Marine Equipment News

Offshore and subsea construction company Hydra said it has entered into the saturation diving market in anticipation of an offshore oil and gas sector rebound.Trevor Davis, president and CEO of the Texas-based company, said Hydra has converted its flagship vessel Subsea Responder and acquired a modular 200msw/12-man saturation diving system to prepare for new projects as the oil and gas industry experiences an upturn.“The oil and gas industry is showing signs of a bounce back [after] reaching a five-year low,” Davis said.

A first-of-its-kind floating ocean cleanup system is undergoing a final round of testing before it begins removing plastic pollution from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch halfway between Hawaii and California.The system developed by the Dutch nonprofit The Ocean Cleanup was launched from San Francisco Bay on September 8 and towed 350 nautical miles by the vessel Maersk Launcher to an offshore test site. System 001 will now undergo two weeks of trials before continuing its journey to start collecting debris at the world’s largest accumulation of ocean plastic some 1…

In a recent interview with Peter Keller, Executive Vice President, TOTE, Maritime Reporter & Engineering News discussed lessons learned after three years of experience running two containerships – Isla Bella and Perla del Caribe – on LNG, the world’s first containerships with LNG fueled engines. Built in San Diego at NASSCO, powered by MAN ME-GI dual fuel engines and classed by ABS, Keller discusses ‘lessons learned’ today"When you're dealing with natural gas the safety culture is important. It's cryogenic, you don't want to spill it.

Naval Dome has called on marine insurers to revoke the controversial Clause CL 380 and implement policies that insure against the risk of cyber-attacks on ship systems.Speaking in Cape Town, South Africa, today during the International Union of Marine Insurance’s (IUMI) annual conference, Naval Dome CEO Itai Sela said that with the maritime industry increasingly moving towards connected, cloud-based technologies and autonomous operation, a 15-year-old Clause that excludes damage to computer systems…

Cobham SATCOM's new SAILOR 100 GX High Power Fleet Xpress user terminal is a compact 1 meter, 3-axis stabilized Ka-band user terminal specifically designed to enable Inmarsat’s newly launched high data rate plans packaged for bandwidth-hungry segments, such as offshore support vessels (OSV), global cruise and superyachts. Delivering twice the RF power of standard GX terminals, the SAILOR 100 GX High Power dramatically improves the economics of pushing large amounts of data from ship to shore…

When the owners of Norwegian oil firm Aker BP decided to digitise its assets and operations, they searched high and low for the right software company. But they failed to find a suitable one.So instead they set up their own, Cognite, to create digital maps of Aker BP's oil industry assets, integrating data from equipment such as pumps, heat and pressure sensors, maintenance records and even staff rotas to improve efficiency and safety.Less than two years later, Cognite is selling its software to Aker BP's rivals and one competitor…

It’s not where you are, it’s where you should not be that mattersCaptain Whyte, a leading marine accident analyst at LOC Group, an independent marine and engineering consultancy which provides services to the shipping and offshore energy industries, explains how electronic data is making accident investigation clearer by providing irrefutable evidence.“Fundamentally, situational awareness underpins everything we do”, said Captain Whyte. “Whether that’s crossing the road or driving ships at sea. We need to know where we are, what we’re doing and where we are going.

Rolls-Royce has launched a V-line version of the new B33:45 liquid fuel and B36:45 gas engine series, completing the engine lineup following the launch of the first variants three years ago.The V-line will consist of 12-, 16- and 20-cylinder variants, while the inline platform is available in 6-, 8- and 9-cylinder. At 600 KW per cylinder the new engines offer a 20 percent increase in power per cylinder compared to their predecessors. Rolls-Royce said the engines set offer exceptionally low fuel consumption and emissions of NOx…

Japan-based Yanmar has delivered two 6EY26DF dual-fuel commercial marine engines with the ability to use both heavy fuel oil (HFO) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) as fuels for the LNG tugboat. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL) will take delivery of the vessel once construction is completed in February 2019 with the tugboat expected to commence operation in April 2019.Yanmar has also received orders for the LNG fuel tanks, buffer tanks, and gas combustion devices that make up the LNG fuel feed systems for the engines.The MOL-owned vessel will be manufactured by Kanagawa Dockyard Co., Ltd.

France's BIO-UV Group has successfully installed and commissioned its Bio-Sea ballast water treatment system (BWTS) in CMA CGM's new flagship, the 400 m long, 20,600 TEU CMA CGM Antoine De Saint Exupéry.The vessel, one of the largest containerships to be built by Hanjin Heavy Industries' yard in the Philippines, and the largest to fly the French flag, was christened in Le Havre earlier this month by the Minister of Economy and Finance, Bruno Le Maire, and the Minister in charge of Transport…

The blue economy can be the engine of economic growth, the basis of socio-economic development and industrialization for many African countries, if well utilized.The maritime industry, for example, is estimated at over $1 trillion, and there are other related and emerging sectors of tourism, offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, seabed extractive industries, marine biotechnology and bio prospecting.Said Adejumobi, Southern Africa Director, UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) said that  the Economic Commission for Africa is fully committed to supporting the African Union…

On August 24, 2018, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93) faced a problem that didn’t have a quick solution: A bolt from a hangar bay door roller assembly was stressed to the point of breaking, rendering the door unable to perform its basic task of opening and closing. In order for Chung-Hoon to get this one bolt, they would need to order a whole new roller assembly, which would take time Chung-Hoon didn’t have.Underway as part of Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 3, Chung-Hoon was in close proximity to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C.

North Sea oil company Zennor Petroleum has entered into a Sale and Purchase Agreement with Mitsui E&P UK in respect of its interests in United Kingdom Continental Shelf Licences P.213, Block 16/26a, Area B and P.345 Block 16/27b Area B which represent an 8.97% working interest in the Britannia Field.Completion of the transaction is subject to customary regulatory and partner consents.The acquisition of the Britannia Field interest is strategic for Zennor given its 100% operated working interest in the nearby Finlaggan Field.

Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG (HHLA) loaded the biggest ship propeller in the world onto a vessel. The “HHLA IV” floating crane brought the gigantic 110-tonne object to the port of Waltershof, where it was hoisted onto the “Hyundai Supreme” container ship.It was the most powerful ship propeller to have ever been lifted by the hook of a HHLA floating crane. Although HHLA regularly loads the specialised products of Mecklenburger Metallguss GmbH (MMG) onto ships in Hamburg, the latest propeller…

TMC Compressors of the Seas (TMC) has signed a contract to supply an environmentally friendly Smart Air marine compressed air system to the world’s first HFO-fuelled (heavy fuel oil) TIR III compliant ethylene carriers.TMC will provide the Smart Air compressors to Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, which is responsible for building the two new 21,000 cbm ethylene carriers to Norwegian LPG and petrochemical shipping company Solvang ASA (Solvang).In a separate contract, TMC will provide 2 x N2 (nitrogen) feed air compressors to each of the two vessels’ on-board N2 system.

BW Offshore has announced that first oil from the BW Adolo FPSO was safely achieved on Sunday, 18 months after the initial investment was made in the Dussafu license offshore Gabon."We have achieved first oil from the Dussafu license within budget and on schedule," said Carl K. Arnet, the CEO of BW Offshore. "The execution of the Dussafu project confirms the attractiveness of our model by combining proven resources, a resourceful organisation and access to production assets to…

To assist shipping companies prepare for implementation of the UN IMO global sulphur cap for ships’ fuel oil, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has produced – free of charge – some comprehensive guidance on implementation planning, to help ensure compliance across the shipping industry with this regulatory game changer. The free ICS guidance has been prepared for the vast majority of ships that will comply after 1 January 2020 using fuel oils with a sulphur content of 0.50% m/m or less.ICS Secretary General…

Royston Diesel Power’s enginei EFMS (electronic fuel management system) has been specified for a range of new specialist maritime security vessels and multi-role crew boats. Sixteen enginei units supplied to Penguin International Limited, the Singapore-based designer and operator of aluminum workboats.Penguin is building several of its flagship Flex Fighter range of high-speed armored security vessels for antipiracy operations off the coast of Nigeria. New Flex-42X multi-role…

London Offshore Consultants (LOC) has purchased its own in-house license of BMT’s navigation simulator REMBRANDT.The software is used for applications such as training of deck officers, port navigational risk assessments, mooring and understanding complex maneuvers. More recently, it has been adopted by a number of statutory marine accident investigation agencies, including the U.K.’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).Paris Mangriotis, Engineering Director at LOC, said…

Singapore’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunker barge scheduled to begin construction in January 2019. The 7,500 cubic meter capacity barge will be owned and operated by a joint venture between Shell and Keppel Offshore & Marine, FueLNG Pte Ltd, who selected ABS to class the vessel.To help spur the project, Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) recently granted up to $3 million to FueLNG Pte Ltd to build the barge. The vessel will be based in the Port of Singapore and will supply LNG fuel to large oceangoing vessels throughout the region.“This project is an important milestone for the region and is a key component of Singapore’s strategy to become the world’s largest bunkering port,” said ABS Vice President Global Gas Solutions, Patrick Janssens.

With the first commercial autonomous and remotely operated vessels due to launch in the next several years, DNV GL has released a new class guideline to help build a safety culture around these new technologies.“A new set of sensor, connectivity, analysis and control functions in maritime technologies is laying the foundation for remote and autonomous operations in shipping,” said Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime. “Increased automation, whether in the form of decision support…

Ports making up for lost timeDespite the critical role the maritime transportation system plays in the economic health of the United States, and despite its fairly recent embrace of all things automated – cranes, vehicles, surveillance and even vessels – the sector has been slow to warm to the need to protect its digital systems and assets.Post 9/11, security concerns about the nation’s borders, air space and infrastructure, including ports, moved front and center for a brief moment before other concerns…

The shipping industry is facing unprecedented change. With topics such as new environmental regulations and the opportunities and challenges of digitalisation dominating the conversation, seafarers’ welfare has tended to be overlooked.This trend is slowly changing as the industry continues to recognize the need to professionalize its approach to maritime welfare, but there is a long way to go. True, that there are model owners and operators within the industry who uphold the highest standards of welfare for their crew…

The U.S. Navy has awarded General Dynamics Electric Boat a $480.6 million contract modification to continue the development of the lead Columbia-class submarine, the nation’s next-generation sea-based strategic deterrent. Electric Boat is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD).The modification includes funding for advance procurement, advance construction and long lead time material for Columbia (SSBN 826). Construction of the lead ship of the class is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2020. The Navy plans to build a fleet of 12 new SSBNs.Initially awarded in September 2017, the overall contract has a potential value of $6.1 billion.

Wärtsilä will provide an integrated cargo handling and fuel gas system for two new liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) carriers for Belgium-based owner Exmar. The 80,000m³ very large gas carriers are being built at HHIC-Philippines (Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction Philippines) in Subic Bay, and will be the first vessels capable of running on LPG, according to Wärtsilä, who secured the order in July 2018.Wärtsilä, which offers ‘LPG as fuel’ as a fully integrated part of the cargo handling system…

Maersk Line said it will introduce a new Bunker Adjustment Factor (BAF) surcharge designed to recover costs of compliance with the global 0.5 percent sulphur cap set to enter into force on January 1, 2020. The Danish container carrier said it expects its extra fuel costs could exceed $2 billion.The BAF surcharge will be introduced on January 1, 2019, replacing Maersk Line's current Standard Bunker Adjustment Factor (SBF) surcharge. The new surcharge considers the average fuel…

Resilience planning, Info Sharing Take Spotlight“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” That old chestnut gets turned on its head when it comes to port cyber security. It’s more like “Oh what a tangled web we’ve woven, so much harder to stop data stolen.”Ports today have the physical aspect of security pretty well nailed shut - gates, locks, fencing, alarms, cameras, drones, etc. As Chris Mason, Rajant Corp.’s director of sales for EMEA, notes, “Every…

Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) has confirmed the successful launch of two satellites, NovaSAR-1, a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite, and SSTL S1-4, a high resolution optical Earth Observation satellite. The two satellites were launched into a 580km sun-synchronous orbit on board the PSLV launch vehicle from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India on 16 September at UTC 16:38 by Antrix Corporation Limited, the commercial arm of the Indian Space Research Organisation.Sir Martin Sweeting…

American manufacturer of marine vessels Gulf Island Fabrication has signed a contract for the expansion and delivery of one 245-guest riverboat with American Countess.The new paddle wheeler will be built using the existing hull of the Kanesville Queen, a former gaming vessel built in 1995. Revenue backlog and man-hours associated with this project will be reported in connection with the Company’s announcement of financial results for the quarter ending September 30, 2018.“We continue…

The U.S. Coast Guard’s Navigation Center (NAVCEN) is involved in a number of activities that have an impact on all Americans, even if they don’t realize it.From motorists checking directions with their Global Positioning System (GPS) to boaters to ships coming and going to U.S. ports, the NAVCEN plays an unseen but vital role.With a staff of19 officers, 17 enlisted personnel and 19 civilians, NAVCEN falls under the Director of Marine Transportation Systems (CG-5PW) at USCG Headquarters…

Two years since the introduction of Verified Gross Mass (VGM) regulations, the industry appears to have achieved compliance but, “the accuracy of recorded weights still needs attention,” said a press release from APM Terminals.According to Praful Waghela, Global Product Manager VGM Services at APM Terminals, an additional validation step prior to final loading could help.Since July 2016, the verification of a container’s weight (VGM) has been a requirement under the International…

The provider of mobile connectivity and inertial navigation systems  KVH Industries said that it innovative Connectivity as a Service (CaaS) program, 'AgilePlans', is fast-growing choice of global maritime fleets."Increased demand for the AgilePlans subscription-based Connectivity as a Service (CaaS) program from KVH Industries has been the driving force behind the company’s unprecedented growth in VSAT unit deployments during the first six months of 2018, a timeframe when the maritime industry has been increasing its drive toward digitalization…

DNV GL, the world’s largest resource of independent energy experts and certification body, today announced that it has joined forces with Swedish atmospheric science experts, WeatherTech.The combined expertise of both companies will enable the development of the most advanced icing model for wind turbines available on the market, allowing customers to better predict the performance of turbines in cold climates.In cold climates, the performance of wind turbines is significantly reduced by ice accretion, the gradual build-up of ice on the turbine blades.

The UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) has announced the appointment of Cathrine Armour as the new Director of its Customer Division.Armour brings experience in leading data, science and technology-centric organizations, and will be instrumental in developing the UKHO as a leading marine geospatial information agency and hydrographic office.Armour joins the UKHO from Catapult’s South West Center of Excellence in Satellite Applications, a partnership led by the University of Exeter to stimulate the data economy; helping UK businesses develop new products and solutions using satellite technology.

Shipbuilder Vigor has selected Marine Jet Power (MJP) as the propulsion provider for the U.S. Army’s new Maneuver Support Vessel (Light), MSV(L) vessels.Vigor was awarded the 10-year, $979,390,000 MSV(L) contract in 2017 to construct a new generation of landing craft to replace the existing LCM-8 Mike boats.The new vessels will feature triple drive MJP 750 DRB waterjets, constructed from duplex stainless steel and offering the latest advancements in MJP’s proprietary mixed flow technology. The propulsion package has been optimized to fit the needs of the U.S.

Solid-State Welding Processes Being Developed for NASA Manufacturing Programs Could Significantly Reduce Workboat Fabrication CostsWhether it is for a tug boat, cargo vessel, or an offshore supply ship, much of the workboat fabrication industry is located along the Southern Coast of the U.S. But a visit to any one of the workboat facilities in that area (or any other in the country) would reveal antiquated and archaic fabrication processes used seventy years ago. The workboat manufacturing process is very expensive, labor intensive, and has not really changed since World War II.

The number of seafarers in India has increased by over 60,000. According to Union Minister of State for Shipping Mansukh L Mandaviya, while only about 92, 000 people were engaged in ship related jobs, their number has gone up to 1,54,000 now.The Minister said, the government has taken steps to increase employment opportunities for the youth in this sector. The reforms under this include improving the sea farers examination.He said, while earlier only one to two per cent applicants could clear the said examination, with improved curriculum the pass percentage has gone up to 10 per cent now.

China’s Cosco Shipping Technology (CS Tech) has teamed up with Japan’s Furuno Electric and Heisei Trading to form a joint venture in the maritime navigation and communications market.The Shanghai based Cosco Shipping Furuno Navigation Technology will provide equipment, systems and related services for domestic and international shipping fleets as well as inland waterways vessels. The consortium will also examine future research possibilities concerning safer, more secure and efficient ship operation.Yukio Furuno…

Chemical tanker firm Odfjell said it will not invest in scrubbers to clean fuel on its vessels to comply with new stricter emission rules from 2020 but instead buy fuel which meets the new standards.To combat air pollution, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations' shipping agency, has set global regulations to cap the sulphur content in marine fuel, known as bunkers, at 0.5 percent, down from 3.5 percent now.Shipowners can either install scrubbers, which clean the cheaper high sulphur fuel oil, or buy costlier marine gasoil."Our conclusion for the moment is that it do

Brazilian civil engineering contractor has taken delivery of a new submersible dredge pump for creating an access channel into the sea for a new power plant currently under construction.The Damen DOP150 dredge pump is now in operation, creating the access channel for a critical pipeline for the plant’s cooling system and when completed it will extend 600 meters out into the sea. Over the course of the project the DOP150 is expected to remove around 30,000 cubic meters of material.The Damen DOP150 is being used to extract sand in the surf zone, varying in density from loose to medium fine.

With a motto of Always Ready, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has 11 missions specified by law including drug and migrant interdiction; ports, waterways and coastal security; fishery patrols; search and rescue; and national defense. The USCG’s newest ships including 22 Fast Response Cutters (FRCs) recently entered service with 36 more on order and six new National Security Cutters (NSCs) with two more in the process of being built. Oil analysis plays a critical role in the…

Sales of marine fuels in Singapore fell to a two-month low in August as fewer ships called for refueling at the world's largest bunkering hub, officialdata showed on Thursday.Marine fuel sales last month declined 9.2 percent from a year earlier and 1.8 percent from a month ago to 3.963 million metric tons, data from the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) showed.The decline in marine refueling activity, also known as bunkering, was largely anticipated, four trade sources said…

Companies, lenders, and their auditors worldwide need vessel appraisals that can be relied upon when put into legal documents. As the offshore energy support markets awaken, this is more important now, than ever.While a great deal of shipping finance is done at a 10,000' level, with bond deals and equity swaps, the value of the assets found on ground level are still very important. There are taxation issues, insured value, public reporting, and allocation of purchase price, where the value of individual vessels is important.

The International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decision to implement a 0.50 percent cap on sulphur emissions has created uncertainty among vessel operators. Questions are already being asked about how to comply with the changing emissions target, what types of fuels will be available and where. However, ensuring compliance isn’t just about fuel selection; the actual switchover process from heavy fuel oil (HFO) to new, low-sulphur alternatives needs careful management. There are…

Wärtsilä inked an agreement to supply propulsion control system and advanced alarm and control system, the Nacos PCS/MCS Platinum, for Maersk Tankers’ six 110 DWT LR2 newbuildings being built at the Dalian Shipbuilding yard in China. The first ship is expected in 2020, with the balance of the six delivered over two years. The Wärtsilä Nacos Platinum automation package is a fully integrated system designed to optimize main engine propulsion efficiency to deliver fuel savings and lower operational costs. The energy saving features include power management, and logic for cargo overview and remote control. The updated system features fewer parts than earlier versions as well as console mounting possibility.

The international conference on maritime security and defense (MS&D), held for the seventh time in Hamburg during the SMM maritime trade fair, focused on current and future challenges to maritime security and defense. Twenty naval, industrial and science experts discussed topics such as how to protect international ocean trading routes, when and how to deploy naval forces on crisis missions, as well as cyber security issues.The welcome address opened the event with somber words as Rear Admiral Thorsten Kähler…

With the recovery in oil prices, deepwater and ultradeep water oil and gas (O&G) projects are the focus of renewed interest. Project viability will come down to a continued focus on cost, but also productivity through high-performing assets. And electrification is set to drive a dramatic impact of these high-tech production facilities for more efficient operations.Following a prolonged downturn in prices, a flicker of life has returned to offshore production projects with oil recovering to around $70/barrel.

A.P. Moller-Maersk, the world's biggest container shipping group, will add devices to reduce harmful exhaust emissions to some of its ships ahead of new global fuel regulations starting in 2020.To combat air pollution, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations' shipping agency, has set global regulations to cap the sulphur content in marine fuels, known as bunkers, at 0.5 percent down from 3.5 percent now.Shipowners could meet the new regulations by installing sulphur-stripping exhaust cleaning systems…

Russia’s natural gas producer Novatek has signed an agreement of intent on implementing a project for the construction of a marine liquefied natural gas (LNG) transshipment complex in the territory of Kamchatka.PAO Novatek, the Ministry of the Russian Federation for the Development of the Far East and the Government of the Kamchatka Territory signed an agreement of intent on implementing a project for the construction of a marine LNG transshipment complex in the territory of Kamchatka.The Agreement provides for Novatek’s investment in the amount of approximately RR 70 billion.

North of England Protecting and Indemnity Association (North P&I Club) has been awarded the government-backed Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation, which is awarded to companies who have successfully implemented systems to protect themselves against common cyber threats.With constant technical innovation, new dangers are frequently coming to the surface, therefore the Cyber Essentials scheme is designed to improve the resilience of UK businesses to the most common cyber security…

The new Vessel Electric Propulsion Training Center at the Admiral Nevelskoy Maritime State University in Russia will help to prepare seafarers for work on vessels equipped with Azipod propulsion systemsThe center will be used to train MSUN cadets, as well as to provide advanced training to commissioned officers of the merchant fleet. It is also planned to conduct research, including scientific and experimental activities, in the area of automation of electric propulsion and vessel power supply.The establishment of the center follows the trilateral research…

The increasing use of aluminum structures in shipbuilding is based on requirements for lower weight, reduced fuel consumption and higher speeds. Ships and vessels constructed of aluminum are also likely to ensure lower costs for lifecycle maintenance and ownership.Transit specialist Roxtec has extended its range of plastic pipe seals to meet the demand for high quality light-weight aluminum solutions in the marine and offshore sector. The Roxtec Sleev-it penetration seals are now available not only in steel, but also with an aluminum flange – for use in aluminum decks and bulkheads.

Safe Bulkers has agreed with Cosco Shipping Heavy Industry, a detailed schedule within 2019 for the installation of Alfa Laval PureSOx scrubbers in about half of the Company’s fleet mainly in medium size vessels, Kamsarmax to Post-Panamax class.The international provider of marine drybulk transportation services said that more specifically it will install scrubbers in five Kamsarmax class vessels, in thirteen Post-Panamax class vessels and in the recently acquired Cape-size class…

Swedish-based marine and industrial brake supplier Dellner Brakes said it has acquired German brake specialist JHS Jungblut in a move that aims to strengthen the company’s offering in the wind energy market, and also enable further global expansion, particularly in the Far East.The enlarged company will operate under the Dellner Brakes JHS GmbH brand. Kai Kölker has been appointed Vice President for Dellner Brakes JHS GmbH and will be running the company’s wind business division in Dorsten…

The market for marine exhaust gas cleaning systems, also known as scrubbers, is expected to continue generating momentum in the years ahead amid increasing concern toward maritime pollution and new environmental regulations. The global market share for marine scrubbers is predicted to surpass $8 billion by 2024, according to a report by Global Market Insights.As per the latest International Maritime Organization (IMO) legislation, effective from January 1, 2020, the maximum limit of sulphur in fuel oil used on board ships will be 0.5 percent m/m…

Denmark-based product tanker owner and operator TORM has ordered ballast water treatment systems from manufacturer Alfa Laval for 47 of its vessels, including 11 newbuilds.TORM has worked with Alfa Laval’s PureBallast 3 Ex since 2017 and retrofitted its first system in 2018. Having recently ordered PureBallast 3 Ex for newbuild projects in China, TORM will now retrofit the same across its product tanker fleet.“Based on careful evaluation of the solutions on the market and our experience with PureBallast 3 Ex on board…

The ZF 8000 model range is a new marine transmission family for outputs up to a maximum of 3,000 kW. The ZF 8000 range is available in multiple transmission ratios, housing sizes and variants giving manufacturers a high degree of flexibility for new build projects and retrofits.To this end the ZF 8000 covers a wide-ranging field of applications, from coast guard vessels and yachts to ferries, supply ships and small tankers. An additional power take-in makes it possible to integrate an electric motor for hybrid functions.

While DNV GL’s model predicts global oil demand to peak in 2023, demand for gas will continue to rise until 2034. New resources will be required long after these dates to continue replacing depleting reserves. DNV GL’s 2018  Energy Transition Outlook, an independent forecast of the world energy mix in the lead-up to 2050, predicts global upstream gas capital expenditure to grow from USD960 billion (bn) in 2015, to a peak of USD1.13 trillion in 2025. Upstream gas operating expenditure is set to rise from USD448 bn in 2015 to USD582 bn in 2035…

American shipping company, TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico, has returned very positive reports on its LNG-powered containerships, ‘Isla Bella’ and ‘Perla del Caribe’ as they approach the third anniversary of commencing operations, said a press release.It said that the 3,100-teu sister ships serve the route between Jacksonville, Florida and San Juan, Puerto Rico and are notable for being propelled by the first ME-GI dual-fuel engines produced by MAN Energy Solutions.Tim Nolan, President…

German based company, Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG signed an Agreement with Erma First S.A., manufacturer of Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS), for the installation of BWTS onboard its vessels.Erma Firstis represented in Germany by MOE Marine & Offshore Equipment, who has handled this prestige project during the last 18 months.After a thorough review of the different Ballast Water Treatment Systems (BWTS), Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG has decided to partner with Erma Firstfor the delivery of its approved BWTS on their entire fleet…

Star Bulk Carriers announced  that it intends to equip its entire fleet with Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems (scrubbers) before the January 1, 2020 implementation date of the new IMO sulfur emission cap regulation.The global shipping company focusing on the transportation of dry bulk cargoes said in a press release that it expects average cost, including installation, to be below $2.0 million per vessel. Star Bulk  has secured debt financing with an average margin of below 3.0% to…

DNV GL - Maritime has released its second Maritime Forecast to 2050, part of a suite of Energy Transition Outlook (ETO) reports launched today in London. The Forecast provides an independent forecast of the maritime energy future and examines how the energy transition will affect the shipping industry.“The energy transition is undeniable,” says Remi Eriksen, Group President and CEO of DNV GL. “Last year, more gigawatts of renewable energy were added than those from fossil fuels and this is reflected in where lenders are putting their money.”Following on from the 2017 report…

Wilhelmsen has partnered with Ivaldi Group to deploy an additive manufacturing facility in the Wilhelmsen Ships Service’ facilities in Singapore. The local micro factory capable of on-demand production provides 3D printed parts to select partners as part of their early adopters program in a port that sees more than 100 vessel visits a day.“Looking at the costs associated with our marine products sales, the supply chain costs are frequently at least as large as the Cost of Goods Sold.” says Kjell Andre Engen…

China successfully launched a new marine satellite into orbit yesterday (Friday) to help improve understanding of maritime waters and study the impact of climate change, Xinhua reported.A Long March-2C rocket carrying the HY-1C satellite took off at 11:15 a.m. from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province.The satellite will assist in monitoring ocean colour and water temperatures, providing basic data for research on the global oceanic environment, reports Xinhua…

Avantida, an INTTRA company, announced that CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd, two of the world’s largest liner shipping companies, are offering reUse container management services in Mexico. reUse is a container triangulation service for transporters made available on Avantida’s online platform. It is the first time that this service is offered in Mexico, and for Avantida it is their first step into the North American market.This is how reUse works: once an import container has been unloaded it must be taken back to the port or assigned depot.

Norwegean-based  international subsea operating company DOF Subsea said in a press release that  it has been awarded frame agreement for marine subsea services from Wintershall."The Atlantic region has been awarded a Frame Agreement for marine subsea services from Wintershall. During the course of the Contract, Wintershall may call-of services as required within Survey, IMR and Light Construction using DOF Subsea's integrated PM&E teams and fleet of subsea vessels," said the release.The duration of the agreement is 3 years firm…

At gmec, the global maritime environmental congress (gmec) during SMM in Hamburg, high-profile business and science experts discussed how the global shipping industry can achieve the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) environmental goals while continuing to provide its services at competitive prices.“We are at the beginning of a new chapter in the history of shipping,” said Tian-Bing Huang, Deputy Director - Marine Environment Division at the IMO, in his opening keynote.There is no question that the shipping sector is facing huge challenges…

Oceanic Systems (UK) Ltd has just increased the menu of engine manufacturers which can be selected to present on the company’s sleek single-screen Multiple Engine Displays, claimed a press release from the company.It said that these provide a selection of up to 16 inboard and 16 outboard engine manufacturers, an increased capacity which now doubles the choice of engines and provides boat builders with much greater flexibility.Oceanic Systems’ 4161 Multiple Engine Display and the…

Kalmar, part of Cargotec has signed a contract for supplying two Kalmar Ship-to-Shore (STS) cranes, including related spare parts, to Curaçao Port Services, said a press release.The Panamax size cranes will be used for modernising the customer's container handling operations at the Willemstad Container Terminal in Curaçao. The order was booked into Cargotec's 2018 third quarter order intake, and the delivery is planned to be completed by the end of 2019. The island of Curaçao is located strategically in the Southern Caribbean approximately 35 miles off the northwestern coast of Venezuela.

Iridium Communications Inc. announced today that KDDI Corporation, Navarino and NSSLGlobal Ltd., are the newest Iridium Certus service providers for the maritime industry. Iridium Certus will offer a L-band satellite broadband connectivity solution.With higher speeds, state-of-the-art small form factor terminals and competitive pricing options, Iridium Certus will offer a complete communications platform for all mariners and can serve as a primary service or VSAT companion solution.

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has presented GE with an Approval in Principle (AiP) to ‘Digital Twin READY’, marking the first ever approval of a digital twin health management system for marine applications.At a press conference today during SMM trade fair in Hamburg, Germany, it was announced that Lloyd’s Register’s newly released Digital Compliance has been validated through a cocreation project with GE, resulting in an AiP to ‘Digital Twin READY’ for GE’s Predix Asset Performance Management…

The capacity for Intelligent Awareness and machine learning technologies to significantly improve navigational safety has been verified by Rolls-Royce and Japanese shipping company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL), following the success of a pilot project aboard a 165m passenger ferry, Sunflower Gold.Results from sea trials on the vessel, which operates night-time sailings between Kobe and Oita, Japan, found that the navigating officers were able to visually detect objects that would otherwise have been cloaked by the blackness of night.The vessel navigates the Akashi Kaikyo…

Washington State Ferries has begun a project to transition the largest vessels in its fleet to cleaner hybrid-electric power.The three ferries in the operator's Jumbo Mark II class, the Tacoma, Wenatchee and Puyallup, were built from 1997 to 1999 at Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle. Each vessel can carry up to 2,499 passengers and 202 vehicles, making them the largest in the Washington State fleet.The 460 footers are also the fleet's biggest emitter of greenhouse gas emissions.

Dry bulk shipowner Eagle Bulk Shipping announced this week it will purchase up to 37 exhaust gas cleaning systems, also known as scrubbers, from an undisclosed manufacturer as part of its strategy to comply with new regulations that limit ships’ sulphur emissions from 2020.The U.S.-headquartered shipowner said it has placed firm orders for scrubbers to be retrofitted on 19 of its vessels ahead of the January 1, 2020 implementation date of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 0.5 percent sulphur cap rules.

ABS has granted Approval in Principle (AIP) to TECHNOLOG for a liquified natural gas (LNG) fuel gas container system.The portable tank system, which will ultimately come in 20- and 40-foot containers, is designed to be filled at land-based LNG terminals and shipped to vessels via rail, road or cargo ship before being loaded onboard an LNG-fueled vessel. Once connected to the power supply system, it is considered part of the vessel and must comply with the IGF Code.All LNG shipments…

Rutter Inc. has released the latest update to the Rutter sigma S6 product line, version 9.2.0. This new version is being released for general availability this week. It is also available as an upgrade on existing systems for qualifying customers.Rutter’s proprietary radar data processing system interprets data from both conventional marine navigational and coastal surveillance radars, providing enhanced radar imagery and state of the art detection, tracking, and measurement capabilities.

MAN Energy Solutions says its cruise business is experiencing a record order-intake. In the first eight months of 2018, the company has won orders to supply seven new cruise ships with engines plus exhaust-gas-treatment systems for scheduled delivery from the end of 2019 to 2022.The orders, which are cumulatively valued close to a three-digit million euro figure, total almost 300 MW of installed power for cruise ships ranging in size from 50,000 to approximately 140,000 gross tons…

advanced drive train technology specialist Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch said it has signed a contract to provide 16 DC-Hubs and 32 frequency converters for a innovative new shuttle tanker concept developed by Teekay and Wärtsilä.The four tankers will be built by Samsung Heavy Industries in South Korea, with Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch set to begin deliveries to Wärtsilä in September 2018.The agreement is the biggest marine contract for Finnish-headquartered Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch since entering the segment in 2013.

The investment needs of European ports over the next ten years amount to 48 billion EUR. Many port investments score high in creating societal value but the return on investment for the investor, the port managing body, is often low and slow.For these investments, external funding is needed. Ports have only been able to obtain 4% of the CEF transport budget over the last three years. These are the main results from the Study European Seaports Organisation (ESPO) launched in spring…

International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) is representing shipowners at the start of a major negotiation to agree a new legal instrument for the protection of the ocean under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) – which will apply to ‘high seas’ areas ‘beyond national jurisdiction’.Addressing government negotiators in New York today (5 September), ICS Chairman, Esben Poulsson, highlighted the need to ensure that this UN initiative will not “unwittingly” impact on the effective future governance of global shipping…

The 2018 report on the “Leading Maritime Nations of the World” ranks China as the world’s leading maritime nation, placed among the top four on all the maritime pillars in the ranking. China’s position is particularly strong in shipping and ports & logistics.The study conducted by Menon Economics benchmarks the 30 leading maritime nations around the world in four key maritime pillars: shipping, finance and law, maritime technology and ports & logistics, in an attempt to understand the key drivers behind national maritime success.

The Clean Arctic Alliance called on Cosco to make public the nature of the fuel that the Chinese cargo vessel Tian’en has used and carried through Arctic waters.Clean Arctic Alliance Lead Advisor Sian Prior was responding to news that the Cosco-owned  Tian’en has departed Arctic waters for the French port of Rouen, having travelled via the Arctic’s Northern Sea Route or “Polar Silk Road” along the coast of Russia, between the Pacific and the Atlantic."Cosco and its customers should…

Wärtsilä has unveiled a global initiative that aims to transform the world’s marine and energy industry into a more efficient, ecologically sound and digitally connected ecosystem. The initiative, which Wärtsilä calls “An Oceanic Awakening”, was announced at the SMM maritime trade fair in Hamburg.Wärtsilä said its drive to activate a fully-integrated smart ecosystem aims to address major maritime inefficiencies that impose a significant negative impact on profitability and sustainability…

As of 2020, Rolls-Royce will launch a range of completely integrated MTU hybrid ship propulsion systems onto the market. The propulsion systems will be made available for yachts, workboats, ferries and patrol boats in a power range extending from around 1,000 kilowatts to 4,000 kilowatts per powertrain.“The combination of diesel engines and electric motors, in addition to batteries, will offer our customers significant benefits in a variety of marine applications. The most important being efficiency…

The $120 million upgrade that Royal Caribbean cruise ship Mariner of the Seas received at the Cadiz Navatia shipyard this past June is reportedly the largest ship modernization ever performed and the biggest construction project carried out in Spain At the time of the dry dock, the ship was the largest “hotel” in the country at the time.ALMACO’s contribution to this major revamp included building 38 new panoramic staterooms inside the new aluminum structure on deck 12 forward.

Royston Diesel Power said its enginei EFMS (electronic fuel management system) has been specified as part of the newbuild program for the first dredging vessel commissioned in 20 years by CEMEX UK Marine.The new £30 million vessel has been designed to extract sand and gravel from depths of up to 55m, including in the challenging conditions experienced in the North Sea. Under construction at Damen Shipyards Galati, in Romania, the 100m long, 7,000 metric ton vessel, CEMEX Go Innovation…

New technology from Kongsberg’s  autonomous vessels program will contribute to improving the operational and safety performance of manned vessels with the launch of a new generation of Integrated Bridge System (IBS), which is being presented for the first time at SMM 2018 in Hamburg this week.Through its work on new autonomous vessels such as YARA Birkeland, the world’s first all-electric, zero emissions and autonomous container ship, Kongsberg Maritime has developed a cutting-edge…

U.S. based Sea Machines announced that it has moved its team in Hamburg, Germany to a larger waterfront work space in the Hammerbrook area.The company said the move supports growing in interest in its autonomous controls and advanced perception technology in European markets ahead of an upcoming product release. The new location more than triples the space Sea Machines had previously and provides dockage for the company's test vessels. The space also accommodates the locally expanding team…

Maritime safety equipment manufacturer and global service provider VIKING Life-Saving Equipment A/S has acquired Norsafe, the Norwegian boatbuilder whose lifeboats are used throughout the world. The parties have not disclosed the sales price, and closing is expected October 1, 2018.Established in 1903, Norsafe produces a full range of free-fall lifeboats and fast rescue boats with davits and have supplied over 28,000 lifeboats to the global ship market over the years. Its lifeboat…

ACO Marine has taken a substantial number of orders from European river cruise operators for the supply and retrofit installation of the company’s advanced wastewater treatment systems.The company, the water treatment division of Germany’s ACO Group, will supply wastewater management solutions based around its Maripur NF advanced sewage treatment plant to 10 river cruise vessels scheduled to drydock this winter.In addition to the Maripur NF units, the turnkey package includes grease separation systems…

AST Marine Networks, a division of The AST Group (AST), won a contract to supply Dutch shipping company Spliethoff with global VSAT and L-band satellite communications to more than 80 vessels across multiple fleets.Worldwide ocean transport and dry cargo specialists Spliethoff has chosen AST as its supplier of global satellite communications. Together with network partner ITC Global, AST will provide Spliethoff with a global Ku VSAT network, failover L-band services, hardware and bandwidth as well as 24/7 manned support.

Major ports around the Yangtze River Delta will impose tighter rules on emissions from vessels in and around the ports starting on Oct. 1, a newspaper run by China's Ministry of Transport said in a report.The ports affected are Shanghai, the world's biggest container port, as well as ports in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces. The report in the China Water Transport newspaper was dated Aug. 24.That is earlier than the implementation date of Jan. 1, 2019 announced previously.China's…

ABB said its new dynamic positioning (DP) system unveiled at the maritime trade fair SMM sets out to simplify ship maneuvering, enable safer, more efficient ship operations and even help to pave the way toward autonomous shipping.With its user-centric design and intuitive touchscreen-based user interface, ABB Ability Marine Pilot Control reduces the workload on automating navigational tasks and allows bridge officers to focus holistically on the overall control and positioning of the ship, ABB explained.

Rolls-Royce has unveiled the Bergen B36:45 model, its latest in a series of liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled marine engines, at the SMM maritime exhibition in Hamburg.Power output of the LNG-fueled B36:45 engine is identical to that of the liquid-fueled B33:45 at 600kW per cylinder at 750 rpm. Specific energy consumption is a low 7300kj/kWh mechanical ISO including two engine driven pumps; specific lubricating oil consumption is less than 0.4g/kWh.The B36:45 is available in six, eight and nine-cylinder in-line configurations.

MAN Engines is presenting its solution for meeting the IMO Tier III and US EPA Tier 4 emission standards for commercial use at the SMM trade fair in Hamburg: the modular exhaust gas aftertreatment system (EAT).The EAT offers a high level of flexibility and is extremely compact and lightweight. Its modularity makes a wide range of tailored installation configurations possible as the individual SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) components can be positioned differently. “By minimizing the system down to just a few components, it stays compact, regardless of its configuration.

Indian Ministry of Shipping, through its flagship programme Sagarmala, is closely working with Government of Gujarat state and other stakeholders to showcase India's rich maritime heritage through development of a World Class Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in the state of Gujarat.Preliminary work on design elements of the proposed heritage complex has been completed and consultations from experts are now under process. In order to further plan and take the project forward, a one day consultation workshop was held at Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sanghralaya in Mumbai.

Classification society DNV GL has released the first approval of manufacturer (AoM) scheme for additive manufacturing (AM) producers wishing to supply products that comply with the DNV GL rules and standards.Additive manufacturing is a term that covers industrial processes that create three dimensional objects by adding layers of material: It includes such technologies as 3D Printing, Rapid Prototyping (RP), Direct Digital Manufacturing (DDM), layered manufacturing and additive fabrication.“AM is a technology that holds a great deal of promise for the maritime industry…

Hong Kong-based container shipping and logistics service company Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL) said that it has been taking concrete, meaningful and progressive steps in our long-term commitment to protecting the environment and reducing emissions in the communities where it operates by meeting our Greenhouse Gas (GHG) verification targets spanning from Scopes 1 to 3.A press release from OOCL stated: "We are pleased to announce that our GHG Scope 3 reporting and verification…

C-MAP has announced a new version of its Integrated Maritime Suite (IMS) 2.0 – a flexible, streamlined tool for navigational planning and voyage execution.Significant customer collaboration was included in the development of IMS 2.0, integrating C-MAP’s chart and publication management to further enhance bridge planning capability and drive efficient workflows.IMS 2.0 brings a new level of integrated tools to the onboard planning station by combining modules for chart and publication management…

Trelleborg’s marine systems operation and Australasian engineering consultancy Synertec have formed a strategic partnership to meet demand for more accurate and efficient liquefied natural gas (LNG) custody transfer. Under the new agreement, Trelleborg will distribute Synertec’s LNG custody transfer system across its global sales network.LNG custody transfer, the transfer of the ownership of LNG from one organization to other, has long involved fiscal risk given significant uncertainties in traditional tank measurement.

Kongsberg Maritime is showing its new integrated Condition Monitoring solutions portfolio for the first time at SMM 2018 in Hamburg this week.By taking a more complete, holistic approach to condition monitoring, KONGSBERG’s new solutions enable personnel on board and ashore to optimize asset condition and equipment lifecycles by establishing and evaluating local maintenance plans and conducting fleet-wide comparisons and benchmarking, the company said. All data is accessed through user-friendly displays…

Hatteland Display, a global provider of specialized display and computer solutions for maritime use, will unveil a number of new solutions and demonstrate its latest future-focused technological developments at the SMM 2018 maritime trade fair in Hamburg.New to Hatteland’s Series X Generation 2 (G2) range and shown for the first time at SMM are state-of-the-art, high-performance 8” and 13.3” panel computers. The latter features full HD capability offering considerably increased…

Wärtsilä introduced its new Nacos Platinum solid state S-Band radar system at the SMM trade fair in Hamburg.The next generation marine radar offering promotes safety via optimized target detection, regardless of the prevailing environmental conditions, the manufacturer said. Furthermore, the compact design enhances system reliability, while the elimination of a magnetron creates a reduction in maintenance costs compared to conventional radar systems.“Wärtsilä’s smart marine vision is to utilize the latest technologies…