Low Oil Pressure News

The engines of a luxury cruise ship that narrowly escaped disaster during a storm off Norway on Saturday failed because of relatively low levels of lubricating oil in the engines, the Norwegian Maritime Authority said on Wednesday.The Viking Sky, with almost 1,400 passengers and crew aboard, sent out a mayday signal on Saturday as it drifted in rough waters in the Norwegian Sea to within 100 metres of land.

While ships have used electricity to help power vessels for a long time, new and sophisticated diesel-electric technologies are making serious gains in efficiency, noise and environmental impact, and is becoming the propulsion system of choice for some high profile names. A recent case is the diesel-electric powered, RV Sikuliaq (pronounced “see-koo-lee-auk,” an Inupiaq term meaning “young sea ice.”), a vessel embarking on a lifetime of studies in the polar sea region, including examining the effects of climate change and increased human presence in the Arctic.

Berg Propulsion’s feathering controlled pitch propeller has been selected by United Faith (Hong Kong) Group subsidiary Celestone Marine Engineering Co. Ltd, as part of a deal that looks to equip up to four state-of-the-art semi-submersible heavylift vessels with complete propulsion systems. The deal, which includes firm orders covering two vessels, plus options to equip a further two in the months ahead, will see installation of combination propulsion systems on each ship, involving traditional diesel engine plus electrically powered Azimuth driver systems from Berg, the Berg CPP with feathering capability, two Berg Azimuth Thrusters (BAT), and two Berg CP tunnel thrusters. The estimated delivery time for the Berg equipment is August 2011.

Caterpillar has made available its new Marine Analog Power Display (MAPD), a monitoring system for electronically controlled Caterpillar marine engines. Cat MAPD combines the accuracy and dependability of electronics with the simplicity and visual clarity of conventional analog gauges. MAPD consists of electronic, data-link-driven analog gauges and a control module. Various sizes and types of gauges are available, including two- or three-inch diameter tachometer, temperature, pressure, voltage, percent load, fuel rate and fuel level gauges.

In recent months several diesel engine manufacturers have expanded their existing engine and generator ranges to include models suitable for workboat, large yacht and fishing vessel applications. This translates to more propulsion choices for boat builders and owners. Following is a look at four newly launched lines. Last September, MTU introduced the new 8000 series, moving the company into medium-speed engine market. The first engine of the line is the 20V 8000, which is capable of producing 9,000 kW at 1,150 rpm. The 20V is primarily intended to be used as main propulsion for large yachts and workboats, as well as for diesel-electric propulsion and onboard power supply systems in cruise ships.