Vessel Control Systems News

Rolls-Royce is expanding its range of mtu NautIQ ship automation systems with three new products offering different levels of intelligent crew support, autonomous control and remote command capabilities.The new products—mtu NautIQ CoPilot, mtu NautIQ CoOperate and mtu NautIQ CoDirect—are the next step in the cooperation between Rolls-Royce and autonomous control and remote-vessel command systems developer Sea Machines Robotics, which was first announced in September 2021.The most advanced intelligent pilot assist system of the new product range…

Rolls-Royce and Sea Machines Robotics announced they are working together to deliver remote command, autonomous control and intelligent crew support systems to the marine market.As part of this agreement, Rolls-Royce business unit Power Systems and Sea Machines, the developer of remote-vessel command and autonomous control systems, will join forces on the development and sale of fully and semi-autonomous vessel control systems.Michael Johnson, CEO and founder of Sea Machines, said…

Ben Reed is a mechanical engineer from the U.K. now leading New Zealand-based waterjet manufacturer HamiltonJet as managing director.Raised in Shropshire, Reed graduated from Loughborough University of Technology in 1995 and later became a Chartered Engineer and Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineering. He’s worked for a U.K. gas utility company developing natural-gas-powered engines; Ford Motor Company as a Systems Analyst, and 17 years for Caterpillar UK in diesel engine and transmission development for off-highway machinery and military products…

The Internet of Maritime Things (IoMT) is coming! Start planning now.The Internet of Things (IoT) is already with us. You can get a doorbell camera that allows you to see on your smartphone who is at or approaching your front door. You can also get a refrigerator that keeps track of items inside and will advise you when you are running low (maybe on beer). It can also automatically place orders with your local grocery store for replenishment. Your automobile will attempt to keep you in your lane and avoid collisions while keeping track of where you are…

The United States Coast Guard Marine Safety Alert 06-19 (USCG MSA 06-19) outlines a February 2019 incident aboard a deep draft commercial vessel that called on the Port of New York / New Jersey after experiencing a significant cyber incident that impacted their shipboard network. The Safety Alert stated in part:“An interagency team of cyber experts, led by the Coast Guard, responded and conducted an analysis of the vessel’s network and essential control systems. The team concluded that although the malware significantly degraded the functionality of the onboard computer system…

Whilst investigating a cyber incident onboard a ship the USCG found that the security risk presented by the shipboard network was well known among the crew before the incident.In its recent Marine Safety Alert 06-19, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) shares its findings from an investigation into a cyber incident onboard a commercial vessel:“In February 2019, a deep draft vessel on an international voyage bound for the Port of New York and New Jersey reported that they were experiencing a significant cyber incident impacting their shipboard network.

IN a recent notice, the U.S. Coast Guard again warns of the importance of maintaining your guard on cyber security, on land and at sea.In February 2019, a deep draft vessel on an international voyage bound for the Port of New York and New Jersey reported that they were experiencing a significant cyber incident impacting their shipboard network. An interagency team of cyber experts, led by the Coast Guard, responded and conducted an analysis of the vessel’s network and essential control systems.

After 10 years at the helm, Harry Bolton handed over command of the Training Ship Golden Bear Wednesday at California State University Maritime Academy.Bolton, a 1978 graduate of the Academy, returned to Cal Maritime on May 1, 2008 after a 30-year career with American Maritime Officers. Twenty of those years were with American Overseas Marine Corporation (AMSEA) aboard the original preposition ships based out of Guam, Saipan and Diego Garcia. Bolton began sailing as Master in 1985, only seven years after graduation.Dr.

Wärtsilä has set out to accelerate new business ideas using a collection of “Digital Acceleration Centers” (DAC) scattered around the globe. The first DAC in Helsinki has been running in beta for several months and was officially launched today, and will be followed by the second to open in Singapore in December, as well as one in Central Europe and one in North America anticipated during 2018. Additional “pop-up” DACs will be tested with customers at other locations. Wärtsilä said opening the DACs is part of its digital transformation, which aims to help the company shift toward a data-driven, insights led, smart technology. Wärtsilä's Chief Digital Officer, Marco Ryan, explained, “The Digital Acceleration Center is all about getting business outcomes at pace.

Wärtsilä has acquired Guidance Marine Limited, a technology leader within the marine industry for sensor solutions relating to dynamic positioning and other vessel control systems, such as collision avoidance and remote control operations. Wärtsilä said it is committed to providing technologies needed to enhance “intelligent” shipping, whereby digital solutions will improve the efficiency, safety and profit earning capabilities. According to Wärtsilä, the acquisition of Guidance Marine will enhance its capabilities in the areas essential for more intelligent vessel navigation such as situational awareness and near-field measurement.

BOURBON entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Automated Ships Ltd to support the building of the world’s first autonomous, fully-automated prototype vessel for offshore operations, in collaboration with the project’s primary technology partner, KONGSBERG. BOURBON will provide detailed input to the development and design of the Hrönn project, ensuring flexibility, reliability and cost efficiency to operate safely and effectively in the offshore environment. In the second phase of the project…

Vessel Technology has announced the launch of a new product, the DPSS Net. The new DPSS Net product aims to allow customers to reduce operating costs, time and risk associated with Dynamic Positioning operations. The DPSS Net allows network storm tests to be carried out to verify vessel control systems as well as identify any issues. David Milne, Director of Vessel Technology, said, “The DPSS Net compliments Vessel Technology’s DPSS product which has been warmly received into the industry where no similar solution is available.

DSME and Kongsberg Maritime have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) for a new LNG FSRU regasification control system. As part of the delivery scope for a vessel currently under construction at the Okpo shipyard in South Korea, DSME will develop a High Fidelity Dynamic Simulator for the regasification plant. The JDA, which was signed on 29th November 2016, enables DSME to utilise Kongsberg Maritime’s Dynamic Process Simulator ‘K-Spice’ and the ‘K-Chief’ automation and control system for the joint development of the vessel’s regasification control system. Both parties have extensive experience in the field of LNG vessel control systems. DSME is fast approaching delivery of 100 LNG ships, many of them operating with Kongsberg Maritime’s LNG control system on board.

While talk of autonomous operations in the maritime sector have swirled for years, the talk becomes reality as Automated Ships Ltd. (an M Subs Ltd subsidiary) and Norway’s Kongsberg Maritime signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build the world’s first unmanned and fully-automated vessel for offshore operations. In January 2017, Automated Ships Ltd will contract the ‘Hrönn’, which will be designed and built in Norway in cooperation with KONGSBERG. Sea trials will take place…

GE unveiled today its new GE Marine organization which cumulates several GE businesses and will be led by Tim Schweikert, vice president, GE Marine. The new organization brings together GE’s commercial and technological expertise in the marine sector from gas turbines and diesel engines to motors and generators, variable speed drives and drilling systems to automation and control systems and all the electrical equipment in between. GE Marine combines this with system integration capabilities and a global infrastructure—including training and service facilities.

GE’s Power Conversion business will provide dynamic positioning (DP) and vessel control systems to equip the next generation platform supply vessels (PSV4500), currently under construction at the Detroit shipyard to the Brazilian shipbuilder Starnav Serviços Marítimos Ltda. These vessels, the first of which will be commissioned and will be put into operation by Starnav in 2015 on behalf of Brazilian oil giant Petrobras, will target fuel efficiencies as one of their primary aims. GE’s control system incorporates an Energy Efficient mode, part of GE’s ecomagination portfolio.

Kongsberg Maritime has secured contracts for the delivery of fully integrated navigation and automation systems for a series of 14 crude/product tankers ordered by BP shipping Ltd. The new builds will be delivered by STX Offshore and Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. by September 2016. The contracts, which were awarded through an international open tender, are valued at approx. NOK 145 Million. Kongsberg Maritime will deliver ‘Full picture’ integrated vessel control systems including navigation, communication, and automation of machinery and propulsion systems. Included in the Kongsberg  scope of supply is also a state-of-the-art tank monitoring and gauging system, based upon advanced radar technology.

Kongsberg Maritime has secured contracts with a value of NOK 150 Million to deliver fully integrated navigation and automation systems for a series of 10 container vessels ordered by United Arab Shipping Company (UASC) and under construction at HII. The five 14,000 TEU class and five 18,800 class vessels will be among the largest, most technologically advanced and environmentally friendly containerships ever built. They are scheduled for delivery by builder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) during the first half of 2015.

Beier Radio was established in 1945 as a family business in a garage workshop. In 1945, two-way radios were the most technologically advanced electronics on the market, hence the name Beier Radio. As the technology has evolved, so has the company, and although Beier Radio continues to sell and service radios, this is only a small part of its business today. The company has remained on the cutting edge of technology, and today it manufactures, sells and services vessel control systems…

GE’s Power Conversion business was awarded a contract by the Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City, Fla., to supply integrated diesel-electric power, propulsion and vessel control systems for two multipurpose supply vessels (MPSVs) with installed horsepower of 12,070 BHP (9,000 kW). Eastern will build the MPSVs for Hornbeck Offshore Services of Covington, La. Over the last four years, GE has signed seven contracts with Eastern, equipping a total of 24 vessels. Recently, Eastern and Hornbeck launched the first in a series of 10 platform supply vessels (PSVs), which GE also equipped.

Last month, Yanmar Europe BV introduced its new Joystick Control System at the boot Düsseldorf 2013 show. This was the first introduction and demonstration to the European Powerboat market. Compared to other vessel control systems, the Yanmar Joystick Control System is unique as it is the only hydraulic solution available on the market delivering high performance at affordable cost. Yanmar Joystick Control System is superior in comfort, performance and cost. Wil Botman, Area Manager for the Marine Sales Department comments: “With the introduction of the Yanmar Joystick Control System modern boating becomes even more comfortable. Superior…

Swiber becomes first Asia operator to save costs with Enginei Fuel Management System. The Swiber Group company, Newcruz Offshore Marine Services, has become the first in the Asian market to take advantage of the cost benefits of the enginei fuel management system from Royston Limited. The system was sold by Royston’s Singapore agent, Can Traders, and was installed aboard Swiber’s new offshore support vessel, the Swiber Carina. It is being used to provide real time fuel consumption details on board and simultaneously in the head office.

Rolls-Royce won a $69m order to design and equip two advanced offshore anchor handling vessels for Norwegian ship owner Farstad Shipping. The UT 731 CD vessels are designed and equipped to handle anchors for oil rigs, tow rigs to location and also serve as supply vessels. They can operate in extreme climatic conditions and ultra deep waters, undertaking precise rig manoeuvring operations in water up to 3,000m deep. They are also equipped for sub sea construction and installation duties.