USCG icebreaking tug gets life extension makeover

The cutter is one of nine WTGB Bay Class icebreaking tugs built between the late 1970s and early 1980s in Tacoma, WA. Their hulls have an air bubbling system to help them proceed through fresh water ice up to 20 in thick and can break ice up to 3 ft thick by ramming. But after nearly three decades service they are now ready for the SLEP, a major mid-life overhaul expected to extend their service life by 15 years.

Major SLEP work items on the Morro Bay included renewal of the crew’s berthing and mess deck, comprehensive navigation and steering systems upgrades, main propulsion motor overhaul, and installation of a new engine room water-mist fire fighting system and a modern small boat davit system.

The original icebreaking bubbler system, located on the fantail was decommissioned, and a new bubbler system installed in the engine room, where the ship’s service diesel generators had to be moved to accommodate the bubbler system diesel engine and compressor.

The cutter was also sandblasted and painted top to bottom, stem to stern.

With the cutter in the shipyard for theSLEP, Morro Bay’s crew maintained icebreaking proficiency by crew-swapping with the cutter’s sister ship Neah Bay, also homeported in Cleveland, during the 2014-2015 icebreaking season.

Duncan Hunter honored as Champion of Maritime

 

AMP says that Rep. Hunter’s longstanding support for the domestic industry is demonstrated through his work as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation and as a member of the Seapower Subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee. AMP adds that as the first U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan elected to U.S. Congress, Rep. Hunter understands the importance that the maritime industry serves in the everyday lives of our civilians and our service men and women.

“The true champions of maritime are the hundreds of thousands of highly-skilled service men and women in the American maritime industry who tirelessly work to protect our waterways — such a strength in defense wouldn’t be possible without the Jones Act,” said Rep. Hunter in accepting the award. “I will continue to vocalize my support for the American maritime industry; one that creates good paying family -wage jobs, secures our borders, and fuels our economy.”

This past June, Rep. Hunter demonstrated his commitment to the U.S. maritime industry when he joined hundreds of veterans and active military at the American Maritime Partnership’s Military to Maritime career fair in San Diego where he met with men and women looking to transfer their specialized skills earned from the military into a lucrative career in U.S. maritime.

“Chairman Hunter has been a tremendously valued champion for the domestic American maritime industry, serving as a leader who truly understands our industry’s critical role to the vitality and security of our nation,” AMP Chairman Tom Allegretti said. “From his time in the service to his seat as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, Congressman Hunter has witnessed first hand what it takes to sustain a strong maritime industry and because of his dedication, we are honored to provide him with our highest honor – the Champion of Maritime Award.”

 

Greek operator uses SKF solution for condition monitoring

Athens, Greece, headquartered TCM will be using a customized version of SKF’s hand-held Marine Condition Monitoring Kit to monitor critical auxiliary machinery such as cargo pumps, engine room fans, compressors and electric engines. The data can then be integrated into the ships’ maintenance management systems and transmitted to TCM’s headquarters, to form the basis of a detailed report on the current condition of the machinery in each vessel, helping service engineers to plan and prioritize maintenance work.  

Ole Kristian Joedahl, SKF’s Sales and Marketing Director, Industrial Market, says, “The marine industry is a key segment for us, and one in which we see significant potential. By giving operators access to data that helps them prioritize their maintenance work, our solutions directly support them in preventing unexpected failures and reducing their overall operating costs.”

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

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

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

Port captain uses drone to speed cargo hold inspections

SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 —Jan Andersen, one of Danish shipowner DS Norden’s three U.S.-based port captains, has started using a drone fitted with a small video camera to speed up cargo hold inspections.

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