Marine Link
Thursday, March 28, 2024
SUBSCRIBE

High Technology Equipment News

16 Feb 2016

Azipod D, Energy Storage Solution Selected for Newbuilds

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, will supply the power, propulsion and energy storage solution for two of the most innovative vessels operating in the offshore oil and gas sector. The specialized vessels require an advanced propulsion and power generation system to perform its operation. The new Azipod D will help the vessels safely achieve millimeter precision at open sea. The Azipod D is the latest generation of ABB’s award winning podded electric propulsion system. The vessels will each feature two 4.2 megawatt units. A hybrid cooling system using combination of direct seawater cooling and internal air cooling increases electric motor performance by up to 45 percent. Overall, the Azipod units will have a substantial impact on the ships fuel efficiency.

30 Apr 2014

DNV GL Boost Role of DP Training Simulators

DNV GL says it has introduced a new recommended practice for the training of dynamic positioning (DP) operators. The new standard is based on the latest training and certification principles and defines the role that simulators can play in giving candidates better and more efficient training. Given the differing duration and frequency of DP operations, the recommended practice (RP) does not define a universal sea-time requirement expressed in days. Instead, learning goals are used to define the training experiences required. Simulator training can reduce sea time requirements by up to 50 per cent. “Dynamic positioning can be considered a high risk activity involving a team of people working together on high technology equipment.

20 Dec 2011

BRAZIL: U.S. Find New Opportunities

While the U.S. economy may be in the doldrums, smart U.S. companies are looking increasingly to exports to help their bottom lines. A major market for U.S. exports is Brazil. This article examines new market opportunities in the oil and gas, shipbuilding and port infrastructure in Brazil, and identifies certain financing sources available to U.S. companies seeking to participate in these markets. Brazil’s growth in recent years has been amazing. Over the past 5 years, real GDP growth in Brazil has averaged 4.3% annually (as compared to 1.3% annually in the U.S.), reaching 7.5% in 2010.

25 May 2000

The Strong Get Stronger

Consolidation in the maritime industry is not something new. In the past five years, oil majors such as Exxon and Mobil, and BP, Amoco and Arco have all consolidated. Shipyards haven't been immune to mergers, either; as Halter was purchased by Friede Goldman; and Litton Ingalls consolidated with Avondale. But, when equipment manufacturers begin to consolidate, the effects aren't quite as obvious. In the past five years, Caterpillar acquired MaK and, more recently, Sabre. And Rolls-Royce has joined the buying frenzy with such zeal and aggression, it's almost easier to list companies not owned by the propulsion giant. Part of the ambiguity of the merger between equipment manufacturers is, typically, the existing product line is still maintained; just owned and distributed by the new company.

15 Jun 2000

A Quality Blend

A recent clutch of 'Rolls-Royce' shipboard equipment and technology contracts in Norway arising out of specialized, capital-intensive newbuild projects testified to the U.K. group's march into the commercial marine domain. For sure, the emergence of the engineering group's name in new mercantile circles is the outcome of last year's acquisition of Vickers, and its Vickers-Ulstein Marine division, rather than the result of U.K. home-grown product diversification. But the new proprietor of the former Ulstein and Vickers' interests intends to build on the platform and integrated system opportunities offered by ownership of the industry's most extensive global network of marine equipment production.