CARB approves barge mounted alternative to shore power

AEG’s Advanced Maritime Emission Control System (AMECS), essentially, takes a barge-mounted  scrubber system to the ship. Unlike existing shore power options, it does not require retrofits to each vessel.

“AMECS is a game-changer in the fields of emission control and air quality. Multiple AMECS units can remove thousands of tons of pollutants each year,” said Ruben Garcia, President of AEG. “These mobile barge-mounted systems use patented technology to attach to the auxiliary exhaust stacks of nearly any vessel entering port – at-berth or at-anchor – eliminating the need for expensive ship retrofits, and providing the public with cleaner air.”

AMECS is approved for simultaneous emission capture from two exhaust stacks of a single ship, with independently verified test results proving 90% to 99% reduction of the particulate matter (PM), nitrous oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxides (SO2) found in diesel exhaust.

“CARB’s approval of AMECS as an alternative to the at-berth emissions reductions rule provides the flexibility our shipping lines need while protecting our environment and creating new jobs for our communities,” said representatives from the Port of Long Beach, a strong supporter of AMECS throughout its development.

In 2013, the Port of Long Beach provided about $2 million in seed money to help test the  AMECS system.

“We’re thrilled any time we can find more tools to reduce emissions and continue to improve community health. That’s why we fund projects like the demonstration and testing of these new technologies, through our Technology Advancement Program,” said Board of Harbor Commissioners President Lori Ann Guzmán. “We’ve made a lot of progress in reducing air pollution, and we are nurturing new technologies like these to help us do even more.”

Vital bridge equipment: Digital camera

 

The club points out that experts need clear images to provide early remote assistance with incidents and the immediate actions required, and that insurers need evidence of the alleged damage and the losses suffered.

Currently, says Mike Harrison of marine consultancy Solis Marine Consultants, Ltd., when dealing with many fixed object damage claims – broken fenders, concrete or pile damage, crane contact – experts or insurers often have little to go on, “perhaps a quick sketch, a few pixelated images and a remarkably large bill for repairs and loss of use.”

Writing in the latest issue of the London club’s StopLoss Bulletin, Mr. Harrison  says that in many cases, the immediate task of collecting and preserving evidence lies with the master and crew.

“Good photographs taken as soon as possible after the event are invaluable, and can easily be shared by email with a remote expert for instant advice on key issues,” he writes. “The expert can then identify where further detail might be useful, the signs of prior damage and perhaps dilapidation or poor design.”

“These days, $100 buys a camera capable of storing and taking quality images,” notes Mr. Harrison. “There is no need to compromise on quality or quantity.”

Mr. Harrison says that the bridge kit should include as a minimum:

“The camera should be kept on the bridge, fully charged with an empty storage card. Most cameras have an internal clock which should be checked and set to UTC. This time-stamp is used when the image file is stored, essential when the chronology of events could be questioned,” says Mr. Harrison.

Wartsila sees marine market remaining challenging

It reported that order intake over the nine month period was stable at EUR 3,529 million (3,562 million in the prior year equivalent period) and that net sales increased 6% to EUR 3,439 million (3,230).

Wärtsilä expects its net sales for 2015 to grow by 5-10% and its operational profitability (EBIT% before non-recurring items) to be 12.0-12.5%. This guidance includes the impact of the L-3 Marine Systems International (MSI) acquisition. MSI is expected to contribute approximately EUR 250 million to net sales and EUR 9 million to the operating result during 2015. Excluding purchase price allocation amortization, MSI’s operating result is estimated to reach EUR 16 million.

Björn Rosengren, who will be succeeded as President and CEO by Jaakko Eskola on November 1, said that the Marine Solutions markets remain challenging.

“Low vessel contracting volumes, together with weak sentiment in the offshore segment, is impacting our order intake,” he said. “I am pleased to note that our Services business is compensating well for the lower demand in our equipment markets. Improved maintenance demand from marine customers and stability within power plant service indicates a positive outlook for the rest of this year.”

Wärtsilä expects the overall outlook for the shipping and shipbuilding markets to remain challenging.

“Overcapacity continues to affect demand,” says the company. “Low oil prices are impacting investments in offshore exploration and development, resulting in weak contracting of offshore drilling units and support vessels. Gas carrier contracting is expected to remain on a normalized level. The outlook for the cruise segment remains positive thanks to an anticipated increase in Asian passenger traffic, while the outlook for ferries is supported by signs of economic recovery in the USA and Europe. The importance of fuel efficiency and environmental regulations are clearly visible. The regulatory environment is driving interest in gas as a marine fuel in the wider marine markets.”

The overall service market outlook is positive with growth opportunities in selected regions and segments. An increase in the installed base of medium-speed engines and propulsion equipment is offsetting the slower service demand for older installations and the uncertainty regarding short-term demand in the merchant marine segment. The service demand for installations operating on oil based fuels is expected to grow as low oil prices have had a favorable impact on operating costs. Although the decline in oil prices has resulted in a challenging outlook for offshore services in specific regions, the growth during recent years in the offshore installed base partially compensates for a potential decline in service volumes. The service outlook for gas fueled vessels remains favorable.”

Read the interim report HERE

Austal launches first of two HSSVs for Oman

Hull 390 — the future RNOV Al Mubshir — entered the water on schedule after 13 months of construction and fit out.

Based on the proven Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) platform — previously known as the Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) — being built for the U.S. Navy at Austal’s Mobile, AL, shipyard, the HSSV offers a range of capabilities to support naval operations, including helicopter operations, rapid deployment of military personnel and cargo, search and rescue operations, humanitarian aid and disaster relief missions.

The shipbuilder was awarded the US$124.9 million contract for the design, construction and integrated logistics support of the two Omani HSSVs in March 2014 and construction commenced in August 2014.

This first HSSV will now complete final fitout before sea trials, prior to delivery to the RNO early in 2016. The second HSSV is under construction and is on schedule for completion in mid 2016.

Austal Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bellamy said the on-schedule launching of the first HSSV demonstrates Austal’s proven capability to design, construct (and support) large, multiple naval vessel programs.

“From our defense portfolio, Austal is currently contracted to deliver ten 127 m frigate-sized Littoral Combat Ships and ten 103 m Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF) vessels to the United States Navy – as well as two OPV-sized 72 m High Speed Support Vessels, here in Western Australia for the Royal Navy of Oman,” said Mr. Bellamy.

“Our track record here in Australia and overseas clearly supports Austal’s strong proposition that we can effectively and efficiently deliver the Australian Government’s Future Frigate and Offshore Patrol Vessel programs,” he added.

China-Taiwan ship finance deal funds Foremost newbuilds

The Beijing office of China’s Export Import Bank and the New York Office of Taiwan’s First Commercial Bank will each provide $37.5 million loan facilities to support construction of the two 180,000 bulk carriers which are being built by the Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Heavy Industry subsidiary of state-owned China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation (CSIC).

Among those present for the signing was former U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao, whose public service career has also included being Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission and Deputy U.S. Maritime Administrator. Her husband is Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Front Street Shipyard to build carbon fiber hulled ferries

Working in conjunction with Maine Composites Alliance and Martin Grimnes, a Norwegian composites expert living in Maine, Arcadia Alliance is aiming its highly efficient ferries at state and federal agencies seeking to replace aging, less efficient passenger vessels.

Brødrene Aa designs and builds carbon-fiber passenger vessels in a modern shipyard, well suited for manufacturing of composite products, with a total of 3,000 square meters of fully moisture-and temperature controlled indoor facilities, The company has built 50 carbon ferries to date.

Carbon fiber ferries are lighter weight and consume less fuel than aluminum or fiberglass vessels, releasing fewer emissions into the air.

“Given the significance of ferry transport to travelers in coastal regions coupled with concerns about gas consumption and emissions, efficiency of our country’s ferries is critical,” says J.B. Turner, president of Front Street Shipyard. “Brødrene Aa has a progressive design to reduce consumption and emissions, and they have an exceptionally efficient construction method we can apply to the U.S. ferry market at Front Street Shipyard.”

Brødrene Aa is a 60-year-old company that introduced the world’s first carbon-fiber passenger vessel more than a decade ago.

It has built 50 carbon ferries to date. Last month it won an international tender issued by Guangzhou Panyu Lianhuashan Port Passenger Transport Co., Ltd , (subsidiary of Chu Kong Shipping Enterprises Holdings Co. Ltd) to design and build two coastal high speed catamarans for Hong Kong. The contract is for two identical vessels; both made of carbon fiber composites, each with a capacity of 270 passengers.

Representatives from Front Street Shipyard met with officers of Brødrene Aa in Hyen earlier this summer.

“Given Front Street Shipyard’s modern facility and boatbuilding capabilities, we believe their team can deliver the same high-quality vessels in the United States that we produce in Norway,” said Leif Riksheim, chairman of the board at Brødrene Aa.

The organizations are now working together to develop ferry designs for U.S. waters. The Arcadia Alliance sales team will begin marketing the boats later this year, with hopes that Front Street Shipyard will be able to begin construction on the first fast ferry in 2016.

Recent contracts won by Brødrene Aa include two 270 passenger coastal high speed catamarans for Hong Kong

 hong kong

LNG fuel tanks installed in first Crowley ConRo

Another important milestone was marked last week, with the installation of three LNG fuel tanks in the first ship.

The double-walled, stainless steel tanks – which are 110 feet in length and 20.6 feet in diameter – weigh 225 metric tons and will hold more than enough LNG fuel for two round-trip voyages between the vessel’s future ports of call, Jacksonville, FL, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

“While we are all excitedly watching these ships take shape, we are particularly proud of the role we, as a company, are playing to bring the most modern, technologically advanced and environmentally friendly ConRo ships in the world to the Jones Act market of Puerto Rico,” said Tom Crowley, company chairman and CEO. “There are no other ships of their kind being built anywhere else in the world today, and they are being constructed right here at home – in the United States of America. Having that shipbuilding capability here is essential to our national defense and an important reason we as a country need the Jones Act to be maintained and strengthened.”

Crowley’s two Jones Act ConRo ships, which will be named El Coquí (ko-kee) and Taíno (tahy-noh), are are scheduled for delivery second and fourth quarter 2017 respectively.

“It’s very impressive to see these new state-of-the-art Commitment Class ships take shape,” said John Hourihan, senior vice president and general manager, Puerto Rico services. “Seeing those LNG tanks being placed into El Coquí really resonates with me because we are setting a new standard for environmentally responsible shipping.”

The Commitment Class ships have been designed to maximize the carriage of 53-foot, 102-inch-wide containers, which offer the most cubic cargo capacity in the trade.

The ships will be 219.5 meters long, 32.3 meters wide , have a deep draft of 10 meters, and an approximate deadweight capacity of 26,500 metric tonnes. Cargo capacity will be approximately 2,400 TEUs (20-foot-equivalent-units), with additional space for nearly 400 vehicles in an enclosed Ro/Ro garage.

Each ship will be powered by an MAN B&W 8S70ME-GI8.2 main engine and three MAN 9L28/32DF auxiliary engines, all fueled by LNG .

The ship design is provided by Wartsila Ship Design in conjunction with Crowley subsidiary Jensen Maritime.

ceowleyLNG vert

World’s largest LNG fleet owner reports increased profits

It said the results reflected its “strategic development, the success of its joint ventures, and the company’s resilience in the challenging economic climate.”

The Nakilat board said that Nakilat is in an enviable position as its ships are on long-term charter hire contracts that are not impacted by temporary fluctuations in oil prices. The board also affirmed its continued commitment to Nakilat’s growth and development strategy, in line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030.

“Nakilat continues to show robust profits and growth,” said Managing Director Eng. Abdullah Al Sulaiti. “Despite regional challenges, our policy of making prudent investments for achieving higher economic benefit in the short and long-term, and seeking sustainable growth opportunities continues to work in our favor. We have also lowered our operating costs, and our financing costs are decreasing as we have repaid a suitable amount of our loans.”

Mr. Al Sulaiti added: “We have also seen increased profits from our joint ventures, particularly since the launch of new two vessels during the year, along with an additional five vessels that became fully operational. Nakilat’s place as the lynchpin in the Qatari marine services sector will continue to grow unabated.”

Credit rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has reaffirmed Nakilat’s senior debt credit rating at “AA-” with a stable outlook, which Nakilat says is indicative of its strong capability to meet its financial commitments.

In addition to owning  63 LNG vessels  Nakilat also manages and operates four large LPG carriers via two strategic joint ventures: N-KOM and NDSQ.  It also operates the ship repair and construction facilities at Erhama Bin Jaber Al Jalahma Shipyard in Ras Laffan Industrial City and offers a full range of marine support services to vessels operating in Qatari waters.

Carnival and Chinese partners formalize cruise joint venture

OCTOBER 21, 2015 — Carnival Corporation & plc’s China cruising plans got some high level endorsement today when both British Prime Minister David Cameron and Chinese President Xi Jinping were on hand

Canada’s Atlantic Towing wins tidal energy support contract

Cape Sharp Tidal is a joint venture between Emera Inc. and OpenHydro, a DCNS company, which aims to deploying a fully grid connected 4MW tidal array in the Bay of Fundy in 2015. The project has the potential to be one of the world’s first multi-megawatt arrays of interconnected tidal turbines, initially providing energy to over 1,000 customers in Nova Scotia. Longer term, the project is looking towards delivering 300 MW of tidal turbine generated power to Nova Scotia in the next decade.

The Atlantic Towing contract covers the provision of specialized services including harbor and terminal towage, ocean and coastal towage, barging services, and offshore support such as anchor installation. These services, as scheduled, will employ up to 28 seafarers currently working for Atlantic Towing.

Three Atlantic Towing ASD tugs—the Atlantic Hemlock, the Atlantic Bear and the Atlantic Spruce— and the Irving Beaver Barge, will support the project in the strong Bay of Fundy ocean currents.

In addition to anchor and cable installation, the tugs will transport two 1,000-tonne tidal turbines on their journey from Pictou to the Minas Passage on a purpose-built 1,150 tonne capacity OpenHydro barge, the Scotia Tide.

Once in position, the tugs will maneuver the barge and turbine while crews lower the turbine to the seabed and connect the cables to the Nova Scotia power grid.

The subsea cables, on-shore transmission lines and power infrastructure belong to the Fundy Ocean Research Centre for Energy (FORCE) in Parrsboro.

“We’re pleased to be working with the skilled crew of Atlantic Towing on the marine operations for Cape Sharp Tidal,” said James Ives, OpenHydro’s Chief Executive. “The company shares our commitment to safety and offers real-life experience in the Bay of Fundy that will help us achieve this ground-breaking project.”

“We have safely operated in challenging sea conditions like the strong Bay of Fundy currents and tides for more than 50 years,” said Gilles Gagnon, Atlantic Towing Vice President and General Manager. “Working on the Cape Sharp Tidal project is a perfect fit for our local team’s expertise and capability.”

Other Nova Scotia companies are also providing services and expertise to the Cape Sharp Tidal project. In May, a $25-million contract was awarded to Aecon Group Inc. and naval architect firm Lengkeek Vessel Engineering. Two hundred and fifty Aecon employees are currently building and assembling the turbine components and the Scotia Tide barge in its facilities in Dartmouth and Pictou while Lengkeek, based in Dartmouth, earned the contract for barge design. In July, Chester-based Hawboldt Industries was awarded a $4.6-million contract to design and manufacture three heavy lift winches for the barge.

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