Project Sea News

The Arctic Ocean could be ice-free in summer by the 2030s, even if we do a good job of reducing emissions between now and then. That’s the worrying conclusion of a new study in Nature Communications.Predictions of an ice-free Arctic Ocean have a long and complicated history, and the 2030s is sooner than most scientists had thought possible (though it is later than some had wrongly forecast). What we know for sure is the disappearance of sea ice at the top of the world would not only be an emblematic sign of climate breakdown…

French tech company iXblue will deliver inertial navigation systems and gyrocompasses for new Royal Australian Navy’s SEA1180 Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPV). Based on Fiber-Optic Gyroscope technology, iXblue’s inertial navigation systems will provide the 12 new Arafura Class vessels with highly accurate and reliable navigation capabilities in all environments, including within GNSS-denied operational areas, iXblue said.David Cunningham, commercial director at iXblue: "We would…

Driven by the need to organically protect maritime Task Groups from the threat of sea mines, the Royal Australian Navy is introducing a deployable Mine Counter-Measures (MCM) capability under the first phase of Project SEA 1778.The Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) SEA 1778 deployable Mine Counter-Measures (MCM) capability is both a small step forward in the spiral development process and a “technological leap” into autonomy.”The RAN is looking to replace its four legacy Huon-class minehunter coastal ships (MHCs) with a new deployable MCM capability.

Canada’s Arctic warming at three times the global rate, permafrost melting 70 years ahead of predictions, the worst polar wildfire season on record.To counter bad news on northern climate-change,  plans have now moved forward to protect Tuvaijuittuq. Meaning “the ice never melts” in Inuktitut, it’s a globally important area in the Canadian High Arctic almost the size of Germany.The Qikiqtani Inuit Association, working with the governments of Canada and Nunavut, has led the charge to make Tuvaijuittuq a 322,000 sq. km interim Marine Protected Area with an impact benefit agreement that delivers on their promise of a conservation economy…

BMT has announced the signing of a contract for two new 43 meter (104’ x 37’’ x 12.5’) high-speed, passenger Fast Ferries for Kitsap Transit, with an option for a third to be added to this vessel fleet. The custom design project will once again see the UK’s leading engineering design consultancy partner with US shipyard Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) and will join the Kitsap Fast Ferry service in Seattle once completed. The bow and side loading vessels will accommodate a maximum of 255 passengers on board with protected storage capacity for 26 bicycles.

BMT announced the signing of a contract for two new 43 metre (104’ x 37’’ x 12.5’) high-speed, passenger Fast Ferries for Kitsap Transit, with an option for a third to be added to this vessel fleet. The custom design project will once again see the UK engineering design consultancy partner with US shipyard Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) and will join the Kitsap Fast Ferry service in Seattle once completed. John Bonafoux, Business Development Director for Commercial Shipping…

Sea trials have begun on two Falmouth based pilot vessels which will provide data for the Innovate UK funded MOVE (Monitoring for Operational Vessel Efficiency) project. Rising fuel costs, emissions regulation and concerns about carbon emissions are severe challenges for marine vessel operators and their supply chains. Under the ‘Managing Energy on Marine Vessels’ Competition, the MOVE project is developing a novel solution to all three, initially targeting the commercial workboat sector.

Sea Trucks Group has been awarded a contract from Sabah Shell Petroleum Company Limited for the provision of flotel services for the Malikai deepwater development project, located 100 kilometers off Sabah, Malaysia, at a water depth of around 500 meters. The platform is located within the area of the Block G Production Sharing Contract in the South China Sea. The scope of work consists of providing accommodation support services for 200 construction personnel. The contract will be for a period of two months, with options to extend.

Sea Star Line, LLC announced that it has forged a new relationship with the Wounded Warrior Project  (WWP) and was a major sponsor for the Wounded Warrior Project 8K Run held on Saturday, Sept. 7 in Jacksonville, Fla. “Sea Star Line is an active partner in all of the communities it serves, and this is no exception,” commented Tim Nolan, Sea Star Line, Executive Vice President. Sea Star Line not only made a financial commitment toward the race, but also had over 50 enthusiastic employees entered and ten volunteers, as well as, family members eager to help with race festivities.

The Australian Department of Defense released a request for tender to CEA Technologies for the development of a High Power Phased Array Radar concept demonstrator. CEA Technologies Pty Ltd is a Canberra-based company whose CEAFAR radar is being fitted to the ANZAC Class Frigates of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) as part of the ANZAC Class Anti-Ship Missile Defense Upgrade project. “This tender is for the development of radar systems based on the CEAFAR radar which could support future naval acquisitions such as the Royal Australian Navy’s Future Frigates through Project SEA 5000,” Minister for Defense Materiel Dr. Mike Kelly AM MP said. The CEAFAR radar is a focus of the Phased Array Radar element of the High Frequency and Phased Array Radar Priority Industry Capability (PIC).

Shipbuilders Austal link with advanced information system provider General Dynamis, seek naval orders. The agreement between the two companies is aimed to combine Austal’s shipbuilding, systems and support capabilities with General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems’ expertise in systems integration to support future shipbuilding and sustainment programs. Austal’s Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Bellamy, said the agreement would enable the companies to provide best value offerings to the marketplace.

Miami-based SEA LEVEL MARINE, full-service marine outfitting contractor, celebrates completion of the renovation of Britto Art Gallery, Cupcake Cupboard, Nursery, and Vintages Wine Bar aboard the Liberty of the Seas (January 2011) and Freedom of the Seas (March 2011). The project was completed in seven days during dry-dock in Freeport, Grand Bahama. For these renovations, the SEA LEVEL team led an experienced crew of more than 75 craftsmen and technicians in transforming these spaces to duplicate new venues introduced on the Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas.

Lockheed Martin Australia of Canberra and Acacia Research, Ltd. of Adelaide are teaming to pursue the combat system integrator role for the Royal Australian Navy's Future Submarine project, SEA 1000. Under this Department of Defence project, 12 next-generation submarines are envisioned to replace Australia's six existing Collins-class boats. SEA 1000 is expected to be the Australian government's largest-ever single defence project. Under the teaming arrangement, Lockheed Martin Australia will lead overall management of the program pursuit. Following contract award, it would develop and integrate an advanced combat system for the new submarine class, serving as the prime contractor and systems integrator. Acacia Research will be a principal team member.

The maritime environment throughout the world is constantly changing and evolving. With advances in technology, and changes in the geo-political environment, it is important for naval forces to project forward presence and foster regional cooperation. One tool used by the U.S. Navy to project its presence are Expeditionary Strike Groups (ESG). These ESGs, such as the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group currently operating in the U.S. 5th Fleet, are deployed worldwide and can project sea power ashore by landing amphibious forces via helicopter…

Global Industries has awarded Keppel Singmarine the construction contract for its new pipelay / heavy lift vessel Global 1200. It is the third new build vessel contracted in 2007 to be designed by the innovative Dutch design company Sea of Solutions (SoS), partner in the Offshore Ship Designers Group. The previous two major vessels designed by SoS contracted this year were a 5,000 tonne heavy-lift vessel for Nordic Heavy Lift and a pipelay/heavy lift vessel for Larsen & Toubro. Sea of Solutions was responsible for both concept and basic design of all three vessels. Scheduled to enter service in April 2010, the dynamically-positioned Global 1200 is a combination derrick/pipelay vessel with 1,200 ton lifting capacity, 60–in.

The Larsen & Toubro/SapuraCrest Petroleum joint venture has ordered a new-generation heavy-lift/pipelay vessel designed by Sea of Solutions, part of the Offshore Ship Designers Group. Sea of Solutions was responsible for both the concept design and basic design of the $138m vessel, which will enter service in 2009. The S2500 pipelay vessel will be built by ASL Marine, Singapore. The S2500 design is a customized version of the Sea of Solutions’ Seabarge 3000 design, featuring a more shipshape hull with bulbous bow, increasing transit speed and generating additional space for the mooring system without consequences for DP lay-out. The S2500 has a 10-point mooring system and can be upgraded to DP.

Miami-based Sea Level Marine, full-service marine refurbishment contractor, completed the renovation of the Boleros mid-ship lounge and Casino Royale aboard the Majesty of the Seas. The project was completed in 22 days, and ahead of schedule, during dry-dock in Freeport, Grand Bahama. For the Majesty renovation, the Sea Level team led an experienced crew of more than 60 craftsmen and technicians in transforming the Majesty's mid-ship Boleros Lounge and Casino Royale. The Boleros project involved revitalizing the room's finishes and furnishings to create the vessel’s new signature Latin theme nightclub. A full service bar recessed into the deck acts as the centerpiece of the new design.