Measurement Systems News

NAVTOR’s NavFleet performance management and optimiation platform will now be able to access the data collected by HOPPE’s onboard vessel technology, after the two signed a new collaboration partnership that allows customers of the firms to feed real-time operational data into the NavFleet application, giving onshore teams complete awareness, understanding and control of their maritime assets.It is, says Arild Risholm Sæther, CBDO NavFleet, NAVTOR, “the key to better business decisions that impact on performance, profitability and sustainable fleet management.

Finland-based marine equipment and technology firm Wärtsilä has sold Wärtsilä Tank Control Systems business to Svanehøj, a Danish gas pump specialist involved in the design and manufacture of specialized deep well pump solutions within the areas of gas pumps, fuel pumps, products and chemicals, and offshore products.Wärtsilä Tank Control Systems designs, builds, sells, and services measurement systems for gas tanks on LNG ships, offshore storage, and land-based LNG terminals.

My brother, who is the executive editor of my favorite boating magazine (Soundings), and I occasionally send strange tidbits to each other by email. For some reason he sent me an email about the 17th Century ship Vasa and focused on one of the causes of the vessel’s failure to float properly.This is the Wikipedia paragraph he focused on:"The use of different measuring systems on either side of the vessel caused its mass to be distributed asymmetrically, heavier to port. During construction both Swedish feet and Amsterdam feet were in use by different teams.

Italian firm Fratelli Cosulich Group has ordered a liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering vessel. The ship, which will be built in China, at the CIMC SOE shipyard, with its approximately 5,300 tons of DWT will be able to transport over 8,000 m3 of LNG and 500 m3 of MGO for bunkering. The vessel will be equipped by Wartsila, a Finland-based company specializing in the manufacture of propulsion and power generation systems for marine use with Dual Fuel technology. According to Fratelli Cosulich…

Availability of reliable, real-time ocean surface data can improve the safety, efficiency and performance of offshore and marine operations, as well as coastal monitoring, but the quality of the data is dependent on accurate calibration.Calibration of wave spectra and integrated wave parameters from radar-based measurement systems has historically depended upon external reference sensors, such as wave buoys, which can present a number of challenges.Miros’ ocean surface monitoring systems support fully automatic calibration…

Merseyside UK shipyard and engineering services company Cammell Laird has appointed a new quality assurance manager to forge closer relationships with suppliers and bring best practice from other industries to his new role.Gordon Maxwell is the new QA manager heading up a team of 19 striving to deliver the company vision of getting it right first time.He said he is looking to take a more proactive approach to quality assurance as he draws on his experience of working for the likes of television parts manufacturer Philips Components and central heating manufacturer Baxi.

Global certification group DNV GL has launched its first LiDAR verification site in Asia to cater for the growing windpower market.The world’s largest resource of independent energy experts and certification body said in a press release that the site, based in the near-shore facility, in Youngkwang, South Korea, provides optimal wind conditions for the verification of wind systems.LiDAR measurement verifications are vital to subsequently conduct measurement campaigns for power performance testing of wind turbines as well as site assessments with LiDAR measurement systems.The facility has “optimal conditions” for wind power benchmarking…

The shipping sector is constantly striving to optimize the efficiency of large engines. This endeavor calls for new approaches and innovative products. Each percentage point of efficiency gained here has an immense impact on fuel consumption and emissions. Kistler responds to the trend toward higher cylinder pressures in engines (up to 300 bar) with its rugged, accurate and durable measurement systems. The efficiency of large engines such as those used on commercial vessels can be increased with the help of cylinder pressure sensors that precisely monitor the combustion process.

1 January 2017 was a historic milestone in the protection of our polar waters for future generations. On that day, International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (the Polar Code) came into force. The Polar Code is aimed at protecting ships and the people aboard them, both seafarers and passengers, in the harsh environment of the waters surrounding our two poles, Arctic and Antarctic. The Polar Code covers the full range of shipping-related matters relevant to navigation in waters surrounding the two poles, including ship design, construction and equipment as well as operational and training concerns. Also, search and rescue, the protection of the unique environment and eco-systems of the Polar Regions are covered by the Code.

ABS, a leading provider of classification services to the global marine and offshore industries, has completed a project with a group of leading Greek shipowners to support preparations for implementing the European Union’s Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) regulation for CO2 emissions. The result of this initiative is a clear interpretation of the regulation that allows companies to understand how they will be affected and what steps have to be taken to achieve and demonstrate compliance. “The EU MRV Regulation establishes a regional regime that requires owners to put in place systems and practices that provide clear and precise evidence of compliance,” says Dr. Kirsi Tikka, ABS Executive Vice President, Global Marine.

Rimouski-based company OpDAQ Systems has been awarded a contract to equip 34 Canadian Coast Guard vessels with fuel management marine systems. The embedded systems will provide onboard staff and managers with real-time data on fuel consumption, engine power and ship speed. This approach has advantages both economically and environmentally by facilitating continuous and measurable improvement of operations, according to the developer. Since its creation in 2008, OpDAQ Systems has exported its products to more than 24 countries through its network of distributors.

TE Connectivity (TE), a world leader in connectivity and sensor solutions, today announced a new Macro Sensors SSBR-937 Series CANBus LVDT Position Sensor with a  CANopen interface compliant to CiA 443 for subsea instruments. The CiA 443 CANopen profile offers more interoperable and standardized communications to network with devices from different manufacturers used on the ocean floor. The new submersible position sensor withstands deep sea environments with external pressures up to 5000 psi in excess of 1 million hours mean time between failure (MTBF), when encased in special alloys. The subsea CiA LVDT position sensor also offers extraordinary repeatability (error less than 0.01% of full range), regardless of offsets due to pressure and/or temperature.

A new NOAA National Ocean Service website will provide mariners near real-time coastal ocean surface current observations and tidal current predictions in coastal waters using high frequency (HF) radar, making marine navigation safer for mariners and commercial shippers. The web-based observations are now available for the Chesapeake and San Francisco Bays in areas vital for marine navigation, with additional locations to follow. The product was made possible by NOAA’s Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS) using data from the NOAA-led U.S.

Hoffer Flow Controls, Inc. recently received a new contract from the U. S. Navy Sea Systems Command to supply fuel flow measurement systems as a part of the U.S. Navy’s Energy Dashboard Program. Hoffer fuel measurement systems are currently incorporated into the “Energy Dashboard Proof-of-Concept System” aboard several of the US Navy DDG51 class ships. The new contract will expand significantly the number of ships equipped with these systems. The “Energy Dashboard” uses an integrated condition assessment system…

Greg Knitz, President of Alignment Supplies, Inc., announced the North American launch of the ALiSENSOR SHAFTLASER, a completely revolutionary new system for shaft alignment that combines all of the best aspects of Apple's iOS devices like the iPad and iPhone with the most streamlined and easy-to-use shaft alignment interface ever developed. “ALiSENSOR has already revolutionized the world of geometric measurement with the ALiSENSOR Level,” said Mr. Knitz, “and now they have changed the game for laser shaft alignment users all over the world.” At only $4…

US-based Macro Sensors introduces a line of submersible LVDT Position Sensors for use as part of subsea measurement systems. Macro Sensors say that their LVDTs are proven to offer reliable measurement and feedback for continuous monitoring. The SSIR 937 Series Submersible LVDT Position Sensor is now a standard design available from stock for fast turnaround. Offering extraordinary repeatability in extreme pressure environments, the SSIR 937 Series Submersible LVDT Position Sensors can withstand deep sea environments with external pressures to 5000 psi.

Founded in 1993 Agilis has worked with nearly every major turbine engine manufacturer supporting development programs in a range of sectors. Founded in 1993 by current President & CEO Frank O’Neill, Agilis expanded in 2002 to include Agilis Measurement Systems (AMS), a software, hardware, and data acquisition company specializing in Non-Intrusive Stress Measurement (NSMS). Agilis Engineering and Agilis Measurement Systems recognize the employees, both past and present, who have continuously provided their dedication, talent, and energy to helping Agilis customers meet their development objectives. “It is these people who have made Agilis a great place to work for two decades,” says O’Neill. Agilis Engineering, Inc.

Wärtsilä introduced its Intelligent Combustion Monitoring system for two-stroke diesel engines; a system designed to provide ship operators and owners with  information that enables operators to optimize vessel engine performance, and to be aware of the condition of components in the combustion chamber. By operating at optimal firing pressures, fuel cost savings of up to two percent compared to deteriorated parameters can be achieved. Furthermore, the condition information ensures that maintenance is carried out at the right time. The Wärtsilä Intelligent Combustion Monitoring system provides a means for measuring the pressures in each cylinder during the entire combustion process, continuously, in parallel, and under all load conditions.

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) Director Michael R. Bromwich announced today that the bureau will begin to use multiple-person inspection teams for offshore oil and gas inspections. This internal process improvement will improve oversight and help ensure that offshore operations proceed safely and responsibly. The new process will allow teams to inspect multiple operations simultaneously and thoroughly, and enhance the quality of inspections on larger facilities. “We are bolstering our inspection program with additional resources and new approaches,” said BOEMRE Director Michael R. Bromwich. In addition to on-the-job training…

Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) Director Michael R. Bromwich delivered remarks June 22 at the 5th annual World National Oil Companies Congress in London. The World National Oil Companies Congress brings together senior executives from national oil companies and government leaders from around the world to discuss global energy issues. Director Bromwich is attending this year's meeting to further the bureau’s efforts to expand bilateral and multilateral cooperation with regulatory counterparts around the globe, especially in light of the recommendations of the National Commission on the Deepwater…

Evans Waterless Heavy Duty Coolant Increases Fuel Economy, Reduces Emissions and Lowers TCO in Independent Testing. Evans Cooling Systems, Inc., developer of the only waterless engine coolant, reported that recent testing with Emisstar LLC, a nationally recognized emissions testing firm, showed a reduction of 3.6% in CO2 emissions and a 4% fuel economy improvement. Emisstar is a clean energy and emissions technology consulting firm that provides independent third party testing services for the development of sustainable transportation technology strategies.

James A. Watson IV, Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Named Rear Admiral James A. Watson IV as New Director of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) in November of 2011. BSEE was one of the two agencies to succeed the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) on Oct. 1, 2011. Admiral Watson began as BSEE Director on December 1, 2011, and will succeed Michael R. Bromwich. Previously, Watson was better known to maritime stakeholders as the U.S.

OceanGate Inc. OceanGate Inc., recently appointed Geoffrey Barker and Lee Thompson to serve on the Company's Board of Directors. "We are pleased to welcome Geof and Lee to our board," said Stockton Rush, Chairman and CEO. Geoffrey T. Barker is the COO, co-founder and a member of the Board of Directors of RPX Corporation , which provides patent risk management solutions to companies in the broad technology industry. Mr. Barker has an extensive background developing new businesses, and, in addition to RPX, founded and co-founded two other companies, one of which was ultimately sold for $400 million. Lee Thompson is CEO and co-founder of BlueView Technologies, which delivers groundbreaking underwater vision and measurement systems to the maritime community. Dr.