Hurricanes: Scientists use new sensors to monitor storm surge on coastal bridges

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September 3, 2019

A University of Florida team is starting to gather real-time data on the impact of waves and rising water on bridges during hurricanes.

Unlike studies that rely on tests in wave laboratories, this research will use data transmitted directly from bridges during actual storms. With support from National Science Foundation (NSF), civil engineering Professor Jennifer Bridge and her students are investigating how best to provide early warning to communities when a bridge is in danger of failing due to storm damage.

Monitoring coastal bridge health will also help engineers design more reliable bridges in the future. This summer, the team has been deploying the bridge-mounted smart sensor system is developed in the lab. The custom-designed system is the result of extensive research, including adaptive sampling methods to capture wave impacts without overwhelming the system's memory or power.

For now, the team is focused on concrete bridges in Florida's low-lying coastal areas, like the type of bridges that failed during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Eventually, they plan to rapidly deploy their system on bridges that are in the path of approaching storms and capture measurements of waves, surge, scour and wind.

REV Ocean to build the world’s largest research and expedition vessel

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September 3, 2019

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V.Ships Leisure wins contract as ship management partner with REV Ocean.

V.Ships Leisure, part of V.Group, has today announced that it will partner with REV Ocean to provide a tailored suite of ship management services for the world’s largest and most advanced research and expedition vessel, scheduled for completion in 2021.

The vessel will be equipped for conducting research that covers the entire marine ecosystem, using advanced technology systems developed by world-leading knowledge clusters in Norway. It will be used by scientists for innovative research expeditions which explore issues such as the impact that CO2 emissions have on the oceans, plastic pollution, protection of endangered species and sustainable fishing.

The vessel will be constructed to run on diesel electric engines, with an additional 3MW lithium-ion battery pack for peak shaving and ensuring optimum efficiency.

Following its first sea launch in Tulcea, Romania on 23 August, the vessel is now on its way to the Brattvåg shipyard on the west coast of Norway for more construction work.

Per Bjornsen, V.Ships Leisure Director, said:

“While the maritime industry endeavours to reduce carbon emissions across its global fleet, it’s also imperative that we continue look at the whole picture, both inside and outside of our industry, if we are to build towards a better and more sustainable future. With this in mind, we have made it our goal at V.Group to go beyond helping our customers to meet regulation, to leading the fight for cleaner shipping.”

Dag Christoffersen, Managing Director V.Ships Nordic Cluster, added:

“REV Ocean’s decision to build the biggest vessel of its kind in the world, featuring the world’s most advanced technology and scientific equipment, necessitates ship management support from a partner with unmatched capacity to deliver. In addition to V.Group’s global reach, REV Ocean will benefit from the local expertise of our Norway office, which has strong ties with the Kjell Inge Røkke group of companies, and extensive knowledge of working within the guidelines set out by the Norwegian Maritime Authority."

Nina Jensen, CEO of REV Ocean, commented:

“At REV Ocean our mission is to make a true difference in improving the state of our ocean. To achieve this, we need to work together and establish partnerships with other leading institutions and organisations with similar goals and values, primarily a commitment to sustainability and the future health of our planet.

V.Group’s unrivalled experience in sectors such as offshore, yachting and cruise means it is well equipped to handle the need for versatility and specialisation that will be required for REV Ocean’s vessel. In particular, its excellent track record in expedition cruise, including those operating in polar waters, will ensure that our vessel, and the crew onboard, will be able to tackle the most demanding of environments. At the same time, its digital platform will play an integral role in ensuring that all operations are efficient and optimised, with the benefit of 24/7 real-time data which will help to inform decisions and actions on each expedition.”

An independent scientific committee will evaluate and recommend research projects for REV Ocean to pursue, and ensure the highest level of scientific standards and research quality. The vessel has the capacity to take 60 scientists and 30 crew onboard, and features state-of-the-art echo sounders and sonars to study fish and other marine species, an advanced eco-harvesting system for live catch and release of biomass and pelagic samples, and multiple on-board laboratories.

Damen Shipyards sold two tugs to Ecuador-based DLEN

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September 2, 2019

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Delivery of two ASDs increases DLEN’s fleet to six Damen tugs.

Damen Shipyards Group has sold two Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) Tugs to Ecuador-based DLEN S.A. The vessels will give tug assistance during bunkering operations to Corpetrolsa’s fleet of tankers, a subsidiary of DLEN, as well as other vessels entering the ports of Esmeraldas and La Libertad.

This latest two-vessel order follows hot on the heels of last year’s delivery of three Damen Stan Tugs to the DLEN. In terms of fuel efficiency, power and manoeuvrability, those three vessels have proven their worth to such an extent that the client returned to Damen with the desire to further expand its fleet of tugs.

The fleet expansion is a reflection on the need to assist the large tankers calling at Ecuador’s petroleum harbours. Marnix Brouwer, Damen Sales Manager Latin America, says:

“These activities require powerful tugs to ensure safe and reliable operations. This is precisely the working environment in which Damen ASDs excel. And therefore the reason that DLEN has purchased these vessels.”

The two new vessels are an ASD 2411 and an ASD 2310, built at Damen’s yards in China and Vietnam respectively. Both vessels were available from stock, and so enabled Damen to offer the shortest delivery times possible.

The ASD 2411 – named ASD Nanda – is already operational in Ecuador after sailing on her own keel from the Netherlands. The ASD 2310 – named ASD Isabella II – will be making her maiden voyage to Ecuador in the coming weeks. The arrival of the Isabella II will mark the moment that the client has increased its tug fleet to six all-Damen tugs.

The delivery of the ASD Nanda and ASD Isabella II is also notable because they are the first newbuild ASD Tugs working in Ecuador. Mr Brouwer concludes:

“With the purchase of these modern ASD tugs DLEN is showing its commitment to the maritime development in the country."

Semco Maritime expands offshore wind offering

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September 2, 2019

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Semco Maritime to leverage two decades of offshore wind project experience into a new business area focusing on the concept and feasibility phases of offshore wind projects.

Semco Maritime has a significant footprint in the offshore wind market, providing EPC solutions for offshore high-voltage substations (in cooperation with long-term partners Bladt Industries and ISC Consulting Engineers) as well as services and maintenance for offshore wind balance of plant. All in all, these business areas have been part of Semco Maritime’s offerings for almost two decades, and adding a new business area dedicated to concept and feasibility studies extends Semco Maritime’s offerings to cover almost the full life cycle of any offshore wind project.

Tommy Flindt, Director of Technology, Offshore Wind, says:

“We have found that our unique in-house technical skills and experience can be leveraged into the early concept phases of developing offshore wind sites, ensuring that proper considerations are evaluated and that the right decisions are taken at an early stage. We have decades of successful EPC experience and feedback from sites in operation, and it will all be available to the benefit of our customers.”

The offerings provided by Semco Maritime may include studies related to how to transmit offshore wind power to the onshore power grids factoring in the balance between project capital versus operational expenditures and asset availability.

Tommy Flindt says:

“The studies for the offshore wind market cover a wide range of technical disciplines. As for some selected competencies, we are partnering with other strong engineering companies in the market. These partnerships have already been tried and tested on a number of successfully delivered studies for the European, Taiwanese and US offshore wind markets where our EPC and service experience has created good value and been of benefit to our customers.”

First ever ABB electric propulsion to be installed on board a bulk carrier

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September 2, 2019

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ABB enters new market segment with order to install Azipod® electric propulsion on board two dry bulk carriers from Germany’s largest bulk carrier company Oldendorff Carriers.

Two self-unloading dry cargo transshipment units will be the first bulk carriers in the industry to feature ABB’s Azipod® electric propulsion. Both vessels, due for delivery to Oldendorff Carriers in 2021 from the Chengxi Shipyard in China, will be equipped with a complete power and propulsion solution from ABB.

Each 21,500 DWT vessel will feature two 1.9MW Azipod® units. ABB will also supply a wide range of electric, digital and connected solutions, including main diesel-electric power plant, generators, bow thruster motors, transformers, switchboards and the power management system for propulsion and cargo handling.

Jan Henneberg, Newbuilding Manager, Oldendorff Carriers, says:

“The choice of Azipod® electric propulsion system has reduced the investment costs dramatically as the vessels are already equipped with high power generation required for self-unloading/loading cargo handling. These shuttle vessels must perform reliably over an extended period at maximum efficiency, and need to be especially maneuverable in shallow waters.”

Controlling a fleet of around 700 ships, Oldendorff Carriers is Germany’s largest operator of bulk carriers. Around 95% of Oldendorff’s owned fleet is comprised of ‘eco’ newbuilds delivered since 2014, which are specifically designed for low fuel consumption and reduced carbon footprint.

Juha Koskela, Managing Director, ABB Marine & Ports, says:

“This is a significant breakthrough for Azipod® propulsion, reaching a ship type that some suggested would always remain closed to podded propulsion. We are especially pleased to add Oldendorff Carriers as an Azipod® propulsion reference, considering its reputation for building and operating high quality, reliable and environmentally-friendly ships.”

The newbuild vessels are developed by Shanghai-based CS Marine design company together with Oldendorff Carriers. The self-loading vessels will be able to unload cargo utilizing a built-in conveyor system and without the need for assistance from shoreside equipment or personnel. Oldendorff Carriers will deploy the vessels for transshipment operations – transfer of cargo offshore from oceangoing vessels before delivery to the final destination.

Once in operation, the vessels will be among over 1,000 ships connected to ABB Ability™ Collaborative Operation Centers worldwide from where ABB experts monitor operational shipboard systems and offer 24/7 remote support. The vessels will leverage the ABB Ability™ Remote Diagnostic System, which deploys sensor-driven onboard monitoring software that fully integrates with analytics ashore.

Today, the global bulk carrier fleet comprises over 11,000 vessels, and, according to shipping association BIMCO, is projected to grow by 3.1% in 2019. The association estimates a total of over 400 newbuild bulk carriers scheduled to be delivered for launch this year. Global seaborne dry bulk trade is projected to reach 5.3 billion tons in 2019, according to shipping intelligence provider Clarksons Research.

The Azipod® propulsion system, where the electric drive motor is in a submerged pod outside the ship hull, can rotate 360 degrees to increase maneuverability and operating efficiency, as well as maximize cargo space on board. Over the course of close to three decades, ABB has supplied Azipod® units for about 25 vessel types, with the propulsion system accumulating more than 15 million running hours in total.

Subsea 7 awarded contract offshore Brazil

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September 2, 2019

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Subsea 7 has announced the award of a sizeable contract by Total E&P do Brasil for the development of the Lapa North East field located approximately 300 kilometres off the coast of the State of São Paulo, at 2,150 metres water depth in the pre-salt Santos Basin.

The work scope includes the transport, installation and pre-commissioning of 35 kilometres of flexible pipelines and 20 kilometres of umbilical, connecting 5 wells to the FPSO Cidade de Caraguatatuba. Project management and detailed engineering will commence immediately at Subsea 7’s office in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Offshore activities are due to commence in the fourth quarter 2019.

Marcelo Xavier, Subsea 7’s Vice-President Brazil, said:

“This contract builds on our track record of project execution offshore Brazil and reflects our commitment to work and learn together with our client to achieve successful solutions. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with Total in Brazil, through mutually beneficial collaboration on this project and, in the long-term, on future developments.

Maersk Drilling awarded one-well UK contract by Petrogas

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September 2, 2019

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Maersk Drilling has announced that it has entered a contract with Petrogas North Sea Ltd. to drill an appraisal well at the Birgitta field in the Central part of the UK North Sea. The contract value is USD 7.6m.

The contract is expected to commence in March 2020, with an estimated duration of 70 days. The contract includes an additional 20-day option. The harsh environment jack-up rig to be used for the job has yet to be assigned.

Wärtsilä to supply a unique LNG fuel storage system for two new dredgers

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September 2, 2019

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The technology group Wärtsilä will supply a unique and patent-pending LNG fuel storage and supply system for two new trailing suction hopper dredgers (TSHDs). The ships are being built by Keppel Offshore & Marine for Van Oord, the Dutch marine contractor. The order with Wärtsilä was placed in Q2 2019.

The Wärtsilä system comprises two 640m3 single-shell polyurethane insulated storage tanks, featuring a new and innovative ‘In Line Tank Connection Space (ILTCS)’ that contains the process equipment. This LNGPac-ILTCS has the process equipment mounted in front of the tanks, instead of the usual on top installation. For on-deck applications this significantly benefits the vessel’s view lines for better navigational safety, while also reducing the risk of damage to equipment that is typically installed on top of a single-shell tank. Furthermore for below deck installation, the ILTCS improves fuel storage volume efficiency by avoiding the need to have the process equipment on top of the tank, which simplifies installation of the LNG system.

Antti Kuokkanen, Vice President, Electronics, Entertainment and Processing, Wärtsilä Marine, says:

“Our experience in the marine industry’s LNG fuel gas market is unmatched, and this latest development of the famous Wärtsilä LNGPac fuel storage, supply and control system reflects this knowledge and experience.”

Jaap de Jong, Director Ship Management Department, Van Oord, says:

“We are very pleased to collaborate with Wärtsilä, a globally recognised leader in LNG fuel systems, for this project. Thanks to this unique technology we’ll be gaining more experience using LNG as an alternative fuel in our dredging fleet.”

The Wärtsilä equipment is scheduled for delivery to the yard in mid-2020 for the first vessel, and in autumn 2020 for the second one.

Navantia successful launched NUSHIP Stalwart for the Royal Australian Navy

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September 2, 2019

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The Royal Australian Navy is another step closer to welcoming its new fleet of support tankers into service, following the successful launch of NUSHIP Stalwart at today’s ceremony in Ferrol, Spain.

The delivery into service of the Supply class replenishment vessels from next year will provide Navy with vital afloat logistics support to enable our ships to remain at sea longer.

Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Vice Admiral Michael Noonan AO, RAN said the Supply class AOR vessels will enable Navy to maintain a long-term presence at sea and provide combat support to our frigates, destroyers and combatants wherever they operate in the world.

Vice Admiral Noonan said:

“NUSHIPs Stalwart and Supply will extend our warships’ endurance and operational range by providing bulk fuels, potable water, stores and explosive ordnance to naval vessels operating at sea.”

NUSHIPs Stalwart and Supply will replace the current replenishment tankers HMAS Sirius and ex-HMAS Success, which was decommissioned on 29 June 2019.

About AOR vessels

Australia’s current supply ships HMA Ships Success and Sirius will be replaced with a single class of double-hulled, Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) ship to be built by Spanish shipbuilder, Navantia. The two Australian ships are based on the Spanish Navy's Cantabria class AORs.

The ships are intended to carry fuel, dry cargo, water, food, ammunition, equipment and spare parts to provide operational support for the deployed naval or combat forces operating far from the port on the high seas for longer periods.

In addition to replenishment, the vessels can be used to combat against environmental pollution at sea, provide logistics support for the armed forces, and to support humanitarian and disaster relief (HADR) operations following a natural disaster.

Sembcorp Marine won new projects in offshore gas and wind sectors

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September 2, 2019

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Sembcorp Marine has won a raft of new projects valued at S$400 million that leverage the Group’s wide-ranging engineering solutions for offshore gas and wind farm developments as well as cruise ship upgrades.

In these latest undertakings, Sembcorp Marine has teamed up with various repeat and new customers. The Group also succeeded in breaking into the highly competitive offshore wind sector in Taiwan.

Sembcorp Marine Rigs & Floaters Pte. Ltd. has signed agreements with joint venture companies of Shapoorji Pallonji Oil and Gas Private Limited and Bumi Armada Berhad to convert Ariake, a very large crude carrier (VLCC), into a floating production, storage and offloading (FPSO) unit for deployment in the east coast of India. The vessel will produce up to 90,000 barrels of oil per day (BOPD) and have a 1.3-million-barrel storage facility.

The project includes hull repairs and upgrading as well as fabrication of at least three topside modules which Sembcorp Marine will install on the vessel. The work will be done at its flagship Tuas Boulevard Yard, with delivery scheduled in the second half of 2021.

Sembcorp Marine Head of Rigs & Floaters Mr William Gu said:

“We are excited to work with Shapoorji Pallonji and Bumi Armada on the Ariake FPSO conversion, which will enhance Sembcorp Marine’s visibility in the Indian offshore oil and gas sector.”

Sembcorp Marine Repairs & Upgrades Pte. Ltd. has added three new gas projects to its portfolio, namely:

Conversion of LNG tanker Dwiputra into a 125,000cbm floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) for a joint venture between Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd (MOL) and Karpower International B.V.;
Conversion of NYK Line’s former gas carrier LNG Flora into a 127,000cbm floating storage unit (FSU) for Gasfin Development S.A.;
Upgrading works on the 173,400cbm FSRU BW Magna for BW LNG Pte Ltd.

All three projects will be completed at Sembcorp Marine Admiralty Yard, for delivery between the end of this year and February 2020.

Sembcorp Marine Repairs & Upgrades will also spearhead the makeover of Asuka II – Japan’s largest cruise ship – for NYK Cruises Co. Ltd. To be executed over 45 days at the Admiralty Yard from January 2020, the project includes installing a sulphur oxide (SOx) scrubber unit on the vessel to comply with new environmental regulations effective next year.

Sembcorp Marine Head of Repairs & Upgrades Mr Alvin Gan said:

“As Asia’s top solutions provider for cruise ship repairs and upgrades, we are attracting major projects from new customers such as NYK Cruises. Refitting their showpiece Asuka II cruise ship is an extensive makeover within a short time frame. We are confident of completing the work on time and within budget.”

Sembcorp Marine Offshore Platforms Pte. Ltd. has landed a contract with Jan De Nul n.v. to fabricate 15 jacket foundations for the Formosa 2 Offshore Wind Farm.

Located 4km offshore Miaoli County in the Taiwan Strait, the 376MW Formosa 2 facility will be Taiwan’s largest offshore wind farm, generating sufficient electricity for over 380,000 households when it starts operation in late 2021.

Sembcorp Marine Head of Offshore Platforms Mr Samuel Wong said:

“The partnership with Jan De Nul on Formosa 2 represents our first exploit in the highly competitive Taiwanese offshore wind sector. This is an important opportunity to extend our engineering solutions into the Asian offshore renewable energy markets.”

Sembcorp Marine will deliver the Formosa 2 jacket foundations to Jan De Nul by December 2020.

Commenting on Sembcorp Marine’s latest project wins, President & CEO Mr Wong Weng Sun said:

“Despite the challenging market conditions, we have been steadfastly pursuing the available pockets of opportunities. I am very pleased that our teams have translated several of these opportunities into new contracts. As we respond to current market enquiries and customer requirements, Sembcorp Marine will continue to innovate and improve our capabilities, so that we can sustain our long-term competitiveness by having the best solutions for the evolving global offshore, marine and energy industries.”

The above-mentioned contracts are not expected to have any material impact on the net tangible assets and earnings per share of Sembcorp Marine for the year ending Dec 31, 2019.