Marine Equipment News

The U.S. Coast Guard’s mission of keeping the seas safe will soon get an additional boost from space with two polar satellites. The two satellites, called “cube satellites” or “cubesats” for their small size of about 60 square centimeters, or a little under 2 feet, will be part of a payload on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket scheduled to launch from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California Nov. 28. Although the Coast Guard has used satellite technology for years, these two are the first to be entirely dedicated to a Coast Guard mission. The initiative is part of the U.S.

The first Russian satellite for weather forecasting and monitoring climate and environment in the Arctic region, Arktika-M, is planned to be sent to near-earth orbit in June 2019.Sputnik quoted Russian space industry source saying: "The launch of the Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle from the Baikonur cosmodrome with Fregat booster and the first hydrometeorological satellite Arktika-M is scheduled for June 2019."According to sources, the equipment installed on Arktika-M satellite will…

Global oil refining capacity is set to increase at its fastest pace on record this year, possibly boosting stocks of products such as diesel, gasoline and marine fuel, the International Energy Agency said.Oil refining capacity will rise by 2.6 million barrels per day (bpd) and demand for refined products by around 1.1 million bpd, the IEA said in a monthly report.It was not clear yet what that meant for margins, which slumped as the price of crude rose last year, said the Paris-based IEA…

With compliance deadlines on the horizon for many shipowners, the study revealed a critical need for owners to start their technology-selection process, and to resist buying BWM systems based on initial price alone.ABS has just completed its second comprehensive survey of the shipping industry’s progress towards global compliance with ballast-water regulations, finding just over a third of installed management systems (BWMS) to be fully operational.The survey’s findings, which were supported by a series of workshops in New Orleans…

Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII) has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire Fulcrum IT Services, LLC, an information technology and government consulting company headquartered in Centerville, Va. The planned acquisition is expected to close in February.Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.Fulcrum expands HII’s capabilities in enhanced situational awareness and predictive threat analytics through Fulcrum’s advanced engineering, cyber security, software development, big data engineering, and intelligence and special operations experience. Fulcrum will join HII’s Technical Solutions division.

The St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) has announced that tonnage on the waterway during the 2018 navigation season totaled 40.9 million tonnes. The highest result since 2007, much of the credit for the increase in tonnage can be given to healthy movements of grain, the best on record since the turn of the century. Marketing efforts under the “Highway H2O” initiative served as a catalyst to spur increased movements of a broad range of cargoes including grain, road salt, stone, cement, gypsum and refined fuels.The 2018 navigation season concluded on December 31st, with the transit of the Cedarglen through the Welland Canal’s Lock 8 ‎at 12:35, heading for Lake Erie. In the Montreal sector, the M.V. Floragracht was the last ship to transit, clearing the St.

The Port of Seattle joined with a broad range of maritime stakeholders in support of Governor Jay Inslee’s ‘Maritime Blue Strategy’.According to a press note, the Strategy aims to advance the region’s maritime-based, “blue economy” through increased collaboration between its diverse sectors to promote innovation and sustainable practices that support a competitive gateway with a 21st Century workforce.Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman served as a member of the Maritime Blue Advisory Committee.The Maritime Blue Strategy aims to make Washington State home to a world-class…

BlocBox, a company specializing in maritime safety, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based Zeaborn Ship Management to collaborate on a blockchain-based project.The developer of a blockchain protocol for maritime safety said that the parties would collaborate on a blockchain-based project to ensure the safety of ships at sea.The MOU was signed in Singapore between Saurish Nandi, Co-Founder & CTO of BlocBox and Capt. Ninad Mhatre, Deputy MD of Zeaborn, which is a consolidation of E.R.

Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine has signed an agreement to sell the product Dynamic Positioning (DP) to the U.S. based company Thrustmaster of Texas, Inc.The agreement means that Thrustmaster of Texas now takes over the Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) required to produce and sell the DP product. Rolls-Royce will also pass on necessary documentation and knowledge of the DP product. The agreement does not involve transfer of personnel.Joe Bekker, President of Thrustmaster of Texas…

Jensen Maritime, Crowley Maritime Corp.’s Seattle-based naval architecture and marine engineering company, has provided the detailed design for Shaver Transportation Company’s new, Z-drive tug – Samantha S. The multi-purpose tug was built at Diversified Marine Inc., in Portland, Ore., and is operating along the West Coast. The tug is ABS-classed and carries a FFV1 firefighting notation.The 112-foot by 44-foot tug has a 22-foot draft, was built for escort, ocean towing and ship assist, and has firefighting capabilities if needed. The tug features a raised pilot house and a squared forward end.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL)  is to increase the roll-out of Inmarsat’s Fleet Xpress Service, across the remainder of its owned and managed fleet. The Japanese shipping company was among the earliest adopters of Fleet Xpress; deploying Inmarsat’s global high-speed broadband connectivity on the majority of its Car-Carriers in 2016, shortly after the launch of the next-generation service. Currently it has over 100 vessels installed. MOL will now install Fleet Xpress across its managed and owned fleet of Bulk carriers…

BWC and ERMA FIRST have agreed a collaboration which will increase the Ballast Water Management options available to the shipping industry.Ballast Water Containers CEO, Richard Lawson commented: "After working closely with their technical team over the past three months we are now able to offer a containerized version of the ERMA FIRST FIT system. A ship owner can now reduce yard installation time and achieve a better control of their budget by ordering a pre-fabricated, pre-installed BWC ERMA FIRST container or deckhouse.”

Iridium launched its Iridium Certus broadband service for commercial customers, the first new capability activated from the company’s $3 billion Iridium Next satellite replacement program.Iridium Certus is a platform designed for the development of specialty global broadband service applications, offering on-the-move internet and voice access, the mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe said.The service enables mobile office functionality for deployed teams and two-way remote communication for assets…

Verifavia Shipping claimed success in the independent certification of IT systems and solutions designed to support compliance with the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) Data Collection System (DCS) regulation and European Union (EU) Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV).With both regulations now in force, increasing numbers of IT systems are available to assist ship owners and operators in collating and reporting emissions data, all of which need to strictly adhere…

Cargo handling solutions company Kalmar has signed an agreement with Exolgan S.A. to supply a total of four rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) with hybrid drivelines for its container terminal in Buenos Aires, Argentina."The order, which also includes the supply of a spare parts package for the machines, was booked in Cargotec's 2018 Q4 order intake with delivery scheduled to take place in late 2019," said a press release from Kalmar, part of Cargotec. The Exolgan terminal in Buenos Aires is a general cargo and container-handling port terminal with strategic road…

Global provider of classification and technical advisory services to the marine and offshore industries ABS Advanced Solutions and Hong Kong-headquartered Fleet Management Limited signed an agreement to implement the ABS industry-leading cyber security solution for Fleet Management’s 220-vessel liquid cargo fleet.“Fleet Management Limited is one of the world’s leading ship management firms, and their decision to select the ABS FCI Cyber Risk model underlines its position as an industry leader…

International Maritime Organization (IMO)’s Polar Code helps ensure that ships operating in the harsh Arctic and Antarctic areas take into account extremes of temperature and make sure critical equipment remains operational.Draft guidance for navigation and communication equipment intended for use on ships operating in polar waters is expected to be finalized by the current session of the Sub-Committee on Navigation, Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR 6, 16-25 January).The guidance will include recommendations on temperature and mechanical shock testing…

Sunseeker International and Rolls-Royce have agreed to present the first yacht fitted with an MTU series production hybrid propulsion system in 2020. At Boot Düsseldorf from January 19-27, Sunseeker and MTU will present the new hybrid propulsion system.The new Sunseeker yacht will have an integrated MTU hybrid propulsion system. It will consist of two 12-cylinder MTU Series 2000 diesel engines (each delivering around 1,432 kW/ 1,947 hp), on-board generators, electric propulsion modules…

Marlink and its inhouse IT specialist unit Palantir are to be the preferred supplier for vessels managed by Klaveness Ship Management AS.Vessels in the fleet will be equipped with an advanced solution, combining KeepUp@Sea remote IT service with Sealink VSAT connectivity, as well as XChange centralized communications management and global L-band back-up. This supports Torvald Klaveness’ ambition of becoming the leading digital bulk operator while optimizing their business operations…

Sales of marine fuels in Singapore, the world's biggest ship fueling port by volume, totaled 49.8 million tonnes in 2018, down 2 percentfrom a record the year before, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) said on Monday.December sales volumes of marine fuels, also known as bunkers, reached an 11-month high of 4.308 million tonnes, up 10 percent from November and the second-highest for the year, the data showed.The strong month helped lift Singapore's 2018 marine fuel sales figures to the second highest on record…

Avantida said that Maersk Line has started to offer street turn or container triangulation services through its computer platform in the United States and Canada. Avantida is owned by E2Open.Empty container triangulation, or the interchange of an intermodal container outside of a marine terminal or yard (street turns), is a well-known activity in the US. By offering this on Avantida’s online platform, transporter and logistics companies are freed from the administrative hassle of having to request and process street turns manually.Through the automated request process offered by Maersk…

Israel’s largest cargo shipping company ZIM Integrated Shipping Services has opened its blockchain platform for electronic bills of lading (eB/Ls) to all clients in selected trades.Over the last year, following ZIM’s November 2017 announcement regarding the first-ever pilot of paperless Bills-of-Lading based on blockchain technology, ZIM and selected leading customers have been testing the new Platform as a solution for trade activities on multiple shipping lanes.Following the successful pilot, accomplished with the cooperation of Wave Ltd.

The  International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Kitack Lim has highlighted the need to consider seafarer training and standards as shipping evolves, with increasing levels of technology and automation.Speaking at IMO Headquarters (15 January) at the launch of a new report “Transport 2040: Automation, Technology and Employment - the Future of Work”, Secretary-General Lim set out key questions that will require focus from all stakeholders:  “How will the seafarer…

L3 ASV announced the completion of a series of demonstrations at the Australian Defense Showcase, Autonomous Warrior 18.In support of the Defense Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), L3 ASV operated a 9-m vessel outfitted with autonomous navigation capability for reconnaissance, interdiction and patrol tasks.The vessel, dubbed MAST-9, operated in fully autonomous mode, including COLREG aware collision avoidance, navigating the waterways at speeds of up to 40 knots, for over 80 hours, across the two-week event.

Weighing over 800 ton - roughly four times the weight of a blue whale -,  and spanning over 300 ft., the splitter vessel is the biggest load to ever be moved on Alberta's highways.On the evening of January 6th Mammoet began the transport for the giant splitter vessel. The vessel left Dacro Industries, where it was constructed, and began it’s 3 day transport journey from Edmonton to Fort Saskatchewan, AB.The splitter vessel is a key part of the process at Inter Pipeline’s Heartland Petrochemical Complex where propane will be converted into recyclable plastic pellets…

International Container Terminal Services, Inc.'s (ICTSI) flagship Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) has received four of 16 new hybrid rubber-tired gantries (RTG) as part of the Company’s long-term investment in capacity enhancement and environmental efficiency."A first in Philippines and Manufactured by Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. (MES) of Japan, the Mitsui Li-ion Hybrid RTG is equipped with a 200kVA Li-ion battery and a smaller diesel engine that dramatically improves the carbon footprint of the terminal…

GNS, the maritime technology company, has been awarded the contract to supply the fleet of Singapore-based Epic Gas Ship Management and its shore-based marine team with a complete navigation solution.GNS won the contract following a competitive tender during which Epic Gas ran extensive sea and shore-based trials over a six-month period evaluating solutions from three vendors. Key evaluation criteria were intuitiveness of the software and simplicity of the end-to-end service,…

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. Boss Mustapha has said that the Federal Government has successfully worked hard through the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to reposition the Nigerian maritime industry for the nation’s economic growth.Mustapha said such development had also made the maritime sector a new attraction for investors.The SGF pointed out the nation was beginning to see another opportunity through which it could harness its vast resources.Mustapha…

The Swiss-based cruise company MSC Cruises  has waved ‘bon voyage’ to MSC Magnifica as the final guests embarked today in Barcelona for the Company’s first world cruise.For many, the idea of seeing the world is just a dream, but a world cruise is an easy way to make this dream a reality, and the only way to circumnavigate the globe without having to unpack a suitcase more than once! On this first world cruise, MSC Cruises guests will visit 49 different destinations, checking off 32 countries from their bucket lists.From the Mediterranean…

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey will conduct the first test at a U.S. port of an electric vehicle to move cargo containers by the end of this year.According to a press release from the port authority, this initiative is to meet aggressive targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions set forth in the Paris Climate Agreement.A straddle carrier is a piece of terminal yard handling equipment that is used to move cargo containers by first straddling the container and then lifting it up and driving over the back of a truck to place the container on the chassis…

Significant efficiency steps can also be taken in the maritime sector regarding big data and artificial intelligence, said Port of Rotterdam.For instance, this technology is enabling the arrival times of vessels in sea and inland ports to be predicted earlier and with increased precision."Computers use the sea of data that we produce these days for self-training. The Port of Rotterdam is also investing in this development with Pronto, an application for standardised data exchange on port calls…

The number of ships using Selektope-containing antifouling coatings more than double in 2019 with the largest ever single volume order received for the barnacle-repelling antifouling ingredient Selektope coupled with strong commercial developments in late 2018, claims a press note.Placed by the marine coating manufacturers Chugoku Marine Paints (CMP) in December 2018, this follow up order fulfils CMP’s previous minimum commitments contained in supply agreements signed in early 2018 ahead of time…

The second of Crowley Maritime Corp.’s new combination container/roll-on roll-off “ConRo” ships - MV Taíno, one of the first of its kind to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) - completed its maiden voyage to Puerto Rico on Friday morning, Jan. 11. MV Taíno, which departed Jan. 8 from its mainland homeport of Jacksonville, Fla. (JAXPORT), is the second of two ConRo vessels constructed for Crowley. Sister ship MV El Coquí began its first-in-class service in July 2018.The ships…

Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. held a christening ceremony for a next-generation LNG (liquefied natural gas) carrier under construction for TRANS PACIFIC SHIPPING 5 LTD., a joint venture of JERA Co., Inc. (JERA) and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL). The new ship, named Nohshu Maru, is the fourth vessel of the latest model "Sayaringo STaGE" type, featuring significant improvements in both LNG carrying capacity and fuel performance due to the adoption of a more efficient hull structure and an innovative hybrid propulsion system.

The cleantech solution company Evac has acquired the  provider of ballast water treatment systems for ships and offshore platforms Transvac Systems.This is another important step forward for Evac who expanded their global operations by acquiring Cathelco, the UK manufacturers of equipment for ships in May 2018.Evac continue to build their reputation on the supply of integrated water and waste management systems for ships, offshore platforms and buildings worldwide resulting in…

Global oil and gas executives are preparing to accelerate their investment in digital technologies, primarily as they seek to double down on their cost-saving ambitions.An EY survey of 100 global oil and gas executives found that 89 percent expect to step up their investment in digital over the next two years.Despite oil prices reaching more attractive levels during the third quarter of 2018, operational efficiency remains a top priority owing to a legacy of falling prices in…

Indian Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Maritime issues between India and Denmark.The MoU is proposed to be signed during the upcoming visit of the Denmark officials to India in January, 2019.Signing of the MoU will pave way for both countries for exploration of areas for bilateral collaboration in facilitating cross-border cooperation and investments between the maritime sectors of India and Denmark.The agreement will enable both the countries to exchange expertise…

FPT Industrial announced a partnership with Fincantieri, as FPT has been chosen by Fincantieri as a preferred partner to supply tailor-made powertrain solutions for its customers. The partnership includes FPT Industrial marine engines and auxiliaries, as well as ground power generators, and is dedicated to the worldwide market of commercial, patrolling and special applications, covering power ranges up to 1,000 hp.“We are proud to become a preferred supplier of Fincantieri: this…

HullWiper Ltd has signed a new agreement with Indian Ocean-based underwater hull cleaning specialists Immersub, marking its first step into the African continent in the continued drive to keep vessels' hulls, and the oceans, free of non-native marine species.It is the latest extension of HullWiper’s leasing program, introduced in 2017 to work with partners around the world to offer ship owners and operators a cost-efficient, brush- and diver-free alternative to traditional hull cleaning methods that protects anti-fouling coating on vessel hulls and the oceans.

Chinese shipyard Jiangsu Zhenjiang Shipyard Group Co,.Ltd has ordered 2 × MAN 9L 21/31 + 2 × MAN 6L16/24 GenSets in connection with the construction of an modern deck carrier. The specialized vessel will transport offshore wind-turbine components and has been ordered by Hamburg-based company, United Wind Logistics (UWL), which is employing Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG for building supervision and technical management. The order includes options for two further vessels. MAN Energy Solutions’ licensee…

M Subs Ltd has announced it has installed a ‘game changing’ sensor system with connected artificial intelligence (AI) machine-learning technology around Plymouth Sound as part of the vision to turn the city into a center of excellence in maritime autonomy and unmanned vehicles.Plymouth-based M Subs  will operate a secure network of cameras, radars, and other sensors which will provide situational awareness and communications with the unmanned vehicles operating out of the city’s harbor.The system will also provide the command & control of unmanned vehicles using the nearby ranges at sea.

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth has left Damen Shiprepair Brest (DSBr) following a 12-day repair and refit program. She is the most recent addition to the Cunard fleet, having been delivered in 2010.The program was highly intensive with a series of major systems being overhauled or installed. On arrival the ship was placed in Damen Shiprepair Brest’s drydock number 3, one of the largest in Europe at 420 meters, and the relevant manufacturers began immediately on maintenance to her stabilizers…

New Zeland's multi-disciplined electrotechnology company McKay announced that they are to develop and implement the country's first plug-in fully electrical ferry along SSC Marine, which is planned to be built in Wellington.According to the company statement, the ferry is the first of its kind in New Zealand and also in the entire southern hemisphere.The project will consist of a modern, composite catamaran ferry using a McKay designed and installed power and energy management, energy storage system and electric propulsion systems.

The global port operator DP World said that will invest in four more machines and completely replace its existing fleet with the most modern, fuel efficient and environmentally friendly machines on the market at its Southampton’s container terminal.Two new empty container handlers, delivered at the end of 2018, marked the start of a planned programme of investment and redevelopment at Southampton’s container terminal.The new Hyster machines, which can tandem lift two empty 40ft containers and stack higher than the terminal’s current machines…

According to Wikipedia, “Indonesia has a total land area of 1,904,569 square kilometers (735,358 sq mi), Including 93,000 square kilometers (35,908 sq mi) of inland seas (straits, bays, and other bodies of water). The additional surrounding sea areas bring Indonesia's generally recognized territory (land and sea) to about 5 million km2.”The nation of over 17,000 islands has 54,720 km (34,000Mi) of coastline and maintains a growing navy. In addition to national security, the navy…

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has been selected to supply deck machinery equipment for a US Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) T-ATSX-class vessel under construction at Gulf Island Shipyards, in Houma, Louisiana, US. The order was booked into Cargotec's fourth quarter 2018 order intake and the equipment is planned for delivery during the first quarter of 2020.MacGregor's latest naval contract with Gulf Island Shipyards, a subsidiary of Gulf Island Fabrication Inc, includes the option for a further seven vessels. The towing, salvage and rescue ship (T-ATSX) is a new class of vessel that will be deployed for worldwide naval service including open-ocean towing…

Langh Tech and STX Offshore & Shipbuilding (STX O&S) have signed a deal for scrubber retrofits on seven vessels in the Polaris fleet. The four 180K bulkers and the three 300K VLOCs in the fleet will be equipped with Langh Tech’s open loop scrubbers.The scrubber installations will be done as turn key deliveries by STX O&S. On each of the vessels the main engine and the three auxiliaries are connected to the scrubber. The scrubbers are multi-inlet type and Langh Tech delivers all the equipment necessary for a fully working open loop system.

On Thursday, December 27, an InvaSave 300 Mobile Ballast Water Treatment System was transported from Damen Green Solution’s premises in Gorinchem, the Netherlands, to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria to be used for a demonstration program as part of the “Atlantic Blue Port Services” project, made possible by the INTERREG Atlantic Area Program, funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).Upon arriving in the port of Las Palmas, the unit will be connected to a vessel’s ballast…

Satellite communications specialist Marlink has been awarded a contract renewal to expand its Sealink VSAT service to international ship owner Transpetrol.The provider of satellite communications services for the maritime industry claimed that the higher levels of guaranteed bandwidth ensure global connectivity for 14 strong tanker fleet.The renewal secures access to Marlink’s global network and specially-chosen business critical VSAT solutions for the entire tanker fleet and…

The International Marine Contractors Association (IMCA) announced Tuesday it has completed its existing guidance on dynamic positioning (DP) with the newly published ‘Guidance to Identify DP System Components and their Failure Modes’ (IMCA M 247).“Unexpected events that jeopardize station keeping integrity are regularly reported via the IMCA DP Station Keeping Report Scheme. This new IMCA guidance document is intended to assist in minimizing such events and provide guidance for those involved in the analysis and testing of DP systems…

Overall, the outlook for shipping asset prices remains bright, but several areas are more attractive than others.The VesselsValue forecast takes many factors into consideration when assessing each vessel class and age. Today we’ll look at some of the most appealing segments and the fundamental reasons why ships of this size are more likely to appreciate. Subscribers have access to a far more granular look at all ship types and ages, allowing for accurate risk assessment of any…

Vestdavit has reinforced its claim to be the davit supplier of choice for higher sea states after securing orders to equip three state-of-the-art Esvagt Service Operations Vessels (SOVs) destined to support windfarm maintenance in challenging North Sea conditions.Developed by Havyard Design & Solution and built by Havyard Ship Technology, the Esvagt trio will be delivered in 2020-2021. The construction project continues a run of eight Havyard designed vessels built for Esvagt but the davit contract has brought Vestdavit particular satisfaction…

China's maritime authority has banned the discharge of "wash water" used in ships to strip hazardous sulphur emissions from engine exhaust gases from Jan. 1 for some ports, according to a government document reviewed by Reuters on Tuesday.The ban on water discharge from so-called open-loop scrubbers is part of an effort to prepare for International Maritime Organization (IMO) rules that will ban ships from using fuel oil with a sulphur content of more than 0.5 percent from 2020…

Oilfield products company Forum Energy Technologies said it has sealed a contract to supply a Mojave remotely operated vehicle (ROV) for the Norwegian firm ESEA Marine.Sub-Atlantic Mojave will also be used by ESEA Submarine’s sister company, ESEA Marine AS, which has customers that include fish farms, port authorities and insurance companies, said the international oilfield products company, serving the subsea, drilling, completion and  production sectors of the oil and natural gas industry.In addition…

Denmark-based marine fuel supplier Bunker One has announced the establishment of a new physical bunker entity, serving the German market.Bunker Holding subsidiary said that the business activities of the new entity Bunker One (Germany) GmbH will be concentrated on supplying marine fuel products and other related services to ferry- container- and other commercial vessels in all ports at the German North Sea and Baltic Sea regions with base in Rostock, Kiel and Hamburg.To benefit…

Dutch dredging and offshore contractor Royal Boskalis Westminster NV has signed an exclusive Pre-Construction Agreement (PCA) for the Inch Cape offshore wind farm project.According to the Dutch marine outfit, the award was made by Inch Cape Offshore Limited (ICOL), a subsidiary of Red Rock Power Ltd. The project scope includes the transportation and installation of the wind turbine foundations, the offshore substation and cables.The award of the contract is subject to a successful bid by ICOL in the next UK Contracts for Difference auction (mid 2019) and financial close (second half of 2020).

The construction activities on the site of the new sea lock in IJmuiden are in full swing, said Port of Amsterdam.More than 200,000 m3 of concrete have now been poured and still more will be poured in January and February, including concrete for the inner lock head (number 1 in the picture) and for the lock chamber (number 3 in the picture).Also in January and February, work will continue on the completion of the lock gates and on the local control buildings - which are now taking shape (numbers 4 in the picture).After a 44-day voyage from South Korea via Cape of Good Hope…

Amendments to the bunker delivery note relating to the supply of marine fuel oil to ships which have fitted alternative mechanisms to address sulphur emission requirements entered into force on 1 January 2019.According to a press release from International Maritime Organization (IMO), the amendment enters into force as the shipping industry counts down to 1 January 2020, when the limit for sulphur in fuel oil will be reduced to 0.50% m/m outside emission control areas (ECAs),…

Maritime security specialist Naval Dome has come up with an innovative approach to managing the cyber security status of all protected systems onboard ships, allowing shipboard and shoreside staff to monitor and evaluate fleet-wide system data, even when they are offline. Until now, only crew members have been able to access a ship’s offline data sets.The Naval Dome Dashboard collects and collates all the data captured by the company’s multi award-winning Endpoint cyber protection…

Maritime software specialist GTMaritime has appointed maritime satellite veteran Mike McNally as Sales and Marketing Director, as it sets about expanding into new territories.McNally has more than 25 years’ experience working in the industry both at sea and in senior maritime communications management positions. His appointment reflects GTMaritime’s desire to further develop partnerships with its existing customers and resellers, while extending its reach and presence in new territories.As McNally takes up his new role overseeing GTMaritime’s sales and marketing strategy and teams…

Swiss satellite startup Astrocast announced the launch of 3 new pilots of its Low Earth Orbit Nanosatellite Network. The pilots with Actia, Marine Instruments, and Swiss Fresh Water highlight the power of satellite networks to deliver affordable communications to the world’s most remote areas.Designed specifically for IoT, Astrocast’s two-way system allows companies to monitor and control their remote assets, including over-the-air upgrades at lower latency and cost than existing…

The Maritime Authorities of the Paris and the Tokyo Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) on Port State Control will start issuing a letter of warning from 1 January 2019 on the sulphur content of marine fuels during inspections in order to increase awareness of and to encourage timely compliance with the new requirements.According to a release from the Paris MoU, the requirement of maximum sulphur content of 0,50% m/m for marine fuel oil will enter into force on 1 January 2020, which…

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the 50 Mega Watt liquefied natural gas (LNG) based power project in south Andaman. The will take around 18 months to be operational.NTPC Limited’s wholly-owned subsidiary NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) will build the plant which is expected to improve the quality of life of the residents of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and boost the economic development.The plant shall be operational through Dual Fuel — LNG or HSD…

A cargo ship loaded with 4,500 tonnes of steel and construction equipment required to build a new Antarctic wharf has arrived at British Antarctic Survey (BAS)'s Rothera Research Station.Staff awaiting its arrival cheered as the DS Wisconsin pulled alongside, guided for the final few hours through sea ice by the ice-strengthened RRS Ernest Shackleton. Work began immediately on the huge task of unloading the cargo, which is likely to take around two weeks.The ship, containing plant…

NYK president Tadaaki Naito in his New Year’s speech required the employees to execute the medium-term management plan “Staying Ahead 2022 with Digitalization and Green” announced in March of last year.He chartered out  the three basic strategies in the medium-term management plan.Under the first step of “Optimizing the business portfolio,” the fundamental revision of the dry bulk business and success of the integrated container shipping line ONE have been set forth as the two key elements.In the dry bulk business…

After responding to over 700 false alerts in 2018, the Coast Guard is urging anyone with an emergency position indicating radio beacon to properly register their device.An EPIRB is a device that transmits a distress signal to a satellite system called Cospas-Sarsat. The satellites relay the signal to a network of ground units and ultimately to the Coast Guard and other emergency responders.Owners of commercial fishing vessels, uninspected passenger vessels that carry six or more people, and uninspected commercial vessels are legally required to carry an EPIRB.

Vessel traffic in the Lower Mississippi River near New Orleans has come to a stop after a 837-foot bulk carrier ran aground close to mile marker 3.5 Friday morning.The navigation channel has been closed and more than 50 vessels are waiting in queue to transit in or out of the river, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, who added that the number of vessels is larger than normal due to dense fog in the area over the last few days.The Coast Guard said it received a report at 8:32 a.m. that the 837-foot Anglo Alexandria had run aground at mile marker 3.5. There are no current reports of injuries of pollution.The U.K. flagged bulker has activated its vessel response plan (VRP) and a tug is on-scene to assist, the Coast Guard said.The cause of the incident is under investigation.

A new oil spill response device capable of cleaning up spills in arctic conditions has been launched in an effort to bolster Norway’s spill preparedness.The new device, dubbed Arctic FoxTail, is a winterized version of H. Henriksen’s standard Foxtail vertical adhesion band (VAB) skimmer, which filters out oil spills from the seawater using its sorbent mops. The system is capable of salvaging large quantities of oil after a spill, without much unnecessary water.Tonsberg-based H.

The provider of cargo handling solutions and services to ports, terminals, Kalmar has signed a maintenance and support agreement with International Container Terminal Services, Inc (ICTSI) covering the automated container handling solution operating at Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT).The order was booked in Cargotec's Q4 2018 order intake with the agreement coming into effect in November 2018, said a press release. Australia's first fully automated container terminal, VICT, welcomed its first vessel in March 2017.

American transportation company Norfolk Southern has signed a deal with Kalmar, part of Cargotec, for supply of four Kalmar SmartPower rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) equipped with a suite of process automation solutions.According to a press release, the order was booked in Cargotec's 2018 Q4 order intake with delivery scheduled to be completed by the end of Q4 2019. Norfolk Southern Railway subsidiary operates approximately 19,500 route miles in 23 states, serves every major container ports in the eastern United States and provides efficient connections to other rail carriers.

Nordlaks is ordering another live fish carrier with gas / battery hybrid propulsion, to reduce the diesel consumption for transporting live fish from 2020. The first live fish carrier is already under construction. Vessel number two originates from the same design by NSK Ship Design."Technology development means that we get to choose out of range of solutions the ones that can be efficient both for the environment and the business at the same time. Another example is the use of electricity at our fish farms…

Rolls-Royce Commercial Marine has signed a contract to deliver ship design and an extensive range of equipment to a 70-meter long stern trawler to be built for Engenes fiskeriselskap AS, based in Troms county, northern Norway.This highly advanced fishing vessel is to be built by Gondan shipyard in Spain.The vessel will be of type NVC 370 with a low resistant hull design, which meets increased demands for fuel efficiency combined with good sea keeping. It will be equipped with a package of power and propulsion…

Schoellhorn-Albrecht recently delivered [1] Anchor Windlass suitable for use with 2” anchor chain, and [6] Mooring Winches for use with 7/8” to 1-1/8” Wire Rope, to be used on the Cleveland Rocks Conversion to a Self-Unloading Cement Carrier.Design Characteristics of Machinery:Anchor Windlass: The Anchor Windlass was fabricated with a 2” wildcat, a manual band-brake, a wildcat clutch, an Ø18” warping head, a chain stripper, and an integrated pawl-type chain stopper. Powered by a 2-speed 25/25HP Electric Motor…

Norway’s TTS Group has been awarded a NOK 102 million (USD11.7 million) contract with Cosco (Dalian) Shipyard Company in China for five sets of cargo cranes and hatch covers."The contract regards five shipsets of cargo cranes and hatch covers. The equipment is for use on multi-purpose vessels," said a press note.Deliveries are expected to take place by the end of 2019, it said. Last year,  TTS Groupsecured another contract with Cosco (Dalian) Shipyard Co., Ltd in China for a shipset…

Repsol Lubricants, a member of the Total Lubmarine network for more than 50 years, has formally committed to extend its relationship with Total Lubmarine for a further three years, building upon a relationship that was first established between the two companies in 1962.The Total Lubmarine network is made up of a range of partners who are able to manufacture in strategic locations and help enable lubricants to be delivered to more than 1,000 ports worldwide."This renewed agreement will continue to ensure quality products for our customers in Spain…

Eastern Mediterranean achieved reduced environmental footprint at the port of Killini, which on December 20th, 2018 held an inauguration event of the first pilot shore installation for the electrification of ships with an overwhelming ceremony that shed light to the endeavor that was accomplished by the EU co-funded Action ‘elemed’ and the shipping company Levante Ferries, who experienced the plug in of its passenger ro-ro ferry Fior Di Levante to the new electrification position on shore.The event was opened by Mr Nabil-Iosif Morant…

On Christman day, Japanese shipping line Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) cooperated with a ship tour sponsored by Mazda Motor Corporation by escorting about 70 elementary and junior high school students and their parents on board an NYK-operated pure car and truck carrier (PCTC).Since 1996, Mazda Motor Corporation has regularly held a tour of this kind as one of its social contribution activities to give children an understanding of the Japanese car industry, stimulate curiosity…

The marine industry equipment manufacturer Kalmar is to deliver a further order of straddle carriers to Maher Terminals LLC for use at their marine container terminal located in the Port of New York and New Jersey.According to a press release from Kalmar, part of Cargotec,  the order of 26 straddle carriers was booked in Cargotec's 2018 second quarter order intake, and delivery is scheduled to take place during Q1 of 2019.Maher Terminals is one of the largest privately held, multi-user container terminal operators in the world.

In a world that brings pretty much anything to you at the press of an app, we are often asked why it is so difficult to assess comfort onboard a yacht.That the assessment of comfort onboard is not an easy task is also shown by the fact that there is no industry standard as yet. This problem has already been identified by the International Organization for Standardization and a new working group (ISO (TC8/SC12/WG 5 AWI 22834) led by MARIN is aiming to develop a comfort standard for yachts in the next three years.ISO Comfort standardOn a parallel track…

Marine propulsion manufacturers are not just responding to but are anticipating tighter performance demands from the U.S. EPA  and the IMO by introducing both new and upgraded systems based on state-of-the-art propulsion technologies. Tom Mulligan reviews the latest engine product launches.AIP for MAN cryo Liquid Hydrogen Fuel-Gas systemMAN Cryo, a subsidiary of MAN Energy Solutions, has developed a marine fuel-gas system for liquefied hydrogen in cooperation with Fjord1 and Multi Maritime 0f Norway.

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, received a clearance decision from the South Korean Fair Trade Commission on the company's acquisition of the marine and offshore businesses of TTS Group ASA, which was announced on 8 February, 2018.MacGregor announced the approval from the German regulator on November 6, 2018 but is still waiting for the approval from the competition authority in China. As communicated on December 20, 2018, MacGregor expects to close the transaction in Q1 2019.

... one year after the commandant’s Final Action Memo on the El Faro sinking.“… the Coast Guard is ultimately responsible to monitor the performance of third parties that perform delegated functions and also to guarantee the effectiveness of vessel inspections and surveys. Yet the Coast Guard failed to adequately oversee the third party in this case, and the investigation reveals that the Coast Guard has not sustained the proficiency and policy framework to do so in general. The…

A section of the Ohio River near Louisville, Ky. has been closed to all vessel traffic after 15 loaded coal barges broke away from a towing vessel that made contact with a bridge in the area.The U.S. Coast Guard said its watchstanders at Sector Ohio Valley received a report at approximately 8:10 p.m., Tuesday, that the towing vessel Debbie Graham, made contact with the 2nd Street Bridge, causing the 15 coal barges that it was pushing to break free. The cause of the incident is…

The Finnish icebreaking season officially kicked off on Tuesday evening with the first icebreaker deployment.Arctia’s converted polar icebreaker Otso departed the icebreaker base in Helsinki at 6 p.m. local time toward its initial operation area to keep open the fairways to Tornio, Kemi and Oulu. The vessel is expected to reach the area before noon on Thursday.According to the latest ice report by the Finnish Meteorological Institute, ice in the Bay of Bothnia is drifting toward northeast. In the northern Bay of Bothnia's inner archipelago there is 10-20 cm thick fast ice.

The next offshore wind innovation site in the Netherlands will feature two V164-9.5 MW turbines from MHI Vestas, the 5th Dutch offshore wind park for the wind turbine supplier.MHI Vestas Offshore Wind, in signing a firm order with Two Towers Consortium for the Borssele V Offshore Wind Farm, will supply two V164-9.5 MW turbines for the project. The 19 MW project has been designated as an innovation site that will test various innovations in and around the turbines.“We are extremely proud that the Netherlands will be home to our next test project…

The global marine lubricants market is estimated to be USD 5.98 billion in 2018 and is projected to reach USD 6.66 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 2.17% from 2018 to 2023.The growth of the market is driven by the emerging alternative technology trends, said a report by  Research and Markets.Also, rising infrastructure developments (port infrastructure) to strengthen the shipping industry globally are fueling trade activities, leading to the growth of marine lubricants market. However…

MacGregor, part of Cargotec, has secured cruise access equipment orders from three European shipyards.The provider of engineering solutions and services to  offshore and marine industries said that the total order value is approximately EUR 22 million.The orders were booked into Cargotec's fourth quarter 2018 order intake and the delivery of the MacGregor equipment is planned to start during the fourth quarter 2019 and finalised during the first quarter of 2024."We are delighted that our customers rely on MacGregor expertise to provide safe and efficient equipment for these ships…

The Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO) and MAN Energy Solutions hosted a conference for software suppliers delivering Computerised Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) to expand the use of Shipdex.Shipdex is the standard protocol for exchanging technical data - such as manuals – electronically between supplier and ships directly, cutting the need for huge stacks of - often outdated - paper manuals.“Honestly, we would have liked to see more suppliers for the conference.

Lamprell announced that it has been selected by GeoSea Procurement & Shipping Luxembourg SA, a wholly owned subsidiairy of GeoSea NV, the lead engineering, procurement, construction and installation contractor on the Moray East offshore wind farm, to fabricate jacket foundations for the project.Lamprell, the provider of fabrication, engineering and contracting services to the offshore energy industry, said it will fabricate 45 out of approximately 100 jacket foundations required for the wind farm…

The world's largest privately held cruise company MSC Cruises has today announced a new partnership with renowned German chef Harald Wohlfahrt.Voted one of the Top 10 Chefs in the World, and the only German chef to hold a three Michelin Star rating for 25 years in a row, Chef Wohlfahrt represents the best of Germany’s cuisine and embodies MSC Cruises’ commitment to offering new and exciting food options for its guests. Gianni Onorato, MSC Cruises Chief Executive Officer, commented: “The world-class expertise of Chef Wohlfahrt brings an exciting new chapter to our onboard dining experience.

Russia's largest independent natural gas producer PAO Novatek announced that its next LNG project, Arctic LNG 2 and Nuovo Pignone (Italy) signed an agreement on turbo machinery equipment.The the seventh largest publicly traded company globally by natural gas production volume said in a press release that the agreement provides for the supply of gas turbine compressors and gas turbine generators for the three liquefaction trains for the Arctic LNG 2 project.“Our partnership with Nuovo Pignone extends back to 2013 as they supplied gas turbine compressors for the three liquefaction trains of our Yamal LNG project.” noted Leonid Mikhelson, Novatek's Chairman of the Management Board.“For Arctic LNG 2, we need the unique turbo machinery to produce 6.6 million tons of LNG per annum.

Japenese marine transportation company Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced that MOL, MOL Techno-Trade, the National Maritime Research Institute (NMRI), and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology (TUMSAT) jointly conducted an assessment and feasibility study on advanced navigation support systems, using the NMRI-owned ship handling risk simulator, which has a horizontal view angle of 240°C.On watch-keeping during ship operations, mariners must first be able to see an object, and then judge whether that object poses a risk to the vessel. If that is the case, the vessel must take some action to avoid the risk, such as veering…

Advantage Tankers & Advantage Products (with Genel Denizcilik acting as the technical management company), have selected Alfa Laval PureBallast 3 for ballast water treatment throughout their combined fleet. The recently signed fleet agreement covers a range of PureBallast 3 system types, as well as deckhouses and a service agreement.Advantage Tankers & Advantage Products have a fleet comprising 16 tankers today. To ensure the ballast water compliance of thier vessels, the companies have chosen to work with Alfa Laval.

Marine contractors, Keynvor Morlift (KML), played a significant role on Tuesday in saving the Russian ship, ‘Kuzma Minin’, which ran aground just off Gyllyngvase Beach in Falmouth.KML’s large all weather commercial Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB), was the 1st vessel alongside after the ship ran aground at around 0500 on Tuesday morning. The RIB was mobilized with team members from both KML and Seawide Services. KML’s multicat ‘Sarah Grey’, together with KML heavy anchors, ground tackle and salvage equipment…

Japanese technology company Eco Marine Power (EMP) has joined forces with Singapore shipping company Masterbulk for the world-first Installation of class-approved UltraBattery (UB) onboard ship.A joint press release announced that the UB battery pack manufactured by the Furukawa Battery Company (Furukawa Battery) has been installed on the large general cargo ship – MV Panamana.This battery pack will later form part of an Aquarius Marine Solar Power solution developed by EMP and be evaluated jointly with Masterbulk and ZEABORN Ship Management (Singapore) Pte.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) announced that it participated in a demonstration test of ship class survey using aerial drones to inspect an MOL-operated coal carrier in service, along with Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK), Hitachi Systems, and Mitsui Co.According to MOL, the demonstration test included a simulated ship inspection inside the cargo hold and ballast tank (which holds water used to balance the ship when it is not carrying cargo), using video shot from an aerial drone.The test verified the effectiveness of using drones to monitor rust…

The global enterprise applications company IFS announced that international offshore drilling contractor Borr Drilling has deployed IFS Applications to improve operations and optimize its IT landscape.The enterprise software company said in a press release that the go-live is part of an implementation that will see IFS Applications rolled out to 10 oil rigs and over 1,000 users by January 2019.Borr Drilling, with a fleet of 36 rigs, 9 of which are currently under construction…

Voices: Ron Huibers, President and CEO, Volvo Penta of the AmericasVolvo Penta has a reputation for pioneering innovations in marine propulsion. To learn more about what the company has on its drawing boards we talked with Ron Huibers, president and CEO of Volvo Penta of the Americas.Please give us a snapshot of your commercial marine business in North America?Our marine commercial business in the Americas has seen great growth, and it now represents a significant portion of our business, along with our leisure marine and industrial engine segments.

Royal Caribbean International chose Optimarin to provide its USCG compliant Optimarin Ballast System (OBS) for three flagship vessels. Optimarin has now retrofitted its BWMS tech on Independence of the Seas and Mariner of the Seas, with installation on Grandeur of the Seas set for Q1 2019.Optimarin has now sold approximately 700 OBS units, with more than 500 installed and operational, of which approximately 250 are retrofits.Alongside full IMO and USCG compliance, OBS has certification from a comprehensive range of classification organizations, including ABS, BV, DNV-GL, LR & MLIT Japan.

Marlink’s Sealink VSAT recently proved integral to a unique ‘slow TV’ experiment spanning four months and two equatorial crossings.Arcus is the world’s largest producer of Linie Aquavit, a Norwegian beverage dating back to the early 19th century that derives its name from a tradition whereby oak barrels of Aquavit are transported on boats from Norway to Australia and back again, thereby crossing the equator (‘linje’ in Norwegian) twice before being bottled.Aquavit’s makers have always maintained that the incessant motion…

The provider of software tools for the offshore industry UniSea has agreed to take part ownership of the energy efficiency specialist Yxney.“Yxney is experiencing rapid growth meeting the increasing demand for data-driven energy efficiency solutions in the offshore sector,” said CEO Gjord Simen Sanna of Yxney, which provides operational support and HSEQ (quality, health, safety, environment) to offshore industry.“UniSea is a highly respected player in the industry with a large client base. Yxney already uses UniSea data as the source for our calculations on many vessels.

In his new position, Joe Sluka will take over all commercial sales for Rose Point Navigation Systems.Sluka comes to Rose Point from Patterson Mfg, where he was the Global Sales Manager from 2010 to 2017.Sluka can be reached at Rose Point ECS at (724) 771-2956 or via e-mail at: joe@rosepoint.com

With less than a week until Christmas and most of our presents bought, we're feeling the pinch. However, that's nothing compared to the amount that some have been spending this year. VesselsValue's Senior Analyst Court Smith gives a rundown on which countries have splashed the most cash on second hand vessel purchases over 2018.USAJP Morgan Global Maritime is the US company who has spent the most on second hand vessels: 308 million USD so far in 2018. However, they have changed their purchasing strategy half way through the year.