Possible Applications News

Like so many other industries in transportation, the marine industry is being challenged on multiple fronts—from a shortage of manpower and emerging digital technologies to sustainability requirements. In the face of these growing pressures, ship designers increasingly rely on digital transformation to stay competitive and deliver higher-quality products. Digital transformation offers many solutions across a ship’s lifecycle, from design and crew training to interconnectivity and automation…

Mike Complita is going on 30 years in the maritime industry. Complita started work at Elliott Bay Design Group (EBDG) as an intern while attending the University of Washington in his hometown, Seattle. “And since that time, I've served in pretty much every role, from a technical and project management standpoint, all the way up to principal of our organization,” he said. Today, as Principal in Charge and VP of Strategic Expansion, Complita works alongside EBDG’s other principals to help guide the firm’s project managers…

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML): mention these two terms and the listener may instantly think of the ads displayed as you view your favorite online news site. This is one version of what AI/ML might be. Given the state of AI and ML research today, these advanced mathematical techniques represent something the U.S. Coast Guard should explore for mission application. To do this, common definitions need to be created, challenges understood, and practical use…

Liebherr-MCCtec Rostock GmbH has presented the latest innovation for the offshore crane market at the ONS exhibition- the RL-K 2600. The ram luffing knuckle boom crane series has been extended by this model which is especially characterized by a very compact design. Since space on deck is an increasingly important issue in the offshore sector, Liebherr has developed a new solution which meets the customers’ requirements. With a small tail swing radius of less than 3 meters the new RL-K 2600 significantly reduces restriction on freedom of movement on platforms and vessels.

Damen Dredging Equipment has unveiled its new electrically-driven E-DOP pump, every bit as capable as its hydraulic predecessor first introduced to the dredging industry 25 years ago. The new, electrical DOP pump offers added versatility to be more applicable to even more projects. Damen Product Director Dredging, Olivier Marcus, said, “When Damen developed the DOP pump, over a quarter of a century ago, we did so with much collaboration from dredging contractors. As a result of their input…

For the average person, tracking down a spare part is often merely an annoyance. But for the crew of a Coast Guard cutter, the availability of spare parts can be important to mission completion or greatly affect their work environment. The Coast Guard Research and Development Center in New London, Conn., is currently studying how the use of 3-D printing technology might improve mission readiness through logistical support. Now in the evaluation phase, 3-D printers are available…

A new concept in ship propulsion developed by Caterpillar has triumphed at the 17th annual Platts Global Energy Awards in New York. Winning the Commercial Application of the Year category, the twin fin system secured the prestigious award for its innovative design and energy-saving potential across a range of ship types. The Cat Propulsion twin fin system is a new short-shaft diesel electric set-up which has already demonstrated significant fuel and emissions-saving benefits of up to 30% in installations on board two seismic survey vessels of Ulstein SX124 design. Caterpillar has now expressed confidence that the new engine solution will yield energy savings of at least [15-20%] for other vessel types.

The Transas navigational simulator Navi-Trainer Professional 5000 was installed at the Center for Maritime and River Shipowners (CAFyM) in Asuncion for training crews in tugs operations in the Parana-Paraguay Waterway. The project was carried out in conjunction with VTG S.R.L., the Transas' local representative, which is covering commercial and technical needs of the Paraguayan market for all Transas products. The NTPRO version 5.35 installed at the CAFyM center is an excellent training solution due to its new capabilities for operation with different types of boats and barges in river waters.

Rim-driven thruster technology has emerged in recent years, demonstrating its potential for compact and silent maneuvering propulsion. Early development for this technology performed in Rostock, Germany at the company AIR. The project was then taken over by Voith, and the development of the Voith Inline Thruster and Voith Inline Propulsor was then continued. After the Voith factory was shut, the development team decided to offer its experience in rim-driven thrusters on its own through the newly established brand, Silentdynamics.

This new Wärtsilä engine supports the industry’s need for low-speed, 2-stroke engines for smaller vessels. It offers lower operating costs and improved environmental sustainability. With the addition of this engine, Wärtsilä now has an additional 2-stroke engine that can be fitted to smaller vessel types. The derated engine runs on lower rpm’s and features reduced fuel consumption, thereby enabling lower emission values to be achieved – including smokeless operation, especially at low engine load.

Air Ride Craft, Inc., Miami, has developed a new marine vehicle that promises to revolutionize the fast-craft industry. The Seacoaster combines the best features of the Surface Effect Ship (SES) and the catamaran. The vessel is the subject of extensive ongoing patent efforts both in the U.S. and internationally. It is applicable to all manner of marine craft markets including commercial and military. · Offers pricing comparable to other craft due to its simple low cost design. The first of these new vessels will go into service on Lake Erie this summer as a 44 knot, 150-passenger ferry for Island Express Boat Lines Ltd., Sandusky, Ohio. The passenger ferry, called Island Rocket II, is depicted in an artist's drawing in Figure 1. The 72 ft.