Search Results for: LNG

Aker Philadelphia cuts steel for Matson 3,600 TEU box ships

In 2013, Matson subsidiary Matson Navigation Company, Inc. signed a contract with Aker Philadelphia Shipyard Inc. (APSI) to build the two new ships for a price of $418 million for the pair (see earlier story). Since signing the contracts, engineering, planning and procurement work have been underway.

The shipbuilder is expected to deliver the ships in the third and fourth quarters of 2018.

The 850-foot long, 3,600 TEU vessels will be Matson’s largest ships and the largest Jones Act containerships ever constructed. Despite their size, they are designed to accommodate future needs by being able to navigate safely into some of Hawaii’s smaller ports.

They will also be faster, designed to operate at speeds in excess of 23 knots, helping ensure timely delivery of goods in Hawaii.

The new vessels will incorporate a number of “green ship technology” features including a more fuel efficient hull design, dual fuel engines that can be adapted to use liquefied natural gas (LNG), environmentally safe double hull fuel tanks and fresh water ballast systems.

“These new ships are the future for Hawaii shipping and will bring a new level of efficiency and effectiveness to our service,” said Matt Cox, president and CEO, Matson. “The substantial investment in new technology underscores Matson’s long-term commitment to Hawaii and our desire to serve the islands in the best, most environmentally friendly way into the future.”

The first ships to be delivered by Aker Philadelphia were four Jones Act containerships for Matson delivered between 2003 and 2006.

“We are excited to partner with Matson again and return to our construction roots building containerships,” said Aker Philadelphia President and CEO Steinar Nerbovik. “It’s an exciting time to be a shipbuilder as we embark on simultaneously building containerships and product tankers, fulfilling our commitments to customers and shareholders.”

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MSE swoops on gas specialist TGE Marine

 

TGE Marine is a leading provider of engineering services for the design and supply of gas carriers, fuel gas systems and offshore units. Its deliver turnkey solutions for engineering, design, procurement and construction supervision (EPCS) of marine gas handling and storage systems as well as vessel designs. It specalizes in the containment and handling of cryogenically stored gases and is a market leader in the ethylene carrier and small LNG carrier segment.

It is a pioneer in LNG fuel gas systems and LNG bunkering. Most of its customers are commercial shipyards that build gas carriers.

MES says that with the demand for small-to-medium sized carriers for LNG, ethane and ethylene gas, and LPG expected to increase it is currently engaged in the development and sale of medium sized multi-gas carriers. And with the increasing focus on environmentally friendly marine fuel, it has been engaging in the development and sale of electronically-controlled dual fuel gas injection diesel engines (ME-GI) and high-pressure compressors for fuel gas supply systems that can use not just heavy oil, but also natural gas as fuel.

The technology and the engineering and construction knowhow and strong customer bases at both MES and TGE are expected to be highly compatible with each other and, by bringing all of this together, MES believes the two companies will be able to establish an excellent market position in the global small-to-medium sized gas carrier market and offer high value-added solutions to their customers. Furthermore, MES offering its core gas fuel products, such as engines and high-pressure compressors, is expected to produce significant synergies with TGE’s fuel gas supply system.

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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

World’s largest semi-sub is in the water

 

The semi-submersible is the central processing facility (CPF) for the Inpex-operated Ichthys LNG Project offshore Western Australia,

The 150 m x 110 m central processing facility (CPF) processes the product received via flexible risers from production wells, separating it into gas and condensate.

A floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) facility receives the condensate which it stores and offloads onto tankers for shipping and export.

The gas is delivered via pipeline to an onshore gas liquefaction plant that extracts condensate and LPG then cools and liquefies the remaining gas.

concept img

Inpex President Director Australia Seiya Ito called the successful launch of the CPF one of the project’s most significant achievements.

“To see this enormous facility in the water is a testament to those who have worked for years to make it a reality,” Mr. Ito said. “This milestone is a clear demonstration that the Ichthys LNG Project is making good progress and that we are working in an excellent spirit of cooperation with our Korean contractors.”

“The operation was completed within two days in the safest conditions,” said Managing Director Ichthys LNG Project Louis Bon. “The CPF is now berthed quayside at the shipyard where work is continuing to lift and install the living quarters and integrate and commission all equipment in preparation for the CPF’s sail away. All teams are working together in a very efficient manner to achieve our next targets.”

Once completed, the CPF will be towed 5,600 kilometers to the Ichthys Field in the Browse Basin, where it will be permanently moored for the life of the Project – more than 40 years.

Time lapse video of CPF under construction

CO2 emissions: Shipping is part of the solution

ICS, whose membership comprises national shipowners’ associations from 37 countries representing more than 80% of the world merchant fleet, has some key messages for government negotiators on the progress shipping is making to reduce its carbon footprint.

According to ICS, the global industry is already delivering carbon neutral growth having reduced total CO2 emissions by more than 10% since 2007, despite an increase in maritime trade.  

CO2 emissions from international shipping now represent just 2.2% of the world’s total CO2 emissions compared to 2.8% in 2007 (UN IMO Green House Gas Study, 2014). 

“These are genuine reductions through fuel efficiency, without the need for complex virtual measures such as carbon offsets,” said ICS Secretary General, Peter Hinchliffe. “With bigger ships, better engines and smarter speed management, the industry is confident of a 50% CO2 reduction by 2050 when the entire world fleet will comprise super fuel-efficient ships, many using clean fuels such as LNG.” 

But in the run-up to the Paris Conference, the shipping industry recognizes that governments expect more.
IMO has already set a mandatory target whereby all ships built from 2025 (including those in developing nations) must be 30% more efficient than ships built in the 2000s.  This applies to over 95% of the world merchant fleet, under new regulations that came into force worldwide in 2013. 

ICS says that IMO is the only place that can ensure that the entire world fleet will continue to deliver further CO2 reductions, regardless of a ship’s flag, while respecting the United Nations Framework – Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) principle of “Common But Differentiated Responsibility.” 

ICS stresses that the 10% CO2 reduction achieved since 2007 is across the shipping sector globally, not just ships registered in richer countries which are the only nations required to make commitments for land-based CO2 reductions under the current Kyoto Protocol on climate change. 

“The entire world fleet is about 20% more efficient than in 2005.  With the support of the shipping industry, IMO has already achieved a great deal and is the only forum that can deliver further significant CO2 reductions from international shipping,” said Peter Hinchliffe. 

A new ICS fact sheet “Delivering CO2 Emission Reductions: Shipping is Part of the Solution” can be downloaded HERE

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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:

  • Loa                   266.0 m
  • Lbp                   258.1 m
  • Breadth             46.0 m
  • Depth                22.5 m
  • Draft, design      14.8 m

Hull and Performance:    

  • Ice class     PC5/RMRS Arc6 level
  • Ice breaking capability     1 meter continuous
  • Economical open water speed     13.5 knots
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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

Five paths to greener coastal shipping

The program was launched by DNV GL and now also involves 25 partners from the Norwegian maritime industry and the Norwegian authorities.

The pilot projects include several different ship types, and infrastructure with an emphasis on alternative fuel concepts.

“When we launched the Green Coastal Shipping Programme, we said we wanted to make Norway a world showcase for green coastal shipping. With these five pioneering pilot projects we are well on our way,” says Program Director Narve Mjøs.

CargoFerry plug-in hybrid: Shipping company Nor Lines will lead the first pilot project, CargoFerry Plug-in Hybrid, which aims to develop a cost-effective and profitable short-sea containership powered by a plug-in hybrid LNG/battery propulsion system. It is a short-sea containership concept with a zero-emission solution during port sailing and operations. After developing the technical concept, the project partners will calculate the vessel’s environmental footprint and carry out a cost/benefit analysis.

Next-generation green shuttle tanker: Teekay Tankers will lead the second pilot project, which will investigate technical solutions for utilizing batteries and VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) in a shuttle tanker. Battery technology has not been used on this vessel type yet and the project will explore how it could potentially help to optimize operations and reduce the need for installed power. The project partners will also look at the possible use of batteries as a “spinning reserve.”

After assessing the economic and regulatory feasibility of battery-powered shuttle tankers, the project will review new technological solutions for utilizing VOC (volatile organic compounds) produced on board by capturing and condensing the recoverable gases produced during offshore loading. Using the liquid VOC for onboard power generation could reduce total fuel consumption and the environmental impact of the vessel. As VOC are generated during offshore loading, using them as an energy source could offer an additional environmental benefit to reduction in total demand for fuel.

Hybrid ocean farming vessel: The third pilot project, by ABB and the Cargo Freighters’ Association, aims to define an optimized hybrid propulsion system for more energy efficient operations with greater redundancy.

Conversion of cargo carrier into battery-hybrid LNG carrier: This project aims to develop a cost-efficient LNG distribution concept with a hybrid LNG/battery propulsion solution and zero-emission port operations. Converting an existing vessel may provide a cost-effective option for small LNG carriers. The project owners Øytank Bunkerservice and the Norwegian Gas Association will lead the way in developing the technical concept, calculating the environmental footprint and carrying out a cost/benefit analysis.

Pioneering green port project: The fifth pilot project has the objective of developing a low-energy-consumption port with a minimal carbon footprint. Some of the technologies being employed to achieve this include electric heavy-duty vehicles and cranes. The green port will also be equipped with smart gates, offer cold ironing services and charging stations for plug-in hybrid ships.

Risavika Harbor in Stavanger will take the lead in the green port project, developing the technical concept, undertaking a cost/benefit analysis, calculating the environmental footprint and presenting a plan for further development of the concept.

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BV classes world’s first ethane fueled ship

The Dragon vessels were originally designed as dual-fuel LNG/diesel powered vessels, with two 1,000 cu m LNG tanks on deck powering two Wärtsilä 6L20 DF main engines with a total output of 2,112 kW and two shaft generators with a total  output of 3,600 kW power. As we reported in May (see earlier story), as the vessels will initially transport ethane from the U.S, to the U.K. Ineos refineries, the ability to also burn ethane was added to allow use of the cargo gas as fuel. 

“The ability to burn ethane as well as LNG to power these unique vessels is a major step forward in the use of clean fuels. It means the vessels can use cargo gas during transits to provide a clean and clear commercial and environmental advantage,” says Bureau Veritas Business Development Manager Martial Claudepierre. “We have worked with Evergas and the Danish Maritime Authority to verify and ensure that the use of ethane is at least as safe as required by the IGC and will not impair the engine compliance with MARPOL Annex VI.”  

According to Mr. Claudepierre, using ethane required extra engine room ventilation and additional gas detection, plus modifications to the main engines including a lower compression ratio, different turbocharger nozzles and de-rating of the engine to cope with the lower knocking resistance of ethane. “But,” he says, “the gains in not carrying an additional fuel and in environmental performance from being able to burn clean fuel throughout the voyage are significant.”

Wartsila wins regas module orders for two FSRUs

AUGUST 31, 2015 — South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) has placed contracts with Wärtsilä for seawater/propane based regasification modules. The systems are to be installed on FSRU (Floating Storage and