Driven Systems News

The maritime industry, often viewed as conservative and measured in its approach to technological integration, is on the cusp of a transformative era with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a prominent player. Insights from key exhibitors at the upcoming Posidonia Shipping Εxhibition reveal a new landscape, where industry leaders strategically align with the inexorable rise of AI and consider adopting it already.According to Theodore Vokos, Managing Director, Posidonia Exhibitions S.A.…

Japanese FPSO supplier MODEC has won a contract with Equinor to supply an FPSO vessel for the BM-C-33 block of the Campos Basin offshore Brazil. The order comes just days after Equinor and its partners Repsol Sinopec Brasil, and Petrobras took the $9 billion investment decision to develop the BM-C-33 project in Brazil. Located in the Campos Basin, BM-C-33 comprises three different pre-salt discoveries – Pão de Açúcar, Gávea and Seat – containing natural gas and oil/condensate…

A new report from Lloyd’s Register (LR) and maritime innovation consultancy Thetius advocates investment to improve the understanding of AI at all levels within maritime organisations.With digital solutions presenting challenges due to rapidly evolving technologies, such as AI-driven autonomous systems onboard modern vessels, the report calls for clarity around normal and emergency use cases, pointing to the need for traditional assurance measures to become increasingly integrated.The report…

Diesel electric technology, as part of a comprehensive engineering design process, should be considered by the inland towboat sector. Diesel electric propulsion is not a new concept. Like azimuthing drives, its application to the inland marine market has lagged behind other areas of the marine industry. Diesel electric has gained traction in industries where fuel economy and redundancy of propulsion systems for safety is paramount. In particular, vessels like passenger ferries and offshore supply vessels have enjoyed the benefits of the diesel electric systems.

A new Jones Act trailing suction hopper dredger (TSHD) Magdalen, recently launched at Eastern Shipbuilding Group’s (ESG) Allanton facility in Panama City, Fla., is expected to be handed over to its owner, U.S. dredging contractor Weeks Marine, before the end of 2017. This modern TSHD has a length of 108.5 meters, breadth of 24.24 meters and a molded depth of 8.31 meters. The state-of-the-art 356’ twin screw dredger is outfitted with BARKE high-lift flap rudders by Van der Velden Marine Systems (VDVMS) in conjunction with Ships Machinery International, Inc. (SMI).

Deliveries of alarm and monitoring systems (ULSTEIN AMS) for 13 tugs have been contracted to Ulstein Power & Control by US based MT. The systems are based on ULSTEIN X-CONNECT. The alarm monitoring is a part of Ulstein Power & Control’s expertise in integrated systems, while MT (Marine Technologies LLC) is a maritime expert in areas such as dynamic positioning and navigation systems. The bridge solution on the tugs has been developed by MT. The amounts of sensors and information available on the vessels increase rapidly, and the control systems must be designed to meet the new, digital reality. “We have developed our marine alarm and automation systems to fit the new generation of digitalisation…

Continuous Improvement (CI) is the process of continually analyzing the performance of some aspect of operations, and then applying changes intended to improve that performance. It is a critical component in maintaining the health of any operation and can be applied to almost any activity. This is the third and final installment in a series of articles intended to introduce CI, and to give some practical tips for using CI in any maritime organization to improve training effectiveness and efficiency.

Rubber-in-compression couplings help protect gas- and diesel-driven generator sets from torsional vibration and the possible catastrophic effects of resonance occurring if this were to coincide with the natural frequency of the system, says couplings manufacturer Renold Hi-Tec. The company explains torsional vibration is an inherent feature of any internal combustion engine as pulses, or peaks in torque, occur as the pistons are driven on their power strokes when the fuel and air mixture ignites.

Wärtsilä's series of pumping systems for Statoil. Wärtsilä's ability to supply a complete portfolio of solutions for the marine and offshore industry is again demonstrated with this latest order for a series of pumping systems for Statoil. Wärtsilä has won an order to supply a series of pumps to be installed on a new floating storage unit (FSU). The FSU is being built by Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea for Statoil, the Norway based international energy company. When completed, it will be located on the Heidrun oil and gas field in the Norwegian Sea. Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for February 2014. The order for the deep well cargo offloading pumping system and the fire water pump package includes 38 deep well cargo pumps produced by Wärtsilä…

With its shining reputation besmirched in recent years with a list of transgressions, from illegal dumping to sexual assault, the cruise industry has been under the legislative microscope. The International Council of Cruise Lines (ICCL) works to ensure that its member lines are kept abreast on current issues dealing with topics related to the environment, safety and legislation, to name a few. In order to examine these issues to the core, MR/EN tapped the expertise of Ted Thompson, a retired U.S. Coast Guard captain, who now serves as ICCL's executive director. The cruise industry because of its high profile is constantly under fire regarding various issues…