Wartsila solutions chosen for first LNT A-BOX LNG carrier

Wärtsilä has been contracted to supply the complete cargo handling system including the fuel system, as well as the main propulsion system.

The vessel is being built for Saga LNG Shipping Pte. Ltd., a new LNG player backed by Shanghai based Landmark Capital, at China Merchants Heavy Industry’s Haimen based shipyard in China’s Eastern Jiangsu province.

Originally, plans were to build the ship at Xiamen Shipbuilding Industry, but, for undisclosed reasons, the project was delayed and to meet strict deadlines with potential end-users, the project was moved to another shipyard.

lntabox300Now set to be delivered in early 2018, the vessel will be the to utilize the LNT A-BOX containment system (see earlier story), licensed and designed by another company backed by Landmark Capital, LNG New Technologies (LNT).

The Wärtsilä cargo handling system for LNG carriers has an integrated fuel system utilizing both compressors and forced vaporizing. The automation and safety control systems are state-of-the-art, while the Wärtsilä cargo pumps include the EFP pump series, the latest development for LNG fuel and spray.

The total solution package comprising the cargo and propulsion systems is designed to attain maximum overall efficiency for the vessel, thereby producing notable savings in operating costs. Furthermore, the total solution concept minimizes interfacing and system design risk during the vessel building process.

“This will be a very modern and highly efficient LNG Carrier and we were selected because our technologies in both the propulsion equipment and cargo handling are world leading,” says Timo Koponen, Vice President, Flow and Gas Solutions, Wärtsilä. “The new ship has been designed for worldwide trade of LNG, but with special consideration given to the reloading of cargoes and local and regional trading. Therefore, the cargo handling system and the fuel efficiency of the engine have to be the most efficient possible. Our unmatched track record with proven LNG technologies and dual-fuel solutions was a key factor in the award of this valuable contract.”

Wärtsilä’s scope of supply includes a comprehensive propulsion package comprising a 12-cylinder Wärtsilä 50DF dual-fuel main engine, 6-cylinder and 8-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel generating sets, a Wärtsilä controllable pitch propeller (CPP), a Wärtsilä Energopac efficiency rudder, a Wärtsilä gearbox, and a Wärtsilä tunnel thruster.

Delivery of the Wärtsilä equipment to the shipyard will commence in late 2016.

DNV GL and Hempel cooperate on performance analytics

The agreement is based on the use of DNV GL’s ECO Insight portal.

Torsten Büssow, Head of Fleet Performance Management at DNV GL, says that ECO Insight’s state of the art hull degradation analytics will not give Hempel customers transparent and verified data with only a few simple measurement inputs while giving Hempel access to advanced analytics for the further optimization of its coatings.

“We’ve already seen the benefits our customers have gained from having real fleet performance analytics easily available – especially in the area of hull and propeller performance – and we’d like to welcome Hempel customers to the ECO Insight family,” says Mr. Büssow.

The potential for improvements in hull and propeller performance on the energy efficiency of vessels is significant, with estimates of potential savings in the range of ten percent in terms of fuel and greenhouse gas emissions savings.

ECO Insight can offer better performance baselines and demonstrate a more explicit relationship between hull and propeller performance and the actual fuel consumed. This allows customers who have invested in Hempel’s coatings the ability to better quantify the value of their investment.

“At Hempel we place great importance in being close to our customers and providing the best individual service,” says Christian Ottosen, Group Vice President Marine Marketing, Hempel. “With the data analyzed by DNV GL, we will be able to optimize our customers’ fuel performance, improving hull performance matching specifications precisely to individual needs and trade, dry dock intervals and technical service in dock. This will benefit our customers and support their businesses being more efficient in their operations. So far, we have been very pleased to cooperate with DNV GL, and we look forward to working even more closely with their staff from now on.”

With one of the most sophisticated analysis methodologies for hull and propeller performance on the market, ECO Insight uses advanced normalization algorithms to increase the accuracy of its analysis and is able to benchmark a vessel’s performance relative to other similar vessels. Additionally, by tapping into additional ship specific data (beyond what is used to calculate performance) ECO Insight’s analytics can be used to further customize paint specifications up front and to proactively manage performance once the ship enters service.

Gibbs & Cox acquires Donald L. Blount and Associates

“DLBA’s new association with Gibbs & Cox will significantly enhance DLBA’s depth and breadth in providing timely and quality high performance marine solutions to our world-wide market, while continuing to foster and maintain our important and close relationships with our clients,” said Don Blount, President of DLBA. “This new relationship with Gibbs & Cox will provide our clients with the assurance of new technology application and expert staff reach-back from one of the largest, premier naval architecture and marine engineering firms in the world. We are proud of the many accomplishments of DLBA over the last twenty-seven years and look forward to being an integral part of Gibbs & Cox.”

“With this key strategic acquisition, Gibbs & Cox continues our strategy aligned to provide high performance marine craft solutions to our military and paramilitary clients,” said Gibbs & Cox Chief Executive and President Rick Biben, “as well as continued expansion of our commercial market areas in engineering, design and construction management of vessels including mega yachts, commercial craft, and production boats.”  

Mr. Biben emphasized Gibbs & Cox’s focus on expansion and innovation. “We will continue to identify and pursue other candidate companies to further expand our vision,” he said, adding, “Our agreement with DLBA further solidifies Gibbs & Cox’s industry leadership role in the in the design and development of some of the most prestigious and capable maritime craft afloat today.”

Founded by Mr. Blount in 1988, DLBA specializing in the technical development of high-performance marine craft consulting services related to the design, evaluation, testing, and construction management of motor yachts, custom sport fishing boats, production boats, commercial, military and paramilitary vessels.

Independent and privately held, Gibbs & Cox is a global leader in maritime engineering and design, with nearly 7,000 vessels designed to its standards since 1929. Gibbs & Cox supports military and commercial clients in the U.S. and internationally with all phases of marine design, construction, and lifecycle management.

Algoma adds more Equinox newbuilds to order book

Today, Algoma said that contracts for two ships had been made effective with the delivery of refund guarantees by the shipyard, China’s Jiangsu Yangzijiang Shipbuilding Co. Ltd.

“Our search for a shipyard in China to replace the now-bankrupt Nantong Mingde Heavy Industries (“Mingde”) led us to Yangzijiang,” said Ken Bloch Soerensen, President and CEO of Algoma. “We have been pleased with the professionalism and enthusiasm the yard has shown for our project and the quality that they have shown on work done for other shipowners.”

The announcement of the two ship order at Yangzijiang follows a November 25 announcement that contracts for three Equinox newbuilds with Uljanik d.d. of Croatia had become effective with delivery by the yard of security for the contractually required construction installments.

Algoma now has five Equinox Class ships under construction at the Uljanik Group’s 3Maj shipyard in Rijeka.All the vessels will have an overall length of 225.55 metres (740 feet) and a beam of 23.77 metres (78 feet), qualifying as Seaway Max size ships. The vessels will carry 29,300 tonnes at maximum Seaway draft.

The two most recently ordered at Uljanik will feature a boom-forward configuration designed to provide greater flexibility in certain delivery situations. The others will feature a standard rear boom.

The new Equinox vessels will have all of the features of the existing Equinox design, including the exhaust gas scrubber technology pioneered by Algoma on the Great Lakes in its first Equinox Class gearless bulk carriers.

With seven ships now under construction, Algoma expects to invest approximately $450 million in this phase of its fleet renewal program. It is also reviewing its fleet plan and considering the retirement of certain older vessels.

ABB takes wraps off two turbocharger developments

DECEMBER 1, 2015 — ABB has used the Marintec 2015 event in Shanghai, China, to launch two new products. One is the large engine industry’s first commercial turbocharging air outlet silencer package

ABB takes wraps off two turbocharger developments

The air outlet silencer is the first product available to the market to reduce noise emissions for turbochargers on low-speed marine engines. It reduces the noise level of compressed air leaving the turbocharger and is a key element in ABB’s noise reduction packages, now available for A100-L and A200-L turbochargers. The turbocharger noise reduction package contains additional special noise damping elements and has been designed to meet IMO noise emission standards revised in July 2014.

The revised SOLAS regulation II-1/3-12 requires new ships to be constructed to reduce on-board noise and to protect personnel from noise in accordance with the revised Code on Noise Levels On Board Ships. Mandatory maximum noise levels are set out for all spaces on ships; for accommodation areas this is a reduction to 55 dB(A) from 60 dB(A).

The ABB air outlet silencer has been designed to reduce air-related noise emissions by approximately 5 dB, depending on the turbocharger location, and other variables.

“With up to a 5 dB reduction in noise emissions, the noise level perceived by a human ear is almost reduced by half, thus making a considerable contribution to the noise level limit set by the IMO SOLAS regulations, said Joachim Bremer, Head of Product Line, Low Speed, ABB Turbocharging. “The development of the air outlet silencer underlines our focus on the safe operation of our turbocharging products, and on reducing environmental pollution. In creating a quieter working environment for seafarers, we are bringing to our customers the ABB Group commitment to occupational health & safety.”

abb dk blu thingNew small turbocharger

The newly launched A160-L completes ABB’s series of turbochargers for low speed engines and is designed for operational flexibility and sustained high efficiencies in small-bore diesel, dual fuel and gas engines. The product enables reduction of engine fuel consumption and lower emissions – two key concerns for customers. The axial-turbine design with high efficiency and robustness enables the application of latest technologies for IMO Tier III compliance without compromise on fuel economy, thereby fulfilling customer needs.

Smaller in size than the well-known A165-L, the A 160-L allows more space on the engine. In addition, it offers simplified, rapid maintenance in line with market demand.

“Our A100/A200 series is proven technology, delivering unrivaled performance in its class,” says Mr. Bremer. “The design for highest efficiencies enables optimized engine tunings, thereby reducing fuel consumption and emissions on-board some of the largest vessels in the world. With the A160-L we are now able to deliver the same benefits for small-bore low speed engines. In addition, we have listened to our customers’ requirements to maximize uptime, resulting in a product that is easier to maintain, with longer service intervals so operators can be assured of their turbochargers’ reliability, literally from dry dock to dry dock.”

New seal can be fully serviced underwater

The new Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal is the first product of its kind on the market, offering customers increased uptime and lifecycle efficiency.

The fully split, underwater serviceable seal is designed to minimize overhaul downtime and costs. Designed and built to the highest standards, the oil-lubricated outboard face type seal is available for stern tubes and thrusters. The seal has been designed to provide a smoother, faster service, as well as enhanced overall performance and endurance.

“We are very excited about the Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal, as it is the first fully diveable seal on the market,” says Wärtsilä Director, Seals and Bearings Damian O’Toole. “We at Wärtsilä understand that the first priority of our customers is uptime, and they naturally want to avoid unnecessary disruptions. This innovative new seal is yet another Wärtsilä solution to optimize the operations of our customers: overhauls can be carried out underwater for the Sternguard IWSS without having to set up a habitat or even to unload the cargo.”

Wartsila Sternguard In Water Serviceable SealThe Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal can be used to retrofit any other type of seal and is available for merchant, offshore, IWW and cruise & ferry vessel types, running on Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) or mineral oils. Retrofit and service in dry dock can be carried out without removing the propeller or shaft, and it is not necessary to drain oil from the stern tube for underwater overhaul.

The Sternguard IWSS also includes an inflatable emergency seal and inner rope guard for enhanced protection.

“With its easy retrofit and serviceability, this unique new seal offers flexibility of operations to customers across industries. At the same time, additional safety features ensure continuous reliability. Wärtsilä has a long history in designing and manufacturing first-rate seals to answer the needs of each and every customer segment, and the Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal is a fresh example of that expertise,” Mr. O’Toole concludes.

Wärtsilä Sternguard In-Water Serviceable Seal

Castrol launches new cylinder oil

Cyltech ACT utilizes Ash Control Technology (ACT), which minimizes the risk of ash build up.

Castrol says that preventing hard ash build up is essential for protecting critical parts of the engine when burning low sulfur fuel oil.

Cyltech ACT has a BN of 16 and creates over 30% less ash than a 25BN oil, whilst at the same time delivering excellent ring-zone cleanliness. As a result, Cyltech ACT has Letters of No Objection from major engine manufacturers and has performed exceptionally well in engine tests to date.

“New regulations, changes in engine design and vessel operations plus alternative fuels are presenting our customers with increasing challenges,” says Castrol VP marine and energy Paul Turner. “Castrol has always maintained that effectively lubricating the cylinders of large two-stroke engines in today’s complex environment can only be achieved through the selection of a range of lubricants. In terms of the 2015 ECA requirements, we have invested in analyzing vessels’ transitions so that we can bring a high performance lubricant to market that is based on insight-driven technology. This is the latest example of how we are working collaboratively with ship operators to recommend the right lubricants for each vessel’s operating profile as well as helping them to create efficiencies through approaches such as feed rate optimization.”

ECA legislation, which came into force on January 1, 2015, requires vessels to meet sulfur restrictions of 0.10%. Castrol has always maintained that every vessel will require a different cylinder oil strategy tailored to meet specific trading patterns and operational factors, which relies upon selecting the right combination of lubricants. This is a position that is mandated by the OEMs.

Through building an in-depth understanding of ECA transitions and by concentrating on its customers and chemistry, Castrol has accumulated significant experience across a wide range of engines and operating regimes. Castrol understands that careful assessment of engine type and mark, length of time spent in ECAs, fuel sulfur content outside of ECAs, specific operating parameters such as slow steaming and the number of lube oil storage tanks on a vessel all directly influence the optimal cylinder oil strategy for any given vessel or fleet.

Castrol has a global network of knowledgeable and experienced technical support engineers to advise customers on the best options for every vessel.

The new lubricant joins existing products within the Cyltech range, including Cyltech 70 and Cyltech 100. Only by selecting the right combination of products can acceptable levels of protection against corrosive wear be achieved, particularly for many engines that were on slow steaming regimes or for new engine designs that were particularly prone to corrosive wear.

Cyltech ACT will be available in Singapore, ARA and key U.S. ports by the end of first quarter 2016 with other countries and ports following throughout 2016.

“Quiet drive” specialists cooperate

The agreement allows the two companies to join forces to engineer and strategically supply the industry’s premium “quiet drive” solutions – combining soft mounting systems, flexible couplings, and intermediate drive shaft systems.

As a pioneer in innovation since 1914, Christie & Grey Limited manufactures durable and highly efficient vibration, noise, and shock control solutions for worldwide marine, industrial, and commercial applications. For over 100 years, Christie & Grey has been a leader in designing and building engineered and customized solutions.

Founded in Germany in 1970, CENTA Antriebe is an innovative leader in torsional coupling and drive shaft systems, offering more solutions to the marine, industrial, rail, and energy industries than any other company worldwide.

CENTA believes the Christie & Grey product line will be an excellent complement to its current portfolio. This global agreement will enable CENTA and its worldwide partners and distributors to offer packaged solutions, including flexible couplings, drive shafts, and anti-vibration mount systems, to customers around the world. These packaged solutions will be supported by state-of-the-art torsional vibration analysis combined with six degrees of freedom analysis of the complete elastic system in order to optimize the matching of the components.

New pilot boat has Volvo Penta IPS propulsion

 

The 52.7-ft, 28-knot pilot boat, designed by C. Raymond Hunt Associates, is powered by twin Volvo Penta D11 six-cylinder 503 hp diesel engines with IPS2 drives and Volvo Penta  EVC electronic steering and control system.

Each of the IPS pods has two counter-rotating forward-facing props that pull the boat through the water rather than pushing it. The EVC control system and three-axis joystick will increase the boat’s overall maneuverability alongside a ship and when docking.

The system complies with EPA Tier 3 emission standards.

“We selected the Volvo Penta IPS2 for our next-generation Chesapeake-class boats to improve the performance and the arrangement of planing hulls like our pilot boats,” said Peter Duclos, president of Gladding-Hearn. “IPS2 provides what pilots have been asking for – higher speeds, lower fuel consumption and more comfort.” The boat is also fitted with an interceptor trim-control system supplied by Humphree.

“The combination of the Volvo Penta IPS and the Humphree interceptors gives the pilots higher speeds and improved comfort,” said Mr. Duclos. “Initial sea trials revealed a 25 percent improvement in fuel consumption over comparable Chesapeake-class vessels, as predicted.” 

Last year, Volvo Penta and Gladding-Hearn teamed to produce the first commercial craft in North America to be powered by triple IPS drives and dynamic positioning for automatic hands-off station keeping. The 64-ft. Fort Ripley was delivered to Southeast Ocean Response Services in Charleston, S.C. 

“Volvo Penta IPS is the perfect solution for modern pilot boats, consistently providing 20 percent faster speed, 30 percent lower fuel consumption, 15 percent faster acceleration and 50 percent lower noise and vibration levels when compared to a traditional shaft installation,” said Marcia Kull, vice president, marine sales, Volvo Penta of the Americas. “It is a true transformative technology that we believe will become the new standard in pilot boat propulsion moving forward.” 

This year, Volvo Penta is celebrating the tenth anniversary of the IPS product. The first IPS was unveiled at the Miami International Boat Show in 2005. Since then, Volvo Penta has sold over 17,000 IPS units. Today, the Volvo Penta IPS comes in a range of ten models, from 350 to 1200 hp, in twin, triple or quadruple configurations.

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