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Alarm Systems News

17 Jan 2024

OPINON: Tackling the Houthi Drone Threat with AI

OrcaAI CTO Dor Raviv. Photo: OrcaAI

Houthi rebel drone attacks on vessels traversing the Red Sea and Suez Canal route, accounting for 10% of global trade, have exposed the shortcomings of current ship alert systems.The unpredictability and increased frequency of these attacks have created a challenging security environment for ships passing the area via the Bab el Mandeb strait, posing a substantial risk to seafarers and maritime trade by endangering the safety of the crew and cargo.Initially focused on Israel-related ships in solidarity with Hamas…

27 Dec 2023

ClassNK Amends Class Rules

Image: ClassNK

ClassNK has released amendments to its Rules and Guidance for the Survey and Construction of Steel Ships dated December 22, 2023.ClassNK is constantly revising its Rules and Guidance in order to reflect the latest results from relevant research and development projects, feedback from damage investigations, requests from industry as well as changes made to relevant international conventions, IACS Unified Requirements (UR), etc. More specifically, some of the amendments made this time are as follows:Responding to requests from relevant industries…

09 Nov 2023

Oil Tanker Fire Sparked by Lithium-ion Battery Explosion -NTSB

S-Trust at anchor following the casualty. (Source: U.S. Coast Guard, courtesy NTSB)

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Thursday cited thermal runaway of a cell within a handheld radio’s lithium-ion battery as the cause of a fire on an oil tanker docked in Baton Rouge, La.The Liberian-registered oil tanker S-Trust was docked at the Genesis Port Allen Terminal on November 13, 2022, when a fire on the bridge was sparked by one of the cells in a lithium-ion battery for an ultra-high-frequency handheld radio exploding, the NTSB's investigation found.

06 Sep 2022

NAVTOR and Danelec Partner to Unlock Big Data Value

(Image: NAVTOR)

NAVTOR has teamed up with Danelec in a partnership that will help shipowners and operators translate onboard data into business value, unlocking enhanced commercial and operational decision making.The agreement will bring together the wealth of data collected by Danelec’s advanced internet-of-things (IoT) vessel infrastructure with NAVTOR’s NavFleet performance management and optimization platform. This combined collection and analytics solution will, the partners explain, allow users to empower new standards of sustainability…

29 Oct 2021

Communications: The Role of Secure Telecommunications in Offshore Wind Ops

Photo: AdobeStock/© Cinematographer

While maintaining the integrity of power supply, digitalization and the integration of data have been prioritized in the energy transition process, ensuring a robust telecommunications infrastructure is essential for operational success. A well-designed and integrated telecommunications solution is critical in driving offshore wind operations and plays an integral role in connecting hundreds of physical assets and vessels. ABB Energy industries’ Ian Holden explains.Across the world and in many seas, new technologies are being harnessed to meet our power needs.

04 May 2021

Lack of Continuous Monitoring An Issue in Shipyard Fire -NTSB

The Iron Maiden before the April 16, 2020 fire, with previous name and different owner. (Photo: U.S. Coast Guard)

A 2020 fire aboard a dive support vessel docked at a  Larose, La. shipyard was able to start and spread without notice because no one was continually monitoring the vessel while fire detectors were shut off during repairs, the National Transportation Safety Board said in a report issued Tuesday.The April 16, 2020, fire aboard the Iron Maiden at the Allied Shipyard caused $900,000 in damage, and no injuries were reported. While the fire caused extensive damage throughout the generator room, the NTSB found fire pattern and damage indicating the fire started near the forward bulkhead.

13 Oct 2020

iSea: MAN Debuts New Electric Controls, Displays, for Workboats and Yachts

Thanks to its numerous interfaces, the iSea electrics case frees up space in the engine compartment and on the bridge. Copyright MAN Truck & Bus SE

A new electrics case for yachts and work boats featuring a central electronics unit, bridge displays and a throttle lever is now available from MAN Engines under the iSea name, with all components designed  to simplify processes and operating procedures.An open system, they also provide a high degree of connectivity with other components that are commonly available on the market.The new electrics case records all of the engine data and compares it with pre-determined target values.

30 Dec 2019

The Top 10 Workboat Stories for 2019

Choosing the year’s ‘top stories’ is always a difficult task. Many compelling story threads played out, each dramatically impacting the North American waterfront, and in particular, the workboat sector – each in their own unique way.The Infrastructure Battle ContinuesThe EXECUTIVE SUMMARY H.R. 2396, the “Full Utilization of the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund Act”, will ensure that the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund is used for its intended purpose – maintaining Federally-authorized harbors. The legislation would allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) to dredge all Federal harbors to their constructed widths and depths. Unfortunately, Washington continues in chaos with another continuing resolution on the budget; the next one expires on December 20th.

27 Nov 2019

Caterpillar Supplies Engines for Tier 4 Tug

Bisso’s Tier 4 Final Tug, Andrew S (Photo: Caterpillar Marine)

Caterpillar Marine has supplied two Cat 3516E Tier 4 main engines to the Andrew S. The EPA Tier 4 Final and Subchapter M azimuth stern drive (ASD) tractor tug was delivered to Bisso Towboat Co.Each engine generates 3,004 bhp at 1,800 rpm and a selective catalyst reduction (SCR) system. At 6,008 bhp, Andrew S. is the most powerful Tier 4 tug on the Mississippi River.The Andrew S. measures 100’ x 38’ x 13.5’ and has an estimated bollard pull of 84 tons. Additional features of the tug include U.S.

10 Oct 2019

Autonomous Shipping – Cyber Hazards Ahead

A look at the typical areas most frequently seen as the scene of common accidents on board workboats. (source: European Maritime Safety Agency [EMSA])

If autonomous vessels are the future of maritime shipping, then cyber threats may be its Achilles heel. Congested shipping, restricted visibility, limited maneuverability, and intensive docking activities all contribute to port hazards – 42 percent of EU reported marine accidents (injury/death/damage to ships) took place in port areas and 44 percent of workboat fatalities occurred on Tugs. Autonomous shipping should provide numerous benefits including increased safety by relieving crewmembers of unsafe and repetitious tasks.

19 Mar 2018

Kentec On-Board Red Funnel Ferries

Photo courtesy of Kentec

Kentec fire safety control panels have been chosen for the refurbishment of fire systems on the Red Funnel Ferry Group’s vehicle ferries that operate out of Southampton to the Isle of Wight. The refitting of the MV Red Osprey, following that of MV Red Falcon back in 2015, now leaves just the MV Red Eagle to be completed as part of Red Funnel Group’s multi-million pound refurbishment of its three vehicle ferries. This major project has seen the interior design and facilities of each ship replaced with a bright…

26 Apr 2017

Horizon Delivers Towboat to FMT

Bayou La Batre, Ala. shipbuilder Horizon Shipbuilding, Inc. said it has delivered the M/V Victoria Pasentine, a 120’ towboat with a retractable pilot house, to its home port of New Orleans. The vessel, the 20th built by Horizon for Florida Marine Transporters (FMT) during their nine years of doing business together, was completed and delivered on April 11, 2017. The steel construction Victoria Pasentine is 120’-0” LOA x 35’0” x 11’-6”, weighs in at 387 gross tons, and has an ABS Load Line Certificate to operate in the waters between Chicago to Burns Harbor for fair weather voyages. With the house fully retracted, the max air draft is 17’-8”. It is also outfitted for service in certain areas restricted to overhead clearances and draft limitation.

30 Mar 2017

Daspos Opens its Doors in the US

Image: Daspos

Danish manufacturer of oil mist and gas leakage detection systems Daspos A/S has opened its new Daspos International, Inc. office in the greater Seattle area to service the maritime industry. Daspos manufactures and markets the patented LAS-10 oil mist and gas leakage detection system for surveillance and prevention of on-board fires through early discovery of either oil mist or gasses in primarily the open engine room. According to Daspos, two thirds of all on-board fires start in the engine room.

15 Jul 2016

Ocean Signal, AMI Marine Partner

Photo: Ocean Signal

Communication and safety at sea specialist Ocean Signal and manufacturer of marine electronic equipment AMI Marine have formed a new partnership to collaborate on product development for the large commercial vessel sector. Combining the specialist knowledge and extensive technical background of two of the UK’s most experienced marine companies, the cooperation facilitates a unique capability to incorporate the latest technology within new solutions to fulfil demand for next generation, mandated equipment.

26 Feb 2016

INTERSCHALT Debuts Maritime Data Engine Application

Photo courtesy of INTERSCHALT

INTERSCHALT maritime systems AG, the provider of maritime software and services, as well as the manufacturer of VDR systems, introduces the background application Maritime Data Engine (MDE). 1. All data from one or more ships of a fleet with different data structures, independent of the data source and deployed platform, will be normalized and quickly made usable. 2. The MDE is no proprietary stand-alone solution but an Industry 4.0 compatible network solution that makes realtime data available via the standardized OPC-UA interface for third-party system integration.

09 Dec 2015

Caterpillar Diesel Electric Propulsion for Chinese Liftboats

Image: Caterpillar Marine

Caterpillar Marine announced it will supply complete propulsion packages for two liftboats under construction at Jiangsu Dajing Heavy Industry Co Ltd in China. Two identical diesel-electric systems comprising four Cat Propulsion MTA-523 1500kW azimuth thrusters driven by electric motors and soft starters as well as eight Cat C32 generator sets will be delivered for each vessel. The two vessels, designed by Shanghai Bestway Marine Technology Development Company Ltd, are being built for Chinese owner Mekers Offshore Company Ltd and are due for delivery in summer 2016.

15 Feb 2015

Havyard Delivers Windmill OSVs to Esvagt

Norway's Havyard Ship Technology has delivered the first of three offshore wind service operations vessels to Danish shipping company Esvagt. The 83.7-metre vessel is the first of its kind to be manufactured by the oil sector specialist and will be deployed under long-term contracts with Siemens. The vessel is the first of a pair ordered in July 2013 to work under long-term contracts with Siemens on service assignments for offshore wind farms. The second is scheduled for delivery from the shipyard in March this year. Esvagt has also ordered an additional Havyard 832 SOV from the shipbuilder that will be under contract for the Dudgeon windfarm, which is operated by Statoil.

29 Aug 2014

Brazil AHTS Contract Breakthrough for Havyard

Havyard says it is to deliver the ship design and equipment for four anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels that are to be built and operated by the Brazilian shipping company and shipyard group Grupo CBO. The contract has been entered into by Havyard Design & Solutions, which is responsible for the development of the ship design and for integration and coordination of the equipment packages. The contract also includes deliveries from other business areas in Havyard Group, including Havyard IAS (integrated automation and alarm systems), PMS (Power Management System) and navigation and communications equipment from Havyard Power & Systems. The equipment package also contains equipment from other Norwegian and international suppliers.

05 Aug 2014

Another Major Military Contract for SES

The Zenitel EXIGO PA/GA system to be supplied by SES

Ships Electronic Services (SES), an industry leader in the supply, installation and maintenance of maritime electronics, has won a contract from Finmeccanica – Selex ES to supply a PA & General Alarm system to each of the four Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Military Afloat Reach & Sustainability (MARS) tankers currently under construction by Daewoo Shipbuilding in South Korea. The contract, which covers an integrated PA system, is part of a wide range of communication equipment ordered from Finmeccanica – Selex ES.

20 Jun 2014

Versatility is the Key for ASV Pioneer

ASV Pioneer (Photo courtesy of the Ferguson Group)

The Ferguson Group, a provider of offshore containers, baskets, tanks, offshore accommodation and workspaces, launched the fully classed ABS +A1 barge ASV Pioneer in 2011. The group said ASV Pioneer is able to meet the needs of offshore oil, gas and renewables, with the challenges of remote locations and salvage operations. Since its inception, the ASV Pioneer has worked in the North Sea and Mediterranean, with interest for future contracts around West Africa, South America, Baltic, Arabian Gulf and the North Sea.

04 Mar 2014

Engine Room Fire Prevention Below Par Say Experts

Engine Room Fire: File photo CCL 3

Lessons are still not being learnt when it comes to preventing engine room fires according to Braemar SA (Braemar Incorporating The Salvage Association). He adds: “On many of the vessels I visit, these hot spots are only too easy to find, with thermal imaging photographs readily identifying these defects”. Braemar SA says that, despite all the attention classification societies aim at fire prevention and protection design, potential problems must be detected earlier to ensure a fast and efficient first response.

26 Feb 2014

Engine Room Fires – Old Lessons Not Learnt

Photo courtesy Braemar SA

“Lessons are still not being learned when it comes to preventing engine room fires.” This is the message from Graeme Temple, Regional Director for Braemar SA’s Far East operations, following a review of incidents taking place in 2013. “Last year we attended a significant number of engine-room fires - the industry is still experiencing far too many unnecessary casualties where flammable liquids in engine rooms are finding their way onto hot spots,” he said. ”On many of the vessels I visit…

22 Jan 2014

First Harvey Gulf LNG OSV Launched by GCSG

Gulf Coast Shipyard Group (GCSG) has launched of the first of six Harvey Gulf International Marine 302’ x 64’ Dual Fuel Offshore Supply Vessels. Incorporating breakthrough clean-burning LNG technology, these vessels position Harvey Gulf as the leader in the environmental application of liquefied natural gas and demonstrates GCSG’s ability to meet marketplace demand. Harvey Gulf CEO, Shane J. Guidry, comments, “Certification of these vessels will be made by the American Bureau of Shipping to achieve ‘ENVIRO+, Green Passport’ status.