Association Of Engineers News

Plan B Energy Storage (PBES) has announced Sven Thy Christensen has joined the firm to develop marine and power markets in the Mediterranean region. Christensen brings decades of experience of green solutions for ship efficiency, emissions reduction, and power generation including diesel and gas generation, wind, and solar energy. Christensen comes from Odense Maritime Technology, where he held the position as Sales & Business Development Director. Prior to this he worked for MAN Diesel & Turbo in Spain.

On December 21, René Berkvens, CEO of Damen Shipyards Group, received the KIVI Honorary Medal for Marine Technology. KIVI (est. 1847) is the professional association of engineers in the Netherlands. The ceremony took place at Delft Technical University during the symposium ‘Maritime Manufacturing - Is there room for innovation in the boardroom?’ Both jury and speakers praised Mr Berkvens' long-standing role as an initiator and promoter of many commercial, organisational and strategic Damen successes as well as his contribution to the Dutch maritime industry. In its considerations, the jury says: “René has realised that it is essential to maintain a close relationship between the company's sales strategy and its R&D in all facets of the company," and that "...

Following a recent routine departure from Seattle, WA, the Washington State Ferry’s (WSF) M/V WENATCHEE was steaming across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island. when two passengers notified the Captain that they saw a woman go overboard. Immediately, he broadcast a “Man Overboard” alert and the crew began rescue efforts. The M/V WENATCHEE’s deck crew  prepared the rescue boat for immediate launch. The deck and cabin crew prepared the first aid response, handled crowd control of the vessel’s several hundred passengers, and located the missing woman’s husband.

The world's biggest offshore oil rig, hit by blasts that apparently killed 10 people, may sink in the next two days, the rig's Brazilian owners said on Friday, raising fears of environmental damage. "Petrobras is in mourning," he said. So far one person has been confirmed dead after three powerful blasts, whose cause is unknown, rocked the rig with 175 workers aboard. Off the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, the giant 40-story rig's deck is now dipping into the water. If it sinks and damages shutters of underwater wells, it could cause Brazil's worst environmental catastrophe, according to engineers. Petrobras, which has experienced environmental disasters over the last few years, said it had five ships around the rig able to contain a potential spill.