Port State Controls News

Kongsberg Maritime has delivered new fleet and vessel management functionality through a recent customized software update across Dampskibsselskabet NORDEN A/S’ fleet and shore offices. The software roll-out took place during January 2016 and included updates to vessel and shore based modules covering maintenance, spare parts, information sharing, procurement and budgeting. The updated software was developed in close co-operation with NORDEN, an independent Danish shipping company operating a large global fleet of dry cargo vessels and product tankers.

Parker Kittiwake Procal, part of the Parker Hannifin Corporation and the supplier of continuous emissions monitoring systems (CEMS) for marine, power and offshore applications, has launched the new Procal 1200M data gathering system and control unit, specifically designed for maritime use by marine engineers. In addition to collecting and processing data from Parker Kittiwake Procal’s marine emissions analyzers, the Procal 12000M is capable of sending and receiving data from devices which monitor exhaust gas scrubbing systems.

Hamburg-based ship-owning and ship management company E.R. Schiffahrt developed a Crew Compliance Optimizer, CCO, together with its partners Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement and the scientists of the Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services (CML). "The maritime industry is in urgent need of an instrument capable of accurately planning the size and composition of the crew for a particular ship size and route and the work processes required during port stays," said Ole John, Senior Research Associate with Fraunhofer CML. The number of sailors needed on board essentially depends on how many are required to run the ship safely at all times and perform maintenance work in addition to that.

Jeppesen say that their new FlatFee licensing for its official Electronic Navigation Charts (ENCs) makes accessing and using them easy, cost effective and planning friendly. Jeppesen FlatFee lets mariners purchase some or all of nine worldwide zones at an affordable fixed price. Once purchased, vessels are able to view and use all charts, for both voyage planning and navigation, without limitations for a subscription term of one year. This helps mariners improve safety and ENC handling, while simplifying Port State Controls and ensuring predictable charting costs. If sailing needs change, additional zone subscriptions can be added without having to create new licenses — making Jeppesen FlatFee an extremely flexible and expandable chart licensing option.

DNV is supporting shipowners and operators through the initial enforcement phase of the Maritime Labor Convention with a range of services and advise that the major port state control bodies will go beyond International Labor Organization Resolution XVII recommendations to initially just concentrate on passenger ships and bulk carriers. “Paris MoU enforcement will be applied to all ship types, and those considered high risk will be the target of inspections,” said Georg Smefjell, DNV Head of Section.

Schat-Harding has opened a new service and sales center in Miami. Focussed initially on improving service to the cruise industry, it will also coordinate sales and service for all ships using Florida's ports. George Suarez, a cruise industry veteran, is leading the new team, which is co-located with Unitor Ships Services. "We have sixty percent of the market share of lifeboats and davits for cruise ships," says Trygve Kjerpeseth, manager of the service department of Schat-Harding. The Miami facility will be developed to include a technical team to provide quick response to service needs, a spare parts depot and a sales coordination center. "We have a facility in the USA, in Louisiana," explains Kjerpeseth. "But our strategic focus now is to be a lifetime partner to our clients.