JANUARY 19, 2016 — Flensburg, Germany, based ferry operator FRS (Förde Reederei Seetouristik mbH) has acquired a majority interest in Seattle, WA, based Clipper Navigation, Inc., whose Clipper Vacations operates the Victoria
JANUARY 16, 2016 — Shipbuilder Austal celebrated the christening of Expeditionary Fast Transport USNS Carson City (EPF 7) with a ceremony this morning at its Mobile, AL, shipyard. USNS Carson City is
The International Workboat Show in New Orleans, LA, offers the marine industry an ideal time to not only assess the current state of the industry, but also an opportunity to view some of the newest technologies, products, and services. With stricter emissions regulations coming into play in 2016 and operators strongly focused on efficiency and the bottom line, this year’s show saw a number of new power and propulsion technologies unveiled. GE Marine, for example, extended its EPA Tier 4 engine series to include 16- and 12-cylinder V-models, an 8-cylinder inline model, and a 6-cylinder inline model that is currently planned for development.
GE says the engine series meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Tier 4 emission standards without the use of urea after-treatment, while maintaining fuel efficiency and service intervals. In addition, the engines have a faster response time to load steps, and a Maximum Continuous Rating (MCR) that is 12 percent higher than their Tier 3 compliant predecessors.
Coastal tug and barge operator Reinauer Transportation purchased two 12V250MDC Tier 4 diesel engines for its new Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) unit under construction at Senesco Marine in Kingstown, RI. One of the engines was displayed at GE’s booth at the Workboat Show.
“We chose the new GE Marine engines because we like their robust design and component configuration,” says Christian Reinauer. “The engine closely matches the footprint of our current vessel design. This limits the amount of re-engineering while meeting Tier 4 emissions requirements without the complications of urea after-treatment.”
GE’s Marine Product Manager Rob Van Solingen says the engines offer several advantages as compared with engines that use an SCR-based emission control system.
He says that the GE Tier 4 engines are less complex, allowing ship designers to develop engine rooms that make the most efficient use of space. This reduction in complexity also translates into improved labor efficiency at shipyards.
The engines also offer space and weight savings, since there is no large SCR reactor system in the exhaust piping of each engine nor any urea tank, dosing equipment, monitoring/control systems, and related piping, and air supply system required.
“Depending on size and urea quantities, space and weight savings of the engine and complete SCR system with all components and urea tanks can save up to 75% on each when compared to the GE T4 diesel engine,” says Van Solingen.
In addition, says Van Solingen, “The EGR system is designed to not require any special maintenance between the normal scheduled overhaul intervals for our engines.”
Other U.S.-based customers Harvey Gulf International Marine and Oceaneering have also ordered 12V250MDC Tier 4 engines to meet stricter EPA emissions standards. Two 12V250MDC Tier 4 diesel engines will power Harvey Gulf’s new Robert Allen designed Multi-Purpose Field Support Vessel, currently under construction at Eastern Shipbuilding Group in Panama City, FL.
Meanwhile, Oceaneering has ordered five 12V250MDC Tier 4 diesel engines for its new Inspection, Maintenance and Repair (IMR) vessel MSV Ocean Evolution under construction at BAE Systems in Mobile, AL.
NEW ENGINE FROM MAN
Also on display at the WorkBoat Show was a new inline six-cylinder diesel engine range for workboats, ferries, fishing trawlers, and pilot boats based on the MAN D2672 diesel engine from MAN Engines. Offered in a range of outputs from 323 kW to 588 kW (440 to 800 hp), the basic six-cylinder engine has been proven in a wide range of on- and off-road machinery since it was first introduced in 2007. Its robustness and reliability in workboats has also been demonstrated in extensive field trials over several thousand hours of use in ferries, pilot boats and high-speed catamarans.
The modern common rail injection system used in the D2676, with fuel pressures up to 1,800 bar, ensures high mean pressures and optimized combustion. This increases on-board comfort due to reduced vibration and noise emissions. The inclusion of a Miller or Atkinson camshaft has helped to achieve an average 10% reduction in fuel consumption compared to the engine’s predecessors.
As part of this improvement in fuel consumption, all engines also comply with the current strict EPA emissions.
The new MAN D2676 marine diesel engines replace the predecessor models D2866 and D2876.
The new D2676 engines also offer the wide torque plateau that is characteristic for MAN marine engines. The 323 kW (440 hp) power unit provides 1,950 Nm of torque between 1,200 and 1,600 rpm for heavy operations, while the 588 kW (800 hp) high-performance model manages to generate 2,700 Nm between 1,200 and 2,100 rpm for light operations. This ensures maximum torque over a broad engine speed range at the lowest specific fuel consumption.
SCANIA MAKES IN ROADS
Scania has been making inroads in the marine propulsion sector because of its compact, proven engine platforms. Some recent installations in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico include the high-speed crewboat Fourchon Runner, which is powered by quadruple Scania 16L engines for a total of 2,400 hp.
Naiad Inflatables recently delivered the Karankawa, a twin-screw pilot vessel for the Matagorda Bay Pilots of Texas. The pilot boat has two Scania DI13 77M main engines, with Twin Disc MGX-5114A gears and ZF controls. It employs shaft propulsion with driveline components from H&H and Michigan Wheel propellers. The pilot boat has a top speed is 33 knots.
At the Workboat Show, Scania showcased its Tier 3 platform, including its 16-liter V8 and 13 liter inline engines.
Scania engines are all based on Scania’s new modular engine platform—well proven in the company’s truck and bus engines. Scania V8 engines are engineered to produce high power, while maintaining a size that is compatible for auxiliary equipment. The V design reduces the overall length of the engine and ancillaries can be effectively accommodated inside the footprint of the engine.
The output ratings for Scania’s newest Tier 3 version of the 16-liter marine propulsion engine range from 550 to 900 hp, with outputs between 550 to 1,000 hp available for use in international and exempt markets.
For auxiliary applications, the range for EPA Tier 3 is 468 kW – 553 kW, and the current range will continue to be offered between 430 kW – 596 kW for international and exempt markets. Scania also expects to see an increase in the output ratings of V8 engines used for keel-cooled applications.
The output ratings for Scania’s newest Tier 3 version of the 13-liter inline marine propulsion engine range from 250 – 675 hp, with outputs up to 750 hp available for use in international and exempt markets. For auxiliary applications the range for EPA Tier 3 is 269 kW – 426 kW.
Scania’s centrifugal oil cleaner effectively removes small particles from the lubrication oil, while reducing the size of the replaceable filter cartridge. The Scania saver ring, placed at the top of each cylinder liner, reduces carbon deposits on the edge of the piston crown and reduces cylinder liner wear.
In spite of higher performance and tighter emission levels, Scania has been able to increase maintenance and oil change intervals by 25% (now 500 hours) in comparison to its predecessor.
NEW CONCEPT: TWIN FINS
During a presentation for the trade press at the Workboat Show, Caterpillar highlighted the development of its Twin Fin Propulsion Systems. The initial Twin Fin Propulsion System was retrofitted on the seismic vessel Polarcus Naila at Shipdock in Amsterdam in March 2014.
“In the seismic business, seismic assets or the vessel is a huge workhorse,” says Peter Zickerman, Polarcus Executive Vice President. “About 85 percent of its lifetime, the vessel is under constant tow in various weather conditions. It is imperative that the reliability of the vessel and its propulsion system are top notch.”
The Twin Fin is designed for vessels that operate on a diesel-electric propulsion system. With thrusters, vessels can have more cargo capacity. With conventional propellers, operators benefit from added reliability and safety. Twin Fin offers the advantages of both. It offers higher thrust performance, reduced fuel consumption, and a better emissions profile.
According to Mattias Hansson, naval architect and sales manager at Caterpillar Propulsion, development of the Twin Fin Propulsion Systems started with the company’s partners in the third quarter of 2012 and a patent application was filed in the first half of 2013. Hansson points out that the Twin Fin Propulsion System also incorporates some green aspects, including, a water-lubricated stern tube, instead of an oil-lubricated system.
For the retrofit, the twin fins were prefabricated in about 15 days and readied for the Polarcus when she arrived at the shipyard.
“This new system provides an excellent course keeping stability for the ship—important for a scientific ship like this,” says Henning Kuhlmann, Managing Director, Becker Marine Systems. Becker Marine Systems supplied highly efficient flat rudders for the installation of the Twin Fins.
The payback period for the system is about three years based on fuel consumption savings, efficiency gains, improves environmental footprint, and improves reliability when operating in remote areas.
In the coastal market, Caterpillar is supplying two harbor tugs being built for Harley Marine Services, Seattle, WA, at Diversified Marine, Inc., Portland, OR.
Each of the Harley Marine tugs will be outfitted with Cat 3516 main engines—each rated at 2,575 hp at 1,600 rev/min—and two MTA 524-T azimuthing thrusters. The thrusters will have 95.5 in. diameter fixed-pitch propellers.
Cat Propulsion’s Emil Cerdier says the MTA-T thrusters deliver “excellence of economy and performance to the tug market.” The tugs will be delivered by Diversified Marine in 2017.
Z-DRIVES GO INLAND
While Z-drives are fairly commonplace in the tug market, they are a relatively new phenomena in the inland towboat market. While some were installed as early as the 1980s, Z-drives got a major boost in 2006, when Bill Stegbauer and Ed Shearer began exploring the use of alternative propulsion, including Z-drives in inland towboats. Stegbauer, then President of Southern Towing Co., eventually opted for a design that would use Z–drives in a series of 3,200 hp towboats.
There are now about two dozen towboats operating with Z-drives and more are under construction. One of the latest series of three 6,300 hp towboats designed by The Shearer Group that are being built at C&C Marine and Repair, Belle Chasse, LA, for SCF Marine Inc. As you might guess, Ed Shearer is the President of The Shearer Group.
The towboats will each have three Cummins QSK60-M diesel engines coupled to three Steerprop SP-25D z-drives. Cummins Mid-South is supplying the engines, while Karl Senner, LLC, Kenner, LA, is supplying the Z-drives.
The Z-drives were selected only after a through analysis. “We worked closely with the both the owner and the naval architect, but at the end of the day, the decision was up to the owner, SCF,” says Karl Senner. “Tim Power and Myron McDonough were very diligent in the selection process, and we very much appreciate the in-depth approach and attention to detail. We pride ourselves in offering robust products and superior support, factors that are critical while operating in the demanding environment of the inland waterways. Steerprop units are designed for the longest time between overhauls on the market. We have also been supporting inland operators since our company’s inception in 1967. We are very excited about our relationship with SCF and we know it will continue for a long time to come.”
Steerprop SP25D Z-drives are designed for operating in harsh environments. These specific drive units were selected and configured similar to that of ice-class applications. Ice class design is Steerprop’s forte, having designed and supplied Z-drives on board three of the world’s largest mechanical Z-drive ice breakers build to date.
These will be the first inland towboats in the U.S equipped with Steerprop Z-drives. “The inland waterways have been a major focus of our business since 1967 for Reintjes gearboxes,” says Senner. “We pride ourselves in knowing what it takes to support the high demands of our inland customers, from sizing the appropriate equipment, to stocking spare parts, and providing quick service turnarounds. We are a family-owned and -operated company, flexible to respond to customer needs quickly and effectively.”
“We are in discussions with multiple other inland projects, but not at liberty to discuss them at this point in time.”
Z-drives have begun to catch on with inland transportation operators because of the safety, operational efficiencies and fuel savings they offer. As operators of harbor tugs have long been aware, the Z-drive can deliver full thrust in any direction almost instantly, where as the conventional rudder set aft of the propeller and even the flanking rudders set ahead of the rudder as is the practice on many inland river towboats, will sacrifice time and power by the inefficient nature of the conventional drive and rudder system.
Due to the greatly improved maneuverability with Z-drives, tows do not need to slow down in turns and bends in the river. Trip times are reduced and require a lot less fuel. A study conducted by The Shearer Group, Inc. last year showed an average of 28% fuel savings and 11% trip time savings during a set of controlled experiments with unit tows when using Z-Drives instead of conventional shafts and rudders.
SCF Marine, Inc., St. Louis, MO, is part of SEACOR’s Inland River Services group. SCF Marine operates a fleet of hopper barges along the U.S. Inland River Waterways and South America, transporting agricultural, industrial, and project cargoes.
Thrustmaster of Texas, Inc., Houston, TX, says towboats with Z-drives are not significantly more expensive than conventional towboats. The initial cost of the Z-Drives is significantly offset by reduced construction costs and installation man-hours. Shipyards have reported that the cost of building Z-drive boats is actually less than building conventional boats.
One of the latest applications of Z-drive propulsion is in a fleeting boat by Carline Companies. Carline recently added the 68 by 34-foot towboat USS Cairo for barge fleeting on the lower Mississippi.
Designed by Christian Townsend of CT Marine and built by Raymond & Associates, the USS Cairo is fitted with two six-cylinder Tier 3 compliant Cummins QSK19 main engines turning Thrustmaster TH750MZ Z-drives with 57-inch propellers.
According to Thrustmaster of Texas, a Z-drive replaces the propeller, shaft, stern tube, marine gear, rudder and steering gear all with a single unit. Z-drive azimuthing thrusters provide maximum thrust in any direction, independent of vessel speed, offering superior pinpoint maneuverability under all conditions. Rudders are completely eliminated. Rudder drag no longer exists. All of this can be done with a lot less power. A 1,500 hp Z-drive boat can replace a 2,000 hp conventional towboat and a 3,000 hp Z-drive boat can replace a 4,000 hp conventional towboat.
MV Veteran, 80m Ice Class Ferry
Delivered this past October by Damen Shipyards Galati, Romania, the RoPax ferry MV Veteran is built to handle the tough environment of the Arctic region. The 200-passenger vessel was designed to operate specifically in icy waters by a partnership comprised of Fleetway Inc., for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, and Denmark’s Knud E. Hansen.
The MV Veteran can handle 40 cm-thick floating ice at 4 knots, says Jan van Hogerwou, Damen Manager, North America. The ferry’s “rudders, hull and propellers have been strengthened and are outfitted with extra plate thickness for heavy winter conditions.”
Three MTU 16V 4000M23S engines generate 1,700 kWe, 400V, at 1,800 rev/min. The emergency genset is provided by one Volvo D16 engine generating 440 kWe 440V, at 1,800 rev/min. Its propulsion set is made up of two 1,600 kW Rolls-Royce azimuth thrusters, Electric Drive, and two 2,600 mm ice strength fixed pitch propellers.
And while the vessel was built in Romania, its very much a Canadian product, with several Canadian companies providing services for the vessel, with products including electrical equipment to fire-fighting systems.
MV Veteran has roll-on, roll-off capacity for 60 vehicles, is 80.9 m long with a beam of 17.2 m and can operate at a cruising speed of 14 knots.
The first in a two-vessel contract, the Veteran, and its sister ship the MV Legionnaire, are part of a large “lifeline” vessel replacement program being undertaken by the Provincial Government to modernize its fleet. The fleet transports over 900,000 passengers, 400,000 vehicles and 20,000 tonnes of freight with more than 50,000 arrivals and departures every year.
MV Veteran is class by ABS +A, Vehicle Passenger Ferry, Ice Class 1AA, Near Coastal, Voyage Class II, E, +AMS, HAB+, ACCU GP.
Product Director at Damen Ferries, Henk Grunstra, acknowledges that the Ice Class 1A Super certificate in the highest available for ferries. He also says the vessel has redundant systems in place for safe operation.
MV Veteran features 127 seats in the forward passenger lounge, 88 seats in the aft passenger lounge, 15 single crew cabins.
The Sally Fox, 105 ft fast ferry
Last April, a new foxy lady on the Puget Sound made her presence felt. Built by All American Marine, Bellingham, WA, the MV Sally Fox, is the first of two new ferries ordered by King County’s Marine Division. The vessel is also the first ferry to be built under the U.S. Coast Guard’s Sub-Chapter K rule, and delivered under the new 5A Space Performance Guidelines issued.
The 5A Space Performance Guidelines make it possible for a boat builder, such as All American Marine (AAM), to design and implement suitable structural fire protection in very low fire load spaces in the construction of weight-sensitive high-speed passenger vessels.
The 105 ft x 33 ft catamaran was designed by AAM, however, for its wave piercing hull design the builder called upon New Zealand-based naval architecture firm Teknicraft Design Ltd. The wave piercing hull design helps reduce drag and enhance passenger comfort.
Sally Fox is powered by twin Cummins QSK-50 tier II engines rated at 1,900 rev/min. The 250-passenger ferry operates at a service speed of 28 knots across the Puget Sound from Vashon Island to downtown Seattle.
Special attention was paid to each passenger deck’s layout in order to facilitate and streamline the boarding and disembarking process. Additionally, the new ferry features some green technologies, for example, instead of paint, the decks are covered with a peel-and-stick non-slip tread, while the exterior of the superstructure is wrapped in UV-stable vinyl.
Funded by federal grants, the new water taxi will replace the Melissa Ann, a 27 year old vessel leased to operate on the route since 2010. Its sister ferry, the MV Doc Maynard was delivered by AMM September 2015.
Baynes Sound Connector, Longest Cable Ferry
Next month, BC Ferries’ first ever cable ferry, the Baynes Sound Connector will make its long awaited debut and begin operations. Built by Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards, the 78.5 m ferry will accommodate 150 passengers and 50 vehicles on a 1,900 meter (about 1.9 km) route, making the ferry one of the longest cable ferries in the world.
Baynes Sound Connector will travel at a speed up to 8.5 knots between Buckley Bay and Denman Island. The ferry operates on one drive cable, and two guide cables along the route on the Baynes Sound Channel. Operator BC Ferries expects the cable ferry will help reduce operational costs, saving the company over $80 million over its expected 40-year service life; will have a smaller environmental footprint and lower fuel emissions.
While the news of the Baynes Sound Connector is exciting, the project was initially met with fears from the local community that felt a ferry operating on cables would be unsafe and wouldn’t be able to meet BC’s promise of a more efficient ferry on the run.
BC Ferries has stated that the ferry has been designed and built to safely operate in the Bayes Sound environment, which is a relatively low marine traffic area, and was tested in some of the worst weather conditions.
To further safety, it was recently announced that transit lights have been installed at both the Buckley Bay and Denman West terminals to secure safe passage for the cable ferry and other vessels in the area. A green light would indicate that the Baynes Sound Connector is docked at a terminal and boaters can safely cross the channel. A red light indicates the ferry is in transit, and it may not be safe for other vessels to cross the channels since the cables in operation may not be fully submerged.
Texelstroom, CNG Hybrid Ferry
Built by Spanish shipbuilder Construcciones Navales del Norte—La Naval, the 135m Texelstroom will offer its owner, Royal N.V. Texels Eigen Stoomboot Onderneming (TESO), a unique energy efficient vessel package that will combine a variety of green energy sources to help reduce its environmental impact when its delivered 1Q 2016.
The 1,750-passenger ferry is equipped with a hybrid propulsion system comprised of dual fuel (diesel/CNG) generating sets and a battery system, feeding the propulsion electric motors. The ferry is expected to operate mainly on the natural gas that will be storing two batteries of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) bottles installed on the top deck.
The double-ended ferry was designed with two separate navigation bridges and two independent engine rooms. One engine room is fitted with two ABC diesel engines, each generating 2,000 kW of power; and the other engine room is fitted with two ABC dual fuel engines, also generating 2 x 2,000 kW. Each ship end will be fitted with two Rolls-Royce azimuth propeller.
The ferry, designed by La Naval in close cooperation with TESO and C-Job Naval Architects & Engineers, and classed by Lloyds’ Register, will also feature over 700 m2 of solar panels, helping the ship to be more sustainable. Additionally, according to LR, the ferry’s design is supported by the European Union’s “I.Transfer” program. The goal of the program is to make ferry transport accessible and sustainable.
The ferry will be ice class, featuring a strengthened hull to operate through winter ice, and will have a notation for Passenger and Crew Accommodation Comfort (PCAC) to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for passengers and crew.
Texelstroom will provide services in The Netherlands, between the island of Texel and the port of Den Helder. The ferry, which will also have capacity for 350 vehicles, will operate between 10 to 15 knots.
Ampere, Zero-emission Battery Powered Ferry
Norway was one of the first countries to embrace the move to alternative energies; the country was one of the earliest adopters of LNG as a marine fuel, and now it is the homebase for the world’s first battery powered electric car/passenger ferry. Built by Fjellstrand Shipyard, the 80 m long x 21 m wide Ampere produces zero emissions thanks to its Siemens’ BlueDrive PlusC electric propulsion system. The ferry does not use any fuel tanks or engines. Instead, it derives its power from its batteries which enable Norled to reduce its fuel costs by up to 60%, and save one million liters of fuel annually.
Ampere’s power system is made up of 224 Corvus Energy AT 6500 modules with a total capacity of 1.46MWH, an energy management system, a steering system, thruster control and an alarm system. The Energy Storage System (ESS) is split into four parts. Each of the vessel’s ends is fitted with a vessel mount and a shore power station—this enables and facilitates the rapid recharging of the batteries.
The innovative vessel is meant to be as environmentally friendly as possible, from the inside-out. Constructed from light-weight aluminum, the Ampere, weighs just half of what a conventional ferry would weigh. Its service life is double that of a steel hull ferry, and the vessel requires fewer drydock periods which help lower the vessel’s maintenance costs.
The Ampere is also equipped with LED lighting, high efficiency thrusters with feathering propellers from Rolls-Royce, and a HVAC system with extensive heat recovery. The ferry, which has passenger capacity for 350 and room for 120 cars, is classed by DNV-GL as 1A1- LC R4(nor), CF, C, BP, IOPP-A.
Mein Schiff 4, 99,500 grt cruise ship
Designed for the German premium-class cruise market, the 99,500 gt Mein Schiff 4 is the fourth in a series of cruise ships being built for TUI Cruises, a joint venture between TUI AG and Royal Caribbean.
Mein Schiff 4 was constructed using advanced and eco-friendly technologies according to ship builder Meyer Turku Shipyard, Finland. The ship was built to be as environmentally friendly as possible. Its expected to consume 30 percent less energy when compared to other ships its size. The cruise ship is also fitted with a combined exhaust after-treatment system, made up of a scrubber and a catalyzer, lowering sulfur emissions by as much as 99 percent, and NOx by 75 percent.
Engine power is provided by two Wartsila 12V46 diesel engines and two Wartsila 8L46F diesel engines.
The ship is 294m long x 36m wide, with an 8m draft. It features 1,253 cabins, and has capacity for 2,790 passengers and 1,030 crew members.
Mein Schiff 4’s initial itinerary included traveling through a variety of routes in the Baltic Sea to the Baltic States and in Northern Europe around Norway. This winter, the ship will travel to the Canary Islands making stops along Morocco and Mediera.
Mein Schiff 4 is classed by DNV-GL +1A1 Passenger Ship BIS Clean F(M) Fuel (991 kg/m3, -7°C, 380 cSt) LCS(DC) TMON. Sister ships Mein Schiff 5 and 6 will be completed and delivered by the Meyer Turku yard by 2017.
Samish, 144-Car Ferry
The second in a series of four Olympic Class ferries for Washington State Ferries, the 144-Car Samish, was named in honor of the region’s native Samish Indian Nation. It’s name means “giving people,” and Washington State Ferries is hoping to do just that, by giving back to the community with the addition of the Samish to its growing ferry fleet.
Delivered by Vigor Industrial, the new $126 million ferry, like its sister ship, the Tokitae, is based on the Olympic Class design by Seattle-based Guido Perla & Associates, Inc. The ferry measures 362 ft x 83 ft and has capacity for 144 cars and 1,500 passengers.
The Olympic Class, is built by a group of Washington-based companies—led by Vigor Industrial—offering the very best the state has to offer in design and production; and generating and supporting over 500 jobs in the Puget Sound.
Its superstructure was build by Whidbey Island, WA-based Nichols Brothers Boat Builders. Nichols built the superstructure for the Tokitae and will do the same for the third and fourth vessels in the series.
Olympic Class vessels were designed with passenger comfort in mind. The class provides wider lanes and more spaces for cars and trucks, additional comfort for passengers with two Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant (ADA compliant) elevators, an ADA-compliant car-deck restroom; flexible seating configurations; improved heating and ventilation; and wider stairwells and passageways.
Samish’s main propulsion is provided by two Electro-Motive Diesel (EMD) engines developing a total 6,000 hp, enabling the vessel to reach speeds up to 17 knots on its Anacortes to San Juan Islands route. Olympic Class ferries are also equipped with the latest emergency-evacuation and fire-suppression systems.
Samish and the other vessels in the Olympic Class also provide WSF with improved efficiency and better fuel consumption. Its hull design helps reduce wake, further improving fuel efficiency. The ships will replace the aging Evergreen State Class vessels which have been in operation since the 1950’s.
F.A. Gauthier, First LNG ferry for North America
Canada’s Société des Traversiers du Québec (STQ) is committed to a greener future. To that end the company invested in the construction of three LNG-fueled ferries in between 2014 and 2015, including the F.A. Gauthier, which was delivered to the operator this past summer.
Built by Italy’s Fincantieri Castellamare di Stabia shipyard, the F.A. Gauthier has the distinction of being the first LNG-fueled ferry to operate in North America. Classed by Lloyd’s Register, the ferry is fitted with an ultra compliant, low-emission, dual-fuel system from Wärtsilä.
Powered by four Wärtsilä 12v34D dual-fuel generating sets, meaning the ship can run on either Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) or Marine Diesel Oil (MDO), the 133 m x 22 m ferry can reach a maximum speed of 20 knots on its Matane-Baie-Coreneau-Godbout route.
The ship is also equipped with Wärtsilä’s LNGPac system comprised of LNG bunkering, storage tanks, and handling equipment. Its fitted with two contra-rotating propellers, making the ferry exceptionally maneuverable.
The F.A. Gauthier’s hull is certified as Ice Class 1 and Propulsion Class 1, enabling the ship to break sea ice and handle adverse weather conditions on the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The ferry can carry 900 passengers and 180 vehicles on each trip, and is expected to transport more that 205,000 passengers and 118,000+ vehicles a year.
Viking Star, 48,000 grt cruise ship
Viking Ocean Cruises made its debut into the ocean going cruise market last year with the delivery of its highly anticipated 930 passenger Viking Star. The ship is the first of three cruise ships under construction at Fincantieri Marghera, Italy shipyard for the brand—which is a spin off of Viking River Cruises.
The goal for Viking Ocean Cruises was to bring the focus of cruising back to the destination. With that in mind, the brand decided to build a smaller passenger cruise ship, with a smarter design and providing guests with an enriching trip.
What makes the “small” cruise ship unique is that its engineered at a scale that enables the ship to have direct access into most ports, making embarkation and debarkation effectively easier and more efficient for guests. This lets passengers spend more time at each destination along the ship’s route.
The Viking Star’s design pays homage to the brand’s Nordic heritage, effectively immersing the passenger into local surroundings. Clean lines, woven textiles and light-wood help evoke the Viking spirit of discovery, according to the brand, and helps connect the passenger with nature.
The 228m long ship, which features 465 state room—each with its own veranda—has two pools, a main pool with a retractable roof, and a glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern; the ship also includes indoor-outdoor spaces for al fresco dining, large windows and skylights that further blur the light between inside and out, and a wrap-around promenade deck that pays homage to classic ocean liners.
Viking Star was also designed with the environment in mind. The ship is powered by energy-efficient hybrid engines, hydro-dynamically optimized streamlined hulls and bows for maximum fuel efficiency, onboard solar panels and equipment that minimizes exhaust pollution and meets the strictest environmental regulations.
Oscar B. 115 ft ferry, Wakiakum County
Wahkiakum County, Washington State is paying homage to one of the greatest skippers the country has ever had by naming the county’s newest ferry, the Oscar B, after him. Oscar Bergseng skippered the ferry, Wahkaikum, which was built in 1961, for 17 years.
Built by Nichols Brothers Boatbuilders, Freeland, WA, the 115 x 47 ft Oscar B is double the size of its predecessors, offering an expanded vehicle capacity.
The new ferry can carry 100 passengers and 23 cars between the Cathlamet, WA and Westport, OR terminals.
The ferry, designed by Seattle’s Elliott Bay Design Group, features a steel-hull, aluminum super-structure. Its power is provided by two state-of-the-art Cummins QLS diesel engines, each delivering 285 hp at 1,800 rev/min and couple to ZF Marine reversing reduction gears with two fixed-pitch propellers.
Oscar B meets all current U.S. Coast Guard requirements. Additionally, it features a hydraulic steering system, up-to-date electronics, a passenger lounge and ADA-accessible restrooms.
JANUARY 13, 2016 — Derecktor Shipyards, Mamaroneck, NY, reports that, following on from the highly successful application of hybrid electric propulsion on the 65 ft research catamaran Spirit of the Sound for
The shipyard has previously specified Wärtsilä waterjets for a number of fast ferry projects. This latest order was placed in November.
The scope of supply includes four Wärtsilä LJX 1500 SRI waterjets and a Wärtsilä Lipstronic control system. The equipment is scheduled for delivery to the shipyard in September, 2016.
“The strong relationship between Wärtsilä and the Incat yard continues, and this latest order confirms the good cooperation that the two companies enjoy. It also underlines Wärtsilä’s commitment to the Australian market. We are pleased to once again be supplying Wärtsilä waterjets, which provide reliable and efficient propulsion for fast ferry applications,” says Hans Laheij, Sales Director, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.
“Incat, and our client Mols Linien, have continued to be satisfied with the performance of the Wärtsilä waterjets on KatExpress 1 and KatExpress 2 so it was a logical decision to select the Wärtsilä LJX 1500 SRI jets for KatExpress 3,” says Robert Clifford, Incat Chairman.
Set for delivery in March 2017, KatExpress 3 is a 109 m long wave piercing catamaran capable of carrying around 1,000 passengers and with capacity for 411 cars or a mix of trucks, vans and cars. .
If you were at a seaport along the U.S. Eastern Seaboard, more than likely you would be able to spot the distinctive blue “V” logo of the Vane Brothers Company on at least one tug in the harbor. The privately held marine transportation company has been serving the U.S. East Coast for more than 100 years, now handling chemical and petroleum products on its double-skin tank barges in seven ports from New York to Jacksonville, FL.
Under the steady guidance of C. Duff Hughes, the third generation of the Hughes family at the helm of the company, Vane Brothers, headquartered in Baltimore, MD, has been aggressively growing its fleet of 120 tugs and barges. Since 2008, Vane Brothers has been adding a series of 3,000-hp, Sassafras Class Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) tugs. Just last month, Vane Bros. ordered the 15th, 16th, and 17th of the class, all of which have been ordered from and built by Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury on the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
The latest in the series delivered by Chesapeake Shipbuilding is the Fort Schuyler, the eleventh in the class. Its sister tug, the Kings Point, was delivered in April this year.
The tugs have been very popular with the company’s crews. Vane Brothers Senior Port Captain Jim Demske, says, “The crews on these tugs particularly like the high quality of the tugs’ construction and layout. The ergonomic arrangement of the pilothouses and engine rooms contribute comfort and safety. The power from the Caterpillar engines and the performance from the Twin Disc reduction gears all contribute to the great handling of these tugs, which is especially appealing to the operators. The new Simrad Solid State Halo radars and touch-screen electronics are some of the finest in the industry and also make life on these tugs better.”
Measuring 94 feet long and 32 feet wide with a hull depth of 13 feet, the Fort Schuyler is similar in most respects to the previous 10 tugs built for Vane by the shipyard.
The vessel is equipped with twin Caterpillar 3512 Tier 3 main engines producing a combined 3,000 horsepower, and operates with a single-drum hydraulic towing winch from JonRie Intertech, Manahawkin, NJ.
“Soft-core” panels and heavy, fire-rated doors are used throughout the boats, offering the crew a safer and quieter living environment.
“Vane Brothers and Chesapeake Shipbuilding continue to have a very strong relationship,” says Demske. “The next tug to be launched in coming weeks will be the Fort McHenry, followed by the Fishing Creek.” Demske says the names of the other tugs have yet to be announced.
The Fort Schuyler, like the Kings Point, has joined Vane Brothers’ fleet based in New York. The two vessels are named for the campuses of SUNY Maritime College in Fort Schuyler, NY, and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY.
In addition to the 3,000-hp tugs coming from Chesapeake Shipbuilding, there are two 4,200-hp tugs under construction at St. Johns Ship Building in Palatka, FL, for delivery in 2016, with two more under contract.
VANE ADDS NEW BARGES, TOO
According to Vane Brothers, three 35,000-barrel barges and four 55,000-barrel barges (including the 509A asphalt barge) have been delivered in the last 10 months, with another 55,000-barrel barge expected before the end of the year. These have come primarily from Conrad Shipyards in Orange, TX, and Amelia, LA, as well as Jeffboat in Jeffersonville, IN.
New and current mariners at Vane have a variety of training opportunities available to them, both formal and informal. According to Vane Brothers spokesman Blaise Willig, the company has supported many vessel-based employees this year as they receive instruction to help them be more effective at their current jobs and contribute to their future advancement. Vane is a Partner Company in the Workboat Academy’s Workboat Program. And, as a result of Person in Charge (PIC) Barge training this year at the Maritime Institute of Technology and Graduate Studies (MITAGS) in Linthicum Heights, MD, former Vane Deckhands have become highly qualified Tankermen now assigned to Vane barges. Vane’s training efforts and commitment to promoting from within help to ensure that its vessels are manned with professionals who meet and surpass the highest standards in the industry.
NEW ATB TUG LAUNCHED FOR BOUCHARD
Early last month, the Moss Point Marine shipyard of VT Halter Marine, Inc., launched the M/V Morton S. Bouchard a 6,000hp, twin-screw Articulated Tug Barge (ATB) tug for Bouchard Transportation, Inc., Melville, NY.
The ATB tug is one of two sister vessels being built under a two-vessel contract signed in August 2014. Morton S. Bouchard and sister vessel Frederick E. Bouchard each measure 130 feet by 38 feet by 22 feet and is classed by ABS as +A1 Ocean Towing, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter C. On completion, both tugs will be equipped with an Intercon Coupler System. Deliveries are expected in January and May 2016, respectively. The vessels will enter into Bouchard Transportation’s fleet service in New York, NY.
This most recent launch follows the September launch from the Moss Point shipyard of another ATB tug for Bouchard, the 10,000 hp M/V Donna J. Bouchard.
Also equipped with an Intercon Coupler, Donna J. Bouchard, is classed by ABS as +A1 Towing Vessel, Dual Mode ATB, USCG Subchapter M. She will be paired with barge B.No.272, which is currently under construction at VT Halter Marine’s Pascagoula, MS, shipyard to comprise the second ATB unit built for Bouchard Transportation as part of its major expansion program.
“Bouchard Transportation Co. Inc. is happy to announce yet another successful launching of a state of the art ATB tug built by VT Halter Marine. The launching of the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. is a special event within the Bouchard Family, for the vessel is named after the father of President/CEO, Morton S. Bouchard III, who wanted his father’s name to always remain on the waterfront for which he dedicated his entire fife to. The original tug, Morton S. Bouchard Jr., which was also built by Halter, was earlier renamed as The Bouchard Boys and continues to operate with Bouchard Fleet,” says Morton S. Bouchard III President and CEO, Bouchard Transportation.
“The successful launching of both vessels, the M/V Morton S. Bouchard Jr. today and the M/V Donna J. Bouchard in September is an indication of the commitment to the continued relationship with Bouchard Transportation,” says Jack Prendergast, CEO, VT Halter Marine.
NEW ATB TUG FOR MORAN
Moran Towing has newbuild programs underway at Washburn & Doughty shipyard in East Boothbay, ME, and Fincantieri’s Bay Shipbuilding in Stugeon Bay, WI. Its newest ATB tug, Leigh Ann Moran, recently completed her sea trials in Sturgeon Bay. The 121 ft x 36 ft tug was christened in late September by her namesake, Leigh Ann Engibous, wife of long-time Chevron employee Bill Engibous.
Also under contract at Bay Shipbuilding are the 121 ft x 36 ft ATB tug Barbara Carol Ann Moran and a 110,000 bbl double-skin tank barge, which are due for delivery in the second quarter of next year.
Meanwhile, Washburn & Doughty have contracts for six 6,000 hp Z-drive harbor tugs for the New Canaan, CT-based tug company.
MCALLISTER PUBLISHES 150th ANNIVERSARY BOOK
Last year, McAllister Towing & Transportation Co., New York, NY, celebrated its 150th anniversary of providing marine transportation, towing and harbor services. The beautifully bound hard cover book recounts the history of the five generations of the McAllister family and the tugboat business. The company was founded by James McAllister, who arrived in New York City following a shipwreck and soon bought his first sail lighter in 1864. From those humble beginnings, the distinctive red and white striped funnels of McAllister tugs can be seen from Portland, ME, to San Juan, PR.
McAllister currently has one ABS-classed 5,000-hp Z-drive reverse tractor tug on order at Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Panama City, FL. The word on the street is that the company is in serious discussions with another shipyard regarding the construction of at least two other harbor tugs.
Eastern Shipbuilding also recently launched the H. Douglas M, the first in a series of four 5,150 hp escort tugs for Bay-Houston Towing. The 80 ft x 38 ft tug is based on a Z-Tech 2400 Class design by Robert Allan Ltd. Delivery of the escort tug is scheduled for early 2016.
The same design is being built by Eastern Shipbuilding for a series of four tugs for Suderman & Young. G&H Towing is the owners’ onsite representative and agent during the engineering, construction, and delivery for both Bay-Houston and Suderman & Young Towing.
WIND FARM VESSEL TAKES SHAPE
In Warren, RI, the first U.S.-flag wind farm vessel is taking shape at Blount Boats, Inc. Blount Boats President Marcia Blount says the 21-meter aluminum catamaran will be ready for delivery in April 2016.
Rhode Island Fast Ferry will operate the boat for Block Island Wind Farm in Rhode Island. The five turbine wind farm, the first commercial wind farm in the U.S., is expected to be up and running by the fourth quarter of next year.
The catamaran is a Crew Transfer Vessel (CTV) based on a design licensed from South Boats (IOW), Isle of Wight, the U.K., one of the leading designers and manufacturers of wind farm vessels in Europe. South Boats IOW has designed and built some 85 CTV’s for the European offshore wind sector.
Blount Boats is eyeing the progress of offshore wind energy closely, says Marcia Blount.
Blount Boats also is building a passenger vessel for Chicago’s Shoreline Sightseeing. Shoreline Sightseeing provides guided architecture tours on the Chicago River, as well as classic tours on Lake Michigan and “Brew Cruises” and wine-tasting cruises.
NEW BOATS FOR CIRCLE LINE
About a 20-minute ride from Warren, RI, is the shipyard of Gladding-Hearn Shipbuilding, a Duclos Corporation in Somerset, MA. Known for their construction of aluminum, multi-hull vessels based on IncatCrowther designs, the Massachusetts shipbuilder is actually building three all-steel 600-passenger vessels for Circle Line Sightseeing Yachts, Inc., New York, NY. The 165 ft x 34 ft were designed by DeJong & Lebet, Jacksonville, FL. Those boats are due for delivery in the spring.
It’s also building a 493-passenger ferry for Hy-Line Cruises due for delivery in 2016.
One of the latest deliveries from Gladding-Hearn is the Manatee, a 28-knot Chesapeake Class launch and the first in a new generation of the popular, mid-size pilot boats for the Tampa Bay Pilots Association.
The boat continues a successful partnership between Gladding-Hearn and C. Raymond Hunt Associates, Inc., New Bedford, MA.
The Somerset, MA, shipyard introduced the Chesapeake Class pilot boat in 2003. Since then, 15 have been delivered to pilot associations throughout the U.S.
The latest improvements incorporate the performance benefits of Volvo Penta’s IPS2 inboard propulsion system.
“The IPS2 system was created to improve the performance and the arrangement of planning hulls like our pilot boats,” says Peter Duclos, the shipyard’s president. “This new generation of Chesapeake launches, named Chesapeake Class MKII, is equipped with the IPS2 pods, which provide what pilots have been asking for: higher speeds, lower fuel consumption, and more comfort.”
With a deep-V hull designed by C. Raymond Hunt & Associates, the all-aluminum pilot boat measures 52.7 ft overall, with a 16.8-ft beam and a 4.5-ft draft.
It is powered by two Volvo Penta D11, six cylinder, EPA Tier 3 diesel engines, each producing 503 bhp at 2,250 rev/min. Each engine is connected to a Volvo Penta IPS propulsion pod, which is fitted with dual forward-facing, counter-rotating propellers and integrated exhaust system, and Volvo Penta’s integrated EPS electronic steering and control system.
The EPS control system and three-axis joystick increases the boat’s overall maneuverability alongside a ship and when docking, says Duclos.
The financial incentive for the Tampa Bay pilots to optimize fuel economy, vessel handling and comfort led the shipyard to install a Humphree Interceptor automatic trim- optimization system.
“The combination of the Volvo Penta IPS system and the Humphree interceptors gives the pilots higher speeds and improved comfort, while burning 25 percent less fuel than similar Chesapeake Class launches,” says Duclos.
Key design changes to the Chesapeake Class MKII include positioning the wheelhouse aft of amidships to improve comfort and provide for a larger foredeck.
With the pods close-coupled to the engines, the engine room is located well aft of the wheelhouse with easy access to machinery through a deck hatch.
This new generation of pilot boats is also designed to accept a gyro-stabilization system, designed to reduce vessel roll.
MIX OF REPAIR AT DETYENS
This past year, there has been a good mix of commercial and government repair at Detyens Shipyards, Inc., Charleston, SC, according to the company’s Bradley Kerr. “We have recently completed work on two German owned-container vessels, a pair of casino vessels and have the usual tugs and barge units, dredge vessel and other similar harbor barges are rolling through. We also have recently won MSC contracts on the Button and Spearhead as well as the Atlantis from Woods Hole.”
The largest commercial ship repair yard on the U.S. East Coast, Detyens also recently finished repairs on the USCG Elm and will begin work on the NOAA vessel Gordon Gunter soon. The Dredge Wheeler is also in the shipyard.
This past spring and summer, Detyens dry docked the ferries 28,460 gt M/V Highlanders and 18,523 gt M/V Leif Ericson for Marine Atlantic, Inc., St John’s, Newfoundland, Canada.
FERRY REPOWER AT CADDELL
Over the next five years, the Delaware River and Bay Authority, owner and operator of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry, plans to repower its entire fleet with cleaner burning, more fuel efficient Tier 3-compliant diesel engines.
The first of those ferries, the Delaware, arrived at Caddell Dry Dock on Staten Island, NY, on November 2 to begin the four- to five-month repower project in conjunction with its regulatory required five-year drydocking.
According to James Gillespie, Chief Port Engineer for the Cape May Lewes ferry, the Delaware is expected to return to service in April of 2016. The dry-docking is expected to cost $3.5 million.
“We’re excited to begin our vessel repowering program,” says Heath Gehrke, Director of Operations for the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. “These new engines not only burn less fuel and are more efficient, but emissions are reduced by nearly 40 percent. By undertaking this effort, we can significantly extend the useful life of our fleet and provide a cleaner environment in the communities we serve.”
Gehrke also notes that the ferry expects to save about $130,000 per year in maintenance costs associated with old engines and that the new clean diesel engines have the capability to be converted to operate on natural gas in the future.
The existing Fairbanks Morse engines are overhauled and rebuilt every 10,000 hours of usage compared to every 30,000 hours for the new EMD (Electro-Motive Division) engines. The engines were purchased from Marine Systems Inc. at a cost of $1.8 million.
While at the shipyard, the vessel will have other modifications and improvements completed, including the installation of a new gray water recovery system, new stainless steel railings and new propeller shaft seal system; installation of a new keel cooler system for main engine and generator cooling; and the bow thruster system will be overhauled.
To further assist the University of Delaware’s water research efforts on the Delaware Bay, the SeaKeeper seawater monitoring system, which collects water quality data while a vessel transits the Delaware Bay, will be installed on the MV Delaware.
During a ceremony held at the Lewes Ferry terminal in December 2014, U.S. EPA Regional Administrator Shawn M. Garvin announced the award of a Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA) grant of $970,000 to help facilitate the project. The Delaware River and Bay Authority (DRBA) sought the grant funding through the National Clean Diesel Assistance Program, which focuses on reducing emissions at ports under the Diesel Emission Reduction Act (DERA).
The M/V Delaware is currently equipped with two Fairbanks Morse 38D8-1/8 propulsion engines with a power rating of 2,060 horsepower each. More than 40 years old, these workhorse engines are approaching 100,000 operating hours or the equivalent of 1.5 million miles. In addition, because the engines are no longer built, spare parts are both difficult to find and expensive.
Within the next five years, the Authority plans to repower the other vessels in the Cape May – Lewes Ferry fleet: the MV New Jersey and MV Cape Henlopen.
DECEMBER 4, 2015—Nichols Brothers Boat Builders, Freeland, WA, recently completed the 10,000 hp ATB tug M/V Nancy Peterkin, for Kirby Offshore Marine (Kirby), Houston, TX. Designed by Guarino & Cox, New Orleans,
In total, four 20V28/33D STC engines, each delivering 9,100 kW, will drive the four waterjets that will power the 109-m, wave-piercer.
“This is an important order for us and a welcome addition to our existing references in the high-speed ferry segment,” said Lex Nijsen – Head of Four-Stroke Marine – MAN Diesel & Turbo. “It is a technically-enhanced, repeat order with our newest, state-of-the-art engine; a success that builds on our ability to deliver engines with unrivlled fuel consumption in their class within a tight, customer-defined schedule. Importantly, it also builds on our existing good relationships with both Incat and Mols-Linien.”
Engine delivery is due over two shipments in September and October, 2016.
KatExpress 3, which is scheduled for completion by March 2017, will have 1,000 tonnes deadweight, with seating capacity for 1,000 persons and up to 411 car spaces, or a combination of cars, trucks and other vehicles.
The newbuilding’s near-sisterships KatExpress 1 and KatExpress 2 are both currently in service for Mols-Linien and were also built by Incat.
The MAN 28/33D STC is a compact, powerful engine with a high power-to-weight ratio. It is fully compliant with current environmental standards and employs an advanced SaCoSone engine-control system. The engine has been installed in several ferry applications and is also regularly employed by naval segments.
Characteristics of the engine include:
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.
