The Damen Shipyards Group’s Fast Crew Supplier (FCS) 2610 is proving to be every bit as effective in the oil and gas sector as it is in the offshore wind industry. The application of the renowned design in this arena is a response to a move in offshore O&G towards the high-intensity use of flexible, multi-purpose vessels wherever possible so as to minimize costs. As a twin-hulled vessel, the FCS 2610 combines high speed and stability with substantial deck space for equipment and components. And, with Damen’s philosophy of building in series, the FCS 2610 is available on stock for extra fast delivery.

Damen’s FCS 2610 at sea. Image credit: Damen

Over 40 vessels of this model have been built to date, the majority for the support of wind farm operations, making it a well-proven support vessel in the challenging waters of the North Sea as well as other locations. With its Twin Axe hull design, it provides a stable platform with plenty of deck space, ideal for duties such as crew and cargo supply.

Feedback and initial orders from companies in the offshore oil and gas sector have demonstrated the FCS 2610 has a role to play in their search for the most economical ways to undertake maintenance and service work. Near the top of their lists are fast, flexible vessels capable of operating in a wide range of weather conditions and carrying quantities of both men and equipment. The FCS 2610 fits these criteria well as a high quality, multi-purpose workhorse. Damen FCS 2610 hulls are in stock ready for outfitting to meet the specific needs of individual customers. Options include a multi-purpose deck crane, flexible accommodation capacity, davits for FRC, the fitting of containers for specific roles and safety standby adaptions. Other customizations are readily available on request.

The Twin Axe hull design is a stable and fuel efficient platform for accessing offshore platforms, and, as such, is a valuable member of Damen’s marine access portfolio. This portfolio anticipates the need for cost reduction and logistics improvement, alongside increased safety, in the current oil and gas climate Furthermore, the advancement of minimal facility platforms also drives the need for efficient and safe marine access solutions in place of traditional offshore crew transfer solutions.

Kongsberg Maritime and Statoil have signed an agreement with Eelume, a NTNU spin-off company, to accelerate new technology that will significantly reduce costs related to subsea inspection, maintenance and repair operations.

NTNU and Sintef have conducted research on snake robotics for more than 10 years. Eelume is now developing a disruptive solution for underwater inspection and maintenance in the form of a swimming robot. The idea is to let these robots do inspection and light intervention jobs on the seabed, reducing the use of large and expensive vessels. With its snake-like form, the slender and flexible body of the Eelume robot provides access to confined areas that are difficult to access with existing technology.

Swimming down to subsea templates. Image credit: Kongsberg Maritime

Eelume robots will be permanently installed on the seabed and will perform planned and on-demand inspections and interventions. The solution can be installed on both existing and new fields where typical jobs include; visual inspection, cleaning, and adjusting valves and chokes. These jobs account for a large part of the total subsea inspection and intervention spend.

The strength of the collaboration lies in the unique contributions from each of the parties. Eelume is founded by top academics from NTNU, Kongsberg Maritime brings in 25 years of experience and technology development within marine robotics and Statoil provides access to real installations for testing and qualification. The combined efforts now include an exciting mix of entrepreneurial spirit, industrial competence, technology and a demanding end-customer. The result is a very robust development process from idea to market.

“With our unique expertise in the field of snake robotics Eelume is the first company in the world to bring these amazing robots into an industrial setting. Now we take the step from academia and into the commercial world to secure our place in the new and exciting subsea intervention landscape,” says Pål Liljebäck, CTO Eelume.

“This is a perfect example of how NTNU AMOS can contribute to bringing research based innovations into the market place through new spin-off companies and cooperation with leading industry players. Eelume is already the 5th spin-off company from researchers at NTNU AMOS and the third since 2013. SFF NTNU AMOS is strongly supported by the NTNU management, the Norwegian Research Council, Statoil, DNV GL and SINTEF Group,” says Asgeir J. Sørensen, Director, NTNU AMOS, Centre for Autonomous Marine Operations and Systems.

“As the main shareholder and responsible for business development in the company we think this is a perfect match for effectively introducing a new innovation based on NTNU inventions and competence into the market place. The support from Innovation Norway and the FORNY program in the Norwegian Research Council has been crucial to reach this milestone,” says Anders Aune, Head of TechTrans, NTNU Technology Transfer AS.

“This partnership offers the chance to bring radical technology to the market, not just in what the Eelume robot can do, but how it does it,” says Bjørn Jalving, Executive Vice President Subsea Division at Kongsberg Maritime. “It is a new tool that will enable operators to realise large scale cost savings by introducing new ways of conducting routine tasks and helping to prevent unscheduled shutdowns by reacting instantly when required.”

“Eelume is a good example of how new technology and innovation contributes to cost reduction. Instead of using large and expensive vessels for small jobs, we now introduce a flexible robot acting as a self-going janitor on the seabed. To support smaller companies in bringing new technology to the market is an important part of our research portfolio,” says Statoil’s Chief technology officer Elisabeth Birkeland Kvalheim.

Watch an animation of the innovative new Eelume snake robot in action:
Animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgDrZWlV5Ss

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.”

Crowley Maritime Corp. has taken delivery of Louisiana, the third of four new, Jones Act product tankers being built for the company by Philly Shipyard, Inc. (PSI), the sole operating subsidiary of Philly Shipyard ASA. The delivery marks another highpoint for Crowley’s petroleum services group as its tankers are at the forefront of the industry for their potential future conversion to LNG propulsion.

Louisiana, which is 50,000 dead-weight-tons (dwt) and capable of carrying 330,000-barrels of product, is scheduled to be christened in New Orleans on May 5. Crowley’s fourth product tanker is under construction at PSI, and delivery is planned for third quarter 2016.

Credit: Crowley Maritime Corp.

Louisiana joins sister ships Ohio and Texas, which were received by Crowley in 2015 as the first-ever tankers to receive the American Bureau of Shipping’s (ABS) LNG-Ready Level 1 approval. The approval allows Crowley to convert the tanker to liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion in the future.

“The Louisiana’s delivery continues to enhance the services we are able to provide to our petroleum customers,” said Crowley’s Rob Grune, senior vice president and general manager, petroleum services. “We celebrate new tonnage and the advanced technology, but most important to us and to our customers are the highly trained men and women of Crowley who are committed to transporting their fuel in the safest, most reliable way possible.”

“Milestones like today show we can deliver solutions that reinforce the value of the Jones Act vessels and American-built and American-crewed trade,” Grune said.

The new 50,000-dwt product tankers are based on a proven Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) design that incorporates numerous fuel efficiency features, flexible cargo capability and the latest regulatory requirements. The vessel is 600 feet long and is capable of carrying crude oil or refined petroleum products, as well as various chemical cargoes.

“We are proud to deliver another Philly-born tanker, the shipyard’s fifth tanker for Crowley and 23^rd vessel in total,” remarked Philly Shipyard’s President and CEO Steinar Nerbovik. “On behalf of the men and women who built her, we are honored knowing that the Louisiana will be another safe and quality addition to Crowley’s fleet that will serve its mariners and our nation’s waterways for decades to follow.”

Crowley’s marine solutions group is providing construction management services for the product tankers. The company has an on-site office and personnel at the Philadelphia shipyard to ensure strong working relationships with shipyard staff and a seamless construction and delivery program. Crowley routinely provides shipyard construction management services for third-party clients as well.

In the second half of 2015 application of Ecolock started on a newbuild Floating Storage and Regastification Unit (FSRU) in China. This is the second project carried out for EXMAR nv, after the application on the Caribbean FLNG in 2013.

Photo credit: Hydrex

Like the first project, the FSRU is built in blocks and these blocks are coated individually before assembly, leaving only the weld seams and the areas inaccessible due to the support blocks to be painted after the barge is assembled. The Ecolock system consists of a single, homogenous covering of the steel. Painting over weld seams after the blocks have been assembled is very easy. It leaves a smooth finished surface and the erection joint paint blends in perfectly with the coating of the rest of the hull.

As with all Ecolock applications, a trained and qualified paint inspector is on site monitoring the entire preparation and application to ensure adherence to the specifications at each step of the process and to assist with any problems that may arise. This is essential for a coating that is intended to last the life of the ship. Ecolock comes with a warranty as long as it is standardly applied and if the coating is maintained according to the specifications.

The application on the FSRU is scheduled to be finalized later this year with a planned delivery of the unit not much after.

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.

Fast Supply Vessels (FSV) are tasked with delivering cargo and crew to oil and gas platforms, and other offshore operations with speeds unheard of in a crew boat 20 years ago. SEACOR Marine's newest FSV, the Alya McCall, relies on five high-performance Twin Disc MGX-61500SC QuickShift® transmissions. They provide the crucial links between the ship's powerful Cummins engines and Hamilton Waterjets.

The first in a new class of FSV from SEACOR Marine—Express Plus—the 206' x 32' US-flagged Alya McCall will accommodate 16 crew, 100 passengers and 300 LT of deck cargo. The aluminum FiFi-I class vessel has dual FFS pumps and remote-controlled monitors. Her five Cummins QSK60 Tier 3 engines each deliver 2,680 bhp. Paired with Twin Disc transmissions and Hamilton HT-810 Waterjets, the combination achieves a top speed of 38 kts. She is currently in service in the Persian Gulf.

Provided by Twin Disc distributor Sewart Supply of Morgan City, Louisiana, the MGX-61500SC transmissions feature industry-leading QuickShift technology. They instantly deliver smooth, seamless torque to the waterjets, from neutral to full ahead. And while waterjets rely on deflectors for reverse thrust, the shaft rotation can be reversed to backflush an intake screen if debris blocks its flow.

• One Year after Receiving Nautical Institutes Class A Certification, GE’s Houston Training Center for Mariners Receives Accreditation for Sea Time Reduction (STR) Course

GE’s (NYSE: GE) continuous efforts to help increase marine industry safety standards for operators recently resulted in the endorsement of The Nautical Institute’s (NI) accreditation for GE to conduct a dynamic positioning (DP) sea time reduction (STR) course in its modern DP training center in Houston. With this accreditation, GE’s Marine Technical Training Center has joined an exclusive list of only 13 DP schools worldwide that are accredited to provide STR courses.

The accreditation allows trainee DP operators (DPOs) to receive credit of 30 days of DP sea time when they complete five days of intensive training in the DP simulator. Using GE’s advanced DP simulator, the company can provide the trainees with a selection of scenarios that help prepare the DPOs for a multitude of possible situations that they may encounter when engaged in DP operations.

GE’s Marine Solutions’ DP simulator received the NI’s Class A Certification in June 2015. Together with the DP training program, GE’s Marine Technical Training Center in Houston provides the operators with a suite of following training courses:

Nautical Institute-accredited courses for licensed deck officers:

1. DP Induction (basic).

2. DP Simulator (advanced).

3. DP Sea Time Reduction.

GE product courses for engineering officers, electronic technicians:

1. MV7000 & MV3000 (VFD).

2. DP Maintenance.

3. Automation Familiarization and Basic Maintenance.

4. Advanced Automation and Power Management Maintenance.

5. DP Software Familiarization (A-Series, C-Series, SeaStream*).

“Since the inauguration of the center in 2005, we have continually worked to deliver a high-standard training syllabus for mariners globally. Our continuous efforts have been paying off over time, and after receiving a Class A certification from The Nautical Institute, we’re proud to now receive the accreditation to provide STR Courses too. As the industry struggles to find competent manpower, GE is a leader when it comes to training the next generation of mariners,” said Tim Schweikert, president and CEO of GE’s Marine Solutions business.

GE’s Marine Solutions’ DP technology has gained wide acceptance in the marine industry. DP is a mariner-focused technology that helps mariners maintain their vessel in a predetermined heading and position.

GE’s Marine Solutions recently also provided the Class A DP simulator to the DP center at the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMS) in Alexandria, Egypt, which has also received the STR accreditation.

GE is continuing to build upon its commitment of providing advanced maritime training that corresponds to customers’ needs in the real world.

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.

Ballast water treatment (BWT) specialist Optimarin has cemented its place at the vanguard of the market, with the news that it has now sold over 400 of its environmentally friendly UV-based systems. The landmark has been surpassed on the back of a succession of major contracts, fuelled by the firm’s unique retrofit experience, proven technology and upcoming USCG certification.

2016 has been a boom year for a company that installed the first ever commercial BWT system back in 2000. Optimarin Ballast System (OBS) orders have been confirmed with Atlantis Tankers (10 units) and Sinopacific Shipbuilding Group (nine), while the firm also made its first foray into fishing, with a contract for the Fisherman’s Finest vessel America’s Finest. The latest win, with Carisbrooke from the UK, was the largest - a fleet agreement with the potential to encompass retrofits on 46 bulk and multipurpose vessels.

“We’ve been working with BWT technology since our formation in 1994,” comments Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen, “so we feel this surge in business reflects an appreciation of our established expertise, technology, and ability to satisfy all individual customer, and vessel, requirements.

“Now that the ratification of the IMO’s Ballast Water Management convention is finally imminent, we’re seeing more and more shipowners engaging us for fleet wide retrofit assignments. This is because they know they can trust us, our market proven system, and unparalleled retrofit experience.”

Together with its global engineering partners, Goltens and Zeppelin, Optimarin has now fitted over 70 units on existing vessels, alongside over 200 on newbuilds. Its flexible, modular system is perfect for making the most of limited vessel space, while its totally compliant technology ensures peace of mind.

This latter point has proven to be another of Optimarin’s strengths. The firm has invested millions of dollars in testing and certification, with certificates from DNV GL, Lloyd’s, Bureau Veritas, MLIT Japan, and American Bureau of Shipping, alongside full IMO approval. However, it’s the latest testing with USCG that appears to be elevating the business to a new commercial plane.

“USCG has the most stringent approval demands, thanks to its FDA/CMFDA test, which judges the life forms transported in ballast water as either living or dead,” Andersen explains. “The power of the 35kw UV lamps in the OBS ensures it has the power to instantly kill invasive organisms and that’s exactly what USCG wants to see.

“The system has now satisfied all marine water tests and is in its final testing stage, with full USCG approval expected later this year. For shipowners with large global fleets this gives them the flexibility to sail in and out of US waters, discharging ballast, as desired. For those with fleets based exclusively in North America this is a ticket to trade, full stop.

“USCG approval is becoming a benchmark standard for forward-thinking customers planning for guaranteed future regulatory compliance. This is proving to be a key business driver for Optimarin.”

Optimarin’s customers include names of the order of Saga Shipholding, MOL, Grieg Shipping Group, Gulf Offshore, Farstad Shipping, NYK, Nor Line, and Evergreen Marine Corp, amongst others. Its OBS system is easy to install, simple to maintain – with no moving parts – and does not use, or discharge, any chemicals.

“We believe we have an industry leading proposition,” Andersen concludes, “and it’s hugely satisfying to see the market respond to that at this key time for the BWT sector.”

The Damen Field Service crew has just returned from commissioning the Barracuda cutter suction dredger in Algeria. The customized Damen Cutter Suction Dredger (CSD) 500 has been delivered with a complete dredging package including a booster station and dredge piping enabling immediate start up. The CSD500 will perform maintenance dredging in a reservoir.

As reservoir dredging can be quite a challenge, the standard dismountable CSD500 has been customised. Its job is to clear a water reservoir in an inland location in Algeria. As it is relatively deep, the CSD500 has been fitted out with a longer cutter ladder for the important dredging depth of -18m working at 45°. Moreover the spuds – normally a distinct feature of any CSD– have been replaced by an X-mas tree. The X-mas tree is a multiple wire-based mooring system independent of the deep waters in which the dredger operates.

The cutter suction dredger is also fitted out with a number of standard options such as an accommodation unit, navigation lights, a deck crane and dredging instrumentation. Moreover, it is accompanied by all components for a turn-key dredging project. These components include a remote controlled booster station, type BS500, plus some 4 km of floating and land discharge piping – in total over 30 containers full of steel and flexible piping and floats.

The Algerian customer Hydrodragage has two other Damen dredgers performing similar tasks at other reservoirs. Damen is proud to have delivered it’s third dredger to Hydrodragage, which started its dredging job without delay upon arrival.

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.