LNG fueled cement carrier enters service

After an extensive program of trials and tests, the 7,300 dwt vessel today departed Delfzijl on her first commercial voyage to Rostock where she will receive her first cement load.

With dimensions of 109,66 m x 14.99 m, M.V. Greenland is a dedicated cement carrier build for the joint venture JT cement, in which Erik Thun AB cooperates with KG Jebsen Cement from Norway.

The vessel is the first ever dry cargo ship with an LNG fueled propulsion system and LNG tanks integrated inside the hull. The unique design incorporates a pressurized LNG tank positioned in the foreship.

The vessel has a 6-cylinder Wärtsilä 34DF main engine, with Wärtsilä also supplying an enclosed Gas Valve Unit (GVU) for easier installation and additional engine room safety.

The cement cargo system consists of a fully automated cement loading and unloading system, based on fluidization of cement by means of compressed air. The cement can be loaded and unloaded fully enclosed through pipes and is thus dust-free.

Greenland 700

Crowley takes delivery of second LNG ready tanker

The shipyard is the sole operating subsidiary of Oslo-listed Philly Shipyard ASA, which is majority-owned by Converto Capital Fund, which in turn is majority-owned by Aker ASA.

“We are proud to deliver another ship to Crowley and the first under our new name, Philly Shipyard. The Texas, like our 21 previously delivered vessels, continues the long tradition of men and women building quality vessels in Philadelphia,” said Philly Shipyard President and CEO Steinar Nerbovik. “As we continue to build the eight ships in our backlog, we are always looking for more skilled men and women to add to our team.”

The 50,000 dwt, 330,000-barrel-capacity Texas and sister ship Ohio, which was delivered to Crowley in October, are first ever tankers to receive ABS(ABS) LNG-Ready Level 1 approval, meaning Crowley has the option to convert the tanker to liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueled propulsion in the future. The remaining two product tankers being built by Philly Shipyards for Crowley have planned deliveries from the shipbuilder in 2016.

“We are excited to close out 2015 with the addition of this technologically advanced vessel to our fleet of U.S.-coastwise product tankers,” said Rob Grune, Crowley’s senior vice president and general manager, petroleum and chemical transportation. “We constantly strive for ways to enhance the services we provide to our chemical and petroleum customers. The introduction of vessels like Ohio and Texas, with their advanced technology and environmentally friendly fuel options, prove that we are innovating the industry and we are doing it with American built, Jones Act vessels.”

The new 50,000 dwt product tankers are based on a proven Hyundai Mipo Dockyards (HMD) design which incorporates numerous fuel efficiency features, flexible cargo capability, and meets the latest regulatory requirements. The vessel is 600 feet long and is capable of carrying crude oil or refined petroleum products.

Crowley’s Seattle-based, naval architecture and marine engineering subsidiary Jensen Maritime is providing construction management services for the product tankers. Jensen now has an on-site office and personnel at the Philadelphia shipyard to ensure strong working relationships with shipyard staff and a seamless construction and delivery program.

Mod could add $198.3 million to Austal LCS contract

DECEMBER 22, 2015 — Austal USA has been awarded a contract modification that adds$51,684,797 to its 10-ship $3.5 billion Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) contract for the U.S. Navy. The shipbuilder says the

Maersk Supply acquires Subsea Support Vessel

The MT 6022 design vessel, built in 2008 by Norwegian shipbuilder Kleven Verft A/S, features three work class ROV’s, a high-load capacity deck, and a Hydramarine main crane with a lifting capacity of 250 tonnes and a wire of 2,450 m. The vessel accommodates up to 120 people, and has a low fuel consumption thanks to its diesel electric power plant.

Rem Offshore ASA said that delivery of the vessel will take place shortly and that the sale will give it a booked profit, and net cash of approx. NOK 200 mill after repayment of debt.

The vessel is presently on a long term charter agreement with DeepOcean Shipping AS. The work scope involves subsea tree and jumper installation in up to 2,000 m water depth. Maersk Supply Service will take over this charter agreement including the option for extensions.

“Being part of a group with a strong balance sheet allows us to take advantage of the opportunities arising in the industry,” says Maersk Supply Service CEO Jørn Madsen. “This acquisition of a quality asset is fully in line with our strategic ambition of growing our subsea fleet and at the same time adds contract coverage during a period of market downturn. The work scope is well related to our area of expertise, and we look forward to working with our long-term customer, DeepOcean, on this operation.”

“Maersk and DeepOcean have a long and successful track record of cooperation on vessel charters, including the most recent long term charter agreement for the new-build Maersk Connector,” says DeepOcean Commercial Director Henk van den Ijssel. “This seven-year agreement for a market leading 7,000 t capacity cable installation vessel, arriving first quarter 2016 and already three contracts secured, shows a dedicated long term commitment from both companies.

Wartsila waterjets selected for Mols-Linien superferry

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. .

Signal International in $5 million settlement with EEOC

DECEMBER 19, 2015 — The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) reports that bankrupt Mobile, AL, headquartered shipbuilding and repair company Signal International, LLC will pay an estimated $5 million to 476

MAN Diesel and Turbo to power giant crane ship

 

The scope of MAN Diesel & Turbo’s contract includes twelve MAN 8L51/60DF four-stroke engines and twelve MAN SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) systems.

MAN Diesel & Turbo says that the total power output of the engines is some 96 MW, meaning that this will be one of the largest engine installations ever seen aboard a commercial ship.

The vessel will be the first in its size range to feature dual-fuel technology and, on completion, will be the world’s largest vessel of its kind.

Engine delivery is scheduled for first quarter 2017 with vessel delivery due from the shipbuilder in 2018.

The highly efficient MAN Diesel & Turbo package ensures full fuel-flexibility and will meets NOx Tier III emission limits at all times – whether the vessel is within Tier III zones or not – both during operation on LNG and during operation on MGO with the help of the SCR system.

MAN Diesel & Turbo says that the engines maintain their high efficiency – including during SCR operation – through integrated and customised control strategies.

“The entire project has special requirements in all aspects – it is absolutely a customized solution and a notable feather in our cap to have been selected as propulsion-system supplier for this unique vessel,” says Lex Nijsen – Head of Four-Stroke Marine – MAN Diesel & Turbo. “This is not just the largest, dual-fuel propulsion system ever featured on a single vessel, it also ensures Tier-III compliance in all operational scenarios, whether in gas- or MGO-modes, and whether within or without NOx Tier III-controlled areas. The solution MAN Diesel & Turbo is delivering to Sembcorp Marine and Heerema is reliable, efficient, flexible and meets the highest safety and environmental standards.”

A key determinant in the choosing of the 51/60DF engine was its ability to fulfill the particularly high load-ramp requirements demanded by the NSCV’s two giant Huisman 10,000 ton cranes in both diesel and gas modes while maintaining its efficiency.

Another key characteristic of the four-stroke unit is its ability to operate at 100% MCR and above, in gas mode, and to switch smoothly and seamlessly from gas to liquid-fuel operation (and vice versa) at full load without any fluctuation in output or speed. These are all essential features to satisfy the SSCV’s vital DP-3 (dynamic positioning) station-keeping requirement.

Furthermore, with the aim of becoming the most environmentally friendly crane vessel ever built, operation will be on ultra-low sulfur fuel, a fuel type that the 51/60DF readily handles.

MAN Diesel & Turbo’s SCR system provides an integrated solution for its entire portfolio of four-stroke engines and serves as a standard solution to meet Tier III emission limits.

The MAN SCR solution is a modular system, with the built-in flexibility to adjust to the NSCV’s particular requirements such as its long exhaust-gas lines, the distance between the SCR and engine. Nor does the SCR system negatively affect load-ramp requirements. In this respect, MAN’s SCR is very much a customized solution.

With a length of 220 m and a width of 102 m, the NSCV will be the world’s largest crane vessel. Despite the vessel’s large dimensions, optimally locating the engines and SCR systems aboard proved a challenge, one which MAN Diesel & Turbo and the flexibility of the SCR system helped resolve.

The vessel features four engine rooms, each with three MAN 8L51/60DF engines. The integration of SCR and engine-control system enables the SCR to be operated at a relatively low exhaust-gas temperature, which is the basis for a high engine efficiency, and enables the SCR to be positioned further away from engines. In consequence, no compromises have to be made with the vessel layout and the SCR systems will be positioned under the ship’s funnel in a vertical arrangement, some 80 m away from the engines.

GulfMark and Simek agree PSV delivery delay

 

According to the filing, “on December 14, 2015, a subsidiary of GulfMark Offshore, Inc. (“GulfMark”) entered into an agreement with Simek AS to delay the delivery of its North Sea vessel under construction in Norway from 2016 to 2017. Under the original agreement, GulfMark’s subsidiary paid 20% of the construction price within three months of contract inception, and was to pay the remaining 80%, or approximately $33 million, in February 2016 upon delivery. Under the new agreement, GulfMark’s subsidiary will take delivery of the vessel in January 2017 and will pay approximately $2 million in the fourth quarter of 2015, approximately $5 million in the first quarter of 2016, approximately $4 million in the second quarter of 2016 and approximately $22 million in the first quarter of 2017 upon delivery of the vessel.”

Eagle LNG to be fuel provider for Crowley ConRo duo

To support Crowley’s LNG needs, Eagle LNG will build a natural gas liquefaction plant (LNG plant) offering a capacity of 200,000 gallons per day (87,000 gallons per day initially) in Jacksonville, FL. 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 two 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  since the early 1970s.  The new ships, will offer customers fast ocean transit times, while accommodating the company’s diverse equipment selection and cargo handling flexibility.  

The LNG  liquefaction 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.

Triyards tanker trio to be Wartsila equipped

The 153 m long ships are being built for Swiss-Canadian Maritime Ltd and will be managed by Switzerland based ABC Maritime A.G. They are set to be delivered by the shipbuilder in 2017 and will operate between Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Montreal, Canada.

The contract covers Wärtsilä largest scope of supply thus far for delivery to a shipyard in Vietnam. It was signed in November and includes options for three more vessels.

Wärtsilä’s capability to provide a total solution package and to be responsible for the engineering and integration of the solutions provided were key factors in winning the contract.

For each vessel, Wärtsilä will supply a controllable pitch propeller (CPP), a tunnel gearbox, a shaft alternator, two tunnel thrusters, three Auxpac generating sets, a Wärtsilä Propulsion Condition Monitoring System (PCMS), as well as all related auxiliaries for the various systems.

The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled to be delivered to the yards during 2016.

In addition, the ships will be powered by a 6-cylinder Wärtsilä X40-B two-stroke main engine designed by Winterthur Gas & Diesel, a joint venture between Wärtsilä and China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC). The engine contract was agreed separately between Triyards Marine Services Pte. Ltd. and Chinese two-stroke engine builder, Yuchai Marine Power Co., Ltd. (YCMP).

“Wärtsilä is a global leader and their propulsion and power generation systems are among the best in the world. We are therefore confident that the technology of their systems will enhance the capabilities and performance of the chemical tankers we are building,” says Chan Eng Yew, Chief Executive Officer of Triyards Holdings Limited.

“These are the first chemical tankers that the yards have been contracted to build, and Wärtsilä’s support and know-how for the engineering and systems integration is of considerable importance. We are delighted to be working once again in Vietnam and are extremely pleased to be cooperating with Triyards in this important project,” says Hans Laheij, Sales Director, Wärtsilä Marine Solutions.

Triyards 700

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