Energy Storage and New Fuels Work Together as One on Vessels
There’s an obvious fuel saving advantage, but partnering energy storage systems with new fuels brings other advantages too.There’s a new generation of vessels emerging which is exemplified by Grimaldi’s PCTC Grande Shanghai, claimed to reduce fuel consumption by 50% compared to previous-generation car carriers, and the NCL Vestland, a container feeder vessel similarly claimed to reduce energy consumption per TEU per nautical mile by 63%.What these vessels have in common is a propulsion system that combines energy storage systems and new fuels.As Henrik Helgesen…
Maritime Batteries 101: What to Consider When 'Going Green'
In the current pathway, global shipping greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are forecast to rise in this decade and eventually return to 2010 levels by ~2050.The chart represents the three scenarios for shipping emissions developed by the International Energy Agency (the IEA) and adds in the IMO Strategy targets for emissions reduction. The IEA’s aspirational case (i.e. what governments and companies aspire to do rather than are actually doing – that is the current pathway) closely mirrors the IMO’s 2023 updated strategic direction.
Talking Marine Vessel Coatings with Christer Øpstad, Jotun
Sourcing and maintaining marine coatings systems are arguably a shipowner’s most critical means to ensure a long and productive lifecycle for ships, boats and offshore rigs. At the same time, coatings have become a central part of the ship efficiency, decarbonization discussion. Christer Øpstad, Global R&D Director Fouling Protection, Jotun, discusses how these macro trends are driving R&D within his laboratories today.To start us off, can you provide a ‘by the numbers’ look at Jotun today?Jotun is headquartered in Sandefjord, Norway, still a family-owned company founded almost 100 years ago.
INSIGHTS: Timo Vesala, ABB Marine & Ports
Timo Vesala, Account Manager, Americas, at ABB Marine & Ports, is responsible for newbuild sales in the Americas market. Since joining ABB in 2018, he has gathered extensive experience in the marine industry with a focus on electrification and propulsion systems. He holds a Master’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Aalto University, Finland, and has a passion for clean technology and maritime decarbonization. This month, in our annual Power & Propulsion edition, he weighs…
N-O-S Focuses on Crew Comfort with CTV Newbuild
As global offshore markets evolve to create a more sustainable future, rising up to meet these challenges is Sweden-based Northern Offshore Services. Offshore engineers won’t be the only beneficiary – but they might be the most important. In August, Northern Offshore Services (N-O-S) unveiled its unique I-Class Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV), powered by the first commercial application of Volvo Penta’s IPS Professional Platform. In the cutting-edge IMPRESSER, N-O-S designed a flexible…
CTVs: Future-proofing Today’s Offshore Wind Solutions
The first commercial application of Volvo Penta’s IPS Professional Platform will power Northern Offshore Services’ next-gen crew transfer vessel. Longtime collaborators Volvo Penta and N-O-S aim to more than satisfy the unique requirements of a possible 25x increase in offshore wind production.Upon arrival in Gothenburg, an observant visitor quickly realizes that Sweden is one of the cleanest places on earth. Epitomizing that lofty standard are two marine industry heavyweights…
Naval Power: Navies Increasingly Eye Alternative Fuels
Alternative fuels are not top of the list of naval requirements for gensets, but they are inching their way up.The naval world is largely exempt from the decarbonization pressure faced by commercial shipping, but it can’t ignore it entirely. As a famed naval strategist once said: “Fuel stands first in importance of the resources necessary to a fleet.”Navies must therefore consider their fuel supply options carefully given that commercial shipping is currently rewriting supply and demand dynamics.Indeed…
AST Networks Introduces Hybrid Maritime Communication Solutions
AST Networks, a high-speed satellite connectivity provider, has introduced advanced hybrid communication solutions, to addressing the growing global demand for connectivity in remote and challenging environments.With industries such as maritime, mining, and agriculture increasingly relying on uninterrupted, high-speed communication, AST Networks has launched hybrid solutions that blend the strengths of satellite and terrestrial networks for better communication capabilities.As for maritime connectivity…
Driveline Considerations When ‘Going Hybrid’
As emission reduction mandates sweep through maritime and hybrid solutions become the norm rather than the exception, special consideration must be paid to the drive train. Bob Lennon, with more than 40 years of maritime drivetrain experience, shares insight from Regal Rexnord on special areas to consider to ensure a long, efficient life of the propulsion machinery, cradle to grave.
Kongsberg Maritime Celebrates 50 Years of Ship Design
2024 marks 50 years of ship design work for Kongsberg Maritime. From setting the benchmark that set the standard for offshore supply vessels in the 1970s, to advanced anchor handlers that transformed the oil and gas industry, and a growing reference list in fishery and merchant ships, Kongsberg Maritime’s range of ship designs has continued to evolve over the past five decades.The early 1970s, at the dawn of the offshore oil and gas industry, saw the very first vessels, designed…
NIB to Co-Finance Norled’s Vessels and Infrastructure in Norway
Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) has signed a seven-year loan to co-finance ferry operator Norled AS’ investments in zero and low carbon vessels and related land-based infrastructure in Norway during 2024-2030.The InvestEU program supports the loan under NIBs Framework Operation Green Mobility and Transport approved by the Investment Committee.This NOK 500 million (EUR 43.4 million) loan will help Norled finance the extension of its low-carbon fleet. This is NIB’s first InvestEU loan in Norway.Norway is electrifying its transport network at a rapid pace…
N-O-S First to Adopt Volvo Penta's New IPS Professional Platform
Volvo Penta announced Northern Offshore Services (N-O-S) will be the first to deploy its new IPS Professional Platform, lining up installs on newbuild crew transfer vessels (CTV) slated to set sail in the second half of 2024.Volvo Penta's newly launched propulsion offering, an evolution of its proven Inboard Performance System (IPS) solution, is designed with a dual power input concept that enables the utilization of different combinations of power sources from combustion engines running on renewable fuels to fully electric or hybrid solutions.
Volvo Penta Unveils Its IPS Professional Platform
Volvo Penta has unveiled IPS Professional Platform, its new propulsion offering for superyachts and commercial marine vessels, slated for commercial availability from 2025.Volvo Penta said the new fully integrated helm-to-propeller solution builds on its proven Inboard Performance System (IPS) and Electronic Vessel Control (EVC) technology with enhancements for larger vessels.The flexible platform enables a vessel to have up to eight power sources, and includes matched software, services and support, all integrated via the company’s proprietary EVC technology.
ABS' Wiernicki Tells COP28: Safety is a Catalyst for Decarbonization Innovation
“Safety is not merely a box to check but a dynamic force shaping the trajectory of our industry. It acts as both a boundary condition, defining the limits within which we operate, and a catalyst for change, propelling us toward innovative solutions and practices that align with our commitment to a greener future.”That was the message to shipping industry leaders at COP28 from ABS Chairman and CEO Christopher J. Wiernicki.Speaking at the International Chamber of Shipping Shaping the Future of Shipping Summit, he emphasized the pivotal role of safety in delivering a more sustainable industry.
Accelerating US CTV Market Development with Hybrid Solutions
As the world looks to renewable energy sources to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, offshore wind has emerged as a promising frontier in the United States. A report by the University of California Berkeley released in August concluded that due to the nation’s long coastlines with sustained winds in many areas and falling turbine costs, offshore wind could feasibly supply between 10% and 25% of the country’s energy demand by 2050.While that may paint a rosy picture of a cleaner…
Volvo Penta Unveils New IPS Professional Platform
Volvo Penta has unveiled its new Inboard Performance System (IPS) professional platform, the next evolution in its fully integrated helm-to-propeller offering. Building upon the existing Volvo Penta IPS range, the new, larger and versatile platform is designed as a powerful and flexible solution for professional vessels and superyachts from 25 to 55+ meters with top speed from 12-40 knots, the manufacturer said.“Our passion, experience and history of proven results with Volvo…
Marlink to Provide Hybrid Network Connectivity to 100 Ships operated by Thome Group
Maritime communications specialist Marlink has signed an agreement to provide hybrid network connectivity services to at least 100 ships operated by shipmanager Thome Group. The contract will guarantee that the vessels are equipped with Marlink’s high speed VSAT service as well as L-band back-up to ensure flexible guaranteed bandwidth at all times. Based in Singapore, the Thome Group provides integrated ship management services, as well as offshore management, oil and gas marine services and crewing.The company has about 200 vessels under full technical management.
Allseas' Vessel Trio Goes Hybrid with Kongsberg Maritime Help
Allseas is fitting its pipelay vessels Solitaire and Audacia, as well as the multi-purpose vessel Fortitude, with hybrid power technology from Kongsberg Maritime.The offshore installation firm says that vessel hybridization is key to its strategy to minimize the impact on the environment by optimizing efficiency and reducing emissions across its operations."Energy storage technology optimizes energy and load-sharing capability. Batteries store energy when demand is low and deliver it back when demand increases, shaving peaks in power demand. The result is optimal engine loading with improved fuel efficiency and reduced running hours."…
Foreship Names White Managing Director of UK Subsidiary
Finland-based naval architecture and marine engineering consultancy Foreship has appointed Shaun White as Managing Director of its new UK subsidiary Foreship UK.White heads Foreship UK from offices in Southampton, with the city selected for its significance as a global center for pioneering marine science, research, and technology and as the UK’s acknowledged ‘cruise capital.’ "Shaun joins Foreship UK from Spear Power Systems, where he led on the electrification and energy solutions of the marine business as Senior Project Manager.
Marell Boats, Scania Develop Hybrid Interceptor
Sweden-based Marell Boats and Scania Power Solutions are working to develop what they say is are next-generation sustainable and technologically advanced vessels as they prepare the launch of the M17 Patrol vessel with a hybrid driveline. The companies said they were collaborating to create "a sustainable and state-of-the-art vessel to meet the increased demand for hybrid solutions." According to the two firms, the M17 Patrol will become the most energy-efficient hybrid high-speed…
First Steel Cut, Name Revealed for Seaway 7's WTIV
Seaway 7, a company specializing in offshore wind installation services, has informed that construction has started for its next-generation Wind Turbine Installation Vessel (WTIV) at the China Merchants Heavy Industry (CMHI) facility in Jiangsu, China. In a statement on Thursday, Seaway 7 said the first steel cutting ceremony marked the first major milestone in bringing its GustoMSC NG-14000XL-G jack-up vessel to the market.This week, Seaway 7 also revealed the new build vessel’s name; Seaway Ventus meaning ‘wind’ in Latin.
Volvo Penta Takes Majority Stake in Marine Battery Systems Pioneer ZEM
Volvo Penta has announced an exciting new acquisition of ZEM – a company with 12 years of market experience as a supplier of both marine battery systems and complete electric drivelines and a strong track record in Norway.ZEM’s core team has a background in electromobility that dates back to 1993. In 2009, ZEM was founded as an advisor to the maritime and offshore sector to design battery and hybrid solutions. Today, the company has delivered battery solutions to many different applications…
Acergy Viking to be Converted to Hybrid Propulsion
Eidesvik said it plans to upgrade its offshore wind support vessel Acergy Viking with a battery pack and hybrid propulsion solution, in line with the Norwegian vessel operator's plans to reduce its fleet’s emissions by 50% by 2030 and to operate emissions-free by 2050.The conversion of the 14-year-old vessel will be completed in the first quarter of 2022. With hybrid propulsion, the 97.6-meter ship is expected to reduce diesel consumption (MGO) by up to 350 tonnes per year, with a corresponding reduction in CO2 emissions of more than 1,000 tonnes per year, Eidesvik said.“Eidesvik took an active role in the development of a battery solution for ships already in 2006.
