Search Results for: ferries

Clyde Marine Services takes delivery of first Damen ASD tug

The Damen ASD 2310 has been named CMS Warrior and joins a 12-strong fleet of tugs and crew tenders at the company.  It has a 52-tonne bollard pull ahead. Classed by Bureau Veritas, the new tug has modern and spacious accommodations for six crew.

“Warrior is a highly versatile vessel, suitable for all kinds of jobs, with proven quality. This means the overall total cost of ownership is very reasonable,” says Hamish Munro, Director Clyde Marine Services.

Established in 1913, Clyde Marine Services has a long history of working with Damen vessels that dates back to the mid eighties, when the company bought a Damen Pushy Cat. The fleet includes Damen Stan Tugs 1906 and 1907, as well as two Stan Tug 1’s.

“We have continually invested in modern tugs. After the Damen Pushy Cat, more Damen vessels followed based on our positive experience,” says Mr. Munro.

The company’s five harbor tugs service all ports on the River and Firth of Clyde, including Campbeltown. It also has a coastal tug, Bruiser, operating in the Clyde/Belfast/Liverpool area.

Mr. Munro comments that since 1913, four generations of his family have steadily directed and expanded the business into tugs, ferries, passenger tenders, charter cruise vessels, and to provide the vital harbor services of boatmen and riggers.

“Our fleet of vessels provide mooring, boarding and towing services around the clock, assisting ship movements within the Clyde area,” he says.

Clyde Marine services’ fleet includes six passenger/crew tenders ranging in capacity from 20 to 250 persons. Tendering operations include cruise liners, Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels, shipbuilding trials and shiprepair parties.

The company has been providing harbor service boatmen and mooring gangs since its beginnings in 1913. All of the boatmen are fully licensed skippers, examined and certificated to MCA Boatmaster License standard, who assist ships in the most exposed and difficult situations, and during all kinds of weather conditions.

Clyde Marine Services gets its first Damen ASD tug

 

The Damen ASD 2310 has been named CMS Warrior and joins a 12-strong fleet of tugs and crew tenders at the company.  It has a 52-tonne bollard pull ahead. Classed by Bureau Veritas, the new tug has modern and spacious accommodations for six crew.

“Warrior is a highly versatile vessel, suitable for all kinds of jobs, with proven quality. This means the overall total cost of ownership is very reasonable,” says Hamish Munro, Director Clyde Marine Services.

Established in 1913, Clyde Marine Services has a long history of working with Damen vessels that dates back to the mid eighties, when the company bought a Damen Pushy Cat. The fleet includes Damen Stan Tugs 1906 and 1907, as well as two Stan Tug 1’s.

“We have continually invested in modern tugs. After the Damen Pushy Cat, more Damen vessels followed based on our positive experience,” says Mr. Munro.

The company’s five harbor tugs service all ports on the River and Firth of Clyde, including Campbeltown. It also has a coastal tug, Bruiser, operating in the Clyde/Belfast/Liverpool area.

Mr. Munro comments that since 1913, four generations of his family have steadily directed and expanded the business into tugs, ferries, passenger tenders, charter cruise vessels, and to provide the vital harbor services of boatmen and riggers.

“Our fleet of vessels provide mooring, boarding and towing services around the clock, assisting ship movements within the Clyde area,” he says.

Clyde Marine services’ fleet includes six passenger/crew tenders ranging in capacity from 20 to 250 persons. Tendering operations include cruise liners, Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels, shipbuilding trials and shiprepair parties.

The company has been providing harbor service boatmen and mooring gangs since its beginnings in 1913. All of the boatmen are fully licensed skippers, examined and certificated to MCA Boatmaster License standard, who assist ships in the most exposed and difficult situations, and during all kinds of weather conditions.

Neptun Werft to build double ender for repeat customer

Neptun Werft delivered the operator’s current flagship, Schleswig- Holstein, in 2011.The newly contracted vessel is due for delivery in February 2018. The contract price has not been disclosed.

“Neptun has provided us with an attractive offer and thus succeeded to compete against a number of other reputable German and European yards,” said WDR Managing Director Axel Meynköhn.

The newbuilding will replace the 1992-built conventional ferry Rungholt, which will be offered for sale.

S 578, as the project is currently designated, will be a near sister to the 2011-built Schleswig-Holstein and the series prototype, Uthlande, which was delivered by Sietas Werft in 2010.

Based on extensive research and external scientific consultation, WDR has again opted for a diesel-mechanic propulsion driving four Voith-Schneider propellers.

With identical main dimensions to Schleswig-Holstein (75.88 m long x 16.40 m wide), S 578 will also have the same maximum passenger capacity of 1,200 in day traffic. The car deck has, however, been modified to increase capacity for trucks. It will be the first WDR ferry to accommodate trucks on up to four lanes. With approximately 350 lane meters for private cars and 280 lane meters for cargo, S 578 will have significantly more capacity than the ship it is replacing, the Rungholt.

The inauguration of the new ship will see WDR operate three double-ended ferries on the Föhr-Amrum-Line from spring 2018. The 1995- built conventional ferry Nordfriesland will be retained as a fourth ship to cover seasonal traffic in summer and replacement operations in the off-season.

Neptun Werft Managing Director Manfred Müller-Fahrenholz, says the committed after-sales service provided to the “Schleswig-Holstein” has – along with a competitive offer – helped to win the new contract to Rostock.”With the delivery of S 578,” he says, “WDR will have an extremely young and eco-friendly fleet. In contrast, other European domestic operators are yet facing the replacement of their current short-distance ferries. We aim to contribute to this process and hope to support also other operators in bringing their fleet up to latest technical and environmental standards.

WDR’s newest ferry has, like the Schleswig-Holstein, been designed according to the strict requirements of the German eco-standards RAL-UZ 141 and RAL-UZ 110, which formulate the standards for the German Blauer Engel (Blue Angel) ecolabel in the categories of Environmentally Friendly Ship Design as well as Environmentally Friendly Ship Operation.

 

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MAIB issues report on RO/RO engine room fire

As the 1991-built RO/RO ferry, the Pride of Canterbury, was approaching Calais, says MAIB, it became apparent that the starboard controllable pitch propeller was not responding, so the starboard shaft was declutched and the two starboard main engines were stopped.

Prevailing weather conditions were such that the master was content to proceed using one shaft and one bow thruster. As the ship approached its berth, a pipework joint in the starboard controllable pitch propeller system ruptured, spraying oil on to the exhaust uptakes, starting a fire.

The main engine room was evacuated, the general emergency alarm was sounded and the passengers were mustered at emergency stations. The ferry berthed safely, the fire was extinguished using the ship’s Hi-fog system and a fire hose, and the passengers and cargo were disembarked normally.

The investigation determined that the back pressure valve in the starboard controllable pitch propeller hydraulic system had jammed shut, resulting in the return line oil pressure rising to the point where a flanged pipework joint failed. The failed joint, along with others in the system, was not shielded to prevent a spray of oil in the event of joint failure. The back pressure valve was found to be worn and had not been tested for functionality during its 23 years of service.

Safety issues emerging from the incident were:

  • The potential for the whole controllable pitch propeller hydraulic system to experience high pressure had not been adequately considered.
  • The method for annually testing the controllable pitch propeller system’s back pressure and safety relief valves was not specified.
  • The lack of a high pressure alarm prevented immediate awareness of high pressure in the system.
  • An effective joint shield could have prevented the spray of oil onto the hot engine uptake.
  • The storage of combustible materials near the two main engines allowed the fire to spread.

ACTIONS/RECOMMENDATIONS

P&O Ferries has completed a program of modifications to Pride of Canterbury and its three sister ships as they attend refit.

The CPP system was designed and manufactured by LIPS, which became part of Wartsila in 2002. Wartsila has issued a technical bulletin specifying back pressure valves should be replaced after 15 years and the vessel’s classification society, Lloyd’s Register, has been recommended to propose to the International Association of Classification Societies a unified requirement for high pressure alarms to be fitted in controllable pitch propeller systems.

Download the full report HERE

Damen hands over RoPax ferry to Canadian customer

 

Launched at the end of March by Damen Shipyards Galati in Romania the vessel will start services from Fogo Island and Change Islands before the end of November.

MV Veteran was delivered by the shipbuilder on time and within budget.MV Veteran is the first of a two-vessel contract. Its design results from a partnership between Fleetway of Canada and Denmark’s Knud E. Hansen.

Several Canadian companies have provided services, rangingrom electrical equipment to fire-fighting systems, for the MV Veteran and its sister ship, the MV Legionnaire, which is scheduled for delivery from Galati in the spring of 2016 and will operate on the busy short-haul route from Portugal Cove to Bell Island.

The Veteran will replace the MV Earl Windsor built in 1975. The Legionnaire will replace the MV Beaumont Hamel built in 1985.

Both vessels are part of a large “lifeline” vessel replacement program being undertaken by the Provincial Government to modernize its fleet, which annually transports over 900,000 passengers, 400,000 vehicles and 20,000 tonnes of freight with more than 50,000 arrivals and departures.

As the region in which they operate is located near the Arctic, the vessels have to maneuver in drifting ice.

According to Damen Manager North America Jan van Hogerwou, the two new ferries can handle the impact of 40 cm-thick floating ice at 4 knots.

“Their rudders, hull and propellers have been strengthened and are outfitted with extra plate thickness for heavy winter conditions,” he says.

Damen Ferries Product Director Henk Grunstra says: “The highest certificate available for ferries is the Ice Class 1A Super certificate. These diesel-electric propelled vessels also have redundant systems. The bridge is ergonomically designed and has optimal working space for efficient and safe operation. The modern, low maintenance interior was designed by an internationally recognized designer. The shift crew lives on board the ship in 15 single crew cabins.”

A Canadian service and support hub for these vessels is being established. A certified Damen maintenance center will be located in the capital of the Newfoundland and Labrador region, St. John’s. An agreement with a local Newfoundland-based company is in place and its employees are currently being trained at Damen Shipyards Galati.

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Wartsila sees marine market remaining challenging

It reported that order intake over the nine month period was stable at EUR 3,529 million (3,562 million in the prior year equivalent period) and that net sales increased 6% to EUR 3,439 million (3,230).

Wärtsilä expects its net sales for 2015 to grow by 5-10% and its operational profitability (EBIT% before non-recurring items) to be 12.0-12.5%. This guidance includes the impact of the L-3 Marine Systems International (MSI) acquisition. MSI is expected to contribute approximately EUR 250 million to net sales and EUR 9 million to the operating result during 2015. Excluding purchase price allocation amortization, MSI’s operating result is estimated to reach EUR 16 million.

Björn Rosengren, who will be succeeded as President and CEO by Jaakko Eskola on November 1, said that the Marine Solutions markets remain challenging.

“Low vessel contracting volumes, together with weak sentiment in the offshore segment, is impacting our order intake,” he said. “I am pleased to note that our Services business is compensating well for the lower demand in our equipment markets. Improved maintenance demand from marine customers and stability within power plant service indicates a positive outlook for the rest of this year.”

Wärtsilä expects the overall outlook for the shipping and shipbuilding markets to remain challenging.

“Overcapacity continues to affect demand,” says the company. “Low oil prices are impacting investments in offshore exploration and development, resulting in weak contracting of offshore drilling units and support vessels. Gas carrier contracting is expected to remain on a normalized level. The outlook for the cruise segment remains positive thanks to an anticipated increase in Asian passenger traffic, while the outlook for ferries is supported by signs of economic recovery in the USA and Europe. The importance of fuel efficiency and environmental regulations are clearly visible. The regulatory environment is driving interest in gas as a marine fuel in the wider marine markets.”

The overall service market outlook is positive with growth opportunities in selected regions and segments. An increase in the installed base of medium-speed engines and propulsion equipment is offsetting the slower service demand for older installations and the uncertainty regarding short-term demand in the merchant marine segment. The service demand for installations operating on oil based fuels is expected to grow as low oil prices have had a favorable impact on operating costs. Although the decline in oil prices has resulted in a challenging outlook for offshore services in specific regions, the growth during recent years in the offshore installed base partially compensates for a potential decline in service volumes. The service outlook for gas fueled vessels remains favorable.”

Read the interim report HERE

Judge suspends operator’s merchant mariner credential

On Feb. 17, 2015, Ms. Stahl wrongfully assumed direction and control of the towing vessel Shannon in Elliot Bay with an invalid credential in violation of U.S. laws and regulations.

 Ms. Stahl’s credential was suspended at the time as a result of a previous violation during which she endangered the crew and passengers aboard multiple Washington State ferries by purposely hindering their safe transit in Elliot Bay near Seattle on Oct. 7, 2014.

Ms. Stahl had also previously been issued a Letter of Warning by the Coast Guard in March 2013 and had her credential suspended for three months in September 2013, both for other violations of U.S. laws and regulations.  

“The Coast Guard’s enforcement actions regarding mariner credentials are remedial and not penal in nature and are designed to maintain standards of competence and conduct necessary to minimize loss of life, personal injury, property damage, and environment harm on U.S. waters,” said Chief Warrant Officer Brian Hennessy, senior investigator at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound. “When repeat offenses warrant more significant action, the Coast Guard will not hesitate to seek lengthy suspension or revocation of a mariner’s credentials.”

 

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Alaska may try to sell 52 year old state ferry

The Juneau Empire reports that General Manager of the Ferry System Captain John Falvey and Michael Neussi, deputy commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation, have discussed what’s next for the Taku and “everything from selling it to trying to run it again” is on the table.

During a presentation last month, Mr. Neussl said he believed the ferry system would sustain itself by reducing the size of the fleet.

“I think the numbers are speaking that we can’t afford to operate an 11-ship fleet with the frequency of service that we’ve kind of become accustomed to,” he said on Sept. 15.

The Juneau Empire says the Taku would be on the block before others because it’s the smallest of the system’s main line ferries.

As the state’s budget forces the system to cut service and take ferries out of service, the ferries that are operating will run closer to capacity.

Built in 1963 by the Puget Sound Bridge & Dry Dock Company in Seattle,WA, the 352 ft Taku can carry 370 passengers and 69 vehicles.

It is one of three AMHS ferries that is SOLAS certified.

It is currently in lay up, serving as a “hotel ship” for other AMHS ships being overhauled at the Kechikan shipyard.

Read the Juneau Empire report HERE

  • News

Alaska may try to sell 52 year old state ferry

 

The Juneau Empire reports that General Manager of the Ferry System Captain John Falvey and Michael Neussi, deputy commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation, have discussed what’s next for the Taku and “everything from selling it to trying to run it again” is on the table.

During a presentation last month, Mr. Neussl said he believed the ferry system would sustain itself by reducing the size of the fleet.

“I think the numbers are speaking that we can’t afford to operate an 11-ship fleet with the frequency of service that we’ve kind of become accustomed to,” he said on Sept. 15.

The Juneau Empire says the Taku would be on the block before others because it’s the smallest of the system’s main line ferries.

As the state’s budget forces the system to cut service and take ferries out of service, the ferries that are operating will run closer to capacity.

Built in 1963 by the Puget Sound Bridge & Dry Dock Company in Seattle,WA, the 352 ft Taku can carry 370 passengers and 69 vehicles.

It is one of three AMHS ferries that is SOLAS certified.

It is currently in lay up, serving as a “hotel ship” for other AMHS ships being overhauled at the Kechikan shipyard.

Read the Juneau Empire report HERE

  • News

Alaska may try to sell 52 year old state ferry

 

The Juneau Empire reports that General Manager of the Ferry System Captain John Falvey and Michael Neussi, deputy commissioner of the Alaska Department of Transportation, have discussed what’s next for the Taku and “everything from selling it to trying to run it again” is on the table.

During a presentation last month, Mr. Neussl said he believed the ferry system would sustain itself by reducing the size of the fleet.

“I think the numbers are speaking that we can’t afford to operate an 11-ship fleet with the frequency of service that we’ve kind of become accustomed to,” he said on Sept. 15.

The Juneau Empire says the Taku would be on the block before others because it’s the smallest of the system’s main line ferries.

As the state’s budget forces the system to cut service and take ferries out of service, the ferries that are operating will run closer to capacity.

Built in 1963 by the Puget Sound Bridge & Dry Dock Company in Seattle,WA, the 352 ft Taku can carry 370 passengers and 69 vehicles.

It is one of three AMHS ferries that is SOLAS certified.

It is currently in lay up, serving as a “hotel ship” for other AMHS ships being overhauled at the Kechikan shipyard.

Read the Juneau Empire report HERE