SAIPEM Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Plambeck Emirates LLC

By

-

July 18, 2019

Saipem has signed a memorandum of understanding with Plambeck Emirates LLC, a solutions company in the field of renewables-based in Abu Dhabi, and an exclusive agreement for the development and construction of a floating offshore wind farm.

The project phases will commence in the coming weeks via Plambeck Saudi, a Plambeck company located in Riyadh. The partners will use their experience and know-how to carry out an innovative project, in line with the Vision 2030, the Saudi strategy to promote the development of the country.

Saipem can start operations after finalisation of the financial agreements at the end of the planning phase. The contract will be signed for Saipem to undertake the engineering, design, construction and installation of the entire project and related services.

Francesco Balestrino, Renewables and Green Tech Product Manager of the Xsight division, commented:

"We believe that the wind market in Saudi Arabia can be supported by Saipem technology Hexafloat for the construction of offshore wind farms with an accelerated programme and reduced costs. Initiating the new market in Saudi Arabia is an important opportunity to be seized, and we are ready with Plambeck for this new challenge".

Norbert Plambeck, the shareholder of Plambeck Emirates LLC, stated:

"The development of the 500 MW floating offshore wind farm project is part of the new 5 GW "Wind Market" concept, which has been proposed to Saudi Arabia. We are very proud to have a global solution provider with an international experience like Saipem, with whom we can carry the next development phases of the project. Furthermore, the implementation of the project with Saipem, a reliable international group, is already technically assured".

SDLP Announces Contract Award for the West Polaris

By

-

July 18, 2019

0

Seadrill Partners ("SDLP") has secured a one well contract with PC Gabon Upstream S.A. for the West Polaris (IMO: 9372535) to work offshore Gabon. PC Gabon Upstream S.A. (PCGUSA), the subsidiary of the state-run oil company in Malaysia Petronas.

Backlog is expected to be approximately $22 million excluding mobilization fees with commencement expected in September 2019 and running to the end of 2019.

Cloud Fleet Manager on the go

By

-

July 17, 2019

0

Hanseaticsoft has launched a new app for its Cloud Fleet Manager – CFM Go – to make it easier and faster for customers to access relevant data about their fleet from their mobile phones.

Hanseaticsoft says the significant benefit for shipping companies using the software is that all their information can be managed and accessed in real-time. CFM Go helps companies save time and money and ensures fleet managers always have the most up to date information at their fingertips.

The new app includes several features including a news section and a dedicated dashboard that provides users with insights into the status of any of their vessels. Users can quickly check their critical tasks for the day and anything urgent they need to prioritise. All data is centralised and available through the app at the touch of a finger doing away with the need to ask colleagues for information, check briefing emails or excel files. For example, the fleet section of application displays, among others the schedules of the fleet, the crew onboard and current off hires. Users can also use the map tool for details of their fleet’s movement and to check other critical information such as current zones of war risk.

With CFM Go employees can request holiday and other absences through the app and check colleagues’ availability, and get a quick response for approval.

Alexander Buchmann, Managing Director of Hanseaticsoft, said:

“We are delighted to launch our CFM Go app as it takes our innovative software one step further. CFM Go will enable our clients to improve their operational efficiencies further and increase business performance by providing employees with immediate access to their full database no matter where they are from their smartphones, keeping them informed about developments across the fleet.”

Alpha Ori SMARTShip™ solutions receive ClassNK Type Approval

By

-

July 17, 2019

0

In yet another first of sorts, Alpha Ori SMARTShip™ received Type Approval from Class NK.

A mid size gas carrier “Hourai Maru”, delivered on 11th March, 2019 was the first ship certified with a ClassNK approved SMARTShip™. This approval is provided for a Computer Based System confirming to requirements as specified in relevant Class Society’s rules for a product performing ‘Remote Monitoring and Diagnostic’ , ‘Situational Awareness’ and ‘Decision Support Systems’ for onboard and onshore usage.

Photo: Alpha Ori Technologies

AOT SMARTShip™ software runs on our Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) platform. The AOT’s IoT platform is a suite of components that enable: Remote data collection from connected devices; Deployment of applications that monitor, manage, and control connected devices. AOT Platform resides on a cloud as well as local servers and, collects data from various data acquisition units – alpha NAV, alpha ECR and alpha CCR, local sensors and various standalone pieces of equipment onboard.

AOT’s IoT platform plays a pivotal role in equipping company's solutions with remote control and real-time monitoring functions, configurable alerts and notifications, pluggable cloud services, and integration with consumers’ smartphones and other devices. SMARTShip™ allows a swift integration of 3rd party applications from other industry players into our platform. An integrated hardware and software solution is delivered and installed by Alpha Ori personnel on your vessel as well as remote monitoring stations. The ruggedized hardware is built to endure typical harsh conditions aboard ships.

Photo: Alpha Ori Technologies

Platform Key Features

Modular hardware system installed at critical places, transferring engine, cargo, and navigational data to shore
Flexible platform to host > 5000 data points live from a ship (30 sec average, could go down to every second)
Intuitive and easy to operate dashboard for providing critical operating parameters, camera views and screen replications, to instantly connect any user to the ship
Specialized applications for performance management of ships including optimization of total fuel consumption over voyage, predictive maintenance and geofencing based solutions such as ECA area advisory
Unique Remote, Monitoring and Diagnostic (RMD) capability, monitoring not only operational parameters from equipment but also the heartbeat of the equipment giving, early warning of an upcoming malfunction
Customizable alert generation system provides a workbench for configuration of alert from any of the parameters being collected and made available on the dashboard, SMS or email seamlessly
Ruggedized to maritime usage and secure installation onboard compliant with AL-SAFE 3 notation from Lloyds Register
Scalable core data science models at Cloud platform and parsed models on ship server providing edge analytic capabilities for onboard decision making
Scalable platform architecture designed to incorporate both – inhouse applications as well as 3rd party applications using APIs
Easy modular deployment for New Builds as well as Retrofit (while sailing, at a port or in a dock) User management capability for creating and managing access rights for ship and shore users based on their hierarchy

Van Oord Strengthens Dredging Fleet with Third New Hopper Dredger

By

-

July 16, 2019

0

Van Oord has decided to use the option of ordering a third trailing suction hopper dredger at Keppel FELS Limited.

The vessel is similar to the two vessels that Van Oord ordered in May 2018. Each one has a hopper capacity of approximately 10,500 cubic metres and measures 138 metres in length and 28 metres across the beam.

This investment is part of a broader fleet renewal programme in the Dredging business unit. The new hoppers will replace existing vessels and fit in with Van Oord’s aim of making its fleet state-of-the-art and more energy efficient. For example, the climate control system on board will utilise the vessel’s existing cooling and heating sources to recycle energy as efficiently as possible. Another innovative factor is the extensive degree of automation. The automated systems will be more advanced than even before, and integrated vessel data is easily being processed by a shore support centre.

"In designing the hoppers, we focused on reducing our carbon footprint and working more efficiently by reusing energy and making optimal use of the automated systems in combination with electrical drives,"

said Stefan Hansum, Van Oord’s Plant Design & Construction Manager.

The vessels will each be equipped with a suction pipe with submerged e-driven dredge pump, two shore discharge dredge pumps, five bottom doors, and a total installed power of 14,500 kW. They will have accommodation for 22 persons.

The vessels will obtain a Green Passport and Clean Ship Notation. The first two vessels, Vox Ariane and Vox Apolonia, will be delivered in 2021. The third vessel will be delivered in 2022.

As it was mentioned earlier, in June 2019 ABB was contracted to deliver integrated vessel systems to two dredgers being built by Keppel Offshore & Marine for Van Oord

ABS and MOL Sign MOU to Build up to 14 Next Generation Gas Carriers

By

-

July 16, 2019

0

ABS and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines Ltd. (MOL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on up to 14 new gas carriers.

The agreement covers seven new-build Very Large Ethane Carriers (VLEC) and up to seven new-build Liquefied Natural Gas Carriers (LNGC) designed to carry gas from the U.S. to China and other global markets.

“ABS is a world leader in gas and the classification of gas carriers, with a track record of supporting some of the most innovative and technically demanding projects in the world, it is outstanding to have that expertise recognized by an innovator such as MOL. ABS is proud to be able to use our extensive experience to support these projects and advance the safe handling, storage and transportation of gas.”

said Tony Nassif, ABS Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.

ABS will provide plan review, survey, inspection and other classification services for vessels, machinery and equipment as well as assist with managing the requirements for foreign flag carriers calling at U.S. terminals.

“Joining our accumulated experience and knowledge as one of the world's leading LNG carrier owners and management companies and the largest VLEC operator in the world, with ABS’ extensive experience, demonstrates that MOL is committed to offering safe, high-quality and efficient gas transport service to customers,”

said Tatsuro Watanabe, MOL General Manager, Energy Business Strategy Division, Energy Transport Business Unit.

ABS has extensive experience with the full scope of gas-related assets and has been the classification organization of choice for some of the most advanced gas carriers in service. ABS provides global gas industry leadership, offering guidance in liquefied natural gas (LNG) floating structures and systems, gas fuel systems and equipment, gas carriers, and regulatory and statutory requirements. ABS also offers specification reviews, risk and hazard assessments, bunkering suitability reviews, project management for new construction and feasibility studies.

DOF Subsea awarded new subsea contracts

By

-

July 16, 2019

0

DOF Subsea has been awarded several contracts, securing utilisation for vessels in the Subsea / IMR Projects segment.

Atlantic region:

Skandi Skansen (IMO: 9459759) has been awarded a contract for mooring installation on the Njord Future project by Equinor. The Atlantic region further announces successful contract awards on the UKCS for two operators to undertake 60 days of work using the Geosund, one of which is called off under a long-term frame agreement. The works include pipeline inspection and environmental sampling.

North America region:

DOF Subsea is pleased to announce a 3-year renewal of a frame agreement with a major operator in the US Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Under the frame agreement, DOF Subsea will be responsible for the final assembly, transportation and installation of well production jumpers and control flying leads to support new tie-ins to existing brownfields. The primary installation vessel will be the Jones Act compliant vessel Harvey Deep Sea (IMO: 9581291).

Seabed Geosolutions Wins a New Contract West Africa

By

-

July 16, 2019

0

Seabed Geosolutions, a joint venture between Fugro and CGG, has been awarded a 4D ocean bottom node (OBN) monitor survey in West Africa for a major oil company.

The project, for which the data is expected to be acquired over two months during the third quarter of 2019, will cover 151 square kilometres in water depths up to 600 meters. The ocean bottom nodes will be deployed by remotely operated vehicles.

Stephan Midenet, CEO of Seabed Geosolutions commented,

“We are excited to secure another survey for this repeat customer, creating a better understanding of the development of their reservoir. It will secure backlog continuity for our CASE Abyss® crew and the Hugin Explorer vessel.”

Seabed Geosolutions collects geophysical data on the seabed through an array of imaging technologies for oil and gas companies, focused on the development and production phases of their fields.

Joint Industry Project on Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion

By

-

July 15, 2019

0

For some years now there has been a resurgence of research on wind-assisted propulsion for ships. This is not the first time. Ever since the diesel engine and propeller have dominated ship propulsion, there has been research on wind propulsion, notably at the time of the oil crisis in the 1980s.

MARIN in cooperation with American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) proposed a Joint Industry Project (JIP) to investigate and to explore ways of overcoming barriers to the uptake of wind propulsion.

OBJECTIVES

The proposed objective for the JIP is to overcome barriers to the uptake of wind- assisted propulsion, and specifically to:

1. Improved methods for transparent performance prediction.

The main issue to be addressed is the quality, transparency and verifiability of predicting savings in fuel and emissions. Addressing these issues will contribute to improving the methods to quantify CO2 reduction in the EEDI framework in a probabilistic sense. In addition, a transparent and validated method is required to assess performance, which is a key driver in owners/operators investment decision-making.

2. Use the improved methods to provide ship owners/operators with fast low-cost predictions for their fleet.

Here JIP aims to provide owners/operators with transparent predictions for their ships, for appropriate wind propulsion technologies based on improved methods, so that they can make their own comparisons of ships and propulsion systems without needing to worry about differences in methodology and assumptions. To reduce the implementation barrier, obtaining these predictions need to be cost effective.

3. Review the regulatory perspective including status of rules and regulations, identify gaps and make recommendations, and provide examples on establishing compliance.

Providers/developers of wind propulsion systems have indicated that compliance with statutory and class rules and regulations is a concern. While structural integrity is a ship classification item, bridge visibility, manoeuvring, stability and fire resistance are issues for IMO/Flag.

Here JIP could provide input to regulatory bodies and have Flag/IMO/IACS validate the findings. The JIP report could become the basis for an IMO Circular or IACS recommendation.

POTENTIAL PROJECT PARTNERS

As well as ABS and MARIN, the Wind Assisted Ship Propulsion project brings together a range of partners from the shipping industry, including:

China Ship Scientific Research Center
Vale SA
Delft University of Technology
Dykstra Naval Architects
Eco Flettner
Norsepower
Berge Bulk
Computed Wing Sail
Anemoi
FinOcean Ltd.

The JIP, which remains open for interested parties to join, will be completed in two years. The results will remain confidential among the project participants for a further three years after completion.

Nigeria: Pirate Attack

By

-

July 15, 2019

0

As informed by ARC (Africa Risk Compliance Limited), a cargo vessel was attacked by 2 speed boats with 5 armed men on one boat, 7 armed men on the other. Armed men were shooting in the air.

Date and Time: 13th July 2019, 2250hrs

UTC Location: 65nm SW of Agbami Terminal, Nigeria EEZ.

Position: 02°58.7’N, 004°44.4’E

Distance from Shore: Approx. 124nm

Vessel Details

Type: Cargo Vessel L x B: 114m x 17m

Event Details Kidnapped: 0 Injured: 0 Killed: 0

Security Present: None reported

Weather: Gentle Breeze / 0.1mm precipitation

Wave Height: 1.3m

Threat Details

Number of Pirates: 12

Number of Craft: 2 speed boat

Weapons Seen: Firearms

Equipment Seen: Not reported