Time is Running Out for some Fi-Fi Foams
A new IMO resolution will see the phase-out of foam firefighting systems that use fluorinated foams containing perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) as the foam-producing component. The new rules come into effect under a rolling programme beginning in 2026, but Swedish maritime engineering specialist Scanunit believes that a proactive replacement strategy should be put into effect now.Foam firefighting systems on ships typically make use of a family of synthetic chemical compounds known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Ballast Water Treatment Modular and Just in Time
A pair of market entries — one a business of powerful Japanese technology players, the other a newbie with some pedigree — reveal how bold, modular design could pay dividends in a competitive market. Their increments of innovation add up to timely ways to comply with changes, including extra U.S. Coast Guard strictures due out on the eve of an International Maritime Organization meeting in November 2015. The record numbers of vendors at Norway’s Nor-Shipping show offer paths to compliance…
Torqeedo Powers Searobotics Unmanned Vessels
SeaRobotics specializes in creating vessels that are remotely or autonomously operated. A number of these unmanned surface vessels (USV) are powered by motors manufactured by Torqeedo, a leader in electric propulsion. The USVs by SeaRobotics range from 3.5-11 meters. Customers using these USVs include domestic and international military organizations, universities, oceanographic institutes, and various government agencies. Applications for USVs are limitless and SeaRobotics is able to adapt their craft for customer requests.
Atlas North America Awarded Contract
Under contract to Naval Surface Weapons Center (NSWC) Indian Head, Md., Atlas North America (Atlas NA) will deliver the Atlas Portable SeaFox Mine Neutralization Systems (PMNS) to address an urgent operational need from U.S. Navy Central Command for a more effective mine countermeasures system. Under this contract, Atlas NA is responsible for the delivery of the SeaFox sys-tem, installation, integration, testing, training and life cycle support of these portable systems. All deliveries are expected to be complete within one calendar year. Sergio Diehl, President of Atlas North America stated: “We are extremely pleased to once again have been selected to provide the SeaFox Mine Neutralization System to the US Navy and sailors operating in forward deployed areas…
Survey Capabilities Enhanced with Kongsberg
Permanently installed and portable hydrographic instruments ordered. Kongsberg Maritime is supporting the Spanish Hydrographic Institute in expanding its survey capabilities during the first part of 2012 following official equipment acceptance, which took place 20th December 2011. The leading instrument developer is supplying its sophisticated EM 2040 0.7º x 0.7º multibeam with Seapath 300+ position reference system for installation on H/V Antares, in addition to providing flexible portable shallow water systems based on two Geoswath Plus Compact echosounders.
Sonetics Launches Trade-Up Program
Sonetics Launches Wireless Made Easy Trade-Up Program to Provide Reliable Team Communications for Users of Legacy Wired Systems. Sonetics has announced the Wireless Made Easy Trade-up Program for users of legacy wired headsets. The program offers credits up to $150 per wired headset redeemed towards the purchase of completely wireless Apex and Triton headsets providing a cost-effective transition to wireless benefits while upgrading from David Clark, Peltor, Piratecom, Avcom and other legacy systems. Millions of headset users remain tethered to intercom systems, repeatedly repairing unreliable decades-old wired equipment at substantial ongoing cost.
New Navy UUV Master Plan Published
The U.S. Navy has published a new Unmanned Undersea Vehicle (UUV) Master Plan, the first since 2000. The new plan will serve as a guide for the continued evolution of UUV technologies, increasingly critical components of the 21st century fleet. The plan, completed late in 2004 and approved for publication in January, holds steady on course to develop UUVs' "signature" capabilities-maritime reconnaissance, undersea search and survey, oceanography, communication and navigation aid, and submarine track and trail. At the same time, the plan pushes back the technological boundaries to define a new set of capabilities that will be important going forward. The Navy's new UUV Master Plan depicts four basic classes of tactical UUVs, which are to be developed over the next 10-15 years.
