Remote Control Systems News

Aluminum boatbuilder Silver Ships announced it has secured its largest shipbuilding contract order to date.The Theodore, Ala. builder said it was awarded a $6.1 million dollar firm-fixed-price General Services Administration (GSA) contract for the construction and delivery of up to 246 High-Speed Maneuvering Surface Target (HSMST) custom vessels. The deal includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $48.25 million dollars.Delivery of the first target boats is scheduled for March 2024.This contract entails the construction of Silver Ships’ AM800 RHIB.

After prototype testing in January 2023, classification society ABS has issued the world's first ABS CyberSafety Product Design Assessment (PDA) certification for the main engine and main propulsion remote control systems (M-800 series) from Nabtesco Corporation.“In vessel operations today, more and more components are connected and reliant on digitally enabled systems that introduce new risks and vulnerabilities into the maritime supply chain. By addressing the risks early at the individual component and equipment levels, equipment manufacturers can help mitigate potential negative impacts.

Since the ballast water management system discussion started nearly two decades ago, a clear concern was the ability to fit new equipment on existing ships, placing a strain on both space and power. Last month we caught up with a few key suppliers to for their insights on market development.How many BWMS have you sold and installed to date?Maxime Dedeurwaerder, BIO-UV GroupLast year has proven to be the best on record, with roughly 200 BIO-Sea units delivered. All told, since we entered the ballast water market, we have about 700 units in service or pending commissioning.

South Korea-based Techcross reported it has started off 2023 strong with its first order in a new business area.The company, widely known for its ballast water management systems (BWMS), in 2022 expanded its product lineup to include a tank level gauging systems (TLGS ) and valve remote control systems (VRCS). The company also rolled out an IBTV (Integrated BWMS/TLGS/VRCS), an IoT-applied control platform that can integrate all the equipment for optimal operation, and service…

Svitzer, Kongsberg Maritime and the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) signed a deal to jointly develop the RECOTUG, touted as the world’s first commercial tug to be fully operated from a remote operations center on shore.Each organization delivers a unique perspective: Svitzer brings operational experience; Kongsberg brings remote control systems and autonomous technology; and ABS brings guidance for regulatory approval.The RECOTUG project's aim is to develop a remotely controlled…

Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) has ordered energy management and electric propulsion package from GE’s Power Conversion for the new Combat Support Ship (CSS) being built for the Royal Netherlands Navy.The CSS ordered by the Dutch government in December 2019 will be 180 meters in length, will accommodate a 75-persons basic crew, with capacity for an additional 85 persons on-board. GE’s will deliver main switchboards for the ship distribution system, with two shore connection cubicles…

Press coverage of early commercial marine autonomy projects is remarkably broad given the small number of marine industry professionals engaged in bringing these projects to market. The much larger assembly of industry stakeholders are left wondering what marine autonomy means for them. Regulatory, cost, and technical challenges stand in the way of fielding today’s autonomy technologies for most existing fleets and vessel missions. Autonomy is coming whether you’re prepared or not.

Furuno has acquired Danish company EMRI A/S, founded in 1972 and specializing in autopilots, steering control, joystick dynamic positioning and maneuvering systems.Based in Herlev, a suburb to Copenhagen, EMRI is a provider of steering control systems, autopilots and track control systems. Their autopilots have been well accepted for almost 2 decades, worldwide, and are today in operation onboard 1000+ vessels. Steering control systems have also been a key focus of EMRI’s for many years.

Rolls-Royce and VTT Technical Research Center of Finland Ltd have announced a strategic partnership to design, test and validate the first generation of remote and autonomous ships. The new partnership will combine and integrate the two company’s unique expertise to make such vessels a commercial reality. Rolls-Royce is pioneering the development of remote controlled and autonomous ships and believes a remote controlled ship will be in commercial use by the end of the decade. The company is applying technology, skills and experience from across its businesses to this development.

Kongsberg Maritime has completed an extensive refit of a 21-year-old Main Engine, Remote Control System aboard a VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier) during the vessel’s scheduled docking. The original Main Engine, Remote Control System installed at a newbuilding yard in Japan was de-commissioned and the latest Kongsberg AutoChief 600 was commissioned by a Dedicated Refit Team. The advanced AutoChief 600 is designed to manage all control, safety and alarm functions necessary for operating the main engine and all other accessories for propulsion control from a single station on the bridge. The system is based on a modular concept that allows flexibility in system architecture, covering a range from the most simplified to the most sophisticated propulsion control system available.

Hiab, part of Cargotec, is renewing its mid-range loader cranes with 24 totally new models which will be launched in connection to upcoming exhibitions in Elmia, Sweden and IAA, Germany. "Our new product strategy is based on our customers' way of working rather than on capacity and tonne metres. We have focused on ensuring that the new mid-range selection offers a variety of control systems that serve our end-users' everyday work in the best possible way," says Joakim Andersson, Senior Vice President, Loader Cranes, Hiab. The new HIAB mid-range cranes are available with a full selection of manual and remote control systems, which gives the operators the freedom to choose a system that answers exactly to their needs.

Next generation of maritime technology will be developed with ship owners at high technology facility in Helsinki, Finland. Power and automation group ABB has upped its commitment to research and development in the marine sector by opening a new laboratory in Helsinki, next to the Azipod factory, aiming to bring together all the company’s offerings for the shipping industry under one roof. ABB said it has invested significant funds in the scheme, which will be used by the 30 ABB engineers dedicated to marine research in Helsinki as well as to demonstrate products to customers.

Installed and on the water, Yanmar’s 6AYA-ET engines are already providing value on the U.S. Gulf Coast. This fully mechanical engine is anything but low-tech. More than 60 years of worldwide experience plus an engine designed specifically for the United States market has made a winning combination for YANMAR’s new EPA compliant commercial engine application. The Push boat Sherry L, owned by E Squared Marine Services, LLC from Texas and repowered by Laborde Products, now operates even more quietly and with better fuel consumption thanks to its new 6AYAM-ET engines. That’s only part of the story, however. With a need for 24 hours of continuous operation each day pushing inland barges from Channelview to Galveston and on Gulf intercoastal waterways…

Rotork announced it has acquired Masso Ind s.p.a., a manufacturer of shipboard valve remote control systems (VRCS), to enhance its range of flow control products and services for the worldwide marine and offshore industries. Masso VRCS solutions include hydraulic and electro-hydraulic systems that are compatible with most integrated automation systems required for critical safety applications. The Masso product range also includes hydraulic quarter-turn and linear actuators, hydraulic power packs, solenoid cabinets and electro-hydraulic actuators for shipboard applications.

MTU will be presenting its propulsion and system solutions at the International yachting “Festival de la Plaisance” in Cannes from September 9-14, 2014. Visitors will be able to discover the extensive portfolio of the Rolls-Royce Power Systems subsidiary at Stand JAS-025. An advanced Series 2000 M96 yacht engine which meets US emission stage EPA Tier 3 (for leisure craft) will be on view for the first time. “The latest generation of Series 2000 engines stands out with optimized acceleration and low fuel consumption. The engine meets EPA Tier 3 emission limits using in-engine technology only and without having to resort to exhaust aftertreatment”, explains Dr. Michael Haidinger, Chief Sales Officer at Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

Award for the tabletop unit of ABB’s new remote crane operator station, which is a crucial part of ABB’s crane operation solution that enables increased productivity and provides improved working environment for crane operators. ABB, a power and automation technology group, has been awarded the “red dot award” 2014 for the tabletop operator control unit of its new Remote Control Station (RCS). An international panel of 40 experts assessed products submitted by more than 1,800 manufacturers…

Leading international classification society Bureau Veritas has classed the first passenger ferry built in Bangladesh for a Danish owner and operation in Danish waters. The 147-passenger Isefjord was built by Western Marine Shipyard Limited in Chittagong, Bangladesh and delivered to Danish operator Hundested  Rorvig  Faergefart A/S in February. The vessel meets all Danish Maritime Authority requirements and will fly the Danish flag. The vessel is a 51-meter-long double-ended ferry equipped to carry up to 147 passengers and 28 vehicles.

Human Systems Integration (HSI) is a recognized requirement for many organizations. This is rapidly becoming more important as the professional RHIB and high speed craft sector are required to perform increasingly complex tasks. The objective is for marine units to deal with new scenarios, make fast decisions and implement them using high speed craft and specialist equipment to achieve successful outcomes. Crew-Systems Integration (CSI) brings together all these elements for the fast boat sector.

Innovative Electronics Company Debuts Line of Powerful Marine-Grade Computers with Space-Saving Design for Convenient and Flexible Installation. Kessler-Ellis Products (KEP) Marine, the manufacturer of industry-leading marine sunlight readable displays, and high-quality marine hardware and software products, announced today its new line of powerful marine-grade mini-rack computers, the Barracuda series. Built from the ground up to provide high performance computing in a small footprint, the Barracuda systems fit KEP Marine’s new proprietary space-saving 12-inch rack.

Caterpillar Marine has acquired Johan Walter Berg AB, whose core brand, Berg Propulsion, is a leading manufacturer of mechanically and electrically driven propulsion systems and marine controls for ships. As a result of the acquisition completion, all Berg Propulsion products will be rebranded as Caterpillar. The new Cat® Propulsion System for optimized bundles and propulsion packages includes controllable pitch propellers, transverse thrusters, azimuth thrusters, aftermarket parts and remote control systems. All Cat Propulsion System products are ideally suited for the complete and comprehensive line of Cat and MaK™ medium and high speed engines.

Caterpillar Marine and Power Systems was one of the most active companies at the 2013 International Workboat Show in New Orleans, debuting several new products that are compliant with EPA Tier 3 and 4 regulations, and finalizing the acquisition of propulsion equipment manufacturer Johan Walter Berg AB. Caterpillar Inc., which is one of the biggest names in industrial equipment, engines and turbines, recorded 2012 sales revenues of $65.9 billion. Contributing to that sum is Cat’s globally-operating subsidiary…

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, won orders worth $180 million in 2013 to deliver complete electrical power plants and propulsion systems for six new cruise liners that include its latest-generation Azipod XO units. The orders make 2013 the best-ever year for ABB in cruise liners with the Azipod system. The six ships include two for Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), two for Royal Caribbean International and one each for Holland America Line and Carnival Cruise Lines, all leading brands in the cruise market. The orders were booked over the course of the year, with about $30 million in the first quarter, about $90 million in the second, about $30 million in the third, and the remaining $30 million in the fourth.

MX-Scrubber installation now up and running in full scale test facility by Marine Exhaust Technology, a dedicated Danish supplier of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems for SOx and NOx. As per December 1, 2013 a closed loop Scrubber installation designed for marine applications has been up and running successfully at the Marine Exhaust Technology test facility in Frederikshavn, Denmark. Thus, Marine Exhaust Technology becomes the first supplier in Denmark and among the top three suppliers world wide of Exhaust Gas Cleaning Systems with operational full scale Scrubber and SCR test facilities…