Esm News

The PivotBuoy Project, developed by X1 Wind, finalized its offshore demonstration with partners reporting excellent results.The PivotBuoy Consortium partners are X1 Wind, ESM, WavEC, PLOCAN, INTECSEA, EDP, DTU, DNV GL, and DEGIMA. The project aimed to demonstrate the PivotBuoy mooring system configuration which combines the advantages of a single point mooring with a small tension-leg platform (TLP) mooring system, allowing the platform to reach deeper waters and minimizing the…

Kelvin Hughes, a U.K. baesd designer and supplier of navigation and security surveillance systems, announced that it can now bring all the benefits of its SharpEye radar technology to submarines. Traditionally, submarines only use radar for navigation in and out of port because a high power RF transmission can compromise its ability to remain undetected. However, with its low power output – up to 300W as opposed to the 25kW of legacy submarine radar systems – SharpEye can reduce the probability of detection by ESM systems.

Kelvin Hughes has been contracted by Rodman Polyships to supply X and S band SharpEye radar systems for a range of new vessels being supplied to the Royal Oman Police Coast Guard (ROPCG). With its advanced target detection capability, the solid-state SharpEye radar provides an industry-leading level of maritime situational awareness, Kelvin Hughes said. Through the Doppler processing of the radar returns, SharpEye can identify objects with a low Radar Cross Section (RCS), from semi-submersed objects to the smallest of uncooperative craft, even in the most severe of weather conditions.

Kelvin Hughes, a designer and supplier of navigation and security surveillance systems, announced the installation of its new SharpEye upmast radar system on four new vessels commissioned by the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force. The Damen Stan Patrol 5009 Coastal Patrol Vessels are all now fitted with a Kelvin Hughes Advanced Surveillance System incorporating a SharpEye X-Band radar, located upmast in a carbon composite housing with a stealth profile, as well as a tactical radar display.

Zycraft Pte. Ltd. (Zycraft) hsaid it completed Phase 1 development of the Vigilant Class Independent Unmanned Surface Vessel. A lead vessel named the LongRunner has already completed over 24 months of inwater testing in Singapore waters and traveled a total of 2000 nautical miles. During this period, the vessel also participated in several Fleet Battle Experiments and demonstrated continuous unmanned operations exceeding 48 hours and traveled 100 nautical miles into the South China Sea.

Suzuki Marine will be the power of choice for the Marine Rescue NSW rescue vessel fleet under a new two-year agreement just signed by the two organisations. Commissioner Stacey Tannos and Haines Group Chief Executive Officer John Haines signed the Power of Choice agreement, making Suzuki the preferred supplier of outboard motors for the rescue fleet, at the MRNSW Headquarters at Cronulla. He said the agreement would see Suzuki engines fitted on new and refitted MRNSW rescue vessels, including new boats to be delivered in the rescue service’s accelerated fleet replacement program.

Thales UK was awarded contracts to supply the Sonar 2076 fully-integrated search and attack submarine sonar system for the UK Royal Navy’s sixth and seventh Astute Class submarines. Thales will supply the sonar system to BAE Systems Maritime - Submarines, the prime contractor for the Astute Class build, to be fitted to the submarines at its shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness. The complete sonar system supplied by Thales will comprise both inboard and outboard of the bow, fin, intercept and flank arrays, and the associated inboard processing.

A new Maritime Aquarium (Norwalk, Conn. USA) research & floating schoolhouse vessel to be fitted with Northern Lights' Hybrid Marine System. Northern Lights Hybrid Marine is an ideal fit for the Maritime Aquarium. Their new 65-foot research vessel – designed by Incat Crowther – will be used throughout Long Island Sound to entertain and inform aquarium patrons. Installing the Hybrid Marine system allows the vessel the clean, reliable propulsion it needs to travel out into the Sound.

Thales has announced the launch of a new naval Radar Electronic Support Measures (R-ESM) solution for multi-purpose ships that need continued capability in the littoral. Ships sailing close to shore can experience difficulties with radars, due to reflections from the landmass and interference from the greater density of radar traffic. Vigile DPX, the latest member of Thales’s Vigile family of products, addresses this problem through a Wideband Digital Receiver1 that directly samples the full bandwidth of the radar RF spectrum instantaneously. The ability to receive and process time-coincident signals is critical to providing effective situational awareness and threat warning in the modern, complex RF environment.

Thales supported the official launch of the second Astute-class submarine, HMS Ambush, at the BAE Systems shipyard at Barrow-in-Furness on 16 December. Ambush, a 7,400 tonne nuclear powered attack submarine (SSN), was unveiled and officially named at the Cumbrian-based shipyard, a significant milestone for the Astute-class program. Lady Anne Soar, Ambush’s sponsor and wife of the Royal Navy’s (RN’s) Commander-in-Chief Fleet, Admiral Sir Trevor Soar, performed the ceremony, which was watched by invited guests from the RN, Ministry of Defence (MoD), industry and the Barrow community. The first submarine, HMS Astute, was officially commissioned into the RN in August 2010. The Astute class are the UK’s biggest SSNs, and one of the most capable military assets in the RN.

Nobiskrug has developed a new design for a Fast Attack Craft, the NOBIS-FAC60. The vessel is designed for easy operation, high performance, long endurance and cost efficient maintenance. A state-of-the-art combat system enables the NOBIS-FAC60 for anti-air- and anti-surface warfare. An ESM and a Decoy system provide the capability for self-defense. The vessel is designed for the operation in littoral waters for maritime border surveillance, anti-piracy and combat operations in military roles. Nobiskrug is offering the vessel with a helicopter facility and an enhanced range as option.

Electronic Support Measures (ESM) Target Generator System (TGS) at the U.S. Navy's Atlantic Undersea Test and Evaluation Center (AUTEC) on Andros Island in the Bahamas. The system generates simulated radar threat emissions and can emulate any known friendly or enemy radar system. Developed as part of AUTEC's Improvement and Modernization Program, the ESM TGS can emulate up to 64 threat radar modes dynamically. The system is also completely reprogrammable, a key distinguishing feature. "The ESM TGS system represents a major enhancement to the Navy range's ESM test and evaluation capability, particularly for advanced receivers located on ships, helicopters, aircraft and submarines," said Dr. Edward Eberl, president of Amherst Systems.

A native of New Mexico is set become the first commanding officer of his state's namesake submarine, PCU New Mexico (SSN 779). Cmdr. Robert Dain detached March 24 as Submarine Squadron 7's deputy commander for readiness to begin the Submarine Command Course prior to assuming command of New Mexico's pre-commissioning unit in August. Dain was born in Shiprock, N.M., and raised in Tijeras and Cedar Crest, N.M., east of Albuquerque. He said his New Mexico ties make this command an ideal job for him, and he has already been in touch with family members, the Navy League and the USS New Mexico association about the commissioning. “This is a tremendous opportunity that comes once in a lifetime,” said Dain.

The Rotterdam city council recently accepted proposals that will make it possible for the Rotterdam Municipal Port Management to operate on a more independent basis. "NV Mainport Holding Rotterdam" (NV MHR) will be formed, incorporating both existing and new participations as well as joint ventures. The Port Management's responsibility and authority in the field of land issue, tariffs and investment policy will be increased. The net contribution to the municipal authority will be fixed at 66 million guilders per annum for the period 2000-2003. The Port Management will in future be assessed more on the basis of "Port Performance Indicators." The Rotterdam city council will principally concentrate on main policy lines on the basis of a strategic agenda for the main port.

The exploration acreage was acquired through the company's successful participation in Brazil's seventh bid round. The blocks are located in shallow water areas of the Espírito Santo Basin. Shell will operate block ESM 438, with a 100% share, and partner with Brazil's national oil company Petrobras who will operate blocks ESM 411, 436 and 437. Shell was also successful in acquiring alone one deepwater area in Santos, block SM 518. "We are pleased with the results of the bidding round, which builds on our existing portfolio, giving us an additional platform for growth. It reiterates our long-term commitment to Brazil and strengthens our relationship with Petrobras," said John Haney, Shell EP Vice-President.