Damen has signed a contract with leading dredging and marine contractor Van Oord for the supply of a CSD 650 custom suction dredger together with an FCS 1605 Fast Crew Supplier, initially for operations in the Caspian Sea. Designed and delivered by Damen Dredging Equipment in Nijkerk, the Netherlands, the vessel will leave the yard at the end of January and travel overland to the Caspian Sea, from where it will begin operations in April.

"Van Oord requires a cutter suction dredger at short notice because of the large number of ongoing dredging projects. Damen's expertise combined with Van Oord standards will result in a fit-for-purpose addition to our dredging projects in the Caspian Sea", says Peter Bunschoten, Project Director at Van Oord.

Ural River
The work began immediately on the 60m dredger, designated the Ural River, to bring her up to the required specification.

Modifications now underway include the adding of a bow to enable a change of her classification from sheltered waters to coastal operations. The vessel is also being fitted with additional tank capacities to allow her to operate without support for an extended period of time in the remote locations where she will be working.

The fact that this particular CSD 650 was already equipped with anchor booms to allow easy moving of the side anchors was very helpful in minimising the time required for modifications, as the shallow waters in which it will be operating are not suitable for a Multi Cat to provide support.

Van Oord also required a number of safety and environmental features to comply with its exacting standards, which Damen has fulfilled.

Support vessel with 30 knots
Support for the CSD 650 is being supplied in the form of a Damen FCS Fast Crew Supplier 1605 with a top speed of 30 knots. Capable of taking up to 23 passengers, this sturdy workhorse is ideal for supporting the Ural River. Damen is one of the few shipbuilders able to provide complementary vessels at short notice for projects such as this.

Oceaneering International, Inc. (NYSE: OII) announces that it has entered into a two-year, multi-service vessel charter agreement with Shell Offshore Inc. (Shell) for use of the Ocean Alliance in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico (GOM) commencing January 1, 2015.

The Ocean Alliance is a state-of-the-art, U.S. flagged vessel built in 2010. It has an overall length of approximately 309 feet (94 meters), a Class 2 dynamic positioning system, accommodations for 69 personnel, a helideck, a 150-ton active heave compensated crane, and a working moonpool. The vessel is outfitted with two Oceaneering work class remotely operated vehicles and is equipped with a satellite communications system capable of transmitting streaming video for real-time work observation by shore personnel.

The vessel is expected to be used by Shell to perform subsea inspection, maintenance, and repair (IMR) projects and hardware installations. IMR projects are anticipated to include a wide range of intervention tasks, including chemical well stimulation and hydrate remediation. Hardware installations are anticipated to include flowline jumpers, umbilicals, production trees, and flying leads.

Under separate installation and IMR frame agreements, Oceaneering may also provide project management, engineering, fabrication, and vessel equipment and service packages to Shell on an as-needed basis to support the Ocean Alliance's operations.

M. Kevin McEvoy, President and Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are extremely pleased that Shell has committed to this term agreement with us to support their deepwater GOM operations. Shell is one of our largest customers for subsea services in this geographic area, where we expect good growth prospects for the next several years."

Long range patrol vessel one of nine for Royal Bahamas Defense Force

The first Damen Stan Patrol 3007 has arrived at Damen Shipyards Gorinchem in the Netherlands for outfitting. The vessel is one of nine that the Royal Bahamas Defense Force has ordered from Damen Shipyards. The order features four Stan Patrol 4207 vessels, one RoRo 5612 and a further three Stan Patrol 3007 vessels.

Damen has designed the Stan Patrol 3007 with the client's requirements in mind. Robin van der Zon, Project Manager at Damen Shipyards Group explains: "These patrol vessels will prevent smuggling and people trafficking, so it's vital they can quickly reach places other vessels cannot. For that reason we have developed the Stan Patrol 3007 to reach up to 24 knots with shallow draught." Even at the highest speeds, Damen's Sea Axe hull design will ensure excellent efficiency and sea keeping.

The vessel design also features a recess in the aft ship to accommodate a rigid inflatable boat (RIB), with high-speed capabilities. "The RIB design is also new," Mr Van der Zon says. "It features a water jet, a new engine system and a propulsion arrangement designed for optimal performance and reliability. She will be able to make speeds over 30 knots."

Damen has designed the Stan Patrol 3007 to remain at sea for up to one week at a time. To meet that requirement, they have provided on board accommodation for a crew of 13, as well as a pantry and mess room. "Over a period of approximately 15 weeks, we will install on board all machinery, electrical installations, HVAC, navigational equipment, insulation and carpentry," states Mr Van der Zon.

"After launching, sea trials and extensive testing will follow a commissioning period of approximately 5 weeks and the first Stan Patrol 3007 should be delivered in week 26 of 2015. After delivery, the crew of the vessel will undergo training in the Netherlands, before the vessel is shipped to the Bahamas," says Mr Van der Zon.

Ceona, SURF contractor with heavy subsea construction capabilities, has bolstered its pioneering fleet of next generation vessels with the christening of its flagship asset, the Ceona Amazon, which has been delivered in less than two years of the letter of intent (LOI) for its construction being signed.

The game-changing Ceona Amazon has been internally designed at Ceona and purpose built to perform in multiple pipelay and operational modes. She also features a large storage capacity and heavy subsea construction capability with her versatility setting her apart as a deepwater field development asset.

Ceona Amazon 2 - Ceona Amazon at sea trials in Bremerhaven, Germany, 24th November 2014

Shipbuilding specialist Lloyd Werft successfully delivered the Ceona Amazon on schedule in Bremerhaven where the vessel was officially christened yesterday (Wednesday, December 3) by her Godmother, Mrs Cynthia Huber from Houston, Texas.

Lloyd Werft delivered the Ceona Amazon within time and budget, and the vessel has also successfully undergone sea trials ahead of schedule.

Steve Preston, chief executive officer at Ceona, which has expanded its geographic footprint in West Africa, praised the teams involved in executing the Ceona Amazon development to the highest level: "Lloyd Werft has completed the vessel build and outfitting in just under two years of the LOI and to an extremely high quality. This is a stunning achievement by industry standards and a testament to their expertise and ability."

"I would also like to pay tribute to all our engineers and managers at Ceona who developed the concept for the Ceona Amazon design in-house, and have shown complete dedication to ensuring the building of a ground-breaking field development vessel in record time. This achievement underlines Ceona's vision for bringing new, cost-effective subsea services to oil & gas operators from small to medium-sized independents, national and international oil companies."

Rüdiger Pallentin, chairman of the Board of Lloyd Werft, added: "The Ceona Amazon is a masterpiece of shipbuilding, built by experts for experts with team-playing site teams from both Ceona and Lloyd Werft. We are proud and happy to deliver the flagship of Ceona's fleet."

Following her christening, the Ceona Amazon will transfer to Huisman yard in Schiedam, The Netherlands, where she will ultimately be equipped with a 570 tonne multi-lay pipe tower and two heavy duty 400 tonne offshore cranes – all of which have already been built by Huisman, a global leader in lifting, drilling and subsea solutions, and are ready to be installed.

The innovative G-lay pipelay system, developed and patented by Ceona, features an inclinable lay spread with a top tension of 570 tonnes and a rigid firing line system. It combines the offshore assembly of rigid pipe joints along a traditional firing line, then plastic bending of the pipe through a route similar to that of a reel-lay vessel, completed by a vertical exit through the moonpool (J-lay).

With capacity to carry 8,500 tonnes of pipe, the Ceona Amazon will be able to lay rigid and flexible pipelines and umbilicals, and install heavy subsea structures or floaters (TLP, semi or FPSO) using its two 400 tonne subsea cranes working in tandem.

Stuart Cameron, chief operating officer at Ceona, said: "The Amazon's completion is a significant milestone for Ceona and for its clients. As our first-owned purpose-built vessel, it is a powerful asset that can execute complex logistical projects in remote, harsh and deepwater environments in one trip.

"The vessel is ideally suited to the deeper waters of West Africa, the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil. The Amazon also brings our clients a new, cost-effective solution for their heavy subsea structure and floater installation services, via EPIC or Transportation and Installation (T&I) contracts."

He added: "After installation of the pipe-laying system and the twin 400 tonne cranes, the Amazon will be the second new vessel – after the Polar Onyx – Ceona will bring to the market on time and in less than a year. The Polar Onyx and the Normand Pacific have got significant experience in the Brazilian deepwaters for Petrobras, and for Independent, IOCs and NOCs in the Gulf of Mexico and in West Africa."

The Ceona Amazon is 199.4 metres long and 32.2 metres wide, drawing 8.0 metres with a gross tonnage of 33,000. She is due to enter service early 2015.

The vessel's outfitting at Bremerhaven followed successful floatation at Crist yard in Poland earlier this year in April before

GAC, a world leader in global shipping services, has been appointed sole provider of hub agency services for the worldwide LNG fleet of BG Group.

The agreement also covers crude oil and LPG shipments to accommodate BG Group's expanding cargo range.

The new five-year contract took effect on January 1 with GAC providing hub and ship agency services and a range of value-added solutions covering the movement of BG Group's cargoes around the world.

Kumar Ganesan, General Manager for GAC Global Hub Services coordinated the negotiations along with Bob Bandos, Managing Director of GAC Shipping USA. Bandos had first established the relationship with BG Group in 2001.

"This global contract with BG Group is an outcome of mutual reliability, a commitment to thinking long-term and a willingness to listen to each other," says Ganesan. "It's the product of a partnership that continues to grow stronger."

"We have been working closely with the BG Group for more than a decade and we look forward to supporting the company in its global LNG, LPG and Crude Oil business growth."

GAC operates Hub Agency Centers in Dubai, Houston, Singapore and Grangemouth, coordinating port calls globally for fleet operators

Following 3 years of successful operations, N-Sea - the Inspection, Maintenance and Repair (IMR) specialist - has extended its charter agreement with Siem Offshore, concerning its offshore subsea construction vessel, Siem N-Sea, previously Siem Stork. The agreement has a duration of up to 6 years, having begun on January 1, 2015.

The Siem N-Sea is a dive, multi-support and construction vessel, designed to meet the needs of the offshore subsea industry. It is one amongst N-Sea's fleet of six dive support and specialist intervention vessels, designed to deliver a range of subsea services for offshore assets, platforms, FPSOs and renewables operations, with minimal impact made upon production.

N-Sea strives to provide customers with safe, sound and swift remedies, and the ship is equipped with exceptionally efficient azimuth thrusters and a DPII dynamic positioning system for safe and economic operations on a world wide scale. Featuring N-Sea's ground-breaking TUP Diving System®, the vessel is also fitted with complete air and nitrox diving spread and daughter craft, WROV and Obs ROV.

A high focus on reduced fuel consumption through diesel electric propulsion is in keeping with N-Sea's commitment to an improved environmental performance across its fleet.

Commenting on the agreement extension, N-Sea CEO, Gerard Keser said: "N-Sea is extremely pleased to have extended its original agreement with Siem Offshore. It is clear testament to proven capability of both the vessel and the N-Sea team aboard the Siem N-Sea and back onshore. We look forward to the continuation of this excellent working relationship."

N-Sea is known for its innovative work as an independent offshore subsea contractor, specialising in IMR services for the international oil and gas, renewable and telecom/utility industries, as well as for civil contracting communities. With particular focus on North Sea activity, N-Sea provides offshore and survey services to major operators and service companies alike.

LQT Industries, LLC, a full-service provider of high quality accommodation facilities, design-build construction services, and support services to the oil and gas industry, has been awarded a contract for the construction of ten (10) modular units that will be utilized onboard a commercial vessel.

The outfitting will consist of both hardcore and softcore wall systems to increase the comfort and aesthetics of the buildings. Several of the modules will be constructed to tie together and open to one another creating larger rooms and interconnecting corridors. These modules will be built to USCG and ABS Class standards. The project is scheduled to be completed and delivered in March of 2015.

LQT had to compete against an international backdrop of suppliers. The customer stated, "It was LQT's engineering expertise and experience coupled with the ability to deliver in a short timeframe that helped secure the order."

Construction will take place at LQT's Construction Facility in Abbeville, LA, which specializes in designing and fabricating various types of modular structures including MCC buildings, accommodation buildings, and subarctic facilities. LQT has recently completed the expansion of their Abbeville facility to include a larger indoor fabrication area to accommodate additional projects.

LM Handling, an Acteon company, has provided handling expertise and equipment to support Acteon sister company, InterMoor, in the successful mooring installation of a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit for the China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) operated Enping 24-2 oilfield in the South China Sea.

With LM Handling's lifting and handling expertise and equipment, a 12-pile anchor mooring system, consisting of three clusters of four mooring lines, was installed.

LM Handling provided its StabFrame-S in its extended configuration, pre-loaded with additional ballast to achieve a stable and safe install for the long mooring piles, and 84 and 60 in. internal lift tools. With a customised set of handling equipment, which enabled pile upending on the seabed, InterMoor was able to use a relatively lightweight construction vessel to install the piles quickly, efficiently and safely.

This mooring project represents LM Handling's first project in Chinese waters and second project for the StabFrame-S, which was specifically designed for lightweight South East Asia vessels. It is the fourth successful FPSO mooring project for LM Handling.

Robin van der Bij, managing director at LM Handling, said, "The Enping project has been a positive demonstration of how company collaboration can overcome difficult challenges and secure the smooth delivery of a project. It also means a fourth successful FPSO mooring installation for the StabFrame, which guides the piles into the location and stabilises them to assist with penetration."

InterMoor led the project, bringing together specialist services from Acteon group companies, including MENCK for the piling spread and newly acquired UTEC Survey for the data requirements.

Enping 24-2 oilfield is in the Pearl River Mouth basin of the South China Sea, which has water depths between 86 and 96 m. The main production facilities include a drilling and production platform, an FPSO and 17 producing wells. CNOOC has announced that two wells are producing approximately 8,000 bbls/d of crude oil. The project is expected to reach peak production of 40,000 bbls/d in 2017.

To maintain the continuous availability of its wide range of built-for-stock vessels, Damen Shipyards Group is currently shipping a diverse cargo of 16 new pontoons and tugs, as well as numerous modular barges, from China to the Netherlands. The latest shipment displays the efficiency of Damen's global construction and transport network and represents a major cooperation between its various product divisions and numerous local partners in China.

To perform the shipment, Damen mobilised ZPMC's Zhen Hua 28. The 232-metre semi-submersible vessel left Nantong, China at the beginning of January and is due to arrive in Rotterdam at the beginning of March. The whole process exhibits the significant cooperation with Damen's local Chinese partners such as Yahua Shipyards, Damen Yichang Shipyard, Damen Changde Shipyard, SHBM and local Nantong and Taicing Authorities.

The cargo includes eleven Stan Pontoons® of six different models (SPo 9127, SPo 8916ICE, SPo 7120, SPo 6020, SPo 6316 and SPo 2116) and numerous modular barges. The fully ballastable Stan Pontoon® 9127 is worthy of particular consideration: also known as 'North Sea Barge', its large deck with high loading capacity and predesigned plug and play options make it perfectly suited for ocean going transport and offshore projects. Two examples of this benchmark pontoon will be available for purchase from March – illustrating Damen's successful formula of building for stock to ensure minimum delivery times.

As well as standardised built-for-stock models, the Zhen Hua 28 is also carrying a custom-built spill pontoon that will be delivered to its owner just a few months after ordering. Spill pontoons are utilised to prevent spillage of dry bulk products during transhipment by crane barge. Damen's Pontoons & Barges Division designed this so-called Spill Pontoon to specific customer demands in answer to stricter European port regulations.

Topping off the diverse shipment are several workboats – including Stan Tugs 1205, Stan Launches 1305 and two large Shoalbusters.

Damen is experiencing significant growth in sales of its pontoons and barges – the past few months have witnessed deliveries around the world to customers in five different continents. To meet the demand, there are two further shipments of more than 20 pontoons planned for later this year.

Constructed in accordance to Lloyd's Register regulations, Damen's pontoons and barges can be designed to client-specific demands such as customised crane barges and various hopper barges. All models are prepared for plug and play installation of options like pumps and generator sets and can be commissioned within a very short time.

With a considerable part of Damen's broad portfolio directly available from stock, clients can take advantage of the company's presence in the Middle East, West Africa and China. Final construction and outfitting can be performed in short time scales to guarantee ultra-short delivery times. Local construction is also possible in combination with Damen Technical Cooperation.

The 22nd of December saw the delivery by Damen of an innovative new DOC 8500 cable laying vessel to international offshore contractor Van Oord. Named Nexus, the 126-meter vessel is intended for the installation of electricity cables for offshore wind farms. Van Oord is currently making preparations for the Gemini offshore wind farm which will be constructed 55 kilometrers to the north of Schiermonnikoog, one of the Dutch Wadden Islands, and the cable-laying vessel will be deployed initially at that site.

Despite encountering some challenges during the build process, the DOC 8500 was delivered several days ahead of the specified completion date and the entire design, engineering and build took just 15 months. This was particularly satisfying as additional work was also added to the specification after the contract was signed, with additional cable-laying infrastructure being installed prior to handover.

The success of the project was down to a number of factors. The level of cooperation between Van Oord and Damen was highly intensive from the outset, with very short lines of communications between the decision makers on both sides.

An additional factor was the ability of Damen to draw on the expertise on a number of companies within the Damen Shipyards group. Six Damen companies in Romania, Ukraine and the Netherlands contributed engineering and project management expertise; the vessel itself was constructed at Damen Shipyards Galati. The ability to access and coordinate such a diverse range of resources gives Damen a significant advantage when it comes to complex projects such as the DOC 8500.

Equipment installation
The Nexus is now at Damen Shiprepair Vlissingen, where Van Oord is building and installing the additional cable laying equipment.

The Damen Offshore Carrier (DOC) concept was first introduced by Damen in 2012 as a cost-effective smaller heavy transport, offshore installation and ro-ro platform suitable for multiple markets. With its spacious and flush open deck the design is highly adaptable and its modular construction means that it can switch quickly and economically between roles.

Jaap de Jong, Van Oord's Staff Director Ship Management Department, commented: "By working closely together, Damen and Van Oord managed to build a fit-for-purpose and economical vessel in a very short period of time. The Nexus is an asset to Van Oord's fleet and its Offshore Wind Projects business unit."

An animation of the original concept can be seen here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN0lDwn8Uk

Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG), a leading naval architecture and marine engineering firm with offices in Seattle and Ketchikan, recently announced the delivery into service of the CAPE HORN, a Specialty Oilfield Vessel that it designed. EBDG partnered with Gulf of Mexico Operator SeaMar, LLC and Gulf Island Marine Fabricators on the class design and production engineering for the ship.

"We would like to congratulate our valued client, Darrel Plaisance of SeaMar, LLC on the delivery of their EB-220CC and the shipyard on a fine build," stated Gulf Coast General Manager, Keith Keller.

The design of the CAPE HORN was developed from concept to production in EBDG's Gulf Coast office and features an innovative tank farm unique to Specialty Design Oilfield Vessels. EBDG provided full design services including structural, mechanical, piping and outfitting design, and served as the primary point of contact for all regulatory body requests for information.

EBDG credits great teamwork, communication and project management expertise for the successful journey of the CAPE HORN from design to delivery and looks forward to a continued relationship with SeaMar, LLC and delivering its next vessel, the CAPE COD, into service.

Shin Yang Shipyard of Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia has delivered the sister ships MV Anis and MV Alya (photo). Designed by Wartsila Ship Design Singapore, the 83.8-meter (275-foot) maintenance and work boats have massive capacities.

Photos courtesy of Cummins Malaysia

Accommodation is provided for up to 199 people. Tankage is provided for 800 cubic meters of fuel and 900 m3 of water. The vessels each have two 50 m3 per day water-makers. Additionally there is tankage for 80 m3 of urea, 20 m3 of sludge, and 10 m3 of lube oil. There is 700 square meters of open deck cargo space.

For propulsion, each vessel is fitted with a pair of Cummins QSK60M engines each delivering 2200 HP at 1800 RPM. The engines turn four-blade 2000-m/m fix-pitch propellers through Twin Disc MG5600 marine gears with 5.04:1 rations.

Main gensets are three Cat-powered 590eKW, 50 HZ each. The emergency genset is a Cummins NTA855D(M) powered and rated at 245eKW. The ABS-classed vessel is equipped with a ten-ton electric drive bow thruster as well as three 75 cubic meters per hour at a 70-meter head fire pumps. To aid in her offshore work there is a 45-ton deck pedestal mounted deck crane. The Anis and Alya are also fitted with 50-ton four-point mooring systems.

EFC Group, a leading designer and manufacturer of instrumentation, monitoring, control and handling systems for the global oil and gas industry, has completed a £1.3million {$2.2million} contract to design and build a BOP and diverter control system for China based Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Offshore Co (DSIC Offshore).

The system is installed onboard DSIC's new build jack up drilling rig, JU2000E-13. DSIC is supplying the rig to drilling contractor Apexindo, where it will be known as 'Tasha'.

Bob Will, CEO at EFC Group, said: "This is a major contract for EFC, continuing our growth plan to become world class leader in control systems for both rig upgrades and new builds alike. It is also a significant project that's been supported by our manufacturing base in Forres which gives us the additional capacity required to undertake projects of this scale.

"EFC aims for this to be the start of a strong relationship with DSIC. In the new build market as a whole, we know there is a high demand on shipyards and their current vendors to delivery on time and on budget and we have invested in our facilities and resources to support this."

EFC's Surface BOP HPU can be supplied modular or as one integrated unit to fit rig requirements.

The BOP and diverter control system delivers a robust solution with central architecture on a fiber optic network. These systems are used to control the blowout preventer to seal, control and monitor the well and are critical for ensuring the safety of the crew, the rig, well integrity and the environment.

The EFC Group designed system provides full functionality from two or more locations, typically local hydraulic control, drillers' electric and toolpushers' electric remote panels. A solenoid valve enclosure is included to provide an interface from the electric signals from the remote panel and provide pneumatic or piloted hydraulic signals to the BOP control actuators. A hydraulic power unit can be included as part of system supply, or it can be limited to hydraulic control skid only.

Representatives from Apexindo visited EFC Group's base in Forres where the system was built during its Factory Acceptance Test (FAT).

Kenneth Gibbs and Jean Wojcik at Apexindo, said: "We are pleased that DSIC chose EFC Group to supply its BOP controls technology as part of the rig package. The high quality of the equipment used and the stringent safety levels that EFC Group works to were important factors for us."

EFC Group designs and manufactures BOP control systems for both surface and subsea stacks. BOP control projects can both update and convert controls systems, so they can be readily supported in the future as well as meet API 16D compliance. Surface BOP control systems can also be API 16D monogrammed.

Bibby Offshore's Houston-based division, Bibby Subsea (the "Company"), has signed a three year contract with Bordelon Marine to charter a new vessel. The Brandon Bordelon (photo) is an ultra-light intervention vessel (ULIV) and will commence a three year charter in August 2015 primarily operating in the Gulf of Mexico. The addition of the Brandon Bordelon to Bibby Offshore's existing international fleet of specialized vessels enhances the capability throughout the Americas region.

The purpose built, high specification Brandon Bordelon vessel provides a versatile and cost effective approach to a variety of operations, including IMR operations (inspection, maintenance and repair), light construction, survey and inspection work.

Since its inception, Bibby Subsea has experienced significant client demand for its service offering, which continues to increase across North America. In November 2014, the Company also announced investment in a custom-built facility. Located in the Houston Energy Corridor, it is set to strengthen the Company's presence and enhance its on-the-ground support for clients in the region.

Bordelon Marine is a leading provider of marine transport services to the oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Mexico and around the world. The Brandon Bordelon's sister vessel, the Connor Bordelon, received 2014 American Ship Review Ship of the Year Award.

Andrew Duncan, President and Managing Director of Bibby Subsea, said:
"Signing a contract with Bordelon Marine for this new ULIV allows us to offer clients a cost effective and efficient alternative to other options currently available in the light intervention market.

"Over the past ten years Bibby Offshore has established a significant international presence and is a leading provider of IMR support and subsea construction services in the UK North Sea, with a proven track record of providing quality assets and people to their established client base. We are committed to bringing those principles to the Americas region."

Wes Bordelon, president and CEO of Bordelon Marine commented:
"The contract with Bibby Subsea underpins our commitment to providing a first class service to the Gulf of Mexico region and significantly increases our offering to this highly specialised market. As a family owned business ourselves, we are aligned with Bibby Offshore's ethos to provide excellence while maintaining the health, safety and well-being of our customers, colleagues and the environment."

Leading classification society ClassNK (Chairman and President: Noboru Ueda) has granted approval to the design of the new 28AHX-DF dual-fuel engine developed by Niigata Power Systems Co., Ltd. The new engine is slated to be used as the main engine on a new LNG-fueled tugboat being built by Keihin Dock Co., Ltd. for NYK Line. The vessel will be Japan's first LNG fueled vessel, excluding LNG carriers.

New regulations for Emission Control Areas (ECA), including new stricter limits on sulfur emissions as well as the IMO's Tier III NOx emission limits, are driving demand for new engine and emission control technologies. The high costs associated with low sulfur fuels, and the increasing availability of LNG is driving both vessel owners and machinery manufacturers to consider the use of LNG as a vessel fuel.

Niigata's 28AHX-DF is a medium-speed duel-fuel engine with a maximum rated power per cylinder of 320kW and was developed for use primarily in offshore support vessels and tugboats. The engine, which operates on both diesel fuel and LNG, will meet the strict 0.1% sulfur emissions regulations in the ECA that are set to go into effect in 2015, as well as comply with the IMO's stringent Tier III NOx emission requirements. Technologies used in the new engine were developed with the support of Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation & Tourism (MLIT), as well as ClassNK as part of the society's Joint R&D for Industry Program.

Mr. Yukihisa Shibata, General Manager of ClassNK's Machinery Department said: "The demand for dual-fuel engines is increasing as IMO restrictions tighten and the industry recognizes the importance of environmental accountability. Supporting the development of such low-emission engines is one way we can help ship operators and manufacturers practically address the challenges of these new regulations, and encourage the wide spread use of this new technology

Oman Shipping Company (OSC) has taken delivery of one of the world's most advanced fuel efficient LNG carriers – the Adam LNG.

The 162,000 cubic meters capacity vessel was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) in Ulsan South Korea. It will operate worldwide with 25 crew including four Omani cadets.

OSC Acting Chief Executive Officer, Tarik Al Junaidi (left), said the Adam LNG is a powerful demonstration of the Muscat-based company's 'driving commitment to constant innovation' in its fleet which now numbers 43 vessels and is one of the biggest in the Gulf (see factfile). He said the Adam LNG will be offered on the 'open market' to oil and gas companies worldwide.

"This state-of-the-art LNGC offers considerable benefits to customers," he said. "Its innovations mean it is exceptionally fuel efficient, cost effective and environmentally friendly. We have listened to industry and we understand this is what customers want. Our core activity is oil and gas transportation.

The delivery of the Adam LNG, together with the ordering of 11 medium range products tankers, reflects our ambition to grow not only in Oman, and the Middle East, but also worldwide. The arrival of the Adam LNG sees us redouble our efforts to promote our fleet, which is now among the best managed, most advanced, fuel efficient, cost effective, diverse and eco-efficient in the world."

Mr Al Junaidi said key innovations on the Adam LNG included its propulsion system and the design of its aft hull form.
"To slash harmful emissions we have deployed the latest Dual Fuel Diesel Electric (DFDE) technology," he said. "This enables the engine to operate on the lean-burn principle which increases engine efficiency and reduces peak temperatures which cuts Nitrogen Oxide emissions. In addition the ship has been coated with a new low friction paint which reduces fuel consumption by improving the sailing efficiency of the vessel. It does this by reducing the friction resistance of the hull. Furthermore, the design of the aft body hull forms a shape to improve wake pattern and increase propeller efficiency."

OSC chief operating officer David Stockley said another prime benefit OSC can offer customers is in-house management through Oman Ship Management Company (OSMC), a fully-owned subsidiary of OSC. He said the Adam LNG will be managed by OSMC.

"OSMC is a fundamental part of OSC and is growing fast," he said. "In the last year the number of vessels OSMC is managing has increased from 20 to 27 and these include VLCCs, VLOCs, LNG carriers, LPG carriers, product tankers and multi-purpose vessels. OSMC remains absolutely committed to, and passionate about, maintaining the highest international standards of safety, environmental responsibility, quality and cost efficiency. We have still not suffered a lost time accident since we started keeping records in 2009. Moreover, we are rated a 'better operator' by the Tanker Management Self Assessment (TMSA) program. We believe OSMC offers customers a dedicated personal service at great value underpinned by experience and expertise."

Mr Junaidi said a key dimension to OSC's growth plans is the development of the Port of Duqm on the South West coast of the Arabian Sea.