Chinese crane ship completes repairs at Damen Dunkerque

The massive 3,000 tonne lift capacity mounted on the stern and the ship’s unconventional hull form meant that the shipyard had to make special dock bed arrangements to accommodate her.

A total of 225 blocks were required, along with an additional 56 steel pillars of up to 7 m in length to support the stern. Wooden wedges also had to be added to the lateral blocks to take account of the unusual hull shape and to ensure complete stability in the dry dock.

The scope of work over the 10 day period included, along with the standard work for class survey, blasting and painting the hull and the overhauling of the internal and overboard valves. The scope of the electrical works was extensive given the tight time frame, with a large number of motors removed and transported back to the workshop for overhaul before being returned and refitted. The last ones were fitted and tested on the same day of the vessel’s departure.

Wei Li Crane2The starboard propeller blades were also rebuilt. This required re-welding tips onto each of the blades followed by a full polish for both propellers.

Six generator coolers were removed for overhauling, as were their bearings, and some major repairs were made to the accommodations.

Cooperation with the project team from owner Shanghai Salvage was excellent; thanks in part to the assistance of a local Chinese national attending a nearby university who helped smooth the language differences.

“Ensuring that the Wei Li was properly supported in the dry dock was a complex project in itself,” commented Khalil Benjelloul, head of marketing and sales at Damen Shiprepair Dunkerque. “With all the blocks and pillars, plus the positions of the vessel’s thrusters, it was not easy to position her in the centerline of the dock. Once all this was accomplished, however, the work proceeded smoothly and after 10 days of hard work around the clock she was on her way again. It was a pleasure to work with Shanghai Salvage and its representatives.”

The Wei-Li was delivered by shipbuilder Zhenhua Heavy Industries in 2010 and this summer was involved in the installation of the 11,000 tonne jacket for the Ivar Aasen project in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea.

 

Deltamarin and Aker Arctic develop Arctic Aframax design

The concept ship combines Deltamarin’s expertise in affordable, energy efficient cargo vessels with Aker Arctic’s arctic vessel expertise to deliver cost efficient and reliable tanker operation both in open water and in ice.

The Arctic Aframax tanker is intended for crude oil and oil product transports. It is strengthened to ice class PC5 level (equals approximately Russian Maritime Register of Shipping category ARC6) and is capable of continuously breaking thicker than one-meter level ice.

It can operate on the Northern Sea Route during the extended summer months, and with assistance even longer. During the winter months the vessel can operate in other sub-arctic sea areas such as the Baltic Sea or Sakhalin.
Deltamarin’s experience in designing cost efficient cargo vessels with track record of hundreds of contracted vessels is utilized in minimizing the newbuilding and operating costs.

According to Deltamarin’s Director of Ship Design, Markku Miinala, and Aker Arctic’s Project Manager, Riku Kiili, “the design integrates optimized ice breaking and open water performance as well as the latest energy efficiency features applied together with the Polar Code requirements. This unique combination results in an affordable building and improved transport economy by cost efficient operation. The design can be fine-tuned according to the customer’s wishes.”

The bow and hull shape of the vessel combine the optimum balance of open water performance with icebreaking capabilities. The specially designed hull strengthening improves safety in operations in the arctic waters. The hull is equipped with an Ice Load Monitoring System, which measures ice loads from the hull and provides online support to the officers ensuring safe operations. The system will also help the shipowner in the long term by analyzing the data and creating information for the optimal operations.  The emphasis has also been on winterization for cold climates in all aspects of the concept design.

The vessel is equipped with two CP-propellers and shaft lines directly coupled with slow speed diesel engines. The vessel can also be fitted to run on LNG with dual fuel engines. Further there is a possibility for two bow thrusters and shaft PTO/PTI (Power Take Off / Power Take In) systems.  A special focus has been on developing an improved command bridge, where the new Aker Arctic ARC Bridge Concept was used. The visibility from the bridge is excellent in all directions and good ergonomics including access and passages to command posts is created.

Arctic Aframax 118,000 DWT Crude Oil Carrier
Main Dimensions:

Hull and Performance:    

Kleven to build advanced cable layer for ABB

The vessel will be custom built to ABB specifications, with Norway’s Salt Ship Design working closely with ABB, the shipyard and MAATS Tech of the U.K., which is responsible for the integration of the cable lay mission equipment in the design development. The resulting SALT 306 design, says Salt, is “very comprehensive and fit for purpose.”

“This next-generation vessel incorporating state-of-the-art ABB technologies will be a key differentiator for our high-voltage cable business, enhancing flexibility and execution ability,” said Claudio Facchin, president of ABB’s Power Systems division. “It will also improve operational efficiency and customer focus, supporting profitable growth in line with our Next Level strategy.”

The new ship will deploy many of ABB’s own leading marine technologies. The award-winning Onboard DC Grid and power distribution solution, for instance, will use a single DC circuit for ship propulsion to reduce power consumption.

The vessel will set new standards for reliability and accuracy and will be equipped with roll-reduction tanks and the subsea operations will be executed and monitored by a remotely operated vehicle using cameras and sonar, avoiding the need for divers.

The vessel will also feature a complete ABB Integrated Automation System and three Azipod propulsion units. Together with an energy storage system for marine applications it will cut fuel consumption by 27 percent and reduce maintenance compared to traditional AC systems.

Sensors, monitoring hardware and software will enable data to be sent to shore via a satellite link, to allow the onshore technical support centers to work closely with the ship as part of ABB’s Integrated Marine Operations solution. Advanced advisory software for motion monitoring, forecasting and decision support will also be on board.

Thanks to dynamic positioning technology to DP3 class, the ship will be able to maintain its position with a high precision.

It is constructed in such a way that fire and flooding can be contained and will not compromise positioning and other essential systems.

With experience dating back to 1883, ABB is a global leader in high-voltage cable systems with an installed base across applications such as integration of renewables, city center in-feeds, oil and gas platform power supplies, and subsea interconnections. ABB has commissioned more than 25 high-voltage direct current links and hundreds of high-voltage alternating current links around the world.

cable layer Aft 2

ABBcablevesselcrosssection

Maersk Tankers orders nine for $300 million

 

They will be built by shipbuilder Samsung Heavy Industries, which will deliver them from its Ningbo shipyard in China in 2017 and 2018.

Claus Grønborg, Maersk Tankers VP and head of business development, said the ships “will support our Taking the Lead strategy in the product segment and maintain our strong focus on cost effectiveness. The renewal of our fleet will help us to stay environmentally efficient, competitive and better equipped to meet our customers demands.”

Cuba cruise and ferry services get a little nearer

 

They will take effect on Monday, September 21, 2015, when they are published in the Federal Register. Coincidentally, or probaby not, that’s the day before Pope Francis arrives in Washington, DC, from Cuba.

The Pope is widely credited with initiating the dialogue that led to the new direction in U.S.-Cuba relationship.

A fact sheet issued by the the Department of the Treasury and the Department of Commerce includes the following regulatory changes:​

While there’s no explanation as to how spacecraft got in there, the “temporary sojourn” authorization should be particularly useful to Carnival Corporation’s start up brand fathom. It intends offering cultural exchange voyages to Cuba starting in May 2016, using the 704 passenger cruise ship as a “comfortable home base” during travelers stay on the island.

Cruise lines and ferry operators are now waiting for the Cuban permissions needed to initiate service.

Read the Treasury backgrounder HERE

MAN 32/44CR receives EPA certification

Chuck Griffith, Sales Manager, MAN Diesel & Turbo, North America, said: “This certification is a significant step in our four-stroke, marine-engine strategy for the U.S. market. The engine family has been certified US EPA Tier 2 for Category 3 engines and builds the foundation for us to introduce our US EPA Tier 3 for Category 3 product in 2016. This will allow U.S. customers to benefit from the high power output and low fuel-consumption of our medium-speed, common-rail engines.”

EPA Tier 3 is currently the final emissions tier for Category 3 (≥ 30L/cyl displacement) engines, and is similar to EPA Tier 4 for Category 1 and 2 (< 30 L/cyl displacement) engines.

MAN Diesel & Turbo initiated the EPA certification process in response to demand from the American fishing industry. The company has already received several U.S. orders for the engine, including one for an MAN 8L32/44CR engine to power a newbuilding trawler for Fishermen’s Finest. The order was a breakthrough for the CR engine in the important, U.S. domestic-fishing segment (see earlier story).

Since being introduced in Europe eight years ago, the CR engines have consistently proven their reliability and durability within the fishing industry and are known for their excellent fuel efficiency and low operating costs. They are among the most technologically advanced in MAN Diesel & Turbo’s common-rail engines are its portfolio with a segment-leading SFOC that significantly lowers emissions of soot and NOx over the complete operating range.

The MAN 32/44CR is characterized by:

MAN 32/44CR engines are suitable for a variety of applications including fishing, ATBs (Articulated Tug Barges), anchor handlers, offshore construction vessels, dredges and drill ships.

epa cert1

The EPA certification: (top) 2015 Model Year, Certificate of Conformity with the Clean Air Act; (bottom) Office of Transportation and Air Quality, Engine International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate

epa cert2

First MHI-MME low speed engine enters service

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Marine Machinery & Engine Co (MHI-MME) has been developing the 500 mm bore, 2,300 mm two stroke as a state-of-the-art engine incorporating cutting-edge technology to meet market needs that including reduced fuel consumption, slow steaming, low engine-load capabilities and compliance with emission regulations.

The 6UEC50LSH-Eco-C2 in Chemroad Queen was built by licensee Kobe Diesel and was delivered to the shipbuilder, Shin Kurushima Dockyard, in March after completing shop testing, onboard testing was completed last month and the ship, owned by Iino Kaiun Kaisha, went into service without any complications.

Design of the UEC50LSH-Eco engine began with thorough market research and engine power output and speed were adjusted to those suitable for chemical tankers, handymax bulk carriers, supramax bulk carries and medium range tankers.

MHI-MME has now received follow up orders for M/E 5UEC50LSH-Eco-C2 main engines for 38,000 dwt chemical tankers to be built at Kitanihon Shipbuilding and says that many inquiries are also being received.

Principal Particulars of the UEC50LSH-Eco Engine

– 5UEC50LSH-Eco 6UEC50LSH-Eco
Cylinder bore mm 500
Piston stroke mm 2,300
Stroke / bore – 4.6
Engine output kW 8,900 10,680
Revolution min-1 108
Mean effective pressure MPa 2.19
Fuel consumption rate g/kWh 164
Weight ton 194 225

Genting Hong Kong to buy German shipyard

 

The deal will see Genting invest EUR 17.5 million for 70% of the new shipbuilding business and a 50% ownership of the shipyard’s land. Genting Hong Kong will complete the acquisition of Lloyd Werft subject to certain final purchase conditions.

“Lloyd Werft has built and lengthened six of the ships owned by an affiliate of the company and has the expertise to build a series of world class cruise ships for the company, which will include the ‘Exclusive Class’ vessels for Crystal Cruises, the world’s most awarded luxury cruise line,” said Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Genting Hong Kong. “Ownership in Lloyd Werft will enable Genting Hong Kong to leverage on the shipyard’s technical expertise and their well-established and long track record in the shipbuilding industry.”

Genting Hong Kong (GHK), the owner of Star Cruises and a major shareholder in Norwegian Cruise Lines, bought two ship luxury line Crystal from Japan’s Nippon Yusen Kabushiki Kaisha (NYK) in a deal announced this March. It followed that up with an announcement in July revealing that over the next three years Crystal will will add not only three new ocean ships but will get into the cruise yacht and river cruise segments and create a new type of luxury travel with its own Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft (see earlier story).

Lloyd Werft will play a key part in the expansion. It is to build the river cruise ships for the new Crystal River Cruises  and has a letter of intent to build three new “Crystal Exclusive Class,” polar ice class cruise ships with the first expected for delivery in late 2018.

“With such great anticipation for Crystal River Cruises and Crystal Exclusive Class ocean vessels, we are incredibly excited about Genting’s groundbreaking investment in the Lloyd Werft shipyard that will contribute mightily to Crystal Cruises’ expansion,” said Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s president and CEO.

Lloyd Werft was founded in 1857 and initially focused on the general ship repair business, moving into the conversion and newbuilding businesses in the 1970s. The yard, situated on 260,000 square meters and comprising of six docks and a 1,600 meter pier, has a newbuilding track record including cruise vessels for Norwegian Cruise Line including Pride of America, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Sun, mega yachts and pipe-laying vessels.

Lloyd Werft is to build the river cruise vessels for new Crystal River Cruises

Crystal River Cruises Yacht ArtistConcept

TOTE unifies maritime companies’ branding

SEPTEMBER 17, 2015 — Jones Act operator TOTE today announced that its  operating companies — Sea Star Line, which serves Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, and Totem Ocean Trailer Express, serving the

MTU engines picked for Sunseeker yacht range

The contract, announced at the Southampton Boat Show, will see MTU engines power the new Sunseeker 95, 116 and 131 yachts.

“I am delighted that our long-standing relationship continues with the supply of MTU’s latest and most advanced engines for all of our largest models, matched to industry leading standards of service and support,” said Sunseeker International CEO Phil Popham.”

Bruce Phillips, MTU UK, Managing Director said: “We are very pleased to have concluded this agreement. The signing of the general contract marks another milestone in our successful collaboration with Sunseeker. The yacht market demands continual progress and innovative technologies, and we are delighted that the new Series 2000 M96L engine generation forms part of this new agreement.”

MTU’s new Series 2000 M96L engine generation delivers improved acceleration and reduced fuel consumption as well as meeting the strict emission limits of the EPA Tier 3 standard for leisure craft. The engine will be offered as a 12 or 16-cylinder version with power outputs ranging from 1,432 to 1,939 kW to be fitted to a number of yachts including two new models, the 95 yacht and the 116 yacht.

The larger Series 4000 engines will power the new 131 yacht which has already secured four retail orders, months before the firstis launched in January 2016. In combination with the MTU Blue Vision monitoring and control system, both engine series provide the ultimate in advanced yacht engine technology.

MTU has supplied equipment for a variety of Sunseeker yachts of 24 metres or more over many years including the 155 yacht “Blush,” the largest Sunseeker craft ever built, which is powered by the Series 4000.

New contract will see the supply of MTU Series 2000 and Series 4000 engines for different yacht types, including the the new Sunseeker 116 seen below

Sunseeker 116 Yacht kl

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