Maersk puts 12 ships under third party management

The ships are a variety in class, size, age, and engine type and, by putting them under third party management, Maersk Line aims to create efficiency gains for the whole fleet by learning from industry best practice.

With 20 Triple-E vessels delivered and in regular service, and several large orders placed for new vessels to be delivered in the coming years, Maersk Line’s fleet is becoming larger and increasingly modern and efficient. At the same time, Maersk Line aims to continuously improve how ships are managed.

“We believe we are among the best ship managers and that our crews are among the best. But we want to verify and challenge this belief. We have therefore decided to contract thirdparty ship managers to take on the full ship management of 12 of our vessels for a period of five years,” says Maersk Line’s Head of Technical Operations, Ole Graa Jakobsen.

Ship management covers all technical aspects of running a vessel, including crewing, safety performance, environmental performance, technical operations, and energy efficiency.

Maersk Line has selected E.R. Schiffahrt and Bernhard Schulte based on criteria such as transparency, key performance indicators, and governance model.The vessels will be transferred to the two suppliers by the end of 2015.

Maersk Line will reassign the crew members currently serving on the 12 vessels.

E.R. Schiffahrt  says the three sub-Panamax and three post-Panamax containerships that it will manage are between 2,500 TEU and 11,000 TEU. The contract with E,R. Schiffahrt includes their crewing and technical operation, as well as measures relating to security, environmental protection and energy efficiency.
 

“‘This management mandate from Maersk Line confirms to us that we are on the right path,” says Isabelle Rickmers, E.R. Schiffahrt management board member and head of new business.  “At the same time, it inspires us to demonstrate our performance on a daily basis and to continue to optimize it. We see our customers as our partners. Their requirements and needs are our main focus. With Maersk Line, we now have a strong customer at our side and look forward to a successful partnership.”

Bernhard Schulte Shipmanagement (BSM) will manage six vessels ranging in size from 2,500 to 11,000 TEU from its Ship Management Center in Hamburg, Germany, and will be responsible for all aspects of management including crewing, technical operations, safety performance, environmental performance and energy efficiency. 

“We are proud to have been awarded this contract by Maersk in line with their aim to continuously improve management of their fleet,” said CEO Captain Norbert Aschmann. “This is a significant vote of confidence in BSM and reflects our commitment to safety, operational efficiency and transparency and emphasis on the achievement of key performance indicators agreed with our business partners.”

Rand Logistics appoints Corporate VP of Procurement

SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 — Great Lakes bulker operator Rand Logistics, Inc. (NASDAQ:RLOG) has appointed Christopher J. Garwood to the position of Corporate Vice President of Procurement, responsible for managing the company’s strategic

USCG issues new policy letter on BWM compliance

 

Blank Rome says that vessel owners and operators may realize a cost savings by a delayed compliance date, which would allow time for the approval of U.S. Coast Guard type-approved ballast water treatment systems before other systems are installed.

The firm says that owners and/or operators should therefore review the compliance dates for their vessels and consider applying for an extension if they will face a hardship coming into compliance with the Coast Guard’s Ballast Water Management rule in light of the fact that there are no type-approved systems as yet or any practical alternatives.

Issued September 10, 2015, revised Policy Letter 13-01 gives updated guidance to vessel owners and operators on BWM methods and streamlines the application process for vessel owners and operators to obtain extended compliance dates for implementing BWM methods, principally the installation of treatment systems.

Notable updates, says Blank Rome, include removing the five-year limit on cumulative extensions, clarifying “batch” and supplemental applications, deleting the requirement to submit vessel Ballast Water Management Plans with extension requests, and allowing extensions to vessels that choose to install Alternate Management Systems (AMS) accepted by the Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard has also provided template application forms and recommendations regarding applying for extensions.

Read the full Blank Rome Action Item HERE

Download the policy letter HERE

HOS gets $26.6 million mod to Navy blocking boat contract

The contract includes a 215-day base period, nine one-year option periods and one 150-day option period. The cumulative value of this contract when option one is exercised will be $44,159,520. Work will be performed at sea worldwide, and is expected to be completed by Sept. 30, 2016.

Subject to availability, fiscal 2016 operations and maintenance contract funds in the amount of $26,615,520 are being obligated at the time of award, and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year.

This contract was issued on an other than full and open competition basis in accordance with Federal Acquisition Regulation, Sec 6.303.

Military Sealift Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity.

Since their construction by Leevac Shipyards in 2008 and 2009, three 250EDF class OSVs, the HOS Arrowhead, the HOS Eagleview and the HOS Westwind have supported the U.S. Navy’s submarine fleet on the east and west coast of the U.S. In order for the Navy to continue receiving the unique capabilities of these vessels, Congress subsequently required their purchase from HOS, which sold them to the Navy for $114 million. A fourth vessel, HOS Black Powder, remained on charter to the Navy, with an option for purchase that was expected to close September 30, 2015.

Mystery owner asks Incat Crowther to design fast ferry

The main deck allows for four passenger loading stations and features a large cabin, hosting 286 first-class seats, 20 lounge seats, and four handicap accommodation seating areas. The cabin also features a kid’s play area with surrounding seating.

On the aft deck is a cargo room with cargo loading gates, able to fit a portable conveyor belt for efficient loading and unloading. The aft deck also features three restrooms, one of them handicapped accessible.

The mid deck features cabin hosting 144 first-class seats and 32 lounge seats.

Forward of the cabin is the raised wheelhouse, with wing control stations on port and starboard sides. Aft of the cabin, a spacious deck that offers 112 exterior seats. A mini-bar is located in the center of the arrangement with a stage for entertainment behind the cabin.

The upper deck provides a large observation area including 36 exterior seats.Five  MTU 16V400M63L engines power the ferries five Hamilton HM-811 water jets  via ZF-7650 gearboxes, giving it a service speed of 37 knots.

Electrical requirements are met by two 150 ekW generator sets.

A 200hp bow thruster will enhance maneuverability and station keeping.

No word on the shipbuilder.

incat monohull

Bulker sea trials confirm benefits of new Alpha Kappel FP propeller

The ships — the Elsabeth C and Mirela — feature single MAN B&W 5S60ME-C8.2 engines delivering 8,050 kW SMCR @ 89 rpm. They are owned by Frontmarine, an associate company of Lemissoler Navigation of Cyprus, and were

Lemissoler reports that the Kappel propeller offers significant fuel savings compared to conventional propellers and, together with the new vessels’ design and lines as well as the silyl acrylate antifouling paint, contributed to favorable results from the first two vessels’ sea trials. It reports that both vessels consumed an average 23 mtns per day at a speed of about 14.2 knots in ballast conditions during the trials. The Elsabeth C also performed a successful crash-stop test that was notable for its lack of noise and vibration.

Thomas Leander, Head of Propulsion – PrimeServ Four-Stroke – Denmark, said: “A key point during the design stage was to address the problem experienced by similar vessels that experience an overly-small light running margin (LRM). Therefore, MAN Diesel & Turbo recently introduced new light running margins for all FP propellers and two-stroke engines of 4-10%. Furthermore, the propeller layout for these 58,500-dwt vessels is 3-4% higher than normally applied to these vessel types. In doing so, MAN Diesel & Turbo has managed to ensure safe and reliable operation, while improving the vessel’s efficiency and maneuverability during its entire lifetime.”

The MAN Alpha Kappel propeller was optimized out based on the stern and wake field for the newly designed 58,500-dwt vessel, with a 58,500-dwt stock propeller.

The Elsabeth C and Mirela were constructed by New Times Shipbuilding Co’s Jiangsu, China, shipyard . The remaining sisters are scheduled for delivery over the next 12 months.

lemisoler two 700

Bulker sea trials confirm benefits of Alpha Kappel FP propeller

 

The ships — the Elsabeth C and Mirela — feature single MAN B&W 5S60ME-C8.2 engines delivering 8,050 kW SMCR @ 89 rpm. They are owned by Frontmarine, an associate company of Lemissoler Navigation of Cyprus, and were

Lemissoler reports that the Kappel propeller offers significant fuel savings compared to conventional propellers and, together with the new vessels’ design and lines as well as the silyl acrylate antifouling paint, contributed to favorable results from the first two vessels’ sea trials. It reports that both vessels consumed an average 23 mtns per day at a speed of about 14.2 knots in ballast conditions during the trials. The Elsabeth C also performed a successful crash-stop test that was notable for its lack of noise and vibration.

Thomas Leander, Head of Propulsion – PrimeServ Four-Stroke – Denmark, said: “A key point during the design stage was to address the problem experienced by similar vessels that experience an overly-small light running margin (LRM). Therefore, MAN Diesel & Turbo recently introduced new light running margins for all FP propellers and two-stroke engines of 4-10%. Furthermore, the propeller layout for these 58,500-dwt vessels is 3-4% higher than normally applied to these vessel types. In doing so, MAN Diesel & Turbo has managed to ensure safe and reliable operation, while improving the vessel’s efficiency and maneuverability during its entire lifetime.”

The MAN Alpha Kappel propeller was optimized out based on the stern and wake field for the newly designed 58,500-dwt vessel, with a 58,500-dwt stock propeller.

The Elsabeth C and Mirela were constructed by New Times Shipbuilding Co’s Jiangsu, China, shipyard . The remaining sisters are scheduled for delivery over the next 12 months.

lemisoler two 700

Bulker sea trials confirm benefits of Kappel FP propeller

The ships — the Elsabeth C and Mirela — feature single MAN B&W 5S60ME-C8.2 engines delivering 8,050 kW SMCR @ 89 rpm. They are owned by Frontmarine, an associate company of Lemissoler Navigation of Cyprus, and were

Lemissoler reports that the Kappel propeller offers significant fuel savings compared to conventional propellers and, together with the new vessels’ design and lines as well as the silyl acrylate antifouling paint, contributed to favorable results from the first two vessels’ sea trials. It reports that both vessels consumed an average 23 mtns per day at a speed of about 14.2 knots in ballast conditions during the trials. The Elsabeth C also performed a successful crash-stop test that was notable for its lack of noise and vibration.

Thomas Leander, Head of Propulsion – PrimeServ Four-Stroke – Denmark, said: “A key point during the design stage was to address the problem experienced by similar vessels that experience an overly-small light running margin (LRM). Therefore, MAN Diesel & Turbo recently introduced new light running margins for all FP propellers and two-stroke engines of 4-10%. Furthermore, the propeller layout for these 58,500-dwt vessels is 3-4% higher than normally applied to these vessel types. In doing so, MAN Diesel & Turbo has managed to ensure safe and reliable operation, while improving the vessel’s efficiency and maneuverability during its entire lifetime.”

The MAN Alpha Kappel propeller was optimized out based on the stern and wake field for the newly designed 58,500-dwt vessel, with a 58,500-dwt stock propeller.

The Elsabeth C and Mirela were constructed by New Times Shipbuilding Co’s Jiangsu, China, shipyard . The remaining sisters are scheduled for delivery over the next 12 months.

lemisoler two 700

DOF Subsea books orders worth over $351 million

In the North America region, DOF Subsea has secured a major IMR contract with Husky Energy in support of its operations offshore Eastern Canada. The DOF Subsea team based in St. John’s will supply IMR services over aperiod of 10 years firm with 10 years options.

The work scope includes a Light Intervention Vessel and two work class ROV systems and personnel. The offshore operations will commence in 4th quarter 2015 by mobilizing two work class ROVs on a third party vessel on charter to Husky, followed by delivery of a DOF IRM vessel in 2017.

DOF Subsea says the contract is of strategic importance, substantially strengthening its presence in the Canadian offshore market and establishing a solid relationship with Husky Energy.

Another North America region award is a term contract in the Gulf of Mexico for a firm period of 10 months with option to extend.Operations will commence in October 2015.

One of the group’s subsea vessels will be utilized under the contract, which is an extension of a current contract held by DOF Subsea North America for a key client in the region.

In the Asia Pacific region, several contract awards in recent weeks with key clients will secure utilization of the region’s vessels. The scope of work includes IMR services, mooring and light construction. With these recent awards, close to full utilization of the region’s foue vessels for the reminder of the year is secured, as well as a good visibility for 2016.

DOF ASA CEO Mons S. Aase commented: “I am very pleased with the Group’s ability to secure term work in a challenging market, and especially winning the Husky contract and strengthening the North America subsea region. This award is a team effort, utilizing the expertise within all disciplines in the DOF Group.”

GasLog inks seven ship maintenance agreement

The agreement duration is from three to five years.

Wärtsilä  says that demand for predictive analytics and advisory services is increasing. By analyzing the data collected from GasLog’s vessels, Wärtsilä is able to provide valuable information regarding the condition of the equipment, enabling GasLog to optimize maintenance and asset performance.

Utilization of the data collected via satellite allows GasLog to maximise intervals between maintenance periods, streamline logistics for spare part deliveries and ensure that main generating engines  are operating optimally, lowering operating costs and minimizing fuel consumption. This will help GasLog in ensure minimal emissions, lowering the environmental impact of its ships.

The services covered by the agreement include proactive condition based maintenance, maintenance management services, performance monitoring and remote online support that enhances the safe and reliable operation of GasLog’s vessels. Workshop services for all 28 Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel engines in the GasLog fleet are also part of the packagel.

“We have been extremely pleased with Wärtsilä’s cooperation and are happy to expand the agreement to cover these LNG vessels,” says GasLog fleet manager Miltos Zisis. “We are certain that both GasLog and our customers can benefit from optimized availability, increased lifecycle efficiency and in turn, reduced operating costs. We believe that Wärtsilä’s technology, global presence and local support will help us to achieve these efficiencies and will ensure that we can continue to meet our aim of first class customer-service in the chartering of GasLog Vessels.”

“We are proud to deepen our cooperation with GasLog even further. By working closely together we can fully utilize the benefits that increased online services will bring to the optimization of marine maintenance services. For example, with remote online support, the crew can keep the operational performance of the engines at optimal levels, thus increasing the efficiency of these vessels, no matter where in the world they are operating,” says Yiannis Christopoulos,  Wärtsilä’s Service Unit Director, Greece and Cyprus

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