Seastream News

Dynamic Positioning has been around for a while, it is evolving and it is here to stay. Here to sort it all out are two of industry’s more familiar stakeholders who also explain what might come next.When it comes to critical offshore operations and vessel handling, this is not your grandfather’s marine industry, and it hasn’t been for some time. That’s because the bridge layout and equipment commonly found on any recently delivered offshore service vessel would be unfamiliar to the typical deck officer of just 20 years ago. Much of that can be attributed to the advent of dynamic positioning equipment systems.DP – perhaps like no other skill at sea – has changed the role of the deck officer. The technical requirements to qualify and operate this equipment are vast.

Pukyong National University (PKNU) has chosen GE’s Power Conversion business to provide the SeaStream Dynamic Positioning (DP) system for their training vessel for fisheries industry training.GE’s SeaStream DP will enable the ship to perform operations – for example controlling horizontal movement or holding position against harsh wind and in choppy waters – with stability, safety and precision for a long time.“We have more than six decades of onboard vessel training experience and are now adding a 14th vessel to the fleet.

GE’s Marine Solutions was chosen by ASMAR Shipyards to provide the complete scope of an integrated marine propulsion system for the Chilean Navy’s new Antarctic icebreaking Polar Class vessel. It will replace the retired icebreaker to continue the navy’s Antarctic expedition for search and rescue missions, scientific research, logistic support and resupplying bases in the Chilean Antarctic Territory. The 110-meter long vessel will have GE’s full marine propulsion system to power and propel the vessel…

The marine industry as a whole is responsible for about 2.5 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Shipbuilders and fleet owners have spent the last two decades adjusting to shifting emissions regulations since the introduction of the MARPOL Convention 1997 Protocol, which included specific regulations for the reduction of air pollution from marine vessels. Since then, there have been additions and amendments to ensure that the industry is doing its bit to better support the environment, with the latest regulation pulling forward lower caps in global emissions.

The 'digital revolution' continues in earnest in the maritime and offshore energy sectors, driven by new pilot programs with positive results such as GE (NYSE: GE) and Maersk Drilling, which announced this morning an extension of the scope of their digital partnership following the positive results of a pilot probem, with the bottom line focus of enhancing drilling productivity. During the extended partnership, Maersk Drilling and GE will expand the scope of the 2016 pilot project—one vessel…

Shanghai Salvage Bureau’s (SSB) new ship is purpose-designed for a range of roles including deep-water salvage operations, deep-water pipelay and construction as well as a saturation diving capability for up to 24 divers in two bells. Recently, GE’s Marine Solutions has been chosen by SSB, one of the largest rescue and salvage companies in the world, to provide a suite of marine technologies including power and propulsion equipment, dynamic positioning (DP) and automation and control systems to its newest deep-water dive support vessel (DSV).

The start of every year calls for time to reflect on the last. The offshore and marine industry can look back on 2016 as one of the most bruising in recent memory. The downturn has been tough and drawn out, with increased divestment, more stringent environmental regulations and a prolonged shipbuilding cycle that has resulted in overcapacity. However, challenges can be harnessed as a force for progress. The downcycle has pushed the industry to reshape its competitive landscape, probably a change that has been overdue.

GE’s Marine Solutions brings the latest technology in vessel control and dynamic positioning (DP) systems, SeaLyte. The new solution complements GE’s bespoke SeaStream solutions, providing a structured and standardized package to better serve customers with smaller vessels for offshore support and merchant markets. Marine companies are facing increased cost pressure to get through the current market downcycle. In response to the challenge, GE’s SeaLyte offers a range of configurable product solutions.

No two days in the navy are the same. Whether teams are facing a humanitarian mission, complex manoeuvres or a training exercise, navy recruits must be prepared for all eventualities, pushing their bodies and minds to the limits of their abilities. The same is true of navy fleets. While it is not always possible for operations to know what mission they will be faced with in the future, predicting a potential failure of an asset and maintenance need of individual ships, and therefore enabling better fleet management, can ensure they are best prepared for any mission and eventuality.

New global emissions standards reduce emissions by more than 70 percent. Engine technology had to advance to meet the new standard. Many turned to aftertreatment; adding chemicals and operating cost. GE kept it simple and built it right into the engine. GE’s Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system needs no aftertreatment, no messy chemicals, no change to operating processes and no ongoing urea cost. Plus, it’s maintained best-in-class fuel economy and produces approximately up to 15 percent more power while maintaining virtually the same footprint. Another case when less is definitely more.

GE and Maersk Drilling have partnered for a data analytic-driven pilot project that aims to increase Maersk’s drilling vessels’ productivity and reduce maintenance costs by up to 20 percent. The two companies have collaborated to deploy SeaStream Insight, GE’s latest innovation in marine asset performance management, powered by Predix. The pilot project will be carried out on one of Maersk Drilling’s XLE rigs and will last for 12 months. Currently, the project has reached its first milestone, with data collected from the rig currently being processed and analyzed online.

GE’s Marine Solutions has appointed Jason Electronics Pte. Ltd. as its value-added reseller for SeaStream dynamic positioning (DP) systems in the ASEAN region and China. The appointment gives Jason Electronics reselling rights of GE products in the aforementioned regions. “The collaboration between GE and Jason Electronics ensures that GE will acquire a long-term reliable partner in key regions. It also provides Jason Electronics with one of GE’s latest digital marine innovations in the quest to further expand the offshore marine coverage in the market…

GE’s Marine Solutions is showcasing its latest technologies and offerings to date at SMM 2016. Staggering oil prices, strict environment regulations and volatile economic conditions are among the key factors that add uncertainty to the marine industry. Calling for industry-wide collaboration, GE is taking up the challenge to build more cost-efficient vessels through close partnership with industry leaders. GE and Dalian Shipbuilding Industry Co. Ltd. have received approval in…

After equipping more than 20 purpose supply vessels (PSV)/multipurpose supply vessels (MPSV) for Eastern Shipbuilding, GE has once again been chosen by the builder to equip Hornbeck Offshore Services’ (HOS) next generation of U.S. flag, Jones Act-qualified MPSVs, constructed at Eastern Shipbuilding. The scope of GE technology onboard these two vessels include the first MKII MV3000 Active Front End (AFE) drive. Manufactured in Kidsgrove U.K., these drives have one of the highest power density of any drive ever produced by GE’s Marine Solutions…

Being an island nation, Japan is inevitably dependent on seaborne trade. Over time, this has led to it becoming a strong player in the global maritime market. Japan’s shipbuilding pedigree has gained the country a foothold in LNG carriers, dry bulk cargo barge and pure car truck carriers (PCTC). While Japan is still a significant player, large-scale investments made by the Chinese and South Korean governments in the 1980s pushed them ahead. Japan’s energy market is also going through a period of change.

At Sea Japan 2016, GE will showcase its latest marine technologies, helping Japanese shipyards and mariners achieve more efficient maritime operations while meeting stringent environmental regulations. GE’s Marine Solutions business has been a reliable partner of the country’s marine industry. In the military space, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) has chosen GE’s LM2500 and LM500 gas turbines for its naval ships. To date, GE’s marine systems’ supplier IHI has packaged, tested and delivered over 70 LM2500 and more than 30 LM500 marine gas turbines.

GE’s continuous efforts to help increase marine industry safety standards for operators recently resulted in the endorsement of The Nautical Institute’s (NI) accreditation for GE to conduct a dynamic positioning (DP) sea time reduction (STR) course in its modern DP training center in Houston. With this accreditation, GE’s Marine Technical Training Center has joined an exclusive list of only 13 DP schools worldwide that are accredited to provide STR courses. The accreditation allows…

Cruise shipping is one of the fastest growing sectors in tourism. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) predicts that over 24 million passengers will take a cruise in 2016 and that CLIA member lines will match this with more than a $6.5 billion investment in new ocean-going ships. However, in the past few years, the industry has not always hit the headlines for the right reasons. Negative environmental stories, brand damage, revenue loss and sometimes even incidents costing passenger lives, have prompted the U.S.

From the price of oil to environmental regulation, 2015 was a year of turmoil and uncertainty for the marine sector. Despite this, there were some common global trends that will define 2016. In December 2015, world leaders met at the COP21 conference to discuss climate change. The event’s outcome marks a decisive move towards a low carbon future focused on achieving the agreed-upon world target of 1.5 degree climate change ceiling. Indeed, despite being the most carbon-efficient form of commercial transport[1]…

GE’s Marine Solutions business is showcasing how its latest technologies are helping future cruise ships to be safer, cleaner and more efficient. “GE is dedicated to delivering innovative technical solutions to drive the cruise industry forward. Our long track record with major cruise lines underlines our strong position as a strategic partner for our customers,” said Tim Schweikert, president & CEO, GE’s Marine Solutions. Most recently, GE was chosen to provide upgrade services to three cruise vessels owned by the Carnival group.

Today at the SMM 2014 exhibition, GE announced it will showcase a variety of cutting-edge projects and solutions to meet demands of the global commercial and naval marine industry. According to Afra Gerstenfeld, General Manager of Transportation’s Marine group, “The products and services GE provides can help customers operate ships more efficiently, reduce emissions and meet stringent global environmental regulations. •    Dongwon Industries-- one of the world's largest tuna fishery companies -- will use two 16V250 GE Marine diesel engines to power two 80-meter-long tuna purse seiners. The first ship is scheduled for commissioning in late 2015. This is the second GE diesels order from Dongwon. Local support is provided by GE’s regional distributor, YusinHR.