Halliburton wins Libra work from Petrobras

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August 1, 2019

Halliburton Company has announced the execution of an integrated services contract with Petrobras for pre-salt development in the Santos Basin.

The two-year and six month contract will provide drilling and completion services to drive greater efficiency by applying pre-salt expertise and integrating multiple product offerings and technologies.

“We are pleased to win this work and to collaborate with Petrobras to provide a tailored application of Halliburton technology,” said said Anouar Fraija, vice president of Halliburton Brazil. “This contract is a testament to our continuous commitment to safety, superior service quality and helping operators maximize their asset value.”

Halliburton has an established track record in Brazil’s pre-salt fields, which have some of the most complex wells ever drilled, and require a broad scope of technologies and capabilities to achieve economical and operational success. Halliburton also maintains a technology center in Rio de Janeiro, which serves as a global center of expertise for deepwater innovation and training. The center’s capabilities allow Halliburton to translate offshore knowledge into new technologies that reduce uncertainty and increase efficiency and reliability.

KVH joins Smart Maritime Network as founding member

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July 31, 2019

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Maritime innovator KVH has announced it has joined the Smart Maritime Network (SMN) as one of the founding members of the initiative dedicated to supporting collaboration and standardization in the development of IT systems for the shipping sector.

As a founding member, KVH will participate in Smart Maritime Council meetings with a select group of maritime technology developers, systems integrators, and vessel operators to discuss issues relating to the compatibility, standardization, and harmonization of the technology used in the modern shipping industry.

“KVH is thrilled to be a founding member of the Smart Maritime Network,” says Rick Driscoll, KVH’s vice president for service development and implementation. “Setting digital, data, and tech standards that resonate throughout the maritime industry is an extremely important effort that will provide far-reaching benefits at this crucial time in the industry’s digital transformation.”

KVH has a history of innovation in the maritime industry for producing award-winning satellite antenna products and providing global VSAT connectivity services with the fast data speeds to support the digital transformation underway throughout the industry.

Last month, KVH introduced KVH WatchTM, a maritime Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity solution for maritime equipment manufacturers and application providers. KVH Watch enables equipment manufacturers to conduct remote monitoring and real-time interventions so they can minimize expensive service calls and ensure their equipment is performing at its peak.

Earlier this year, KVH introduced the TracPhone® V11-HTS, the world’s only 1-meter Ku/C-band maritime satellite communications antenna designed to deliver data speeds as fast as 20/3 Mbps (down/up), an advanced antenna to meet the growing demand for VSAT connectivity among the world’s commercial vessels, superyachts, and recreational boats.

Smart Maritime Network was founded by Rob O’Dwyer, chief network officer, and Cathy Hodge, chief operating officer, with the goal of driving improved collaboration for the best interests of the maritime industry.

Middle East contract hattrick for N-Sea

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July 31, 2019

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N-SEA, a leading IMR subsea service provider, has announsed the award of three contracts in the Middle East with a combined value close to 15 million USD.

The first of the three projects saw N-Sea complete a pipeline repair and pigging campaign, utilising air diving and ROV techniques in June, 2019. Mobilising later this year, a second air diving campaign is due to commence on a demolition project in Abu Dhabi with an on-going saturation diving campaign for spool, clamp and riser installations – which launched at the end of May – off the coast of Egypt in the Red Sea.

Asa Gamble, Managing Director for N-Sea in the Middle East, said:

“The last eight months have been particularly busy for N-Sea in the Middle East as we experience strong partner and operator interest across our range of services. This has also led to the expansion of our local operations team to ensure N-Sea’s high standards of service delivery are maintained across all current and upcoming projects in the region. We are delighted to be working with these esteemed companies – two of the major industry players – and I look forward to building on these relationships into the future.”

Four further licences awarded to Energean for oil and gas

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July 31, 2019

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Energean Oil and Gas has announced that Israel’s Petroleum Council has awarded the Company four new licences for oil and gas exploration in the Israeli EEZ.

Energean submitted its proposal in partnership with Israeli Opportunity (20%).

The awarded Licences were granted for Block D, located 45 km off the Israeli coast – and include Licences 55,56,61,62 (“Zone D”), offered in the recent Bid Round published by the Israeli Ministry of Energy. Energean has identified a prospect within Zone D analogous to the prolific Tamar Sand fields (Karish, Tamar, Leviathan etc) offshoreIsrael. The prospect is believed to extend towards the SW of the license contingent to further seismic processing. A relatively shallow Mesozoic prospect was also identified (four way closure).

Mathios Rigas, CEO of Energean, stated:

“Energean has proven its ability and commitment to explore and develop resources in a timely and cost efficient manner in the East Med. The addition of the 4 new licenses contained in Zone D adds further upside potential to our portfolio”.

Brittany Ferries and Repsol extend agreement on LNG supply

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July 31, 2019

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Repsol will supply LNG to Brittany Ferries’ operations in Spain. Under the agreement, the energy company will build two LNG bunker terminals at the ports of Bilbao and Santander, where Brittany Ferries conducts its Spanish operations. Each terminal will include an intermediate storage tank of 1,000 m3 to guarantee an uninterrupted supply.

Repsol will supply LNG bunker fuel to Brittany Ferries’ Salamanca and Santoña during the ships’ regular visits on routes linking Portsmouth, UK and northern Spain, beginning in 2022.

“Liquefied Natural Gas offers significant environmental advantages over traditional marine fuels, and we’re extremely pleased to work with Repsol on LNG fuelling operations for our future ferries in Spain. Salamanca and Santoña will be our second and third LNG-powered vessels, and the first to operate to and from northern Spain. Repsol’s expertise in the field of LNG refuelling and environmentally friendly fuels, as well as its ability to deliver to us makes them a trusted partner. These new terminals will allow regular, flexible and reliable deliveries during the calls of Salamanca and Santoña in our Spanish ports,” said Frédéric Pouget, Fleet and Operations Manager Brittany Ferries.

Repsol’s Wholesale & Gas Trading Director, Laura Rejón Pérez said:

“As energy leaders, Repsol has added LNG to its extensive portfolio of marine fuels. We consider natural gas as a key fuel in energy transition, and this agreement reflects our commitment to provide clean and affordable energy. The LNG bunker terminals in Bilbao and Santander will provide security of supply and flexibility. This project is a reflection of Repsol’s commitment to providing solutions to our clients”.

Salamanca and Santoña will follow in the wake of Honfleur (currently under construction in Germany and due to enter service early 2020) as the second and third LNG-powered ships in Brittany Ferries’ fleet. LNG provides major environmental advantages, reducing carbon dioxide, and cutting sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and particulate emissions to almost zero. LNG also complies with the IMO 2020 regulation of the International Maritime Organization that will take effect on January 2020.

Two Incat Crowther 37s delivered to Mexico’s largest operator

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July 31, 2019

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Incat Crowther has announced the delivery of a pair of Incat Crowther 37 passenger ferries to Mexico.

Built by Wight Shipyard, Lady D and Lady A have been delivered to Mexico’s largest operator Ultramar, where they will join an extensive fleet of Incat Crowther-designed vessels.

With capacity for 459 passengers, the vessels have been built to a high quality, notably higher than a regular commuter ferry. The vessels feature Ultramar’s signature high-tech fitout with advanced entertainment systems and advanced LED lighting. Whilst giving the operator a distinct point of difference in the market, the fitout brought weight control to the fore. Incat Crowther worked closely with the Wight Shipyard expertise to balance the operator’s desires with the fitout requirements in a way that did not excessively impact the vessel’s performance, with the final product being delivered below the predicted weight.

The vessels take a two-and-a-half deck configuration with a half-height wheelhouse giving excellent forward visibility and contributing to the trademark sleek appearance of Ultramar’s fleet.

The main deck features three pairs of boarding ramps; two pairs aft and a pair forward. The aft-most pair is dedicated to cargo movements, leading straight to the aft cargo area. Forward of this, a passenger ramp feeds straight to the main passenger cabin as well as to the stairs to the upper deck.

The main deck cabin seats 165 passengers and has 2 wheelchair spaces. A bar / kiosk is fitted amidships, adjacent to an interior stair to the mid deck.

A pair of doors forward link the forward-most boarding ramps to the cabin, as well as providing access to the foredeck, with 32 seats.

The mid deck features a business class cabin for 24 passengers. Aft of this, the external deck features a stage, where artist perform on return journeys. The aft exterior deck seats 116 passengers. The sundeck seats 122 passengers.

The vessel’s platform was optimized early in the design process for efficient operation with twin MTU 12V4000 M63 main engines. Operating at modest MCR, this engine package delivers excellent efficiency whilst minimizing wear and tear and extending the engine maintenance intervals.

VIDEO: Seacat Services confirms second Chartwell 24 vessel order

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July 30, 2019

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Class-leading offshore energy support vessel (OESV) operator, Seacat Services, has taken up its option to build a second multi-million-pound Chartwell 24 catamaran for the offshore wind sector. Seacat Rainbow, designed by pioneer in next generation vessel design, Chartwell Marine, will enter construction immediately at Isle of Wight shipyard Diverse Marine.

Recent multi-vessel contract wins and charter extensions from valued long-term customers have led to high levels of forward utilisation for the Seacat Services fleet, creating a strong commercial case for further expansion. Seacat Rainbow will join sister Chartwell 24 vessel Seacat Weatherly, which is currently in build at Diverse Marine, on track for delivery and due to be completed in April 2020.

With the next generation of OESVs now progressing from the drawing board into build, vessel operators are making decisions that will determine the future make-up of offshore wind fleets in Europe, the USA and Asia. Seacat Services’ second order of the Chartwell 24 demonstrates utmost confidence from the OESV operator that the Chartwell Marine design is best-placed to meet the logistical demands of project construction and operation.

Andy Page, Managing Director, Chartwell Marine, said,

“The offshore wind sector is at a pivotal point, where lessons learnt from development and operation to date must quickly be applied to achieve true global scale. Seacat Services continues to demonstrate that it is not willing to compromise on the attributes that make a safe, reliable and efficient offshore energy support vessel.”

Ian Baylis, Managing Director of Seacat Services, added,

“Chartwell Marine’s pioneering approach, backed up by strong technical R&D expertise and extensive dialogue with operators and wind farm stakeholders, gives us enormous confidence in the design. The investment case for this second vessel was clear cut, and we look forward to bringing both Rainbowand Weatherlyinto the fleet to show how this translates into the highest levels of performance and service for our customers.”

Seacat Rainbowwill be identical in specification to Seacat Weatherly, showing Seacat Services’ belief in the design and ingredients which make up the Chartwell 24. These include a number of market-first innovations to optimise the safety of crew and cargo transfers, and maximise the performance and technical availability of the vessel – ultimately translating to more ‘time on turbine’ for wind farm technicians.

Office of Naval Research awards $19.4M contract to ThayerMahan

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July 30, 2019

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Groton based ThayerMahan to perform unmanned systems development and testing for ONR.

The Office of Naval Research is tasked with providing technical advice to the Chief of Naval Operations and the Secretary of the Navy. As part of its continuing effort to promote the development and deployment of Unmanned Maritime Systems in support of US Navy missions, ONR has awarded a 4-year $19.4M contract to ThayerMahan Inc.

The contract provides funding to develop innovative autonomous systems, as well as continue to improve ThayerMahan's proprietary acoustic and electronic search systems, in support of Navy and Marine Corps missions. The program, Development, Testing and Application of Unmanned Maritime Systems to Produce Innovative Maritime Autonomous Cross-Domain Capabilities, is designed to promote and advance the use of advanced technologies in support of Cross-Domain Awareness initiatives within the Navy and Marine Corps.

ThayerMahan has emerged as an industry leader in the rapid development and integration of sophisticated sensors aboard autonomous unmanned maritime systems. ThayerMahan technologies are currently performing missions for government clients. The ThayerMahan team is comprised of a unique blend of management and engineering personnel with over 200-years of military experience and a cadre of innovative scientists and engineers dedicated to the rapid implementation of innovative autonomous technologies throughout the maritime industry.

ThayerMahan President and CEO Mike Connor stated:

"This contract with the Office of Naval Research marks a major milestone in the trajectory of ThayerMahan, Inc. and supports the continued growth of our team in Groton, CT. We will leverage the skills of our talented engineers and the experience of our Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Marine Corps veterans to deliver autonomous marine systems that support safety and security at sea. As a Navy veteran, I am proud to see the Office of Naval Research leading the way."

ThayerMahan was founded by Mike Connor, Richard Hine and John Kao in 2016 to promote and provide the use of unmanned, autonomous systems in response to the needs of the US Navy and other government deep-sea domain awareness programs and missions. ThayerMahan's staff has over 200 years of operational experience, focused primarily in the submarine realm.

PSA Singapore and Envision cooperate to promote technology fields

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July 30, 2019

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PSA Corporation Ltd (PSA) and Envision Digital International Pte Ltd (Envision) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to collaborate in knowledge sharing and capability transfer for development in the fields of engineering, technology, Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things (AIoT).

The MoU combines the innovative strengths and capabilities of a leading port operator, PSA, and a global AIoT technology leader, Envision, to complement existing capability development in today’s fast-changing global landscape. PSA and Envision will share and exchange expertise on industry concepts, technical architectures, systems and case studies relating to the development of an intelligent and sustainable port.

PSA and Envision will also exchange capability on application knowledge in AIoT and engage in EnOS™ operating system training. EnOS™ is the world’s leading AIoT operating system developed by Envision, and currently connects and manages over 60 million smart devices and over 100GW of energy assets globally.

Mr Tan Chong Meng, Group CEO of PSA International, said,

“PSA is excited to collaborate with and learn from like-minded and innovative partners such as Envision, to add valuable breadth and depth to both our companies’ fields of expertise. In particular, we hope to grow new capabilities and leverage leading-edge technologies towards the creation of intelligent and energy efficient port systems, enabling us to excel in energy sustainability, while in pursuit of our goal for greater supply chain orchestration.”

Mr Zhang Lei, CEO of Envision Group, said,

“We are very honoured to sign this MoU with PSA to develop capabilities on Smart Ports and Smart Energy using our flagship AIoT Operating System, the EnOSTM and PSA’s rich domain knowledge. We will work together with PSA to develop new capabilities and create new business opportunities.”

Samsung Heavy creates new battery power system for vessels

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July 30, 2019

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Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) has succeeded in developing the Korea's first marine battery system, further enhancing its technological competitiveness in the eco-friendly vessel market.

SHI has announced that it has received a type approval certificate from DNV-GL for the first time as a South Korean producer for marine lithium ion battery system, which was jointly developed with Samsung SDI.

The newly developed lithium ion battery system, which reduces fuel consumption of generators by optimally controlling and managing on-board generators and power load, is an eco-friendly technology that enables reductions in emissions of pollutant substances and in operating costs as well.

As the global demand for environmentally friendly technologies is higher than ever, there is a growing trend in the application of battery systems as efficient auxiliary power units for large-scale commercial ships and offshore units.

In line with the market trend, SHI has teamed up with Samsung SDI, a global battery manufaturer, to jointly develop a lithium ion battery system assuring high performance and safety from various hazards on board, such as vibration, electromagnetic waves, dust, submergence, fire, etc.

Particularly, this type approval certification enables the company to produce a lithium ion battery system at a reasonable price at home, instead of using costly lithium ion battey systems predominantly supplied by large-scale equipment makers in Northern Europe where environment regulations are stricter.

"The implementation of the recently developed modular battery system will provide high versatility to meet specific operational demands such as adjustment of battery capacity according to vessel size and power usage. Not only that, we will be able to achieve cost competitiveness by using a domestic system," said Shim, Yong-Lae, Vice President of SHI Ship & Offshore Research Institute. "By securing the battery system technoogy applicable to all types of vessels, SHI will take the advantageous position in the competition for orders for vessels," he added.