Inside the Subsea Cable Firm Secretly Helping America Take on China
On Feb. 10 last year, the cable ship CS Dependable appeared off the coast of the island of Diego Garcia, an Indian Ocean atoll thatâs home to a discreet U.S. naval base.Over the next month, the shipâs crew covertly laid an underwater fiber-optic cable to the military base, an operation code-named âBig Wave,â according to four people with direct knowledge of the mission, as well as a Reuters analysis of satellite imagery and ship tracking data.The new super-fast internet link to Diego Garcia, which has not previously been reported, will boost U.S. military readiness in the Indian Ocean, a region where China has expanded its naval influence over the last decade.The CS Dependable is owned by SubComâŚ
Op/Ed: Considering Alternative Energy Sources for Ships
Hydrogen or battery technologies? Strict regulations force shipowners to consider alternative energy sourcesThere are more than 60,000 ships in the world, which engines emit almost 2.5% of the world's greenhouse gases. The automotive industry has made rapid progress towards electrification and there is more and more talk of hydrogen solutions for trains, at the same time the transition to non-fossil fuels has been slower in the shipping industry.Energy for moving ships can originate from a wide variety of sources. Ships have been sailing powered by wind for millenniums.
Konecranes Appoints New CEO and President
Konecranes, which specialises in the manufacture and service of cranes and lifting equipment, has appointed a new president and CEO, Rob Smith, who will take over his new role as of February 1, 2020.As of today, the Finnish company's CFO, Teo Ottola, who also serves as Deputy CEO, will be acting as the interim CEO until Rob Smith starts in the position."Konecranes has concluded the integration following the MHPS acquisition that took place almost three years ago. The company is now ready for the next phase in its development, and for that I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to Rob Smith, who is a global leader with a track record in achieving market leadership positions through innovative business strategiesâŚ
Explosion on Iranian Tanker Repels Rescue Team
Fire rages for 4th day; tanker collided with freight ship on Saturday. Rescue crews were forced to retreat from a stricken Iranian oil tanker in the East China Sea on Wednesday following an explosion on the ship as a fire raged for a fourth day after a dramatic collision. The blast happened on board the tanker in the afternoon after rescue crews were dousing the ship with foam in an attempt to put out the fire, China's Transport Ministry (MOT) said in a statement on Wednesday. The cause and damage to the tanker from the incident were not clear. The ship was carrying condensate, a highly flammable ultra-light crude, to deliver to South Korea when it collided with a Chinese freight ship on Saturday.
Coughlin Named "Director of the Year"
Dun & Bradstreet Chairman of the Board, Christopher Coughlin, will be honored later this evening by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) as Director of the Year. "Dun & Bradstreet is extremely proud to have Chris as our Chairman of the Board," said Bob Carrigan, Chief Executive Officer and Director, Dun & Bradstreet. "Having worked with Chris for the past two years, I sincerely admire his abilities as a leader and strategist. He has built an inclusive board of directors here, and we all benefit from the wealth of knowledge and experience that he brings. Coughlin has years of experience in senior leadership roles which included serving as Chief Financial Officer of Tyco International Ltd.
Drillship Profile: Tungsten Explorer
The Tungsten Explorer is an ultra deepwater, dynamically positioned mobile offshore drilling unit (Drillship). The primary areas of activities of the Drillship shall be in the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa and Brazil. The drillship has drilling equipment on the topside with a continuous main deck and forecastle deck. Three engine rooms which house six diesel engines (7,000 kW x 720 rpm) are arranged aft in the hull. Thruster machinery spaces are arranged in engine rooms and in the forward machinery space of the hullâŚ
Fire Protection for LNG-fueled Ships
There are roughly 30 liquified natural gas (LNG)-powered marine vessels currently active in todayâs global seas, with some estimates showing approximately 30 new builds expected by 2014. With new commitments and orders for LNG-powered ships taking place every month, the potential that LNG-powered vessels will play an important part in shaping the future of the maritime industry is no longer speculation â it is now a fact. Helping to drive the switch from diesel, steam and evenâŚ
LNG: Now Powering Vessels â and New Safety Regulations
New Hazards, New Regulatory Concerns and New Solutions. According to global classification society DNV, as much as 50 percent of the worldâs maritime fleet could be duel fuel-powered, as early as 2020. The lure of LNG is understandable â cleaner burning fuels, potentially lower maintenance costs, better efficiencies and lower fuel cost all can counted amongst the growing reasons to take the leap. But, owner/operators considering LNG to power vessels must understand the fire hazards present, the various fire protection solutions and the codes that regulate them. In the rapidly emerging LNG market, itâs important for ship owners and builders to understand just how different fire safety standards are for LNG ships versus diesel.
PPG Appoints Sklarsky
PPG Industries said Frank S. Sklarsky will join the company as executive vice president for finance, effective April 15, reporting to Chairman and CEO Charles E. Bunch. Also, effective August 1, Sklarsky will be named PPG executive vice president and chief financial officer. David B. Navikas, currently PPG senior vice president, finance and chief financial officer, will continue in his current role until August 1, and will then continue as senior vice president in a senior leadership role that will be announced later. Most recently, Sklarsky was executive vice president and chief financial officer, Tyco International, Ltd., a global provider of security, fire protection and flow control solutions with revenues that exceeded $17 billion.
Inchcape Shipping Services Appoints Senior VP
Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS), a leader in maritime services provider, announced the appointment of Malcolm Tulip as Senior Vice President for Global Operational Excellence. The new position will involve Malcolm leading cross-company strategic initiatives, cultural change and continuous improvement for ISS to further its aim of delivering excellent customer service worldwide and achieving âbest in classâ across its chosen markets. Based at ISSâ headquarters in the UK, Malcolm has successfully driven operational excellence and change initiatives to improve customer experience and deliver business efficiency for British Aerospace, General Electric, Air New Zealand, Tyco and Invensys.
Penny Heads Biz Development, ACE Winches
ACE Winches has appointed Derek Penny as head of group sales and business development. With 18 years experience in the upstream and downstream oil and gas, marine and naval defence markets, Penny joins the company from subsea engineering company, SMD, where he was engaged in strategic business development. Derek gained his BSc at Glasgow University and his MBA at Dundee University. Penny has previously worked with Shell, Tyco, ABB and IMES.
Tyco Telecommunications Renamed TE SubCom
Tyco Telecommunications, a business unit of Tyco Electronics, announced it is now operating under a new corporate name: Tyco Electronics Subsea Communications (TE SubCom). In 2010, TE SubCom will complete cable installations and upgrade projects in Asia, the Middle East and the North Atlantic. The companyâs management team remains unchanged and TE SubCom maintains the existing company headquarters, research and development laboratories, manufacturing facilities, ships and depots located worldwide. (www.subcom.com)
MINTA, Tyco Subsea Cable for Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands National Telecommunications Authority (MINTA) and Tyco Telecommunications, a business unit of Tyco Electronics, announced the Marshall Islands-flagged Tyco Durable has returned to Majuro, RMI, and will begin to lay cable as part of a regional subsea cable project that will ultimately deliver high-bandwidth connectivity between the island nation and the rest of the world. In commemoration, the companies will host government delegates from the Republic of the Marshall Islands for an event on board the cable ship. âThe Tyco Durableâs arrival back in port marks a significant step toward the completion of the MINTA Extension to the HANTRU-1 System, which will have a profound impact on our community,â said Tony Muller, president of MINTA.
Drakaâs New Arctic Grade Offshore Cables
Draka announced the new Arctic Grade cable which meets all cold bend and cold impact certifications required to operate in extremely cold climates. âWith more than 25% of the globally un-discovered hydrocarbons located in the arctic region we felt it was necessary to provide the technology our customer need to expand their exploration programs,â stated Eivind Nesset, global innovations leader for Draka. Under the IEC guidelines, the new Arctic Grade cables are also flame retardant and flame resistant and come in a broad range of availability from 250V up to 30kVdepending upon customer requirements for power, instrumentation or control cable needs. These cables have been type tested according to relevant IEC and NEK606 specifications.
Curtiss-Wright Acquires Nu-Torque
Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE:CW) has acquired substantially all of the assets of Nu-Torque, a designer and manufacturer of electric and hydraulic valve actuation and control devices primarily for U.S. Navy ships. The business will become part of Curtiss-Wright's Flow Control segment. Curtiss-Wright Chairman and CEO Martin R. Benante said, "Nu-Torque also provides the opportunity to expand our presence in the U.S. Nu-Torque was founded in 1980 and acquired in 2002 by Tyco Flow Control, a unit of Tyco International Ltd. With annual sales of approximately $8m, typical applications for the Nu-Torque products are for valve automation of shipboard fluid systems, such as fire main, ballast and various safety systems on numerous categories of Navy combatant ships.
Construction of Cable System in Africa
According to allafrica.com, the construction of the 42650 ft. Sea Cable System connecting the South and East Africa countries of South Africa, Mozambique, Madagascar, Kenya and Tanzania with India and Egypt has commenced. SEACOM Limited and its supplier -Tyco telecommunications, a business segment of Tyco Electronics Limited and an industry pioneer in undersea communications technology and marine services are carrying the project. SEACOM attained full and unconditional financial close on November 9, 2007. SEACOM and Tyco Telecommunications brought the construction contract for the full delivery of the system in force on November 13, 2007.
Repair Market Gains Muscle
Shipyards around the world are facing increasingly stringent environmental rules and regulations, adding additional expense to a business sector with an already reputed thin bottom line. Nonetheless, to stay in business shipyards must continuously enhance their capabilities and compliance, in order to successfully woo and complete lucrative jobs. U.S. shipyards have aggressively been augmenting traditional repair expertise with the tools and systems needed to prosper in 2000 and far beyond. The ensuing editorial updates significant activities and enhancements at U.S. ship repair yards. Detyens Shipyards based in North Charleston, S.C., is continuing its upbeat course of developing trusted relationships with customers along the U.S. East Coast â specifically with Hvide Marine, Inc.
Keppel Hitachi Zosen Wins $74.6 million Contract
Keppel Hitachi Zosen has clinched a contract to build two cable laying and repair vessels for a total contract value of more than $74.6 million from C. S. Tycom Reliance, Inc., a subsidiary of Tyco Submarine Systems Ltd. The construction of the cable laying and repair ships will be performed by Hitachi Zosen Singapore, a division of Keppel Hitachi Zosen. Work on the two newbuildings has commenced, with the first vessel scheduled for delivery in the third quarter, and the second vessel in the fourth quarter of 2001. The cable laying and repair vessels, each 7,8000-dwt, are twinscrew, diesel electric-driven and dynamically positioned ships. Measuring 459 ft. (140 m), a breadth of 69 ft. (21 m), with a designed load draft of 25 ft. (7.8 m), the vessels have a speed of 13.9 knots.
Industry Pays Tribute to Innovation Awards Winners
Winners of the Lloydâs List-SMM 2002 Awards for innovation in shipbuilding and marine technology were announced in the Hamburg Congress Centre last night (September 24) at a gala ceremony which brought day one of the worldâs biggest maritime fair to a glittering conclusion. Several hundred leading industry figures gathered for the final stage of an initiative launched in March by Lloydâs List and SMM organisers Hamburg Messe to recognise the technical advances which enable maritime commerce and defence. With 13 awards in three merchant and naval categories, the inaugural scheme attracted a massive wave of nominations for ships and support systems reflecting the cutting edge of ingenuity in improving performance, reducing costs and protecting the environment.
MC Shipping to Buy 2 LP Gas Tankers
MC Shipping Inc., said it plans to buy a pair of semi-refridgerated liquefied petroleum gas tankers from Germany's Bernhard Schulte Group. The company did not disclose the cost of the ships, but together with its recent purchase of the 20,700 CBM-capacity Hans Maersk, MC Shipping spent a combined $71.5m on the three vessels. The company said it expects to take delivery of the Tyco Brahe and the Immanuel Kant sometime before July 31. Then the company intends to time-charter the vessels back to the Schulte Group for use in the Scandigas Pool, a pool of vessels operated by A.P. Moller-Maersk Group of Denmark, for a minimum of 2 years. The rate was not disclosed.
MC Shipping to Buy Two Tankers
MC Shipping Inc. said on July 5 that it plans to buy a pair of 15,360 cu.m., semi-refrigerated liquefied petroleum gas tankers from Germany's Bernhard Schulte Group. The company did not disclose the cost of the ships, but together with its recent purchase of the 20,700 CBM-capacity Hans Maersk, MC Shipping spent a combined $71.5m on the three vessels. The company said it expects to take delivery of the Tyco Brahe and the Immanuel Kant sometime before July 31. Then the company intends to time-charter the vessels back to the Schulte Group for use in the Scandigas Pool, a pool of vessels operated by A.P. Moller-Maersk Group of Denmark, for a minimum of two years. The rate was not disclosed.
ClearSpan Launches ClearSpan Fabric Structures
ClearSpan, division of FarmTek, has launched ClearSpan Fabric Structures International, Inc. to provide customized building solutions for large scale, engineered, steel-frame and tension fabric buildings, up to 200 feet wide. Tension fabric structures are increasingly becoming the building choice of many industries, especially the agricultural, equine, storage, aeronautical, commercial, sports, public works and marine - including refit and paint enclosures, boat manufacturing, port buildings, wet slips, and more. The buildingâs popularity stems from its unique features: natural light, clear-span space, fast construction and reduced utility costs. ClearSpan and its affiliated companies manufacture and ship direct to their customers over 10,000 fabric structures and greenhouses each year.
OTE Debuts in Providence
The inaugural OceanTech Expo (OTE) debuted today at the Rhode Island Convention Center. The industry-led expo, slated for September 5-7, will showcase new equipment, training and demonstrations of technologies in the marine science and ocean technology industries. OTE will feature emerging trends in subsea technologies and markets, as they pertain to: homeland security, port & harbor defense; military and government; offshore oil & gas; and marine science and exploration. Speaker: Charles A. Martinek, Captain, U.S. Speaker: Mr. Speaker: Mr. Speaker: Dr. F. Mary Williams, Director General, Institute of Ocean Technology (IOT) of the National Research Council of Canada, St. Speaker: Donald R. Moderator: Ms. Marianne Molchan, President, Molchan Marine Sciences, Inc.