One thing to remember is the lance package can easily be utilized with existing systems, however the fire pump sizes for the water monitor will need to be checked.

Under the new rules, monitors have to fulfill a number of requirements, including having a discharge nozzle of the dual-purpose spray or jet type, to be equipped with a coupling for hydrant connection as well as a minimum capacity of 60 m3/h (1000 l/min) and a minimum horizontal throw of 40 meters at 4 bar, when discharging at a horizontal elevation of 30-35 degrees. They must be able to operate both horizontally and vertically, with a range of up to 90 degrees, and be capable of one man or unattended operation. All systems need to be approved by the relevant administration.

Sherriff explains that the Unitor water mist lance is swift to deploy, thereby reducing fire damage. The lance, which has been tested and type approved by classification society DNV-GL, has a purpose selected hose of small diameter and low weight, ensuring ease of use. It is fitted with a 25 meter hose for flexible reach, with separate equipment for penetrating container walls enabling reliable means of wall penetration, short drilling time and, most importantly, less exposure to fire.

The equipment is stored in a small and practical suitcase, ready for use and ease of inspection during fire drills. “Although the water mist lance is specifically designed for use for containers on and above the weather deck, it can also be used in accommodation and deck areas to fight fires without having to enter the confirmed areas where a fire has started.” Sherriff explains the unit is designed not only to dampen the fire through the water spray but also eat up the oxygen in the confirmed area through a clever design feature, which creates steam and also means a faster containment of the fire.

Benefits of WSS’s Unitor X-flow water monitor include its low water requirements that can save on extra installation costs linked to higher water supply demand. The monitor can mitigate fire damage with fast connection to a hydrant as the unit requires only one hose.

The system has also been tested and type approved by DNV-GL. Weighing less than 23 kg, it is fitted with a dual-purpose spray/jet type nozzle with a nominal capacity of 80m3/h and meets the SOLAS requirements in terms of a throw length of 40 meters and a throw height of 28 meters at 4 bar (discharging at 30-35 degrees) as well as horizontal and vertical operation of up to 90 degrees. The equipment can be operated unattended.

As far as costs are concerned, both systems represent good value for money when taking into consideration the risk factors.

OceanWise has recently added an advanced wave processing algorithm to its online environmental data sharing and publishing system, Port-Log. The algorithm has been developed by a market leading provider of waves processing software to the oil and gas industry. OceanWise’s MD, Dr. Mike Osborne, said “It was important for us to implement a system that was already proven and could provide continuity and consistency to organizations wishing to extend a long-term data record or compare their measurements with modeled data or data processed by proprietary systems. This new capability allows users to browse and view wave parameters, such as directional spectra, and partitioned time series, in real-time or historically, alongside other environmental datasets contained within the Port-Log system.”

Output from Port-Log’s new waves processing capability.

Port-Log is already processing real time data streams from a range of industry standard instruments, including directional wave buoys, downward looking radars, and upward looking pressure and motion (puv) recorders. The system utilizes the raw and/or partly processed data from the sensor or multiple sensors, then extracts, transforms and loads it to Port-Log’s backend data storage system, Ocean Database. Here the wave data can be combined with other environmental parameters where available.

Historical datasets can be processed and stored making Port-Log an ideal long-term storage and web based display option. Port-Log is totally instrument independent and can accept data from multiple sensors from a range of different manufacturers such as Datawell, Nortek, RBR, RS Aqua, Teledyne RDI and Valeport.

Since 2008, the National Marine Representatives Association (NMRA) has contributed to the future of the marine industry with scholarships to individuals pursuing education and a career in the maritime trades. This year, two $1,500 scholarships will be awarded to outstanding students.

High school seniors, and college and vocational students can request an application from NMRA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Schools are encouraged to promote this to their students. Applications are due on July 1, 2016. Winners will be announced this summer.

"NMRA Scholarships hold a special place in the life of our organization," said Rob Gueterman, NMRA president. "We're always heartened to read the applications, and know that the future of the marine industry will be in such talented and capable hands."

Several NMRA rep groups generously donated to increase the 2016 scholarships. GSW & Associates and Midwest Outdoor Marketing reached the Captain level of giving, while Atlantic Marketing Company, Coatney Sales, Gulf Atlantic Marketing, Macaroni Marketing, The Merifield Company, Silverlake West Company, West Coast Sales and William F. Miller and Associates donated to the Ship's Crew level. NMMA president Thom Dammrich helped kick off the fundraising with a contribution at NMRA's annual Rep Night.

Contact National Marine Representatives Association, PO Box 360, Gurnee, IL 60031. 847-662-3167; Fax: 847-336-7126; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Fugro has been awarded an inspection, repair and maintenance (IRM) contract by Petrobras in Brazil.

Under the contract Fugro will deploy its new 83-meter ROV support vessel, Fugro Aquarius, for the IRM activities. The contract duration is one year with an option for an additional year.

Fugro Aquarius has been designed specifically for operations in the challenging conditions offshore Brazil. Capable of operating in water depths of 3,000 metres, the vessel was built in Brazil and the local content exceeds 60%. Specialised equipment on board includes two 150HP Fugro FCV3000 work class ROV systems.

Commenting on the award, Mathilde Scholtes, Managing Director, Fugro Brasil, said, “This contract reinforces Fugro’s market leadership in the IRM segment in Brazil and underlines the success of Fugro’s long-term relationship with Petrobras.”

Operations will commence in April 2016.

Crowley Maritime Corporation reached another critical milestone with the recent setting of the main engine onto El Coquí, the first of two new, Commitment Class ConRo (combination container and Roll/On-Roll/Off) ships that will be powered by liquefied natural gas for use in the ocean cargo trade between Jacksonville and Puerto Rico.

“This state-of-the-art engine technology will add efficiency while continuing to reduce impacts on the environment, one of Crowley’s top priorities,” said John Hourihan, senior vice president and general manager, Puerto Rico services.

“Utilizing this green technology is just another way we are demonstrating our commitment to the people of Puerto Rico, our customers and the environment. It also bears mentioning that neither of these ships, which have been design specifically for the Puerto Rico trade, gets built without the Jones Act – a federal statute that provides for the promotion and maintenance of a strong American merchant marine.”

A video showing the progress of setting the engine may be viewed online here.

The engine was placed using a series of heavy lifts by 500-ton cranes in the shipyard of VT Halter Marine, a subsidiary of VT Systems, Inc., where El Coquí (ko-kee) and sister ship, Taíno (tahy-noh), are under construction. The engine has a total weight of 759 metric tons and measures 41 feet high, 41 feet in length, and 14.7 feet wide.

“Customers will not only be able to experience the same reliable and dedicated service they have with Crowley today, but also will have the added benefit of lower emissions once these two ships join the Crowley fleet,” said Jose “Pache” Ayala, Crowley vice president, Puerto Rico. “Crowley is making a significant investment in the Puerto Rico trade to provide faster transit times while continuing with the ability to carry and deliver the containers, rolling cargo and refrigerated equipment our customers count on.”

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a stable gas that is neither toxic nor corrosive and is lighter than air. It is the cleanest fossil fuel available, netting a 100-percent reduction in sulphur oxide (SOx) and particulate matter (PM), and a 92-percent reduction in nitrogen oxide (NOx). LNG also has the ability to significantly reduce carbon dioxide (CO2), a contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, as compared with conventional fossil fuels.

Designing, building and operating LNG-powered vessels is very much in line with Crowley’s overall EcoStewardship© positioning and growth strategy. The company formed an LNG services group in 2015 to bring together the company’s extensive resources to provide LNG vessel design and construction management; transportation; product sales and distribution, and full-scale, project management solutions.

These Commitment Class, Jones Act ships are designed to travel at speeds up to 22 knots while maximizing the carriage of 53-foot, 102-inch-wide containers. Cargo capacity will be approximately 2,400 TEUs (20-foot-equivalent-units), with additional space for nearly 400 vehicles in an enclosed Ro/Ro garage.

The Jones Act is a federal statute that provides for the promotion and maintenance of a strong American merchant marine. It requires that all goods transported by water between U.S. ports be carried on U.S.-flag ships constructed in the United States, owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed by U.S. citizens and U.S. permanent residents.

Crowley has served the Puerto Rico market since 1954, longer than any other carrier in the trade, and occupied the 75-acre Isla Grande Terminal the entire time, making it the longest continual occupant of any Jones Act carrier in the trade. The company, with over 250 Puerto Rico employees, is also the No. 1 ocean carrier between the island commonwealth and the U.S. mainland with more weekly sailings and more cargo carried annually than any other shipping line.

Life today demands a 24/7 connection, but reception on the water is notoriously uneven. Dropped calls and marginal service are a thing of the past for users of Shakespeare®'s SuperHALO™ 5-Band Cellular Booster. The new 100+ Mbps device will increase cellular reception for 10+ users simultaneously.

A marine-grade onboard voice and data solution, SuperHALO is compatible with all US and Canada 2G, 3G and 4G networks. It doesn't need to be connected by a licensed installer. This keeps it within the reach of those who need a simple and cost-effective way to access high speed Internet on multiple devices.

Running on 12V DC, the energy efficient device draws a meager 2.1 amps. It features stealth technology—the uplink becomes dormant when not in use to save on power—and has automatic shutdown.

SuperHALO has automatic gain control and won't overpower or interfere with cell sites. It's also manually adjustable, providing flexibility in placement and fine-tuning of the antennas. This booster is RoHS compliant, FCC certified and carrier approved.

Compact, it's only 7-7/8" L x 5" W x 1-3/16" D and weighs a mere 2 lbs. 3 oz., even with its durable metal construction. The external antenna's standard 1-1/4" thread makes it compatible with a broad range of Shakespeare mounting options. Each SuperHALO kit contains one external and two internal antennas—only one internal antenna is needed— a cell booster and two lengths of coax. Longer cables and signal splitters for additional indoor wireless applications are available.

The Brave Tern, a vessel used for the installation of wind turbines at sea, dominated the Rotterdam skyline on February 23rd. The 132 meter long ship was jacked up to a height of about seventy meters to test its extended legs.

The Brave Tern is owned by Norwegian Fred. Olsen Windcarrier. The vessel has four so called jacking legs with which she can position herself firmly on the seabed. The four legs of the Brave Tern are extended with fourteen meter each up to 92,4 meters during recent weeks in Rotterdam.

The upgrading of the jacking legs of the Brave Tern is executed by Franklin Offshore Europe in Rotterdam in close co‐operation with SRC from Estonia. In Rotterdam the extended legs are tested by jacking up the Brave Tern.

Also the frame and the boom of the ship’s crane are extended, in total of twenty meters. The crane is now capable to lift up to 120 meters above the deck of the Brave Tern.

The modifications of the 2012 build Brave Tern are necessary because wind turbines become more heavy and the blades of the rotor blades becomes larger. Also wind farm are installed in deep water more often. Sister vessel Bold Tern will get the same upgrade later this year.

The Brave Tern is now capable of carrying four complete ‘multi megawatt’ turbines, including towers and rotor blades. The vessel can operate in water depths up to sixty meters.

The Brave Tern will first do a maintenance job at the North Sea, before heading to the US east coast where it will assist in the construction of the first US offshore wind farm.

Franklin Offshore Europe in Rotterdam is a world leading service provider for the offshore industry. The company is part of Singapore headquartered Franklin Offshore with offices in Australia, Indonesia, South Korea, Azerbaijan, Qatar and the USA.

McDermott International, Inc. (NYSE:MDR) has announced that its new flagship derrick lay vessel, the DLV 2000, has secured scope as part of the current McDermott work schedule for the INPEX Ichthys LNG Project offshore Western Australia.

The DLV 2000 is a class 3 dynamically positioned vessel combining a 2,200-ton revolving crane with a deepwater S-lay pipelay system configured to install pipelines with diameters ranging from 4.5 to 60 inches in water depths up to 10,000 ft. The vessel can accommodate up to 400 personnel to facilitate large hook-up and commissioning projects and incorporates a large, 43,000 sq. ft. open deck to allow the transportation and assembly of large subsea structures; enabling safe and efficient stand-alone operations in remote areas.

The DLV 2000 is expected to join the project as part of McDermott’s 2016 current project schedule by installing large subsea spools, laying infield umbilicals and lifting several Subsea Distribution Units that will provide the hydraulic, chemical and electrical distribution from the umbilicals to the subsea drill centers. Work is expected to be performed in conjunction with McDermott’s other new subsea installation vessel, the Construction Support Vessel 108 (CSV 108), that is already working successfully on the project. The CSV 108 is expected to undergo an upgrade later this year to install a Vertical Lay System and Reel Deployment System, also for use in the project and will then be referred to as Lay Vessel 108 (LV 108).

“It is an exciting time to see our newest subsea vessels working side-by-side on this landmark project,” said Hugh Cuthbertson, Vice President, Asia. “We look forward to this being a very successful start for the DLV 2000 and helping us deliver a successful project for our client, INPEX, and other project stakeholders as well as demonstrating the capability and versatility of the McDermott subsea fleet to the industry.”

McDermott anticipates several months of work for the DLV 2000 offshore Western Australia during the second and third quarters of 2016.