NAVTOR is to spend the next three years helping the EU chart a route towards autonomous vessels. The Norwegian firm, a global leader in e-Navigation technology and services, has been selected to represent the maritime industry in the ENABLE project - conceived to prove, verify and validate the safety of autonomous vehicles in Europe. NAVTOR has now received funding to investigate the concept of ‘shore-based bridges’, a crucial steppingstone on the path to autonomy.
ENABLE was originally proposed by the car industry, before the EU widened its scope to take in the full spectrum of transport, including ships. NAVTOR was chosen to represent the maritime sector’s efforts due to its expertise and innovation in the field of navigation, planning and monitoring. The firm’s technology currently connects vessels and shore-based facilities worldwide to optimize routes, safety, efficiency and overall fleet management.
“It’s an honor to be selected as the sole representative for our industry,” comments NAVTOR e-Navigation Project Manager Bjørn Åge Hjøllo. “The opportunity to work alongside established leaders in analogous transport sectors – learning from them, sharing knowledge and collaborating for new technical solutions – really is ‘once in a lifetime’.
“The shared goal is important for Europe, while the expertise we accrue will obviously be of huge benefit to our customers – all of whom can take advantage of key elements of shore-based bridges.”
NAVTOR’s role in ENABLE, which runs through to October 2019, will focus on testing the validity of the software element of a remote bridge concept. This will be built upon continuous data sharing between vessels and land, with key navigation functions migrating from the crew to office-based teams. Shore-based bridges will not be central to the day-to-day operation of autonomous vessels, but will be a vital part of their support infrastructure, allowing those onshore to take charge of individual ships when necessary.
“We believe autonomous vessels will be a reality within the next 10 to 15 years,” Hjøllo states. “Shore-based bridges will be a vital part of realizing that vision.
“However, before that point there is work to be done. We can use our expertise with software, monitoring, planning, and the secure transfer of data between vessels as a platform to build upon. Together with actors from sectors such as research institutes and the car industry, which has already made huge leaps steps forward in autonomy, we can accelerate the development of safe, reliable and innovative solutions for maritime.
“This is a long-term project with huge potential. We’re delighted to be taking the maritime lead.” NAVTOR launched the initiative with a pre-project meeting for 16 European experts, representing some of Europe’s leading research and development institutions, in its hometown Egersund last month. Other ENABLE participants include IBM, Philips Medical Systems, Renault, Tieto and Siemens.
NAVTOR was established in 2011 and has since grown into a global e-Navigation leader, with a network of offices in Norway, Russia, Japan, Sweden and Singapore. Its product portfolio includes advanced ENC services, publications, weather services, routing, and NavStation, the world’s first digital chart table, integrating all necessary navigation information onto one digital platform, with easy vessel to shore information exchange.
The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) welcomes the news that the Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention enters into force on 8 September 2017, and has produced a 12-point information sheet on the Convention for its members. The BWM Convention aims to stop the spread of potentially invasive aquatic species in ships’ ballast water. It was Finland’s accession on 8 September this year that triggered the entry into force of the Convention in a year’s time.
Under the Convention’s terms, ships will be required to manage their ballast water to remove, render harmless, or avoid the uptake or discharge of aquatic organisms and pathogens within ballast water and sediments.
IMCA’s Technical Director, Richard Benzie
“This is a significant environmental development, which provides certainty with regard to a definite implementation date,” says IMCA’s Technical Director, Richard Benzie.
“IMCA and its industry partners have expressed concerns that type approval procedures for ballast water management systems need to be practical and that flag and port state administrations must be capable of implementing the requirements of the Convention. This is something that IMO Member States will consider in October, during the next session of the IMO Marine Environment Protection committee (MEPC 70). At this session, all parties need to finalise the G8 Type Approval Guidelines in order to facilitate a workable implementation of the BWM Convention.”
The 12-point information note (IMCAM 09/16) covers:
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 United States Coast Guard (USCG) has confirmed that Norwegian ballast water treatment (BWT) specialist Optimarin has become the first supplier to submit an application for type approval. John Mauger, Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Center (MSC), describes the move as “a milestone” in the fight to protect marine biodiversity in US waters.
Optimarin’s application was submitted this week by DNV GL after the firm’s Optimarin Ballast System (OBS) satisfied the USCG’s stringent testing criteria for fresh, brackish and marine water. MSC has the stated goal of reviewing and replying to submittals within 30 days, after which point successful suppliers will receive their approval certification.
In a statement from MSC, Mauger hailed the development, commenting: “The receipt of the first application for a Coast Guard type-approved ballast water management system represents an important milestone for the future of protecting our nation’s waterways from the spread of invasive species.”
Optimarin CEO Tore Andersen responds: “We have invested a huge amount of time and money in developing a reliable, simple, effective, environmentally friendly and powerful BWT system. This final step towards approval is reward for that, positioning us at the forefront of the market for any shipowner that wants the ultimate in compliance, fleet flexibility and proven BWT success.
“We believe we’re now the clear choice within our chosen segments and are delighted to be acknowledged by USCG as a key player in the fight against this pressing environmental problem.”
Optimarin has received orders for around 500 OBS systems, which utilize a combination of filtration and powerful 35kW UV lamps to treat ballast water without the need for chemicals. Of these units 280 have been installed worldwide, with close to 100 retrofits, fitted in tandem with global engineering partners Goltens and Zeppelin.
As well as satisfying all IMO and USCG requirements, OBS is certified by a comprehensive range of classification organizations, including DNV GL, Lloyd’s, Bureau Veritas, MLIT Japan, and American Bureau of Shipping.
Trelleborgs engineered products operation has launched a new maintenance service for Boat Landing Systems (BLS). The new service is designed to identify degradation in BLS performance before it has the potential to cause damage to an offshore platform and a berthing vessels structural integrity, which can result in huge costs and downtime.
Often utilized for projects in remote locations, its imperative that BLS are robust and reliable. Trelleborgs new maintenance service includes an annual survey designed to check the BLS for cracks on the rubber surface, de-bonding, permanent deformation and corrosion. With this thorough analysis, Trelleborg can identify degradation in performance before it could become a problem for the platform.
JP Chia, Engineering Manager within Trelleborgs engineered products operation, says: BLS come under general inspection during routine maintenance schedules of the entire platform, a task that is usually carried out by a maintenance contractor. However, if not surveyed accurately, cracks on the rubber surface of the Eccentric Bumper Ring (EBR), de-bonding of the rubber and pipe, deformation and / or corrosion can go undetected, potentially resulting in costly remedial repair and even replacement of the BLS.
Offshore platform operators and contractors can reduce the degradation risks often associated with boat landing systems by working directly with an experienced product manufacturer. By doing this, contactors and operators can be sure the BLS in situ is reliable, tailored to the demands they are likely to face and importantly, perform for the long-term. After all, no one knows the product like a manufacturer.
Trelleborgs expertly trained engineers will conduct the BLS maintenance survey on an annual basis to identify areas of weakness and potential wear and tear. From best practice design, manufacture and testing, to full in-life support, Trelleborg can help to establish and implement a best practice maintenance regime tailored to BLS requirements. With an expert knowledge of Boat Landing Systems, Trelleborg offers an unrivalled in-depth understanding about the product, ensuring that extra eye for detail, ideal during maintenance surveys. In addition, should the product need to be repaired or replaced, Trelleborg can supply the most suitable solution on a project-by-project basis.
Trelleborgs engineered products operation designs, manufactures and tests its BLS to the highest of standards. Based in the companys laboratory for full-scale research and development is its test press the largest in the world of its type, with a load capacity of 18,300 metric tons and weighing in at 600 tons.
Additionally, Trelleborg formulates unique polymers for each projects shock cells in-house. Total transparency and an unrivalled understanding of materials technology is integral to every product made.
To discover more about the BLS maintenance service of Trelleborgs engineered products operation, download the Boat Landing Systems: Maintenance Service brochure:
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.
Global Maritime Consultancy & Engineering, a provider of marine warranty, dynamic positioning and engineering services to the offshore sector, has established a Technical Authority Board to be led by Alberto Morandi, formerly head of Global Maritime Americas.
The Technical Authority Board will promote excellence throughout Global Maritime, ensuring consistent and high-quality technical standards. Each board member, who will be nominated for a two-year term, will have specific knowledge in one of the following disciplines - marine operations, structural engineering, naval architecture, dynamic positioning (DP) assurance, marine systems, risk, insurance and mooring.
Alberto Morandi, Chair of the Technical Advisory Board
Board members will also be responsible for defining the competency requirements for their specific disciplines and will be encouraged to become external industry experts through participation in expert panels, speaking engagements and the writing of technical papers.
David Sutton, CEO of Global Maritime Consultancy & Engineering, said: “Our technical competencies are the backbone of Global Maritime and we are lucky to have so many leading technical authorities in the company. The new Technical Authority Board led by Alberto will help nurture this, providing a pathway to promoting technical excellence inside and outside Global Maritime and ensuring that our technical standards are not only consistent but the most up to date and relevant to our work.”
Alberto Morandi, the new Chair of the Technical Advisory Board continued: “Global Maritime is a company characterized not only by practical experience, operational excellence and safety but also by the very best in innovation and technical knowledge. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to make sure that this knowledge permeates everything we do, with the end result being value-added solutions that help our customers achieve their business goals.”
Alberto has been at Global Maritime for over 17 years where he has held a number of senior positions in Houston, London and Rio de Janeiro, including Advanced Structural Analysis Consultant, Vice President of Engineering, President of American Global Maritime Inc. and Group Managing Director for the Americas.
Alberto has a PhD from the University of Glasgow in Reliability of Marine Structures and an MSc in Naval Architecture from the University of São Paulo. Alberto is also a Chartered Engineer in the UK and a Professional Engineer in the State of Texas, contributing to technical committees and developing international standards and industry practices.
Mermaid Maritime Public Company Limited (“Mermaid”) announces that Mermaid’s Eastern Hemisphere business unit, through its subsidiary Seascape Surveys (“Seascape”), has been awarded two additional subsea contracts in South East Asia with a total estimated potential contract value of USD 5.1 million.
The first package of work involves the DP2 Dive Support Vessel ‘Mermaid Nusantara’ together with heavy duty work-class ROVs for a 30 day project in the Natuna Sea, Indonesia, carrying out installation activities directly for an international upstream oil and gas company. The work on this first package is scheduled to start no later than the first quarter of 2017. The second package is to provide survey and inspection services to a third party diving vessel for approximately 45 days working in Malaysian territorial waters. The work on this second package has already started.
Mermaid Nusantara. Photo credit: Mermaid Maritime
Mermaid also wishes to announce that Mermaid’s Western Hemisphere business unit has been awarded a one (1) month work extension by a major EPC contractor in the Middle East for its DP2 Dive Support Vessel ‘Mermaid Endurer’, together with an additional standalone saturation diving support work equipment and services. The awarded extension has an estimated potential contract value of USD 1.8 million and has already commenced.
Mermaid’s contract win announcements as published from time to time on SGXNet are not exhaustive as Mermaid continues to be awarded other smaller contracts from time to time in the ordinary course of business which are added to its order book.
Financial Effects
Assuming that the contracts had commenced and had been completed within the most recent financial year (the Company’s last financial year ended 31 December 2015), the contracts would have had a non-material effect on the earnings per share of the Company (on a consolidated basis) and a non-material effect on the net tangible assets per share of the Company (on a consolidated basis) for that financial year.
Interest of Directors and Controlling Shareholders
None of the directors or controlling shareholders of the Company has any interest, direct, or indirect, in the contracts. There are also no new directors proposed to be appointed to the Company in connection with the contracts.
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."
MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has won comprehensive equipment package contracts for a variety of seven specialist support vessels that will operate in the Middle East region. MacGregor will deliver deck cranes and a range of deck machinery to each vessel. The order is booked into the third quarter 2016 order intake.
"These orders are a good demonstration of MacGregor's ability to deliver a one-stop-shop solution, using products from across our range of market-leading brands. All backed-up by good global aftersales and service support," says Esko Karvonen, Head of Smart Ocean Technology division, MacGregor. "We are often approached to supply specific equipment on board a vessel, but packages of equipment always prove to be the most beneficial solution to the owner."
MacGregor will deliver: a deck crane and deck machinery, shark-jaws and towing pins to two 58m anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels; deck machinery and a deck crane to one 45m work utility vessel; and a deck crane and deck machinery to four 45m maintenance utility vessels. MacGregor equipment deliveries are planned for the first quarter of 2017.
"MacGregor worked closely with the owner early in the process to discuss technicalities," Mr. Karvonen continues. "This early involvement optimizes design decisions, which can positively influence the profitability, safety, reliability and environmental sustainability of operations throughout a vessel's working life. We will continue this close cooperation with the customer."
The vessels will be built in China for a leading provider of marine logistics services in Middle East. They are planned for delivery in the third quarter of 2017 and will support the operations of a Middle Eastern National Oil Company in the Arabian Gulf under a firmed five-year charter with a two-year extension option.
Harvey Gulf International Marine (HGIM) announces it has received both ABS (American Bureau of Shipping) class functional approval and USCG (United States Coast Guard) design bases approval on a 4,000 cubic meter LNG articulating tug barge (ATB) construction drawing package; the design accounts for ship-to-ship transfer and shore side resupply transfers. HGIM Chairman and CEO Shane J. Guidry said, “The development of this vessel design highlights our commitment to and involvement in the strengthening of the domestic LNG marine fuel market, and our continued commitment to a leadership role in developing a robust supply infrastructure”. Working closely with its design partner Waller Marine, and in conjunction with ABS and USCG HGIM has developed the design package ahead of construction thereby minimizing the potential for delays and significant cost impacts to the project during construction. Harvey Gulf continues to lead the United State of America (US) in the domestic marine LNG market, adding to its already substantial involvement in the area. This involvement has been highlighted by delivering the first US vessel to use LNG as a marine fuel “Harvey Energy” and the development and operation of the first “LNG Marine Refueling Terminal” in the US at Port Fourchon, Louisiana.
Photo credit: Harvey Gulf
The ATB has an approved design basis and it’s design meets all domestic and International requirement of a gas carrier, including the existing regulatory requirements defined in 46 CFR Subchapter D, 46 CFR Subchapter 0, the International Code for the Design and Construction of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk, 2016 edition (IGC Code), and applicable American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Steel Barge Rules: Part 5 Chapter 2 Section 5 Liquefied Gas Tank Barges (as modified per 2016 IGC Code), and ABS Steel Vessel Rules Part 5C Chapter 8 Sections 1-19 (as modified per 2016 IGC Code and referenced within the ABS Barge Rules). “This project and the methodical approach in which it has been developed is very different from any other similar vessel design project undertaken thus far. We are designing a gas carrier the will provided ship-to-ship transfers of LNG to vessels utilizing LNG as a fuel and to do ship-to-shore transfers to small scale marine distribution infrastructure. All while having the ability to load at any Society of International Gas Tanker and Terminal Operators (SIGTTO) compliant off take facility” said Chad Verret EVP of LNG Operation at HGIM.
The design team through its diligence has put together a vessel that has four independent 999 cubic meter type “C” cargo tanks, the ability to load and discharge at a rate of 600 cubic meters per hour and transit speed in excess of 10 knts. The design incorporates a robust fire and safety system concept for both components of the ATB and the independent ability of the vessels to manage situations as they arise. Working together with Wärtsilä, the cargo systems integrator on the complete design, supply, and integration onboard the vessel, assures both functionality and confidence in the operability of the system. Another key design component of the design is the use of a sub-cooler for boil off gas (BOG) management, the teamwork in conjunction with Air Liquide using their Turbo-Brayton Technology (TB 350) as a means to condition the cargo as necessary to manage BOG.
The designs principal particulars are as follows:
ABS Class + A-1 Towing Vessel, + AMS, ACP, SOLAS, UWILD, OCEAN SERVICE
USCG Sub-Chapter M
| Tug Length | 128' |
| Tug Beam | 42' |
| Tug Depth | 19' |
| Horse Power | 5,100 bhp |
ABS Class + A-1 Liquefied Gas Tank Barge, ITB, UWILD, RELIQ, OCEANS SERVICE
| Barge LOA | 324' |
| Barge Beam | 64' |
| Barge Depth | 32'6" |
| Barge Max Draft | 16' |
| Cargo Capacity | 3,996 cubic meters |
Companies interested in Harvey Gulf’s Class-Approved LNG Bunker Barges should contact Chad Verret, Harvey Gulf’s Executive Vice President LNG & Deepwater Operations.
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.
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