Sensor Technologies News

Marine perception sensor aims to provide high-def situational awareness to eliminate at-sea collisions and allisionsSea Machines Robotics unveiled AI-ris (Artificial Intelligence Recognition and Identification System), a new marine computer-vision navigation sensor designed to improve safety and performance while vessels are underway. Sea Machines’ AI-ris uses digital cameras and AI-processing to detect, track, classify and geolocate objects, vessel traffic and other potential obstacles in the majority of operational conditions, day or night.

There's an “electrification of the seas” happening for navies around the world.Whether it's to achieve greater military capabilities, operational economics and efficiencies or to be better stewards of the environment.There's a trend moving from direct mechanical drives towards more flexible electrical propulsion systems. Ships can still have the same propellers and engines, but they now have a much more flexible power system architecture that benefits design, operations and sustainment.“With an electric propulsion system, we can connect to the same gas turbine or diesel.

Inmarsat, the mobile satellite communications provider, has extended its Fleet Xpress service agreement with offshore vessel owner Maersk Supply Service. The extension includes fleet-wide IoT-based ship management connectivity on separate, dedicated bandwidths. The extension has also enabled Maersk Supply Service to evaluate new vessel performance tools for selection, available through Inmarsat’s Certified Application Provider (CAP) program.Operating off Europe, the Americas, West Africa…

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is evaluating remote operation of locks within the U.S. inland waterways system. Timetables are hazy, but the Corps plans to include remote operations capabilities during rehabilitations or new construction, in the work planned, for example, in the Upper Ohio Navigation Project, part of the USACE’s Pittsburgh District.In fact, the first install project is being readied at Lock & Dam 4 on the Monongahela River. L&D 4 is also known as Charleroi Locks and Dam because it’s at Charleroi, Pa, at river mile 41.5, between Pittsburgh and Fairmont, W.Va.

Ocean Infinity, a U.S. based marine survey firm developing the world's largest fleet of unmanned surface vessels - Armada - has ordered Sonardyne sensors for its robotic vessels.As reported previously, Ocean Infinity in February launched Armada, a marine technology and data company boasting the industry's largest fleet of unmanned surface vehicles (USV).Sonardyne said Wednesday it would provide the first wave of Ocean Infinity’s new Armada fleet with key sensor technologies for underwater platform navigation…

One of the world's largest maritime classification societies American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) on Tuesday launched a web-based digital platform that "delivers real-time data-driven insights to improve fleet efficiency, reduce costs and help manage risks," for marine and offshore operators.The platform, called My DigitalFleet, is, according to ABS, a significant step forward for the digitalization of the maritime industry.Christopher J. Wiernicki, ABS Chairman, President, and CEO, said, "Digitalization is the key enabler for asset management, sustainability and regulatory compliance strategies.

ABS and Chevron Shipping Company LLC have embarked on a digital fleet management journey.As a first step, the Suezmax lightering vessel Pegasus Voyager has become the first vessel in Chevron’s fleet to qualify for the ABS maintenance optimization notation SMART-MHM (Machinery Health Monitoring), with more vessels expected to follow. The ship is also the first ABS-classed to receive the notation.ABS says this is just the beginning of the journey to condition-based maintenance for the Chevron’s fleet of 28 vessels.

While owners have long recognized the link between clean hulls and lower fuel costs, lack of reliable data has slowed investments in optimizing hull performance. But with improved sensor technologies and data analysis tools, hull performance is getting a second look. Owners seeking to lower fuel costs and comply with pending regulations on emissions and invasive species often look to equipment manufacturers to meet their needs. From new efficient engine designs to alternative fuels, scrubbers to ballast water treatments systems, owners face some expensive decisions.

While owners have long recognized the link between clean hulls and lower fuel costs, lack of reliable data has slowed investments in optimizing hull performance. But with improved sensor technologies and data analysis tools, hull performance is getting a second look. Owners seeking to lower fuel costs and comply with pending regulations on emissions and invasive species often look to equipment manufacturers to meet their needs. From new efficient engine designs to alternative fuels, scrubbers to ballast water treatments systems, owners face some expensive decisions.

Asahi Tanker Co., Ltd., Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd., and Mitsubishi Corporation today announced their agreement to create a strategic partnership to provide new infrastructure services in the marine shipping industry that focus on electrically powered vessels. Their newly established company, e5 Lab. Inc. (e5 Lab) will work to develop and promote the greater use of these relatively clean modes of marine transport.There are a number of challenges facing Japan's shipping industry (see below)…

ABB Ability Marine Pilot Visionis designed to allow MS Finlandia to enhance safety during maneuvering and dockingABB and Eckerö Line teams will install ABB Ability Marine Pilot Vision on board cruise ferry MS Finlandia with no interruption to the ship’s schedule. In addition to the mechanical interface, ABB Marine & Ports Digital Service teams will support the crew to maximize the value from the system and integrate the additional tool with their current bridge team operations.ABB…

Shearwater GeoServices announced the award of a 4D seismic survey at the Troll Unit by Equinor AS to be conducted this summer.The company 20% owned by GC Rieber Shipping ASA said that the project adds further to Shearwater’s 4D program in the North Sea and Barents Sea this season.The Troll Unit survey will last approximately 2 months and be conducted by the Amazon Conqueror using Shearwater's Isometrix system."The award of the Troll Unit project from Equinor adds to our extensive 4D and Isometrix program for the 2019 summer season. We are encouraged by our strong seasonal backlog which reflects an overall increase in 4D survey activity" said Irene Waage Basili…

Norwegian offshore survey specialist Shearwater GeoServices has been awarded three 4D seismic surveys by Equinor to be conducted this summer.The Geoservices company said in a press release that the projects confirm Shearwater’s Isometrix crews will be active in 2019, on 4D projects in the North Sea and Barents Sea. Together with the recent announcement of 3 OBS 4Ds this brings Shearwater’s announced 2019 4D awards to 6 projects, confirming its market leading position in 4D.Equinor has awarded Shearwater a multi-project contract, with three surveys to be conducted in 2019 at the Kvitebjørn & Valemon, Visund and Snøhvit fields. The first survey is scheduled to start in Q2 and the total duration for the three 2019 projects is estimated at around 3 months.

Unreliable communication networks may render logistics businesses unable to capture full value from the Internet of Things (IoT), says Inmarsat. Top three challenges to successful IoT deployments in transportation sector: IoT skills (54 per cent), integrating IoT with existing systems (43%) and connectivity (40%). The research by the global mobile satellite company for its ‘The Future of IoT in Enterprise – 2017’ report suggests that while 96 per cent of transportation and logistics organisations believe that the success of their IoT deployments is based on reliable ubiquitous connectivity, many businesses are still struggling to access the connectivity they need.

Representatives from Norway’s shipbuilding industry recently gathered in Ålesund for a Dynamic Positioning (DP) sensor technologies workshop held by Sonardyne International Ltd., Guidance Marine and Veripos. Vessel operators, shipyards, dynamic positioning suppliers and system integrators from across the region gathered to discover the latest advances in Position Monitoring Equipment (PME) and discuss the future requirements of the industry. The one day event consisted of presentations from each company…

Rolls-Royce said it has signed a deal with Swedish ferry company Stena Line AB to collaborate in the development of its first intelligent awareness system. Intelligent awareness systems will make vessels safer, easier and more efficient to operate by providing crew with an enhanced understanding of their vessel’s surroundings, according to Rolls-Royce. This will be achieved by fusing data from a range of sensors with information from existing ship systems; such as Automatic Identification System (AIS) and radar. Data from other sources, including global databases, will also have a role.

The AR5 Life Ray UAS, developed by TEKEVER, has been selected by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA) to demonstrate the first European maritime surveillance system where drones are integral to operations. The first demonstration will be performed this summer over the Maltese waters of the Mediterranean sea, said Pedro Sinogas, TEKEVER CEO, at the AUVSI Xponential show in New Orleans, La. Maritime operations have been brought into focus in Europe by the unprecedented migrant crisis.

TE Connectivity Ltd, a world leader in connectivity, today announced that it has completed the acquisition of American Sensor Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer of pressure and position sensing solutions with 2013 revenues of approximately $20 million. The acquisition further expands TE’s growing portfolio of sensors and sensor systems. AST specializes in manufacturing products incorporating their proprietary technologies for use in high performance, harsh and extreme environments such as high corrosion, high and low temperatures, and toxic and hazardous materials settings. AST’s products serve several industries including marine and offshore oil and gas, energy and power generation, industrial controls, aerospace and defense, and industrial and commercial transportation.

Since the first deployment of in-situ monitoring instrumentation, biofouling has been a problem. Without an effective solution, people have historically had to accept the limits biofouling imposes on ocean sensing work, with significant repercussions. When instrumentation is deployed in-situ, the value of the data taken during the deployment corresponds with the longevity: information gleaned from a longer deployment is often more useful than information from one of a shorter term.

American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) has released explosion proof and non-incendive versions of its differential pressure transducer model AST5400. This addition compliments AST's other products in the hazardous location market. AST added CSA certifications for Class I Division 1 and Class I Division 2 to the product series in order to satisfy market demands for differential pressure measurement. The product is capable of measuring line pressures up to 5,000 PSI (350 bar), providing an output signal of analog voltage or 4-20mA. Bi-directional calibration is available. Sensor material options include 316L stainless steel, Inconel 718, and Hastelloy C276. Industries include well sites and compression equipment.

Wärtsilä has acquired Guidance Marine Limited, a technology leader within the marine industry for sensor solutions relating to dynamic positioning and other vessel control systems, such as collision avoidance and remote control operations. Wärtsilä said it is committed to providing technologies needed to enhance “intelligent” shipping, whereby digital solutions will improve the efficiency, safety and profit earning capabilities. According to Wärtsilä, the acquisition of Guidance Marine will enhance its capabilities in the areas essential for more intelligent vessel navigation such as situational awareness and near-field measurement.

General Dynamics Canada has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to upgrade four SH-2G Super Seasprite helicopters with an integrated mission system to enhance the operational capability of the Peruvian Navy and its ability to meet the demands of modern maritime missions. The contract, facilitated by the Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC), the Government of Canada's international government-to-government contracting organization, includes the acquisition of five helicopters by Peru. Four are for remanufacture and upgrade by General Dynamics Canada and the fifth one will be overhauled prior to delivery directly to Peru. The contract was awarded as a result of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Peru…

American Sensor Technologies, Inc. (AST) has achieved ATEX certification of its Explosion Proof Pressure Transmitters for Class I Zone 0 Exd hazardous locations. The added approvals enhance the ability for equipment manufacturers to specify AST pressure transducers as the sensors can now operate in both North America and Europe. AST Explosion Proof Pressure Transducers are commonly used in upstream and offshore applications where safety, reliability and performance are crucial. Additionally, the AST4300 Non-Incendive Rugged Pressure Transmitter Series is qualified as ATEX Class I Zone 0 Exd and the AST43LP Low Presssure Non-Incendive Pressure Sensor Series holds a ATEX Class I Zone 2 Ex nA rating. Each are also certified by Sira for Class I Zone 2 Ex nA IIC T4 Gc.