Marine Equipment News

ABB has signed a contract to support icebreaking LNG carrier Christophe de Margerie with remote diagnostics services for increased safety and performance as the vessel completed the transit of the Northern Sea Route, bound for China with Yamal LNG cargo two months earlier than usualThe pioneering icebreaking liquified natural gas (LNG) carrier Christophe de Margerie will now have round-the-clock remote support provided through ABB’s global network of eight ABB Ability Collaborative Operations Centers.

Wärtsilä introduces its Data-Driven Dynamic Maintenance Planning (Data-Driven DMP) solution aiming to increase the uptime of assets and reduce lifecycle costs by optimizing major overhaul intervals, without compromising operational reliability or engine efficiency.An enhancement to the company’s existing DMP solution, the new solution is part of the company’s Lifecycle Solutions offering and utilizes digitalization and Wärtsilä’s analytics capabilitiesAssets are maintained in prime condition without the need for on-site visual inspections performed by Wärtsilä personnel…

Norway's Kongsberg Maritime has signed its first contract for its ROV launch & recovery system (LARS) specifically designed to handle remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) from unmanned vessels.The contract has been signed with Ocean Infinity, who will install the system on their Armada fleet of robotic ships.To remind, US-based seabed survey and ocean exploration company Ocean Infinity in February launched Armada, a new marine technology and data company boasting the industry's largest fleet of unmanned surface vehicles (USV).Armada…

Cox Powertrain announced its 300-horsepower diesel outboard has achieved U.S. EPA Tier 3 approval for commercial and recreational applications.Cox's CXO300 is a new design built for purpose, meaning the manufacturer had to work with the EPA to perform rigorous testing to prove the engine's ability to meet emission standards.Joel Reid (Global Sales Director), said, “We developed a diesel engine with a much lower carbon footprint than an equivalent gasoline outboard. So far, those who have joined us on sea trials have commented favorably how quiet…

Fairbanks Morse announced it has completed the build and testing of the two main propulsion diesel engines for the U.S. Coast Guard’s first Heritage class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) Argus.Fairbanks Morse was awarded contracts by the prime contractor, Eastern Shipbuilding Group, to build the engines for both Argus and the second OPC Chase.The OPC is a 360 foot-long vessel that will be powered by two FM | MAN 16V 28/33D STC diesel engines, with each engine rated 7,280 kWm (9,763 brake-horsepower) running at 1,000 revolutions per minute.

The technology group Wärtsilä said it has been contracted by the City of Duisburg, Germany, to provide the latest in simulator technology for inland waterway navigation. The simulator will consist of seven full mission bridges in two locations within Duisburg; six at the Schiffer-Berufskolleg Rhein vocational college, and one at the DST Development Centre for Ship Technology and Transport Systems.The technology will enable inter-connectivity with other simulators, a universal hardware interface for future developments, and can be used for R&D purposes, Wärtsilä said.

Satellite communications provider Inmarsat says it continues to ramp up its response to COVID-19, with additional initiatives to improve seafarer wellbeing. These initiatives include further collaboration with ISWAN (International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network) and maritime charities, the launch of a new chatcard and the wider roll-out of a COVID-19 video telemedicine call service.As the pandemic has unfolded, the ompany has worked closely with welfare organization…

U.S. shipbuilding company Vigor has selected ABB to supply the hybrid-electric propulsion and energy storage systems for the newest additions to the Washington State Ferry fleet, setting the largest U.S. ferry system on course to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel use.The new Olympic Class ferries, each with a capacity of 144 cars and 1,500 passengers, with the planned addition of charging capability at terminals, would reduce fuel consumption by up to 95%. Upon delivery in 2024…

Classification society DNV GL and technology group ABB have signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to accelerate digitalization in the maritime industry. The agreement was signed remotely by DNV GL – Maritime CEO Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen and ABB Marine & Ports Managing Director Juha Koskela in an online ceremony.The MOU will see ABB and DNV GL work together on a “Digitalization Roadmap”, to examine how the maritime industry can benefit from the greater availability of data…

Waterjet propulsion specialist HamiltonJet said it is currently working with Norway-based Offshore Windservice AS to convert five vessels from controllable pitch propeller (CPP) to waterjet propulsion and advanced control technology.At project completion, all five vessels will feature twin HM721 waterjets coupled with HamiltonJet's intuitive AVX controls.While HamiltonJet has already supported more than 80 offshore wind farm vessels globally, the company's CEO, Ben Reed, says…

ABB Turbocharging has introduced a new digital offering aiming to enhance the insights delivered by its engine performance diagnostics software, ABB Ability Tekomar XPERT.The new ‘continuous evaluation’ function allows the software to use engine data gathered by edge computing services, adding a new dimension to Tekomar XPERT’s monitoring, reporting and advisory capabilities, ABB says.“Continuous evaluation allows for the cloud-to-cloud transfer of engine data from edge computing platforms to Tekomar XPERT,” says Pascal Reolon, Product Manager, ABB Turbocharging.

ChartWorld has launched MyFleet, a free-of-charge cloud-based tool designed to support onshore teams to check and assess risk in a ship’s voyage plan,Following recent legal decisions, voyage plan due diligence by the vessel owner or ship manager has taken on increased, and urgent importance. Oliver Schwarz, ChartWorld’s Business Development Director, said, “A ship being ‘at sea’ is no longer a viable or legal defense for lack of shore-based oversight. Improvements in communications…

Italian industrial giants, energy firm Eni and shipbuilding group Fincantieri have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore innovative initiatives in the field of decarbonization and circular economy, including offshore renewable technologies.According to Eni, the activities will focus mainly on waste to energy, production and transport of energy carriers as natural gas, methanol or hydrogen, fuel cells applications, the development and deployment of offshore renewable technologies.Over the three years of the previous agreement…

Brazilian geoscience services company OceanPact Geociências has chosen deep water positioning technology from Sonardyne Brasil Ltda. to support its geophysical, geotechnical and environmental research operations across the region.Ranger 2 Ultra-Short Baseline (USBL) systems have been installed on board OceanPact’s research vessels Seward Johnson and Austral Abrolhos, both currently on hire to Brazilian oil major Petrobras. The systems will be used to precisely track the location of underwater equipment and sensor packages deployed from the ships…

A group of partners in Europe aims to use battery containers on board barges to supply environmentally friendly fully-electric propulsion in lieu of diesel for inland waterway shipping.Supported by the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management, the concept is being spearheaded by the Zero Emission Services B.V. (ZES), a consortium including technology group Wärtsilä, ING Bank, energy and technical service provider Engie and the Port of Rotterdam Authority. The project will launch first in the Netherlands, where inland navigation accounts for 5% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

As part of the European Union (EU) Recognized Organization (RO) Mutual Recognition Type Approval scheme, EIZO Corporation has been awarded type approval from Lloyd’s Register (LR) for its 19- and 25.5-inch maritime monitors for an Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) with radar applications, the first European certificate for electrical equipment in Japan.The EU RO Mutual Recognition Type Approval scheme covers type approval certification on selected components…

Nautilus Labs and Oceanking announced a partnership to jointly expand access to Nautilus in the Greek and Cypriot market to support ship owners and operators. Nautilus serves the global maritime industry by building decision support software that surfaces smart alerts and actionable insights that maximize voyage profitability and vessel yield. Oceanking is based in Greece and provides integrated, technical services and solutions. It will represent Nautilus in the Greek market and connect ship owners/operators and the technology firm.

Japan's Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) has ordered the first commercial unit of a new Corvus Energy high-density lithium-ion capacitor energy storage system (ESS) Blue Marlin.According to Corvus, which plans to market the system to the offshore energy market, the Blue Marlin uses lithium-ion capacitor (LiC) cells that sustain very high charge/discharge rates of 550 C peak and 200 C continuous, enabling both energy recapture and fast discharge for high-power load handling. It can deliver beyond a million cycles with minimal capacity loss…

A U.K. startup tracking fuel-use performance in aviation will look to apply its product in the maritime sector in an effort to improve the environmental record of the shipping industry.One of 10 winners of MarRI-UK funding, Signol and its academic partners at University College London’s Energy Institute have been awarded a total of £130,000 ($162,200) for STEAM (Sustainability Through Efficient Actions in Maritime), a project looking to directly change the behavior of ships’ crews…

Amazon.com Inc Chief Executive Jeff Bezos has picked British startup Beacon, a digital freight forwarder, for his latest investment.Beacon said on Sunday it raised over $15 million in Series A fundraising, from investors including Bezos and venture capital firm 8VC.The startup, formed by two former Uber Technologies Inc executives two years ago, is already backed by Uber founders Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp, along with former Google CEO Eric Schmidt.Beacon is also a supply chain finance firm that provides real-time data of cargo delivery and a marketplace view of global shipping costs and

ExxonMobil is introducing the latest addition to its MobilGard cylinder oil range, Mobilgard 540 X, specifically formulated for use with both 0.10% and 0.50% sulphur fuels and liquefied natural gas (LNG). Mobilgard 540 X is designed to meet the advanced cleanliness and protection needs of newer engine designs and meets WinGD’s requirements for all three fuel types.According to the manufacturer, Mobilgard 540 X has passed extensive fit-for-use testing on the most recent engine…

The Lubrizol Corporation says it has become the first lubricant additive technology supplier to join an international coalition aiming to drive the development of commercially viable, zero-emissions deep-sea ships by 2030.A partnership between the Global Maritime Forum, the World Economic Forum and Friends of Ocean Action, the Getting to Zero Coalition is currently endorsed by 14 governments and is composed of more than 100 organizations, including ship owners, ports, technology…

Wärtsilä said it will provide the propulsion solutions for a new 115-meter high-speed ferry being built by Austal at the Australian shipbuilder’s yard in the Philippines for Danish operator Molslinjen.The newbuild will feature four Wärtsilä 31 engines, recognized by Guinness World Records as being the world’s most efficient four-stroke diesel engine, and four Wärtsilä WXJ1500SRI waterjets. Wärtsilä will also supply its ProTouch bridge controls system. The order with Wärtsilä was placed in May this year.“This combination of the Wärtsilä 31 engine and WXJ waterjets is unique for fast ferries…

The coronavirus lockdown has accelerated a digitalization drive in a global shipping and logistics sector that still routinely delivers many documents by bike messenger in some countries, according to industry leaders.Ports operator DP World said on Thursday it would join shipping company Maersk and other peers in a blockchain platform aimed at limiting the sector's costly paper trail."The situation around the coronavirus is a very good catalyst for making sure everyone in the supply chain can communicate with each other digitally," Mike Bhaskaran, DP World's chief operating officer for logist

Everything about the HMM Algeciras is big, including the power output of its MAN B&W 11G95ME-C engine – the mightiest ever built by Germany-based MAN Energy Solutions.The 23,964 TEU containership is the largest ever built, recently launched for South Korean shipping company HMM at the Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) Okpo shipyard in Geoje, Korea. The newbuild measures 400 metres in length and 61 meters in beam, and has recently entered service between Asia and Europe via the Suez Canal.The record-setting containership is the first of a dozen 24…

Search & Rescue algorithm identify hidden “traps” in ocean waters, helping to more quickly identify regions where objects — and missing people — may have converged.The ocean is a messy and turbulent space, where winds and weather kick up waves in all directions. When an object or person goes missing at sea, the complex, constantly changing conditions of the ocean can confound and delay critical search-and-rescue operations.Now researchers at MIT, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH)…

Research scientist and entrepreneur Sverre Dokken believes laser-based remote sensing has big potential in the maritime domain. But what is LADAR, who’s it for and what are the key benefits?“Our mission is to be the world leader in innovative maritime sensor products that enhance the safety and security of shipping and all manner of offshore activity,” says Ladar Ltd (LDR) principal Sverre Dokken.In the sensor vanguardEssentially a laser-based navigational aid, LADAR (Laser Detection and Ranging) combines long-distance object detection with high-accuracy measurement…

The biggest and most powerful liquefied natural gas (LNG)-fueled engine ever built has received type approval from classification society Bureau Veritas (BV), Switzerland-based engine manufacturer Winterthur Gas & Diesel (WinGD) said on Wednesday.BV awarded the approval for WinGD’s dual-fueled 12X92DF engines, the first series of which is currently being built by China State Shipbuilding Corp (CSSC) and will power nine ultra-large container ships (ULCS) -- the largest ever powered…

China's low-sulphur marine fuel exports rose by a third in April compared with March to the highest level yet after it waived export taxes for domestic refiners to meet shipping demand, Chinese customs data showed.Chinese refiners began exporting in January very low sulphur fuel oi (VLSFO) with a maximum sulphur content of 0.5% to comply with emission rules for ships from the International Maritime Organization.Data from China's General Administration of Customs showed April exports of the ship fuel reached nearly 1.43 million tonnes…

Boat launch and recovery systems supplier Vestdavit said it will deliver motion-compensated davits to the US Navy, following orders placed by shipbuilder General Dynamics NASSCO to equip two Expeditionary Sea Base (ESB) ships.The US shipbuilder’s San Diego yard will deliver ESB 6 and ESB 7, the latest in a series of ships which act as mobile sea bases to support mine countermeasure, counter-piracy, disaster-relief, crisis-response and other operations. Bergen-based Vestdavit in 2017 established Vestdavit Inc.

Unique among the nation’s armed services, the Coast Guard’s missions include national defense, law enforcement, natural disaster incident management, recreational boating safety and environmental protection. This diversity of mission scope presents opportunities for the Coast Guard at the strategic, operational and tactical levels as the service works to make their efforts as effective and efficient as possible.Contributing to the service’s overall execution effort is the Coast Guard Research and Development Center (RDC), based in New London, Connecticut.

South Korean shipbuilders Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard (HMD) have gained Approval in Principal (AiP) for the application of the “solvent free 1 coating system” for ballast water tanks from both the Korean Register of Shipping (KR) and the Liberian Registry.The eco-friendly (solvent free) 1 coating system has been verified for excellent coating quality when compared to the traditional double coating system and has passed quality standards for alternative…

Shipowners see ammonia and hydrogen as the most attractive fuel options for the long term, according to an ABS survey. Nearly 60% of respondents said they viewed hydrogen and ammonia as the most attractive fuel choices in the long-term.The survey of shipowners and operators registering for an ABS webinar, Pathways to Sustainable Shipping, also revealed nearly two thirds of owners currently have no decarbonization strategy in place.When asked which fuel is most likely to be adopted in the near term…

UK-based engine manufacturer Cox Powertrain said its purpose-designed 300hp CXO300 diesel outboard engine has entered production following several years of development and testing.Production will commence in Cox Powertrain’s headquarters and assembly and test facilities in Shoreham, West Sussex UK. The assembly plant boasts a turnkey Production System developed by QM Systems Ltd, a maker of manufacturing and test systems across all industries. The production line's ‘no faults forward’ design removes the possibility of assembly error…

Biofouling control measures for ships are usually selected to match their operational profiles, and so what happens when constant service ships become idle for prolonged periods or operate at slower service speeds? Will they become vulnerable to fouling, and what measures can be taken to reduce the risk? These questions can best be answered by understanding the biology of the waters in which the vessels are located, the ecology of the different immersed parts of the ship, the biofouling control methods that have been applied or in use…

Theyr Ltd, a London based met-ocean data provider to the maritime sectors are pleased to announce the appointment of Peter Mantel as a Non-Executive Director.In his role he will be defining and implementing the commercial shipping strategy offering Theyr’s High Fidelity Met Ocean Data and Optimization Services that will drive the digital transformation in shipping.Mantel previously helped pioneer the transformation from paper to electronic chart navigation as a Director and Shareholder of Transas Marine Ltd.

Even as shipowners enjoy record low bunker fuel pricing, the search for hull cleaning and fuel-saving optimization continues. Jotun, which recently launched 'hull skater' hull grooming, found a willing partner in Wallenius Wilhelmsen -- an operator of a fleet of 126 RoRo vessels, 11 marine terminals and 71 processing centers globally -- to put the hull skater to the test.For the past decade, Wallenius Wilhelmsen has produced an annual Sustainability Report, describing initiatives undertaken to reduce the company’s emissions and safeguard life below the water line, among other target areas.

Allseas' giant Pioneering Spirit offshore construction and decommissioning vessel last week provided a stage for what is believed to be the Netherlands’ first drone to vessel delivery.Mobilizing in Rotterdam’s Alexiahaven for upcoming platform removal projects, the 382 meters long, 124 meters wide vessel last week received a special aerial package containing spare parts.The drone delivery was a test, set up by Dutch Drone Delta (a consortium promoting the use of drones), the Port of Rotterdam Authority and Allseas.

Wärtsilä launched its FuelFlex Injection Control Unit (ICU) upgrading solution available for retrofitting on vessels with Wärtsilä RT-flex96C-B and RT-flex84T-D two-stroke engines to meet the requirements of operating its RT-flex type two-stroke diesel engines with both residual and low-viscosity marine fuels. According to Wärtsilä, this is particularly relevant in view of the industry’s increasing use of low-sulphur-content fuels in order to be compliant with sulphur emission regulations.ICUs deliver a precisely controlled quantity of fuel into the cylinder at timed intervals…

A group of Japanese partner companies have signed onto a project initiated by Asahi Tanker Co., Ltd. to build the world's first zero-emission, fully electric-propulsion bunker supply vessel.The so-called e5 Consortium, including Asahi Tanker Co., Ltd., Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., Exeno Yamamizu Corporation, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd., Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co., Ltd., Tokyo Electric Power Company, and Mitsubishi Corporation, say they will work toward developing, realizing and commercializing zero-emission electric vessels.

ABS has published the ABS Guide to Wind-assisted Propulsion System Installation, providing class safety standards when installing wind-assisted systems.The classification society said its new guide is applicable to both Flettner rotors and wing sails, including both rigid and soft sails. These wind-assisted propulsion technologies have been gaining attention as operators seek new ways to reduce fuel costs as well as their environmental footprint.“Wind-assisted propulsion systems…

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) said it will initiate an investigation into whether ballast water regulations proposed by the Government of Canada discriminate against U.S. flag vessel operators in the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River.The FMC commissioners voted unanimously to accept a petition filed by trade group the Lake Carriers’ Association (LCA) asking the commision to perform the investigation and examine the detriment and harm to the U.S. flag fleet resulting…

As we continue to contemplate a future with ships transitioning to automated and autonomous operations, the need for new and innovated crew training will only increase. Our current and future ship crews will need to straddle both new and existing vessel operation technology. This will present challenges, but ones that the industry can address in a proactive manner.Traditionally, maritime skills have changed slowly and new technology was assimilated on the fly in many cases. The Merchant Marine was a place where you learned on the job.

Installing ballast water treatment systems to comply with new regulations will require owners to automate ballast operations on board their vessels or barges. Retrofitting ballast water treatment systems generally requires modifications to the existing ballast systems. Many older vessels have remote operated valves, but no automation of the ballast system. EMI has been working with parent company W&O to provide blue water barges with innovative solutions to add automation functionality to their fleet.

Naval automation and navigation systems supplier Seastema said its SEAS-PILOT HCS autopilot system has been certified with the MED/4.16 Type Approval Certificate of Conformity by DNV GL.With this result, Seastema, a Fincantieri company, becomes the only Italian manufacturer, and one of the first worldwide, of a certified autopilot system in conformity with the new European regulation MED (Marine Equipment Directive) 2019/1397, the highest international standard in the marine sector.The…

Wärtsilä will supply a complete navigational simulator upgrade for the Le Havre pilot station in France, providing the pilot station with a new simulator adapted to the requirements of the pilots’ operations.The order with Wärtsilä was placed in February 2020.The new unique visualization system to be supplied is based on 14 DP projectors, comprising seven main circular and seven ground projection systems. It features a panoramic 350-degree screen. The station’s existing Wärtsilä simulator was installed in 2004…

Qatari shipping company Nakilat took delivery of a newbuild liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier Global Energy. Built by South Korea's Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), the vessel will be managed in-house by Nakilat and is the first of four LNG carrier newbuilds to be delivered to Global Shipping Co. Ltd., a joint venture of Nakilat (60%) and Greece-based Maran Ventures Inc. (40%). The delivery of all four newbuilds by end-2021 will bring Nakilat’s fleet to 74 LNG carriers…

Dutch shipyard Royal Niestern Sander has begun building a new aft for a passenger ferry that will be converted to liquefied natural gas (LNG) propulsion for German operator AG Ems.The shipyard is designing and building a completely new stern section to replace the one existing on the 1986-built passenger ship Münsterland, which will be fited with dual fuel engines, LNG storage tanks, propulsion systems, all LNG installations, pipelines and other systems.Niestern Sander was awarded the contract to undertake the project in July 2019…

Fairbanks Morse said it has been awarded a contract by Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG) to build and deliver the main propulsion diesel engines (MPDE) for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) Ingham (WMSM-917).Ingham is the third OPC being constructed by ESG in Panama City, Fla. The 360-foot-long cutter will be powered by two FM | MAN 16V 28/33D STC diesel engines, each rated at 7,280 kW for 14,560 kW of total propulsion power. Fairbanks Morse said it will build the engines at its Beloit…

General Dynamics Mission Systems said it has secured a $40.3 million contract to support the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) in its role as U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) Independence-variant Software Support Agent (SSA), Combat Management System (CMS), and In-Service Engineering Agent (ISEA).The contract, awarded May 1, will provide support for LCS Independence-variant CMS efforts. As the prime contractor, General Dynamics’ responsibility will be…

Nairana, a new all-aluminium ferry, is equipped with Schottel propulsion solutions.“The brief was to provide two unique, new vessels that are highly maneuverable to facilitate rapid turnaround times, have multiple engines for redundancy, and are economical," said Roger Janes, Sales and Marketing Manager of Australian shipbuilder Richardson Devine Marine. "Overall, they needed to be uncomplicated and reliable.The Incat Crowther-designed Nairana is constructed entirely from aluminium.

Wind turbine maker Siemens Gamesa has unveiled a new SG 14-222 DD offshore Direct Drive wind turbine with 14-megawatt (MW) capacity.The capacity can reach up to 15 MW using the company’s Power Boost function, a 222-meter diameter rotor, 108-meter long blades, and a 39,000 m2 swept area.The 14 MW capacity allows one SG 14-222 DD machine able to provide enough energy to power approximately 18,000 average European households every year. Approximately 30 SG 14-222 DD offshore wind turbines could furthermore cover the annual electricity consumption of Bilbao…

Gazpromneft Marine Lubricants said it has expanded its network in the Mediterranean to 27 ports in Greece, seven ports in Egypt, and 20 ports in Turkey.Partner’s production facilities in Turkey and Greece, as well as a warehouse in Egypt, allow the company to maintain product availability and provide short notice in the region, it said. Gazpromneft Marine Lubricants product portfolio includes 15 branded engine lubricants for use with various kinds of fuel, and also hydraulic, compressor, gear, turbine oils, special greases.

COVID-19 is requiring all operators to reconsider how they train. In-person traditional training is essentially prohibited by this pandemic. So how do operators adapt quickly to maintain compliance and train for safe operations, yet do so in a COVID-safe way? Fortunately, it can be done, and it is not difficult. Furthermore, by taking the steps necessary to deliver training during the pandemic, you will be putting in place systems, tools and content to improve both the outcomes and cost-efficiency of your future training…

ChartWorld are JRC are cooperating on the addition of ChartWorld’s Information Overlay service, known as CIO+ onto JRC ECDIS. CIO+ is a data overlay shown in ECDIS as a user chart, loaded on top of Electronic Navigational Charts. CIO+ is a tool to help the Bridge team with the task of developing and executing efficient voyage plans by automating the process of applying additional data in ECDIS by means of User Chart objects.CIO+ is currently available for JRC ECDIS 9201 for both…

Damen Shiprepair Harbor & Voyage (DSHV) has signed a joint partnership cooperation with Verolme Special Equipment for the provision of services to exhaust gas cleaning systems (EGCS), widely known as marine scrubbers. The agreement arose from a mutual understanding that both parties’ clients were seeking wider availability of services for on board scrubber installations – either in port or underway. The partnership will create a leading global service provider of EGCS, supporting cleaner…

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a safety alert highlighting the importance of accurate Automatic Identification System (AIS) data entry and display to safe navigation following a recent towboat collision on the Mississippi River.Although the investigation into this casualty is not yet complete, the Coast Guard said the incident shows the hazards created by inaccurate AIS data and should prompt owners and operators to review and update their procedures to prevent similar casualties from occurring.Before sunrise, two towing vessels were approaching a bend on the Mississippi River.

A new reality demands a new approach. Asbjørn Halsebakke, Product Manager, Yaskawa Environmental Energy / The Switch, argues that we can’t afford to let the greatest opportunity within the current crisis slip away.We can’t celebrate a pandemic. People are dying. Economies are crashing. Unemployment rates are rocketing. We are distanced – from those we love, but also from our immediate past. Life as we know it has been turned upside down. So, we can’t celebrate. But nature can.Instant impactAs we have retreated into our homes, the natural world has come out to play.

Beneath the decks of vessels across the U.S. a quiet revolution is underway. Inside their underbelly is a high-tech set of components that work in unison – quietly humming together to push vessels through the water without a splash.The technology isn’t new. In fact, it has been powering cars and buses for years. However, with the rise in planet-warming greenhouse gases, it’s now making its way to the open water and creating a new wave of clean transportation. As vessel operators see the environmental benefits…

A new project, FLO-MAR, has attracted funding from MarRI-UK’s Clean Maritime Call to assess the feasibility of using flow batteries in vessels to enable zero-emission marine propulsion and auxiliary power. Four UK organizations will work together on the project to investigate how the design of electric and hybrid ships, from ferries through to tugs and wind farm vessels, can be optimized to accommodate flow batteries and to assess the advantages this technology offers in comparison with existing lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel-cells.

Seaspan Ship Management selected Alfa Laval to help resolve steam balance and redundancy issues connected to sulfur-compliant fuels. The solution – an integrated steam boiler plant comprising oil-fired steam production, waste heat recovery, advanced control and connectivity – will be implemented on eight Seaspan-owned large container ships.Prior to the IMO global sulfur cap’s entry into force, Seaspan Ship Management made the decision to work with sulfur-compliant fuels on its container vessels.

ClassNK granted an Approval in Principle (AiP) to NYK Line and MTI for their joint project on the concept design of an autonomous ship framework (development code “APExS”).In January 2020, ClassNK released its “Guidelines for Automated/Autonomous Operation of ships" which comprehensively summarize the requirements for each stage of conceptual design, design development, installation, and maintenance during the operation of automated/autonomous operation technologies.Jointly with NYK Line and MTI…

ABS has added Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) Survey as remote choices.ABS is delivering IHM remote survey to support clients ahead of the December 31, 2020, introduction of mandatory IHM for all vessels sailing under an EU member states’ flag or any vessel calling at a European port.“In this challenging, time-pressured environment, ABS IHM remote survey is the simplest route to compliance without the inconvenience of arranging for a surveyor to be physically present on board,” said John McDonlad, ABS Senior Vice President, Global Business Development.An IHM initial survey for existing vessels verifies the location of the hazardous materials on board that are listed in the inventory.

Marine News magazine is now accepting entries for its annual MN100 awards edition. Each year, the publication's August issue profiles 100 of the top firms in the shallow-draft, brown water, workboat space. Is your company one of the best? Apply now.The 100 companies selected will be featured in the largest BPA-audited b-to-b publication in this genre. OEMs, service providers, shipyards, operators and the full gamut of marine-related businesses are eligible. But, only those who apply before July 1, 2020 will be considered for inclusion.Click here to apply.Let us know if you have questions.

Fleet management software provider ABS Nautical Systems (ABS NS) and maritime SaaS technology company Q88 LLC have joined forces to automate compliance management for ship owners and operators. The systems are now fully integrated to streamline the management of compliance information from ship to shore so that data quality and reliability are improved, and compliance objectives are consistently met.The ABS NS compliance management solution combined with the Q88 tanker information…

Namibian ship repair company Namdock has resumed full operations with effect from Tuesday, in accordance with the inception of stage 2 of Namibia’s national COVID-19 lockdown, which has seen the partial easing of restrictive measures thanks to the recent flattening of the minimal in-country infection curve.“Over the past few weeks we have put strict personal protection and sanitization measures in place, to ensure that we could safely resume full-capacity operations when the time came.

Technology group Wärtsilä said it has been contracted to upgrade four vessels owned by Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC), a subsidiary of Kuwait Petroleum Company (KPC), by retrofitting the Wärtsilä Fuel Efficiency Boost solution to the ships’ main engines. The modification will reduce fuel consumption, and correspondingly lessen the environmental impact by lowering greenhouse gas emission levels.Wärtsilä said its Fuel Efficiency Boost initiative has attracted considerable interest…

The Evac Evolution ballast water treatment system (BWMS) will be installed on the ILV Granuaile, an aids to navigation vessel operated by the Commissioners of Irish Lights.The vessel’s primary function is to place and service 150 offshore buoys, which warn mariners of the location of sand banks, reefs and other offshore hazards. The vessel also provides support for the teams tasked with maintaining a further 65 lighthouses and beacons around the coast of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In addition, the ship supports the national response to maritime wreck and new dangers to navigation.

Finland-based Valmet said it has booked an order with Japan's Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. Shimonoseki Shipyard to deliver hybrid scrubber systems and water treatment units to two ferries. Each vessel will be equipped with two identical Valmet Marine Scrubber towers for each main engine and a water treatment unit as well as Valmet’s marine automation system. The order value was not disclosed. The vessels will be delivered from Mitsubishi Shimonoseki shipyard to Meimon Taiyo Ferry Co., Ltd.

Japan’s first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering vessel has been launched at Kawasaki Heavy Industries' Sakaide Works shipyard ahead of planned delivery at the end of September 2020.The 3,500-cubic-meter-capacity vessel is scheduled to begin ship-to-ship bunkering for LNG-fueled vessels at at JERA’s Kawagoe Thermal Power Station starting this autumn. It will be the first LNG bunker ship to be operated in JapanIn 2018, Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd. (“K” Line), JERA Co.

Better connectivity, easier data sharing and a thriving IoT start-up scene demonstrate that maritime digitalization is flourishing according to satellite service provider Inmarsat.For many, the lasting consequence of COVID-19 may be the upheaval it brought to the familiar rhythms of daily life. Thankfully the internet enabled a semblance of routine activity to continue, as they worked from home while their children attended digital classrooms.The outbreak forced us to work together yet apart through video conferencing and collaborative online platforms…

Vestdavit is bringing new fast craft handling capability to HMS Protector, the only Royal Navy ship dedicated to Antarctic patrol and survey duties.The advanced icebreaker, which provides a UK presence in the Antarctic and meets treaty obligations on inspections, hydrographical charting and in support of scientific research, is to be equipped with a specially-enhanced PLR-5000 davit from Vestdavit. All seven of the davits onboard HMS Protector have been supplied by Vestdavit.Part of a five-year docking and recertification package undertaken in the UK…

Roxtec has introduced the new GK Firestop sealing kit. The new kit makes it quick and easy to ensure certified fire protection above the waterline on rigs, platforms, ships and vessels, the manufacturer said.“Shipyards all over the world have asked for firestops that can help them seal cables and entire cable bundles in deck and bulkhead entries above the waterline. We can now meet this huge demand and solve the problem with high cable density thanks to a certified product that is easy to use…

Seatronx announced the launch of the Seatronx Digital Matrix Switching Command Control system (SCC).The Seatronx SCC takes bridge control to a new level. The system not only allows operators to control individual or multiple displays including power on/off, input selection, brightening, dimming and night mode view, it is also fully customizable with optional modules for added functionality. These accessory modules let users incorporate KVM mouse, keyboard and touchscreen switching…

Investment company Incus Investor has changed its name to Scana ASA and embarked on a new course as parent company for a group of equipment and service suppliers to the maritime industry. The head office will move from Stavanger to Bergen.Through its subsidiaries, Incus Investor has managed a broad Nordic industrial history that stretches back hundreds of years. As part of the company's new strategy, the board is planning an offensive maritime venture.Many probably recognize the new Scana name.

Teledyne CARIS has announced that the Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) has selected Teledyne CARIS to provide tools for generalization of bathymetric data in nautical charts.Through a competitive tender process, SMA has chosen Teledyne CARIS to provide CARIS BASE Editor as the solution for the generalization of bathymetric data in nautical charts. The software platform will provide the tools needed to generate contours and sounding selections using automated processes as…

Corvus Energy announced it has been selected by BMA Technology in Turkey to supply the lithium-ion battery-based energy storage system (ESS) for a new Live Fish Carrier to be built at Tersan Shipyard in Turkey.This is the second vessel in a series of two for Norwegian salmon and trout producer, Nordlaks. Corvus Energy also delivered the ESS for Bjørg Pauline, which was recently launched from Tersan Shipyard.The NSK Design 4126 – Live Fish Carrier, LNG HYBRID is among the most efficient and most advanced of its type.

The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Center issued a Ballast Water Management System (BWMS) Type Approval Certificate to Korean manufacturer Techcross, Inc. after a detailed review of the manufacturer’s type approval application determined the system met the requirements of 46 CFR 162.060.The treatment principle of the Techcross ECS-HYCHLOR BWMS consists of filtration and electrolysis during uptake and neutralization at discharge. This approval covers models with maximum treatment rated capacities between 300 and 8,000 cubic meters per hour.

Kongsberg Maritime reported that its K-CAT (KONGSBERG Competence Assessment Tool) is receiving positive reports from the global oil & gas fleet supplier Siem Offshore, consolidating a deal between the two companies worth in the region of $68,000 (700,000NOK).A digital tool which enables personnel assessments to be carried out online, K-CAT’s abilities range from pre-employment evaluation through to crew competence verification. It is available via all computers and smart devices with an internet connection, and can also be configured in offline mode.

Plans to launch the world’s first all-electric autonomous container vessel Yara Birkeland have been shelved due to the coronavirus pandemic and uncertain market conditions, said Yara International, the Norwegian company behind the project."Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the changed global outlook, Yara has decided to pause further development of the vessel and will assess next steps together with its partners," the company said.In 2017, Yara partnered with technology company Kongsberg to build the fully battery-powered container vessel…

Following a testing and evaluation program, Singapore-based Penguin International Ltd. has selected SCHOTTEL’s Tunnel Thruster STT 51 FP for its flagship Flex-42X series of eight executive fast crew boats. Penguin is a designer, builder, owner and operator of high-speed crafts as well as a prolific builder of mid-sized crew boats and armored security boats for sales and charter. With a 95 kW electric motor controlled by a variable frequency drive, the STT will be installed in…

The sulfur regulation from the International Maritime Organization (IMO) that came into force on 1 January 2020 took the center stage in the shipping industry at outset of the new decade. Four months on, the spotlights have turned to the coronavirus and the OPEC+ oil price war.The outlook for global economic growth remains bleak as the world is faced with the largest recession since the Great Depression in the 1930s.Commodity prices have declined across the board and most recently…

On March 30 in Hardinxveld, the Netherlands, Damen Shipyards Group handed over a Multi Cat 1908 named Patricia Matheson to Inverlussa Marine Services. The company, based on the Isle of Mull, Scotland, will operate the vessel in the aquaculture industry.Inverlussa Marine Service is one of Scotland’s leading workboat companies, supplying vessels to service contracts for amongst others, the offshore wind and fish-farming sectors, throughout the UK and Europe. Patricia Matheson will…

The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Center issued a Ballast Water Management System Type Approval Certificate to Japanese company Miura Co., Ltd., after a detailed review of the manufacturer’s application determined the system met the requirements of 46 CFR 162.060.The treatment principle of the Miura HK-(E)R consists of filtration and UV treatment during uptake and UV treatment during discharge. This approval covers models with maximum intake treatment rated capacities between 200 m3/h and 900 m3/h.The Ballast Water Management System Type Approval Certificate is the 31st awarded by the U.S.

Skagit County Public Works and vessel designer Glosten say they are seeking technical information and cost estimates from vendors to inform design decisions related to the electrical system, the propulsion system, the shore side electrical system, and the automated charging plug of the all-electric ferry design to replace the 41-year-old M/V Guemes currently in operation on the U.S. West Coast.“This is relatively new propulsion technology – we need to make sure we get this right.

Dutch shipbuilder Royal IHC said Thursday it has signed three contracts with the Jordan-based Arab Potash Company (APC) to deliver two cutter suction dredgers (CSDs) and implement a new maintenance agreement. The first contract comprises the delivery of a custom-built CSD, the second is a three-year maintenance contract for the IHC dredgers Jarash and Mutah, and the third involves another dredger, which will be a copy of Jarash.The newly built CSD Alkaramah is based on a modified, innovative IHC Beaver 65 DDSP with three different working depth ranges: up to 18, 25 and 32 metres.

MAN PrimeServ, MAN Energy Solutions’ service brand, has extended its ‘PrimeServ Omnicare’ concept from turbomachinery into the marine and power segments. This one-stop service solution now also focuses on maintenance that covers non-MAN as well as MAN machinery, including engines, turbochargers and related auxiliaries.In the marine and power segments, PrimeServ Omnicare provides a maintenance service with OEM (original equipment manufacturer) spare-parts, based on global agreements.

Having quickly adapted to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures from the Danish government, Alfa Laval said its Aalborg, Denmark factory continues to meet global production demands for its PureBallast 3 ballast water treatment systems – and has even surpassed expectations.“While the world has slowed down, the implementation of the ballast water management convention remains unchanged,” said Peter Sahlén, Head of Alfa Laval PureBallast. “We simply must continue meeting our customers’ needs…

Finland's Wärtsilä plans to cut 700 jobs globally as the Finnish engineering group splits its ship technology business into three separate business units."Even though the timing is challenging, implementing the new organisation and modus operandi fast is important for Wartsila's future success," Vesa Riihimaki, head of Wärtsilä's Finnish operations said in a statement.Wärtsilä said 220 of the 700 job cuts would happen in Finland.($1 = 0.9229 euros)(Reporting by Tarmo Virki, editing by Louise Heavens)

A new forward looking sonar (FLS) from marine technology company Sonardyne International Ltd. supports collision avoidance capability for vessels.Vigilant FLS offers mariners subsurface situational awareness, providing live and past vessel track, detailed 3D bathymetry out to 600 meters and automated warnings of unseen collision hazards on and beneath the waterline out to 1.5 kilometers.Compact in size and with mounting options for both new build and retrofit, Vigilant is suitable for naval, commercial, passenger and private vessels of all sizes and types.

UK-based HydroWing and Dutch tidal energy developer Tocardo are working on a solution that will convert tidal energy into hydrogen, store it and offload it - similar to an FPSO in the oil and gas industry - to overcome the intermittency as well as the transportation issues.The concept called the THyPSO (Tidal Hydrogen Production, Storage and Offloading) includes a floating platform housing 1 – 6 conventional bi-directional tidal turbines converting the tidal flows into electricity…

Crowley Maritime Corp. has agreed a contract to install Fleet Xpress from satellite communications provider Inmarsat on a majority of its vessels.The 128-year old Florida-headquartered business owns, operates and manages a diverse fleet of close to 200 vessels, including conventional and dual fuel (LNG) containerships, tankers and articulated tug-barges, and ship assist and offshore services tugboats, and various other types of barges.The deal was signed following trials in Alaska on Aframax tanker…

ANU listing granted after favorable USBL accuracy testsEvoLogics underwater acoustic modems were recently listed as Authorized for Navy Use (ANU), following a lengthy period of testing and technical evaluation by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and The Emergency Ship Salvage Material (ESSM) System. The ANU Program provides a list of selected diving equipment, tools and accessories which have undergone design safety reviews, testing and evaluation to ensure diver safety and…

Canyon Marine Solutions has been approved as an authorized distributor for Thordon Bearings.The Virginia-based engineering firm will provide sales and engineering support to Thordon’s complete portfolio of marine bearing and seal products in the states of Delaware, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia.Canyon Marine Solutions, which officially began representing the company on April 1st has already secured a major order for Thordon Bearings. The company…

DNV GL and Alpha Ori Technologies (AOT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in which they agree to work together to contribute to the marine industry’s ongoing digital transformation. The MOU will also see the companies work together to unlock the benefits of new digital technologies and methods, including sharing data collaboratively, and the creation of frameworks and standards, to develop new and enhance existing products and services.The MOU is based around the installation of Alpha Ori’s SMARTShip systems on BW LPG vessels…

Finnish startup ICEYE launched its global Dark Vessel Detection solution to help governmental maritime security customers monitor their waters for illegal vessel activity.The high-tech solution, which combines synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) satellite data from ICEYE and automatic identification system (AIS) data from vessels, is used as a source of actionable information for governments monitoring their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), day and night, and even through cloud cover.“Dark…

Another year has passed since our last mapping of the maritime software landscape, and it is once again time to review the latest developments and trends in this space.Overall, 2019 was another turbulent year for most shipping markets, overshadowed by preparations for the IMO 2020 sulfur regulations, rising geopolitical tensions, the trade war between the USA and China, as well as natural disasters disrupting global supply chains. This article provides insight into the changes seen in the maritime software landscape under these turbulent conditions: On a high-level…

ABB’s new Chief Executive Bjorn Rosengren is determined to decentralize the Swiss engineering group to improve its performance, he told Swiss newspaper Neue Zuercher Zeitung in an interview.The company, whose products range from circuit breakers to electric motors for ships, has been weighed down by a business model that was too complicated, said the former Sandvik boss who took over in March.“I do intend to further decentralise,” he said in the interview to be published on Saturday.“Up to now we have only ever talked about four businesses…

Mechanical pipe-joining systems manufacturer Victaulic announced Rick Bucher has been appointed to the position of President and COO, effective immediately. Bucher will continue reporting to John F. Malloy who has served as Chairman, President & CEO for the past 16 years. Malloy will remain Chairman and CEO.Bucher began his career with Victaulic in 2009 as Vice President, Product Development, and rose to the position of Executive Vice President, Technology & Product Development. In June 2019, he was named COO.

China Merchant Heavy Industry (CMHI) has ordered 6 × MAN 12V32/44CR main engines in connection with the building of a new 5,000-tonne floating installation crane vessel – already christened ‘Les Alizés’ – for Jan De Nul Group.Delivering a cumulative output of 43,200 kW, the common-rail engines will each feature an enhanced, MAN-supplied SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system for IMO Tier III-compliance, and will also meet the even-stricter Euro Stage Vcompliant NOx-emission limit.

The U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Center issued the 30th U.S. Coast Guard Ballast Water Management System Type Approval Certificate to Hyde Marine, Inc., after a detailed review of the manufacturer’s type approval applications determined the systems met the requirements of 46 CFR 162.060.The treatment principle of the GUARDIAN-US consists of filtration and UV treatment at intake and UV treatment at discharge. This approval covers models with maximum intake treatment rated capacities between 60 m 3 /h and 3,000 m 3 /h.

Entry-level version of ITLINK management and monitoring software suite simplifies regulatory compliance for vessel and shore teamsMarlink has announced the release of a new stand-alone entry version of its ITLINK software, designed to improve transparency in monitoring and reporting of the status of IT networks onboard ships. The new monitoring tool enables shoreside teams or administrators to view the IT system status and availability, providing visibility on compliance with regulatory and charterer requirements.Starting in 2021…

The widescale impact of COVID-19 had not hit when DNV GL Maritime Advisory (DNV GL) was contracted to conduct a cyber security assessment and penetration test for an offshore asset. Before long, however, travel had become a risk, and the parties were forced to evaluate alternative means of performing the related surveys, which resulted in the completion of DNV GL’s first remote cyber security test.Cyber security assessments and penetration testing involve the examination of an asset’s systems to find weaknesses in the network’s perimeter.