MAN Diesel & Turbo acquires marine fuel gas supplier
NOVEMBER 19, 2015 — MAN Diesel & Turbo Sverige AB, a wholly owned subsidiary of MAN Diesel & Turbo SE (part of MAN and Volkswagen Group), is acquiring the marine fuel gas
NOVEMBER 19, 2015 — MAN Diesel & Turbo Sverige AB, a wholly owned subsidiary of MAN Diesel & Turbo SE (part of MAN and Volkswagen Group), is acquiring the marine fuel gas
. Inchcape is a marine services contractor headquartered in the United Kingdom. As a ship husbanding services provider, Inchcape arranged for the provision of goods and services to Navy ships at ports in several regions throughout the world, including southwest Asia, Africa, Panama, North America, South America and Mexico. Inchcape’s services typically included the provision of food and other subsistence items, arrangement of local transportation, waste removal, telephone services, ship-to-shore transportation and force protection services.
The lawsuit, which was unsealed today, alleges that Inchcape knowingly overbilled the Navy by submitting invoices that overstated the quantity of goods and services provided, billed at rates in excess of applicable contract rates and double-billed for certain goods and services.
The lawsuit was brought under the qui tam, or whistleblower, provisions of the False Claims Act by three former employees of Inchcape, Noah Rudolph, Andrea Ford and Lawrence Cosgriff, who are represented by Washington, DC, law firm Vogel, Slade & Goldstein, LLP.
Under the act, a private citizen may bring suit on behalf of the United States and share in any recovery.
The government may intervene in the case, as it has done here. The False Claims Act allows the government to recover treble damages and penalties from those who violate it.
“Those who contract with the federal government and accept taxpayer dollars must follow the rules,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Division. “The Department of Justice will not tolerate contractors who submit false claims to defraud the armed forces or any other agency of the United States.”
“Ensuring that federal contractors deliver the goods and services at the agreed upon prices in return for receiving the taxpayers’ money is a priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Channing D. Phillips of the District of Columbia. “This lawsuit reflects our commitment to combat fraud against federal government agencies.”
“The Department of the Navy continues to hold contractors accountable for the agreements they have made to supply our fleet,” said Captain Amy Derrick, a senior spokeswoman for the Department of the Navy. “We also continue to expect strict adherence to higher standards within the Department and expect the same from industry.”
The case is being handled jointly by the Civil Division’s Commercial Litigation Branch and the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia, with assistance from the Department of the Navy and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service.
The case is captioned United States ex rel. Rudolph v. Inchcape Shipping Services Holdings Limited, et al., No. 1:10-cv-01109 (D.D.C).
You can access the complaint HERE
NOVEMBER 18, 2015 – San Francisco Bay Area boat designer and manufacturer Moose Boats this month delivered a M2-35 catamaran patrol boat to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office in Carnelian Bay, CA.
The new Marine 6, a 35 foot all-aluminum catamaran vessel will replace the Placer County Sheriff’s former Marine 6, a 28 foot aluminum monohull vessel which has been in service since 1988.
The Placer County Sheriff utilized California Division of Boating and Waterways funding to assist in the purchase of the vessel, which will have wide ranging duties
“The M2-35 will be responsible for year-round patrol on Lake Tahoe,” says the Sheriff’s Office. “The Marine 6 crew’s primary responsibilities include enforcement of state and federal maritime law and California penal and vehicle codes. Commonly, you will find the crew conducting (BUI) Boating Under the Influence investigations, vessel collision investigations and less often, death investigations. Often, the crew is called to assist with search and rescue operations, locate missing or overdue boaters, provide medical aid and transport, and assist vessels in distress (sinking, mechanical failure, etc.). Marine 6 is also used in the support of law enforcement diving or recovery operations on Lake Tahoe and provides dignitary protection. The crew’s secondary responsibilities include special event supervision such as providing safety and security for water based events, which include paddleboard, kayak and swim race events, and large-scale firework events.”
Propulsion is by twin Yamaha 350 hp four stroke outboards that give the cat a top speed of 42 knots at 6,200 feet above sea level on Lake Tahoe and 45 knots at sea level; a testament to the efficiency of the catamaran hull.
The cabin interior is outfitted to facilitate emergency medical services. It has an enclosed head, a small galley and a work surface for MDC communications.
Ample storage is provided both below the patient bench and under the two shock-mitigating seats. A forced air diesel heater provides defrost and interior heat.
Deck outfitting includes a custom dive/rescue door, lifting davit, storage for EMS supplies and dive equipment, a rescue basket, towing and anchoring equipment, bow and stern ladders and a gasoline powered dewatering pump.
DIMENSIONS, EQUIPMENT
Maritime and Senate leaders gathered on Capitol Hill to honor Senator Murray as the first recipient of the Daniel K. Inouye Maritime Guardian award— given to a recipient who embodies strong leadership and commitment to the U.S. maritime industry.
The award was presented by Irene Hirano Inouye, widow of Sen. Inouye, to Sen. Murray, whose state is home to major ports, a vibrant American maritime industry, and a significant international shipping industry.
“We’d like to thank Sen. Murray for her vocal support and demonstrated commitment to the American maritime industry,” said Jennifer Sabas, Director of the Daniel K. Inouye Institute. “Sen. Murray mirrors the legacy of Sen. Inouye for her commitment to the success, safety, innovation and progress of this industry.”
“Senator Inouye was and always will be a shining example of what it means to be a strong leader for the U.S. maritime industry. His work has been immensely important to my home state of Washington,” said Senator Murray. “I’m honored to receive this award in the name of a true American maritime advocate. As Senator Inouye did during his tenure, I will continue to work with members of Congress to support legislation that sustains the strength of this vital industry while honoring the maritime initiatives Senator Inouye worked tirelessly to uphold.”
“Dan was widely respected for his moral courage and his commitment to working in a bipartisan fashion,” said Irene Hirano Inouye. “It is with full confidence I can say Sen. Murray exemplifies that same commitment to the Merchant Marine and therefore it is with pride of my husband’s memory that she was selected for this award.”
Prior to his death, Sen. Daniel K. Inouye had a distinguished tenure of more than 49 years of serving Hawaii in the U.S. Senate, the longest serving member to date. As president pro tempore of the Senate from 2010-2012 — third in line of presidential succession — Sen. Inouye was the highest-ranking public official of Asian descent in United States history.
For his heroic actions as a member of the famed 442nd Regimental Combat Team—resulting in the loss of his right arm—the World War II veteran ultimately earned the nation’s highest award for military valor, the Medal of Honor.
The Daniel K. Inouye Institute was established in 2013 to honor his legacy.
The Daniel K. Inouye Maritime Guardian award is modeled after one of the first Hawaiian weapons ever seen in the new world. Collected on one of Captain Cook’s journeys into the Pacific, it was made of wood and imbedded with teeth from a great white shark. Called the “lei o mano,” it was reserved for the warrior who was responsible for protecting the maritime resources and for ensuring safe passage on the seas. Over his years in the Congress, Sen. Dan Inouye received the “lei o mano” for his relentless efforts, and through this award, his legacy and commitment to a strong U.S. maritime sector is passed forward.
Award is modeled after Hawaiian “lei o mano” weapon
NOVEMBER 17, 2015 — Norwegian multinational oil and gas company Statoil says it is optimizing its exploration portfolio and has decided to exit Alaska following recent exploration results in neighboring leases. Statoil
On November 16, 1905 Swiss engineer Alfred Büchi patented the world’s first turbocharger for BBC, the precursor company of today’s ABB. Today, turbochargers are deployed across the globe in ships, locomotives, freight vehicles, heavy construction equipment and agricultural machinery, and in generating sets and power stations. More than 200,000 ABB turbochargers are in daily use to raise power output, lower emissions, cut fuel consumption and, ultimately, save money.
The competition, which was judged by three engineers from ABB Turbocharging Baden, required entrants to write a 750-1,250 word essay on the development of turbocharger technology and the key drivers for further technological progress in the future. Participants were also asked the challenging question: “How much would a pair of sneakers made in the U.S. and shipped to Switzerland cost if shipped without a turbocharged container vessel?”
ABB has named Charles Stuart from Ballycastle in Northern Ireland as the overall winner of the competition’s $2,500 first prize essay. His entry on “How 110 Years of Turbocharging Changed the World’ brought to life the critical impact turbocharging has had on engine development in general, and on shipping efficiency and costs in particular. Charles is a 24-year-old Ph.D. student researching compressor aerodynamics and 1-D design tools at Queen’s University, Belfast.
Second prize, worth $1,500, has been awarded to Anton Ronquist, also 24 years old, a mechatronics Masters student at Linköping University.Petr Kohout, a 24-year old mechanical engineering Masters student at Czech Technical University in Prague specializing in combustion engines, won the third prize, worth $1,000.
ABB has also awarded ten consolation prizes to runners-up in the contest.
Volkmar Haueisen, ABB’s Head of Research and Development, commented: “We are delighted that our essay competition attracted so many participants in this important year in ABB’s turbocharger timeline. The quality of their entries has been very high. Our wholehearted congratulations go to Charles whose entry was, in our opinion, outstanding. What Alfred Büchi invented more than a century ago has developed into a truly transformational technology which has played a vital part in raising engine efficiency for more than one hundred years. Millions of tonnes of fuel and harmful emissions have been saved. Charles’ entry reflects these remarkable achievements.”
Entrants to the competition may have wrestled with answering the question on sneakers, but they had no shortage of material to include from over 100 years of continuously evolving turbocharger technology.
Some of the key milestones include:
“This has been a fantastic record of continuous development in a technology with no downside. Turbochargers only improve performance,” Mr. Haueisen said. “Our research team is now fully focused on the science relating to the next stage of technological development. We are proud to be the pioneers of this outstanding technology.”
Download the winning essay HERE
Since the £8.5 million plant began engine production in 1965, with over 400 employees onsite, around 1.5 million engines have been built in the factory for customers worldwide.
Production began with the assembly of Cummins VAL and VALE range of Small Vee V6 and V8 engines. With capacities of 352 and 504 cu in (5.7 and 8.3 liters) they had an output of up to 150 hp (111 kW), suitable for a range of boats at the time.
The Small Vee engines proved popular in the marine market and in 1966 the British offshore power boat Merry-Go-Round, with twin Cummins, broke the world water speed record for diesel power at over 60 mph. The record was achieved off the UK coast on Southampton Water. The two VT8 racing engines were each rated at 520 hp (387 kW), especially for the event.
“The Small Vee was an evolutionary design at the time with some of the key features of the original engine carrying on into current products – such as an efficient high pressure fuel system, cylinder heads with four valves per cylinder, a rear gear train configuration, a high power to weight ratio, and major components with the latest materials designed for durability and reliability,” said Michel Kozulic, Marine Business Development Manager.
In 1986 a major upgrade saw the Darlington plant shift production to the B Series engine. The 5.9 liter displacement engine was the forerunner of the latest 6.7 liter unit produced today.
The current QSB6.7, built at the Darlington plant, offers the latest engine technology providing between 230 and 550 hp (172-410 kW), and up to 1,695 Nm in torque in an inline 6 cylinder configuration.
Exceptional performance driven through a perfectly matched Cummins wastegated turbocharger and a new 24 valve cylinder head delivers industry leading power density. The engine has a quiet operation, including an 80 percent reduction in noise at idle. It is also possible to maximize vessel performance and access comprehensive vessel diagnostic information via SmartCraft electronics.
The QSB6.7 engine provides propulsion and power generation to many motor boats, and has recently featured in the Princess 43. A brand new SL option package is now available for the QSB6.7, offering a lighter and more compact engine, allowing easy installation into the vessel.
Tim Hamilton, Marine Product Engineer said, “Working at Cummins Darlington for over 30 years, I have seen a dedication to innovation, product development and build quality. We have always worked closely with our customers to ensure we have the right product for them and to ensure the best level of service and integration in the vessel.”
The Darlington factory now employs over 800 people and has a dedicated marine engine area onsite, a separate product development center and a neighboring plant producing exhaust aftertreatment systems. £10.4 million has recently been invested into production and development at Darlington, supported by a regional growth fund grant. Marine engines from 6.7 to 11 liters (230-715 hp / 171-533 kW) are available from the Darlington site, including a range of helm to propeller packages.
Signed last month, the contract will see Damen Shipyards Gorinchem deliver a Stan Pontoon 4113 (YN 523702) and a Multi Cat 2712 (YN 571725) to Norway’s Frøy Vest AS.
According to Remko Hottentot, Damen Manager Sales Norway, the Damen-developed combination of a Multi Cat and a Stan Pontoon is an entirely new concept in the fish farm industry. In the past no fewer than four vessels were used for fish-farming operations, but the combination of one Multi Cat and a Stan Pontoon is a guarantee that the operational costs for the client are reduced considerably.
“This concept is new for the fish farm industry as a whole, not only for this client,” says Mr. Hottentot. “The industry is growing and has to comply with stricter norms in terms of safety, the environment, etc. Damen always tries to listen closely to the operational input of clients, who also have to comply with new flag state demands. So, it was quite logical that we came to this new concept after having heard what Frøy Vest had to say.”
The new concept was first presented at the Aqua Nor Trade Fair 2015 in Trondheim where the response was good.
“This positive response led to the sale of the first combination,” says Mr. Hottentot. “Both vessels are Damen proven-standard vessels, but they have been adapted to the demands and wishes of the customer, Frøy Vest. For instance, the deck is not made of wood for reasons of hygiene, and larger cranes and winches have been placed on deck for enhanced productivity.”
The Multi Cat 2712, with a length of 27.27 m, a beam of 12.50 m and a maximum bollard pull of 34.8 tonnes, is a new type of workboat with two Cat C32 TTA CERT engines with a total power of 1,790 bkW at 1,800 rpm, giving the vessel a maximum speed of 10.5 knots.
Typical applications for the Stan Pontoon 4113 are deck cargo and RO/RO operations and it can be deployed in deep-sea areas, coastal and inland waters. The pontoon has a molded length of 41.40 metres, a molded beam of 13.00 m and a molded depth of 3.00 m. Maximum draft is 2.40 m, deck load is 10 tonnes per sq.m and maximum deadweight of 965 t. Free deck space is 533 sq.m. With a deck thickness of 12 mm, the vessel is suitable for extra heavy weights.
The project, which had been proposed by Liberty Natural Gas, LLC, required approval from both Governor Cuomo and New Jersey Governor Christie under the federal Deepwater Port Act.
Governor Cuomo detailed his full position in a letter to the U.S. Maritime Administration.
“My administration carefully reviewed this project from all angles, and we have determined that the security and economic risks far outweigh any potential benefits,” said Governor Cuomo. “Superstorm Sandy taught us how quickly things can go from bad to worse when major infrastructure fails – and the potential for disaster with this project during extreme weather or amid other security risks is simply unacceptable. Port Ambrose would also hinder the local maritime economy in a way that negatively impacts businesses throughout Long Island, and that is simply unacceptable. This is a common-sense decision, because vetoing this project is in the best interests of New Yorkers.”
The Deepwater Port Act requires approval from the governor of each adjacent coastal state before a deepwater port license is issued. For the Port Ambrose project, both New York and New Jersey are adjacent coastal states.
Governor Cuomo’s review found that the project posed inherent and unanswered security risks to the region. The potential for catastrophic impacts during extreme weather events was also found to be unacceptable. Additionally, the project posed significant disruptions to commercial and recreational maritime activities, and would also have interfered with a critical off-shore wind power project proposed by the New York Power Authority.