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07 Jun 2023

Fair Weather Collision Attributed to Distracted Bridge Watch Officers

Bunun Queen (left) and Thunder (right) are pictured before the collision. (Source: Wisdom Marine International (left) and Jackson Offshore (right))

The bridge watch officers on a bulk carrier and an offshore supply vessel were not maintaining a proper lookout before the vessels collided last year near Port Fourchon, Louisiana, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has concluded.On July 23, 2022, the bulk carrier Bunun Queen was transiting eastbound in the Gulf of Mexico and the offshore supply vessel Thunder was transiting northbound when the vessels collided. The Thunder sustained substantial damage to its port side, which resulted in the flooding of one of its propulsion rooms and three other spaces.

06 Dec 2022

Lack of Situational Awareness Led to Ever Forward Grounding -USCG

File photo: A Coast Guard response crew monitors the 1,095-foot motor vessel Ever Forward, which became grounded in the Chesapeake Bay, March 13, 2022. (Photo: Kimberly Reaves / U.S. Coast Guard)

The U.S. Coast Guard cited the pilot’s failure to maintain situational awareness and attention while navigating, as well as inadequate bridge resource management as factors that led to the grounding of the 1,095-foot containership Ever Forward in the Craighill Channel earlier this year.The Hong Kong flagged box ship grounded in the Chesapeake Bay on March 13 while transiting with 4,964 containers aboard, en route from the Port of Baltimore to Norfolk, Va. The incident set in motion…

23 Aug 2021

Electronic Navigational Charts: An Update and Some Issues

(Image: NOAA)

In November 2019, the Office of Coast Survey (OCS), part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), announced the start of a five-year program to “sunset” all raster and paper nautical charts.NOAA has produced electronic navigational charts (ENCs) since 1993. In the 2019 notice, NOAA writes that “ENC sales increased 425% since 2008, while sales of paper charts are now half of 2008 levels.”For NOAA and mariners, a focus on electronic charts and publications promises many advantages. With a singular focus, NOAA can use its resources more efficiently.

11 Jul 2019

Iran Attempts UK Tanker Block, Fails

Civilian Mariner Kevin Sauls, Ship's master aboard the Henry J. Kaiser-class fleet replenishment oiler USNS Guadalupe (T-AO 200), observes the Royal Navy Duke-class frigate HMS Montrose (F 236) during a replenishment-at-sea drill. Guadalupe is conducting operations, providing logistical support to U.S. Navy and allied forces operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tristin Barth)

Britain says it fended off Iranian attempt to block its oil tankerThree Iranian vessels tried to block a British-owned tanker passing through the strait that controls the flow of Middle East oil to the world, but backed off when confronted by a Royal Navy warship, Britain said on Thursday.A week after Britain seized an Iranian tanker accused of violating sanctions on Syria, London said the British Heritage, operated by oil company BP, had been approached in the Strait of Hormuz…

11 Jul 2019

Gibraltar Police Arrest Captain of Detained Iranian Tanker

Gibraltar police said they have arrested the captain and chief officer of the detained Iranian Grace 1 supertanker accused of violating EU sanctions on Syria and have seized documents and electronic devices from the vessel.Last week British Royal Marines boarded the tanker off Gibraltar and seized it on suspicion that it was breaking EU sanctions by taking oil to Syria."The investigation is still ongoing and the Grace 1 continues detained," police said in a statement on Thursday.(Reuters, Reporting by Costas Pitas and Michael Holden; editing by Stephen Addison)

03 Jul 2019

Brazil Searches Sembcorp Yard in Graft Probe

(File photo: Sembcorp Marine)

Singaporean rig builder Sembcorp Marine said on Wednesday that authorities had searched its shipyard in Brazil as part of a graft investigation, sending its shares lower and underlining the staying power of Brazil's ongoing "Car Wash" corruption probe.Sembcorp Marine said the search was related to investigations against former consultant Guilherme Esteves de Jesus, adding that Martin Cheah Kok Choon, the former president of the Estaleiro Jurong Aracruz shipyard, was also under investigation.In a separate statement…

08 Nov 2018

MOL Enables Vessel View VR on VLCC Suzukasan

Japanese logistics major Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has announced the introduction of the Vessel View VR, a virtual reality system that allows for virtual visits on the VLCC Suzukasan (delivered on October 12, 2018).This is the second vessel, following the car carrier Beluga Ace (Note 1) to feature this innovative technology. "Vessel View VR" combines "VR Solution," developed by NURVE, with 360oC degree photos and videos taken at various areas onboard.The Suzukasan can transport about 300,000 tons of crude oil in a single voyage. It takes a long time to visit every area on this huge vessel-339.5m long and 60m wide.As a vessel carrying dangerous goods, safety rules are strict, particularly on deck, where any open flame and even electronic devices are prohibited.

11 Jul 2018

ABB Wins Order for World's Biggest Offshore Wind Farm

(Image: ABB)

ABB has won orders worth more than $150 million from Danish energy company Ørsted to supply technology to transmit wind energy from the 1,400 megawatt (MW) Hornsea Project Two, slated to be the world's largest offshore wind farm.The orders were booked in the second quarter of 2018 and are the first tranche of a global five year frame agreement for the supply of electrical and automation equipment for offshore and onshore wind power connection and integration to the grid, ABB said.ABB will supply its Static Var Compensation (SVC) Light technology with ABB Ability MACH control systems…

09 Feb 2018

Metal Shark Introduces New Line of Passenger Vessels

At the same time, Metal Shark also announces reduced lead times for newbuild vessels. Louisiana-based shipbuilder Metal Shark has partnered with design firm Incat Crowther to develop an entirely new line of passenger vessels. At last week’s Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) Maritrends Conference in Savannah, Georgia, Metal Shark introduced its new “Endurance PV-X” passenger vessel lineup, with 26-meter (150-passenger) and 32-meter (350-passenger) models now available and additional offerings to follow. The welded-aluminum, high-speed, low-wake, catamaran Endurance PV-X models are touted by Metal Shark as “next-generation passenger vessels” and feature thoroughly proven Incat Crowther hull designs well-regarded among passenger vessel operators for their efficiency and performance.

09 Jan 2018

MAN OVERBOARD Prevention & Recovery Workshop

The 2018 MAN OVERBOARD Prevention & Recovery Workshop is being held at the Grand Harbour, Southampton, U.K. on April 17. All sectors are invited to participate in this unique one day event that focuses on viable solutions. Knowledge gained about the deadly risks of people falling in the water from recent incidents with sub IMO / sub 24 meter vessels is becoming increasingly relevant to vessels of all sizes. Workshop organizer, John Haynes, said, “Topics focus on visible issues today, plus hidden areas of concern the professional maritime sector may need to face tomorrow.

12 Sep 2017

Man Overboard Prevention and Recovery

John Haynes

More than 80 maritime professionals attended two one-day events focused on the sub IMO / sub 80-ft. sector in Southampton, U.K. this Spring. The Man Overboard Prevention & Recovery Workshop brought together an international group of experts armed with the latest knowledge to identify problems that affect the maritime sector worldwide. Workshop lead John Haynes opened the day saying said, “Expectations, requirements and capabilities are changing for many maritime organizations. High profile roles are evolving close to shore and offshore in U.K., European and international waters.

07 Sep 2017

Balancing Efficiency & Security as Maritime Goes Digital

In December 2004, Crew members assigned to the guided missile cruiser USS Yorktown (CG 48) man the rails for the final time in preparation of the order to de-man the ship as she is decommissioned on board Naval Station Pascagoula, Miss. In 1996, the Yorktown was selected to be the testbed for Navy’s Smart Ship program, effectively exposing a major flaw in the system when a simple error left the ship blacked out for hours. (U.S. Navy photo by Stacey Byington)

Hand in hand with the digital craze in maritime is the caution of cyber attacks. We live and operate in a complex society. That society would be impossible without modern computers and other information technologies Those technologies have largely been developed piecemeal to address particular issues, and for the most part they have generally achieved their particular goals. Maximum efficiency is gained when multiple technologies are joined to coordinate their work. Computers get smaller and faster, with ever-growing memory. Joining computers together allowed for creation of the internet.

31 Mar 2017

Op/Ed: Shiphandlers Beware

Chemical tanker Carla Maersk and bulk carrier Conti Peridot off Morgan's Point, Texas, March 10, 2015, after being involved in a collision March 9, 2015. (U.S. Coast Guard photo by Dustin R. Williams)

Was the closing of the Houston Ship Channel for over three days in March 2015 due to the use of Ultra Low Sulphur Fuel Oil (ULSFO)? After reviewing the testimony, and evidentiary material presented by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding the 2015 Conti Peridot’s collision with the Carla Maersk, it is the authors' opinion the report fails to address significant contributing factors. The NTSB has overlooked a serious threat to vessel operations throughout the world.

31 Mar 2017

Nauta Launches Danish Fishing Trawler

Photo: Nauta Shiprepair Yard

Polish shipyard Nauta Shiprepair Yard launched a partially outfitted fishing vessel for the Dannish client Karstensens Skibsvaerft AS on March 31. Once completed, the new trawler M/V Aine will operate in thw North Sea for its final owner Aine Fishing Company Ltd from Ireland. Like other units of this type, Aine will be equipped with tanks for transporting live fish and modern technical solutions and fishing devices. The vessel’s maximum speed will be 15 knots. Pelagic trawlers use a method of fishing that involves pulling trawl through the water.

02 Feb 2017

Specialist Man Overboard & Fast Craft Injury Prevention Workshops

A unique program of two one-day events for the sub IMO / sub 80 feet professional sector will be held ‘back to back’ in Southampton, U.K. on April  25 and 26, 2017. The fast moving workshop style program brings together an international group of experts armed with the latest knowledge to identify problems that affect the maritime sector worldwide – and highlight potential solutions. Event organizer and workshop lead John Haynes said, “We are pleased to invite all marine sectors to participate in these two specialist workshops. Day one will focus on “Man Overboard Prevention & Recovery”.

06 Feb 2017

New ‘Intelligent’ Power Converters

Photo: Analytic Systems

To operate marine electronics and communication devices, power converters such as inverters, battery chargers and power supplies are often installed to convert available DC or AC to the appropriate power outputs required. Complicating matters, both the power source (DC in varying voltages from battery banks and AC from generators or shore power) and the outputs (voltage, frequency, etc.) can vary for each piece of equipment. So much so, that finding the ideal converter can be difficult and often requires a customized solution.

23 Sep 2015

Six New Ferries for Sydney Harbor

Image: Incat

Six new ferries to operate on Sydney’s Inner Harbor have been ordered from Australian shipbuilder Incat Tasmania’s Hobart Shipyard, who was awarded the contract to prepare detailed designs and build the new vessels. The new vessel exterior is a traditional design to look similar to the Sydney First Fleet vessels, however the 35-meter, 400-passenger boats have greater capacity than the current fleet. According to the builder, the interior will be more spacious with comfortable inside seating…

27 Jul 2015

SENER Presents on History of Ship Design

Photo: SENER

The COMPIT annual edition took part this year from May 11-13 in Ulrichshusen, Germany, with the participation of SENER. This event is an International Conference on Computer Applications and Information Technology in the Maritime Industries that takes place every year in Europe. As in the previous edition Rodrigo Pérez presented a paper, which this year was about “History and Evolution of Shipbuilding Oriented CAD Tools” written by Rodrigo Perez and Carlos Gonzalez, both from SENER.

25 Jun 2015

Smart DC Grids to Revolutionize on Board Power Networks

MV Hallaig, one of the CMAL hybrid ferries, approaching Sconser

As we see the introduction of storage and renewable energy sources on board ships, a new design philosophy for the electrical power networks is required, especially given the trend towards higher safety standards, better reliability and the reduction in manning. Until recently, electricity on board was largely generated by diesel engine driven synchronous generators. The majority of electrical consumers were linear loads, like induction motors, lighting and heating, which means that  the current three-phase, AC electrical grids are very suitable.

10 Jun 2015

Summer Wind, Miss Susan Tow Collision Report

This is a synopsis from the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) report and does not include the Board’s rationale for the conclusions, probable cause, and safety recommendations. NTSB staff is currently making final revisions to the report from which the attached conclusions and safety recommendations have been extracted. The final report and pertinent safety recommendation letters will be distributed to recommendation recipients as soon as possible. to further review and editing. Houston Ship Channel, Lower Galveston Bay, Texas. The visibility was restricted at the time due to fog. The bulk carrier was inbound to Houston, traveling in a north direction. The tow was bound for Port Bolivar on the east side of the Houston Ship Channel, traveling in an east direction.

16 Mar 2015

Decision Sciences Awarded $2.1M DoD Contract for Portable Scanner

Image courtesy of Decision Sciences

Decision Sciences International Corporation (DSIC) today announced it has been awarded a $2.1 million contract by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Combating Terrorism Technical Support Office (CTTSO) to build a new type of portable-electronics scanner for threat detection. Under the contract, DSIC will deliver an integrated prototype product to detect small amounts of explosive materials within portable electronic devices such as mobile phones and laptop computers. DSIC will leverage proprietary algorithms developed for its ground breaking…

11 Dec 2014

Safeguarding GPS When Global Positioning Doesn’t Work

Entrance to the U.S. Coast Guard Navigation Center.

Suppose the Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers used for your vessel, offshore oil platform, or port facility could not generate position data needed for your operations. How would your crew or staff respond? Initial troubleshooting efforts may indicate equipment failures, antenna masking, or possibly human error. Additionally, the lack of position data will likely force your crew or staff to resort to secondary means to obtain position information. If position data cannot be regained, then the receivers may have lost GPS due to intentional or unintentional interference.

13 Oct 2014

Vacon, One of 18 Selected by DoE

Global AC drives manufacturer, Vacon, has been named one of 18 industry-leading companies to participate in the Next Generation Power Electronics Institute at North Carolina State University. The Institute will bring research and commercial product development resources together in a centralized location to improve and make cost-competitive wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductor-based power electronics. Over the next five years the institute will be financed with $70M in Department of Energy (DoE) support plus a collective $70M contribution from participating companies and other partners. “Vacon is honored and excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with some of the best minds from industry leading companies…

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