Study raises new questions on methane slip
MARCH 1, 2016 — A study just released by the U.S. Maritime Administration is likely to add to the debate over the relative merits of the Diesel cycle and the Otto cycle
Search Results for: Maritime Partners
Satcom services provider rebrands as Marlink
FEBRUARY 25, 2016 — The commercial satellite communication division of Airbus Defence and Space is soon to be acquired by French private equity firm Apax Partners, but has already been rebranded as
Puerto Rico seeks private partner to operate ferry services
FEBRUARY 25, 2016 — Puerto Rico is looking for a private sector partner to operate the ferry services provided by Maritime Transportation Authority for Puerto Rico and the Municipal Islands (MTA) and
Maersk, Qatargas and Shell ink MOU on LNG as marine fuel
FEBRUARY 22, 2016 — Qatargas, the Maersk Group and Shell have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to explore the development of LNG as a marine fuel in the Middle East region.
Getting a Handle on Data Usage
As ships rely increasingly on broadband connectivity to improve operational efficiency and provide crew welfare, bandwidth management has become a critical need. On vessels today, broadband connectivity is needed for access to critical weather and navigational information as well as secure communications with fleet operations management. Real-time access to sea condition information, fleet and port data, and remote systems support capabilities can enhance crew safety, save fuel, reduce operational expenses, and ensure compliance with an ever-expanding array of regulations. Broadband connectivity is also the lifeline for seafarers — who consider communications with family and access to the Internet as must-haves for life onboard. If vessels want to attract and retain qualified crew, they need to provide connectivity. It all adds up to an emphasis on managing broadband data usage.
KVH has introduced the myKVH web portal to enable ship operators, fleet managers, and vessel officers to effectively manage onboard data usage. The tool is designed to provide the transparency and accountability that is essential for a ship to get the most value from its broadband data plan, which is typically based on a monthly allotment of airtime.
KVH introduced the myKVH web portal in October 2015 at the same time it introduced new airtime plans for its mini-VSAT Broadband service, which provides connectivity to thousands of vessels worldwide. The new airtime plans deliver data at maximum speeds on the mini-VSAT Broadband network at every price point. In some cases, the top downlink speed of 4 Mbps is 15 times faster than previous plans, while the cost has been reduced by one third. The new airtime plans feature monthly allotments of data in a wide range, giving fleet managers the ability to choose a data allotment that fits the vessels’ budget and needs.
With a vessel utilizing a monthly allotment of data, it becomes extremely important to be able have visibility into the amount of data being consumed. The myKVH web portal provides a single secure site with the tools to enable a ship operator to manage network usage by vessel or by individual crew members, allocate operational and crew data, and receive customized usage alerts by email and SMS text message. It is available for no additional cost to every customer using KVH’s mini-VSAT Broadband service. With the myKVH web portal, operators have a tool to proactively monitor bandwidth usage so that one runaway user can no longer compromise an entire vessel’s connectivity.
Secure, fleet-wide monitoring with map and grid displays is another benefit of the myKVH tool for onshore staff. The fleet-wide view shows IT managers and ship superintendents at a glance where their vessels are and the status of their mini-VSAT Broadband systems. It also enables them to view support cases across the entire fleet, maximizing the value of their KVH investment.
As the sophistication of maritime broadband communications grows, managing onboard data usage will become ever more important for every vessel. The myKVH web portal is designed for the visibility and accountability that fleet managers need to make the smartest use of connectivity.
DELIVERING RELIABLE HIGH-SPEED BROADBAND
This past December, Inmarsat achieved global commercial service for its high-speed broadband service Global Xpress. The service was formed by three Ka-band high-speed mobile broadband communications satellites launched from Kazakhstan over the last three years. A fourth satellite being built by Boeing in California will provide extra capacity when it launches later this year.
GX operates in the resilient Ka-band, while integrating seamlessly with Inmarsat’s L-band network to allow customers across aviation, maritime, enterprise and government sectors to have reliable and assured access to high-throughput communications.
With Cisco, Inmarsat has also developed the Inmarsat Service Enablement Platform (ISEP) and the Inmarsat Gateway, which will deliver a whole new world of innovative, content-rich applications – developed by our Certified Application Partners – tailored to meet GX users’ needs.
During the course of 2016, Inmarsat will be introducing a series of market-specific, high-speed connectivity services powered by Global Xpress.
Inmarsat has signed up several manufacturers and value-added resellers to distribute its Global Xpress services. Among the manufacturers on the maritime and offshore sector are Cobham, Intellian, JRC, and RigNet.
At last year’s International Workboat Show in New Orleans, Intellian displayed its GX60, a compact maritime stabilized terminal designed to use Inmarsat’s GX broadband service. Built and supplied with an Integrated GX modem, the GX60 installs easily and quickly delivers high-speed connectivity.
A real benefit of the GX60, explains Paul Comyns, Intellian’s Vice President Global Marketing, is its small size, integrated design, and intuitive user interface. It means operators can install and commission the terminal in relatively the same amount of time as a FleetBroadband system. It can also deliver speeds of up to 50 Mbps. The radome dimension is 90 cm x 103 cm and the antenna weighs about 132 lbs.
Also on display at the Workboat Show was Cobham SATCOM’s SAILOR 60 GX, a new super-light and compact Ka-band VSAT antenna. The new 60cm antenna system is designed for Inmarsat’s new Fleet Xpress service.
Weighing just 82 lbs/37 kg, the SAILOR 60 GX user terminal features one of the lightest Ka-band antennas and boasts leading radio performance to ensure a reliable link to the satellite and more availability of communication services. For workboats and offshore vessels with space restrictions a new SAILOR 60 GX combined with a SAILOR FleetBroadband system is the perfect on board hardware platform for Inmarsat’s game-changing new maritime multi-band satcom service.
A key advantage of SAILOR 60 GX’s small size and low weight is the ability to reduce installation time and costs, which could lead to better value monthly service subscriptions. It is also likely that vessels with existing FleetBroadband antennas will experience more value as they already have a core component of Fleet Xpress on board, making SAILOR the ideal companion for workboat operators aiming to achieve optimal ROI on maritime broadband.
SAILOR 60 GX will enable more workboats to operate smarter through harnessing the power of Inmarsat Fleet Xpress, by enabling significant data sharing capabilities and the drive towards smart operations. The optimal size/performance balance of SAILOR 60 GX is possible because Inmarsat Global Xpress satellites use spot beams instead of wide beams, so with advanced engineering and software design, antenna size is becoming less relevant and they can operate anywhere in the satellite footprint and provide a strong link.
The lightweight carbon fiber and aluminum SAILOR 60 GX comes pre-configured for Fleet Xpress and features ‘one touch commissioning’, meaning that during installation it can be online in seconds with no requirement to contact the Network Operations Center (NOC).
At 1,297 feet long, the MSC Zoe, along with her sister ships MSC Oliver and MSC Oscar are some of the largest container ships in the world. When she set sail this past summer on her inaugural voyage, the MSC Zoe was equipped with high-speed Marlink Maritime VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) on board. Marlink VSAT services provide reliable connectivity for operational and crew communications on MSC Zoe and 130 other MSC ships. MSC uses a suite of integrated IT solutions designed to reduce network administration on board and provide easy access to communication services for crew, all enabled by the XChange communications management platform from Marlink.
Recently added to MSC Zoe’s communications solutions and being rolled-out across the MSC fleet is XChange Universal Remote Access (URA), a unique system that provides secure remote access to computers on board from the shore office. MSC is already experiencing higher uptime for IT systems across the fleet due to the improved remote maintenance and troubleshooting capabilities provided by URA. The system differs from standard remote access solutions, which are designed for specific terminals or protocols and require their own IP address. Since it is a universal access solution, MSC can use the same tool to access IT systems on MSC Zoe, its largest ship, as on any other ship regardless of age or type across its entire fleet.
XChange as standard also provides communication lines for MSC crews to easily stay in contact with their families and friends via email, internet and social media, while giving full control of access and costs to administrators on shore. For MSC, this functionality has been extended by XChange BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), a ready-to-use Wi-Fi solution and accompanying apps that provide voice and data access for crew using their own smartphones, tablets or laptops. By ensuring straightforward account administration and streamlining payment using pre-paid cards, XChange BYOD helps MSC to meet the requirement of its maritime professionals to access the Internet via Wi-Fi using their own devices.
Bunkering Up
Last year, General Dynamics NASSCO earned the bragging rights for building and delivering the world’s first LNG-fueled containership, the Isla Bella, to Jones Act operator TOTE Maritime. The San Diego shipbuilder capped off that technological achievement last month by delivering the 764 ft Perla del Caribe, sister ship to the Isla Bella, two months early.
The two ships were built under a contract signed by TOTE in December 2012. The investment by TOTE in the two ships was $375 million.
TOTE President and CEO Anthony Chiarello, says that the “Isla Bella is already serving the people and communities of Puerto Rico and we are excited to introduce the Perla Del Caribe into the trade next month.”
GD NASSCO designed the ships in partnership with DSEC, a subsidiary of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering (DSME), located in Busan, South Korea.
The design is based on proven containership-design standards and includes DSME’s patented LNG fuel-gas system and a MAN ME-GI dual fuel, slow-speed engine. The 8L70ME-GI engine was built by Korea’s Doosan Engine under license from MAN Diesel & Turbo.
Burning LNG will allow the Marlin Class ships to be fully compliant with strict emissions regulations while operating in both the North American Emissions Control Area and the U.S. Caribbean ECA.
The Isla Bella made its first trip from Jacksonville, FL, to San Juan, Puerto Rico, November 24.
On January 9, TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico successfully loaded LNG bunkers aboard the world’s first LNG powered containership, MV Isla Bella. Approximately 100,000 LNG gallons transported by 12 TOTE-owned LNG ISO containers were loaded on schedule. The bunkering was conducted under strict U.S. Coast Guard oversight while Isla Bella was also undergoing cargo operations.
The LNG was transferred from the ISO tank containers using a specially developed transfer skid developed by TOTE’s partner Applied Cryogenics Technologies (ACT) of Houston, TX. The transfer skid is designed to allow four ISO tanks to be transferred to Isla Bella at once, dramatically reducing transfer time.
The LNG was sourced by TOTE’s partner, JAX LNG, LLC, from AGL Resources’ LNG production facility in Macon, GA. Genox Transportation, a specialized LNG trucking partner of TOTE, transported the fuel to Jacksonville. Pivotal LNG, a subsidiary of AGL Resources, also provided transfer expertise to TOTE Maritime with its highly trained LNG experts, ensured the operation was conducted safely and in accordance with best industry practices.
Oversight of the operation both at shipside and on shore was provided by TOTE Services, Inc. (TSI), TOTE Maritime’s sister company that manages the vessels.
“We are very pleased with the results of this initial LNG bunker event and know that the use of LNG in our Marlin Class vessels will provide unprecedented environmental benefits both here in Jacksonville and in Puerto Rico,” says Tim Nolan, President of TOTE Maritime Puerto Rico. “We are indebted to USCG Sector Jacksonville for their diligent oversight and assistance that was invaluable and helped make this event a success. Our partners ACT, Pivotal LNG and Genox were also major components of our success. Our sister company, TSI, has developed significant expertise in LNG as a Maritime fuel and ensures that our vessels operate safely and efficiently using this environmentally superior fuel.”
Applied CryoTechnologies, Inc. (ACT) is the premier equipment supplier for cryogenics in North America. ACT is proud to be the first to market with this type of bunkering equipment for the marine industry. Leveraging ACT’s innovative style and unrivaled experience in LNG equipment is sure to bring success to any LNG fueling project.
Pivotal LNG brings liquefied natural gas to companies and industries throughout the United States through reliable, flexible and cost-effective solutions.
TOTE Maritime provides safe, reliable transportation at the fastest speed possible for the Puerto Rican and related Caribbean trades.
Meanwhile, Crowley Puerto Rico Services, Inc., Jacksonville, has selected Eagle LNG Partners as LNG supplier for the company’s new LNG-powered, Commitment Class ships, which will be delivered in 2017 for use in the U.S. mainland to Puerto Rico trade. To support Crowley’s LNG needs, Eagle LNG will build an LNG plant offering a capacity of 200,000 gallons per day (87,000 gallons per day initially) in Jacksonville. The state-of-the-art facility is slated to be operational by early 2017. The decision to partner with Eagle LNG was made by Crowley in part because of the companies’ shared commitment to the environment.
“Crowley is proud to take a leadership position in the industry’s shift to cleaner-burning, natural gas fuel solutions,” said Crowley’s John Hourihan, senior vice president and general manager, Puerto Rico services. “The partnership with Eagle LNG is an important first step in developing sustainable supply infrastructure to ensure these highly technical, environmentally friendly vessels operate to their full capability.”
“The marine sector represents a significant opportunity for LNG fueling in the U.S., and Eagle LNG is well-positioned to build the necessary infrastructure and provide the specialized logistics to facilitate this energy transformation,” said Dick Brown, CEO, Eagle LNG. “It takes companies like Crowley to lead that wave of change. Eagle LNG is proud to work with such a pioneering organization.”
“This project is an important investment in our community from both economic and environmental perspectives,” said Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry. “It clearly demonstrates the leadership role our region is playing in LNG development and progression, while strengthening our commitment to leaving a smaller footprint through cleaner-burning fuel.”
The supply agreement between Eagle LNG and Crowley will provide LNG fuel for the El Conqui and Taino, which are expected to be in service in the second quarter and fourth quarter of 2017 respectively. The Jones Act ships will replace Crowley’s towed triple-deck barge fleet, which has served the trade continuously and with distinction since the early 1970s. These new ships, will offer customers fast ocean transit times, while accommodating the company’s diverse equipment selection and cargo handling flexibility – benefits customers have enjoyed for nearly 60 years. The LNG plant is separate from the previously announced Eagle LNG Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) export terminal located along the St. Johns River, in Jacksonville, which will continue to focus on export markets in the Caribbean and Atlantic Basin.
DUAL FUEL BULKERS BUILT TO NEW DNV GL CLASS
ESL Shipping’s new dual-fuelled bulk carriers will not only be the first large LNG-fuelled bulkers, but the first vessels constructed to the new DNV GL rule set. Due for delivery in early 2018, the two highly efficient 25,600 dwt vessels are optimized for trading in the Baltic Sea region.
“It is fitting that the first vessels that will be constructed to the most forward looking set of classification rules are themselves at the cutting edge of maritime innovation,” says Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO of DNV GL – Maritime. “We have created these rules to be ready for the future and we have long pioneered the use of LNG as a ship fuel. To see these two come together in a double first for the industry is a remarkable moment. We look forward to working with ESL, Deltamarin, Sinotrans & CSC Qingshan Shipyard and all the project partners to make this project a success.”
“We are proud to be the world’s first shipyard applying the new and innovative DNV GL rules for a newbuilding, just two months after DNV GL has launched its new rules in October this year,” said Liu Guangyao, Deputy General Manager of Sinotrans & CSC at the Marintec China Trade Fair recently. “We appreciate the support that DNV GL has committed to provide on the project during both the design and construction phase, especially in a project with many advanced extra class notations. We are looking forward to a close cooperation and a successful delivery.”
Featuring the Deltamarin B.Delta26LNG design, the two highly efficient ships will feature dual-fuel main and auxiliary machinery, resulting in CO2 emissions per ton of cargo transported half that of present vessels. The bulk carriers will be built to the new DNV GL rules for general dry cargo ships with DNV GL ice class 1A and will have type C LNG tanks of approximately 400 m3 capacity enabling bunkering at several terminals within the Baltic region. The B.Delta26LNG has a shallow draft of maximum 10 m, an overall length of 160 m, and a breadth of 26 m.
“We are very excited to have been selected to take part in this ground breaking project,” says Morten Løvstad, Business Director Bulk Carriers at DNV GL. “Being asked to work with such an innovative team as the classification partner is a testament to the creativity and hard work that so many colleagues at DNV GL have invested in the new rule set. These vessels will set new standards for efficiency and environmental performance. They are an important step forward in showing how shipping can be a force for sustainability today and in the future.”
FIRST PURE LNG FERRY FOR GERMANY
Germany’s first LNG-fueled ferry, the MS Ostfriesland, has now been operating for AG Ems between Emden and Borkum Island on the ecologically sensitive Wadden Sea, since June 2015.
Originally built in 1985, the vessel was converted to dual fuel propulsion in a conversion that saw it fitted with a complete new aft end, construction of which got underway at German shipyard Brenn – und Verformungstechnik Bremen GmbH while the ship remained in service.
The new aft section, which extended the vessel’s length from 78.7 m to 93 m, houses the new machinery space and LNG fuel system/tank with the vessel now being propelled by two electrically powered Schottel STP Twin thrusters, each rated at 1,150 kW at 1,480 rpm.
While the prime movers are two 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 20DF dual-fuel generating sets, for navigating within harbors, the vessel uses two Mitsubishi auxiliary generators.
Switching to LNG fuel means providing against various unlikely malfunctions, such as an ignition failure resulting in an unburned mixture of gas and air in the exhaust. This could cause uncontrolled combustion and an increase in pressure the next time ignition takes place, putting a substantial strain on the pipe components.
To protect against this, the Mitsubishi auxiliary generators are protected by a Q-Rohr flameless venting system by German manufacturer Rembe GmbH that ensures that the reaction is vented directly at the exhaust.
Both the flame and the pressure are absorbed by the stainless steel mesh filter of the Q-Rohr, providing optimum protection for the pipe components and the environment.
Study: Best practices to tackle tug/towboat crew fatigue
FEBRUARY 10, 2015 — The American Waterways Operators has hailed a study conducted for the Transportation Research Board of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine that finds “there is currently
NTSB eyes Anthem of the Seas incident
FEBRUARY 10, 2016 — Sen. Bill Nelson has called for the National Transportation Safety Board to investigate the voyage that saw passengers aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Anthem of the Seas
BMT completes Australian cable ferry project
FEBRUARY 10, 2016 — Melbourne, Australia, based BMT Design & Technology Pty Ltd (BMT), a subsidiary of BMT Group Ltd, has recently completed a design project for the South Australian Government’s Department
Crystal Cruises plans to return SS United States to service
FEBRUARY 4, 2016 — Crystal Cruises says it plans to save “America’s Flagship,” the SS United States, and “embark on the enormous undertaking of bringing the ship into compliance with the latest