Biodegradable Oil News

ZF is unveiling the hybrid version of its ZF AT 80 thruster system at this year’s SMM marine trade convention as the company aims to electrify its broad portfolio of marine technology. The hybrid solution is suitable for a wide range of professional vessel types with a performance range of approximately 900 kW to 1.600 kW.“Providing green driveline solutions is a core goal and competence across our whole group, from automotive to marine technology and everything in between. The new hybrid AT 80 thruster closes the performance gap in more sustainable propulsion for a wide array of vessels…

Marine propulsion systems company ZF has introduced an intelligent Condition Monitoring System for thrusters. The technology monitors the status of the thruster system and helps shipyards, shipping companies and fleet operators maintain the safety and efficiency of their ships as well as extend the service life of the propulsion system. In addition to that, a new oil cleaning system ensures oil quality and prolongs oil service life.ZF’s Condition Monitoring System is equipped with various sensors and an intelligent electronic evaluation unit.

Marine News showcases the best of North America’s 2017 workboat deliveries. There is something for everyone. Notwithstanding the lingering offshore energy downturn, there were plenty of bright spots for North American shipyards in 2017. If a hull was delivered in 2017, we took a look at it, with several areas as a focus for inclusion into this edition. For starters, it is always exciting when a domestic yard delivers a vessel – or multiple vessels, for that matter – to foreign buyers. We can compete in a foreign arena; on price, quality and on-time delivery. This year was no different. No less important is the environmental footprint of a vessel, and there was plenty to report on from that angle in the past 12 months. The domestic waterfront is indeed getting greener and cleaner.

Nicole Foss, the final of Foss’ three new state-of-the-art Arctic Class tugs designed to operate in the extreme conditions of the far north, was christened last week at the Foss Waterway Seaport in Tacoma, Wash. The vessel was built at the Foss Rainier, Ore. shipyard and will enter service this summer. Foss president and CEO John Parrott made opening remarks, praising the hard work and dedication of the people, designers, and customers that made the project possible. Scott Merritt, chief operating officer of Foss also spoke, praising the team at the Rainier Shipyard.

As the oil industry awaits a much-needed rebound, Foss Maritime’s robust presence in the Arctic region underscores its commitment to the region, the environment, and a business plan that looks ahead to the next chapter. Reports of the death of commercial Arctic activities have been greatly exaggerated. While Arctic energy projects have, by and large, been put on the back burner – like most things related to energy in other places – there are still many projects ongoing; and still others being planned.

The second of three new state-of-the-art Arctic Class tugs, the Denise Foss, was christened June 1, 2016 at the Foss Waterway Seaport in Tacoma, Wash. Built at the Foss Rainier, Ore. Shipyard, the Denise is designed to operate in the extreme conditions of the far north, and will enter service this summer. Foss COO John Parrott conducted opening remarks. Parrott applauded the hard work and dedication of the people, designers, and customers that made this project possible. He also introduced Denise Tabbutt…

Selection of gear oil for marine thrusters or a stern tube lubricant for use with propeller shaft bearings is often based on analyzing price/performance characteristics of the lubricant and its availability. Now with the implementation of the 2013 Vessel General Permit, this analysis must be expanded to include environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) that meet the new EPA standards. To meet environmental requirements, EALs are blended from base oils other than mineral oil. They still meet the same lubricant objective – providing long-term equipment protection.

The first of three Arctic Class tugs being built at the Foss Rainier, Ore. Shipyard was christened Thursday, April 9, at the Foss Waterway Seaport in Tacoma, Wash. The vessel, the Michele Foss, will see its first assignment on an oil field sealift this summer from South Korea to the Alaskan Arctic. Mike Magill, Vice President of Foss' Technical Services, made opening remarks at the christening, praising the hardworking men and women who constructed the vessel. "As we know, a construction project of this magnitude requires significant teamwork to accomplish," Magill said.

Ferries operated by Norden-Frisia AG have been serving the East Frisian island of Norderney for many decades. Navigation in these coastal waters poses special challenges: in some areas the waterway only leaves a few centimeters below the keel and the water contains a significant amount of swirled-up sand. A new sister ship of the double-ended ferry MS Frisia IV equipped with Voith Schneider Propellers (VSP) is to enter service in summer 2015. The shipping company again chose Voith Schneider Propellers as these are ideally suited for the specific operating conditions in shallow tidelands.

In December 2013, the EPA through its Vessel General Permit (VGP) will introduce the mandatory use of “Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants” or EALs. These products include the lubricating oils that are directly used in applications referred to as “oil to sea interfaces” where the only thing holding the oil from entering the water is a simple seal or gasket. Understanding what this all means to you is important. Bio-degradability rating of 60% or more in 28 days (the minimum criteria to also be classified as “readily biodegradable”).

Responding to new oil and gas industry opportunities, Foss Maritime Company is building the first three tugs in an innovative Arctic Class of tugs, a fleet expansion that broadens its capacity to take on large projects in extreme environments. Construction on the first tug starts in early 2013 at the Foss’ Rainier, Oregon shipyard, which will be expanded by an additional 10,000 square feet, and will require additional staff, in part to accommodate this project. The delivery date for the first hull is December of 2014, with the second to follow in December of 2015, and the third, a year later in December of 2016. Glosten Associates is Foss’ naval architecture partner on the project.

Tug and barge operator to build three new Arctic Class deep-sea tugs at Northwest shipyard. Responding to new oil and gas industry opportunities, Foss Maritime Company will build the first three tugs in an innovative Arctic Class of tugs, a fleet expansion that broadens its capacity to take on large projects in extreme environments. Construction on the first tug starts in early 2013 at Foss' Rainier, Ore., shipyard, work which will bring additional jobs to the growing Columbia River facility. "At Foss we innovate," said Gary Faber, Foss' President and Chief Operating Officer.

San Francisco Bay-based KKMI has purchased a Marine Travelift 50 BFMII mobile boat hoist for its new Sausalito boatyard facility, sister to the original KKMI location in Point Richmond. The new facility is designed to preserve the integrity of Sausalito’s working waterfront; showcase KKMI’s best management practices, especially in the arena of environmental compliance; and offer top-quality professional services to local boaters. According to CEO Paul Kaplan, every aspect of the operation needed to be compatible with these goals — and that included the new Marine Travelift mobile boat hoist.

In response to the market demand for very large CP propellers up to and beyond 30,000 kW and with diameters over eight meters, MAN Diesel is expanding its propeller portfolio to add two new, propeller hub-sizes – VBS2080 and VBS2240 (2080 mm and 2240 mm hub diameters respectively). These propeller sizes are typically destined for ConRo vessels, shuttle tankers and special vessels with high ice classes, and powered by MAN B&W two-stroke MC-C or ME-C main engines that directly drive a CP propeller.

International marine lubricants supplier Total Lubmarine has developed a range of biodegradable products which will enable companies in the shipping industry to improve their environmental footprint without compromising performance or safety. Total Lubmarine is now offers: Carter Bio, a high-gear performance lubricant; Biohydran TMP, a hydraulic lubricant; and Biomultis SEP 2, an extreme-pressure multipurpose grease. Patrick Havil, Marketing Manager of Lubmarine, said, “It is simply not possible to guarantee a zero-risk of spillage with regard to onboard operations. The potential for lubricant leakage on board ship is high. It exists across so many traditional shipping-related activities involving everything from engine operation to thruster and stern-tube performance…