Control Solution News

Wärtsilä has introduced a new high-performance thruster and propulsion control solution, which is said to raise the level of offshore dynamic positioning for greater efficiency and operational performance of vessels.The company’s new high-performance thruster and propulsion control solution package utilizes a combination of Wärtsilä’s WST-E embedded electric steerable thruster and WST-R retractable thrusters, together with an updated remote propulsion control system featuring an enhanced user interface ProTouch…

The Port of Klaipėda has placed an order worth roughly €11 million for the design and construction of a fully electric tanker that will collect waste from other vessels arriving at the port.The project marks the first large collaboration between Baltic Workboats and Western Baltija Shipbuilding, a subsidiary within BLRT Grupp. The 42-m long and 10-m wide tanker will carry up to 400 m3 of liquid waste. The vessel will have a fully electric propulsion system with 2,000 kWh of batteries installed on board, meaning she can sail at 8 knots continuously for 8 hours without charging.

Maritime Reporter & Engineering News recently caught up with Karl Lander, Director of Regulatory Compliance and Outreach at maritime tech startup Armach Robotics, to hear the latest progress on its unique, small platform, intelligence-driven hull cleaning solution.Companies like Plymouth, MA, headquartered Armach Robotics (Armach) are justifiably convinced that cleaning hulls is set for wider adoption in the coming years, as the principle of coating hulls with substances designed to be noxious to marine life becomes increasingly problematic.

With more wind farms sprouting up in Europe, Asia and now here in the United States, a steady stream of crew transfer vessels (CTV) will be needed to support their construction, maintenance and operation. Typically aluminum catamarans, these vessels are deployed to ferry personnel and light equipment to and from offshore wind farms on a daily basis.While a solid portion of CTVs in the established European offshore wind market are propelled by waterjets, Adam Mills, sales director at Marine Jet Power…

Havyard Group's subsidiary Norwegian Electric Systems (NES) has won a contract to deliver energy design and smart control solution to Rem Offshore’s new vessel for the offshore wind service market. The contract was awarded by Green Yard Kleven who is building the vessel.According to NES, the vessel will be the first in this segment with a fully-integrated NES bridge system. Geir Larsen, CEO of Norwegian Electric Systems (NES), says offshore wind power represents an important sector for his company…

Fischer Panda UK has introduced the new FP Control, offering enhanced data monitoring capabilities across its generator range.Standardizing the platform with a central system, the advanced control solution will be available with all the latest Fischer Panda gensets.The FP Control, which allows various set-ups as well as the connection to a CAN BUS system, monitors the generator and provides up-to-date operational information via a digital display.As supplied with the newly-launched variable speed hybrid DC VS Series generators…

Lumitec’ s Poco Delivers a Powerful, Low-Cost On-board Advanced Lighting Control Solution.Lumitec, a leading designer and manufacturer of extreme environment LED lighting solutions, officially announces the launch of their “Poco” Digital Lighting Control system.Poco Digital Lighting Control delivers powerful, low cost on-board lighting control through a compatible MFD or connected smart device and a simple, easy to install control module.Suitable for new builds or refits, the Poco control module is compact and completely sealed.

NSSLGlobal has signed a Service Provider agreement with Iridium Communications Inc. that will see NSSLGlobal offer the new Iridium Certus L-Band service as part of its portfolio of maritime satcom offerings to its extensive customer base. Iridium Certus will be offered both as a standalone L-Band service and in conjunction with NSSLGlobal’s premier VSAT IP@SEA service as its preferred service assurance offering. The Iridium Certus service is suitable for vessels across the maritime spectrum, from recreational yachts and workboats to commercial fishing trawlers and merchant vessels.Iridium Certus will initially offer speeds of up to 352kbits but by early 2019 this will double to 704kbits ensuring that the service will be the most global and fastest L-Band satellite solution available.

Satellite 2018 marks the launch of Cobham SATCOM’s Sea Tel 9711 Triband maritime antenna system, which leverages unique technology and capabilities from global communications company Viasat Inc. The Sea Tel 9711 Triband is the world’s first and only 2.4m maritime stabilized antenna capable of delivering full 2.4m gain performance across any C-, Ku-, or Ka-band network to maximize high-speed, high-quality broadband connectivity for high-demand maritime segments, such as Cruise, Energy and Government. The triband antenna system leverages radio frequency (RF) technology provided by Viasat to enable compatibility across any Ka-band satellite network operating in any orbit.

Rexroth’s controller is now certified for use on ships, offshore installations and in explosive atmospheres. Six European and American certification boards have approved the IndraControl XM22 control hardware for use on ships and offshore installations even under extreme ambient conditions. The certifications include the control hardware, extension modules for the expansion of the communication interfaces as well as application-specific modules of the fast IndraControl S20 I/O portfolio. IndraControl XM is the latest powerful controller with IP20 protection.

Taking live monitoring of reefer cargoes beyond temperature and humidity tracking, APL is introducing real-time oxygen and carbon dioxide monitoring capabilities to its industry-pioneering satellite tracking system, SMARTemp. Designed to offer more well-rounded visibility for precise cargo management and protection throughout a voyage, these added features further distinct APL’s groundbreaking SMARTemp® technology which was launched in 2010. Ng Kar Loke, APL Head of Special Cargo said, “As a leading and trusted reefer expert whom shippers have counted on in bringing their exports across the globe, APL deploys only the best reefer solutions that protect cargo integrity during every APL voyage.

Tenneco, a leading global supplier of Clean Air after-treatment technologies, has been awarded two approved in principle (AIP) certificates for its high horsepower selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system from DNV GL, one of the world’s leading classification societies and a recognized advisor for the maritime industry. The certificates cover key components of the system, including the complete dosing and control system, injectors, load sensors and the human machine interface (HMI) remote monitor, as well as catalyst and reactor hardware configurations for IMO Tier III applications. “We’re pleased to receive this important classification.

Marlink will provide BP Shipping with global multi-band high speed VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) services to support operational efficiency and crew communication across its tanker fleet. Under the new contract, Marlink will deliver primary communication capability on its flexible Sealink VSAT service, including MSS (Mobile Satellite System) back-up to BP’s operated fleet. BP Shipping was one of the first operators to adopt maritime VSAT services across its tanker fleet. The company’s current operated fleet will migrate to Sealink Ku-band VSAT. BP’s existing vessels will retain their C-band VSAT antennas, enabling Marlink to deliver a true multi-band broadband service with high availability of connectivity globally.

Today’s workboat operators must navigate increasingly stringent IMO and EPA environmental and emissions regulations in and around ports and rivers. As the drama unfolds, selective catalytic reduction or SCR is emerging as a viable vehicle to do just that. At the same time, fears about space constraints for smaller vessels and the hassle of carrying and handing urea for these systems are rapidly evaporating, as well. Two different firms – both familiar names in propulsion markets – have embraced SCR as the way forward. Both, Tenneco and Volvo Penta, rely on deep roots in these markets and significant experience in the effort to reduce emissions from engines.

Colfax Fluid Handling, a business of Colfax Corporation, was awarded a contract as the exclusive supplier of hydraulic pumps for a ship capable of lifting the topside structures from offshore platforms. With a lifting capacity of up to 48,000 tons, the ship will remove topsides in one piece and transport them to land for deconstruction. The screw pumps are valued at €600,000 and are specially designed to deliver the high pumping capacity needed for the project. The catamaran Pieter…

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an order worth about $35 million from Hydro-Québec to upgrade the 350 megawatt (MW) Madawaska high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission link, that connects the grids of New Brunswick and Hydro Québec in southeast Canada. The order was booked in the second quarter of 2014. The project scope includes installation of ABB’s MACH control and protection system and the upgrade of the valves and valve cooling system. The back-to-back converter station has been in operation for more than 25 years and the modernization is expected to significantly improve grid reliability and help reduce maintenance needs. The new station is scheduled to go into full operation in 2016.

AVEVA Group plc announces that it has agreed to acquire FabTrol Systems, Inc. from the Dowco Group of Companies the acquisition is expected to complete by Friday 26 June 2015. FabTrol is a software business, headquartered in Eugene, Oregon with operations in North America and the United Kingdom, providing fabrication management software to the steel fabrication industry. The consideration of $6.5 million has been funded through AVEVA's existing cash resources. The acquisition is expected to be earnings enhancing in FY16. The combination of the FabTrol software together with AVEVA Everything3D which is already integrated with AVEVA Bocad structural steel detailing software, creates a powerful design, detailing and fabrication solution.

With their new ferries Fjord Line is the first ferry operator using RFID technology for their cabin locks, setting a new world record, the company reported. They are also the first ferry operator to serve their passengers with contactless RFID boarding control. Carus have taken full project responsibility for providing the software, the handheld RFID scanners and the implementation of the solution that enables Fjord Line passengers to board and disembark using contactless RFID cards.

Tenneco has been awarded three product design assessment (PDA) certificates from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) for its new selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system for large engines. The PDA certificates cover key components of the system, including the complete dosing and control system, injectors, load sensors and the human machine interface (HMI) remote monitor, as well as catalyst and reactor hardware configurations for both EPA and IMO applications. Tenneco’s SCR…

ServoCore, the commercial-off-the-shelf alarm, monitoring and control solution (AMC) Servowatch Systems introduced last year, has received type approval from classification society Lloyd’s Register. U.K.-based Servowatch, a business unit of the Electrical & Automation division of India’s Larsen & Toubro, adapted the technology inherent to its bespoke automation and integration solutions supplied to the naval sector to meet the commercial requirements of the merchant shipping industry.

Sea trials, training and scholarship program designed to educate students on clean air technologies. Tenneco, a global supplier of Clean Air aftertreatment technologies is helping engineering midshipmen at the Texas A&M Maritime Academy learn firsthand how advanced aftertreatment technology can help diesel engines meet new emissions regulations while efficiently and effectively powering the ships of the future. Midshipmen received hands-on experience this summer with Tenneco’s latest large engine selective catalytic reduction (SCR) diesel aftertreatment technology on the TS General Rudder, which is operated by the Maritime Academy. Midshipmen helped conduct field tests during their training cruises in the Gulf of Mexico to demonstrate how the system’s form…

Safely, efficiently lifting and handling increasingly heavy loads takes a hefty dose of the latest heavy lift products and systems. Rolls-Royce is a ubiquitous and growing force in all matters maritime, inching toward the one-stop-shop premise. It is particularly well known in the deck machinery sector, and it recently signed a deal with Detroit Chile SA to supply offshore cranes to nine PSVs under construction at Detroit Brasil Ltda. shipyard, in Itajaì, Brazil. The order includes nine ship sets of the dual draglink crane, making 18 cranes in total.

Servowatch Systems’ cooperation with UK-based Cathelco has resulted in what is claimed to be the most technically advanced new generation ballast water treatment system (BWTS) on the market. UK-based Servowatch has been working closely with Cathelco to develop a fully integrated alarm, monitoring, and process control system for its combination filtration and UV BWTS, a key component of the IMO approval process and U.S Coast Guard AMS acceptance. Cathelco’s Projects and Development Manager…